Almost without warning, it is upon us. Darkness and cold seep in through cracks. Faster than normal, colder than normal. Today.
Today, before being fully awake, or fully dressed, I was out, out to the garden with buckets and pans, slopping hot water on D’s boots that I had hurriedly stepped into, pouring and chipping at the ice in the bird baths, solid and inhospitable. We have many birdbaths…Then on to the feeders that the dear hummers love so much, dipping and shaking the hand blown glass to melt their sweet nectar.
I survey the garden in between shivers. Just one more day and I would have been finished, mulching the roses, protecting the hydrangeas, tucking in the last of the bulbs. I fear I left it too late. The ground is hard, so hard a spade needs my full weight to break through the crust of frozen earth, a good two inches deep. I try not to worry but we lost many plants last year. And here I am, taken unawares by the swift decent of winter.
Inside at last, mug of strong coffee cupped in my hands, I sit at my desk and do indeed have something to smile about. Yesterday, I cut what are probably the last of the blooms from Lady Emma, and they sit regally in the Fenton vase, so precious. Our brave, indomitable December roses.
Tonight we lit the fire for the first time and cuddled under a blanket on the couch, as the brilliant moon rose and spilled grace over the garden. We have the cold because it is clear, and because it is clear, we have the moon.
I am constantly in awe of your writing. You truly inspire me to try harder, to grow, to learn to express myself in the beautiful way that you do. Thank you dear friend.
Oh, Kristi, thank you for your kind words. To me, it is dear friends like YOU that inspire me to share my thoughts and put them in some sensible order. And I hope you realize how very beautiful and valuable your life and artistic creations are exactly the way they are at this moment in time! xoxo – g
oh G, i love your dreamy way of describing the world you live in! you always make me want to visit your garden so very badly, in my mind it's a beautiful place. how gorgeous that you saved the last of the roses just in time, they are so very pretty, i love those colours! and falling stars are just magical, it feels so special when you manage to see one :)
Thank you, É! I just love having you visit! One day, I hope, you will be able to in more than the virtual world. Wouldn't that be fun? I definitely thought of you last night while standing in the moonlight, and how much you would have loved it! xoxo – g
Ooo the Update gave me goosebumps…thank you!
smiles.
It's been so mild that this cold spell has caught us all unaware! My husband and I were out this afternoon hilling the roses and finishing up in the garden. This is my least favourite time of year … it seems like an eternity until Spring arrives!!
I hope your wish comes true.
xo,
Lynda
Thanks for stopping by, Ellen! :)
Thank you so much, Lynda! I agree, it's my least favorite time of year, too. But only two weeks until the solstice! Hope you all have a great week! – g
eeek! I saw a shooting star that night, too!!!!! Georgianna this post made me feel all cozy and perfect. We have snow up to my knees in my backyard because of the huge storm and the way it swirls and lands in our neighborhood of old trees and houses. I think of your roses and this beautifully written post and am twice warmed. Thanks friend for the beauty you share. Blessings.
Amy! Eeek indeed! I am amazed you saw a shooting star that night, too!! I hope you are all safe and cozy after the storm and that your wishes all come true! – g
Oh my goodness, I don't know which is more lovely — your gorgeous images or your beautiful words! Such a wonderful post, Georgianna. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. :)
Oh, Mary, thank you so much!! I feel very lucky to be able to share moments of wonder and appreciate everyone who stops by to "listen"! xo
I like the way you have written this first winter post G, very evocative I could picture it all, especially your magic update about the shooting star. I have never seen one. Next time you see one please make a wish on my behalf, love kat xx