I looked high, through several windows, but the evidence of spring drawing near is not as apparent as it seems to be in many other places.
The nubs of buds are waking up slowly around our house.
So what testament toward the transformation from one season to the next do I see? The long, dense icicles are gone; little tiny, spiny ones have reformed since the temps dipped down again over night.
The wind is howling; precociously pretending to be March. (and boy oh boy was it cold and biting as I hung my head out the window to quickly capture the icicles!)
And...
Then I looked low. I noticed the ice melting on the driveway. A sure sign that spring is inevitable, even if we still have a few months to wait for actual blossoms here in NH.
Honestly, I'm quite content with our minimalist palette and the coziness of winter indoors, the frost diamonds that return each morning to grace my window. No, I’m in no hurry at all to say goodbye to this beautiful season.
For me this is the middah, the soul-quality: sameach b' chelko, contentment with what is.
For me this is the middah, the soul-quality: sameach b' chelko, contentment with what is.
linking to:
The photos that accompany today's text were actually from February 9th, but the same yo-yo weather applies, and truthfully, I've been scanning the trees and there's not a whole lot of visible change happening on the branches. Yet, I know, deep down beneath the surface sap is rising. The days are growing longer, brighter, and with it my sap seems to be offering a form of renewal too! Perhaps the light is signaling my pineal gland to wake up my neurons? Or perhaps it is the steroid infusion from last Friday, or the Tysabri leaving my system (almost 7 weeks since the last infusion) or simply that it has been 6 months since my walking started to become more difficult and 5 months since the flu shot incident, 3 months since we stopped the Gabapentin and my body is healing from all of this. Maybe it is a combination of all of the above. At any rate, I am walking better (used a cane at pt yesterday), and the desire to move is more present (I have practiced some very gentle yoga for the past two days). My nerves are remembering how to communicate with my muscles. My muscles are remembering how to listen. There is no way to know how much more improvement to expect, and I don't like to place my heart in a basket of hope...I have learned NOT to expect; instead I'm just grateful every day for what I can do, grateful every day for the slow, stillness that is a valued part of my life too; a gift from multiple sclerosis.
Grateful.
Content.
The photos are so beautiful!! I can't wait for Spring (even though our springs are dusty and eeky- but we get the occasional beautiful day) and this Spring would be special!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifull collection of photos, they really are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe first tiny buds are beginning to appear on the lilac bush just outside my computer room window.
Winter is the perfect precurser to Spring, it makes us appreciate it even more when it gets here. :-)
Oh, Laura, those photos are gorgeous. I personally love the muted colors of winter. I was thinking about the seasons yesterday as we had one of our first sunny and warmer days (today is another) - suddenly everything starts coming to life, the flowers poking their heads out of the grounds, the buds thickening on the trees and the birds singing and prancing around. I love that it happens every year without fail! Much love, Silke
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thank you so much for your comment on my blog post yesterday - it was more helpful than you think as I struggle with how to focus on everything in my life...
I am so grateful to start my day with you, Laura, with this...Your season of contentment is a beautiful thing to witness and I am very glad your body is responding with gentle "advances." May you continue to enjoy the moments and all the beauty around you. I, for one, am so glad you have the eyes to see it and the heart to share. Big xo
ReplyDeleteI have always covetted the hibernation of winter, a creative time to pull inwards. But February can be so bleak. Today the temps are rising to 8 or 9c, and our ice on the driveway is melting too. Thank you for your kind words Laura! Lois
ReplyDeletewonderful you are able to do a few gentle yoga poses. i find yoga is balm not just for the body, but for my spirit and emotional state.
ReplyDeletesign of spring: The Meditative gardener mentioned on her blog that a neighbor has tapped his maple trees due to temps rising higher on some days. I didnt read the entire post, just a few words but THIS is exciting to me who is not as gracious toward winters cold as yourself.
Namaste, suki
Have a good day :)
ReplyDeleteThat indigo blue and white combo says fresh winter better than anything else...lovely.
ReplyDeletebe well dear one.
Sounds like perhaps your surface sap is rising too? Love that frost photo -- so delicate and beautiful!
ReplyDeletegrateful with you and for you... appreciated your words over at emily's today.
ReplyDeleteIn due time...in the meantime you can enjoy a bit of our spring ;) The image of the ice melting on your driveway is magical. That is what I'm trying to accomplish this year, slowing down and noticing things like the beauty found on a driveway! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThat is fabulous about the gentle movement and walking with the cane. That's making me smile wide this morning.
ReplyDeleteThere are no real signs of spring yet, but you are right - behind the scenes lots is going on. :)
I do see the signs of spring also!! Happy to hear that you are feeling better, wonderful news!
ReplyDeletekim
I noticed our fruit tree branches swelling a bit, we may have nubs in a week or so
ReplyDeleteMy heart is celebrating the awakening of spring in your body. I love the many parallels that exist between our lives, and am so grateful to be sharing a path with you.
ReplyDeleteMovement is such a blessing. For me it signals a stretching and reaching, an opening. I know what you mean about the light, how it's brighter and longer this month. So much to be thankful for. So much to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteMay you be healthy and strong ~
I would imagine you are really ready for Spring up there..we here in the South are getting a vision of an Early Spring..but as the Almanac says...probably will get one more snow in March..we hope not.
ReplyDeleteGreat winter scenes on your post.
Beautiful pictures!!
ReplyDeleteChange is life, without it there is nothing...
