I always struggle a bit this time of year. I just can’t stand the dark, gray, gloom that surrounds the Pacific Northwest during the winter months. (Who am I kidding… it’s most months here.) Don’t get me wrong, we have beautiful days here and there, but for the most part it’s pretty gray around here. I love being outside and working in my yard, but this time of year everything has died and there is just a muddy mess of leaves that we didn’t get around to picking up and skid marks of mud where we once had grass.
My husband and I were chatting last week, while we were both home and vacation, and as I looked outside on our muddy lawn I said, “Well, at least we don’t feel the pressure to hurry up and enjoy the sunshine, because we know it won’t last too long, or feel the need to work in the yard every weekend.”
My attention turns to inside this time of year and making a cozy and inviting place for my family. I focus more on cooking, baking, cleaning, organizing, and decorating than weeding, planting, pressure washing, and dead-heading.
As I was feeling down about the gray and rain again today, I reminded myself how much I LOVE home. I want my home to wrap my kids and husband with coziness. I want it filled with smells of good food and the sounds of laughter. It’s a happy place, and do you know what? It’s not so bad to be trapped inside because of the gray and gloom.
It’s a time to nest a bit and create as many memories inside the house as we do outside.
Home is a good place to be.
Oh I lived in the NW for 18 years and I so understand. The only difference is I live in the mtns. and we had snow for over 6 months, then some rain. I can remember having to totally rely on the inside. Your home looks fabulous and I am sure your family loves to be there.
I have definitely being feeling the same way. I am trying to embrace the slowdown after the holidays and have been slowly getting my house back together, while spending time cooking and reading. Your house looks so warm and inviting, Becca.
I see you have vacuum marks, too. Do you know of any way to vacuum without leaving marks behind?
Your rocking chair is very similar to one I have that belonged to my great-grandfather. I like the way you've done the seat cushion. It looks nice.
I notice all the vehicles parked outside. You must have been having a party but I'm so glad you took the time to take the pictures. Your living room is lovely.