February 25, 2013

Five Small Joys of Winter

* getting a late start

watching the flakes fall from a warm couch

catching up

* a steamy tub

* a cup of cocoa with extra extra marshmallows (vegan if you please!)

Now that spring is within striking distance and I am feeling healthy, I'm finally settling in and having fun this winter. We usually spend these cold months enjoying the outdoors; skiing, snowshoeing, sledding. This year we've had to slow way down (poor James, if he doesn't get a few more days on the mountain in before the thaw there may be big boy tears). 

For the last few months, being cooped up inside and reeling with dizzies all day had me heading towards a mild bout of depression, not exactly the way I had envisioned celebrating this new addition to our family. This week-end finally, FINALLY, all three of us Smith's were feeling good and able to just relax and enjoy being together. We had some friends over, James and Little Smith played outside a bit, we ate dinner out and slept in late, we made good food and cookies (and ate them all)... we did a whole lot of nothing, but with good spirits and warm socks. I couldn't have asked for a better last week-end of February.

March should bring buds on trees, more light, and a few warm days, but for now I am really soaking in the smell of fresh snow and the weight of a good blanket. Winter is a long and the days are short, but as a life long New England-er, I truly feel privileged to know and enjoy the opportunities that come with each of our seasons, and the rhythm as we shift from one set of rituals to the next. 

15 comments:

  1. I so love your posts! and your photos are stunning...I think I say that every time though. However they do make me want to run from the west coast back to the east coast! I love new england. I am so sorry about you having a bout of winter blues. It is so hard to not move around as much in those winter months when you are feeling the dizzy part of pregnancy. Hang in there. Spring is slowly emerging. xo

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  2. Lovely photos, loved the tub pic a little extra! :-)

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  3. Beautiful photos. That bed makes me want to go back to sleep right now.

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  4. Oh, lady! It's like we both had major attitude shifts this weekend! I posted pretty much the same thing (emotionally, that is) today! Looking forward to spring, but enjoying the end of winter. Glad you are in better spirits! xoxo

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  5. It is summer here in New Zealand, so it is lovely to see your winter things (from afar). There is something really refreshing and enjoyable about imagining cold in the middle of a sticky hot humid summer. That bed looks -oh-so -inviting... Lisa x

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  6. hope you feel more fresh air in yur soul soon, your pictures are so beautiful, bring on the sun xxx

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  7. I hope you get to feeling more like yourself soon. There is nothing about winter that seems fresh and exciting. Spring is right around the corner!

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  8. You and Lauren both have me reconsidering my crotchety winter attitude. Sort of.. I think the new foot of snow we got yesterday and the storm that's supposed hit later this week while we pack the truck up will ultimately shove my raised spirits back down. Someone told me spring doesn't come until May in Maine. I hope they were joking.. Ha! Seriously though.. I love this set of pictures. It's a good reminder to focus in on the small joys. xo

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  9. Sounds like a perfect weekend. I enjoy the different seasons and the rituals associated with them too. I just wish winter was a smidge shorter. I also wish I could get those vegan marshmallows here. I never see them in stores. :)

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  10. I'm so glad you're feeling better and in brighter spirits. This weather has had me feeling so gross as well, and I feel so grateful for every time the sun cracks through the grey.

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  11. So glad you are feeling well enough to enjoy winter's last hurrah!

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  12. Lovely pictures! And what great ways to soak in winter. I love everything about winter except the low light. That makes me happy for the longer days that are slowly appearing :)

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  13. Mmmmm. Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. Just how I like mine!

    And finally.... longer days!

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  14. you're right, i need to try to enjoy this cold weather and the perks of cocoa, blankets and cookies before it's too hot and i'm supposed to wear a dreaded bathing suit.

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  15. So much happiness from the small things. I'm glad this past weekend gave you some of what you needed. Just think, Spring is right around the corner!

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