Saturday 2 February 2019

February Light . . .



In February one notices all of a sudden that the days are drawing out . . . slowly lengthening.  It's been going on for a while, a minute here . . . a minute there, since the 21st of December . . . but now it is becoming much more noticeable . . .  I like the lengthening days.

There are moments in February twilight when the colour of the dusk deepens to a blue haze . . . and you are struck with an awareness of beauty that is half ecstasy and half sorrow . . . caught between two worlds. 


  There is a strange loveliness in a February twilight.  Familiar places soften into a fading mist of gauzy proportions . . . looking somehow less real . . . magical even.   It lasts but for a moment, not much more than minutes really . . . and before you know it that blue light has thinned out to grey and it is gone . . . the magic has evaporated and it is simply becoming night time.

I wait for that special light to appear each day so that I can hold it in my hands for the few moments that it is there.   It never appears in January or March . . . or any other month of the year . . . only in February.   In February it delights my soul and feeds my heart . . . this magic of nature . . . and I am grateful for eyes and a mind which are able to capture it.  


 

We've had some very unsettled and stormy weather this last week, perhaps there is even more snow to come. We did not get much here in Chester, but a large swathe of the country got a fair amount. This is the time of year when snow begins to lose much of it's novelty I think!   Like a guest who has outworn it's welcome we are eager to see it's backside . . .  We don't get much snow here really . . . so we mustn't complain.

It doesn't even really get all that cold . . . not much colder than -2 or -3 or -4 . . . and yet for some reason it always feels colder to me.   I have been here for 18 winters now and I can no longer imagine temperatures like -27 or -30 . . . but then again I think cold is relative.   If you are cold, you are cold, no matter how low the thermometer drops, it all feels the same.  



I suggested to Todd the other day that we make our Valentines for each other this year.   Of course when I was talking about it, visions of hearts and flowers and the like danced in my head.   He doesn't think he is one much for making a Valentine though.  Somehow he thinks it will be a mess as he doesn't have an artistic bone in his body . . . it would be nice though, even if it was just a stick man on a page.

I have always wanted a heart shaped box of chocolates . . . you know the pretty ones festooned with ribbons and such . . . I know the chocolates inside usually disappoint, but I just want the box so I can hoard it with all of my other like treasures!!

I am babbling now so will put an end to your misery with a thought to carry with you for today  . . .

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *
Start this day with a song.  
Cast your burdens to the wind. 
 Dance in the new day's sun.  
Rejoice, for this day is a new beginning.  
It asks of you only that it be 
embraced and lived joyfully.
~Mrs M   •。★★ 。* 。 


Blueberry Cake For Two 

I baked these Blueberry Cakes the other day and they went down a real treat.  Sized for just two people.  I served them warm and topped with a little quenelle of clotted cream.  Ice cream would be just as tasty.  In the English Kitchen today. 

Happy Ground Hog Day! Have a wonderful Saturday. Stay warm and stay safe  . . . don't forget! 


═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too! 
 



10 comments:

  1. Hi Marie, we were in Southport all day yesterday but travelled home on the train at twilight. Well how right you are, the sunset was amazing! It had this wintery feel to it but also had a look about the Caribbean to it (not that I've seen a Caribbean sunset in person!). It was beautiful but literally only lasted a couple of minutes.

    Some of the roads and pavements by us are still treacherous with the snow and ice, but they said it's going to get a bit warmer (less cold, rather than warmer I think!) over the next few days so hopefully it will thaw.

    Daffodils are in the shops, yaay, my favourites! So spring must definitely be on the way!

    I hope you're staying warm, keeping busy when you need to but also having your quiet times too. Thinking of you, lot's of love xxx

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    1. I have never been to Soutport Kate, and it not really that far away. Maybe some day. I have seen the daffodils in the shops and been sorely tempted to buy a bundle. Maybe I will next week if there are still some about. They are a lovely bit of colour for these cold grey days, although the sun is shining brightly today! Tis bitter cold though. We have it a lot better here in Chester than those poor people down south. I can't imagine! Love and hugs, xoxo

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  2. Ja cques and I stopped the VDAY cards..I bought 4 for the Litles and he looked at me and said."we're still not buying any for each other right?"LOL I think he thinks I'll show up w/ one..no..

    Yes I noticed the days also..I was at D's home yesterday to purchase a few stamps..again I thought of you..her whole basement..was fitted for all the craft items fro her large craft store ou west.
    Marie..it id FANTASTIC..No craft store I know of has more than she does..as it is concentrated in die cuts ..stamps..inks..MILLIONS..papers..cardstock..all fitted professional cabinets and drawers,a stamping room a cutting room a whole room devoted to classes..stamp racks Tim Holtz..Lavinias..I cannot even describe..
    what a neat place.She is so knowledgeable.And nice.

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    1. Don’t you love those little “deer in the headlight” moments! Oh how I would love to go to “D’s” and revel in that cornucopia of craft delights! I like nice people . We hear so much about the bad. The bad voices drown out the good so often. It is so lovely to hear about the good! Thank you! Xoxo

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  3. Oh your blog always lifts my spirits ..and I LOVE those "rat slippers " LOL ! and I cant afford them but I love all the of the slippers in her shop....made me smile ! Debbie :)

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    1. Oh yes Debbie. Oh that I could afford a pair myself! xoxo

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  4. Hi Marie~

    I always love to you that you have visited me...thank you!

    It has really been a very strange winter. we have had snow, then it melts, then we get snow, it melts and turns to ice, then it gets warm, followed by some super cold days. Toady, it's suppose to rain off and on, them tomorrow it might snow. I'll be happy when Spring gets here.

    I know what you mean about the look of January. The other night I stepped outside and snapped a photo of that pinkish sky, that only happens in January.

    Bob would definitely take on the challenge to make a Valentine. Once Bob's mother made a valentine out of, Conversation Hearts for Bob's dad. When he didn't make a big enough fuss over it, she was upset. Although, she kept the valentine...she was quite proud of it ;0)

    I try to make a special meal on Valentine's Day, and sometimes we go out. But this year we will be staying home. Bob and I both have the flu!! We went to the Dr. this morning and were tested, got, Tamiflu, and some cough syrup, hopefully I will be able to get some sleep.

    Hang in there!! Much love to you, Marie XOXO

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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    1. WE usually stay home Barb. You can never get as tasty a meal out as you can at home! I am so sorry to hear you both are ill. Keeping you in my prayers and hoping for a speedy recovery! Love and hugs, xoxo

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