The Romances of Winter

As the coming months arrive, I can only brace myself for the arctic air to grace Chicago with its presence.  I cherish the excitement of knowing Halloween is on its way. Halloween should be all year round.  But, I can’t help but romanticize the snow, big fluffy coats, and red noses.

There are brief moments in life that I hope to never forget.  These images will forever be crystallized in my mind as beautiful works of art.  Similar to way Chanel’s inspirations are captured in the film, Coco Before Chanel, these moments in time have stayed frozen in my mind as the years pass.

The first time begins on a Thursday evening, as I waited for the light to change.  I sit in my favorite 1999 black Honda Civic. It was so cold that I could see faint signs of my breathing in the small space of my car and my bare hands change to a reddish state.  The winter was only in its beginning phases. I turn to look over at the historic Pickwick Theater.

Under the marquee an older gentleman stood changing the letters. His gray hair and balding scalp were exposed to the cold.  He was wearing only a navy blue jumpsuit, the same as a car repair man would be wearing. A cigarette hung from his lips as he held the stick to change the lettering.  With each breath, the thick steam came from his mouth.  I watched him before the light turned.  I was enchanted by the beautiful image that laid before me.

Somethings never change.

Another time that was just as beautiful.

I was a seasoned Amtrak rider at this point.  The train was packed primarily with students and some civilians from Milwaukee to Chicago.   I used to think of it as the Hogwarts Express.  I had become more and more excited as the train approached my stop.

The flurries of snow begin to fall as the train starts.  A thin layer of snow already covers the ground and trees creating a blur of white as the train speeds by.  The evening sky was lite up by early Christmas decorations.    

The light snow fall created a dazzling haze.  The lights from inside the train flooded out onto the platform. I waited my turn to step off the train. The cold air filled my lungs to a freeze, as I took my first step.  It felt good. The train attendee stood on the platform as the passengers filed out of the car.  The glowing light from the train hid his face. The outline of his body visible with a glowing hallow of around it.  His uniform shined bright beneath the light and black sky.  The silver badge that lay on his chest sparkled in the soft light.

It was like a scene from a movie. 

http://8tracks.com/shirink/film-scores