Saturday, January 12, 2013

How I'm spending the Winter


Can you believe that it is almost the middle of January?
Why oh why do the days have to speed by so fast?

 The winter is going by so quickly that I am seriously starting to
wonder if I will get even
 half of the things done I have been planning on doing.

I am happy to announce that I have made peace with winter.
When I first started my blog I was quite the 
'Winter Whiner'
That was one thing I wanted to change about myself and I think 
I am winning!
Yes, it was a conscious decision to learn to embrace it.
I knew this all the time, I was just being stubborn.

Cold and snow and everything that comes with it like bad roads, icy walks,
cars not wanting to start, etc, etc, was all that I
was focusing on.

If I were a skier this wouldn't be an issue, since I live just 45 miles
from Sun Valley and the famous Bald Mountain ski runs.
I have only been skiing four times but never developed a knack for it.
(yes, for me four times was enough to know that I wasn't any good at it :-)
I liked the sitting in the lodge part drinking hot chocolate,
but not the coming down the hill part.

One of the things I am determined to do this winter is to read more.
I used to read a lot of novels but over the past few years they have been replaced
by magazines, blogs, and computer sites that I can learn something from.
However, sometimes it feels good to just hold a book in your hands.
Here are some that I have picked from my personal library to read this winter.





Something else that I would like to do more of is to get my sewing projects done
before the garden takes over my time.
Gardening is my favorite hobby,
but creating comes in a close second.
Going out to the studio and sitting down at the sewing machine just makes my day! 



My current sewing project.
curtains
The fabric is Rose Wreath by Peony and Sage.
I have never sewn on such beautiful linen as this! The quality is amazing!


One of my main goals for the winter is to clean, clean, clean.
I'm one of those weirdos who loves to clean.
My house sure doesn't show it a lot of the time,
but I do!

I get behind in the summer, so winter is my time to play catch-up with the cobwebs,
and right now I probably have some angry spiders wondering
what just happened to their homes.

Since Christmas I have been pulling out the furniture and vacuuming the corners,
washing windows and moving everything around.
It always feels good to get the deep cleaning done.

Now if I could just learn to discipline myself to corral the clutter!
cute little crumb brush


Another favorite winter activity for me is treasure hunting.
 I am always looking for vintage or unique items that I can add to my already
large collection of things that do nothing in particular but look pretty.
I know that most of you reading this post know that it is more about the
thrill of the hunt than finding anything in particular.
My favorite thing to do is to get in the car and drive to the nearest
big town and just go hunting for that perfect thing...
more like that perfect, im-perfect thing,
 like this old lamp and clips below.



I usually don't make resolutions for the new year,
but this year I want to
make kindness more of a priority in my life.
Maybe my attention, my smile, my hug, will make a difference
in some one's life.
Maybe if I make eye contact with everyone I meet and make them feel like they matter-
will matter!



The other day I got a text from one of my daughters asking me why my Facebook profile
has my birth date as March 29, 1947?

HUH???
That would make me 65!

Now, there's nothing wrong with being 65---
except that I would really like to experience 
58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64!!!! 
I don't know how my birth date got changed,
but at least I can be thankful that it still had me listed as a female  ;-)
I decided to keep my profile private, so folks can just guess.
If I disappear from your friends list it will because
I decided to take myself off FB and not because I did it for any other reason.
FB has been a fun way to keep up with everyone, but I'm not really
good at updating my status or keeping up with my family on it.
It really has never become my thing...
kindda like skiing I guess.
But thankfully,
I think I have conquered the knack of enduring Winter well!

101 comments:

Olive said...

Dear June, you being more kind is like the ocean being more wet but I applaud your effort. I have been gardening today instead of my normal hunting for treasure. I love the sweet lamp. love, olive

Victorian1885 said...

Hello Dear June!
I imagine that you are great at everything you do that is important to you. Your goal to look everyone in the eye and give a smile or a nod is something I try and do also and I get a little hurt when I don't get a smile back (lol), but I guess not everyone has my same outlook on life.
Unfortunately I am still off on Short term disability with my Facial Migraines (never heard of such a thing until I got them) but hope to see the Neurologist this month or next.
Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. We are really cold here today in our part of Canada -27 Celsius today but +2 tomorrow. Weird change I know but I won't argue.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love & hugs,
Wanda

Low Tide High Style said...

Beautiful post as always! I gave up skiing years ago, it was never my thing either. And I'm learning to embrace winter, though I imagine I'll always be a warm weather kind of person. I only use FB to post my current posts, my personal one sits sad and lonely because I never update it.

I hope you get a chance to read your books...and I really can't imagine you becoming any nicer than you already are...I think they would have to put you up for sainthood if you did! :)

Kat

Deborah said...

