Sunday, January 06, 2008

Is it the winter doldrums.....?

Or just the weekend blues? The day has been long and ever so dreary. The hours tick by, one by one, the clock hands move as slow as the proverbal molasses in January. I've run and ducked. Sewn up 4 patches, cut scraps and taken a nap and still the drearies linger. It set me to thinking about time spent alone, quietness, solitude and the things we use to fill the gaps. The tv has been on quite abit of the day, some CDs have filled in spaces. But I find myself longing for Monday morning and the business of living. While I was thinking I realized I need color!Life was suiting me just fine when this picture was taken. Not hard to understand why I kept it *VBS*.
I was at peace with the world and everything in it when I snapped this early summer picture. This is what I need today, sunshine, shadows and the ability to open a window. My spirits rise as I look at this picture. But to get back to what I was thinking about....
There was a man who lived alone in a cabin not so very far away in miles or in years. It was a very solitary cabin, certainly lacking nearly all the things we take for granted. While there was electricity, there wasn't running water. I feel that would be a challenge indeed. To haul all the water you need home from somewhere else. But apparently it's do-able.
I know for certain that there was no telephone. If you needed to get a message to him, you needed to call his brother who lived several miles away. The cabin sat alone on 2 acres of land. Very sandy land indeed, where little to nothing will grow but Jack pine. It is however excellent for sand burrs and wood ticks. And a few red oaks that seem to like sandy soil. The man had a dog, maybe two. He couldn't abide cats, calling them sneaky creatures. He cooked for himself on a hot plate altho not often and not much. He did his laundry at the laundramat. He had an old oil burner to heat the cabin in winter. It was a dreary place in my eyes. Gloomy, sparce, barren beyond what I could have tolerated.
I can do simplicity but I can't do poverty of that type. It made me wonder what mattered to him. What was important. Was there anything he was passionate about. I wondered alot of things, but never why he lived there.
Today I find myself thinking of his life, which seemed more like an 'existance' to me. I wonder what the long dark hours of each day were filled with? He didn't have a tv, but I think he had a radio. Without a telephone to receive calls with, and being several miles out in the "sticks", with no close neighbors....did he sit and wonder how to fill those hours? Did he see those hours as being empty, as I do? I think maybe he read books or magazines...that would be something at least.
And what conclusions have I come to, or solutions? Color to start with. I've only recently turned off the christmas tree lights and that is probably part of the gloom I'm feeling.
And I'll light a few candles, that will help. A bowl of red apples and bright oranges on the table or counter. Some new throw pillow covers to brighten up the couch. I'll give those things a try before next weekend...*VBS*

16 comments:

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

I call it "shack whacky" every January, but winter solstace is behind us and every day does get a bit longer as we slowly head to warmer days. Take good care Finn. My Dad has a phone, but does him little good as he can't hear, but we like to know he has one in case he wants to call 911.

Sunshiny hugs,

Evelyn

Norma said...

When it is gloomy and gray outside, all I want to do is sleep and eat! So it is a big shocker when the sun does shine and I crawl on the scale and look at the dust bunnies that have gathered during my "long winter's nap."

Maybe you need one of those special lamps that are for people affected by lack of sunlight?

Donna said...

hope the bright fruit cheers your living space and that the sun comes out for you soon. :-) Amazing how different people view solitude -- your recounting of the man in a shack made me long for such a space of my own -- There are few days i find time long on my hands if I'm all alone to putter at my stuff, and much prefer silence to TV or even radio....

Cher said...

ah, moods...sure are affected by light or lack there of...I usually spend January surrounding myself with bright color- playing with my brightest fabrics to chase any blues away! I think you figured that out too-glad Monday is nearly here for you.

Barbara C said...

These short dark days are a challenge, aren't they? I think you've got the "cures" identified: bright colors, lots of lights: Christmas trees and candles. The days are getting longer. Sooner than we think it will be early summer again.

I find the color and scent of oranges are a mood lifter. Take good care Finn.

Patti said...

Treat yourself to some colorful indoor plants - or even a bouquet of flowers. I know that works wonders for me! I hope tomorrow is a better day for you Finn!

Ali Honey said...

Sending you some sunshine and sunny thoughts. I have more than I need down here in the Southern Hemisphere right now.

Things that might help; light, colour ; laughter; exercise and playing with fabric!

Clare said...

They say January and February are the worst months for SAD. I think you need to purchase a SAD lamp. In the meantime how about some of your summer quilts to brighten the place up, fresh flowers and, mmmmmmm, oranges!!!

I'll be popping back tomorrow to see how you are.

dee said...

we call it cabin fever and it usually happens in Feb. Buy yourself some bright cheery flowers or flowering plants-if they don't last long-so what. Anything to brighten each day that passes until the gloom goes away. Do you have a happy light? We got one of those natural light things that makes a big difference. It perks you up and as an extra bonus, it's great to sew by. Force yourself to go out even if it's just a walk around the house. Thinking of you & hoping you feel cheery soon.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like my january blues!All festivities are over, decorations removed and most of the time the weather outside is just grey. Makes me wanting to go to sleep untill May. This year however the weather is great! Not too cold and sunshine all day, (due to global warming probably)and I feel energetic as in spring. So it must be the lack of sunshine that causes your blues..Hope you feel better soon!

Melanie said...

I'm with you on the weather-- up here, to me, it's not the cold that gets you down, it's definitely the clouds. The suns just doesn't seem to shine. I have to make myself(and Ransom) get outside every day or the clouds will cover you up... But regardless-- Finn, I think you are filled with color...and of course, Packer wins helps...Now I know you are smiling....

McIrish Annie said...

I know what you mean. The winter doldrums strike me every year. I am gloomier, and short tempered just waiting for spring. Color is definitely a help! and surrounding yourself with the things you love!

Nana's Quilts said...

A bowl of bright, fresh fruit will both smell good and look great on a table. Also, live it up, and buy yourself a plant or even some cut flowers. The Europeans do that all that time (have fresh flowers) so why can't we? We have to work harder to "make our day" this time of the year.
Cheers,
Marne

Unknown said...

A couple of bright cyclamens might help too - they always brighten up dreary winter days I think - I wish I lived near enough to pop round with a basketful for you Finn

Susan said...

I hope your own personal sun has come out and is shining on you today! I gave your blog the Make My Day Award from

http://desertskyquilts.livejournal.com/

Anonymous said...

I can relate... I still haven't taken down the tree... of course it's still sooo soft and supple I can't stand to throw it out when it's still like new! We fresh cut it the day after ThanksGiving and so that's why...
Color helps doesn't it, and people too. Just remember that your not alone! There are a lot of people that love you and that and for me music can really help!
Even though you feel behind, unless that's a help to invigorate you, remember that another day another way to be creative! Meet the day coming!