Glad to know you are walking :)
"I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am. I am. I am." ~Sylvia Plath
sending you loveNlight
Gabi
Love your photos Laura. Indeed, Spring is creeping fast. I wish you happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSky Watch
Wonderful work with your pictures Laura! Artistic and great.
ReplyDeleteThe spring is not here, but I hope soon.
Wish you a blessed weekend Laura, hugs from Tania
wonderful images.
ReplyDeletethe weather has been crazy. for the most part we had a rainy winter, which we like, and for about 2-3 weeks we had some glorious weather topping the 80s. this week though we started having rains again.
am also excited for spring to come.
My skywatch
Every day we receive about three more minutes of daylight than the day before...so by next Thursday our daylight will be 20 minutes longer than they are today. Spring is getting closer, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had nothing but a basket of hope for your heart, Laura. A great big one to enfold you and the whole world in.
ReplyDeleteI also read your anorexia post for the Love bests H, it was a very good read with a message I hope we all will take to heart -- we are all beautiful just as we are.
xoxo
You photos for Skywatch are lovely and reading about your health improvement was too! Hooray for your feeling better and I hope it keeps up :o)
ReplyDeleteIt is good to read that you are feeling stronger, that your muscles are more willing to do what is asked of them. You have such a positive attitude and yet seem accepting of what may be.
ReplyDeleteWhen spring finally comes to New Hampshire I may you walk with ease, out to smell the flowers.
What beautiful images. I - too - am enjoying winter..but am ready to see some spring. It WILL come..it always does!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's natural to look for new growth. New neurons would be lovely, but perhaps new soulpathways of healing are firing messages of love like fireworks through you.
ReplyDeleteStill, desire is only natural, and I would give you new neurons if I could.
Dear one . . . "I'm quite content with our minimalist palette and the coziness of winter indoors" . . . I love this. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are very beautiful, and so are your words. I am so impressed with your acceptance and courage and patience. I hope that every day is a gift to you and an increase in strength.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful, peaceful photos. It's a long time until spring in my part of the country.
ReplyDeleteI like the variations of weather this time of year with the first signs of waking up after winter but still winter sights. You captured that very well. The past two years I've caught some daffodils in the snow shots in March which I kind of like because when my daughter was born almost 26 years ago, it was snowing when I went to the hospital and after she was born on March 2 the daffodils bloomed in my garden for her so her Dad was able to pick them and bring to the hospital when he went home to pick up some extra stuff since I had to stay in the hospital longer than planned.
ReplyDeleteoh laura the promise of spring brings so much... the possibilities are endless for the greening, growing and playful soul... yesterday it was weirdly warm about 65 full sun and people were eating outside on patios at the restaurants down town... but the yoyo weather came back today...
ReplyDeletejust created more appreciation for beauty... xox
I vole all photos but the last one is magical! You have such a beautiful way of conveying the subtle mystery of winter.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful when spring comes slowly.
I love your photos. Spring is teasing us this week. I am afraid of that false sense of security, yet I am relishing every moment. A difficult romance! Your photos are utterly gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteThe spring is coming after a long battle of heavy snow fall. And I hope everyone will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful as is your approach to life. Yes, Spring is around the corner, but I'm betting we will have one or two more "rounds" of winter first. So glad to hear of your progress. Take care. Mickie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful frost diamonds sparkling! ♥
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. I love winter for it's minimalism. And it's season for contemplation. I love your thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteamazing...:) great shots!
ReplyDeleteHope you can take a peek at my SkyWatch Friday entry as well. Thanks!
Wonderful words and photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Happy SWF!
Regards.
oh Laura, u show excellent shots----I dont know to explain about the best...in doubt...I take all....
ReplyDeletecongrats
Iam reading your text
nice day,. sweetie
beautiful images :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, Laura! The weather has been crazy lately we had a 70 degree day yesterday only to go back down to the 40's this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove all your photos and my favourite is the last one. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletesimply beautiful!
ReplyDeletexoxo
How beautiful!! I am ready for Spring to show up!!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah! Spring is around the corner, but that corner is too far away right now! Here in Va today it is 72 degrees, BUT we are expecting snow next Tuesday. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the introspection and peace that a white winter can bring. You are learning to be grateful for whatever we are offered, I am on the same path although in a different way.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has invited a third person into our 53 year old marriage, his name is Alzheimer's and he is not easy to live with or like and is taking over both our lives as I am sole carer and very little freedom to be on my own and enjoy living. Your ice-flowers are a dear delight. I find peace in the fall of light on a blade of grass or a drop of water, the song of a bird or a floating feather. Just the thought of sugaring off in your part of the world makes me happy.
I am new to your blog but I am very glad you are regaining your health as far as possible.
I read a little wisdom on a train in Germany years ago:" Do first the necessary, then the possible and you will find the impossible becoming possible". I have done my best to steer my ship on that course.
Blessings . . . Arija
Your minimal colors of winter are very elegant. For some reason your shots remind me of silver ornaments and white linen tablecloths...Thanks for stopping by at my SWF. I hope you have a joyous week!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that winter is my least favourite season; partly because of that muted palette. And yet I find your thoughts comforting. It's a time of rest; the earth sleeps, preparing for the renewal of activity in the spring.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos; I wish I had your eye as well as your spirit.
I like all the frost designs. I used to shoot B&W in one camera all winter when I used film.Sometimes I reverse the color in Paint program. I have been takng the gabepentin for a few months, but failed to notice a lot of change when I miss it.I hoped to see something when I started it.
ReplyDelete