Tuesday, November 24, 2009

This Time of Year

I've really noticed the darkness this year. It seems more intense than I remember. Last year was colder, but brighter. I think I prefer that. And the snow we had lighted the landscape beautifully. Now, lights are on in the house all day long. On Sunday afternoon I walked downstairs and noticed sunlight on the stairway and my heart gave a leap. I could feel my spirits instantly rise. Alas, the sunshine slipped away within 15 minutes, but it was energizing while here.

I can't dispel the darkness of this season, and I'm tired of moaning about all the dampness and rain. There's a month before the winter solstice and the return of the light. So, instead, I've made up my mind to take a more positive outlook on it. Here are some of my ideas:

- Rather than call them dreary, I'll take a romantic tack and call these days "full of half-light," "misty," "ethereal," or "Wuthering Height-ish."
- While walking I'll pretend I'm a Bronte walking on the moors
- I'll light candles at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and while reading, sewing, or knitting
- Gratitude for a warm house, clothes and food to eat will be part of everyday's consciousness
- I'll admire the sculptural quality of bare branches against a grey sky
- I'll be thankful that I don't have to wear sunscreen (and I'll take Vitamin D regularly)

Do you have any ideas for coping with the darkness of this time of year? I'd love to hear them.
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9 comments:

  1. Lorrie what a breathtaking reflective post of the season...and how we should all embrace it Victorially

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  2. I particularly liked the idea of pretending I'm a Bronte. It's even given me a reason to go out walking! I don't have a problem with the dark days. I actually take pleasure in 'batting down the hatches', fluffing up the quilts and generally making sure the house is cozy for the family. Of course, this attitude changes after Christmas! xx

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  3. Beautiful post,your thoughts are so uplifting.I can't think of anything better than candles & gratitude.
    Maggie

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  4. The Swedes surround themselves with light pastel colors to combat the darkness.

    Perhaps we can work out a deal with Mother Nature as I long for just one overcast day. The grass is always greener...

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  5. It's the same here . Dark ! The weather is changet I think . In the old times winter came on Nowember . Not eny more .
    Let's enjoy this time . Feel cousy .

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  6. I like your idea of lighting candles... the soft glow emanating through the house just says warmth to me. I am like you, so I am always looking for ways to bring more light into my home. I feel like candles or turning on softer lamp lights makes it feel warm and cozy inside while dark and gray out.

    Blessings,
    Christi

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  7. Lorrie, I love the way you think! So wise of you to know that all that's needed is a shift of focus (I think the media calls it "spin") and a dose of pro-activity!!

    Twilight time is one of my favorite times of day and you are now blessed with it all day long!! It seems that I always get some of my best ideas during twilight. It jogs my memory and often I pull up odd bits of thought...in fact...you have me thinking now of that Longfellow poem:

    "Between the dark and the daylight,

    when the night is beginning to lower,

    comes a pause in the day's occupations,

    known as the Children's Hour...."

    But I digress. :)

    Your candles are a wonderful solution and, if you're like me, you probably send up a quick prayer each time you light one!!

    Thank you for the thought provoking post. I am wishing you much love and light...metaphorically AND literally speaking.

    Blessings and good thoughts from...
    Tracey.xox

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  8. Hi Lorrie,
    Sending you sunny thoughts for a happy dark evening!
    xox
    Constance

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  9. I'll bet that using those terms to describe the light will help! So will the candles. Good luck with the blues, I sure understand, I'm a sunlight lover too!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    Karla

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