With the start of this new month my thoughts turn early towards the coming winter, holidays and what I think of as the cozy time of year. I've often lamented out loud at how 'soon' the shops and malls start decorating for Christmas (right after Hallowe'en). I guess what I'm really protesting is the commercialism that tries to make this season only about buying and spending.
Because, in my secret heart o' hearts, as the days get cooler and the nights close in around our windows sooner, I don't mind thinking ahead to my favourite time of year. I love winter and I love Christmas and, in my imagination, the two are always intertwined.
I love wondering what how to slowly start bringing in touches of winter around the house, how I might want to decorate for the holidays. One important project is deciding what theme my Christmas cards will be, and whether I buy them or craft them myself. Oh, and what fun it is to scout out neat presents for the people I love, trying to capture a little box of joy bubbles that will pop out on the recipient when the wrapping paper hits the floor.
So, as this new month begins to take shape, I want to wish you, my graceful readers, a pleasant day. Even when there is so much going on in the world around us that causes pain and sadness, I hope you will take heart from a little thought by Fra Giovanni (1513 A.D.)...
"The gloom of the world is but a shadow.
Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take joy!"
Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take joy!"
Happy First of November,
Brenda
Brenda
xox
I'm thinking I'm in sync with your thoughts on this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI have fall decorations everywhere you look, both inside and outside my home. So, my love of alll things fall is deeply satisfied.
The commercialism in the malls doesn't bother me the way it used to. I just choose not to focus on that part of the season. It's
just a trickle in the overall atmosphere.
I love the window dressings! I love the street vendors, carolers, singing Christmas music, and peppermint stick ice
cream. I love the tip of my nose being cold, and seeing my breath hang in the air... I love scarves wrapped snuggly around my neck.
I REALLY love the third paragraph in your post. "a little box of joy..... .....paper falls to the floor" Perfection!!
Sigh. Life is delicious!
I sort of like to hunker down in front of the fireplace and
Hi Caryn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! You mention that you love when the tip of your nose gets cold this time of year. Your comment reminds me of a question someone once asked, "What's your idea of bliss?"
"To go for a walk on a cold wintery day and then come back into the warm house and feel that tingling all over as your body starts to thaw, and then drink hot chocolate by a warm fire."
A simple pleasure, but I love that tingly feeling too!
Brenda