THE JOYS OF WINTER...

 

Not doing much. 

 Just sitting here on our behinds, 

contemplating the joys of winter.

I am not a winter person. 

 Never have been, never will be 

but I am practicing very hard learning to live with it. 

 A day without sunshine rides on top of my head 

like a heavy weight 

and as there are many days like that during 

the long spell of winter, 

I am determined to make "light" of it.  

You have seen that sign that says

 "I am so sorry for the things I said 

when it was winter"?

The poor Captain really deserves to have that sign!

I know there are many things to love

 about winter and I do.  

The first snowfall 

when everything seems quiet and clean, 

heavy sweaters and quilts, 

being lulled to sleep by the sound of rain 

that chases away the summer heat.  

I always look forward to all that,

 but there are those times when that isn't enough 

and those are the feelings that need attention.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

 and can turn the mind to a more peaceful place. 

A comfortable chair, in front of a warm fire, 

reading by lamplight, 

can transport a person to a place of

 content and comfort...

...and sometimes the very objects

 that signify the heart of winter 

can be calming and warm. 

 I've placed an old print

 of a small cottage nestled in the woods,

 along with my great-grandmother's ironstone pitcher filled with twigs from the garden 

and the garland and candles left over from Christmas, dotted with snow berries, 

add to a scene of winter at its best.

The Christmas tree

 still remains in the corner of the parlor 

as we are having our family celebration mid January.  

With the addition of a few wayward snowflakes 

it seems to take on a feeling of winter

 but the twinkling lights

 add the warmth that is definitely needed.

The table is set 

for our long awaited gathering.  

Simple winter greenery 

runs down the center

 accented with the colors of Christmas and winter...

  

...the place settings are Wood & Sons.     

The pattern and color 

reminds me of spring 

and I can't help but feel

 the good things that come about 

when we return to that season 

and yet the warmth of the smiles

 that will be around the table 

keep me grounded in the beauty of 

the here and now...

...and isn't it amazing 

that just a trip to the grocery store 

can bring with it

 the most simplest of pleasures.

Happy New Year everyone!

...xxoJudy...

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