There was a ride at my childhood park. I believe it was a merry-go-round. You'd hop on and your sibling would spin and spin and spin with all their might. The world would rush past, swirling colors and trees, the ground would shift, your ears would ring and your tummy would navigate upwards into your chest.
Winter has most certainly made up its mind to stay in Chicago. Having grown up in the Midwest, I have a particular fondness for snow. In our family, a cancelled day of school meant time outside. I learned to bundle up and take advantage of the iced-over streams that were normally un-traversable, and I discovered remarkable beauty in a land saturated with winter.
I don't know about you, but I am gushing with excitement - an anchored excitement, if that exists. I know that our president has a lot of work in front of him, but by golly, he can do it. It's interesting to hear all of the people interviewed by NPR talking about their hopes and dreams and newfound sense of pride in being an American.