Hello June!
Thats so great that you have made peace with winter. I agree, I love the sitting inside drinking the hot chocolate part of the season, but not the cold..chills me to the bone. But winter does have incredible beauty in it, and for that reason...I bear it.
It sounds like you have a peaceful way of getting through this season...busying yourself with projects and things that can be easier done at this time of year. I am hoping to find 2013 as a year that I have de-cluttered well.
I have satrting knitting (my new love) and I am thoroughly enjoying it. i've already started on some Christmas gifts for next year. Loving it!
Well my sweet friend, it was good to come and visit you, as always. Hope you have a lovely weekend..and oh by the way, that pin cushion is so cute and that fabric just lovely!
Take care!!!
Hugs xo

Deborah xoxoxo

jewels in the garden +: ) said...

Happy New Year sweet June! I always love reading what you have to say and looking at your beautiful treasures. I'm trying to figure out what I should be doing. Been doing a lot of... a little of this and a little of that... and I don't seem to get much accomplished. Haven't done much blog updating that's for sure!!
Blessings dear friend!
Julie +: )

Unknown said...

i love all of your winter "pastimes" and your resolution should be everyone's resolution. small gestures can make such a big difference in someone's lives. i hope your new year is all you desire.....(LOVE that rose wreath fabric!!!) ;)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ahhh! Something out there wants to advance you! I think you and I are the same age my dear. Let's enjoy the later half of our 50s first before we enter that golden age!

Like always my dear, your photos express a happiness and celebration of winter white. LOVELY! Anita

Anonymous said...

Hello sweet June~
It's funny, but I used to snow ski a lot when I was younger, and every time I was on top of the mountain ready to go down, I absolutely hated and dreaded it!! Once I was down, I would always head straight to the lodge and sit with my hot chocolate in hand and watch the other skiers outside. That was good enough for me! :)
I am not a Winter girl either!

I am getting ready to order some of the Peony and Sage fabric myself to make pillows for my sofa, so glad to hear it's so fine and good quality.
Beautiful photos as always and have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Privet and Holly said...

June, it has taken me
ten Minnesota winters
to arrive at the same peace
with winter that you have.
This year I have embraced
the peace and the respite
that this season provides.
In fact, I hope we don't get
an early spring like last year --
too much to accomplish before
then! I do like to snow shoe
and to cross country ski, but
not when it is too bitter. I also
prefer fresh snow, so haven't
had a lot of chances to get out
in it, this year.

You are already one of the kindest
bloggers I know, so you have already
accomplished one of your goals!

xo Suzanne

Bente said...

Dear June. I love this post. You are a amazing person.
I wonder how you got friends with the winter.(smile) Wish I could, but the winter for me is just a time of the year we have to go through. I don`t like snow, cold or slippery roads. Spring and summer, yes, yes.

Wish you all the best and thank you for your nice visitings.

Hugs from me

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Oh that fabric you are making curtains with is so beautiful--can't wait to see them! A lot of people don't like winter--I try to enjoy all the seasons for what they are. I am really missing fresh cut flowers though!

{oc cottage} said...

it was 37 when i woke up this morning...colder than new york city! so i know how you feel! {ha! resist the urge to smack me, if you can! ;} i must be getting old because this cold snap has actually made me buy a coat with a WOOL content!!! brrrrrr!!!
since you like to clean...my door is ALWAYS open to you! i hate it...but i am trying...making my way through all the cat hair and things i don't even remember i had! {which is sort of fun...like shopping in my own home...i realize i should be a little frightened by this loss of memory...but i am choosing to go with the "fun"! ;}
can't wait to see all the gorgeous things you sew over the next few months!!!

❤❤❤ m ^..^

Unknown said...

I think we are cut from the same cloth.....I too love to clean and even more.....I love to iron. I always love your posts....just gorgeous photos. That fabric is so so gorgeous...can't wait to see the finished product.

summersundays-jw said...

We're having one of those dark, drizzly winter days that sometimes get me down but luckily, I have the company of a g'daughter. Love your resolution. Sometimes a smile can change your day or maybe it's just being noticed. Recently a friend suggested a book "These is my Words" and I loved it....if you run out. Happy winter! Jan

Sassy Southern Lady said...

Reading your blog and looking at your pictures made me want to get and do some cleaning. Thanks for the inspiration.

High Heeled Life said...

I'm so with you my friend ... sitting around the ski lodge fireplace and sipping hot chocolate is my idea of the perfect ski trip ..lol.
Your photos are wonderful ... wishing you a fabulous week-end..

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

OH June.... you crazy girl.... You have so many things you have said to comment about. First
of all how can you get any sweeter than what you are now.

The winter thing... I'm sorry I can't stand it anymore.... it must be age. I use to embrace
it and doing all the winter activities, but now... I guess I have to put up with it. I have a new pup
with no fencing so going outside with the dog
is not my way of having fun....LOL

You had me laughing with the age thingy... I"m going to be 56 and I don't want to push it!

