February’s been feeling long and gray, and it’s only the 11th. We had some rough winter weather in January. Then there was a warm up. We even had tornados in the area last week. Mostly, however, it’s just been cold(ish) and gray.
There was sunshine yesterday. It felt good to get outside and feel the warmth on my face. I try to get outside no matter the weather. And it’s a bonus when there’s sun!
I was thinking about the different ways I find inspiration and comfort in the midst of the gray winter season. Last week, I was lucky to spend time with family and friends, some of whom I don’t see very often. We shared companionship and conversation and camaraderie. We shared the comfort of familiarity from relationships that span 25 years or even entire lifetimes. My family and friends also inspire me in the ways they navigate challenges and changes, each in their own way. We’re in it together, so that’s comforting as well as inspiring.
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If you’ve read my blog or this newsletter, you’ll know that - besides people - books, nature, and writing are big sources of inspiration and comfort for me. I’ve just started a new session of #PenToPaper, and it’s so good to be in community with other writers. I always gain new perspectives about writing in these online courses, and I often generate new material too. During the first week, our writing prompt inspired me to reflect on the scarcity of time during the two-day weekend to rest, rejuvenate, and get things done. With that in mind, I’m going to keep today’s post brief and share some photos from the weekend, thinking of the inspiration and comfort and even adventure I’ve enjoyed. All without leaving the city where I live.
Blue skies with wispy clouds and sun glistening on the Milwaukee River (photo by Anna Krawczyk):
An inspiration corner on my desk, with a fairy tree and affirmation cards from Positively Present and Morgan Harper Nichols, along with other special items collected or gifted to me:
A $4.99 bouquet of tulips from the grocery store:
Coziness on the couch:
Thriving plants in a bright corner:
Journals and gel pens and words on the page:
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I hope you find comfort, inspiration, and joy in your own ways this winter season.
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Mary
The plants look so healthy and I like how they "pop" against the yellow wall! Lovely photos, as always.
I find comfort in photos! I think I may have mentioned this before.... Thanks for sharing a bunch of yours. I sometimes spend time looking through my photos on my phone or computer and looking at old photo albums. I do this with my mom, too, when I am visiting her. I especially love photos of people. I especially love seeing a twinkle in the eye and a smile. I am comforted by a cup of tea, a soft blanket, a fire in the fireplace. I am comforted by quiet and stillness.
I am inspired and motivated by music and poetry and bike riding and taking a walk. I am inspired by the sky, the ocean, the mountains, the forest.
I read the other day that at the end of March the sun will set after 6pm and it will not set before 6pm again for 6 months! So looking forward to that.