Words about contentment inspired this series that celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. Join me in the comments and share what you've done with what you have.
I didn't think it was that long ago. Really, it hasn't been. But really it has. I dug until I found the photos that remind me...
Remind me of that winter day in early twenty-twelve when we tossed thermoses into backpacks, snapped into our nordic skis, and took to the groomed trails on the mountain thirty minutes from our door. First time ever as a family, first time ever for three boys with shiny new skis, boots, and poles. Arms and legs flailing, they took to the trail, figuring it out. Following, falling, learning.
For more than a mile, with bodies warm and steaming, legs hot and aching, they trudged, in that beginner's rickety half-walking/half skiing glide. Just when the weary had nearly overtaken, they looked up, and there on the edge of the clearing was a warming hut. A respite, stocked with a stove for heat, wood for burning, and stumps for sitting on. Never had there been a more welcome sight.
Soon, hot chocolate and a roaring fire. Sit down. Rest. Warm a bit. Lean your head against the back wall and look long across the meadow. Listen. Listen to the deep quiet, penetrated only by the caw of a raven and the crackle of the fire.
These three sets of skis with the red lettering and bindings that were leaned up against the warming hut that day? They're now far too small for these three boys. And no wonder, when jeans climb shins and voices squeak and shaving cream is suddenly part of the game, the things that used to fit just don't anymore. Bodies and boys find each other four years later with new ideas to try, new slopes to carve, and new (much bigger) boards, boots, goggles, helmets, and GoPros among the coveted gear to do it with.
So we'll take the things we have and turn them into what we need. Craigs list, eBay, a blog post? It'll go something like this:
For Sale:
Three sets of kids' LL Bean Rossignol cross-country skis in excellent condition. Skis, boots, and poles, just waiting for your children to snap into and experience winter in a whole new way.
Do what you can with what you have.
P.S. If you happen to be interested in purchasing these ski sets, email me at assortmentblog(at)gmail.com.
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