Hi, All,
Well we are officially in the second month of 2014 and February is the height of winter. As I view the snow falling down endlessly here in Chicago, one can't help feeling blue. The frigid temps have kept me inside for over a month, only leaving for errands and working out. No real joy in that, is there.
February is a sad month for me because it's the anniversary of my parents who are no longer with me. It's also the month my mom and grandmother died. So I always get blue this time of year.
BUT... yes, there is a but... I ALWAYS like to keep as positive as I can. With February in our mists, we only have a few more months until spring. I LOVE spring. I was born in the height of spring, so I rejuvenate at this time of year.
I know many of you have the mid-winter blues as well. Thoughts of spring certainly help, but may not be enough. This is the time to bring spring indoors. Go to your market. Start buying fresh flowers. Lucky for me Trader Joe's has tulips and hyacinths all ready blooming.
Next freshen up your home. bring in some light colors. Change out your dark and heavy pillows and drapes for lighter and brighter ones. Start now. We all rush in the decorations for the holidays, why not have an early spring. So what if it's snowing out and it's ten below zero. Inside your cozy nest you can enjoy the warmth of spring.
I know it's hard. Trust me. It's a major effort for me too. At lastly, why not start wearing some brighter colors. Sweaters, hats, and gloves come in a rainbow of shades these days, so DITCH the BLACK AND NAVY. Bring out the baby blues, pinks, apple greens, and yellows. I promise, you'll feel more uplifted.
As most of you know, today is the first Wednesday of the month... So make sure you drop by the other Insecure writers here and give them a cheery hello. WE can all use it during the mid winter blues!
And don't forget to visit the new IWSG website here!
Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!
Well we are officially in the second month of 2014 and February is the height of winter. As I view the snow falling down endlessly here in Chicago, one can't help feeling blue. The frigid temps have kept me inside for over a month, only leaving for errands and working out. No real joy in that, is there.
February is a sad month for me because it's the anniversary of my parents who are no longer with me. It's also the month my mom and grandmother died. So I always get blue this time of year.
BUT... yes, there is a but... I ALWAYS like to keep as positive as I can. With February in our mists, we only have a few more months until spring. I LOVE spring. I was born in the height of spring, so I rejuvenate at this time of year.
I know many of you have the mid-winter blues as well. Thoughts of spring certainly help, but may not be enough. This is the time to bring spring indoors. Go to your market. Start buying fresh flowers. Lucky for me Trader Joe's has tulips and hyacinths all ready blooming.
Next freshen up your home. bring in some light colors. Change out your dark and heavy pillows and drapes for lighter and brighter ones. Start now. We all rush in the decorations for the holidays, why not have an early spring. So what if it's snowing out and it's ten below zero. Inside your cozy nest you can enjoy the warmth of spring.
I know it's hard. Trust me. It's a major effort for me too. At lastly, why not start wearing some brighter colors. Sweaters, hats, and gloves come in a rainbow of shades these days, so DITCH the BLACK AND NAVY. Bring out the baby blues, pinks, apple greens, and yellows. I promise, you'll feel more uplifted.
And don't forget to visit the new IWSG website here!
Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!
132 comments:
Hey Michael, The gray skies do cause the blues, but the bright snow in the sunshine is so lovely. I love that despite your sorrow you look to the brightness of spring and try to bring that inside during this trying time. Cabin fever is a real thing - but soon, very soon, the sunlight will return and the energy with it!
I understand that today - the blitz is on! Congratulations!
February was a sad month for me too (because I lost a lost of loved ones in this month) but then seven years ago, my daughter was born in February and she changed my outlook on the month.
Happy blitz day to you, Michael. I hope this February is good to you.
Hi Michael,
I'm sorry you have to deal with the anniversary of your mother and grandmother's deaths in addition to the winter blues - I can imagine this is a very difficult month for you. Glad that you are able to focus on some happy things and look forward to the spring. Happy Blitz day to you - I can't imagine a better recipient. :)
You do know how to decorate, don't you?
We'll be in the seventies here today. You probably didn't want to hear that.
Sorry February is a sorrowful month for you. It seems we all have a month that brings the sorrow of loss.
Always searching for that silver lining! Your optimism is contagious and you should find a way to bottle it! :)
BTW...you've been BLITZED! Enjoy.
