This week, I’m taking a break from recipes and sharing some photos and random thoughts about this winter.
It’s been a long winter, with cold temperatures and a lot of snow. So much shoveling! In spite of the beauty of our snow-covered landscape, I won’t mind seeing the end of this cold season.
We’re going through a lot this winter! We’ve got our political situation, the climate crisis, the economic crisis, and wars around the world. It’s what we wake up to every day. But, we also have hope. People are doing things to bring about change. So many people are working on these issues that impact the world.
The season has offered many simple pleasures. On our neighborhood walks, we admire the snow in everyone’s yards and listen to the birds whose calls we try to identify.
As I shoveled the walkway in front of our house last weekend, a resident mockingbird scolded me for being too close to his winterberry feast.
The view in our backyard after a snowstorm is lovely.
February is a good month for celebrating our country’s diversity.
I’ve been enjoying many posts and articles about Black History Month, which celebrate the great people who have contributed to our history. I especially liked this Cup of Jo post, with recommendations of books, movies, and goods available from Black-owned businesses. If you check it out, you’ll find interesting reader recommendations in the Comments section. One of the artists mentioned in the comments is Tawny Chatmon, whose stunning work is currently on display at The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. This Guardian article describes her work and includes several of her remarkable portraits.
Thanks to the Cup of Jo readers who introduced me to Tawny Chatmon and the following artists:
As I drove through a nearby town last week, I was delighted to see trees decorated with colorful lanterns to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Winter may keep us inside a lot, but we’ve been making the most of it, enjoying meals with friends, a game night to celebrate a friend’s birthday, trips to the movies, and brunches at a local café (with lots of babies at nearby tables).
As someone who dreads turning the clocks back and having darkness arrive in the early afternoon (along with the cold), I love it when we turn the corner and daylight lasts longer each day. It’s medicine for the soul! I hope that you are enjoying our longer days and beautiful sunsets.
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This was an uplifting post Dottie. Here’s to turning those clocks!!
Hi Vicky. I’m glad that you found it uplifting. We need to find the joy where we can, right? Luckily, you have a wonderful family and you live in a beautiful place. Those are the best starting points. Also, you give generously of your time to those in need. Just thinking of you is lighting up my day. Be well.