“February, when the days of winter seem endless and no amount of wistful recollecting can bring back any air of summer.” — Shirley Jackson
I am not very good at winter. I grew up in a tropical climate, where temperatures didn’t vary by more than five or six degrees all year. For the most part, I enjoy getting to experience seasonal change here in Wichita, but I have to say this winter nonsense is getting to me, especially when we yo-yo back and forth from sunny and warm to snow and ice.
Creativity is hard for me to fire up this time of year, when days are getting longer but aren’t really long enough yet and everything, everyone seems to be waiting for something to happen and jolt us back into action. I find myself staring at blank pages for a lot longer than I should, including the new Word document I opened to write this missive.
You would think this painfully slow season would be the perfect time for me to pick up all those books I’ve been meaning to read or catch up on all the movies I missed but apparently my mind has other ideas. Like endlessly scrolling through social media feeds and daydreaming about warm waves and sand between my toes. Apparently my brain wants and needs to go on spring break.
February is the shortest month of the year and I’m excited for things to look forward to during my epic winter doldroms. WPC is kicking it off with a one-two punch: our luncheon program with my office neighbor and raconteur, Megan Lovely, Feb. 1 and then the always exciting Groundhog Day ceremony the following day. I, for one, am hoping that they’ll let us know spring is on the way.
– Naomi Shapiro, 2023 WPC President
1 Comment
Kathy Souter · February 22, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Naomi–I just saw your post, and couldn’t agree more. The winter doldrums, especially cold, sunless weather do a number on me, too. I need sunshine. Seasonal Affective Disorder is no joke. I am perched by my living room window, impatiently waiting for Spring.