W I N T E R I N G

The contrasts in life help me clarify my thoughts, feelings, and direction as I move forward. For me, going from the excitement and busyness of December to the calm and tranquility of January is a good example. January forces you to slow down, with shorter days, winter weather, and typically fewer events during the month.

I have been spending this month fully embracing the power that “Wintering” offers.

In my creative practice this year I started by reviewing all the paintings I did last year and examining each for its strength. What is there to learn as I move forward? That prompted me to mix up some new colors and paint some small color studies (above) that, in turn, have led to starting bigger paintings. The slower pace of January allows time for new ideas. I often find that some of my best ideas actually come when I’m not in the studio.

Also, I love to feed my soul in a literal way by trying new recipes and preparing many of our favorite hearty dishes. I have also found that one candle lit for dinner can make any meal feel elevated. And, I don’t do dry January; I feel bourbon was specially made for the winter months.

Because of the shorter days, we find ourselves heading up to bed early with our latest stack of books. When my son was a little boy, he would be at the foot of our bed with his pile of books. All of us would read together, keeping warm with lots of extra blankets.

We had a wonderful surprise last Sunday when we woke up to a beautiful snow-covered yard. Thick snowflakes were still falling when I went out to take photos and enjoy the quietness that the blanket of snow brings.

I hope this month has given you time for some self-reflection, allowing new thoughts and ideas to germinate for the spring.