You are such a darling and I love your heart. I know I haven't covered all basis with your topics,but I do believe I had enough typing .

Oh, one more thing I love the lamp!

Big Hugs for you special girl!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Good to hear from you...I would normally suggest you come to AZ to get warm...but we are freezing here this year...our pond was frozen over this morning!

Blondie's Journal said...

I love when you post...it's always good to catch up with you and your photos always inspire. I guess I am one of the few who enjoys winter. I truly enjoy all the seasons for the different things they offer. I have never skied either, the thought of sliding out of control is truly frightening! And like you I am spending my free time cleaning and organizing as the summer is too busy.

I sure wish I could sew. I bought a machine a few years ago and was going to teach myself. I failed miserably just threading the bobbin. I sincerely lack motivation and patience in learning new things as I get older!

Good for you picking up on your reading It is really a passion of mine, a way to relax and go into a whole new world! Let us know how you like your books...I am always looking for a good read!

Stay warm! We are expecting a lot of snow tonight!

XO,
Jane

Alaina said...

June, glad you have made peace with winter. So far I must say I am not having those winter blues-too busy. And it helps that we have only had a few really good days of snow. Today it is 57 and all the snow has melted. Oh, I am not to be fooled, this is Buffalo after all, the snow will come back, but I will be too busy to notice. I had to laugh about your wrong birthday, for one year I thought I was a year older than I actually was. I was not enlightened until my birthday party and my brother told me how old he was and I am only a year older. Oh well, I never been one to worry about the number, I just hope I end it in the real high ones. Great resolutions, I always try to enjoy life more each year. Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you enjoy your winter work.

Julie Marie said...

Hello June... like you, I am trying to embrace winter... but you are better at it than I am... especially since we got blasted with almost three feet of snow over the past three days... and since I have had a cold since Christmas, I am a certified "winter whiner"!... I have to look at my flowers in my garden posts to lift my spirits... I have never done facebook... I like blogging just fine and I think facebook must take up alot of time, which I would rather be doing other things... oh, and I am 63 and don't feel like I am in my "golden" years as one of your commenters said!... life is still good!... even after 60!... your stack of books looks so pretty, and I love your lamp... where are your new curtains going to go?... sending much love, happy you are enjoying these wintry days... I will try to take a lesson from you and do better... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Snooks said...

I know what you mean about trying to become more friendly with the winter season. I am not really a fan of the cold, cold temps but I do love how the snow tranforms everything, and how beautiful the hoar frost is when it settles in on everything making little ice crystals on everthing. My most favorite part of snow skiing is being the watcher and sitting by the warm fire in lodge with a nice drink of something warm and fuzzy. Looking forward to spring and all of the blooms and color. And yes, time needs get off of the fast track and slow down.

@ 3Beeze Homestead

Anne said...

I normally do not embrace winter.I sort of....hate it.I guess I should not use the word hate.I dislike it very much! But the past few winters have been extremely mild.We have hardly had any snow.A gift of sorts I guess.But we are in drought so I am actually hoping for a bit of snow or moisture of some sorts.We are getting some tonight.Your photos are always so lovely.I understand about facebook.I do it for my blog and business.If it were not for that I would not bother.But many like to follow me that way so I use it for that.
Hope you are staying cozy and warm this weekend!
xx
Anne

Deb said...

Beautiful post June ~ your images are so gorgeous ♥ Love the Peony & Sage fabric. My 1st sewing project of the year is a baby quilt for grandbaby #2 due in a few months ♥
I am a Winter {snow} lover - born in the Winter and missing the kind of Winter's we used to have. Today was so mild - breaking a record. People were carrying their coats!
Have a wonderful day xo

pballard said...

Lovely post! Thanks for sharing.

Tricia said...

I've never loved winter, in fact, I've always kind of dreaded it. I don't know why, but it seems like winters aren't as bad as they used to be, so I don't mind them as much as I used to.

I hope you find time to read in the midst of all your cleaning. Reading is so relaxing, isn't it? I used to spend hours doing that before I started blogging. Now I don't seem to have the time for it that I once did.

Your photos look so pretty! I really love that fabric. Hope you're having a nice weekend. xo

NanaDiana said...

I always love it when I see a post from you, June. I think I am a lot like you in a few ways...and I can't ski either- lol

I am reading again, too, at night- I haven't read in a few years and I used to read all the time. AND I got my sewing area arranged and actually sewed a little project yesterday- it felt really good! I hope winter passes quickly for you. xo Diana

ps...You are a MUCH better gardener than I will EVER be!

