My sister Sheila and Max enjoying the festive lights around our house (we were the first in our neighborhood this year!).
Winter eases over Asheville slowly, taking its time to settle blanket-like on the mountains....which is fine, since once its cold I retreat indoors, rarely leaving my nest. In a lot of ways this 'hibernation' or retreat, happens on several levels. I stay inside my house, inside my head, waiting for spring, warmth and green. The bare trees and frosted mountain tops are lovely, but I find it very hard to be cheerful. I am too affected by the world around me, the negativity and chaos, but also the sadness that always comes when I think of Christmas. For our family, we hope that one day my brother will come home from wherever he's been these past twenty years. Its a fog that creeps in and keeps me cold. This winter will be different. I'm taking a stand. We put up lights on our house to cheer us when we pull up the curb. When I hear about something that makes me think humans are horrid creatures, I think about all the things we've made that make us brilliant: The Book of Kells, watercolor pencils, solar power, Japanese soaking tubs and ball jointed dolls (among so many other things). I guess that's like stringing happy lights in my brain. This world of ours is a wondrous place, full of beauty and magic. That is what this season will represent to me from now on.
great idea. i put the lights up at Thanksgiving and will not take them down till February 1 when I can feel the light coming back. they are all over the house, lights,lights and more lights in my studio where i work. it helps. you worded it perfectly . think positively. I also use aromatherapy...a citrus smell like tangerine, orange, does wonders... reminds you of summer.
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"Stringing happy lights" such a wonderful thought! Thank you for always sharing a glimpse into your nest, your heart, your soul. You are a wonderful person, Miss Cynthia! Enjoy the holidays!
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Thank you for the inspiration. I woke up feeling grumpy and cold (I live in Maine) but I recognize that this is a choice. Time to make a better choice. Today, I will string lights, and beads.
ReplyDeletecynthia, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out. i wish you joy, hope and light this winter. i, too, suffer from depression. my days used to be dark all year long, but now i take some anti-depressants. i really couldn't have survived without them. have you considered some st. john's wort? it's really good for seasonal affective disorder, which it sounds like you might have. also, try a happy light. it's a wonderful screen light that you sit in front of 30 minutes a day, simulating the sun's light. it really really works. peace to you and may your beloved brother come home one day.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks everybody! Those are some good suggestions. I've considered the sun light, I just have to find one that's reasonable! The last one I saw that (that was recommended by experts cost $500) so I'm keeping an eye out. That makes sense that citrus would have a cheering effect! I love citrus fragrances. Especially the scent of limes. Good thinking.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, in Brighton in England they have the Burning of the Clocks.. a light festival with drums and kids and lots of lights. It makes me happy i n the NW darkness.
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cynthia, if you get the happy light prescribed by a physician most insurance companies will cover them. good luck!
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