(Not) A Walk in the Park

When did Alaska get so popular? Cable TV airs several shows featuring the state and its newest residents who, by moving there, prove they don’t always need neighbors or indoor restrooms. While we complain about polar vortexes and single digit temperatures, they’re fine with sub-zero weather. If it’s a cold wilderness you want, Alaska’s the place to go. Alaskan winters are tough, but people tolerate them for the freedom and solitude of peaceful living. Life in the wilderness isn’t for everyone, but for resilient folks, it’s perfect. Here's someone's version of paradise:

                                         http://youtu.be/HVE2BdypnTI

The gentleman makes living alone in Alaska look easy.  Once the trend catches on and hordes of people abandon their busy lifestyles for an isolated log cabin, you’ll see shows like “Buying North Dakota and ”Buying Wyoming.” If summer breezes give you goose bumps, you probably won’t relocate to Alaska. But when you want a bit of solitude, where do you go?       

Within the Sun’s Reach

Earlier this week we awakened to snow blanketing the ground. After days of rain, sleet, slippery streets, and melting, the snow is almost gone. While portions of lawns peek out beneath small mounds of snow, other areas remain bare. Attribute the difference to the sun shining here, and not there. It sounds mundane, but you might be amazed by what else the sun can do. Take a look:

                                         http://youtu.be/N5utQxtma2U

 

Although I’ve read how the Northern Lights appear in Alaska, Iceland, Norway, and even in parts of the Midwestern United States, I’ve never reflected on the connection between the Lights and the sun’s solar flares. We’re more likely to envision the distant sun offering the warmth we crave in the winter and the intense heat we shun in the summer. The video showed how there’s more to the relationship than that. Solar flares stretching out from the sun resemble cosmic arms embracing the earth. The connection results in the exhilarating beauty displayed by the Northern Lights. Have you heard or experienced anything that seemed commonplace on the surface, but inspired you or melted your heart?