The first story circle was interesting to me. As I tried to capture the essence of what the other student’s were talking about, our difference of experience became very apparent to me, though the snow was a unifying thread. I’ve since lost the notes from that moment, but I felt closely connected to the story about the girl who explored and fell into the river. My own experience doing a polar plunge produce a strong connect to that, though hers was in all ways more natural, accidental – deadly; my story was regulated, monitored, and in a large group of other people with strongly competing egos.

I remember Atlas, and perceived how little she seemed to really enjoy the snow. That a comfortable, and warm distance was preferred by her. Independence seemed to really shine through in her portion.

I remember Angels story, as one of deep community – energy, and work.

I remember the man from Ohio’s story, as connected strongly to her Christian faith, and the story of the last judgement, angels, as he quotes the Scripture ascribed to Jesus, ” I was naked, and you clothed me..”

I remember the African American man who felt lost, and scarred as a child.

I wondered about the nature of memory, and suffering. As I walked home, and felt the coldness on me – I imagined being left out in it (much like the soldier of Ukraine and Russia; or the children of Palestine). I wondered what it meant to embrace the snow?