Winter has fully settled over my neck of the woods. I snapped this photo in my neighborhood the other day, half expecting Mr. Tumnus to peek out from behind a tree if I waited long enough.
I’ve had a rocky relationship with winter in years past. The snow, the ice, the brittle air—it chafes my skin as well as my spirit. Days on end of cloudy skies and unrelenting cold bring out my inner Debbie Downer. I trudge my way through January, grumble my way through February, and whine my way through March. Can’t it just be spring already?!? (Insert multiple cry face emojis.)
But this year has been different. I decided from the get go that I would not let winter get the best of me this time around. My complacency and lack of gratitude were pathetic and things needed to change.
And maybe it’s because our winter has been milder than normal this year, but my mental shift has helped immensely. Would you believe that I’m actually enjoying winter this year? Not just getting through it with a moderate level of tolerance, but actually liking it.
This is big.
It’s got me thinking what other areas of my life might be transformed with a few mental changes. (Spoiler alert: many.)
Winter has pushed me (in a good way) to challenge myself as a reader this year. I read avidly year-round, but cold weather and snowy weekends now and then make it simply irresistible to curl up with books and tea.
This year I’m participating in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Reading Challenge. I found her blog last year and now read it religiously. The MMD Reading Challenge offers a list of 12 book categories to read over the course of 12 months. It’s easy enough to incorporate into my reading life, and provides a wonderful way to read books that I might not otherwise pick up.
For instance, one of the categories is “a book that was banned at some point.” Another is “a book that intimidates you.”
I’ve already checked off two categories: a book I’ve been meaning to read (Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart) and a book that was published before I was born (Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh). Both are very different from each other but I enjoyed them equally. I’m eager to keep working my way through the challenge!
On another note, January was a good month for me internet-wise. I found a lot of great stuff online—reads, listens, ideas, and more. When I find things I love, I of course want to share them, so here’s a recap in no particular order.
Leave it to The Nester to inspire my DIY side. She made a wall-hanging starting with a mop. Yes, a mop. The result is a quirky work of art that I would totally hang somewhere in my home. The supplies are so cheap that even if I botch it it’s not a huge loss, so I may give it whirl.
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I’m hooked on Hooked on Houses. I took the quiz and it was almost alarmingly accurate in describing me. (“I think the best time to take a walk is at dusk—after people have started turning on their lights, but before they have closed their blinds.” YES. And also: “I’ve been known to visit Open Houses and model homes, just for fun.” I’ve done this more than a few times with my mom.)
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A few of my favorites from Hooked on Houses:
–A Modern Farmhouse
–A Magical Moorland Retreat in Cornwall
–A Traditional Red & White Farmhouse in Sweden
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I’m currently reading through the Bible in a year thanks to The Bible Project’s “Read Scripture” plan. Every time we enter a new book, they release a new video on their YouTube channel. Their videos are consistently high quality, easy to understand, and informative without being boring. A must-see resource, in my opinion!
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Anne Bogel, the voice behind Modern Mrs. Darcy and the creator of the MMD Reading Challenge, launched a podcast this year called What Should I Read Next? It’s the highlight of my Tuesdays. She interviews one guest each episode and asks them to share three books they love, one book they hate, and what they’re currently reading. Then she gives them suggestions for what to read next. It’s called “literary matchmaking” and it’s brilliant. (And my To Be Read list has exploded.)
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My sister started a blog. Actually, make that: MY SISTER STARTED A BLOG!!!!!! It’s called Two Precious Stones, and it’s where she processes, reflects, and considers life as a mother. She doesn’t write the typical “mommy blogger” stuff. Nothing against the leagues of mommy bloggers, but my sister’s artful and poetic way of thinking and writing is a breath of fresh air.
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Guacamole is my toast. It’s the blank canvas that can go in any direction with a little creativity. It’s the chameleon of dips. And this Greek variation on guacamole just jumped onto my To Make list. Sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, olives, and avocados? I am IN.
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Around the time that I decided to make taking myself less seriously and having more fun a goal for 2016, I found The Lazy Genius Collective. It’s given me more laughs than I can tell you—Kendra’s writing style is humorous but truthful, lighthearted but serious when it needs to be, and generally just a delight to read. She writes about a little bit of everything, from TV shows to parenting to making DIY eye makeup remover. I love her Lazy Guide to Dieting Like a Genius. (Also: Downton Abbey People As Regular People. The commentary. Oh my goodness. It’s like what we’re all thinking but never say.)
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So those are my fun finds from around the web. Winter’s still here to stay for a while, but we can do this. Make some guacamole, read some books, and spring will be here before we know it.
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