I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these
let you savor a bad mood.
~Bill Watterson
This quote made me smile. The weather does play a large part in how we feel on certain days.
I can't say that I like winter. The often sunless, cold days don't exactly put me in a cheerful frame of mind.
Occasionally, a bad mood will sneak in trying to rob me of joy and I will entertain this thief for a short while until I'm tired of him and call on the good mood police to send him packing.
So how do I do that? I'll fix myself a cup of cappuccino or tea and get out a good book. Or call a friend. Or watch the beautiful red Cardinals at the bird feeder. If I haven't been out in a while, I'll hop in the car and go flea marketing or meander down some country roads in search of a photo op, weather permitting.
I see you! Got an umbrella?
What do you do to brighten winter's dark days? Or do you love winter...even the gloomiest of days?
Happy Tuesday to you!
xo Cheryl
You know how to live, and what works for you! You would be surprised how many people don't. I actually don't mind winter, except for all the dark. Why? Well, there are no bugs! Also then I appreciate spring so much more when it comes after a bad winter! Your cardinal brightening up the winter is like a jewel. And I do see there are still some berries!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind winter although I do not like the short days or the days that it is very dull. Having said that there are lots of days that the sun is shining with blue skies. Weather certainly does affect your mood. Love the shots of the Cardinals
ReplyDeleteHmmmm... I'm not gonna lie. I prefer the long, hot days of summer. But, that's not to say there's not a lot to love about the cold, too. The soup. The fire. A good excuse to stay inside and knit. ;) I'm with you though... several gray days in a row can make my mood gray, too. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteA beautiful red cardinal would certainly brighten up our cold winter day today Cheryl. It's -22C (below zeroF) here but the sun is shining which is welcome. (too cold to snow!) We have a bit of snow down and the frozen landscape looks bright in the cold sun. I don't usually venture out on cold days like this but today I'm invited to tea at my friend's house. I hope she has her gas fireplace on! Otherwise, I'd be at home blogging or reading with a cup of tea at hand. Stay cozy. Hugs. Pam
ReplyDeleteA perfectly timed post, Cheryl. I think many of us need to call in the good mood police from time to time during the winter. You have some great ideas for chasing away the winter gloom and the pretty red cardinals are always a welcome sight on a gray day. This past weekend was a test to me as it was gray and dreary both days. I found it helpful to put on lots of lights, light a few candles and turn on the cooking show line-up on PBS. It helped to keep my energy up while taking down the Christmas decor. Once the jobs were complete I felt better and enjoyed some reading time with a cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I had to laugh at that comment as well. Yesterday I received a zinger text from a family member that left me in a bad mood. However, my friend from up the street came by and after a visit and a cup of coffee with her I felt much better.
ReplyDeletei try to exercise - whether up and down the driveway or inside on a machine. getting the blood pumping and the breathing going definitely helps. :)
ReplyDeleteI despise winter. Is "despise" too strong a word? I actually don't think it is strong enough. Keep practicing cheeriness...I will try it, too. Merry 12th (and final) Day of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWell, that red cardinal is certainly pretty, and such a bright happy color!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot!!
Before winter started, I resolved to not let it get me in the dumps. So, far, so good. I just try to stay busy, and enjoy the beauty that winter has to offer.
I am solar powered, however, and looking forward to warmer days :)
~Kerin
I found that the last two Winters I stayed quite content and I think it was highly due to large amounts of snow ( of all things ) The snow was gorgeous , if its going to snow I like lots of it and often ( yes I do know that''s not everyone cup of tea ) . I had such a creative time taking beautiful snow shots , watching the snow fall, keeping the bird feeders full watching the birds at the feeders ... it was a beautiful experience for me. This year I've been a wee bit down at the lack of snow , lots of rain so far ~ rain in the cold just doesn't have the same effect . I do usually manage to find my happy place on gloomy days with doing simple little things like the ones you have mentioned :)
ReplyDeleteI for one need those good mood police around in the winter.. I find I am no longer the winter lover, I hate the cold and the snow.. Since I retired from my job recently, I have started walking "indoors" on my treadmill and have been watching the birds.. Counting the days until spring.. I love your pretty Cardinal.. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Cheryl! I love winter's gloomy days!!! Makes me feel not quite so guilty for doing nothin' or playing on the computer! Pretty cardinal shots!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more lovely to see than the contrast of a bright red cardinal in the bare trees...your photos are so lovely. I actually do like the gray days...those are days where I am more inclined to "curl up with God"...PLUS the birds show up so well, making our photography better! Happy Tuesday, friend!
ReplyDeleteHello dear Cheryl! Your photos are simply beautiful! We don't have Cardinals here so I enjoy seeing them elsewhere - they were my precious grandmother's favorite bird so I always think of her when I see them.
ReplyDeleteI am a lover of snow so dreary, snowy days are often my favorite kind :) I grew up in Canada which was always dreary during the Winter months and then moved to Colorado where there's lots of snow.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day!
Sounds like you have the 'winter blues' solved. I have to say that weather doesn't much affect my mood.I do hope that never changes.
