It is always this time of year, just after the holidays, where I feel the first little longing for Spring. I know I'm way early on this, but it happens just the same. My fingers itch to dig in the soil, my lungs dream of breathing deeply of the warm, fresh air.
So when I wake up to more of this...
...I really have to sit myself down and have a long talk about not wishing away what is. So today I will cherish the whiteness, the cooling calm of what is outside my door.
I will layer on yet another sweater to ward off the drafts in this old farmhouse, and I will find comfort and nourishment in what's around.
I will imagine myself in July, in the middle of the heat and humidity and mosquitos, where I will be dreaming of an icy wind to blow down on me.
I will close my eyes and say a prayer of gratitude for my roof and four walls and all that their contents represent in my world.
I will fix myself a cup of hot tea and start making plans for my summer's garden.
I will take a deep breath and a long look around me, at what's here now. I will drink it all in and 'be glad of life'.
And when the chilly air tempts me to turn cold and cranky, I'll remind myself of these old familiar words...
"In the depth of winter I finally learned that
there was in me an invincible summer."
{ albert camus }
Beautiful post - images and words!!
Posted by: Jackie | 10 January 2011 at 16:06
beautifully said rebecca. i love all your winter whites. i will try to reflect on your words when i am cursing another snowfall, which could be tonight.
Posted by: Traci | 10 January 2011 at 16:12
Beautiful winter whites - and an apt quotation.
Posted by: Lorrie | 10 January 2011 at 16:52
I enjoy the twist of winter "whites" instead of the blues as you may be feeling. I am hinting on the blues here too...lots of snow...kids home...not much for focus...really wanting to garden!
Posted by: Jill | 10 January 2011 at 17:50
What a wonderful post! I loved all of your photos of whites and your words and the final quote. You are always so inspiring.
Posted by: Suzette | 10 January 2011 at 17:57
I'm having that same talk with myself for the winter here is a long one. I was hoping to get some white tulips the other day, but no luck... :)
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | 10 January 2011 at 18:07
I have just moved to Auckland NZ and after living in Queensland, Australia, I am looking forward to some real seasons, the gold of autumn, frosts in winters and the buds of spring. I really missed going from one season to another and it just being hot all the time. I am looking forward to the winter, snuggling up and hot chocolate, listening to the rain and hot bathes.
Deb
Posted by: deborah michels | 10 January 2011 at 18:31
Hi Rebecca,
Happy New Year! As usual your words and pictures are so inspiring. We had snow today, too, and it was so beautiful. I do treasure that quiet and snuggled-in feeling that you get inside your warm house with the snow falling outside. Our view didn't include the cows, though...
Happy warm day to you and yours.
Anne-Liesse
Posted by: Anne-Liesse Ankeny | 10 January 2011 at 18:37
Aaaah... that quote speaks volumes!
Posted by: Kathy Uhrig | 10 January 2011 at 21:22
Beautiful post! Soothing, calming and wonderful shades of white!
Posted by: Renee Troy | 10 January 2011 at 22:25
so very beautiful. i am not a winter loving girl- i will remember these lovely words as winter continue's to make it's stay.
gorgeous images.
Posted by: lorraine lewis | 10 January 2011 at 23:16
Love the photos and your words. I have to remind myself all the time that where I am is good because 'I'll never be here again'.
Posted by: annar | 10 January 2011 at 23:54
Very lovely post....thank you. Susan
Posted by: Susan | 11 January 2011 at 07:59
Beautiful & thoughtful post I will try to remember your words the next few days. I moved to Savannah to escape winter. We didn't get any of the snow(that might have put me over the edge-snow is a four-letter bad word in our house), but it sure is cold.
Posted by: Ginny C. | 11 January 2011 at 08:25
Thank you for reminding me to be thankful in each moment, Rebecca. Your photos & words are lovely, comforting, peaceful.
Deborah D
Glisteninthesunshine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Deborah Downing | 11 January 2011 at 09:19
One of your loveliest posts ever! How do you know exactly the words to say? Every year, I struggle with winter and long for spring; your words and beautiful photos are the "soothing balm" I needed today:)
Posted by: Leah C | 11 January 2011 at 11:55
Your post is just what I needed as I sit grumbling at the thought of pulling on my boots and once again shoveling the drive...which, may I add, gets longer each time! Sitting here admiring your "white" photos makes me kind of like the white stuff again THANK YOU! :)
Posted by: Nancy | 11 January 2011 at 16:39
Most people think their homes look barren and empty after their Christmas decorations are packed away. To me, everything looks fresh and clean, awaiting a new year.
Would love to see some snippets of your lovely farmhouse.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Janell | 11 January 2011 at 18:37
well, it does look lovely- at least in the pics. and the best you can do, is embrace what is! :)
Posted by: kerri | 11 January 2011 at 21:42
Upon my artist journey, you have constantly been such an inspiration to me. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | 12 January 2011 at 04:56
Hello from France!! It's a long winter here too... pfff!!!
I always love your pics, always charming ... and besides, you end your message with this words from Albert Camus, so ... everything is perfect! See you soon.
Véro
Posted by: véro/bermick | 12 January 2011 at 09:40
Thank you for the very gentle reminder, that we should find peace and comfort exactly where we are.
Posted by: Julie S | 12 January 2011 at 09:51
So beautiful post and photos! And I agree with you, I also longing for spring, but today I wake up with a lot of snow!
Posted by: Gunnel Svensson | 12 January 2011 at 16:20
Such a beautiful and serene post.
Posted by: Seth | 12 January 2011 at 22:26