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

June ~ okay, so you KNOW that I had to leave a comment on this post. We have discussed our "winter whinning" before and we were both terribly guilty for doing it. Your attitude this year is exactly like mine...I am just LOVING winter this year and I don't know where the time is going. I have so many things that I want to get accomplished before the end of winter and don't know if I'll get them all done! I am also loving the weather even though we have had record snowfalls down here, the roads have been terrible and it's been really cold. So what! That's what winter is all about. No more wishing my life away...embrace every day I say...summer or winter, all of our days can be beautiful! xoxo

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

I'm not a fan of winter, either. I've tried embracing it but it's just not happening for me. I think I have seasonal disorder syndrome. I manage to stay positive but it's tough sometimes. I'm glad you've been able to overcome it.

BECKY said...

I love winter,June...winter here in my home state of Florida!! LOL!! I honestly don't know how all of you manage the cold and all that goes with it. So glad you made peace with it! You're a "the cup's half full" kind of gal from what I can tell, and I know you make the best of whatever situation you're in!

Love your photos....always...so refreshing to spend a few minutes here when I can. Thank you for that.

Hugs and blessings to you, sweetie,
Becky

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Hi June. It's so nice to visit u again and see your gorgeous pics and read your inspiring words. I really struggle with the winter season too, as we get so much rain! Like you I am trying really hard this winter to find and do things I love!
Xojanis

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Ohhhh.....and.....how I love, love, love your resolutions!
Xo

joanne said...

Oh how you make me smile! I doubt that you could possibly be any kinder, or more fun to thrift with, or more creative! But I love the fact that you are trying to make changes to please yourself. Big Blessings to you in the New Year no matter how fast it it traveling...;j

maría cecilia said...

Dear June, wishing you and family much happiness and blessings in 2013!!

I was wondering what happened to you on FB, now I know... I was missing you over there. So good to get back to reading, that´s something I will love to do too. Hope you manage to do all the things you have planned for this winter and being kind is something you already are my dear friend, soooo kind!!
sending you much hugs from our hot hot summer

Leslie said...

The change of seasons parallels life.. or so they say:) That said, it is a time to reflect and close up or hibernate, clean, set new goals, etc.. and prepare for spring. Here in the pacific northwest it's so dark and cold (25 was the high today). I am 53 and no long ski, but I do enjoy getting outside to walk my dogs each day. It seems to energize me and prepare me for the day.

Your photos are lovely:) Wishing you a wonderful weekend and start to a restful winter.

leslie

Geli said...

Hello dear June! It' s soooo nice to hear from you....I wish you a very happy year with your family, friends and pets! I also struggle with the winter season but this time is really good like you said for reading, sewing, cleaning and so.... Now there are just a few weeks and then we have the opportunity again to get outside in the garden ....I wish you a wonderful sunday! With love, Geli

Anna said...

Dear June, this post expresses so many feelings that I have ... I love cleaning, brocantage, the family and the home.
It 'a pleasure to visit you and I'm happy to have found your blog ... it gives me peace of mind!
Sorry for the bad translation I am using a translator.
A hug and good Sunday
Anna

Barbara said...

More kind, June? I think you're already a very kind person.

Love the fabric and I'm sure your new curtains will look amazing.

For me winter is a time to cocoon,to read and to fuel my creativity.

Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,
B.

suziqu's thread works said...

Dear Sweet June
Right now I'd almost give anything for Winter to arrive with the excessively high temperatures we are experiencing this Summer here with so many fires raging in our state at the moment.
Oh my poor poor garden!!!
On a brighter note June how on earth would we get these bigger projects, like making curtains, finished without it.
It also rests our bodies for the garden work ahead!

Give me a treasure hunt anyday! Such a beautifully delicate lamp and crumb sweeper you picked up while at a Flea Market today I found an antique spindle from a spinning wheel and two old hessian sacks used for carrying oysters and potatoes!
Are we just a tiny bit strange???

I couldn't think of a better New Year's resolution than practising kindness - even bringing it to our awareness at least once a day could be a good start!

Sending you much love and big hugs from a cooler day here dear friend as you embrace the arms of Winter.
How can we love Spring so much without it?

Suzy

paola said...

Hi June! I love so much visiting your blog and above all visiting YOU! You are a very very beautiful person..
A big hug
paola

Muggensteekjes said...

Hello dear June,
let me start by wishing you all the best for 2013. A bit late I know, but it is also too long ago since I visited you, so sorry about that. But I will be visiting you many more times this year because I still love reading your blog and look at your beautiful photo's. Winter is also in my country now, today is minus 4 degrees and I am enyoing it very much (inside with my cup of tea). Have a lovely day and hope to visit you soon. Hugs, Ingrid.

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

Hi June
I love your choice of books to read, all good classics, not read much now sadly. I undertook to read 85 books in 2012 and only managed 81! Think I cheated by adding the beading/embroidery books but I do read them from cover to cover. Will try again this year.
I have had a difficult time coming to terms with winter this year, it has been so very wet and just miserable. Then I decided to ignore 'Mr Blue' and get on with life, the spring bulbs are starting to show and will soon burst into colour and I do have so much to be thankful for.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear June ~ What a lovely and inspirational post for this Sunday morning. Thank you.

