{Winter Snow}

Backyard Photos During A Winter Storm on February 26, 2013

...And another day very similar to yesterday...

That's what the weatherman said on the news this morning. "Another day very similar to yesterday". Isn't that what winter feels like? It feels like they are all the same...the days. They are the same...for the most part. We work, take care of our families, run errands, do laundry, cook meals, etc. It's probably what everyone's life is like, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one in some sort of hamster wheel. I'm reminded of my challenge this year. I'm still counting.

Today I write in my journal...

• Maisy brings much joy to us.
• Wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cold morning.
• Chunky coffee mugs.

So, what do we do with these long, winter days?  I try to embrace them.  I enjoy staying "in" and doing things like reading and craft projects that I don't have as much time for in the warmer months.  I encourage you to look outside and find something beautiful in your yard.  Even though most of the leaves are gone and the grass is dead. I am still able to find beauty in the dried plant pods, and bare branches of the trees.  How can that be beautiful, you might ask?   It's beautiful because with the faded flowers and lack of leaves I'm able to see more clearly the life in our yard.  The birds and other animals.  There is something beautiful in every season if you look.  I also know the promise of what is coming underneath those dead leaves and brown grass.  After this season of rest, everything is beautiful again in a few months.  Take a look...I think you'll see it too.  There is a Time For Everything.

I have much to be grateful for. I am Blessed. Even on these days that run right into one another.

   

Enjoy your time today, my friends!

Late Fall Backyard...

I guess it's not officially Winter yet and it sure doesn't feel like it here in Missouri.  Today it's supposed to be 70 degrees.  Our Christmas decorations are up and it seems a little weird to have the windows open and Christmas lights on.  This morning, Maisy and I spent a little time in the backyard taking some shots of our feathered neighbors.  They were really active this morning, but our little pup kept chasing them as soon as I'd get setup for a shot.  I love watching the birds, but it's a lot of fun to see that Maisy has discovered all the creatures in our backyard.  Here is what I got this morning...

...and a quick shot through the glass door at Maisy keeping watch over the bird feeder...

A Little Tuesday Morning Dreaming...

It's Tuesday and I'm getting ready to head back to work after a 3-day weekend.  And what a beautiful weekend it was...it reached 70 degrees yesterday.  

In JANUARY.  

In MISSOURI.  

Almost unheard of I tell you...

So I'm dreaming today.  Thinking of places I'd like to be and doing things I'd like to do.  The last few weeks haven't been easy at my house.  My husband suffers from depression.  Have I told you that before?  It's worse in the winter and this year seems worse than any other.  He's pretty good at hiding it...so much so...that sometimes I forget he is suffering.  It's difficult trying to be supportive and encouraging to him while living my own life and trying to keep things positive for the kids.  That's another post for another day though.  

Today Is For Dreaming.

Dreaming about things like depression not existing...kids not arguing...and bills paid in full.  Dreams that can come true I think...in time.

Or Dreams Like...

Stopping at this lovely and quaint little shop in Paris...

Or this little shop in Provence...

Reading a Book Here...Flip Flops, T-Shirt and Shorts Required...

Or...How About A Cabin In The Mountains?

Or...sitting on this porch with a beautiful view of the Ocean.  I can imagine hopping on that darling vintage bike and meeting some friends for coffee on a pier.

Dreams are important!  Sometimes my dreams have been lost in the day-to-day.  I'm trying to get them back.  

 Ahhhh.....That's Better...


Jackie

Hello Sunshine...

When it's January in Missouri we find ourselves talking about the weather pretty often.  Usually, we're talking about the dreary and cold weather.  Today, we're talking about how beautiful it is outside and what we're going to do with our day off.  Supposed to be 62 degrees today.  It's getting mighty close from what my thermometer says.  

I'm sure we'll get our share of frigid temperatures and abundance of snow before the winter is over in March...but today...I'm enjoying the warmth and sunshine.  After we play outside I may have to come in and make some of these...

{On my way to 1000 gifts and connecting with Multitudes on Mondays}

25.  Days off with no plans

26.  Warmth and sunshine

27.  Quiet mornings with God

28.  Homemade Plum jelly from a friend and co-worker

29.  Neighborhood friends for my boys to play with

Jackie

Brrrr...Blessings On A Snowy Day...

Taking cover under a bird feeder on the deck...

This week I began journaling my blessings once again. The goal to reach one thousand or more this year.  How can I not be content when I write all I'm grateful for each day?  Even the little things add up to Joy when they are counted.  

Today we get to move a little slower as school was cancelled.  The kids are ecstatic and can't wait to get outside to play.  Oh, and I enjoy these days too...when I can go into work a little later or leave a little earlier (or both like today).

From the journal today...counting my way to 1000 gifts.

8.  A full night's sleep when I haven't had many of those lately...

9.  A flexible job for snow days like we're having today...

10.  Bird friends who keep us entertained all winter long...

 

 

Bird tracks to the front porch feeder...

Jackie

Craving Lightness and Brightness...

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

 
I'm trying to Embrace the Blessing of the Winter Season and sometimes that is hard for me to do.  We're in the middle of the Long Dark Winter Days now and I'm craving Light. 

These days I find myself pouring through magazines and decorating websites looking for a little inspiration to make my surroundings more cheerful.  It's about this time I start treating myself to Bargain Fresh Flowers each week as well.

The photos here are giving me some ideas about some of the projects I have in mind for these winter days.  Perfect way to spend the winter...planning projects and hopefully completing some too.
 

Step Away From The Snowmen...

I have some really nice neighbors across the street. They live in a nice home, plant beautiful flowers and spend a lot of time in their flowerbeds during the warm months. Our whole neighborhood benefits from the beauty of their flowers. Usually, they are quick to change their outdoor decor with the changing seasons. This year...not so much. As I gaze out my west window and admire the buds on all the trees in my yard and theirs...what do I see? Snowmen! Cute ones I might add...but they are still snowmen. It's spring people...Time. To. Put. The. Snowmen. Away.

A couple of weeks ago I put out a cute spring flag with pastel flowers. I know it was still technically winter two weeks ago...but I'm ready, you know? I want to see flowers, green grass, bunnies...all things spring. Yet, the snowmen continue to taunt me from across the street.

So, yesterday when the temperatures soared to 60 degrees...I brought out the big guns...

The SUMMER Flag!!

Take That Frosty! (grin)

Spring really is popping up all over my yard. But, look at this...I met some friends from high school over the weekend and we had a fun time reminiscing...and we went to my favorite store in the world and I got this... oh, so cute... pitcher and the place-mats. Brightens up my dining room!! Try not to look at the china cabinet that really needs to be re-organized. Of course now that I've brought it up how can you NOT look at it.

The Daylillies are coming alive...

A Hydrangea peeking out of the mulch...

Potted Chives...Sometimes I cut chives all winter...this winter was rough though...so I'm happy to see these friends...

Oh, we have new neighbors again. They have been busy moving in...not sure who they are yet though...they seem to be having a little trouble getting all their "bedding" into the house.

An early spring sunrise out my back deck. A benefit to not having leaves on the trees yet...

Jackie