I have to hand it to you people that live in cold climates. I don’t know how on earth you do it. This is the coldest place I’ve ever lived. The longest winters. The extended gray days tell me that I will never beat the blues till I see sunshine. How do you do it?
I look for bright spots in small spaces.
So it is yet again a gray damp day. I look out the window and I see bare branches and brown grass. Not even a bird in sight.
Oh, how I yearn for warm days and sunshine and green leaves sprouting. Plants pushing gently up from the earth. I never realized till now how very much I need that to sustain me.
I beg you winter months, please pass quickly. I just want to see butterflies and birds building nests and something green again.
How do you beat the winter blues?
I understand how you feel. Southern California has been much colder than usual and we are having another weekend of rain. My grandmother was born in Norway, far north of the Arctic Circle and they have months of 24 hours darkness. I visited in summer with 24 hours of daylight. I don’t know how they do it because like you, I crave sun
Oh Brenda I know how you feel.I do live in a place that winter can be brutal.But today it is a warm 29.Yes it feel warm compared to the 0 and -18 we had a week ago.And to top it off not much sun.Although yesterday it did peek out a bit.I am longing for spring.The flowers, and the sound of those sweet birds in the morning.
xx
Anne
I hear you! Our winters are long and I envy those who have spring that starts in March! Thankfully I love crochet, sewing, embroidery and other cozy activities. That and lots of windows help make the winter bearable. In my younger days I’d spend lots of time outdoors in the winter too. Now crochet and a movie are much more exciting.
well there’s Ben and Jerry S’mores ice cream for one thing : )
You are cooped up alot due to your injury and that’s got to be so terribly hard. For me, in the winter, it is going OUT ..to work etc on bad roads that I don’t like. To be IN the house is what I like the most in the winter….I like the interior of my home the most in winter. Summer is too hot as I cannot have whole house air. I am sewing some different things, I have some bulbs blooming, I just planted some sweet allysum seeds in a small planter and they are starting…and we have snow, which is pretty. Tomorrow morning we are to have an ice storm ugh . Hang in there Brenda spring always comes
I know what you mean. If we have extended days of cloudy rainy days, I feel the same way. The cold isn’t the problem as much as the lack of sunshine. This morning I woke up to lots of sunshine though. That makes the whole house bright! Sounds like you have SAD. I’m sure you’ve heard of that before. You may need to sit under some lights. Have you heard of that? They all it light therapy. You can google it to read more about it. That may be a good alternative until Spring rolls around. I think getting outside as much as possible (even when it’s cold) will help alot too.
Greetings from Finland. You asked how we make it through winter. I guess we are used to it, if it’s something you can get used to. Sometimes weeks without even one sight of sun. It helps to have lots of pure white snow though. And also to keep focused on summertime, then we have up to 24 hours of sunlight per one day.
You will make it!
Thank you for lovely blog I have been reading for quite some time already. But for some unknown reason never commented.
We have had six straight days of bone chilling cold, gusty winds, a couple of inches of snow that turned to ice, I don’t know how I do it. Imagination is a wonderful thing. I just keep imagining plants and flowers and birds singing and running out to do errands in capri’s and flip flops………………..sigh. Soon. Soon. xo
you don’t Brenda not in Oklahoma anyway, I too do not know how the northerners to it?? no matter what we do ………… we will always want spring to get here quicker. it is damp and drab down in southern Oklahoma as well, has been for many days now, each morning has started with Dense fog!! And stayed gray all day long.
Spring will be here before you know it, I miss East Texas!!
Brenda
I’m a Southern gal so don’t do cold well at all. But, on the flip side, the summers here are so hot that we are stuck indoors all the time and that’s when I am yearning for a change in the weather. Love your collection of pretty egg cups and all the red and white things on the wall. Are you creating these days? That sure helps me to pass the time. Best wishes, Tammy
I hear the misery in your words, but for me it is July and August when I’m miserable and yearn for fall and winter. Although as I grow older I am learning to find joy even in the dog days of summer. The winter passes too quickly for me. I hate daylight saving time and now that I’m retired I refuse to pay any attention to that abomination. I love long dark evenings to read by the fire or in bed. I love to light candles at night without them being blown about by the fans required to keep this old house cool in summer. I love to cocoon. I love hot chocolate. I love hot chili. And I love being able to wear sweaters in the house!