FlowerLady

Katherine said...

June,
Oh we could be twins. I am not a passionate winter girl either and prefer the apres ski area.
I wish the garden was there to play in all year round, it makes me sad when i have to put it to bed for the winter.
Hugs
Katherine

Victoria said...

We left the snow behind when I was 14 and we moved from Ontario, Canada to Southern California. Now living in Florida the winter's are even warmer but I do pine for a nice, cold snowy day sometimes, snuggled in front of a fireplace with some hot tea. I know the reality is not like the vision in my head though.

It sounds like you have some wonderful things planned to get you through these cold months! I totally agree, sometimes I get so caught up in online reading I forget the simple pleasure of a book. We have a Goodwill bookstore up the road, I really need to visit it!

Love your linen June!!! Happy sewing!

Victoria said...

P.S. I deleted my Facebook at the beginning of the New Year, it just wasn't my thing!

Claudia said...

I notice A Girl of the Limberlost in your pile - That's one of my favorite books! Enjoy!

xo
Claudia

Tammy said...

Dear June, what a lovely catch-up post. I like how you wound it all up by tying together skiing and Facebook. I've never done either of those. With my bad knees and ankle, don't think I ever will ski and I definitely have no interest in Facebook. I don't like cleaning -- no matter how much I do around here, nothing ever stays clean. Such a waste of time. Sounds like you have lots of lovely plans for the winter months. Have a wonderful rest of the day and a great new week. Tammy

Junebug said...

Sista June, I think I worn the crown for Queen of Winter Whiner!! But I've been dethrone by myself. It must be in the air for I am doing okay with winter - so far. Didn't want to get carried away.

I love the eye contact. I try to do this everyday. It is amazing the results. Of course you always get someone that doesn't smile back but I chalk it up to them having a really bad day.

Love, love that fabric you are making curtain out of! Now what room are they going in? I haven't been in my sewing room since the Christmas projects. I need to get busy for I need to make some Am. Girl doll clothes for my little valentine's.

Best get off the computer and get something accomplished today. It is dry, 29 degrees and the sun is peaking out,Yahoo!! Keep enjoying your winter, come clean my house an smile!! Love you, Other Sista June!!

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Dear June,
beautiful post as always. Last night I saw your post but I was rushing out the door. So this morning I made my self a cup of coffee and I knew I had a blog post to read and it would make my day. YOURS. You are such a great friend...Happy Sunday to you and your family. Ciao Rita

Mary Ann said...

Just found your beautiful blog... and I'm with you on skiing and Facebook! I can't wait to go back and read some of your posts.

Anonymous said...

I love winter - time to create and relax!
Love the fabric you chose, June. Is it available in the US now?
I'm also glad to hear you won't be missing out on 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64. :) There's some good years in there!
Happy day to you & yours,
Zuzu

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Its hard to imagine you being more kind. Your words and spirit seem to indicate that you are a generous and loving soul whose family always comes first.
As for the skiing, I used to be an avid skier but age(I just turned 58) doesn't seem to bestow the same quickness of movement it once did.
So what ever you're doing to pass the Winter thanks for sharing a few minutes with us!
Susan x

My name is Riet said...

HI dear JUne. It is so nic to see a post of you again. I always love your photo's but I love love the lampfoot. Beautiful. Now how can you be nicer than nice you lovely lady.
I saw your birth date and thought that you looked a lot younger than you are LOL. But you really are a lot younger and looked even younger. LOL
I still need to thank you for your lovely Christmas card. It was right on time.
I haven/t been blogging much lately, this dull winter gives me the winterblues.
I have been quilting quite a bit tho , nice in these dark days.
With hugs from Riet

My name is Riet said...

HI dear JUne. It is so nic to see a post of you again. I always love your photo's but I love love the lampfoot. Beautiful. Now how can you be nicer than nice you lovely lady.
I saw your birth date and thought that you looked a lot younger than you are LOL. But you really are a lot younger and looked even younger. LOL
I still need to thank you for your lovely Christmas card. It was right on time.
I haven/t been blogging much lately, this dull winter gives me the winterblues.
I have been quilting quite a bit tho , nice in these dark days.
With hugs from Riet

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Glad you are weathering winter wonderfully June and happy that you are sharing with us!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good afternoon precious June! Thank you so much for visiting today, and yes, in the short amount of time we are accorded life, we do have second and many MORE chances to live this life!

Enjoy your art and the days of winter my dear. You make any season beautiful ! Anita

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

What a beautiful lamp. And yes, I also believe kindness and a smile to a stranger does make a difference. I was really enjoying winter and cool evenings by the fire but then the FL weather changed to the low 80's so I enjoyed working in the yard yesterday...pretending it was spring. I guess you just have to go with it..

