Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Hibernation

So I've been bragging a little about our weather. There have been several photos of blooms and buds. Lots of green to be envious of so early in the year.

I felt sympathy for all those pleas for blue skies and warmer weather. I was compassionate for everyone who got stuck in a snowstorm, all across Canada and the US, and in the UK too.

I didn't feel terrible, because I lived somewhere temperate. I made the choice, and the trek across the continent to be here, so I've earned the right to be happy about it. And maybe flaunt a little flower or too.

There's something I'm learning though. We have winter for a reason. To hibernate. To rest and store up so we can be fresh for spring. I've been going full steam ahead, scoffing at the notion of winter.

I got my comeuppance.

This is what I awoke to this morning.

6:30am

And it wasn't stopping anytime soon.


8am

Everything shuts down when we get snow like this here.
Even if we know it will be melted in a day.


9am

I spent the day watching this heavy blanket gain weight.


Wall of Sky

And the sky.
It was unmoving.
Like a wall with nothing beyond it.


10am

Ever more.

10:30am


And then, mid-afternoon, the wind appeared, bringing with it the sun.

3pm





And finally, shapes began to emerge.
And a little piece of blue sky.
4:30pm

Here's what I have learned today. I need a hibernation too. A chance to blanket myself away. Clear some projects from my plate. Feel the weight come off when they've been completed. And breathe all the way into my lungs. Full of fresh energy for the spring.


15 comments:

Louise said...

Beautiful photographs! I loved your description of the blanket gaining weight. Then - even better - you having the 'chance to blanket yourself away'. That chance every once in a while is a joy.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous photos. Makes me feel as though I've filled my lungs with fresh air and shaken off my woes. :O)

Yvonne said...

You take the most beautiful pictures!

Average Girl said...

ahhhhh... such a beautiful thought darlin... but since I live where you live, I will say that I looked at it from a whole other angle, and it wasn't that positive... lol

Cinderita said...

If I hadn't had to come to work, I think my experience of yesterday would've been the same as yours. And you are right..it did look pretty beautiful. You captured it beautifully.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures. Is that where you live--the peaks with the balconies are so charming!

I love the clean slate that a winter storm brings!

Joy said...

Hibernation. Beautifully put.

And your pictures make me feel a wee bit regretful that I didn't get my camera out yesterday to take some.

I made it into work though, so like Rita, there was no hibernating for me yesterday.

Plus, I am a bit of a whiner when it comes to being cold, so I like to stay by my fire as much as possible when these things happen :)

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm blankets. :) The warm soft sleepy kinds too.

The Adorkable Ditz' Missteps

Cia of Briarwood Studio said...

Stunning photographs! :)

Cowgirl Red said...

Beautiful series of photos! Your artist's eye shines through. Terah

Lille Diane said...

Gorgeous pictures!! Our snow, and thick layers of ice, had just melted off in northern OH. Then we got another blast of snow. It's been a long winter but I admit, I've enjoyed it, and its beauty. Just when you are ready for a change of season, it comes. I've lived in warm climates with no signs of seasonal changes & prefer to have them.

I just wanted you to know I have posted about you, and your Hope Rocks, on my blog. http://www.woodstocklily.com/2011/02/hope-rocks-week-6_24.html

Hugzzz! Thank you for participating in Hope Rocks! More please!!! You are so creative!!

Noel said...

Your photos are gorgeous. Your description of the sky "a wall with nothing behind it" is so perfect. That's EXACTLY why I feel so claustrophobic after months of winter weather. It's like nothing moves.

But as you said, the whole not-moving thing is necessary. "There's something I'm learning though. We have winter for a reason. To hibernate. To rest and store up so we can be fresh for spring." So so true.

Yvonne said...

The photos are amazing!

Julie said...

Your photos and words are gorgeous!

Noel said...

Just wanted to let you know I gave you a shout out here: http://frenchchristmas.typepad.com/french_christmas/2011/03/stir.html

Hope all is well! :)