Winter Solstice

Cotoneaster berries in snow

Today, as we celebrate the Winter Solstice, I'd like to share with you my favorite quote about this time of year.

"There is a long standing rumor that spring is the time of renewal, but that's only if you ignore the depressing clutter and din of the season. All that flowering and budding and birthing - the messy youthfulness of Spring actually verges on SQUALOR. Spring is too busy, too full of itself, too much like a 20-year-old to be the best time for reflection, re-grouping, and starting fresh. For that, you need December." - Vivian Swift 

I fully expected that by the time I reached my 60s, I would be eager to move to a place with warm, sunny winters. But that isn't what happened. Instead, I fell in love with winter in the Pacific Northwest. I love how the season beckons me to come inside, both physically and metaphorically. Winter restores me. It is a time for me to pause, look toward the future and imagine a new year. There's nothing I have to do right now. The garden is sleeping and so can I. There will be plenty to do in Spring.

I hope that your Holidays are Merry and that the New Year will be one filled with Health and Happiness. I am grateful that you have joined me here this year. I look forward to sharing more Outlander Plant adventures in 2015.

Slainte mhath!