February doldrums
February 16, 2010 at 16:02 Tired of snow. On the ground. In soot-speckled heaps. In sharp and crusty banks. In slushy puddles. On muddy paths. Mixed with sand. Blocking turn lanes and intersections. Narrowing my existence.
Tired of endless snow days. Shapeless and gray. Unfurling without purpose or accomplishment. Plans changed. Activities cancelled. Life stalled. Schedules disrupted.
Tired of the inertia the weather and conditions encourage. The dulled edges of consciousness. The lack of energy and motivation. The lazy senses.
Tired of cooking. Tired of eating. Tired of cleaning the kitchen. Tired of feeling fat and slow.
Tired of every store being jammed with families trying to escape their snow days or prepare for the next storm. Tired of traffic. Of gridlock. Of waiting, waiting, waiting.
Grateful for fleece blankets, bathrobes, and pullovers. For fires in the fireplace. For the stimulation of books and art supplies. For kids who make me laugh. For time around the table. For conversation.
Grateful for brisk air and for long walks. For beautiful scarves and wool socks and gloves. For the wind in my hair and the bare limbs of the trees against the sky.
Grateful for a dog who is happy, enthusiastic, and devoted. For cats who purr with contentment and curl against my belly at night. For the birds that still sing, even when the weather is fierce.
Grateful for Netflix, which helps me escape boredom and unease when the dark licks at the windows. For Facebook, which keeps me connected to loved ones. For blogging and Twitter, which enlarge my world and makes my small life feel bigger.
Ready. For a schedule. For time alone. For new projects. For the Muses to speak and inspire. For a sense of accomplishment. For strength and fitness--inside and out.
February, cabin fever, winter blues, winter doldrums
Reader Comments (10)
Our dogs would notice, but they wouldn't mind. : )
P.S. If Di goes to your house, she's not leaving without meeting me.