I was watching a documentary last evening. It was called Life Below Zero and was about the attitudinal differences among the citizens of different countries in the northern parts of the world; some celebrate winter, others (Canadians) gripe about it more than in the past.
While on a walk together, a friend mentioned her intention to embrace winter, to get out and enjoy the season. I like that idea very much. The clouds may have rolled in, but we started off with a brilliant blue sky covering the dark trees and fresh, white snow. A ribbon of running creek held everything together; it was a frosty gift of an afternoon.
Speaking of gifts, one arrived from Fiona of Raindrops and Daisies . I was the fortunate winner of her recent giveaway.
Fiona was a bit concerned when the beautiful gramophone tree ornament seemed to be taking its time on the trek from Ireland to Canada, but arrive it did, on December 24th, just in time for Christmas. Guess who I'll be thinking of each year as I hang it.
I can just imagine charming, old songs spinning on this instrument. An episode of Downton Abbey included a scene where the gramophone played Look for the Silver Lining.
"When e'er a cloud appears in the blue.
Remember some where the sun is shining,
And so the right thing to do,
Is make it shine for you."
Remember some where the sun is shining,
And so the right thing to do,
Is make it shine for you."
I've surmised that Fiona is the type of person who pays attention to details and spreads a bit of sunshine. I had made a passing comment, in a blog post, about liking tea towels. Fiona mentioned that in her card and decided to send this gorgeous flock of birds my way. Completely generous, completely unexpected, completed appreciated.
Fiona, thank you for both of these wonderful gifts.
There are many gifts of winter: scenic beauty, cozy interiors, frothy hot beverages, pots of simmering soup, walks in the woods, and more. As well, the kindness of visitors to this blog and my Facebook page add a touch of warmth to chilly days.
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Note: My wintertime link-up, Sunlit Sunday, will resume for 2013
on the first Sunday in January.
Please see the tab at the top of this page for further details.
Note: My wintertime link-up, Sunlit Sunday, will resume for 2013
on the first Sunday in January.
Please see the tab at the top of this page for further details.
I'm pleased to be linking with Fiona's "Green Day" at Raindrops and Daisies.
What beautiful gifts! Happy New Year, Karen!
ReplyDeleteLovely in every way! What a small (and fantastic) world we live in!
ReplyDeleteNice gifts you received and I think the tea towel would look rather well hanging on a wall - it's so cute with the birds.
ReplyDeleteI cringed when you said we gripe about the weather - I do, and have never been one to ski or skidoo. I'll walk if dressed warmly and some days are just so lovely they draw you outside.
I'll try to remember the Sunlit Sundays, they were fun earlier this year.
Judith
I too think winter is full of its own gifts...I LOVE your post today!
ReplyDeletehappy new year
Happy New Year, Karen! What lovely and generous gifts from your Irish blogging friend. I will go to her blog to have a look.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're going to go ahead with the Sunlit Sundays again - I'll definitely take part.
The creek is lovely in winter. You received some beautiful gifts from Fiona too. Happy New Year, Karen.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years! I love the winter, although i do spend a lot of time complaining of the snow :)... This morning as I sit here, the snow is lightly falling and it is peaceful. I am hoping to go out this afternoon and take some pictures, maybe go down to Lake Superior and enjoy its beauty.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!
ReplyDeletehttp://theredeemedgardener.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year, your photo of the creek is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Karen. Your scenic photos are beautiful and I believe we really do need to embrace winter. I am one who does not so much but I need to change and get out and enjoy it's beauty. With my camera of course. :) What a beautiful gift you received from Fiona. Enjoy the day! Blessings, Pamela
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Karen.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your lovelys snowy scenes
gorgeous.
Glad you got the parcel (eventually)!!!!
I am looking forward to your new link up
I loved it when you did it last year.
Have a great week my friend.
xxx
Such lovely gifts to remind you of friends from far away.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are starting Sunlit Sunday again. I was taking some photos a day or so ago and thought about your link party. They will be perfect for the first one.
It is a gorgeous sunny day today, perfect to enjoy winter.
What a beautiful gift, and since I just got to view the Downton Abbey second season, that particular episode is fresh in my head.
ReplyDeleteJen
U nas śniegu niestety nie ma :(. Brałam też udział w zabawie u Fiony. Miałaś szczęście wygrać śliczne prezenty i gratuluję. Życzę dobrego 2013 roku i pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteWe unfortunately do not have snow: (. I took a part in a game with Fiona. Were lucky to win beautiful gifts and congratulations. Wish you a good 2013 and greet.
Hallo Karen!What a lovely gifts you received from our dear Fiona!!And your photos are fantastic!Happy New Year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteDimi..
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
What a lovely gift from Fiona, love the bird tea towel so sweet!!
It is lightly snowing this afternoon, so lovely to watch out of my window!
All the Best,
Christine
Happy New Year Karen! I love your winter scenes, especially since I can enjoy them next to a warm fire :) But seriously, I love the idea of embracing the season. I often find myself indoors much more during the winter months because I am a wimp when it comes to being cold. My fingers about froze the other day when I went out in the morning to photograph birds. (I know everyone in Canada is probably laughing at me now). Love the tea towel! Oh, and I got two seasons of Downton Abbey for Christmas so I can watch them over and over again! Looking forward to the new season next week!
ReplyDeleteEmbracing winter sounds like a good idea, but I would find it easier to do so if it was cold bright and snowy. Happy New Year to you my blogging friend, I look forward to visiting your blog often in 2013.
ReplyDeleteI understand about embracing the season. I have difficulty embracing 103 degrees here in summer. Love that those items came from Ireland. Have a blessed and happy new year, olive.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to receive such lovely gifts too.
Hope your new year is filled with blessings and much happiness.
I loved your snowy pictures and the idea of embracing winter and enjoying it. Your gifts are so lovely, how kind of Fiona. And I love that old song too, especially played on an old gramophone like on Downton! Wishing you a very Happy New Year, Karen. Hoping you find the silver lining in all the coming days.
ReplyDeleteHelen x
Olá Karen, maravilhosos esse riacho. Também gosto de passear mesmo nos dias de inverno! Lindo o presente de Fiona. Tenha um óptimo dia e Feliz Ano Novo. Abraço. Ailime
ReplyDeleteAmo os passarinhos que você ganhou! São lindos! O gramofone também! Tudo lindo aqui, especialmente a neve deixando linda paisagem! Grande abraço!
ReplyDeleteMuito lindas fotos .Escolheste bem! beijos,chica
ReplyDeleteLindas imagens invernais, gosto das cores! parabéns pelos mimos que ganhou, a Fiona é especial. Um abraço, feliz 2013!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are embracing winter, Karen. Your winter photos are beautiful. Congratulations on winning the lovely gift from Fiona.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
~Barb
Good Evening Karen, Happy New Year to you. I am sorry I have not been leaving comments recently, but Christmas was very busy. However, we are back to normal again and it is lovely to catch up with you. Congratulations, what a treat and a lovely surprise to receive the gift of the Christmas Tree ornament and also a lovely tea towel.
ReplyDeleteBeing English, we complain about the weather a lot, I shall take your lead and embrace it...... honestly I will try! Have a lovely day and Best Wishes to you, Daphne
Lovely winter scenes. I am not a winter person but I am trying to get out mainly to watch the birds and for exercise. Congrats on your lovely gifts. I wish you a happy day and a Happy Year!
ReplyDelete