Chapter 1: A Frosty Morning

This morning felt like stepping into an impressionist painting, reminiscent of Monet or Turner. The sun, resembling a one-pound coin, peeked through the trees, offering fleeting hope for our cycling session. A gentle ray warmed my chilled neck, but the frigid temperatures had dropped below zero overnight, leaving the ground blanketed with ice as I rode in.

Frost still clung to the branches, resembling lingering Christmas ornaments. Several children, however, had neglected to bring gloves.

Big mistake.

In moments like these, I find it necessary to apply a bit of tough love to our young cyclists. Conversations unfold like this:

“My hands are really cold.”

“Well, I suppose it’s still winter,” I respond, trying to maintain my composure.

“I forgot my gloves.”

“That’s unfortunate. You may miss out on some training.”

“Do you have any?”

“Gloves? Yes, I have mine.”

“Do you have a spare pair?”

“No, that’s not something I typically carry.”

I don’t fault the children; the expressions on their faces suggest that their adults either rushed out the door or went along with their “I’m not cold” claims. Perhaps the latest parenting guide, "Raising Children Today: the Holistic Way," encouraged a laid-back approach. This scenario feels familiar—I recall my own children displaying a similar disregard for winter wear during their primary school years, leading us to provide their teacher with an extra pair of gloves and a scarf, just in case.

But today, there’s no “just in case.” We start late due to the icy ground, and gradually, we lose more riders without gloves. Their fingers, now a dark shade of pink, scurry back inside, warming their hands.

Out of fifteen participants, we dwindle to just a few. I check in with the coordinator, who confirms she sent a reminder home to parents about winter gear and even stood at the school gate the previous day to ensure everyone understood. Unfortunately, there are no spare gloves in lost property.

I wonder if Monet faced similar challenges while painting "Impression, Sunrise." It’s difficult to say, as holding a brush isn’t the same as gripping a bicycle brake. On my way home, with the sun sinking low in the sky, I think of the French artist once more, a golden orb descending behind the trees.

Chapter 2: Preparing for the Next Session

In this video, watch as I organize my notebook collection while preparing for the January 2023 Notebook Challenge, providing insights into effective planning and organization.

This video features a practice session focusing on right-hand tapping chord extensions for bass, highlighting techniques and tips for aspiring musicians.

As I reflect on today’s challenges, I realize that preparation is key. Winter brings its own set of hurdles, but with the right mindset and gear, we can overcome these obstacles together.