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manifesto monday : winter

10.18.2010







yesterday my hopes were high...the morning was cloudy, and i yearned for the clouds to stay and was desperate for the weather forecast to be prophetic; for its prophecy to fulfilled within the day: rain. while i warmed some soup for lunch the clouds let go of their heavy burden, and i opened up the windows to feel the cold wind that came as a breath cools a hot drink that threatens to burn our senses. the long summer heat does that to me--burns my senses till i am a melted heap of lifeless flesh without energy to gather myself for my passions. this rain was relief for a desperate soul, cooling my steaming kettle so that i avoided my own screaming when i had had enough of the boiling heat.

the windows were open. a string quartet was my quiet background soundtrack. i found my softest blanket and oversized sweatshirt, and cuddled up on the couch lit up with warm library-esque light from a lamp. i read about fall in wisconsin during the depression--about how beautiful night walks were then, as they are now, when you can see your breath escaping your lips. and even back then, people's hopes were high--every little miracle was indeed miraculous. when my eyes tired of black type on the page i stood and walked to the window to watch and smell the rain {wishing whole-heartedly that cj was home}, and then i would make my way back to my little corner "library" to read sentences that i can hardly resist underlining.

i've always felt more alive when it's cold when winter is coming on; i'm more alert. i suddenly become aware of my cheeks and the tip of my nose as the wind whips them rosy. i am careful to watch my step, where i am going, so the ice does not send me ungracefully to my back. i think ahead, always prepared for a blizzard. i'm more willing to get moving...to keep the blood flowing against the icy cold. i notice the trees themselves...no leaves to hide their wood. i notice how magical it is how the ice clings to their branches and sparkles when the sun rises and sets. winter cannot come fast enough. i long for this season of "sleep" that awakens me entirely.

this i believe.

8 comments:

Kerry O'Gorman said...

I do love all the seasons for their own reasons, but winter is my time. I am more creative and introspective during this time. They say that the time of year you were born is usually your favorite time of year. Well, I was born in the midst of January, so there you go...lovely writing by the way...you have a gift.

Tonia said...

I'm a northern soul too and welcome the cool crispness of autumn we're getting now: everything is sharpened and made clear.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you...I welcome the colder weather. Beautiful photo and words. I find your blog to be so inspiring!!

ilwen said...

I'm always so glad to find other people appreciate the cold season too. It makes me sad to hear people complain about the wind, the rain, the cold, the snow and the darkness. Few see the beauty in cold dark days. As much as I love wrm summer days, swimming in lakes and being out and about, winter will always be special to me and fill me with so much energy.

Jane Flanagan said...

I adore this post... and I feel the same way about colder weather. It wakes me up head to toe. My sleeps are deeper and I wake up wide awake. So invigorating after sluggish summer.

Anonymous said...

Who is the girl in the picture?

Ann Marie said...

the girl in the picture is a friend of mine ;)

RetreatingAndAdvancing said...

I'm totally with you. Beautiful post!