I embrace the things I love about every season and winter is no exception. Winter brings with it, shorter daylight hours but also the coziness of snuggling up in front of a wood-burning fireplace.

Winter means Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and snow! It means fresh air with scents of pine and chimney smoke. It means hot, steamy bowls of hearty soups and cups of cocoa (with mini marshmallows or whipped cream, of course). It means crisp, sunny walks in the woods, all bundled up in our woolies. There’s nothing like coming in from a brisk winter walk and sipping a soothing, hot cup of tea. One of my very favorite things about winter are the brilliant sunsets we see from our front windows. Shades of pink, orange, gold and lilac fill the skies, visible this time of year thanks to the trees’ bare branches.

And so, along with the cold, windy, sometimes icy weather and shorter days, winter has a beauty all its own and things to celebrate and savor. I am grateful for the wonder and blessings it holds.

“…snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…”

— Julie Andrews

“My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music”

I see it as storytelling. I love photography and writing. Partly, it’s a platform for self-expression and a way to eventually work from home but it’s largely about making good memories; whether it’s in the home, traveling, making a delicious meal, baking a sweet treat, painting a positive image or capturing something with photography. They’re all opportunities to make new, lasting memories. In today’s world, although so much of it is still wonderful and lovely, some of it is troubling, sad or frightening. Anything we can do to spread some positivity and comfort is welcome and a chance for our loved ones and friends to draw on those memories when we’re not physically with them one day. Here’s to making amazing memories and creativity!