Musings of January........

"January is a stretch of peace when one lives in the moment, forced by weather and whim to sit still and do some accounting. It's telling that this is a month named for a Roman god who looked both forward and backward.  If you can't go out, perhaps you can find yourself within".  Are you all wrapped up in winter? Now that the holidays are over the house seems a little quieter. In fact, it seems like life has stopped, or at least slowed after the holiday Hurly-burly. Seems like the holidays went by so fast, were hardly here at all! It was a good, busy time with family and friends. Now, is a restful time. Or maybe it will be if I ever get the Christmas things all packed away and out of sight!  It is taking me too long to get that done. I did not put it all away before I started decorating with winter things. And, I never hurry when I decorate. I arrange and rearrange until everything looks the best it can possibly look.                                                                                    

 

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth. For the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire.  It is the time for home."  And, it is the time for hot drinks.  I set up my little hot drink station. with assorted teas, hot chocolate mix, and various choices to add to hot chocolate or coffee.

 

 

 

Even though we don't get any snow here I think of winter as a white time. Maybe that is a carry over of when I lived where we did get big snows. But, that is so long ago! Maybe the feeling of serenity and reflection about the year ahead makes it a time for cool, soothing white and the inspiration it provides. 

 

I have noticed that I tone down the colors of winter, the little things that can be changed about. Even with my new blog banner. (By the way, my daughter, Carrie, helps me do the banners - I take the pictures and she comes up with the arrangement and does the computer work.) White has a look of purity, an impression of elegance and a feel of serenity.

 

 

I think white has a special allure.

 

 

 

 

"Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast.  Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round.  And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn throws up a steamy column, and the cups, that cheer....wait on each.  So let us welcome peaceful evening in" 

--William Cowper, "The Winter Evening"

 

 

Before someone asks, let me tell you how you open the covered pedestal to get the chocolate without it falling all over the place!  The same way I got it in there - you turn the top over, fill it and put the pedestal on upside down and then turn it over. Do this in reverse, using the pedestal part as the lid, to help yourself.

 

"Winter is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every hour.  - John Boxwell

 

 

 

I mixed up my recipe of Russian tea (instant tea granules, Tang, etc.)  I have been enjoying it most of all so far. 

 

So, cheers! Look for and embrace the gifts of this season.  Find a haven of peacefulness, snuggle up and enjoy quiet peace!