Quote of the Day: Wisdom comes with winters. – Oscar Wilde
I woke up to this wintery, crystalized scene at my parents’ farm last weekend. It reminds me that beauty comes with every season.
Top 10 things I like about Winter:
1. frost decorating everything outdoors
2. Sun dogs on the coldest days
3. ice-skating
4. using the cold as an excuse to stay inside to read
5. same excuse to watch movies & eat popcorn with my boys
6. the holidays
7. how the fresh, white snow covers everything, like wiping the slate clean for a fresh start.
8. Winter fashions, including cute sweaters and long pants and not needing to shave your legs
9. Watching the neighbors help each other out after a snowstorm
10. Music
Last night my oldest son and I went to the Madrigal Dinner put on by the high school choirs. They served and sang, performed and played. They had kings and queens, beggars and peasants. Some of them stayed in character throughout the three hour evening. The skit was fun and funny, the food delightful and delicious. And, the singing was wonderful wintersong. They sang my favorite choral winter piece, “Hark of the Bells.” I love how it starts out soft, just sopranos, then adds each part, building, then coming back down, and oh, how that low-note dong at the end always gives me shivers.
What is broken and full of cobwebs can be beautiful with the coverings of ice crystals, a reflection of light, and a song that sends the kind of shivers that warm.
I’m looking forward to hearing the high school choir again in two weeks as they join their voices with my favorite choir, From Age to Age, in a holiday concert. Stay tuned for details.
Journaling Prompt: Make your list of top things to like about winter and/or the holidays.
I’ll second your winter fashion choice. Warm sweaters, scarves, boots, love the winter attire! The comforts of home are also perfect in winter, when the weather keeps us indoors. It’s a beautiful season …
Lovely pictures, Mary. I’m a sweater girl, too. It’s like wearing a big hug.
I remember winters like that. Over Thanksgiving I was trying to convince my son that 44 degrees was not cold. Here in the desert winter is fantastic changes of light — your broil at 3 in the afternoon and freeze at 4. Morning is grim but noon is clear and beautiful and the mountains all around have snow.
Mary, I share your sentiments about winter. It usually gets old around mid-February, but I’m still in the honeymoon stage of appreciating the indoor warmth it radiates. I, too, love winter clothing. Sometimes I feel like I’m hibernating during winter time, but it’s exactly what Oscar Wilde has said. The hibernation period can bring about reflection, and from that, wisdom if we are open to it.
Getting ready to go to my first Concordia College Christmas concert. They’re dedicating it to their past president, who died suddenly this summer. I heard the last song is going to be “All is Well.” I’m looking forward to it, and sharing it with my daughters and one of their friends. 🙂
Blessings in the weekend ahead and all of the wonderful winter memories it’s sure to bring forth!
I think your top 10 list is pretty close to perfect, Mary. I hate to walk or drive around too much in winter, but I love the warmer clothes and lazy days inside. 🙂
Mary,
I love your top 10!
I would add that I love to run/walk outside during the winter…something about the quietness that calms the soul and I don’t get sweaty!
My absolute favorite though is cup of hot tea, great book, blanket and the fireplace…the only thing better would be if I was in a cabin in the mountains.
Mary, it’s so nice to see a positive list of what to like about winter, especially since I know from the TV weather reports you’re getting blasted in Minnesota. Your positivity warms my heart. I love each of the seasons equally. Winter brings a coziness that strengthens relationships. Looking out at a snow-covered landscape gives a sense of purity that nourishes the soul.
Loved your post. Thanks!