My Turquoise Bag

A winter storm had been forecasted for the weekend so aside from coffee in bed and blueberry pancakes for brunch, nothing beyond that had been planned for the day.

We were watching a blurry backdrop as we feasted on our pancakes.

Sharp lines of blues and browns were replaced by smudges of white.

The trees along the shoreline and the view of the lake had been completely hazed out by the snowy storm, as if an eraser had blotted out our daily view.

Somehow, this blizzardly view felt inviting to me and I had the urge to witness this stormy lake up close.

I asked my husband if he wanted to go for a walk after our pancakes, and his eyes lit up with approval. Being a Nordic-Canadian, winter is his happy place.

And thanks to the lake, it has now become mine.

A winter storm by the lake felt oddly peaceful to me.

The loud claps of the waves crashing into the rocky shores felt like release.

The icicles draping off a driftwood log felt like the elegant wings of a white swan.

The geese huddled up on a frozen meadow before taking flight together felt like community.

The loons swaying with the waves felt like adaptability.

Shrubs buried in the snow where wildflowers once bloomed felt like hope assuring us of its return.

I chuckled at myself at how much I’ve changed. Historically, you’d never find me wanting to venture outside during a winter storm, or finding beauty in a landscape that appears barren.

But as we should all expect from ourselves, our perspectives shift with time, age and experience.

I now welcome winter as a necessary season, not as a dreadful period to endure.

Just like with every season, we adapt to the environment we’re in and shift our routines, our clothing, our foods and our hobbies to fit the long, cold period we are temporarily in.

And winter sure looks beautiful by the lake.

Today, winter was appreciated with pancakes, snowflakes landing on my husband’s eyelashes and feeling the cooling drops of snow on my cheeks as I listened to the waves crashed against the shore.

Warm blankets, wool socks and a hot beverage awaited us at home as we looked out the window at the blurry scene we had just returned from. I breathed in gratitude deeply with that thought.

Winters here are long, and living by the lake is a luxury I am deeply grateful for because it has enabled my love for being outside even more.

Sunny days, and storms alike.

What change in perspective have you embraced lately?

What winter routines bring you peace and joy?

Wishing you a cozy season.

🥞❄️