It’s not officially winter, yet. The solstice comes in another week–at this point we are still loosing light each sunset. This week was about enduring, planning, pampering.
One thing that helps me get through a long Upper Peninsula Winter is making space mental and physical. I cleaned the studio. Bagged up items for resale and cleaned out my dresser drawers. Way interesting, right? (quirky smile) Try it, though, it works. The more space the lighter you will feel.
The joinery in the photo reminds me that if the old-standby is not working throw some nails into it, dammit. That is one way to think about fighting off winter, pull out all the stops and remember what you butt your life up against oughta rub-off so make it positive, eh?
Each time the sun popped out I moved to a sunny window. If confined by my job, or if I was working with someone who can go on outings to town, away we went. When you leave for work in the dark and return in the dark it is awful.
I was fighting this cold-thing all week. At the end of each and everyday my throat would feel itchy, my glands would swell and I was exhausted. So I bought fruit! Oranges, pineapple, grapes, and apples. I also headed to my massage therapist for a wonderful session on Wednesday. Erik Winkelmann has been my massage therapist since 2000.
Contrary to winter I keep eating salad, and I am loosing weight. I am way colder than usual and I think it is due to not indulging on carbs. But I am determined to lose weight this winter. Most people when they move to the Upper Peninsula from warmer climates put on 10-15 pounds the first winter.
I cut up some magazine choosing colorful images to paste into my day planer. The months of winter may say December, January, February, March, April. But they have green leaves, orange suns and other tiny colorful motivational icons.
I went to the food co-op and was saddened to hear that my old Manager, Bill, is leaving the co-op. His goodbye party is when I am working. I am even more saddened that I will miss this event of appreciation. I have heard through the grapevine that Bill is staying in the Upper Peninsula, though. Bill always had a smile and looked for the silver lining of every cloud.
I am adding music into my day. I sing, sing, sing. From caroles to country, folk to rock. I am dancing. This has helped with seasonal disorder. The darkness gets pushed back a bit. So, I am planning to attend a local fund-raising concert featuring Daisy May and Seth Bernard on the 19th of December.
December 19, 2008 at The Messiah Lutheran Church, info 906-345 9223.
This is part of “A Clean Water Conert” benefit for the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.
