Small Things

Somehow, every holiday ends up being about

 what I am thankful for in this life.

 I walk around my house before a holiday gathering, 

cleaning and adding small touches that I know 

my family and friends will appreciate when they arrive. 

 Their presence in my home and in my life

 is what I am most grateful for.

This is a simple life that we have chosen, 

without a lot of "bells and whistles" but it is full and meaningful. 

 It is about family and friends and shared experiences.

Wherever you are, however you celebrate, 

I wish you a full measure of joy in this season of new beginnings.

Today is all about Contrast

Between yesterday's storm and today's downpour

 of fresh air and sunshine,

Water dripping from the eves,

 Shadows spilling across clean snow,

Blue skies arching over a white-washed earth.

Yesterday, we hibernated. 

 Today, we play.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you the joy of discovery.

Spring Blizzard

Snow is piling up, 

hiding the grass that was greening up,

just two days ago.

I'm dashing out of the house once n a while

to tend the maple syrup fire.

Then back in to warm my hands, as I

bake fragrant banana bread 

and brew hot tea for myself and my son, 

who is feeling under the weather.

The world is beautiful,

and the wind is wild.

and home is a cozy place 

to spend a quiet day

 with my youngest child.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you the blessing of quiet days.

Middle March

 Let's walk out past the swamp

 And along the north creek

 And take the trail through the eastern cedar wood.

Let's keep walking beyond the meadow where the birch trees grow,

Past the sprawling juniper

And the white pine.

 Let's keep walking until we come to the ridge,
where the horizon shines

 As the day
sinks into the lake.

As we walk down the steep hill to the moss trail, 

let's breath in the quiet of these northern woods.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, 

I wish you the peaceful restoration 

of walking in nature.

Around the Farm

Been taking a daily walk with my son... well, I have been walking.  

He has another mode of locomotion, as you can see.

We are walking along the road so he can skateboard, 

but there is still plenty of nature to enjoy.

On rainy days, like today, I am indoors cooking much of what lingers in the root cellar.  

This warmer, wet weather will lead to spoilage, so I keep my eye on things.  

Today, I was slicing Delicata squash to freeze for later use.  

While I was busy at the cutting board, a pot of butternut squash soup, with wild rice, 

mushrooms, and a bunch of big onions from the root cellar was simmering on the stove.  

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you comfort and joy,...

and something really yummy for dinner.  I'd love to hear what you're having!

Flow

"Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you the energy and awakening of the approaching spring.

quote from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/leaf.html

March Fourth

Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. -Soren Kierkegaard

I have the end of winter blues, or as I usually think of them, "blahs."  The week ahead is supposed to be quite warm and our maple sap will probably run.  There is something energizing about rising sap. With that in mind, and a few blue skies having finally appeared, I have re-implemented my daily walk.  I am disappointed in myself for having let it fall by the wayside for much of the winter, but all I can do now is "up and at 'em."

Using gorgeous morning and evening skies as an incentive, I grab my camera and head out the door. Today is the only day of the year that is an imperative:  "March Forth!" And so... I will.  

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you beautiful surroundings.