ReplyDeletethat liittle guy can not hide in the cold winter.. he is beautiful. the odd thing is, if it is gray outside i just can't do housework, other than cook or dishes.. no cleaning unless the sun is shining bright. i tried to clean the bathrooms early AM while it is dark, just can't be done. must have sunshine to work... I love our winters but this winter is not our norm... but it is warm not cold.. we have had more gray days in Dec and this year than in all the years we have been here. very strange
ReplyDeleteLove the cardinals. I generally fix a cup of tea and read a good book, too. Definitely a mood elevator.
ReplyDeletei'm laughing at the cardinal asking you for an umbrella haha...well let's see, having lived in southern california all my life until these past 10 years, i try to appreciate winter. we left socal to experience what these 4 seasons are all about. i find i still excited when we are expecting snow and i am probably the only one in the grocery store having a good time when everyone has come to load up and their bread and milk because of said snow. i do wish the winter was just a little bit shorter and towards the end i do find myself missing san diego winter...but this is one of the seasons we moved away for and spring is so dang gorgeous that it is worth it! if it's yucky out, i love to get the fireplace going and have a cup of coffee!
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to see Cardinals! I enjoyed your photos! I try to begin each day with a few things on my list to accomplish...the stuff that either must be done or is real important to me personally. After I have made progress I get to do something fun...read blogs...edit photos...or do something crafty. I stay flexible..but some days not much gets accomplished completely:).
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy Tuesday too. I do a little blue when it's cloudy for two long. Today is a beautiful sunny day so I should accomplish more. When I start to feel down a little I often read a good book, practice my piano or listen to fun music. Sometimes, I will call some friends or perhaps watch a comedy movie. I try not to stay down for long because I generally don't feel blue often.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for this one!
Normally, I'd clean and spruce things up. Have to get my balance back to do that. So for now, I gaze out the window, waiting for my patio cardinal to show up. And visit blogs.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Winter gives me time to read books, something I don't have time for in the warmer months. My kid's sports schedules fill my time then.
ReplyDeleteLove the Cardinals, wish we had them here. I like winter, time to relax, read and just stay cozy inside.Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteOh I do like those cardinals, so bright and cheery in the midst of the winter grays. I need those good mood police several times during these long winter months. A trip to Phoenix in February will help tho!!
ReplyDeleteRed is one of my fav colors and the cardinals are sporting it well... It's cool here this evening, but our afternoon was beautiful. Not sure that we know what a real Winter is like.
ReplyDeleteI really love winter . . . I enjoy watching the birds and they are daily visitors at the feeders. I learn things from watching them . . . like diversity . . . what eats are the best . . . persistence, and much more.
ReplyDeleteA day like today when things were shut down because of the snowy weather I give myself permission to have a ME day . . . I read and napped, read and napped some more! (It is why I am up latex and commenting to you!)
LOL . . . LATE, not latex . . .
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a girl after my own heart. The quote made me smile too. I like these dreary, gloomy days about as much as you do. Can you send the mood police over here, The beautiful red cardinal is sure a day brightener.
ReplyDeleteWhile winter is NOT my favourite season, I really don't mind it unless it's extremely cold (below 0° F) But I don't like extreme heat either so I'd say both summer and winter are pretty equal in my mind.
ReplyDeleteSince my husband and I are birders, we enjoy seeing and photographing birds that are only here in winter. And I do enjoy photographing snow and ice. And I do LOVE to read so a yucky day is a good excuse for spending guiltless time with books. One good thing I like about winter is I don't have to cut the lawn. :))
Like you I avoid cleaning on dark days. I mean, haven't I been punished enough? Cooking a weeks worth of meals is my activity of choice. Functional but still fun.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the Cardinals on white snow.
Hi Cheryl....
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Tannas blog...
As I live in Canada....winter is just one of our 4 magnificent seasons...
I also love to thrift shop...take photos....drink tea....and watch the birds...
Lovely photos of a very handsome fellow!
Would love you to visit...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
It really is hard some dark overcast days to be in the mood to do anything constructive! I most definitely a sun/light person! I love the sights of winter, and hate to say it, but missed it when we lived in sunny CA! But..I hate driving in it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
It's been beautiful here and not very cold, high 50's, sunshiney. Has really improved my mood I have to tell ya. As much as I love winter, it's hard for me. If only the weather could stay at spring or fall!
ReplyDeleteI love winter! And your photos are lovely. Here in Montreal, Canada, our summers are mostly dangerously hot and humid, and even though our winters can be pretty cold, sometimes dangerously so, I prefer the winter...I love the fresh, crisp, clean air, the snow, and coming in to a warm home and having a nice cup of hot chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy winter for many of the reasons you listed, Cheryl. It's wonderul to sit in a comfy chair with a book and a hot vup of tea and maybe a treat as well. Watching movies is a treat as it calling friends and writing cards and notes, which I do anyway, but on a cold or snowy day, it somehow is even more enjoyable. I don't go put on the roadways unless it wqs absolutely necessary.
ReplyDelete