It's 5:26pm as I write this... and is still light outside. Goodbye to short days and long nights! We're spinning back towards the light.
My steps are lighter these days, because I see the change taking place in Nature... I see a future filled with hope and flowers!
May the light brings hope for all humankind...
What are you celebrating today? 
My mind soars, and as the morning sun warms the earth, I feel my spirit being lifted up... What is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that I should follow it to its bounds and know the paths to its house?
Only a real human being can set things right by giving the birds names: “Abutilon”, with feathers like those of maple trees, and that other tiny Western Tanager, "Serissa”, which remains me of spring, and flowers that resemble dangling miniature hibiscus….
They all came to my window... to enchant me, to give me stories that never end.
Their story began again and again and again as Abutilon with feathers like those of maple trees, and Serissa with a song like dangling miniature hibiscus, kissed each other in front of me, oblivious to shame. 
And fight over food with amazing aggressiveness
As I contemplated this magical world from across the window, Abutilon and Serissa took the challenge and flew across the Swamps of Shadows and the Silver Mountains, meeting sorcerers and giants, bats and night-hobs, gnomes and racing snails… but really, all they did was wait bravely for the apparition of the terrible "Plectranthus"... the beautiful but ever so cruel black hawk that has been visiting my garden frequently this winter.
"Plectranthus", a mysterious figure in disguise, soars the air where I stand, just a few feet away from me... I know what he’s up to, but I don't have time to warn my little feathered friends... till suddenly a unison flight of tiny wings, tiny feathers scattering away, leaving behind a muted sound, like a sad song filled with premonition and death. Then I see it…. grayish black feathers and legs yellow drops from a low glide on something.... Tiny feathers disperse in the morning air, like diminutive butterflies... but I know it's not.
A new visitor then entered the scene... pointed beak to acts as both a chisel and a crowbar to remove bark and find hiding insects. I've never seen him here, what is he? An ivory-billed woodpecker... maybe?
Today, I’m celebrating “scent”
Aromatic smells coming from the kitchen is the sign of a welcoming home, but if you don’t happen to be baking at the moment, you can still have fabulous smells wafting out from the kitchen, by using liquid potpourri. Today, I created my own Christmas potpourri by simmering liquid over the stove with some spices I had in the pantry… Almost any spice would work. Almond, lemon or vanilla are common flavorings. If you don't any of these ingredients on hand, just substitute some herbs, seasonings or fruits that you have available that you enjoy. For my liquid potpourri, I used 3 cups water, some chunks of apples, including the peel, nutmeg, and of course, cinnamon sticks. I love the smell of cinnamon; cinnamon evokes memories of holiday festivities, family gatherings and favorite seasonal treats. Cinnamon's aroma is simply soothing.
I also bought some greenery... fresh pine boughs and branches to dress my house and fill simple bottles, vases and jugs with it. 
I loved the fresh smell of pine wafting through the house. Some fresh pine boughs and "Silent Night" are all I need.
If you pay close attention, you can see the forms of fog as it filters the frosty sunlight through its damp doubtful fingers… Fog makes me think of blindness and ghostly apparitions, it makes me feel trapped…ensnared somewhere in the world of dreams and the imaginary…. 
I don’t like fog…. But I’m finally home now. Like a wild rabbit in her cozy burrow in the ground that shelters it from cold wind, shades it from hot sun, and keeps it snug and warm during snow and rain… that’s how I feel, when I’m at home.
I was thinking of painting it in a sweet Robin’s blue egg color and put it under the window with a girly lamp on it to spice up that room. Have I mentioned how I love to look at my house from outside when dusk begins to descend upon the land? I love the cozy feel and glow of a window softly lit by lamp. It’s absolutely magical!
In the mean time, until I can decide what to do with it, the table will remain here, by this wall in this corner of our family room. The picture on the back would have to come down a little bit for some symmetry, and a wicker basket must be added to the bottom shelve to match the drawers and cover the electrical cables. Other than that, the table has been dusted, cleaned and shined. I’ve explained here, how the two macho-guys living with me are totally against painted furniture. In fact, they’re totally against anything to do with thrift store Cottage Shabby Chic frilly fussy girly stuff. So you know how it goes.
They have accepted I keep the table here, but only if I leave it as it is. Of course, I can always take it upstairs (my own domain) and do as I please with it (if only I can decide what) Do you find it hard to make decisions? Having to choose has always been a real dilemma for me.
What would you have done? Leave it here as is? Take it to that "special" room of yours and paint it white? Or maybe paint it in a Robin’s blue egg color and place it by a cozy window in the guess room?
Humm, decisions decisions... if only life was just as easy as making decisions!
Streets, rivers and valleys are hidden under the purest of white,
Snow has veiled the garden. White white white…. 
This afternoon, I wanted to paint the garden… 
But it is winter, and white is the predominant color.
I can't say that I was all that disappointed though.
And see fairies hiding behind bushes with snow cones on their heads...
The birds were having a party to which, naturally, I was invited. 
They were making such a pleasant racket around the bird feeders
Ah yes, let is snow... but only when I'm at home
Is it snowing in your part of the world?
Winter is for soups. I want to arrive home to a warm house filled with the smells of soup bubbling away on the stove top. My favorite soups are: split pea soup, lentil soup and savory red bean soup. Tonight, however, I chose to make a simple hearty tummy warming goodness in no time flat chicken soup!
Soups are comforting and warming, and perfect for any winter night, especially when the temperature outside is -5. 
What's your favorite winter dish? Is it soup?
