Rushing into Spring

Okay it seems like Puxatony Phil and everyone else is ready to rush into Spring! The stores are starting to fill up with pastel and neon bright clothing and there are gardening supplies and seed packets displayed in the supermarket.

I can't blame this "Jump into Spring" mentality solely on consumerism. I'm sure since ancient times people have had a longing for signs of Spring at this time of year. Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday are less than two weeks away and the count down to Easter begins. Easter is undeniably a spring holiday.

But what about the last of winter? Maybe because I'm a February baby, I like winter and want it to feel well, like winter. I would probably be as eager for spring as everyone else, if this winter really felt like a winter.

Yes, it was cold for a couple of days and there was a little snow. The flu thrived, but so did the parsley and pansies in our garden. Maybe, I'm not so eager for spring, because this whole winter has felt like a cold spring. I feel like I am living in a warmer climate than the our zone 6 USDA designation calls for. Come on February bring it on!

Photo via A Blog with a View

Affordable Luxuries #12: Winter Roses

Usually I buy tulips this time of year when I need a "pick me up". I've switched it up though thanks to the little one, who given the choice of flowers goes for roses. I have to say, I have really been enjoying her obsession with roses.

She leans towards pinks, except when they are rainbow dyed bunches on display. I managed to talk her out of those, but maybe I'll give in one day. And why not? At $12 for twelve stems, one can afford to go a little crazy and have a psychedelic bouquet for a change. Loving winter roses as an affordable luxury.

Wishing for Some Real Snow

Yes, I know it's a pain for getting around but it's also beautiful. I would love to go sledding with the little one this year. Come on January act like the winter month you are!

Photos borrowed from two awesome tumblr accounts A Well Traveled Woman and  The Gifts of Life

Giving Up on Snow

There were a few snow flurries yesterday which, even though it is February, seemed out of place. Spring like weather has dominated the month and I've finally given up on winter for us here on the east coast.

These images of Sonja Hinrichen's Snow Drawings make me a little wistful for a winter landscape but now I'm moving into a Spring state of mind.

Images via Swiss Miss.

Ice Skating is for Kids

The first thought I had when I pulled myself and my four year old onto the ice at our local rink was "I'm too old for this.", then "What was I thinking", then "One of us is going to get hurt!"

Well we survived and made it around the rink two and a half times before the free skate was over. Doesn't sound like much, but it's quite an accomplishment when your clinging to the boards and pulling a little one up off the ice every few seconds.

Miracle one was that I didn't pull her arm out of its socket, miracle two, I didn't break a hip and miracle three, she wants to do it again. I have to say I was really proud of her tenacity. Before we went in she said "to skate you push, push, glide" when we left her new skating motto was" when you fall down, you just get back up".

Affordable Luxuries # 9: Primroses

I found two primroses or "first roses" at the super market the other day. I know they are fragile and won't last long but they are such cheerful plants - like something a child would dream up.

They are also a harbinger of Spring which seems very far off right now, but really isn't. So while they signal the flowers will be back soon, I am also using them as a reminder to enjoy winter while it lasts.

Bracing For and Hopefully Embracing Winter

I finally just finished racking and bagging the leaves and now the first snow has fallen. It was just flurries but winter has set in. I love the winter sky and the freshness of cold winter air after a snowfall but I miss the light and long days of summer. I'm bracing for the cold and hoping not to get down because of the short days. I'm definitely believe in Seasonal Affective Disorder and am determined not to get down. Here's a list of things I think might help keep lifew bright over the next few months:

• Put up a Christmas tree (Mame was right, we need a little Christmas right this very moment!)
• Get a great fake fur throw for snuggling up with a good book
• Making an inspiration wall
• Paint my toenails a vivid red or better yet splurge on a pedicure
• Build a little snow girl for my daughter
• Feed the deer apples and carrots and fill the bird feeder with seed
• Find time to draw
• Send notes to friends via the post
• Catch up on missed movies (the list is huge)
• Learn something completely new and outside my normal interests
• Visit the library and check out a book on an exotic subject or place
• Plan my garden for spring
• Finish one of my knitting projects so I have a sense of accomplishment
• Take on a tough corner of my home and make it happy
• Take on my abs with the help of the Ab Lounger Pro (on my list to Santa) and win!
• Put candles in the windows
• Listen to a new musical genre
  
• Keep the Christmas tree up as long as possible which shouldn't be a problem as this year's model was grown by General Electric! Sadly, there is no fir scent but also no skin rash requiring a visit to the dermatologist either.
• Be unnaturally optimistic despite everything!