For me, coping with the winter blues requires big books,
cats, tea and grilled cheese sandwiches.
When that doesn't work I force myself
to get out and see something new.
Like a splashy Joan Snyder painting
and greenhouses filled with flowers and foliage.
 |
| print by Mary Cassatt |
A few days ago I went to the Harvard Art Museums
and felt like I could see again.
and today I visited the greenhouses at the Lyman Estate.
Is there anything like the smell of a greenhouse?
It was as though I'd been holding my breath for a month
and finally I could breathe again.
I love the smell of dirt and new flowers! I was only at Lowe's, not a dreamy greenhouse, but the shelves are stocked already with spring flowers and I walked around for at least an hour smelling, dreaming, planning. but, I held back and didn't buy anything yet!
ReplyDeleteAnd books are on hold for me for at least a couple of days, we're doing a marathon Netflix series. I just finished up making snacks for all day tomorrow. :)
February's down...one month closer to spring. xo
Lowe's works too--that sense of anticipation is marvelous.
DeleteI love that you made snacks for your marathon.
I think the idea of a greenhouse visit in winter is pure inspiration. Good for you, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteKaren--I feel like I'm liking in a cold white desert. I was desperate.
DeleteI love greenhouses too. the atmosphere is always so heavy and seems to envelope you like a thick winter coat. maybe that's where I should go this weekend too. thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteTell me if you find one. I bet there's some amazing greenhouses in Paris.
DeleteYou inspire me, Jen.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's so nice of you to say. I think we all inspire each other.
DeleteHello Jen, You always manage to find so much life and color to keep winter at bay. I am glad your trip to Harvard was successful. I tried to contact them recently about an item for the Gore Hall post, and was told that most of the museums were closed for renovation.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Jim, the museums reopened (as one instead of three) in November. Very nicely done, though it cost a fortune and several years. I'm ready for my own greenhouse now.
DeleteWonderful flowers and beautiful art! Your colourful pictures are making my grey day bright! Spring is coming!!!
ReplyDeleteAll my best
Elisabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth!
DeleteHello Jen,
ReplyDeleteJust as you bring colour into your own life, so you light up ours with this joyful post. Art galleries are a great source of visual stimulation, so badly needed when one has been surrounded by dismal greys for so long. We know exactly what you mean when you say that you felt able to see again, suddenly everything seems brighter, more colourful, more sensuous than before.
Well put, my friends. I felt an absolute need for those colors and creative energy.
DeleteI sit here on Sunday still in my pajamas, glued to the couch knitting and binge watching House of Cards and I KNOW getting outside would be good for me - a nice lungful of winter air, but it's gloomy and cold.
ReplyDeleteEver go to Logee's Greenhouse in Northern CT? It's a wonderful messy, wet dirt smelling old Greenhouse with an ancient bougainvillea and a carnivorous looking giant stag horn fern - or two…muddy paths and old steps.
House of Cards=big book and knitting=cats. I hope you had something delicious to eat too.
DeleteSounds like you're doing a good job of keeping your mind going and your senses alive! And grilled cheese will always work if nothing else does...
ReplyDeleteGrilled cheese is the best. Never fails.
DeleteBeautiful splashes of color after seeing black and white for months. I'm sure you were smiling.
ReplyDeleteI was. I watched a few people walk into the greenhouse after me and we all had the same look of delight, wonder and relief.
DeleteI was housebound in Iceland all day Sunday, with of course, books and cats for company. Today is sunny and sloppy and melts, but I could go outside and flounder around in my Welles. I can't wait to smell the dirt.
ReplyDeleteXo J
Yes. The smell of dirt. And daffodils.
Deletebeautiful! It is still raining around here :(
ReplyDeleteIt's still snowing here. :(
DeleteNothing better to lift the spirits than to see beautiful flowers . I become rather depressed during the winter season. My outlet are my art books and maybe some painting.
ReplyDeleteIts not rained for a while here..but its just ever so overcast and dull.
Yesterday, i was in our local big town.. and the shops were full of new spring plants.
i wanted to buy them all. It was a sight to lift ones soul..
can't wait for the sun and to get into the garden.
have a good week Jen..
val x
I've been reading my art books too--I'm starting to read the text and not just look at the pictures. Isn't it amazing how flowers make us happy?
DeleteI like the way you cope.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I bake cookies too.
DeleteCookies can be very helpful.
Delete