January could be summed up with snow and cold. It really forced us to slow down, hunker down, and wait until things thawed. Actually, it was a much needed breather even if it all was quite the hassle to do anything in 12-18" of snow: barn chores, haul water out to the animals, and taking longer to bundle up to head outside. It was frigid, but it was gorgeous.
Of course, Jubilee loved every moment of it. ;)
Through the years and as I've been outside more and more, I've found that I love all the seasons for different reasons and how they create a rhythm to life. Winter is a time of rest to brace for the hectic pace of spring, the dragging through summer, and a reprieve after the scurrying through autumn. There is always something to complain about with each season, but each season also has a beauty that the other seasons don't have. I recently discovered 'Winter Song' by Emily Smith, and the lyrics are rather fitting. It encompasses hygge (hue-gah) - embracing each season for what it is.
"So we'll stoke the fire and light the lamp
Turn our backs in from the damp
Settle down beneath the starry sky
Endure the winter passing by"
"With carols sung, the trees been taken down
We've passed a dram and the bells no longer sound
Snowdrops rise with promise of the spring
There's talk and wonder
At what the year might bring"
"The blackbird starts to thicken up her nest
While the early lamb, he takes a snowy step
But the north wind's grip it tightens with his chill
And holds the buds closed against their will"
"So we'll stoke the fire and light the lamp
Turn our backs in from the damp
Settle down beneath the starry sky
Endure the winter passing by"
Until next time!
SG
