Reading

 By Maryanna Gabriel


There is a point in winter, in the still of darkness, when I forget this is not forever. The hours feel 

Self Portrait

heavy and time slows. To deal with this, I have been keeping a daily appointment with myself, which entails curling up with a good book and a cuppa. Under my blankie I enter another world. Not sure why I have forgotten how much I love this. Always, I emerge refreshed and loving the day. Well done, I say to myself. Time well spent. 

Although it is February, the garden is waking up. The days dawn earlier now, and it's a surprise. Why I don't know given it's like this every year at this time. Today I cleaned some windows with an unaccustomed ferocity as the sunlight poured in. Outside, crocuses are blooming as are the miniature daffodils. It's time. 

I cleaned out a little planter box near my kitchen garden and placed lettuce seeds. Of course, it's early. I'm well aware that winter likes to give a kick or two before departing. But the truth is, everything is growing, meaning the kale and chard have yielded several salads this week and well... what more proof is there? 

So the lethargy of winter is actually a rest. So is reading. Resting is not something I do well at. Given that nature models it, I am trying to improve. However, before I read today, there are plants to divide and transplant. So off I go - before I sit with the final chapter.