This time of year can really drag a gal down, can’t it? Even perennially sunny souls such as myself can feel the doldrums set in with alarming speed. Times like these require a bit of pampering, a bit of whistling into the wind, and a reminder to focus on the blue sky instead of the ice. This week I am joining Modern Mrs. Darcy {Don’t you just love that Jane Austen reference? Me too} in focusing on the little things that just make life more fun, in the midst of the winter.
1. Soup, soup, and more soup! I do have to feel a little sad for all the gals and gents that live in tropical climates this time of year. When do they ever feel the urge to make soup? They just bask on the beach all the time, and they never know what it feels like to revel in a hot bowl of soup. Poor souls. Warrior Man has a knack for throwing together a bunch of seemingly random ingredients, and emerging with an incredibly good bowl of soup. He’s cool like that.
2. A pile of good books. Even in the middle of tests, rehearsals, and the like this year I am making book reading a priority. Right now I am devouring Jesus Feminist, The Accidental Creative, and Committed. Even just a couple chapters a day help me feel more grounded.
3. Wrestling tournaments. Almost every other weekend I get to pack my camera, print off a Google Maps, and speed away to another town to watch my Fella wrestle. These little day trips are so much fun, and just refreshing to see somewhere new.
4. Homemade guacamole. Just recently I have started making this delicious dip pretty regularly, and I just love it. Any recipe that involves cilantro, lime, tomato, and avocado is a winner with me.
5. Reading great blogs like When at Home, Gracelaced, Vomiting Chicken, and Second Breakfast.
6. Writing Free Form Poems in my Math Class. I do try to pay attention, but the utter monotony of this class makes my creativity skyrocket. Here is my latest poem written in the midst of “Math in the Real World”. Don’t Laugh.
My Car on the Icy Roads
By A Creative Soul Imprisoned in a Math Class
A frail old woman with cloudy eyes.
Slowly shuffling across the ice.
Stretching her foot out in search of safety.
Every step, anxiety ridden.
You’ve made winter days enjoyable. There’s merit in the things you mention. But, oh boy, I’d rather be walking along the beach in a younger body with the sun warming me–if I had my wish (which of course won’t happen.)
Ah, Francene, I too wish I was walking on some shell-encrusted beach somewhere. Sigh. In lieu of that, I guess I will take small comfort in my cup of hot tea, and cozy blanket. Small pleasures are what keeps me going. š
Visiting from Modern Mrs. Darcy’s link-up.
I agree with soups and stews and books. Was intrigued by “The Accidental Creative”, which is a new title for me. I look forward to checking it out!
Jen at ymjen.com
I hope you enjoy it, Jen! I have been gleaning quite a lot of inspiration from that energizing little orange book. Enjoy!
I agree! This time of year can drag just a bit. Luckily the last few days were nice enough to take the kids and dogs out without freezing. Only a month or two til thi passes! š
Only a month or two! When I read those words, Ashley, I just heaved a big ol’ sigh of longing. š A few nice days do lift the spirits quite a bit.
I remember much creativity going on in my own math classes. My poor math teacher really didn’t have a chance to keeping my attention, once I started doodling on my notes. I love your poem. I think it’s about me.
Math class just seems to beget creativity in the artistically fertile mind. You can quote me on that one. š The poem was about my car, silly, but I can write one about you: “She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes…” Okay, well perhaps I stole a bit from Byron, but it sounds like you. š
I’m checking out those books and blogs right now!
They are all so good, Beth! Hope you enjoy them.
I’ve also made a lot of homemade soups and stews this winter! It’s been a fun experiment!
Soups are just the best, Taylor. Glad you, too, are enjoying them this winter!