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi June,
What a lovely post. I can't imagine you being anymore kinder than you already are. You are such a sweet and darling person and I love the way you look at life.
Embracing winter will never be easy for me so I need to work on that.

Thanks for brightening my day.

hugs
Sissie

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
I was wondering what you were up too these days! I love the curtains you are making-such pretty fabric.
I love to read also,especially in winter.
I agree with everyone else-you couldn't be any nicer!!!

Enjoy the rest of the winter-spring will be here before you know it!

Carolyn

Unknown said...

Ah ha! You just wanted to take that medicare early! :) Love the fabric for the curtains that you are making. They will be beautiful, I'm sure!

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

As always a beautiful post from you.
Glad that you have come to terms with winter - Spring will be on its way before you know it.
Love the pretty fabric for your drapes and know they will be so beautiful when you get them made.
Wishing you and your family all the very best for 2013.
Hugs
Carolyn

Pondside said...

Ah June, I am not a fan of winter, either, after so many years of living in very cold places. The mild winters of the Island suit me now!
Your fabric is so lovely - I wonder where you'll use it.
I think I must be one of the few people in blogdom who is not on FB. I watch everyone else and it just seems more trouble than it's worth. Funny, but our darling Lillypad has just this week cut back her FB presence drastically - could it be a trend!?

Rozmeen said...

Seems like a lot of good plans, intentions and projects.

Big kiss,
Rozmeen

Ingrid said...

Hello June...I love your post again with all your beautiful things.....enjoy the new week....

Custom Comforts said...

As always, a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring post. I so agree, winter is speeding by very fast. I don't care much for winter myself, but am learning to enjoy it for reasons such as yours. It gives me a rest from all the yard work and time to catch up inside. I too will not get a fraction of my inside projects done, mostly because I'm remodeling my kitchen and it is eating up most of my free time. Plus - I'm learning a little late in life to slow down, nap, read a book, and even do nothing.
We had a taste of spring last week and it was heavenly. Made me nearly cry to hear the birds singing their spring songs. We were all most joyous. To a happy winter's end.
Cindy

Sabi Sunshine said...

Dear June

Its not winter anymore in Toronto, ontario either, getting less snow each year. Sometime i feel like its not good for the enviornment also but what can you do... With all the popoulation increasing, you can not expect a lot from the weather :)

Check out my other blog too
sabisunshine.blogspot.com

Tutti Chic said...

loved this post.....lovely :) chris

Nely said...

Dear June,
Just beautiful post,I love winter,but the spring its my time.
Love the pretty fabric,so great pictures.
You are so sweet person,thenks for so nice comments always in my blog.
Many hugs
Nely

Bett said...

I've always been the same with winter as I have SAD. But, I decided I was going to learn to enjoy it, and I have this year. Vit D and as much sun as I've been able to get has helped tremendously. I love, love, love sitting in the ski lodge, watching others ski, but going down hill on those blades is not for me. June your photos are as gorgeous as always!! Just love your beautiful blog.

Betty Jo said...

Oh, and I don't make resolutions either, but being kind is the best one possible!! Love that.

Cindy said...

I know, i know, i used to be a winter whiner too... i sooo get it. But after it being like 110 degrees here this summer, i was almost relieved to see the color weather coming, but not the dark, dark and cold together - BLEH!
Nice resolution, making more eye contact, being kind. We all need to remember that in our day to day interactions. I'm not a big facebook lover either, mostly get on to see what other folks are doing.
I've been wanting to tell you about something with rose thorns, because i know how much you garden, and i've seen your beautiful roses - i got a fragment of a rose thorn near my knuckle, and didn't get it out, and now have something called thorn arthritis, or thorn synovitis - look it up on google! Who knew ! - i have had roses tear me up for years, you know, you just get out there sometimes without gloves and start doing stuff, and get thorn pricks... and didn't think anything of it, but now i will soooo start wearing gloves... I just wanted to warn you about it, because it takes surgery to correct...

Cindy

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi June,
We share the same winter goals, to read, to clean ( I think all gardeners clean the house in winter, cause spring clean up here is the garden :-) and shopping :-) Love the new lamp, she is a beauty!!
stay warm:-)
Hugs,
Bella

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

My sweet friend. I absolutely love my visit with you this morning. It's so cold here and I needed something a little extra today. I turned on my computer and my blog came on and the curser was on your site. So, I clicked and my morning is happy. I wish we lived closer! I love your goals, expecially the one about embrasing the winter months. That's hard, but it can be done and you are on the right track. Be sure and show us your curtains.

hugs
cindy@stitches

Unknown said...

