I just love Sundays! Everything moves in slow motion, and the rest of the world seems to be at peace. It's a day that I don't feel guilty for staying in bed an hour longer or taking a nap in the middle of the day. I can cuddle up in my chair next to the fire, and read a book for as long as I want. This past Sunday I woke to new snow, gently falling outside, which gave me a perfect reason to stay in for a while longer, and relax...nowhere to go until the snow stopped.
When I finally made my way to the kitchen, I baked some blueberry muffins, eggs and bacon for breakfast. The cottage smelled heavenly, as only a Sunday morning cottage can smell.
A nice fire was stoked in the woodstove downstairs, so the place was cozy and warm while it continued to snow outside.
After breakfast, I sat in my big cushy chair, and read a book for a while,
aptly entitled Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah.
By 1:00 o'clock the snow had stopped, and the sun burst out. I headed outside to hang a new bird feeder I had bought at a thrift shop for $1.50. The inscription burned on the inside of the feeder read,
"Love Daddy, Christmas 1999".
I was so happy to find this treasure, and I hope the loving Dad who made this
will somehow sense that it is being well loved, and used now.
Lots of chickadees, Tufted Titmouse and Nuthatches have already happily discovered it.
Another feeder I put up, is an acrylic "window-mounted" feeder, I gave myself as a Christmas gift. Now I can watch the birds come right to the window when I am in the kitchen.
After hanging the feeders, I decided to head out for a nice walk in the snow. Sometimes on the weekends, snowmobilers will whizz by on their sleds. After the morning snow, the conditions were ideal for this. It's so fun to watch folks scoot by. Everyone is very courteous, and grateful for the use of the meadow. I have given my permission for the snowmobile club to use a trail that cuts across the meadow. It's like watching boats go by on a summer lake. They are far enough from the cottage that I don't hear the noise, but close enough to share a friendly wave.
I followed the path down into the woods, and continued following the many miles of trails that had been cut through the forest with the snowmobiles.
This made the walking quite easy, and so beautiful. Sheltered by the tall pines, it was warm and quiet, and I felt like this was as close to heaven as I think I have ever been.
It was such a lovely walk, that I continued on, even though it was getting darker.
With a thankful heart and contemplative spirit, I didn't want to leave this cathedral...this sanctuary.
Finally heading home as the sun set lower, and the shadows grew longer...
...I took one last moment to raise my arms to the sky,
and my voice to the heavens, thanking God for all His blessings!
Have a beautiful Monday!
