March 2025 SOLC–Day 11
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I’m trying to love winter. (And for those of you in southern climates, yes, despite today’s balmy (high 40s) temperatures, it’s pretty much still winter here!) Most of the time I do, but this year it’s felt a bit harder.
I keep telling myself that winters are wonderful! I mean, there’s so much to love! At any time, an ice storm can transform the garden into a wonderland. On cold mornings the windows erupt into filagrees of frost. There’s the geometry of forming ice, the dazzle of dripping icicles, and the perpetual wonder of a fresh snowfall. I want to focus on those things.
And just when I think I’ve got the hang of it again, there’s another subzero day with gusting winds and I’m back inside, looking out the window and wishing winter away.
I tell myself I shouldn’t wish it away. Winter’s a time for slowing down and getting some respite from the rush-rush-rush of warmer weather. It’s a chance to idle back and not feel even remotely guilty about spending a day by the fire curled up with a book. There are fewer pressing chores: There’s no lawn to mow or garden to weed. (I’m willfully suppressing thoughts of fetching firewood, shoveling, etc.) All the outdoor projects are on hold. It’s like a mandated break, so why not take advantage of it?
Also, the trees are magnificent in winter. They form dark stripes across fresh snow. Every graceful bend and twist shows, especially when lined with a frisson of fresh snow. The birds (those that are still hanging around) are clearly visible on their perches, and the sunrise shines right through intersecting branches. In summer everything is dense and hidden, and let’s face it, summer can get a bit over the top with all that color and the air suffused with the dense green of growing things. Winter offers more subtle rewards.
So, I’m trying to love winter…
but it isn’t always easy.
(Pssstttt–It also doesn’t help when my southern friends mention all the warmth and blooming going on down there.)
Nix the comfort zone 
I don’t try to love winter anymore. I just love one snowfall and then my heart is all dried up! Done, finsished. No more love. I do, however, love your photos of winter. They are always exquisite, but the winter ones add a little magic, too!
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I really do love the slower pace of winter and all the comfy cozy stuff, too. This year though I’m ready to move on out into warmer weather. March is always a slog!
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Okay. I promise I won’t mention that it got into the 70s today…partly because I am well aware that another round of winter is likely in our future!
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It actually was up to about 50 here yesterday and today. It’s bound to dip back down though. I’m convinced that this blip of warmer weather is just taunting me with what remains pretty far away…Hope you enjoyed your warmth!
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I will say nothing about the weather!
I do love how you describe winter as a time to slow down. I wish for time like that often.
This was beautiful:
“There’s the geometry of forming ice, the dazzle of dripping icicles, and the perpetual wonder of a fresh snowfall. I want to focus on those things.”
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I truly and deeply appreciate the slowing-down time of winter. There’s a wonderful book called “Wintering” by Katherine May that addresses how to handle the challenges of literal and metaphorical “winters”. It’s a great read!
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I love your photos. Especially that one of the bird, and all the crystallized ice! You have a great eye.
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Thanks, Amy! I love taking photos in the winter.
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It gets hard to love winter in the middle of March. You capture the effort in this post, and I’m sure your southern friends got your message!
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I don’t know if they got the message or not! Some of their comments mention shorts! lol
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Your photos are phenomenal! I think I’d love winter just for the opportunity to take some awesome pictures…well, almost. I’m one of those southerners in shorts today sitting here with a breeze blowing through the open window by my couch, but I’ll be wearing jeans and a jacket once more before Spring finally moves in to stay.
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Debbie–you weren’t supposed to mention warm temps! lol But enjoy your warm breeze today and I’ll be thankful for cooler temps come August 🙂
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Haha…maybe don’t read my story today. 😉
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You’ve piqued my curiosity!
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Your posts make me love your extremes of winter. I long for filigreed windows and flowers made of ice…your photos are so gorgeous! But I also know that the cold and snow and ice can be treacherous…and tiresome. Keep those beautiful photos coming…and know that warm is right around the corner!
Kim
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Thanks, Kim! Winter photography offers lots of opportunities! You’re definitely right about the treacherous and tiresome, but maybe not so right about the “right around the corner.” Spring takes its time arriving up here.
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I’m not going to say anything. Your photos are so gorgeous they make me wish for more winter.
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Lots of our snow has melted with some recent rain. I suspect it will get replenished at some point, but its staying power is definitely weaker at this time of year.
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Oh wow…you’ve definitely captured the beauty of winter with your photos!!
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Thanks! It is so beautiful!
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Beautiful pictures Molly!
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Thanks!
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Those photos! But, yes… winter. It’s a lot. Last year, I insisted that we buy cross country skis, thinking that if we actually had them in our house we could just… go… and that would somehow make winter more manageable. It has not. Have you read the book Wintering by Katherine May? I really loved it; maybe it will speak to you, too.
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I love “Wintering” and just reread it. I’ve also subscribed to her Substack –something I NEVER do!
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