Midwinter pick me ups, look for happiness wherever you can

There is no reason why I should be complaining. None at all. The week the weather was hovering at zero, I was in Florida. At the end of February, I'm going to California.  And most of our winter has been pretty mild.

But Kansas is soooooooo gray in the winter.

Soooooooooo gray.

I have to keep looking around to find reasons to not let winter get to me.  Buying some new houseplants to give my kitchen and living room a shot of green, was a good start. Especially since it gave me an excuse to finally purchase one of those terrariums that I always walk by in Hobby Lobby and day dream about owning.  Heck, they aren't expensive, and even go on sale for half price on a regular basis.  But I'm glad I waited til the mid winter blahs struck before indulging myself.  It feels good to have some live plants cheering up my space now when I need it.

One of the very first things I do every single morning is stand at my back window and look out into the yard as I brush my teeth.   In the spring, I'm on my toes with excitement watching for the latest blooms, and I love seeing what new flowers have popped up to greet me.  Summer is just pure enjoyment, because all of the plants are at their peak.  And fall holds all sorts of changes daily with the trees changing.

But winter? 

Mostly gray. 

We haven't even had much snow this year. Still, I love looking out the window, contemplating the new day as I scrub my teeth, whether there is much new to see or not.  

But every once in a while, I get a view like this- BLUEBIRDS GALORE!!!!!

Ahhhhhhh, that was just what I needed.  And near them, were redbirds.  Little flying flowers, all throughout my trees.  

You've got to look for happiness, sometimes it is right in front of you and if you are not paying attention you'll miss it.

I had jury duty recently, and from my seat in the juror room, I could see this Happy Tree through the slats of the blinds on the window in our semi-basement room.  It was a windy day, the branches were blowing, and the tree looked like it was talking to me.

Of course, I didn't mention the talking tree to the rest of the jurors, I thought I might lose my position of head juror, or even get kicked out of the box if they knew I was slightly crazy.

Because this is what I saw all day, in my own mind. 

Yep, it is the reminder of spring that green plants bring, elusive bluebird sightings, and silly little things like this that keep me sane during the long, GREY, winter months.

 Or am I?

  

Comments

[Lois]

Hi Karla. I too find these months grey. I can hardly wait for spring to start popping up in the garden. It's nice that you had bluebirds. Aren't they the ones that bring happiness? I get to watch cardinals and finches and that's OK. The robins will be here soon enough and those are my birds of happiness. Thank you for sharing Karla. I have enjoyed your post, as always.

[Karla Nathan]

Normally, we at least get some beautiful snowstorms to break up the greyness, but this year we havent. I cant believe I actually miss snow!

[Gayla]

Anthropomorphism? I think that is what we do when we see human face and form in everything. I do it also, whatever it is called.

[Karla Nathan]

Yes and I think it also can refer to us attributing human emotions to our pets. Which I also do.

[Laurie Jackson]

I feel you with the grey weather; at least you have some greenery to enjoy. And, memories of all your recent trips to sunny places! The tree is hilarious!

[Karla Nathan]

That tree kept me entertained awhile. As much as I hate snow, the photos you e posted of it have been beautiful, Laurie. Weve not really had any. At least when Ive been in town.