It hasn't been quite as wintery this month, as we had both freeze and thaw weather. Even when I'm chilly, I like to force myself outdoors to enjoy the scenery, and I never regret it once I'm out in it. As I looked back over my February photos, I find that I visited several different snowy parks, and I'm proud of myself for that. Don't get me wrong, you'll often find me snuggled up in my favorite chair with an afghan, like now. But if there's winter scenery, I don't like to miss it.
I talked about Valentine's Day a bit last month, but I found myself tweaking my decorations a bit more. Decorating is more than a hobby for me, it's something of a passion. I LOVE to decorate my home, both for everyday, and for holidays. Someone recently told me recently that as they got older, they only wanted a tiny box of a home. That attitude was puzzling to someone like me, as all I ever want to do is fluff my Nest. I get it, some people don't like to clean or maintain their homes, but for me, it's important.
I've been focused on my home all month actually. It isn't just because this place is new to me. There's just a sense of gratitude that I carry, that I have a home I love, and it's decorated to please me. I often walk in the door and say out loud "Who's pretty house is this? Oh yeah, it's mine!" I guess it's my way of reminding myself to appreciate my life.
Most of us have objects in our home that are special to us. Do you have things on display that could tell a story? I have lots of those! I've often wondered how a professional decorator would show my personality, or would it just look generic like one of those home fixing shows I enjoy so much. Perhaps that's why it's best that I just do it myself, so I can insert our own tastes and mementoes.
As I decorated my new Nest, I tried to keep it warm and welcoming, while also trying to be tasteful. I like to think that I accomplished those goals, but there's one spot where I let my freak flag fly a bit. In my craft room, tucked away upstairs, I allowed myself to use all the little objects that I love. In this room especially, every single item has some story to tell. Is it a bit busy? Why yes, yes it is. But I love it that way. This is my creative space, where being surrounded by projects may give me ideas for more.
But getting back to outdoor exploring, I again visited Gallup Park along the Huron River, then to nearby Matthaei Botanical Garden before the snow melted away. This area has become a favorite spot for me, and I'm happy to have discovered them. I often think about the beloved parks I left behind, and how much joy and scenery they gave me. Finding ways to replace that feeling has been a priority.
My other favorite is Lower Huron Metropark. I especially like the walking bridge over the Huron River, so don't be surprised to see it portrayed here in every season. I think it will be hard to beat its winter look though.
We also drove a bit further out to see Lake Erie Metropark on a cold winter day. This type of scenery is puzzling to hubs, he just doesn't get why I think the stark views are still pretty. But he goes along anyway, waiting in the car while I explore. I'm surprised that I didn't go to this park in the fall, it would have been lovely with fall colors on the trees. Will certainly do that this year.
I didn't do much cooking or baking this month, but I did decorate my tray a couple times, to suit the season. I made some earrings, worked on a new afghan, and kept my vases filled with various flowers. We've also enjoyed seeing birds at the feeder, although it has mostly been the same house finches visiting. I did see a few bluebirds, which are one of my favorites. It's been fun to have this bird feeder camera, and I'm excited to install the hummingbird version that hubby gifted me, when the weather warms up.
The sunsets are starting to swing back around towards the front of the house, but I caught a few of them. Next month, I know they'll start peeking behind the nearby homes, and by April, I'll probably have to go to the front porch to catch them. I'm not quite sure when spring will arrive here, but the plans for the new garden are moving forward. I've got some sketches here, and a list of plants to include. Can't wait!
Thanks for coming by the Nest this February. It's been chilly outside, and cozy inside, and I appreciate you coming to see the place. See you again at the end of March!
