Monday, February 6, 2017

The Whispers of Winter

Breezy and Deanie having a walk on
 the beach on a winter's day in 1989. 
If I asked you what your favorite days look like, what would you say? I imagine most people will respond with something akin to the bright sunny days of spring or summer. Maybe some will say that a fall day is best and I would agree with them if fall was like it used to be with vibrant colors and cool temps but, around here, the colors are always the same and the temps are almost always hot. Except in winter which is why I love the dreary, foggy, cold days of winter.

After a day or two or more of those drab days, sunny days are always brighter and I appreciate them more. But the drab, gray winter days? Those are the ones in which I find solace and I look forward to them every year. Maybe it's because we have an overabundance of those bright, sunny days that cause me to shield my eyes from blindness and sit inside to avoid the sweltering heat. Drab, gray winter days allow me to sit in front of a fire with warm, soft, snuggly clothing and a soft blanket. They make a steaming hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate completely comforting, inviting, and appreciated. They allow me to reflect on whatever comes to mind or give me time to get lost in a good book.

Drab, winter days make everything seem quiet and I like quiet. It has to be quiet during winter in case snow comes so you can hear it fall. Streams are calm and smooth and reflect the beauty of the wildlife that happens by for an icy drink. The moon and the stars shine brighter and the sun offers a welcomed warmth. Winter days make things seem empty and I like empty. They are soft, like whispers. Bright, sunny days are crowded. And noisy.

A nature walk on a drab, winter day is refreshing and hides no secrets in the gray and black vastness. The gray, black, and white of winter are far more dramatic than the colors of spring and summer and it makes the red of the cardinals pop. Plus, in winter, I don't have to squint. I can breathe. I have energy. I don't break into a sweat just walking out onto the front porch. Even the beach is more beautiful on a drab winter day.

The wind, even when it blows strong, sounds like whispers that rise and fall depending on the depth of the tale being told. Add the sound of the surf (if the wind is just right I can hear it from my bedroom windows) and the foghorns if there's any wonderfully mysterious fog and you've got my absolute favorite kind of night or early morning.

If it weren't for fall and winter, I think I'd stay inside year 'round.

Of course, now the winter days are whispering in my ear reminding me how quickly time flies by and how days gone, are gone. But they also remind me that I have my memories and how they are sufficient to keep me warm on the inside.

And now, I'm asking: What do your favorite days look like?


14 comments:

  1. This is so beautifully written!

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  2. Pam, I love this post! My favorite kind of day is what others call a dreary day - grey, rainy (or at least foggy), damp and cool.

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    1. Wow! So you're the other one! LOL I'm so glad someone else appreciates these kinds of days. :) Thank you!

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  3. Pam, I love this post! My favorite kind of day is what others call a dreary day - grey, rainy (or at least foggy), damp and cool.

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  4. Nice post Pam. My favorite kind of days around here in the winter are the bright blue skies and sunshine. I don't like cold, but I like cool, sweater or sweatshirt weather the best.

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    1. Thank you! That's what we have around here most winter days. I like the cold but I do believe there is such a thing as too cold. Like below zero. What does that even mean? LOL There is so much sunshine most of the year here that I just really love the drab, gray days. :)

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  5. I recall walking in the rain and enjoying it. Not something I seek out though. I think you like your mild type winter but would not enjoy a tough winter day with snow whipping across a frozen path.

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    1. I doubt I would care for a harsh winter either. There is such a thing as too cold.

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  6. I love the in between days when it isn't hot nor cold but just nice

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    1. My grandmother loved those days, too. They are nice, but we don't get many of them.

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  7. Very nice Pam. I think my favorite has to be what season I am in at the time. I think in winter, I love winter best, then spring comes and I think the same thing. So I guess I like them each in their season. Even summer is good because I do stay outside. I have enjoyed this year very much. I think each one passes too fast. I try not to look back. Very beautiful post and beautifully written.

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    1. I'm glad you like them all. I wish I did. But it's so dang hot here all the time and I let that ruin it for me. Hot and I are not friends. LOL Looking back is something I am working on not doing anymore. Those days are gone and there's no getting them back. Sigh. Thank you, Kim!

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  8. Winter can get very drab here in Michigan. This winter has been different -today it was near 70 believe it or not. We had beautiful sunshine. Makes me want to hang clothes! I love winter to a point though and your post was just beautiful. It's a more laid back time of year.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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