I’m sure, like many of you, the end of a year, and start of a new one, leads to rearranging life. For me, this usually means obsessive cleaning and purging. It is an attempt at order, but also, as I grow older, a need to simplify and lighten the load.
While purging the other day, I was sorting through things and putting them in piles, in the attempt to create more order. I found a bunch of faux ferns and tulips that I threw in a white bin along with some other garden things. What resulted was a magical breath of spring that I just had to capture in photos.
Although this week has been exceptionally warm like spring, we are 2 to 3 months from the real thing. One of the things I try to do, is not rush the seasons. Spring may be my favorite time of year, but winter is my Sabbath, and a time to rest from all the yard work. After all, I just finished the final raking of leaves last week, and now is the time for hunkering down with a good book, candles, and a throw on the couch. It is a time for hibernating and extra naps.
While winter awaits, and will not be put off much longer, I am determined to learn to embrace it without complaining, and revel in its own unique beauty.
But, I leave you with a breath of spring, and I hope this random gathering of items will bring a smile to your face, as it did mine.
Breathe in winter . . . breathe out spring.
And while not your traditional year end post, I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
We are doing very similar activities. My young adult children were home and we made them clean out some old things. We have a large pile to donate. In my climate there is no rest from gardening. I have yet to cut back old growth from last summer and some plants are starting their spring growth already, but I can’t complain as I get to be outside. Enjoy your winter and Happy New Year.
Purging is always good for the soul and I find it refreshing. I love gardening, but the rest is most welcome. Whereas the weeds in the garden are always beckoning, winter gives me a chance to be lazy for a change.
Your breath of spring is welcome even here in the land of year-round gardening, Cindy. I actually envy you the downtime, although I admit that 3 months or more of that would make me crazy. I welcome rain, not only for its benefit to the garden, but for justifying a break from garden chores. Rain predicted for today is apparently passing us by, darn it, although I expect to spend several hours taking down my Christmas tree anyway. I’m still in post-remodel garden clean-up mode here and will get back to it tomorrow, if not today, Purging “stuff” is a continual exercise in my world.
Happy new year!
Winter is a mixed blessing, but the older I get, the more I appreciate the slower pace and rest.
I’m also endeavoring to embrace winter, esp. the downtime, away from outdoor demands, which keep us running a good six months of the year. Rest and renewal!
It is something I have to work at enjoying. I think once I retire and won’t have to go out in it, I’ll enjoy it even more. I do love watching the snow fall – from the comforts of my home.
Thanks for the breath of spring Cindy! I bought myself some tulips from our supermarket on a whim today! Happy New Year to you too. xx
Tulips are so cheerful! Even my faux ones cheered me up. Fresh tulips or daffodils are a great way to survive a long cold winter.
Beautiful photos! It has really felt more like Spring here, too and I’ve been loving it. I look forward to all things new and the beauty that God paints for us.
I’ll take any weather that isn’t the depths of winter. I don’t mind winter so much when it comes, but I’ll take any day that shortens it.