Monday, April 4, 2016

April Snow


Catskill hills



Aji and hyacinths

It is April, and today it snowed and tomorrow it will snow and at night the temperature will dip close to single digits. I worry about the birds, and the blossoms. I don't actually have any blossoms, but my neighbors do. I'm not going to complain. I can buy flowers at the store and bring them in my house. I have a house, and money to buy flowers, and a family that loves me, and a few friends and cats and lots of books. I have everything. I love the sharp seasons of New England, and  unpredictable weather. Actually, weather can be pretty well predicted these days, but we can't control it. And that makes me happy. A clear night with a splash of stars gives way to slow moving clouds. Wind blows, snow falls, sun shines.


23 comments:

  1. Lovely painting - almost looks like a watercolor, but you paint in oils. The birds will be fine. It's peacocks and peahens that can't handle getting their feet frozen. We had a peahen running with the wild turkeys and she disappeared after a blizzard in November, only to show up with them this week. She must have stayed in a tree.

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    1. It looks like a water color to me too. I've been working on glazing and I think it gives that effect. I love all the wildlife you get!

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  3. Hello Jennifer, Just think of it this way--these late cold snaps also help keep bugs under control--continuous warm weather allows for extra generations. I recall April snows in Cleveland (and I think even May), where the weather I believe is not as sharp as where you live.
    --Jim

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  4. I love these words and your attitude ... it sounds like the perfect description of 'contentment'.

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    1. Contentment is a wonderful word, concept and state of being. And yes, I am feeling content these days.

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  5. I love your accepting attitude to the weather and your gratitude.

    Have a wonderful week
    Helen xx

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    1. I am working on less complaining and more gratitude these days, Helen. Such a difference it makes!

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  6. All that you have said is so true, Jennifer.Living in gratitude is so much more rewarding than complaining.

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  7. Hoping you will have some spring weather soon Jen!

    Madelief x

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    1. Me too! I'm still looking at snow on the ground. But enjoying pictures of your garden on Instagram.

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  8. Hi Jennifer,all so true. We complain when there's not really much to complain about. The Times had a wonderful OpEd piece this weekend, "Less Disinfectant, More Rioja" which echoes this same sentiment. "No pasa nada" Our friend Alicia will most likely agree. Happy Spring.

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    1. I'll look for that--love the title. Happy Spring to you, my friend!

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  9. lovely thoughts Jen. We don't have snow, but our rain is sporadic and brings me the same kind of pleasure of sudden changes. Go to bed on a balmy night and wake up to fog. Simple pleasures, like cats, friends, and books!

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    1. There's something about a nap on a rainy day...

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  10. It is still cold in your place. Hyacinths will be bringing you spring. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in my city.

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    1. I've seen pictures of the cherry blossoms. They are so beautiful!

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  11. Great attitude, Jen. The gratitude habit can be a little work at first but once it kicks in, it's just the best. So rewarding & truly the only way to live. A neighbor was complaining to me about the snow in our mountains being too slushy to ski well on, in a ski area near their mountain/weekend home. I just looked straight at her and said, in as kind a voice as possible, "Well, that's a real First World problem to have, isn't it, Laura?"
    She got it, instantly. It seems to finally be Spring here & we are very grateful.
    Cheers, Diane in Denver

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    1. Thanks, Diane. This is something I'm trying to be mindful of. It eases the burden and clears the mind. Happy Spring!

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