Cozy January

January is NOT my favorite month, although it really does give a cozy vibe that I enjoy. But the weather is less than desirable, what with the gray skies and cold weather. We didn't even get our first snow of the season until January was nearly over, and even then, it didn't last long. You see, during winter, I prefer snow, simply because it's so much prettier than the bare landscape. Even though it's not the prettiest of months, I must admit that it's nice to hunker down at home with a good book and a cup of tea. I've been trying to increase my book reading, and  January is just the time to start that off with a bang. 

I have various methods of staving off the winter blues, but one of the main ones is keeping fresh flowers in my vases. I used to think fresh flowers were an expensive luxury, but it turns out that stores keep prices low on the simple flowers that I prefer. I don't need an elaborate arrangement of mixed flowers, a small bunch of tulips or mums will do nicely. And maybe sometimes, I might use a Lego bouquet, since the kit was a fun Christmas gift! 

To pass the time indoors in the winter, I depend on my books and crafts. I haven't completed any crochet projects lately, but I did start yet another blanket for my collection, just because I liked the neutral color scheme. I also tried out watercolors, drooled over seed catalogs, purchased seeds, changed out my tiered tray, and decorated for Valentine's Day. I must have cooked or baked something, but apparently I didn't find it photo worthy. 

Since the garden isn't much to look at, I took a look around my home, and decided to highlight a few of my favorite things. Sometimes decorative objects are chosen to fit a decorating vibe, but I usually choose things that mean something to me. Many times, I've wished for a professional to help me decorate, but I know they'd probably choose things just because they are on trend. That's not my style. I want to look around my home, and see my stories brought to life. For instance, this is the niche over my fireplace, which takes the place of a traditional mantel. I found the pom pom stems years ago at the craft store, and loved them so much that I bought them in several colors. I love how the orange pops against the black and white wallpaper we installed there. Next to it, you'll see a small statuette of a young girl sitting on a boy. I spotted this in a gift shop years ago, shortly after my children had copped a pose just like it. It always makes me smile. 

On these shelves, I rotate various seasonal objects. Right now, I'm showing off a few Talavera pottery pieces. I have a fondness for this pottery, but most of it is used outdoors. 

I spotted this small jug at a trendy home decor shop while I was out exploring with my sister. It's smallish, but I just can't get enough of it. I often move it around, then choose different objects to put on top of it. It just pleases me. But then again, I do have a fondness for black and white. 

Long ago, loved ones visited Africa, and brought home these hand carved ebony figures. They always have a place of honor in my home. Right now, they're on a wine cork tray that I made from a kit given to me by my daughter. 

It's January, so I never expect to have anything to see in the garden. However, I know I showed these pansies last month, but I wanted to show that they are STILL hanging in there, despite a couple weeks well below freezing. I did cheat a little, and protected them in the garage during the coldest temperatures. 

I was quite giddy when we finally got some snow, and it actually stayed for a week or so. These are popular winter photo spots in my nest, but I just had to snap them again. I get into a scenery drought during the winter, and a decent snowfall gives me a chance to actually SEE something again. 

But my favorite snowy day activity is to hit the parks that I frequent during fall colors. Just to crunch through fresh snow in my warm boots makes me smile. I always wish that I could figure out how to capture the diamonds in the snow with my camera, but I haven't yet been successful. 

I might say that there isn't any scenery this time of year, but it isn't really true. You see, the skies provide most of the best views in the winter. Because of the angle of the sun this time of year, I can often get my best shots right out the upstairs windows. One of the following pix is actually a sunrise instead of a sunset, can you spot it? 

Thanks so much for coming to see my Nest in the quiet month of January, and I hope to see you here again next month! 

February, Wintertime

 When your blog is mostly devoted to your garden, and you live in the north where the garden sleeps all winter, it doesn't leave much to show off this time of year! I called last month's post the Quiet of January, but February has been even more so. 

It's been extra cold this month, so the blooms I often see at the end of February consist of one tiny clump of crocus. I'll take it! Many of my bulbs are poking up green shoots, and of course the sedum Angelina looks colorful like it always does this time of year. This is the entirety of my garden interest right now. 

We had such a nasty ice storm at the beginning of the month. Areas north of us had heavy snow, which is a pain, but easily removed. Instead, we had 4-5 hours of freezing rain, followed by over 12 hours of sleet, which piled up like snow. Our doors were frozen shut, and only the garage could be opened. The driveway was a skating rink, with four inches of frozen sleet which would not budge, even with a snowblower. My smaller car was trapped in the garage, but luckily hubby's SUV would slide itself down the driveway. For three days straight, we didn't even dare to walk to the mailbox. It took a full two weeks to melt away. What a complete mess! 

Later in the month, we had a more normal snowfall, so I went to the park to get a few snow pix. I'm still waiting for a big, fluffy snowfall that will be photo worthy. 

Most of my time at home during the winter is spent working on crafts, doing yoga, reading and practicing my piano. I finished a couple of blankets, some scarves, and a paint by number butterfly. My crafting to-do list isn't as long as usual this year, so I need to figure out what else I should make. 

Even though my garden has little to show off this month, I am dreaming about it. I have successfully gathered all of my seeds, which means that my flowers and veggies will eventually become reality. Right now, they're still in the dream stage. But so many of my beauties are right now waiting for me inside these packets. It thrills me every year. 

Have you seen the Van Gogh Immersive Experience in your nearby big city? I did recently, and was thoroughly impressed. I sat through two full showings, my eyes wide with wonder the whole time. What a moving experience! If you get a chance to go, do it. You won't be sorry. These still photos don't really do it justice, it was the moving and transforming of the giant screens that leaves you transfixed. 

The sunsets have been stellar this month, and I have made a few trips down to the pond to see them in person. Even the "average" sunsets are better when I'm there, listening to the birds and the quiet. When I'm too busy making dinner, or just too cold, I just catch them out the window. I suppose you could say it's a mindfulness practice, to stop and notice each one. Let's see if I can successfully attach the little video I made at the pond one night. Hmmm, it worked but it remains small. Well, you'll get the idea. 

I appreciate everyone who checks in with my little blog each month. I'm sure happy to see you! Small garden blogs don't make much impact anymore, since social media has grown so large. I do try to post some of my garden photos on Instagram, but now they emphasize reels, which are mini movies, so photography doesn't really get much notice. And still I do it, for my own satisfaction! If you'd like to see more of my photos, you can follow me here. Robin's Nest on Instagram Thanks for stopping by. By the time you see my next post at the end of March, there should be a fair amount of flowers for me to show off.