I don't do Winter very well. Every year I try a new plan to overcome my least favorite season. I am just not a cold weather person, once chilled I never warm up. I put on more clothes. I drink warm fluids. I think warm thoughts but the cold creeps in and penetrates to my very soul...I shut down, on a very personal level and it spreads like a virus throughout my day to day existence until finally I sink into that most abysmal of places. It's not quite depression but I can see the doorway and read the letters etched on the glass to that place I just don't want to visit. So I struggle to create ANYTHING, I exercise, chat with family and friends, count my blessings and PRAY.
Today I'd reached the limit of my patience and this morning while saying my morning prayers I felt so alone in this annual struggle as I looked into the bleak garden areas...and then I felt compelled to do a walkabout...something I just normally don't do on a cold Winter day.
As I looked over an untouched backyard of snow I saw that I'd had visitors!
Could these be the teeny footprints of a mouse? I'm thrilled to see it's outside...sorry buddy for the COLD weather but please don't visit me in my tiny home!
Could this be the footsteps of one of the feral cats that roam our neighborhood?
To my untrained eye these look like the footprints of a raccoon!
Could this be evidence of a possum?
As I stared at these footprints and saw them from start to end...I thought...a rabbit! It's got to be a rabbit! 
And then this scene...so many footprints going in the same direction starting at a wide space and narrowing down to the entry of our double gate at the back area of our property! I could only imagine each of the owners of these footprints saying, "Boy oh boy it's party time"! 
Hmmm? What's this? Could it be a critter pushing that proverbial ball through the untouched snow? Or was God showing me that no matter what...I'm not alone on this journey...He is always there right along with me and just when I want to throw up my hands in total surrender...He will help me push through every event from the monumental to the minuscule...and I am grateful!
Hi, I like your blog post. I feel the same about winter. I haven't left my house in months except to run into town for food and supplies. I'm a total hermit in the winter and it makes my family nuts. I craft and create in a constant frenzy to keep from getting depressed. It won't be long and spring will be here. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteKaren
OH Joy...... Oh Happiness..you are BACK !!! Of course you are not alone dear one.
ReplyDeleteLove that you found evidence of your "woodland friends" ...to cheer you up.
And you have a constant friend right here in Texas.
I COMPLETELY understand your shutting down..but we sure miss you when you are "gone"... into your "private place".
How is your family BTW ?
With love,
Rose
Sandy ...JUST came across this quote.
ReplyDelete"Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them."
- Vincent A. Simeone