I took my own advice. I put on my boots. I went outside. I also brought a wool throw and a tray of tea. It was 20 degrees with fresh powder on the ground and a bright blue sky overhead. A sunny spot out by the pines looked just right for settling in. I was glad I had taken an extra moment to make it special. A little lace... a few blossoms. I'm worth it, I reminded myself. Time is scarce for each of us, I've never known this to be more true. But care for our souls is essential. Feeling that we are deserving of this should be the goal, shouldn't it?
Sitting with my hot tea, I listened to the crows. I heard the snow falling off heavy branches. A cardinal swooped by in a crimson streak. A cow lowed in the distance from my neighbor's farm.
And there was silence. And sipping. And quiet. Thoughts landed momentarily before flitting off like the winter birds. Answers came to little things that had been tickling at the back of my mind. A solution to something bigger was found. In the silence.
I put them to paper. Several pages filled up easily. And I was grateful I had remembered my pen.
And this I wrote for you. Because I can't be the only one that needs and deserves some peace now and then.
Will you give yourself the gift of a little solitude some time soon? This weekend would be good, you know. Can you make sure it's outside without any walls or ceilings to box your thoughts into the usual circles they travel in? Perhaps with a tray of tea...
{special thanks to
Lis who lovingly knit me a new pair of woolen wristies just in time for the snow!}
perfect.
ReplyDeleteDear Maya! I admire you for actually doing it, not letting such a nice idea flutter by like one often is persuaded by reason, continuing known paths and tasks.
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully you gave yourself a special time! And how we all are rewarded with beautiful words and ideas from you! Way to go =)
I'm trying so hard to keep my eyes open to possibilities in each moment this year. a little goal of mine. thank you for recognizing it, aniger.
DeleteBeautiful. You've inspired me. Just as soon as I kick this wicked bug.
ReplyDeletefeel better... snowy picnics await you!
DeleteSuch lovely images and thoughts. You are right that we all need to take a little quiet time, done beautifully, just for ourselves. Thank you for the inspiration. We may not have snow here in SoCal, but it is still a gorgeous day outside, and I should be enjoying it.
ReplyDeletehope you made it out!
DeleteMe encantan las imágenes,
ReplyDeletela nieve es preciosa, aquí en mi país hay nieve, pero en el norte de AFrica donde vivo, no hay, al contrario, más bien viento y calor!
muchas gracias espe!
DeleteThe next thing you might like to whip up? Methinks it should be a lovely woolly tea cosy :-)
ReplyDeleteme thinks you may be right!
DeleteOh, Maya. Such a wonderful idea - an outdoor winter tea party. For one. There's something about being outside with snow on the ground on a sunny day. Magical. Peaceful. Thanks for sharing your outing with us!
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos
ReplyDeleteSo very very calming. And yes, this past year I learned that our life is short, it is precious & the unexpected can happen. Because of this it so important to take the time to be still, to listen to the silence. To slow down & truly focus on what's important: you & those you love because everything else doesn't really matter.
ReplyDelete¡exactamente! xxx
DeleteHow i wish i was in that sparkly beautiful snow with you! So happy someone has snow i keep doing a snow dance out here ... ours has all melted! :(
ReplyDeleteand i love knowing your wrists/hands are warm ... they are encircled in much love and gratitude for the gifts of your beautiful self. xo
This was lovely. Somehow I always thought that if you drink tea outside in winter it has to be in a thermos. Thank you for the pictures and thoughts.
ReplyDeletea teapot kept it hot for two cups worth!
DeleteTea in the snow-that's a great idea! I think just as important as time for yourself is time away from anything everyday and "normal". Tea in the snow just isn't an everyday thing, and I think it opens up the creativity, to do something funky like that.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful. Great idea too! So important. I love the design/inspiration on the notebook. Any of this design going to turn up in your store?
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,Karen.
I'll keep that in mind for my next update- thanks for asking.
Deletei really love and appreciate this post maya. i'm so happy you found some peace in the quiet of winter. thanks for the inspiration, invitation, and permission for a little "me time" in the great outdooors!
ReplyDeletea common theme but you've taken it up a notch with your braving the chill. how DID you keep your bum warm?
ReplyDeletelove your photos...and the reminder for 'me time'.
thank you, thank you.
my bum stayed toasty because two layers of wool and a long down coat were between it and the snow. Wool stays dry as well as insulates so it's your best bet for a winter picnic blanket.
Deletethank you! that was great.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, just found your blog, what a lovely spot :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post! Although I'm in a very different place in life, so much of what I've read in your blog (I just found it today) has resonated with me, especially this post. The need for silence in nature, the need to be outside with the expansive sky above your head instead of ceilings (or for me, even the buildings of the city) that seem to mentally cause so much to be trapped within. Thank you for sharing, even through the difficult times :)
ReplyDelete