Friday, February 13, 2015

snow days



 November, December, January,
I was constantly on the go.
Brooklyn, Catskills, Brooklyn, Italy.
Art, food, people, landscapes, cityscapes,
so much new to experience.


Now I am back in my familiar world
traveling through books
observing cats and birds
painting, writing, wondering, wandering.


Right now it's all about the snow.
66 inches in 16 days.
Too cold to melt, more on the way.

It's as though we in the Boston area, live in a science fiction novel;
it begins to seem possible that is will snow forever.


We tell ourselves that spring will come,
but there is a tiny corner of doubt.

36 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Oh, I love the first photo :)) How sweet :))
    Greetings

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  3. Hello Jen, Yes, February can be the longest month, I remember it well. But just imagine what they were like before central heating, which is not so long ago! For many years in Cleveland, late winter seemed more like a transition to spring than the snowy time it really was because of busy activities getting ready for the upcoming sugar season--piling wood, cleaning equipment, planning sap runs, etc.

    I hope all the current snow makes the memories of your vacation better by comparison!
    --Jim

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    1. Jim, I was remembering a book where there was a blizzard and the farmer had to tie a rope between the farmhouse and the barn to find his way to milk the cow. Funny, I often think about what it would be like to not have lights, but I forget about the central heat part.

      I didn't know you involved with maple sugar in Cleveland. Do tell.

      My memories of Italy get better every day.

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    2. Hi again, I have been a devoted sugarer most of my life. I once wrote about the maple season from the viewpoint of antique photos:

      http://roadtoparnassus.blogspot.com/2012/03/maple-sugar-season-nostalgic-look.html

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  4. I just heard winds and ice are their way....so gather your books and hot tea and enjoy yourself for a little while longer. I hate to tell you that I raked in the yard today...while that's nice, I long for snow. Winter is not the same without a snowstorm and a fire.

    stay safe and warm! ♥

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    1. Got the tea right here, and books always at hand.
      One big storm a season would be perfect!

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  5. I keep forgetting you live in Mass, always think of the Catskills. You are having a monster snowy winter, if it's any consolation we're in the deep freeze and there is a foot of ice in my back yard but we're manageable unlike your area where there is no place to put it anymore. Been there, not fun yet there's something so cozy about it, a transition we need to go through to recharge. I intend to spend my 3 day weekend inside and cooking. Happy Valentine's Day to you and that painting looks suspiciously like the one in Jane's house :)

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    1. I think the ice is the worst. I remember one year when my kids were young and we lived in NJ and it was icy all winter. It would warm up during the day, and freeze at night over and over. I bet you'll do some great cooking.

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  6. Dear Jen,
    Spring will come, eventually. It has to, because I am due there March 16th! In the interim, you have well mastered the lovely Zen art of living beautifully indoors. And oh, your paintings! Such quiet serene bliss.
    Keep the faith!
    Diane in sunny & 60s
    Denver -- don't hate us, please

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    1. I'm glad you are having nice weather, Diane. And spring will be especially sweet this year around here.

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  7. That birdie pic is priceless, Jen. The blue, the little birds, the shadow, the light. Just beautiful.
    California Dreamn' right now.

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    1. Awww, thanks. The kitties and I are having great fun watching them.

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  8. Been thinking about you - every time we watch the weather report on the national news. That first photo is priceless - I actually laughed and showed it to Jay. Your painting looks like a tossed peony floating in your creek. Lovely,

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    1. I've been thinking of you too. I associate Idaho with big snows. The one time I went (Moscow) there was a memorable skating party.

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  9. that bloom is not stagnant, it wants to dance.

    www,inkandchai.co.uk

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    1. Lovely, Autumn. Makes me think of the Dylan Thomas pome The FOrce Tha Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower. It's there, somewhere.

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  10. Sometimes enough is enough and I'm pretty sure that's where Massachusetts stands with the snow. We have no snow, I have no roommate, you could take a mini holiday in cold Virginia.

    Bring your books.

    So J

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    1. But then I couldn't complain. Like how it's -8 degrees here this morning. Tempting nonetheless. One day.

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  11. Hello Jen,

    Sad to say but it sounds as if you are having all the snow that is meant for here! In Budapest, there have been some small flurries but nothing serious and nothing that has lasted more than a day. Incredible!

    You do indeed sound as if you are in some apocalyptic snow novel since this cannot be real......

    Spring is a frame of mind......!

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    1. I recently read the Transylvania trilogy by Count Miklos Banffy and thought of you. It takes place in the years leading up to WWI, with many scenes in Budapest. Those were the days of horse drawn sleighs, balls, and duels.

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  12. February is a very tough month, and the Boston area has had more of its share of snow, but you sound nice and cozy with the cats, the birds, your books and your paintings. The snow will melt, the sun will shine, and you soon will be regaling us with tales of new travel. Stay warm, Jen.
    Michele Napoli

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    1. Ha, yes, even I am getting bored with my constant pictures of cats looking at snow and birds in the snow on IG!

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  13. So much snow! All very nice in its way, but I think yours is outstaying its welcome. And then there's the thaw to come..... But Spring and summer will come; have faith.

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    1. I think I should start painting flowers opting out of snowdrifts, Rachel.

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  14. Jen... So glad you have a healthy winter attitude. Y'all have had trials by snow these past weeks! Kitties, tea, books, a pretty pink painting... The cozy wait for Spring is underway! Smiles...Susan

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    1. Just keep posting pictures of your flowers, Susan!

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  15. oh god, that is a lot of snow. stay warm. and enjoy some quality time with a few books. xoxo

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  16. Hope the snow will melt soon Jen and the first snowdrops and crocuses will appear! Take care!

    madelief x

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    1. Thanks, Madelief! Meanwhile I can watch your garden grow.

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  17. Replies
    1. I´ve read your comment at my blog. My husband and my daughter speak the Basque language, I speak Catalan with her and Spanish with him. We have three languages at home!
      I´ve been living in the Basque Country for ten years and this is my third attempt to learn it. This year I have a very good teacher and I am finally learning it!

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  18. I hope you see signs of spring soon, but I bet this snow is planting some seeds of inspiration you'll enjoy later.

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