Wind, Nature's Blow Dryer

“525,600 minutes, how do you measure, measure a year? Measure your life, measure your life in love.” ~Jonathan Larson, Rent

Wind is one of the greatest metaphors for human discourse, while also delivering beauty, messages, secrets, symbols, music, art, smells, and power.

The power of wind has occupied space in my brain since last weekend’s wind whipped soccer matchup for my son, as I watched parents struggle with their shade structures, dust flying, and children kicking the ball straight from the corner instead of left because it needed to go right.

Today, my lifelong friend and hairdresser Richie O’Connor passed away so I am writing this post in his memory.

A gust of wind snuck in the back door in late winter, sweeping Richie away from all of those he touched with his effervescent personality, endless hysterics, kindness, and moxie for days.

Before blow dryers, there was wind...

Wind tunneled between The Towers 20 years ago...

Wind whispers to us if we are still.

Wind can be gritty, whistling or screeching.

Wind may moan with longing and loneliness.

Wind swept snowdrifts for children to play.

Wind, fueling destructive storms and wildfires.

Wind, facilitating pollination, aggravating allergies.

The mighty wind grounding flights and testing pilots.

Wind, pushing a heartbreaking sporting event one way or the other.

Wind, powering turbines across the sprawling deserts.

Wind, pushing marshmallow clouds across the sky.

Wind, kicking the always fascinating dust devils across old country roads.

Wind, stirring a restless spirit while calming another.

Wind, lifting balloons and plastic bags to the Heavens.

Wind chimes, producing nature’s music.

Wind for soaring hang gliders and kite surfers.

Warm wind warning before the sudden summer storm!

Wind, undulating the American flag, showing off her stars and stripes.

Wind, carving beautiful shapes in the sand.

Wind, erasing footprints and sandcastles.

Wind, sailing boats while capsizing others.

Wind, adrenaline for trees to dance freestyle and bow their heads.

Wind, gifting us Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress photo.

Wind, wafting the french fry smell on steamy summer days.

Wind, pulling waves back, producing sparkling spindrifts.

Wind, kite elevator on late summer nights.

Wind, blasting sand in your teeth.

Wind, blow dryer on warm summer days.

Wind, holding eagles aloft as they soar toward the Heavens...

Richie...I know you had fun on your ride up there and had the eagles in stitches the whole time. You measured your life in love and laughter and we are all forever grateful to have known you. Ride like the wind Richie, ride like the wind! Your candle burned out long before your legend ever will.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall softly upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” ~Irish Blessing