I'm forgoing a more lengthy post this week in favor of a simple Wednesday Vignette, hosted by Anna at Flutter&Hum.
I read Anna's post before I started writing mine, and found her eloquent message putting much of my own feelings this week into words. I feel a sense of building pressure in the world around me, both immediate and at large, but I also feel a quiet determination and sense of purpose. It's not that unusual. People often respond to pressure by finding reserves of hidden strength. I'm more determined than ever in my goals, and I'm starting to find those hidden reserves again.
The winter solstice also helps shift my attitude. Though it marks the beginning of winter on our calendars, the days are getting longer and the countdown to spring has begun. It was a remarkably beautiful day here in the PNW for December. It was sunny, and for once the sun wasn't accompanied by an Arctic air mass. I took a very quick walk around part of the garden and noticed the buds of Hamemelis 'Jelena' beginning to open. Added to the garden just this fall, this witchhazel produced a couple blooms earlier in November right after planting. Now it's preparing for the main show, ribbon-like petals held like coiled springs, ready to burst open. It seemed the perfect symbol for the day. There are still many cold, dreary weeks ahead, but each day will be a bit longer, and spring that much closer.
![]()
I read Anna's post before I started writing mine, and found her eloquent message putting much of my own feelings this week into words. I feel a sense of building pressure in the world around me, both immediate and at large, but I also feel a quiet determination and sense of purpose. It's not that unusual. People often respond to pressure by finding reserves of hidden strength. I'm more determined than ever in my goals, and I'm starting to find those hidden reserves again.
The winter solstice also helps shift my attitude. Though it marks the beginning of winter on our calendars, the days are getting longer and the countdown to spring has begun. It was a remarkably beautiful day here in the PNW for December. It was sunny, and for once the sun wasn't accompanied by an Arctic air mass. I took a very quick walk around part of the garden and noticed the buds of Hamemelis 'Jelena' beginning to open. Added to the garden just this fall, this witchhazel produced a couple blooms earlier in November right after planting. Now it's preparing for the main show, ribbon-like petals held like coiled springs, ready to burst open. It seemed the perfect symbol for the day. There are still many cold, dreary weeks ahead, but each day will be a bit longer, and spring that much closer.
