I know I'm not alone in writing after a weekend of below freezing temperatures (when I check the weather app it was -7). Sometimes we get a little stir crazy when the weather dips like this given the limits on indoor activities right now. One thing that's making our house feel alive and joyful right now, even with all the time we are spending inside, is the amaryllis I planted at the end of the year.
Planting an amaryllis bulb was on my 21 for 21 list, and the first item I was able to check off! It's a small start up cost and effort, but then it's really easy to maintain. And even though it seems like kind of a random addition to my list, it's brought an unexpected amount of brightness to our kitchen and living room.
Ultimately, I think my love for the amaryllis plant and how happy it's made me this winter comes down to this: there's a beautiful symbolism of a plant that is able to grow and blossom during the coldest time of the year. There's a beautiful abundance to the thick stalks that shot up within a week of planting the bulb, and the deep red flower that contrast starkly against the snow-covered rooftops on the other side of the window.
In a year where there's a lot of sadness with people getting sick and uncertainty for the future, looking at the amaryllis is deeply comforting. Even in the coldest, darkest part of the year, you can plant something that will grow into something gorgeous. It's a very tangible reminder that it's possible to find beauty in the mundane and also in adversity, and that you can hold space in life for both.
First beginning to bud
What's making you smile right now, or making you feel hopeful?
Just stopping by to say hope all is well! I haven't noticed any new blog posts from you in my inbox lately, so I thought I'd stop by your site to make sure I wasn't missing them somehow!
ReplyDeleteOur good weather right now is making EVERYONE feel a bit upbeat, I think. Definitely feels like spring is in the air, though as a lifelong Wisconsinite, I'm not naive enough to think that we won't get a few more cold snaps or even snow before spring is "really" here. :)
Otherwise, my kids have been making me smile. They have overall just been in a pretty great place- back in some activities, school going well, talkative, wanting to spend time with me....I just feel a sense of longing as I know these childhood days are numbered. My oldest will be 13 in July! It is crazy. I really, really wish I could hit the pause button right about now. They are so independent (read- MUCH easier than toddlers ;) ) but still childlike enough that it doesn't feel like I have adults living in my house yet. Also, haven't really entered full blown teenager attitude stage yet. ;)
The good weather here is definitely helping! Work and home got hectic at the same time and then was feeling under the weather, but I'm hoping to get back into a good writing routine in the next week. Toddlers are tiring to be sure, but it is so cool to see Avi become more and more engaged with language and the world around her at this stage. Glad to hear all is well in your family, and I appreciate your checking in--it's a good reminder that I do want to make time for writing soon :)
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