But for your sake I hope you get plenty of sunshine quickly!
Well, my mother always called me a Pollyanna and I always use lots of fresh flowers during the winter months to lull me into a sense of spring. Simple, but seems to work for me.
Looking at the all your wonderful red and white decor is a bright spot for me! That color combination is still a favorite of mine right now. Just think — winter’s over one-third over already!
It’s really hard. It’s been extraordinarily cold here for about a week – with pipes freezing and wind howling. It can get very depressing. I have to give myself lots of projects to do. Crochet, quilting, books from the library – today I cleaned out our bedroom closet. If I don’t have something to do, I can get depressed. Stay busy. That’s my advice.
I too long for Spring…greenery and new life…I’m ready! Love your sweet collection of egg cups!
Good advice, Claudia.. I can’t wait til warmer weather gets to Virginia.. We haven’t had a lot of snow but are supposed to have freezing rain tomorrow morning.. DO NOT like that.. Dangerous for driving..
Your pretty hoops with the red fabric and decor look so pretty.. Lots of color does help when the weather is gray, cold, damp and yucky..
We will all survive this weather and spring will get here.. We’ve just got to hold on tight !
On those dreary days, I keep the blinds closed and turn on every light in the house. I can’t go long with the dreariness, we had several straight days of it recently. Feeding the birds this winter has given me a very joyful look out the kitchen window, that’s been worth the $5 bags of food at Christmas Tree Shop. Your top red hoop in the picture is gorgeous, love it!!!
Mary
I seriously don’t know HOW I survive these cold winters. My heart certainly resides in the South and cold weather is NOT my friend- xo Diana
Brenda, here in lower Michigan we seldom see the sun during the winter months. You need some snow that really brightens things up. I don’t much care for the dead brown look either, but do enjoy the snow. The dreary days have never affected me, only when trying to do a photo shoot. Spring will be here soon, just hold on…. and I will pray for some sunlight to come your way:)
Well, usually we have weather of all types…but this week, it has been over cast and drizzling rain. It makes my house dark…we just don’t have good outdoor lighting with lots windows. If it weren’t for my porch…I’d go crazy. I go out there and drink coffee in the mornings if it’s not too cold…then come inside and sit by the wood stove to warm up.
Definitely have to stay busy!
Hang in there, I’m sure it will get better! It always does. {hugs}
Pat
Spring is coming! Spring is coming! Spring is coming! Just keep telling yourself that, OK?
Judy
Here in Portland, OR we don’t have extremely cold winters, but I do miss summer! I started taking 2,000 i.u.’s of vit. D some months ago, and I think it’s helped me stave off major winter depression. You might give it a try if you’re not already taking it. Love your collections Brenda!
what do I do to get through….Go to your blog..your decorating and crafts inspire me! I do know that sunless days do affect people…my mother would get despondent over sunless days. love your blog Brenda.
I grew up In MA and now have lived in NH since 1979 so I know about winter and the blues. The only way to beat it is get out and get some fresh air. You’ll be getting some Vit D in the process and that helps the blues tremendously. And make sure you take Vit D supplements-I feel so much better in winter since I have been taking them. So get a warm coat and a pretty hat and get out, even if it is just to sit on the front porch for 30 minutes.
I start taking Vit D in September and continue through March or April. I found if I started it that early it made a big difference in my mental health come time change and more darkness. If I started it in November it took longer to get through the “downs” I suffered. I would start now and or do something by a window where the sun comes in pretty bright and sit there for a minimum of 30 minutes. I try and get outside every day just to stand on my porch even if it isn’t sunny. I know I put my on my coat, gloves and even boots for a miniscule of time but it helps. I live on a farm so I sit on my steps or on my glider. I hope some of this helps. I so feel for you.
It’s the same way here in IL…dreary, cold, gray. Blah. I don’t even feel like going anywhere, even though when I do, I usually feel better. It’s so easy to get cabin fever. Keeping busy with projects does help, otherwise it’s too easy to sit around and feeling down.
