tall and proud

the temperature never got above zero (degrees F) today. january in the north requires a certain stoicism. this cattail is the perfect illustration of what that looks like. it takes a certain perversity to truly love this corner of the globe. those who stay, all share that same peculiarity. it makes for an interesting self-selecting group. we’re all weirdos. and we’re okay with that.

snow-crusted cattail in winter

welcome 2022!

i am not someone who makes new year’s resolutions. but i am someone who likes to spend a few days at the beginning of each new year to take stock; to reflect on the past year, and to dream about the coming year. tonight i will begin that process with my husband and son (and his girlfriend) around the fire as the snow falls and the temps drop below zero. i doubt i will have any big insights to share with you by tomorrow…i am guessing i may be at this for a few days. but when i do, i will be happy to share them with you. last year went by in a blasé blur for me, as it did for many of us. i am planning to take some definitive steps to make sure 2022 isn’t a repeat.

pampas grasses in the snow

lingering in my imagination

it is shame it is not comfortable to sit and linger in a winter garden. i find the delicate stems and intricate scaffolding every bit as engaging as the summer foliage and colorful blooms.  i will have to linger in my imagination–sitting in a comfy chair, reading a book, as the squirrels and nuthatches make the only noises beside my contented breathing and perhaps a quick sob or two as mr. darcy says it has always been you to elizabeth bennet.

winter weed stems on fresh snow

loosely woven

this year felt a little like this weaving to me. barely heald together threads. i plan to sit by the fire with my hubby on new years eve to take stock of this strange year. it wasn’t a bad year, but i can’t really call it a good year either. it was simply a strange year. i may need to pull on a few of those threads. see if the whole thing tightens up, or falls apart. maybe then i can see some meaning in all those loose threads.

woven willow branches in winter

yes, and…

the diversity and the similarity of nature messes with my brain. so much variety. so much similarity.

yes, and…