I've always sort of liked winter and thought people were missing out on its beauty. After Ruby died, I tilted even further in that direction for several years. I suppose winter's gray mood matched my own, and regardless of the season, I prefer a slow pace. Last summer, we found the YMCA swimming pool and that made all the difference for me. No longer was summer just a sweltering endurance test. Having lifeguarded for several years in my late teens and early 20s, I quickly remembered how much I love the sun when accompanied by its first cousin, the water. Now, instead of dreaming of retiring to a snowy Montana cabin writing retreat, I more often picture myself writing to the sound of the tides. I enjoyed this article. You deserve peace wherever you find it.