Updated: 04/06/2009 3:18 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Art Barron

BARRON: Minnesota Cold... no whiners please!

I am not a cold crabby hermit or something... but it amazes me that so many of us complain about our weather. I constantly hear, "enough already", or "it's time to get away to warmer regions". These are supposed to be "die hard" Minnesotans!!!! I'm going "WHAT?"

I was born in Southern California in a temperate climate. I've worked in South Florida in hot steamy weather. Although I lived in the Twin Cities for a number of years in the 1990's, I am not complaining about this weather. So what, we get some snow! What's the deal? some of us can't handle that?

I actually embrace this climate. It's going to be cold. So you bundle up! So it snows in April... big deal. People have a right to complain, but if I had a nickle for the times I hear people bad mouthing our weather... I'd have a pile of money.

*Now I fully understand those with seasonal depression. That's a different matter entirely, and is very real with devastating consequences. So, just that no one confuses the issue here... it's important to seek advise and help when dealing with that condition.

I find  beauty in all kinds of weather, whether it's sunny, or downright freezing with a blanket of snow. I love photography and art, and the winters here are beautiful, and make great pictures. There is a sense of peace and tranquility when I see an old barn in a snow storm, or an icy bridge with a string of head and tail lights.

So marvel at what we have. It's like no other.

Peace -Art

*seasonal depression is serious condition and anyone who finds themselves suffering any form of depression should seek professional advice immediately