Sometimes, there is a small lull in the winter winds - a little break, perhaps. Although the chill still seeps through your flesh and tickles your bones, the sun comes out to remind of one of life's greatest treasures: hope. We do not forget that winter is still in our neighborhood, rattling our windows and asking to come inside. We do not forget how it howls our names in an effort to trick us. But on mornings like these, when there is a promise leaking from the Earth's voice - the promise of a new beginning, the world can't help but let a grin sneak onto our flaking lips.
I love these days. Actually, I love winter for these days. When, in the midst of despair and death, there is a tiny ray of hope sinking through the O-zone layer. The birds slowly wake up and begin their songs and the streams trickle away from frost, shedding it like a jacket. Days like these bring promise of a new beginning.
These little moments are why I have always loved winter. The bitter wind and snappy frost is uncomfortable. Chapped skin reminds us each day to take extra effort in our care. But that's just it - in the winter, we take extra effort to care. You see this with Christmas and New Year's, but it's so much more than that. In winter, we share with others. There are more drives for the homeless and no one will think twice about offering you a steaming beverage upon entering their domicile.
On top of all our sharing and giving, winter brings us into cozy layers, flaming logs, and thick woolen socks. Don't misunderstand - I am ready the snow ridges to melt away as they have begun, and I am ready for the birds to sing every morning, not just pleasant ones, and I am ready for earlier suns. But I do love the hope and love winter brings out in us all.
In all seriousness though, and I am being serious amidst a drivel of poetry, a girl must keep warm when the sun is tempting her to go out in the cold. Our hearts and mugs may be filled with glow, but we will need to translate that to our wardrobes to keep our outsides as warm as our insides. For this reason, I am a firm believer in taking cooler weather dresses and making them suitable for cooler temperatures. This dress, which you last saw here, has been given a neutral underlayer of a grey turtleneck and slip. Throw some fleece lined tights into the mix and some warm, woolly socks with combat boots (you will never convince me that combat boots are inappropriate for anything ever), and you can keep just as warm outside as in. Get out there and explore this great, beautiful wide world.
Alright, turning the fuzzy poetry back on now with a final line to summarize my sentiments regarding the glorious season of winter:
Winter is, in so many ways, the warmest season of all.
What do you love about winter? No cheating! I challenge you to find something you love about a cold, wet, mess. Also, how do you layer your clothes to stay warm?
Stay Beautiful,
XOXO Liz
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