As far as your birdies, do you have any bird feeders? I have a feeder right outside my living room window (I’m in the LR most of the time; it’s where I’m on my laptop or reading), so I have a lovely display of birds to look at all the time. The cats enjoy the view, too.
I love your little collection of egg cups. I only have one vintage one; it has a rooster on it. I’d love to find more.
Hi Brenda, Oh, I know. I feel the same way. January and February are such hard months to get through. I follow the sun around the house most days. Spring will be here before you know it. Stay happy and warm!
This the worst winter for me since I fractured the ankle in 2002…BIG SKY COUNTRY is suppose to be BIG SKY but not so in 2013…fog and cloudy days..I miss the day light saving time change…but it will return in 5 weeks…
glad I have become a blog reader and enjoy those who make wonderful uplifting ones….THANKS BRENDA FOR BEING ONE OF THEM.
I do lots of reading, blogging, and I put out bird feeders that I can watch. Without the feeders I don’t think I would see many birds. Winter does get tedious, but spring always does eventually get here. I hope your foot is healed by then so you can enjoy your garden.
Hi Brenda
So sorry to hear about your setback. I was like that last winter and did not get it completely healed until July. I still have days where I have to wear my boot. I live 900 miles straight north of Dallas/Fort Worth in Manitoba, Canada. Going through the winter Blahs is very “normal” up here. People fight it in different ways. Some save in their budget so that every year they can go south for a bit, some take Vitamin D every day, some use those broad spectrum daylight lamps, some get out every day no matter how cold it is even -40F. For me, I have a broad spectrum light that I use for stitching. I also am blessed to have my table in a bay window which faces south. Every time the sun comes out, I sit there and stitch away. If it is a nice day, I will also stand outside with a sweater on and push the sleeves up. I think that any way we can trick our thinking is great therapy. Right now I am just happy that it is only 1/2 a bazillion weeks away from spring! LoL
Hi Brenda, We live in Iowa. It is cold here in the winter. I have always lived here so know nothing else. I like the seasons. I do have a small greenhouse and that is a blessing. It is only 7 ft. by 14 ft. but it is just right for me. Messing with plants has always been something I do. Even when it was only house plants. I love planning my gardens for the coming year. Looking at seed catalogs.
I love my house. In fact yesterday was the first day out for 3 weeks. Not sick just no need to go anywhere everything I need is here. I feel blessed to have what we do.I saw those poor people living in tents since the storm sandy hit I can not imagine.
When it is really dark and gray for several days I try to cozy the house with good smells. Baking cookies, a roast in the oven or a pot on the stove with cloves and cinnamon simmering. I enjoy hand stitching and have that to do any time. I hope you heal soon and wish you sun shine everyday. judy j
Brenda, I think that your foot has also caused you to be upset and aggravated by the situation, how could it not? Pain is not a fun thing at all. I love the advice some of the ladies gave you about the Vit D. Living here in So Cal, we don’t get the severe cold, but when we have our “winters” I do enjoy them as our summers are so danged hot lately and I don’t do heat. I can tell you’re just itching to walk around the neighborhood and take some of those awesome pictures you take for us! How is the foot doing?
Hi Brenda,
I understand how the gray gloomy weather can be hard on a person. I have the same problem with January, and February. I try to each day remember that the day is a gift from God. I look outside and see bare trees and the rose bushes so sad I try to remember that they are sleeping and getting ready for a beautiful spring. Hang in there and warmer days are coming.
Suzan
Ladybug Cottage
My husband, who is a photographer, calls this twig season. He has taught me to see the beauty in the bare trees, ice on the brooks, the brilliant blue of the sky. A few years ago I made up my mind to “not mind the winter”. I stash plenty of reading, new crafts to try, and new low cal recipes. I also get dressed warmly and out the door every single day. Maybe just for a few minutes to pick up wayward leaves and twigs in the yard. Sometimes for a half hour walk if the wind isn’t howling. Seems to be working for me, I feel blessed and happy to live where we have four distinct seasons every year.
