January Quiet

10 AM on January 2, East Sooke Park, walking towards the water

Is any month more conducive to dreaming than January? The earth tilts ever so slowly towards the sun; cold settles deep into the land. Life is centered indoors, where fires glow and soups and stews provide sustaining warmth.  

Moss drips from the trees against a tangle of rocks and driftwood along the shore - East Sooke Park

Gardeners dream of colour and make long lists from the seed catalogues. Travelers begin thinking of trips to take. It's a good month to consider home improvements. Considering takes time and thought, not energy, and I enjoy the considering after a day of teaching. 

Arbutus tree bark detail 

After the rush of December, this month is ideal for delving into new interests - a photography course, writing down family stories, learning upholstery, starting ( or picking up again) a new embroidery or knitting project. I'm currently working on sewing a shirt.

Detail from moss/lichen/fern growth on a rock

I like to read recipe books in the evening and consider what I might make in the next week or two - a chicken pot pie, a fresh salad, or perhaps a vanilla cake with whipped cream. 

After the Christmas decor is boxed away for another year, the house can benefit by changing things up a little. Today, the paper whites are blooming on the mantel, tall and fragrant, flanked by tea lights set into vases with sea glass.

Looking westward from Beechy Head in East Sooke Park

Not all of January is white and grey. When the sun burns through the clouds, invigorating colour appears. I feel more energetic and am glad to bundle up and go for a walk or hike. 

Tea on a rock at Beechy Head, East Sooke Park

And always, there is tea, indoors or out. Copious cups of varying flavours delight my taste buds.  

In January, my heart is warm from the glow of Christmas, and I welcome the quiet. January is a month for thinking and pondering, providing moments of peace in which to plan for the months ahead.  

How will you make the most of January days?

Linking to No Place Like Home, hosted by Sandi.  

Gathering the Moments: January

I'm linking today to Cheryl at Thinking about Home.

Gathering the moments of January. Much can happen in a month. Family dinners, play time with the grand girlies, brisk walks, quiet times with books and tea. And always, noticing the light. Was today a little longer and brighter than yesterday? Day by day the earth tilts, slowly, ever so slowly. 

The first robin. Sunlight slanting across the floor. Garlic putting out long green stems. Broccoli slowly growing. Hyacinth's sweet scent as I walk by the fireplace mantel. Warming soups. Cozy throws. A little sewing. A baby shower. 

Looking back.

Looking forward. A meet-up with local bloggers for tea. The appearance of a new grandchild. Valentine's Day. These are things I anticipate in February. There will many unplanned occurrences along the way. Gather the moments.