Winter Whimsy

I have rejoiced in the delicious weather over the course of the past week. Why does it seem that these moments of warmth precede a renew vigor of winter's long embrace?


In the days leading up to this looming storm (a blizzard warning? Really??) I have enjoyed an afternoon playing disc golf (my first game ever, and coming in at +33 on 10 holes, I think you professionals should be _very_ afraid) and another meandering and shooting on the archery trails at Ritter Springs. I had a pic-nic with Patrick, a park visit with Nanette, and enjoyed my downtown area on foot. I wore t-shirts and rolled the windows down. I sipped coffee on the back porch in the sun. I began dreaming of river trails, floating destinations, and campsite location choices.


Now, however, there is constant buzz of chatter and almost giddy speculation surrounding me from people knowingly relating information about storm warnings, protecting pipes, stocking up on supplies, and prepping for possible power outages. There are tales of the last ice storm, folks who are flippant and confident no storm will come, others who are spouting dire predictions, and a select few who are feeling joyful about a return to winter revelry. I find myself feeling both a little concerned at what might happen with another ice storm induced power outage (we are now living in an all electric home rather than a farmstead with wood heat and propane!) and bummed about the loss of gorgeous sunny days that offered all the enticements of a lovely spring.

Since Patrick is well on his way to a new semester overseas, it seems somehow fitting to settle into the house for a few days of winter weather lock-down. Perhaps it is needful that we have time to savor our family bonds, re-evaluate our goals for winter, and relax into the protection offered by modern comforts like filtered water and central heat. So, after work I am off to pick up a few supplies before we make dinner together, fill the containers with back-up water, and break out the extra blankets, flashlights, candles, and lighters. Board games, art supplies, and bookshelves, here we come!

Home is Where I Lay My Paintbrush

Not long ago I was writing about my move to Cedar Lane. Most of you know that four months after moveing there, I made another, unexpected, move back into the downtown Springfield area. It has been an interesting period! In fact, I have written and deleted several potential posts in the past month simply because there was so much turmoil and change going on on from day to day that I was never sure which things I really wanted to convey.

*Whew!*

Now I am beginning to feel settled in our new home and sorting out what my life may look like in 2011. There is a new job on the horizon, plenty of art taking place in the new studio space, and a budding business doing freelance writing and editing. The girls are loving the new space as well, and have set some new goals of their own.

As I was painting the other night, I realized that despite the upheavals of the past year, we are all thriving and getting really clear on what it is we wish to create as a part of our life experience. My home is my smile, my kind heart, my creative and passionate approach to life: my house is really only a vessel to hold the evidence of who I am (the place I lay my paintbrush) and a safe place to rest my body as my spirit dreams and soars.

For the rest of this contemplative winter season I plan to listen to those deep murmerings of my inner muse, savor the friends and family who make my life life feel rich and opulent, and allow my new vision to unfold. And, for a few more weeks, to laugh and love and adventure with Patrick before he jumps aboard a new ship in February.

I wish you all a cheerful start to a new year: the best one yet!