The Solitude of a Minnesota Winter

“Solitude is the soul’s holiday, an opportunity to stop doing for others and to surprise and delight ourselves instead”. – Katrina Kenison

As I opened my inbox this morning and saw that the topic for the Weekly Photo Challenge was solitude, I could hardly believe my eyes. Ironically, solitude is something I have been spending a great deal of time thinking about the past couple of weeks as the depths of winter carries on.

As I run around my favorite urban lake or walk the dog upon its frozen ice, I am aware of how alone I am as Minnesotans go into their traditional winter hibernation. Only the real diehards like me are out every single day in the cold, and at times it feels bittersweet.

A morning walk on the frozen ice of Lake Harriet with our aptly named dog, Winter.

Winter is our dog Winter’s favorite season. The colder the better!

I miss the movement of people, the voices, and the noise. At times I feel lonely wishing more people would be out like they are on a beautiful summer day. But then I snap out of it and realize there is beauty and strength in solitude. I just need to embrace it. I remember my favorite quote and think of winter solitude differently.

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer”. –  Albert Camus

The bench overlooking the lake on a sunny day.

For me, solitude represents peace. A restful state of mind where I am perfectly at ease with being alone and enjoying it. Being a huge extrovert, it is rare that I find solitude indoors especially when I am alone. It is when I’m outside embracing the beauty of nature, that I truly find it and feel alive. It is when I’m walking, running, skiing or snowshoeing. It is when I’m listening to the sounds of the birds sing. It is feeling the cold sun on my face and realizing that it won’t be much longer until the rebirth of spring arrives. But until then, I must find solitude in the cold, dark days of winter and remember the sun is rising earlier each day.

“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter”. –  John Burroughs

Winter solitude can be found after a fresh coat of white, pure snow.

The beautiful Minnehaha creek after a fresh coat of snow.

Winter can be stunningly beautiful after a big snowstorm. Lake Harriet.

I love my boots and they are a must have here! For women, boots to the knees are best.

Or it can be found witnessing the steam rising off the lake before it freezes over on a very cold day. (It was -20 zero F on this day and I saw a mere three brave souls but it was worth getting these amazing shots!).

And if I must be inside, I can find winter solitude curled up next to a fire at night playing a board game with my daughter and enjoying a glass of red wine. Or curled up in bed reading a book. As I long for spring, I remind myself to not wish my time away and enjoy the last two months of winter’s solitude.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Solitude. 

68 thoughts on “The Solitude of a Minnesota Winter

  1. mvobsession – I'm married, I have two daughters and two grandchildren and they all love MV. Enjoy my MV blog and contact me if I can answer any questions. This blog started out as strictly about Martha's Vineyard but over the years I've branched out to include other obsessions and interests. I enjoy photography and like sharing my photos here as well. I'm also into genealogy and reading. Hope you enjoy :)
    mvobsession on said:

    Stunning

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

  2. Una – Hartbeespoort – Ek was reeds 37 keer op die Bali eiland, meestal om vir ons invoer maatskappy aankope te doen. Daar is so baie wat ek met mense kan deel; mense wat beplan om oor te gaan, of net ouens wat droom oor n eiland vakansie. Ek is nou in my middeljare, en vlieg reeds van 2004 af Indonesië toe. Ons het 3 dogters, 2 seuns en 6 kleinkinders.
    travel460 on said:

    I totally love this post of yours. And the photos!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lisa! I LOVE my fun boots. They brighten up my day. And yes, listening to the
      whisperings of mother nature is lovely. 🙂

  3. Ali Grimshaw – I am a lover of questions, a hope rebel and a safe place to land. I contribute to the world as an educator, life coach, facilitator and poet. I am lit up by helping others find their authentic voice. I lead writing circles online that provide clarity and community for women around the world. All photographs and words are mine unless otherwise credited. © Ali Grimshaw
    Ali Grimshaw on said:

    Fantastic photos. Thank you for sharing your journey through life in your part of the world.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks and glad you liked the post!

  4. Please, please, please, send us some of that snow!! I’m a mostly-extrovert who relishes, needs, and seeks out solitude. I remember when we lived in Cleveland and had our first rescue dog. She and I were out every single day for long walks. During the cold and snowy winter, we were often the only people/dogs out. 🙂

    janet

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha ha…well some of the snow pictures I used were from a different winter! We had a ton of snow early on and now there is just this icy stuff left. The lake however seems to still have some snow on it. I desperately want more snow! I love snow! Yes, sometimes I do need solitude but a lot of time I like to be around people. I think it is because I have a lot of alone time during the week now that the kids are in school.

