Lately, the days have been mild and more like April than January. The snow and ice, a few weeks ago have been about the only reason to have a “winter coat” so far. Of course the bird feeders on the rabbit patch are now desolate in the absence of snow. The hearth at the rabbit patch has been cold for a while-and should stay that way for the rest of the week. Of course, there is the rain that falls on a good many days. The sun hasn’t cast a shadow for a long spell.
I made a pot of soup before I left Elizabeth City, on Monday. Will and his mom both have a cold and I think chicken soup is good for a lot of ailments. Jenny was rocking Lyla in the nursery. It is a beautiful thing to see your daughter rock her baby.
I drove home under an almost lavender sky. A flock of blackbirds, at least a mile long flew overhead just as I entered a long stretch of the highway. I noticed the winter wheat fields had greened more deeply . Snow will do that . Soft lights twinkled in the homes along the way and so time passed in a pleasant way as I made my way back to the rabbit patch.
What a commotion occurred when I walked in the back door of the old house. The cats inspected my bags thoroughly with great suspicion, while Cash pranced around and around. The boys were not home and so this was the “welcome wagon” committee-and they were all hungry. It is always the same. Cash, my boxer will run to his food bowl and gobble the food, he left from breakfast as if he were starving. The cats lift a chorus, “singing for their supper” as if they will surely perish before I can get to the pantry. Christopher Robin will sometimes “put on airs” and look at me full of judgement for a while, when I return – but on this day, he did not.
I made some coffee and sat by the morning table. The dog and cats, with their full tummies claimed their usual napping places while I looked through the window at the untidy rabbit patch territory. Novembers’leaves are still scattered about and now Decembers’ branches join them. The “Quiet Garden” lives up to its’ name, especially in January. Flowers sleep in January. The whole countryside was quiet and so I gazed out the window and dreamed “like a big shot” for an hour . . . . or maybe a year.
Winter is often a peaceful time and allows us more time for wishful thinking. We have time to gather our thoughts and decide our priorities. It is a good time to listen for what rings true for our own heart and then consider how to proceed with integrity, in that understanding. To be “true to thine own self” requires a lot of thorough contemplation, after all. The task is not for the faint of heart- nor to be taken lightly, but I take great stock in such things-and in January, while the flowers sleep, seems as good a time as any to do so.
Have you found Christopher robin??
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Yes she did!
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oh yes and thankfully! It was a few posts back. thank you for asking.
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I am a new new follower. Your blog is delightful, and the simple details and changes you observe resonate with me, because things like that delight me too.
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oh how kind you are! thank you for following-I have been quite behind on things-I am so glad to meet you.
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BAM! Your last sentence is a yes yes yes sentence. My opinon…sticking to it. Thanks for sharing your insight. Wow!!!
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thank you my friend who does sparkle! That means so much to me! best wishes for a sweet January!
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January is a time of reflection and contemplation as I ponder what has passed and the year ahead. My winter garden is a reminder that taking time to be still and rejuvenate is in order. I tend to fuss about too much so I’m reminded to practice patience. Another wonderful post! Thank you 😊
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thank you friend and here is hoping you a sweet January!
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I love your welcoming committee! I also think winter is a great time of year to ponder on what is important. Later when spring comes it seems there is not time for that.
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once it is spring-theres the yard and garden-endless work=so winter is the best time for me to think, though I have solved a lot of problems in a garden! haha! thank you!
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Isn’t the garden just the best place to think and solve life? I do the same thing. Do lots of talking to myself and God when I am in my garden.
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me too-you can enter a garden one way-and come out another!
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It is some of the best therapy around….a great place to think about life and stuff.
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Feels so good to be missed.
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I think you have put into words how many of us feel at this time of year, beautifully.
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awwh-thank you-you are dependably kind.
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Lovely writing, as usual!
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thank you-I love hearing from you
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I love the way you describe your home and the land around it! It sounds so peaceful and naturally beautiful, the way life was meant to be.
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thank you-it is all of that and I am grateful for the years here. I love natural beauty.
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To thine own self be true does sometimes need much quiet meditation to figure out what is truth for our souls.
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I need it for sure-seems there is a lot to sort out sometimes-other times, not so much mystery! Thank you and happy winter!
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beautiful post!
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thank you so much-please know I am grateful for your sweet comment!
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It is good to have those quiet moments of reflection… Diane
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sure helps me out! and winter is a good time to “get still” thank you Diane
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This sentence swept me away: “It is a beautiful thing to see your daughter rock her baby.” It actually brought tears to my eyes.
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It does mine too-it is so overwhelming to see your child holding their own. It just touched my heart to see such pure love. Thank you my sweet friend.
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I was caught up by the same line. A very beautiful picture.
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