MID-WINTER MOMENTS, PART I

"Winter reminds us that everyone and everything needs some quiet time," says Katrina Mayer. We agree.  Winter air freshens everything. 

Bear Lake, Rocky Mt. National Park

As soon as the sun goes down, or when we get home from work, fill our homes with light, candles, twinkle lights, firelight.  Or later, if it's not too frosty, light the outdoor pit and bring out the marshmallows.  

On the weekend, have friends over for potluck. Make casseroles.  Or bring finger food for party snacks. Deviled eggs, veggies and dip, prosciutto, cheese and pita bread, pickles and olives, a festive cake. . . . I love that kind of party; and as the poster says, "savor it." 

 

THROUGH IT ALL,  PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE, BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

 

  

Remember that Winter is a lingering season. No one rushes in winter. We trudge in the snow. We stir the crock pot.  We take our time. Only on sleds, skates and skis do we go fast.  Otherwise we snuggle. 

 

Take a long, warm bath at close of day. Use bath oil or bubbles.  Light candles.  

 

Or a steamy shower followed by fluffy towels or robe and soft pajamas. Children love this too, a supervised bath by candlelight (not too much splashing!), then lifted out and wrapped up.  Make a nest of pillows on the bed for the clean, happy little one.  Maybe an early night for all.  

Next day, have a friend for morning or afternoon tea or coffee.  Or meet at a cafe.  

We can use our best cup just for ourself.  Before everyone is up?  After everyone is in bed?  Mid-day?  It's always time for tea. 
  

Watch the rain from a window, cuddled with your pet or child, toes under a blanket. Just sit for awhile.  Remember, winter doesn't hurry and neither should we. Kettle on again?  Or glass of something else.  A rainy day is as lovely as any other day.  It's the same nourishing gift as sunshine. See the skeletal trees waving their arms, or just holding still.  A tree is a great friend we couldn't do without.  Boulders too.  I have favorites in my woods.

Maybe read a book.  Don't you have a stack waiting for you to find the time to live in their world? The Fountain of Age is one of my favorites.  I've read it more than once.  What a fine, encouraging writer she is, thoroughly researched and scientific.

 

If there's time for a mini-break, or if you already live near the water, take a walk on the windy shore and look for shells.  Where we stay, the shells are sparse in winter unless after a storm.  Yet I found three lovely pieces of sea glass yesterday, one aqua, two green. Or take out the shells you have collected and rearrange your display.  I have mountains of calico scallops, but only broken sand dollars.  I have not found a whole one yet!

 

 

These are my winter moments.  More to come!   Nina Naomi