  5. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    Beautiful pictures! Looks like there is some good thing about solitude!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Arv! I’m trying. 🙂

      • arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
        arv! on said:

        🙂

  6. I love your images and your meditations on this topic. One of my favorite things about winter in Minnesota is the relative silence — especially after a heavy snow. It sounds silly when I put it in writing, but being alone with nature reminds me that I am a *part* of nature … just another little animal scurrying among the trees. It’s good every so often to remove ourselves from the human world and to immerse ourselves in nature.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That is such a beautiful way to think of it! That one is “part” of nature. I love that concept and will think about it a little more tomorrow during my morning walk with the dog. And for the silence, yes that is something that is true. I heard some birds today and it was really nice. Made me smile.

  7. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Some wonderful captures here – clearly solitude works for you!Beautifully done.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! Well, I’m not sure about that. I struggle with solitude in a way being such an extrovert. But I try my best! 🙂 I do find a lot of peace however in a winter run. Walking however is lonely when no one is out.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Emily! Well, it gets very cold here in the Winter so I think a lot of people just don’t want to brave the cold. I just dress in lots of layers and wear my snow pants and keep my face warm. I couldn’t survive without getting out!

  8. I like your solution to this challenge and the last photo of the snow-covered tree by the lake is my favorite. It could be a sunrise or a sunset and neither one would make it any better. Congrats on a stunning image.
    Ω

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Winter gets long here. I took that last photo back in December. It was really cold but worth it! 🙂

  9. A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
    A Wandering Memory on said:

    Beautiful as always

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks David!

  10. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Beautiful images, Nicole. Your boots are stunning. Love them. 😍

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! Winter is wearing on but it is supposed to be almost 50 Friday! It will feel tropical for us!!!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! They are lots of fun!

  11. I adore this post Nicole. Your images and your lovely narrative that takes us full circle on your feelings of solitude are stunning. I enjoy solitude to hear myself think and so this resonated with me very much.
    Awesome. ❤🌟

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! I am starting to feel burnt out with winter. I embrace it but after a while it gets tough and I can’t wait until everyone is back outside again. So keep sending your beautiful instagram reminders about gratitude. It really helps! 🙂

      • I can imagine the cold winter would become a challenge as time goes on Nicole.
        Our days are getting shorter so I’m sending the sun your way as fast as I can..👌
        Thank you for your kind compliments too… I really appreciate them my friend.
        Di 🌺🌺🦋🦋

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thank you Di! Yes, today it is VERY VERY cold but tomorrow it will be about 50 degrees F warmer! Isn’t that crazy? I am tired of the cold. Me and the kids are going to Arizona next week to visit my parents and I can hardly wait!!!!

      • Oh that sounds lovely Nicole. I believe from my school days that it is very warm there in Arizona!
        Enjoy your trip 🌹🌹

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Di! We leave on Wednesday! Very excited. 😌

  12. Pingback: Solitude: Lamp Light | What's (in) the picture?

  13. Kat at travelgardeneat – Life sometimes gets so busy, we forget to stop and smell the roses. Travel.Garden.Eat is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the things that make good memories and replenish the soul!
    Kat at travelgardeneat on said:

    Winter walks with a four-legged companion are the best ways to embrace those times you need to disconnect.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes. I’ve decided I need to disconnect a lot more lately. I was getting really worked up with everything as I know you can relate. So I’ve taken a step back and feel much better.

      • Kat at travelgardeneat – Life sometimes gets so busy, we forget to stop and smell the roses. Travel.Garden.Eat is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the things that make good memories and replenish the soul!
        Kat at travelgardeneat on said:

        Self-care is important, too — balance helps you stay more productively engaged.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes, I went to yoga yesterday Kat and I couldn’t believe how much it helped! I also decided to have a fundraising party with friends to celebrate International Women’s Day March 8th.

  14. Nomads By Nature – We are a foreign service family living around the world. Our comments and pictures are our own and do not express the views of our employer. Being a bit shy, we kindly request that you do not link us to social websites such as Facebook. Links to your personal blog are welcome. About our Gravatar: This ‘little’ garden sculpture gem was at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. I’m not usually into sculpture (except I must admit that I do think that the big Easter Island heads are pretty funky looking) but when I saw this one, I fell in love. If I ever had enough money and the weight allowance, this would have been the sculpture I would have bought myself for my garden/yard. It is just whimsical and it made me smile. It felt like the best reminder to relax, play, have fun, see the world from a new perspective. Of course, you could always be a pesamist and look at it like “Whoa, the giant elephant foot of oppression is going to stomp on the head of the unsuspecting happy person”. I choose the optimistic view.
    Nomads By Nature on said:

    Loving the Albert Camus quote.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is one of my favorite quotes.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂

  15. Winter is so big there! And so is your cute dog! Sometimes I miss a big snow, the quiet and the solitude of walking in crunching snow and catching snowflakes on my tongue. But, only for a day. lol

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes I think I won’t miss winter much once I live somewhere warmer…I do love to ski though.

