Manuela, I can relate in so many ways! I live in the snow-belt area outside Cleveland; winter is a mixed blessing for sure. The more I settle into her rhythm the more I enjoy winter’s gifts.
Whooof. High of -20C is definitely a winter awakening. I appreciate your and your father’s habit of letting in the fresh air. I’m with you on that (and with the groaning other family members). I really love your image with the beautiful ice patterns. And your storytelling. I can relate. Living in a place much colder and darker than where I grew up, I also first found the experience of winter a unique, fun adventure. Now I still oooo and ahhhh at the beauty of the light and the snow and ice but the rest isn’t as fun (and sometimes the adventure is not such a good thing, including the need these last years for spikes on the shoes through most of the winter due to the thaw/freeze cycle when temps lift above zero C becoming much more frequent due to climate change). We are almost at the darkest time: enjoy the holidays and the ascent into light.
And, I, too, have to wear spikes on the shoes when the side walks get icy to take our dog for a walk. I have slipped and fallen plenty of times… no more.
Cold winters are a mixed bag for sure.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I appreciate it so much!
Yeah, the temperatures here are quite extreme. I usually sleep with open windows, too, but not when it goes down to -30 C .
It’s pretty crazy sometimes how cold and also how hot and humid it can be I. The summer. Much more extreme temperatures than I ever experienced in Germany.
"Initially a struggle, when I surrender to the darkness instead of fighting it by wishing it was different, it starts to feel like a blanket wrapping me in comfort and giving me permission to quiet down." This metaphor for life struggles is so beautifully woven into your ode to winter, Manuela. I so enjoyed the new voice format as well!
I loved listening to you read as I read along to what you wrote. It is nice to hear your voice. Your photos of the ice and snowflakes are so pretty. I like being outside in the cold too. Someone tried to talk me into joining a gym to walk on a tread mill. I said I would rather walk outside. She said - “in the cold!” and I said yes. I bundle up so I don’t feel that cold. I did this recently when I took a time away to a beach in Maine. It was very refreshing. It is beautiful to be out in nature. I enjoy drinking/eating something hot when I come inside too. Winter can be indeed inspiring.
Thank you! I appreciate you listening to it. I actually quite enjoy it when others record their writings, but I haven’t done it in a while. Maybe I will do it more often….
Beautifully captured photos of Nature's exquisite artistry on your windows. That light at the beginning/end of the day at this time of year. I particularly like that time on a still, clear day when the sun has just dipped below the horizon, yet all around is still glowing in the warm light of it's embers. Of course, this visual warmth usually belies the freezing air ❄️🙂
I love that you open the window even when it's freezing cold! Beautiful images! <3
Some habits are hard to break! :)
Manuela, I can relate in so many ways! I live in the snow-belt area outside Cleveland; winter is a mixed blessing for sure. The more I settle into her rhythm the more I enjoy winter’s gifts.
Thank you for sharing! Every season had its gifts and challenges.
Beautiful post. I really enjoyed your words and photos.
Thank you!
Whooof. High of -20C is definitely a winter awakening. I appreciate your and your father’s habit of letting in the fresh air. I’m with you on that (and with the groaning other family members). I really love your image with the beautiful ice patterns. And your storytelling. I can relate. Living in a place much colder and darker than where I grew up, I also first found the experience of winter a unique, fun adventure. Now I still oooo and ahhhh at the beauty of the light and the snow and ice but the rest isn’t as fun (and sometimes the adventure is not such a good thing, including the need these last years for spikes on the shoes through most of the winter due to the thaw/freeze cycle when temps lift above zero C becoming much more frequent due to climate change). We are almost at the darkest time: enjoy the holidays and the ascent into light.
Haha, the groaning of family members…. :)
And, I, too, have to wear spikes on the shoes when the side walks get icy to take our dog for a walk. I have slipped and fallen plenty of times… no more.
Cold winters are a mixed bag for sure.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I appreciate it so much!
We are still waiting for cold and freezing weather in Hamburg. I wish it would arrive here too (not minus 20C though!🙈)
And yes to fresh air - I am sleeping with open windows year round!
I think Winter is also the time to slow down,
ä reflect, rest and refuel - just like Nature does.
Wonderful essay and photographs!
Yeah, the temperatures here are quite extreme. I usually sleep with open windows, too, but not when it goes down to -30 C .
It’s pretty crazy sometimes how cold and also how hot and humid it can be I. The summer. Much more extreme temperatures than I ever experienced in Germany.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
"Initially a struggle, when I surrender to the darkness instead of fighting it by wishing it was different, it starts to feel like a blanket wrapping me in comfort and giving me permission to quiet down." This metaphor for life struggles is so beautifully woven into your ode to winter, Manuela. I so enjoyed the new voice format as well!
Thank you for the kind feedback!
Love all the images Manuela. Great images and beautiful words.
Thank you so much, Shital!
I loved listening to you read as I read along to what you wrote. It is nice to hear your voice. Your photos of the ice and snowflakes are so pretty. I like being outside in the cold too. Someone tried to talk me into joining a gym to walk on a tread mill. I said I would rather walk outside. She said - “in the cold!” and I said yes. I bundle up so I don’t feel that cold. I did this recently when I took a time away to a beach in Maine. It was very refreshing. It is beautiful to be out in nature. I enjoy drinking/eating something hot when I come inside too. Winter can be indeed inspiring.
Thank you so much! That’s nice to hear.
And, I agree, nothing draws me to a treadmill. :)
Stunning pictures. Thanks for sharing the beauty and hope of winter.
Thank you!
Beautiful Images & I loved hearing you read the voiceover as well!
Thank you! I appreciate you listening to it. I actually quite enjoy it when others record their writings, but I haven’t done it in a while. Maybe I will do it more often….
Beautifully captured photos of Nature's exquisite artistry on your windows. That light at the beginning/end of the day at this time of year. I particularly like that time on a still, clear day when the sun has just dipped below the horizon, yet all around is still glowing in the warm light of it's embers. Of course, this visual warmth usually belies the freezing air ❄️🙂
Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
It is indeed beautiful.
Window view IV was my favorite. I love the light and contrasting shades in that one
Thank you!
Beautiful window views👌
Thank you!
Absolutely stunning! Your photos and these words are a dream, Manuela.
Thank you, Ann! That means a lot.