February is a short month. Some think not short enough. I did catch the humor in something I saw posted on FB today:
"February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March."
Dr. J. R. Stockton
It made me curious about the author, and so I googled the name and turned up nothing. Anybody know? I guess I wanted to know more about who would write such a negative truism while hoping the sentiment wouldn't really be true for me.
I have never liked waiting for things to happen. And I don't like the concept of merely filling time. February will be short enough. I can see to the end of it already by what I have penciled in on my calendar. As usual there won't be enough days in the weeks.
But I need some real inspiration to balance out the second half of winter and to embrace the negative elements of a too long season.
Luckily I found a bit of it. . . .
". . . Under the hard and bitter rind of winter, there is much loveliness. The white mystery of snow is a splendid thing, all the landscape is muted to deep silver laced with blue shadows. The meadow is a sea of pearl with scattered dark masts of briar riding the foam. The apple orchards pattern the sky with dry-point precision. The cool clean smell of snow is in the air, a special fragrance known only to winter country.
The sounds are fine too. . . The laughter of children making snowmen, . . . The crackle of applewood in the fireplace. The feathery sound of snow shifting from the pine branches in the woods.
Yes, there is much to be said for winter. If one looks directly for its beauty."
Gladys Tabor, The Book of Stillmeadow
So my task for the new month?
Searching for beauty.
And possibly some children actually playing. Outside.
I may have my work cut out for me...
(I hope that's not being too negative!! Ah, me...)
Welcome to February!
Jacqueline
One of my favorite things about New Mexico was the garden walls and gates like the one you've shown. Definitely you've found some pretty sights for Feb so far.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images and those words are wonderful ones, ones that I should remember in our world of white and cold!
ReplyDeleteA very nice passage by Ms. Tabor... Beauty is always there, it just depends on our point of view or, if you prefer the old cliche, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have to remember this when looking for beauty amid the beige, rocky, green-less desert of the Sonoran in the middle of a too long stretch of summer.
ReplyDeleteLove the quote...Stillmeadow is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteLove The Book of Stillmeadow and Gladys Tabor. This is a lovely post, Jacqueline. I am one of those rare birds who actually enjoys winter. Actually, it is never quite long enough for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sandra above. I too enjoy the winter. I enjoy having all four seasons in NJ. They all have beauty for different reasons and I like having the chance to enjoy them all even if I'm more fall/winter girl.
ReplyDeleteWe are all in hurry for the next.....
Slow down and enjoy life I say
Cindy
I love February as part of winter, one of my two favorite seasons...and it contains Valentine's Day! What is there not to like? Thanks for the quote from Ms. Tabor. I had not thought of her for decades. I think I had one of her gardening books at one time. Enjoyed your lovely photos.
ReplyDelete: ) Thank you dear Jacqueline~ Lets look for the blessings in each and every season; remembering that too short a Winter would not provide the moisture many of our western states need <3 (I am a Summer girl at heart, but I do know better than to wish the Winter away! : ) I appreciate your beautiful photo's and, your wisdom~ Hugs, karen o
ReplyDeleteThere is beauty everywhere----sometimes it takes a camera to force you to 'SEE' it. I need to go outside, if we finally have some decent temperatures....love your photos!
ReplyDeleteAnd you even have some snow. I would like just a small amount for a couple days, it is just so cozy. Love Gladys Tabor and have that book. What a lovely quote.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeletePerfectly stated!
Just this morning, the fog has frozen and the view from the patio doors is beautifully etched in a crystallizing of white.
Lovely photography!
May February be filled with beauty through your lens.
Pat
I showed Steve the second pic of the wall and gate and asked him if he could tell where you lived. He guessed Santa Fe, one of his favorite cities. We just love the fences, gates and houses.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to read someone in the same boat as me! I'm starting to wonder if winter will last as long as I need it to, to get this never ending list accomplished :) Such good advice to hear today. We are the only ones that can create the joy in our lives and see the beauty in the ordinary!
ReplyDeletesending hugs dear Jacqueline...
I am one of those that likes February to come and go quickly. I am a summer girl and love to see the beauty in life growing and the warmth. I cannot wait for March and the hopes of an early Spring. Life to begin again and all the dead things coming back to life. I guess it is all in how you look at these days. The snow does make things pretty and covers all the dead but the lack of sun in these months is hard for me. I am so glad you embrace the snow and beauty of winter. I wish I could be more like that. Just have the heart of summer!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week.
Hugs,
Kris