  16. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    We live in such a similar climate Nicole. I was tromping about down at the river today taking some photos and it truly looks like we could live next door. Beautiful captures!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes we do Sue! Problem is we have not had much snow so it has been a bit disappointing. It looks like you have had quite a bit in Calgary (based on all the IG accounts based in Calgary that I follow including yours!).

  17. historyoftelephony – Northbrook, IL – The HCK Group delivers a full range of integrated business communication solutions, including collaboration, video conferencing, contact center, mobility and data networking.
    historyoftelephony on said:

    Thanks for the awesome pictures. Sometimes i do my best thinking and find inspiration when it is just me and nature. It is refreshing to get away from everything and just be by yourself. Thanks again.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes me too. That is why I love to run and take long walks before I write. It helps me sort through everything. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

  18. All Things Trippy – We are a couple that loves travelling, outdoors and adventure. The purpose of starting this blog was to give YOU a sneak peak into our travel stories and give US a platform to capture our experiences. With stories from places we have visited and a long list of places that we would love to visit, we present to you- All Things Trippy! Hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it :)
    All Things Trippy on said:

    Love Love Love the pictures! We moved to Minneapolis a year ago and after seeing about 2 winters now, we seem to be falling in love with this place! Love the snow shining in the bright Minnesota sun! Loved your blog 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Where do you live in Minneapolis? Where are you originally from? I’ve always been in the Midwest. I especially love our fall and summers here!

  19. This sounds so inviting to me right now! Fabulous photos!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! 😊

  20. msaineecbeland – Uxbridge, MA – Author Ainee Beland lives in Massachusetts with her family, enjoys going for long walks, and takes pictures of landscapes and things of interest encountered along the way. Reviewing the works/books of others is another favorite activity. Being a homemaker is her all!
    ms.aineecbeland on said:

    We’ve been in the throws of snowstorms after storms in Leominster; it is lovely and scary and sad as our cupboard is nearly empty and unsure of next paycheck. Simply sharing difficult times amidst a snowstorm. Take care and thanks for sharing.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Take care of yourself and seek help if you need it. There are plenty of people out there that are happy to help.

  21. NoPlateLikeHome.com – Hi! My name is Joanne and I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia with my husband and two boys, ages 7 and 5. My blog is about making easy, great tasting recipes, food and fun. I put my career as an Information Technology professional in the financial services industry on hold so I can be a stay-at-home mom when my first son was born 4 years ago. The very next year, we were blessed with our second son! The transition to motherhood was quite an adventure-immense joy, sleepless nights, lots of kisses and hugs, isolation from people, adorable faces, lots of screaming! Joining Moms' groups saved me! Becoming a mom is the most important job I've ever had. We have fun being together and like to share our food and fun with you. I am first generation Italian and food and wine is in my blood. Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera are my favorites! I have a passion for cooking and baking and like to share my creations. A recipe starts as a blank canvas and evolves to a work of art and in some cases, even a masterpiece! We also love traveling and exploring other cultures. We skiied in Lake Tahoe, wine tasted in Napa and Sonoma and The Fingerlakes in NY, drove through the desert during an amazing sun rise, ate fresh lobster and New England Clam chowder in Maine, and saw the splendor of the bright red, orange and yellow leaves of Vermont in the fall. We've been on both sides of Florida and visited my family in southern Italy 10 or so times while visiting Greece, France and Switzerland. Italy is absolutely beautiful and has has some of the best food I've ever tasted, but I suppose I'm partial to it because I was raised eating great, authentic Italian food. I'm very excited to kick-off this blog and get to know my readers. Thanks for visiting and hope you'll come back soon! Joanne
    NoPlateLikeHome.com on said:

    I agree with the quote that winter is just as beautiful as summer. It is even more beautiful on the day it snows and flakes are on every tree branch and the smallest twigs. That is breath taking! It only lasts a short time here in PA.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Very true! 🙂

  22. These pictures are amazing. I visited Minnesota a long time ago, but it was summer then. Seeing these beautiful pictures makes me want to go back even more. Thank you so much and lovely greetings from Germany. ❤️

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Yes winters are long but they can be quite beautiful.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Andrew!

  23. samuelmurrayboneyiv – Minnesota – Author of Combat Medic : A soldier's story of the Iraq war and PTSD.Served as a combat medic on the front lines in operation Iraqi freedom/ enduring freedom. Medically retired from the Army in 2006 with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, retired from the VA hospital since 2013. After struggling with PTSD and suicide for twelve years I have made it my priority to share my story with as meany people as I can to help America understand what it's like being a combat veteran back home from war. It is my hope that other veterans can relate to my life and take use the same tools as me to live a better life with PTSD.
    smboney on said:

    Love the pictures! This year hasn’t been as bad as most when it comes to snow. The deep cold and wind is a totally different story.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes we have had a pretty easy winter this year. I would have preferred a bit more snow but oh well. Glad we just got a nice coating yesterday!

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