Bright Spots in a Bleak Winter

We had a little discussion over on the February Frugals that inspired me to start a separate thread. This winter has been hard, I think on a lot of people. Just so much snow to schlep and so much dirt and ick.

So I am challenging myself to find the bright spots.

Today? Our doggy will get to play with his aunts and uncles at my parents house. I am not going to worry about my eating and eat what I want today because tomorrow is my first ski event.

Will be trying to notice more.

Will you play, too?

I myself am not involved with any outdoor sports of any kind, so bright spots for me (throughout the winter months) begin with brighter and longer days. (Over the course of November through to January, it's quite overcast, sunny days are few and far between).

From there it progresses to less snow being on the ground and by the first/second week in March, spring has usually sprung leading me outside to extend a welcome to the new harvest and growing season. A time for me to get gardening again, planting, and enjoying all the sights and sounds that surround the season of new life.

I have been sick since December 23 - nothing major, just one cold after another. That's not the bright spot, btw. :)

My family has been enjoying the snow this winter and I have no personal complaints about the weather this year, but as the bright spot I will pick that I returned to my love of reading. With all my sick days this winter, I rediscovered the fun of being lost in a book for hours and hours and craving to return to the book when I leave it. I've always loved reading, but in the past few years almost all of my reading has been with or for the kids. To indulge in books on my own....what a bright spot.

I posted this on the frugal forum but I'll post it here too. Zach brought me roses.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60...sprocessed.jpg

Yellow roses - my favorite rose color! Beautiful Stella.
I have to agree with Mrs M - yesterday when I realized it was 5:30 and no where near dark I perked right up, even though we got 6" of snow. Just the thought of longer days warmed me to the bone.

Another bright spot I thought of. This morning all of their own accord Cheyenne and Bella picked up the living room and mopped the entryway. After that Cheyenne read a book out loud to Bella and then they played two math games with dice. Now Cheyenne has asked me to teach her how to make macaroni and cheese. She's really interested in learning to cook. I really enjoy watching them be so proactive about the cleaning and so interested in learning.

A bright spot for me is that my cats stay inside more and cuddle up with me. I get such pleasure out of just hugging and kissing our big white Billy and our delicate little Zella. When they purr in my ear I feel pure delight. Winter makes them hang around with me more and for that I am grateful. In the summer I hardly see them from sun up to sun down.

I agree with the lengthening of the days and purring kitties. Definitely bright spots! I love being able to sit by a fire in the winter too.

Just knowing that we are passing the halfway point of winter gave me a huge psychological boost this morning. :)

James finally went down for a nap and I got a much needed bath and shower. Before I had finished brushing my hair my friend showed up at the door with her daughter to deliver Girl Scout Cookies and invited my girls over to play. So now I am kid free with three fresh boxes of Girl Scout Cookies and a cup of Good Earth tea.