Reading

 By Maryanna Gabriel


There is a point in winter, in the still of the darkness, when I forget this is not forever. The hours feel 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 cup of tea. It's then under my blankie I enter another world. Not sure why I have forgotten how much I love this. At the bottom of my cuppa, 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. Today I cleaned some windows with an unaccustomed ferocity as sunlight poured in. Outside, crocuses bloom and flowers have emerged on my miniature daffodils. It's time. I cleaned out a little box near my kitchen garden and planted lettuce. 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 do I need. 

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