Winter Dreaming of Spring Days

January typically finds me in my loungewear thinking, writing, and planning. Those cable knit sweater pants and top are quite comfy for the brainstorming after the holiday formality. The landscape around us is in a deep sleep inspiring plenty of winter dreaming of Spring days ahead. Dark, sleepy mornings also provide quiet moments to daydream of golden days and pastel flowers. Gazing out the window at a snowy landscape and knowing that the land is resting before it slowly blossoms open is a comforting thing. It is a perfect analogy of why it is important for us to sleep and rest and dream. And spending time in January to rest in contemplative thought and rejuvenate becomes the foundation for a beautiful year ahead.

Winter Dreaming of Spring Days

And while the big thoughts on life go through my head there are also big gardening dreams this year. The new garden at Hidden Bluff will be our biggest yet at our “adult house” with gardens out back, the side, and front of the house. I have drawn colorful maps and spent hours researching plants and seeds. When the weather allows, I head outside to do early prep. Visions of double peach hollyhocks visit my mind daily in winter dreaming. I picture them in the backdrop of a bird bath from a local artisan in the Secret Garden. This is the first yard we will have full sun in, so the opportunities for plants new to us are exciting! Daydreams of eating crimson watermelon and corn from our garden feed this enthusiasm. My husband is catching the fever as he comes out to help prep things.

And while all of this is going on it occurs to me that relationships are much like gardens. When tended and invested in they yield beautiful results. Setbacks can and do occur in the garden. You will have to deal with weeds that like to choke the life out of plants. And maybe original plans changed, but how about letting that lead to something better as opposed to bemoaning it? Or maybe the plant you thought you hated suddenly inspires you. Obviously, I wish the times were better; however, they are teaching me to embrace the imperfectness of others because I am also imperfect. And how about being transparent and kinder because I need plenty of grace myself. Am I allowing myself to adapt with life or digging in? There is a time for both in this beautiful garden of relationships.

Being present has also taken new priority as a new journal graces my desk. Spying it in a local home goods store I was inspired to buy it. The new journal has weekly exercises on how to be in the moment which are productive. Goal setting is something important in my life and this year a couple of huge goals set 5 years ago were achieved. However, it is easy to get caught up in achieving them and not enjoying the moment. Living each moment with gratitude to the Lord is a priority.

In my book picks this month is the autobiography of a Holocaust survivor. Her optimism and compassion in the middle of the horror are just amazing as she emphasizes the choices we have. With this inspiration I head into 2022 with the best of intentions, unbridled enthusiasm, and lots of dreams knowing it is a choice how to face the things that come daily in our life garden. And with that best wishes to you all for an amazing 2022!

Have a beautiful day!