When I went away to college at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, I was very excited for the beautiful campus. I got the dorm I wanted that sat right on Thompson Lake and walked through Thompson Woods each day to the student center and classes. There was also an arboretum just south of campus that I enjoyed walking at.

A few years ago, I started to realize that I love winter in a way that most people do not. While bitter cold and dark days aren't exactly the height of joy, there is a peaceful magic in it that I deeply appreciate.  I notice it especially when I return home on a cold, crisp night. Standing at my back door in the dark, fumbling for keys, I will suddenly remember to look up and enjoy the night sky and the stars spread out above.