Moving Into Winter

Our seasons have a natural rhythm that is determined more by temperature, length of days, and precipitation than the dates on a traditional calendar. When the days grow shorter I feel like winter is quickly approaching.

Moving into winter means not seeing the gardens during the week. It is dark when I leave and dark when I arrive home. Even if many plants are done blooming and the trees have lost their leaves, I like the stark beauty of the bones of the garden. It gives me something to look forward to on the week-ends. There are always images to capture on a cold winter day.

Moving into winter also means beginning a natural hibernation. I wrap up in warm blankets as the day moves into night. I take more naps.  Winter is the time to rest the gardens and rest the body and soul. We need winter like other animals for our own hibernation. We need our own sabbath.

Moving into winter also means sipping hot soups, craving comfort food like meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, and enjoying a warm drink at the day's end. Winter is pumpkins, squash, and apples saved from the tree mixed up into a homey crisp while sitting by the fire.

Moving into winter means tackling that pile of books that have been waiting to be read. It is time to find those writing inspirations in a journal lost during the fall, time to organize photos, and get things in order. Winter is wool socks, warm sweaters, flannel pajamas. Winter is cats each finding a spot to curl up and sleep and the dogs quietly snore in front of a fire.

Each season draws me in for different reasons. This year as winter is approaching, I am reminded to slow down, rest, reflect, revive myself, and be warm.