Everyday Living

Winter Musings

~ Winter

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90:12‬ ‭

Happy Thursday sweet friends!  I sure hope you all are staying warm…brrr!  Here in northeast Alabama, we have the privilege of experiencing a good dose of all four seasons, and lately we’ve been in the thick of winter.   The below freezing temps, cold rain, and dreary skies leave some people eager for spring to come, but I actually enjoy winter and its unique beauty. I love cold days at home with no agenda.  Just give me a steaming mug of Italian roast coffee, a cozy fire, and a good book and I’m all set!  Or maybe a pot of vegetable soup simmering on the stove, playing dolls with Ella Mae, and a cup of hot chocolate with caramel and whipped cream…ah, bliss!

Today, in the spirit of all things winter, I decided to share a few scenes from the archives…I hope you enjoy today’s Winter Musings!

Winter Sunrise Another reason to love winter is beautiful sunrises over our back pasture!

We don’t often see snow, but it is an event when we do. The snowfall was beautiful on the old train trestle crossing the Coosa River!

“How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!”
-Thomas Wentworth Higginson, minister

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again”
-Lewis Carroll, author

A snowy scene from my dining room window!

It seems the architecture of the sugar maples is accentuated with the morning fog!

A cozy spot at Blackberry Farm to look upon the beauty of freshly fallen snow!

“Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow”
-Robert Frost

“Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude”
-William Shakespeare

“and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.”
‭‭ -The Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:6‬ ‭

Our rose arbor before there was a garden!

 “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago”
-Christina Rossetti

“One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;
The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens”

I love this photo by My Renaissance Man of a rare snow in December!

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: It is the time for home.”
Edith Sitwell, poet

Thank you for visiting with me on a winter’s day. What are your thoughts about winter, I would love to know?!

 Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner, Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,  Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats Eclectic Red Barn, Love Of Home, My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage, Rustic & Refined, The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, Me and My Captain, The Dedicated House, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country

Comments

  1. I’m not keen on Winter as I really feel the cold. Only last year did I read that redheads feel the cold more! At least I’m not strange!
    Spectacular photos, Pam. Tomorrow will be 43 c here, they said (109f).

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  2. Spectacular pictures!They remind me that God wants us to take time for renewal and rest just as nature does. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. The snow brings pretty pictures. That scene outside your dining room window was a beautiful Winter Wonderland!

    Wish the cold would be less severe in some places.

    Since living in Arizona… my blood has thinned… I like the warm and maybe a few chilly days. Just so I can make soup and turn the fireplace on!

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  4. Your photos were magical, Pam, and the quotations are lovely. The snow laden pine boughs are frame worthy. We are lucky to enjoy all 4 seasons here in Upstate SC. I personally enjoy winter…a break from mowing grass in 95 degree heat and 100% humidity for starters! Yesterday was my perfect winter day…no place to be, chores done, stacks of books and decorating magazines, a fire, hot chocolate, and my beloved Rosie the dachshund snuggled under the blanket with me. Life is good, and I am very blessed.

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  5. Oh, wow, your rose arbor before the garden! And that photo Butch took of the pines – lovely! It is snowing here this morning (Indra), and I must admit, though I love having all four seasons here in WV, I much prefer to GO to the snow rather than have it come to me!

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  6. Well, if I’d taken that photo from your dining room window I would have it enlarged to 16 by 20 on canvas and hanging. It’s stunning, a really beautiful shot. And so, too, are the pine needles, which I would immediately print for my 2019 Christmas card and be done with it. Or as an invitation to your next holiday soiree. Honestly, these are gorgeous.

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  7. Beautiful photos. I am not a fan of winter, but it really makes me appreciate the rest of the seasons!

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  9. Since I don’t get the winter weather down here in Florida, I am loving your photos of freshly fallen snow, especially that shot of the snow on the pine boughs. It is amazing to see your arbor before the garden was there, I am used to gazing upon your lovely garden! Lovely, lovely!

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  10. Gorgeous photos Pam! The scene from your dining room looks so serene as does the view thru the pine boughs. The snowy train tracks remind me of times long ago when people rode the trains home for the holidays. All of these snow scenes would make beautiful framed pictures to display during the winter months. Wishing you a happy winter day! Clara

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  12. One reason I love living in WNC is the different seasons. I have to admit this has been a really cold week or so but we put on the fireplace in the morning and night. We check on our birds. Bob is so faithful to keep them full. I love to see the bones of the large oaks. I love the falling snow and how thrilled children are to play in the snow. Your post lends a new appreciation to this season. Marvelous photos and words to match every scene. I am anxious, however, to get in my garden and hope some of my treasured transplants have survived. Have a blessed day!