Up here in northern Minnesota, we like lots of snow. Unfortunately the last couple years we haven’t had much. I actually like the long dark winter evenings, inside by the fire, playing games or reading or crafting. I’ve lived in Hawaii, and though it was beautiful, I terribly missed the distinct seasons. Hope the sun shines soon for you!
I know how you feel, I once lived in OKC, the coldest and windiest years of my life. So glad to have moved back to Texas. Even though my winters aren’t near as long and cold, I now sit by the fire knitting or reading blogs of friends who live on sailboats in Mexico or the Caribbean. Someday….. maybe I’ll live at the beach and not have to worry about the winter blues.
I know what you mean, Brenda. Sometimes, here in Ontario, we are only holding on by our boot-straps. One thing that helps me is to keep fresh flowers in the house. I also dress warm and go for long walks. We have had such cold weather lately that it was too cold to go for walks so we grabbed some hot chocolate and went for drives in the country. Watching some good movies will pass the time, too. I am counting the days ’til Spring now.
I just blogged about January being tough!…I don’t mind the cold, I actually love winter, but cabin fever does hit everyone sometime! We all are enjoying football in our house, so it helps to have something to look forward to each week that we can gather together for. Stay warm!
Hollie
I agree. I don’t know how folks in the harsh winter areas survive. I’m sooooo glad I live in Southeast Texas. It’s been a flip-flop week here, but looking forward to cooler temps later this week. I couldn’t take day after day after day of bitter cold weather.
Although we usually have such mild, sunny winters here in Texas, this year, you’re not missing much! When it’s been sunny, it has been unusually cold. When it’s been warmer, it’s been unusually gray and gloomy. I’m with everyone else on the vitamin D, I really think a lack of it does affect our outlook on things! And I love that cute red and white display on the wall!
xo, Andrea
I know what you are saying – right now I am blaming it on the weather also. I need a serious dose of Vitamin D.
Have a great week.
Hi Brenda~It is so very easy to get depressed during the winter months..when I get to feeling this way I just go out and about and pull back all my blinds for more sunlight~put a bunch of candles together and sit back and enjoy the candlelight which I so love in the winter months!! Please feel better! Love ya! Carol
Since this is only our second, “real” winter, it’s kind of hard…there are good days, and not so good days…
But when I look out on the mounds of snow that once last summer was my garden, I know that slumbering under there are massive amounts of joyous green plants…and that makes my day go better.
I hope that you get some sunshine at the very least, it makes everything feel good.
Jen
I’m so sorry it’s hard on you, especially being cooped up more due to your ankle. Hope you pt is going well. The cold doesn’t feel real good on injuries either especially if you’re in a humid climate. I had to have both my knees replaced so I had it done close to Christmas so being cooped up and not being able to drive for few months didn’t bother me as much.
We moved from San Diego to MT a few years ago (92) in May so we had a chance to think about the upcoming winter. What was so awesome is that since we were out in country it stayed light til 11 p.m. , love, loved it. We’d go out on the boat (lived on Canyon Ferry Lake) til late just cruising around. We’d sit out on front yard and could hear cars going on highway over mile away going down the road.
The first winter was brutal, 25 below during the day, our pipes would freeze so no bathing or washing clothes til mid-day, lol . Our trailer had windows on all 3 walls in living room and windows on 3 walls in bedroom. Was a small 2 bedrm/1 bath trailer.
I was alone alot as hubs was on the road, only job he could get there. I am a person that loves the cold tho so no problem with that. I painted all the paneled walls white in the trailer, that kept me busy for awhile. The white walls helped alot. I’d sit on couch and watch the snow falling for hours, especially at night. I was fascinated with all the snow. Was fun having to shovel my Bronco out of the pole shed so I could go anywhere.
We had a pole barn with sliding doors which the snow piled up in front of in drifts. I found out what I was made of in Mt. We had to plug in an engine heater to the Bronco so it wouldn’t freeze up. Very different way of life. No stores on next corner. We lived 24 miles from the little town that was our address and our mail box was out on highway 1 1/2 miles away. I was 52 when we moved to Mt but I really loved it. When we moved out there we only had 4 neighbors but not close, as we all had 20 acres.