My dear, coming here is like entering a dream, like daydreaming ... Everything is so full of softness, sweetness and enchantment. How much beauty in your images! And what a delight when we found on a post an identification with what we feel! I also love reading and always think a good book is good at any time, but especially in winter, beside a beautiful lamp and with a warm blanket over our knees. I also love sewing and a beautiful old treasure hunting. So, your ideas for winter are really perfect! Loved very, very much! Millions of kisses, Marie :)

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Oh my, can you get any kinder or sweeter????? Love all of your winter ideas. I love reading and cleaning too. Unfortunately with owning a vintage shop time isn't always available . I have to do things at odd hours. Lol But I do try to sneak them in and feel so wonderful when I do:) I hope your Winter is a beautiful one June:) Have fun!
-Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Debbie said...

Hello June...I wish I could endure Winter well. I don't want my life to rush by, but I just hate the cold of Winter. I guess I should just get busy, and sew some vintage pillows for my booth. That would help keep my mind off the snowing and blowing outside.
I like your post. Very inspiring.
xxoo

Fete et Fleur said...

Dear June,

Yes, I kept my floral couch. I've had it for 12 years and wasn't ready to part with it. We are so kindred spirits. I do the same thing in the winter months. The summer is much too busy for me to clean. My garage is my last bastion. I hope to be able to park my car in there soon. Our garage is the tiniest thing. Its's a single car, but smaller than most single car garages. I wish we had been a bit wiser when buying this house, but God orders are steps and this has all happened for a reason.

Would love to see more of you smiling your sunshine here on your gorgeous blog.

Big hugs!
Nancy



Lisa said...

Hi June,
I'm one of those people who love winter! If we lived in a place where summers could be spent outside playing, riding bikes & growing beautiful peonies & lilacs :) it would be different. But when Autumn arrives and the temperatures fall back to the mid 90s I'm a happy girl.
I love that fabric your using, where did you find it?
Thanks for saying such sweet things about my blog yesterday, you made my day!
Lisa

Nella Miller said...

Dear June, you have been embracing Winter well! So much you have planned, but they are all projects to nurture your spirit during the long months ahead. I just wish I had more energy during the winter...seems I am content with doing less...I really love the beautiful linen fabric you have chosen, June....rose inspired of course! N.xoxo

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear June,
a very beautiful post. I love your photos!
Hugs
Yvonne

Rae said...

Happy New Year dear June! Stopping by to say hello and read your lovely "as always" post! I'm back at blogging and will be popping in for visits.
Much love, Rayanne

Rita said...

Congrats on being featured in the february-march issue of casa chic.
your home is Always such a welcoming soothing beautiful place.
i see here you were also featured in the december issue of abitare country. what a pity I missed that.
rita

Celestial Charms said...

Hi June,
Winters truly are for literary pursuits. What a lovely collection of vintage books. I must get some of mine out of boxes, dust them off, and display!
Happy Winter Days,
Maureen

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh, you're certainly not alone in being a Winter Whiner, June. lol! I start the whining in November and it doesn't stop til April. This winter, however, has been kinder and gentler....so far....and the whining hasn't been much more tolerable for my poor husband. lol I've been cleaning and moving things around, too, and you're so right about it making you feel so good! Love that beautiful lamp you nabbed. It's soooo shabby chic! Hang in there, girlie. Winter's alllllmost over! :)

xoxo laurie

Beehive Needleworks said...

Dearest June,
It seems that I am tardy to your corner of the world...yet upon my arrival I always discover beauty. It is always such a pleasure visiting with you...your kind and gentle insight...lovely finds...and delightful photographs.
May each winter day be joyful and filled with the fragrance of summer roses.
Warm hugs,
Judy

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Dear June, at last I am catching up with your blog,and there in amongst the books you intend to read is,
'A Girl of the Limberlost', I must have been about 14 when I first read this and I've never forgotten it, indeed its been on my Wish list in Amazon for ages, I've been meaning to reread it! I do hope you love it... And then I read your kindness priority resolution and how by even making eye contact with everyone you meet maybe you can make them feel like they matter. We are truly on the same wavelength June, I always try to do just that, somehow you can really feel that just for a split second something has passed between you and that person and that you have 'seen' them and they you! We all have our own stories as human-beings and likely share the simple need to matter whoever we are, wherever we are.
I love your fabric you can almost feel the quality from the photograph, and your little pin cushion is gorgeous! I desperately need to Spring clean too, it must be the dark days, it seems like it never really gets light here in the Northern hemisphere.
Just going back to your lovely books...I just know you will love 'Lorna Doone'!! OOoh..might need a hankie though, I did!
Lots and lots of smiles and hugs to you my dear friend,
Jane xxx

Barbara said...

Funny story about Facebook changing your birth year, June!
I love your list of winter projects but also agree: no skiing for me either. I tried, the kids loved it, but not me.
I do most of my reading via Kindle now. But my bookshelves are still way too full with books yet to read.
I've been too busy trying to unpack and organize the new house!
Big hug to you!