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  13. I have been moping and complaining all winter, really letting the weather depress my mood, but this post has completely changed my thoughts! Really Pam, you are always looking on the bright side, and I usually am too, but somehow I have let winter get to me, but no more!! As I looked at your incredibly gorgeous winter photos, and read the great quotes, my heart filled with gratitude and wonder…You have truly lifted my spirits! I am going to pin this post to my courage board so I can read it whenever I need a boost! I do love to stay home on nasty days and do cozy things…I do appreciate that we do enjoy the 4 seasons, so I will be trying harder 🙂
    Jenna

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    • Jenna, you are most positive my friend. You have shown grace and beauty as you have walked through very hard times. You are a blessing as you inspire me with your talents and gifts. The sun is brightly shining today and we will enjoy it!?

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  14. Pam, I love reading your blogs, it brings a joy to my day. I remember when I got to attend your women’s sunday school classes at The Gathering for a season, and reading your words, you come to life in my life again. What a joy to be able to feel like I’m right next to you soaking up your friendship, perspective, and wisdom. You have a gift in writing and helping people feel the warmth and beauty in life. I’m grateful to the Lord I had the honour of meeting you and now still staying connected through your blog. You are a delight, truly.

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    • Kelli, thank you so much for your sweet and thoughtful comments. I feel honored that we met and connected because of our relationship with our Lord. You are special to me and your kind and gentle heart will always be remembered. Much love to you?

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  15. I always enjoy your photos pam and thee quotes are perfect too. The temp here in Florida is 72 and raining which is about as close to a “Wintry” Day as we will get….but it is put on a pot of soup worthy and curl up with a good book.

    alas, I will be preparing for a meeting this afternoon as I chair a “Joy in the Journey” Ladies day-long retreat for our church, coming up in late Feb. Details Details Details but we are hoping to reach out to not only our ladies but our surrounding neighborhoods and other churches. I have been having monthly meetings since last June, but now that the date is getting closer, we are meeting weekly. Pray for our outreach please. There are so many hurting and needing Jesus.
    Hugs my friend

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  16. Thank you for this post with the beautiful winter pics. I have always been drawn to winter scenes in pictures. I live in Maryland and we can have some crazy winter weather with the Nor’Easters coming up the coast. So far this year it has been a roller coaster with not much snow but we still have a couple of months of potential winter weather to go. I don’t mind winter. I love the seasons. I don’t necessarily like it when it gets really cold down in the single digits and teens but it does not last long. I love to go out on a cold, crisp day where the air is so clean and the skies are so blue and clear. Winter is definitely a season that not many like but it has it’s own unique beauty and before you know it, the earth is in bloom again. 🙂

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  17. Fabulous winter pictures…Here is too hot…But I don’t know if I would survive in your Winter!I have never seen snow so I wish I could see it some day…Hugs,dear Pam!

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  18. I enjoy each season for her various offerings …
    Winter is a time for renewal , reflection , quiet and solitude . It is the season that reminds us not to “rush” through the hours . Winter is a perfect “excuse” for either relaxation or completing some of those indoor household projects .
    I love a significant snowfall ( or two or three ! ) .
    Neighbors seem to be more helpful to one another after a snowstorm , coming forth with their snow shovels and snow blowers .
    Soup simmering on the stove , baking scones , fires or candles aglow , books to read , afternoon tea,a soft kitty next me… just a few of my favorite things !
    I was a nurse for 43 years and I am now retired .
    For all those years , winter storms were never an excuse to take a “snow day” . Perhaps this is another reason why I do enjoy winter .
    To me , there is unique beauty in each of the 4 seasons !

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  22. Do you know what I love most about winter? It is the stillness. Even though life goes on, it just seems that there is a quiet, serenity about the hush of snow, and we tend to stay indoors more and just breathe. Fall used to be my favorite season, then somewhere along the line, I learned to love the calm of winter even more. All four seasons have their own unique beauty, but winter’s quiet calls to me most. I LOVE your amazing photos and the Scriptures and quotes were just so heartwarming on this cold, wintry day! Sending love, gratitude, and hugs your way, sweet friend. 🙂

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  23. Beautiful winter musings Pam! I enjoy our four seasons too and our occasional snowfall when I don’t have to venture out in it. We’re enjoying our first rain-free weekend in what seems like forever. I have to admit I much prefer cold sunny day than a gray one. Happy Weekend ♥

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  24. It is a positive attitude that helps us endure those gray days. Like you I can always find something to do, but I don’t want too many dreary days in a row.

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  26. Wow!! Absolutely beautiful photos and beautiful quotes! They make winter much better. 🙂
    #celebrateyourstorylinkup

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