Guess I was meant to be a rugged type and a country girl as I loved it. People are wonderful there
We had some winters it was even colder, 45 below during the day and I’d be out shoveling snow so I could get Bronco out of pole shed. It’s very dry there so if it was about 30 we’d be out in short sleeves. It’s high desert there, little ground hugging cacti and all.
We live west of Grand Junction, CO now in a rural area. So far our winter has been the coldest in a long time. I’m not too crazy about super hot weather. If it’s that hot I want to be out on the water. We have a state park 7 miles from where we live now with a small lake. We go there and I could float forever.
Hope things get better for you. I love your projects, gorgeous pictures and blog. Your header is so cute. Happy Week Brenda
All the decor at your house is so cheerful. Hot and cold are really quite relative, aren’t they? Cold compared to what? And I suppose that Tulsa is quite cold compared to Texas. Of course you know that all the people north of you (and that is 3/4 of the country) are having a good chuckle right now and thinking you don’t know what cold is.
I don’t get winter blues, so I don’t mind if it’s raining or snowing or if there are gray skies for days on end. (I think that comes from being born in the pacific northwest) We get to experience all four seasons here, where I live now, and I truly appreciate each one of them.
Brenda – get yourself a bright light (Seasonal Affective Disorder light) as soon as you can. Use it for 20 minutes in the morning and you will start to feel better. This has helped me immensely, living in such a cold, dark, rainy climate!
How do I get thru the winter – well, some chemical assitance helps!
First I count down to the Winter Solstice, which happens right before Christmas. Then I know that the days will start to get longer. My next measure is after we celebrate our national poet’s birthday with ‘Burn’s Night’ (Rabbie Burns – he wrote ‘Auld Lang Syne’) on 25 January, I know that on the following school day, it will be daylight when I drop my son off at the school bus in the morning. A major stepping stone to spring!
I think that the worst thing about our winter in Scotland is the lack of daylight and the damp = dreariness!
Internet helps a great deal, sewing, sewing, dreaming of summer and more sewing also helps! xx
I live in the Northeast and some winters are rough. Last year it was mild so not so bad. This year its been super cold and depressing. I just try and think positive thoughts and spend extra time in my craft studio trying to think up some new great stuff to share.
Hang in there Brenda, spring is just around the corner.
I love your little pitchers! Bundle up!
It’s not all that bad…just enjoy every sunny day you get. Laugh at every opportunity, and enjoy your puppies. The winter is always my time to clean, organize and DECLUTTER! Enjoy your day!
After living most of my life in SoCal, we moved here to PA just over a year ago. It’s been a big change for me, but so far I love it. Last winter (and this winter too) have not been typical winters, but I was hoping for more snow! The fall is really my favorite and it is beautiful here on the east coast! I love trees with and without leaves, but I admit the brown branches are so much more beautiful with green leaves and birds chirping in their nests! I agree, stay busy. I’ve started several projects this week. I love your embroidery hoops! Definitely cheery!
Xo,
Charlotte
Oh, Brenda, if only January and February would fly by as quickly as do July and August! The winters are hard. Being retired, these 2 or 3 months are the longest. The other 8 or 10 seem to just speed by. I agree w/ taking Vitamin D. I swear that it really does help. Certainly won’t hurt anything to try! If you start, give it a few weeks to work its wonder. I know your foot is probably a part of why you feel like you do. Hope that is getting better for you. Each day is getting longer, and I do take some comfort in that. The last 2 weeks have brought us below zero temps. We had an ice “event” yesterday, and it is supposed to be 57* tomorrow!! But back to below zero by Thursday. That is just craziness! Take care, Brenda!!
certainly not gray here! i’m looking out the window and can see only white, white snow. coming down hard, hanging a white curtain between me and the rest of the world. sigh. brown grass sounds pretty promising. lol.
I completely understand about how dreary Oklahoma winters are. I would like to say thank goodness no ice storms or blizzards this year but since we are in a severe drought I can’t even say that without feeling guilty. I left Oklahoma at the age of 26 and moved back 22 years later. In that 22 years I got to experience all kinds of different summers and winters. The best place to be for both summer and winter—Colorado hands down. I love snow if I can see the sun. I love summer if I’m not baking in 110 degree heat and fighting off mosquitos the size of dragon flies. I feel like Goldilocks-Chicago was to cold, South Texas was to hot, but Colorado was just right!
