I don't remember when I first discovered the smell of cigar smoke, or the first time I was around someone smoking them. It was likely at some college party or from a regular as I worked at the bar between classes. Whenever it was, I knew the sharp processed twang of a cigarette could never live up to the earthy inhalation of a hand-rolled cigar. Deep in flavor even when you aren't the one holding it. The memory of his cigar lingered with me as we sat by the beach, just 36 hours ago.
The next day, after coffee, we would have a quick turnaround. Traveling from South Carolina to Nashville, Nashville to Minnesota, and then off to North Dakota for Christmas; each destination starkly different from the last.
The smoke was grey in color that night, similar to the fog that hovers above the white North Dakota ground. Odd how similar they are: both smoke and fog linger in stillness, but yet pull quickly in reverse when moving through them. It's fascinating, 1,400 miles between states and still you can find similarities
Contrary to Myrtle, North Dakota has a different aesthetic. No sand, no palm trees, and certainly no tourists flooding the airport during Christmas break. In North Dakota, the only beaches are ice rinks. The sand represented in snow shoveled to the side so kids can skate between Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Frozen puddles dotted with corn husks replace the surf of the Atlantic. Families glide across the smooth tundra with hockey sticks in hand. The sharp clack of blades slice into the ice as kids chase pucks on the rink, echoing the swish of surfboards on the waves of Myrtle Beach. Both parties often fall as they reach the end of their boundary. Frozen or not.
The seasonal reflections are truly beautiful. This time of year allows you to reflect on the little things. Like the smell of cigar smoke wafting towards you. Or the sound of families skating and laughing together as they fall on the ice. This time of year should always be something we take a step back and enjoy together. The holidays can be tough and stressful, but there are always moments we can savor. What were your moment of enjoyment this year? How do you unwind during the hectic holiday season? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time. Stay curious and let's wander - after coffee of course.
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