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.

And it wasn't stopping anytime soon.

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

I spent the day watching this heavy blanket gain weight.

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

Ever more.

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

And finally, shapes began to emerge.
And a little piece of blue sky.

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.