Anne Lorys said...

June, you are one of the kindest people I know.

I love you, my friend. XOXO

Anne

The Rustic Victorian said...

Lovely post sweet June. Winter is the promise of spring,,soon we will be seeing the earth renew, and the Easter season in swing.
Lovley photos!
oxo
Marcie

The Rustic Victorian said...

oh,and I "love" your new banner!

Rostrose said...

Oh hello my "65years old" Winter-Winner (and no 'Winter Whiner' any more)! :o))
I see there are lots & lots of favorite winter activities for you now ... LOL ... but not skiing: "I liked the sitting in the lodge part drinking hot chocolate, but not the coming down the hill part." :o)))
Your post let me laugh and smile and smile again!!!
As you know I LOVE the dwonhill-part - I was now skiing for a week in the "Salzburg area" (that's why there was a "rusty-rose-comment-silence" for more than one week - but now I am back again and catchig up :o))
♥♥ Sending worm Winter-Winner-Hugs to you, Traude

Mimi Sue said...

We certainly could use more kindness in our crazy world. I'm a winter whiner too. So the mister takes me to California when I start to whine. Mimi

wendy said...

You have the knack of enduring winter FAR BETTER then me my dear. And I can see it is in you "attitude" to change it.
I am , alas, still a winter whiner (like that word) OHHHHH I have a long way to go to make peace with winter.
And the bad part of that is is is a LONG winter where I live.
So freaking cold sometimes.
I love to read !!! but other then that don't have any hobbies like sewing, scrapbooking or cooking...I guess I am not that domestic (tee,hee)
I better figure something out as I am not a winter SPORT lover either.
OK...have I done enough whinning yet.
I'll think of you next time I decide to get the grumpies going.
hugs

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Hi June,
I absolutely loved this post! Can't believe I somehow missed it in my blog reader along the way. I always love to visit your blog. I could really connect with so much of what you said. Sometimes I whine about winter, but am trying to focus on crafting inside while I wait for spring, too. I took up skiing when I was 27 (even though most New Englanders spend much of their youth on skis). I only skied as a social outlet. Although I eventually learned to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views and swooshing down the trails, I preferred the ski lodge, too.
I love your new fabric and treasure hunting finds. How neat that you're reading vintage books from your collection, too. Great idea! I also like your idea to try more kindness along the way. You are always so kind in blog land. :)
Here's hoping February is filled with great things for you.
xo, Susan

Lovey said...

You are the best of the best....love u.

Koren said...

Hi June,
We are almost at the end of January, wow, how time flies. You should see what kinds of temperatures we've been getting up here. The last two weeks it's been in the -40's, bitterly cold! We usually get this, but it's been some time since we've seen 2 weeks straight! I sent you an e-mail, with the cold we get, we're still not sure what heating to use for my garden cottage.
I'm finally all caught up after The Holidays and Kyle and Victoria's Wedding. I'm also hoping to do some sewing, actually I want to do get some photos on fabric. I am so confused though at which way I should do this and I see that you have done some of it yourself in some crafts, such as those beautiful handbags and little hearts with photos on them. I want to make sure that the photos are durable for washing. There's the Fabric Sheets, The Bubble Jet Set to prepare your own sheets, there's other ways too that I've heard of. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing on a post on which method you use in your beautiful projects?
Your fabric is just gorgeous and so is that lampshade. I'm not a skier but I had a day of feeling somewhat better and hubby and I snowshoed a trail up the side of our river. It was so beautiful! The trail is already made so it wasn't a difficult hike but when we we're done I was really exhausted! I hope to get out at least a few more times, God willing.
I too think that kindness is a really good quality to have.... a smile, a hug and even just a moment of your time to listen to someone. We live in such a fast pace time, people rushing and not really slowing down to really take time to just sit and spend time with someone.
I pray that God bring a year full of kindness your way and the blessing of His Amazing Love.

Love,
Koren

Maison Beldecor said...

Hi dear June,
I just want to come around to say hello, and what I see is another one wonderful post... I also love to read, but I only manage to read a few sites in the evening in bed before I get tired...
Hope you enjoy cleaning your home and hunting for treasures
Many hugs,
Bine

bobbie said...

This spring you'll have to come over, and we
can spend a day junking & antique-ing!!

Hugs ~~~

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi June,
Hang in there, spring is on the way! Love your coping with winter skills, reading and treasure hunting, ...Perfect!
Great finds, the lamp is the cutest.
Hugs to you,
Patti

Elizabeth Johnson said...

I've never thought it sounded fun to hurl myself down the side of a mountain of snow -- mostly because I'm quite sure I would be no good at it. And I, also, miss reading. It is one of my goals for this year too.