I adore winter! I love wearing long sleeves, jeans, and thick socks. A perfect evening spent snuggling under a blanket, with pjs, a robe, and slippers is pure bliss. I enjoy going outdoors without sweating, without worries of too much sun exposure. I enjoy bundling up with a heavy coat, hat gloves, scarf, and sometimes a extra pair of sock. I love the shorter days, for it means more cozier nights. The days are now getting a bit longer, and it made me. Bit sad, for I know the heat will be here soon, but my husband reminded me of the benefits of the warmer weather – outdoor games, firepit evenings, and bike rides. However, I will always be a true winter girl . . . I guess it’s just your personal perspective. To make you feel better, you are not alone. Everyone I know feels the same wy as you, I think the winter lovers are the minority for sure! Have a great day!
Brenda, You need to move to FL. It is like spring here now. Sometimes I complain that we don’t get enough winter, but we do get a few cold days here and there and get to use the fireplace a little. I enjoy some winter but I really don’t know how people deal with the months of snow and never ending gray skies…
I guess growing up in an area with long winter (and living there again) I learned to cope. I miss the sun and have my moments of SAD, but this year I arranged my bed to be right under the east facing window so the sun wakes me, when we have sun. I can bask for a bit there in the sun which gives me a boost. I also know to plan for winter. by planning I have lots of staples for hearty soups, and plenty of activities lined up to stay busy until the day comes when I can again be back outside playing in the dirt.
I feel so terrible for you! I know how hard it can be to be cooped up inside especially from health issues or an injury such a your own. But I am quiet the opposite of you…I live in South Texas and the weather here is just brutal. We don’t have four seasons, we hardlly see spring, maybe two weeks of winter and then the rest of the time it’s Summer. Those Summer days can be just absolutely brutal. We had over 90 consecutive days last Summer over 100 degrees. We’ve been in a drought for the last three years.
Plus I have health issues that are made worse by the heat and the horrible pollution here. So I spend most days of the year inside….when Summer goes from April through the end of October and sometimes into November it gets to be old.
I do my best to stay busy inside with reading, good movies, cooking and needlepoint. Like someone earlier said I always make myself go outside for a few minutes each day. Even on the hottest days I go outside to my back porch for as long as I can stand it. Some days that’s only 10 minutes but it seems to help. I’m not from here and it has been a major adjustment.
I hope you find a balance soon and see warmer, sunshiny days! Hug your babies and drink something warm. Blessings to you.
Belinda
We cope with the dreary winter weather by just getting out in it. We take the dog for a walk every day, and on the weekends, we try to get out to a state park to do some hiking. Granted, that is fun time that only lasts a couple of hours, and I can decide whether I really want to go out or whether I want to stay snug inside. Being out in bad weather all day for a job isn’t nearly as appealing. I once had a job that involved driving and making multiple stops all day, and one winter at that job was enough. It really made me appreciate the work done by postal carriers, truck drivers, and others who have to be out in any kind of weather.
I love feeling the warm concrete under my bare feet and the warm sun on my face. I don’t do well with cold and dreary at all, that’s why I love Southern California we barely have a winter and a lovely long spring.
Vitamin D is a must!
I know you don’t have much space, but I work on indoor projects to pass the time. I have been sewing quilt tops. I have machine quilted a couple lap quilts, but anything larger I have to wait untill I have money, so I can have someone else quilt them. It really helps me pass the dreary days…good luck!!!
I’m living in sunny Arizona, although we have had an unusual (for us) amount of hard freezes and plenty of rain. We transplanted from cold, rainy, gray Oregon about thirty years ago and haven’t regretted that for even a second — not even when our desert temps reach 118 on occasion in the summer. We have very few days without sunshine. From the looks of your sweet home and what you surround yourself with, you are doing a pretty good job of coping, but maybe you don’t even realize it. Hang in there!
I drink lots of wine.