Sorry February is a hard month for you. I'm getting sick of the snow and cold too. Though I don't mind hibernating in my house and getting some writing and online classes I'm taking done. It's just hard when I have to go to work or worry about bad weather when I have to drive to Detroit for court hearings. Once we get through February, we'll start seeing some better weather even if it's not perfect. Hang in there.
sounds like you are turning the blues to other colors. Hope February ends in a rainbow of delight. Happy Blitz day and take care.
That's a lovely idea, Michael! It's true, we spend all that time holiday decorating, it'd be nice to turn around and do the same for spring! Of course, it's snowing as I write this, but hey - snow is pretty and it beats -35C!
Hope you have a lovely Blog Blitz Day!
Can't say that I blame you for having those winter blues. There's a reason I'm in Florida. Can't survive the dreadful winters of the north.
Spring is right around the corner, and those beautiful spring flowers up there are awesome. They bring smiles all around.
Enjoy your blitz day!
{{{hugs}}} for your losses, but also thanks for your breath of hope. Spring will come just as surely as the sunrise. Happy Blitz Day, Michael!
February was always a beloved month for me, because I had a birthday in this month. Now, I've *stopped* having birthdays. Don't need anymore. But I still like February.
Today we have an ice storm, and I'm on my 5th snow day. This will be extending the school year far into June, but I have a book to write and a deadline to meet, so I plan to make productive use of the day!
Great ideas for staying positive and brightening up our lives. I live in FL but it's been gray and damp here for awhile now, so I'm going to take your advice, too. :)
Happy Blitz Day!
Love the idea for bringing in an early spring. =)
Hello from the Blitz!
Happy Blitz Day! A little blitzing should help the winter blues. Hugs!
The best thing about February? Winter is ALMOST over!!!!! Happy Blitz Day!!
Ug. This winter, quite literally, bloooows! I'm so done with it---but hey, white is a nice, bright color, ey? Hehe.
How go the edits?
Good advice! It's dull and gloomy here in the UK, but with the weather this miserable, it gives me no excuse not to do as much writing as possible! Happy blitz day and have a great month!
Happy Blitz Day. Here in the UK it's just endless rain - I almost envy you the snow ;) Some good tips there for lightening the grey mood of the month.
Wonderful advice. It's amazing how a little color can lift one's mood. I'm done with this winter too. Happy Blitz day! :)
Brighten the house. I need to do that. We have a Christmas flower that is just about to bloom, so that will help.
And happy Blitz Day, Michael.
It's snowing as I type this. Snow mixed w/ freezing rain. Fun. Spring will be more than welcome this year.
BAZINGA! You've been blitzed!
Have a great day!
Heather
I live in very sunny place. And cold is like 32 degrees. They close the schools. LOL. I have always wanted to visit Chicago during winter and see what that is like. I agree sunshine is good for soul and bringing it indoors a good thing on gray days. :)
The dark days of winter really affect my writing. All last week it was cloudy and gray and I couldn't concentrate on writing worth a darn! Plus, the darkness always seems to give me a headache. While I like chilly days (not cold), I prefer sunshine. :)
Huge Hugs, sweetie! I'm in the grip of the blue, but you and my nephew have made me start thinking more positive thoughts. I always get sad in May as that is when my dad passed so I understand the February sadness.
Happy Blitz Day! You, my friend are the very best and I love you; :)
There used to be a columnist for the Atlanta newspaper who always referred to the first two months of the year as Janu-weary and Febru-ugly, so even in the so-called sunny south, winter seems to be overstaying its welcome by this time of the year. Good advise! No matter how dreary it looks outside, we can always brighten up the inside... and ourselves.
Happy Blitz Day! I hope all these virtual hugs put a big smile on your face.
Hey, Michael. I'm thrilled you've been chosen for a Blitz Day! Despite those winter blues, Happy Blitz Day!! PS: I completely understand the WBs. Yes. The lack of sunlight and ability to spent any great amounts of time outside during the winter is tough. I'm feeling it, right now.
Oh, I know what you're feeling all too well, Michael. Big hugs coming your way! Love your tips for bringing some spring indoors and livening up the home. :)
HAPPY BLITZ DAY BROTHER!!!!
And big hugs! It's a tough month. But those memories bring their spirits back. Maybe play some of their fave music this month in their honor. And i hope you enjoy this special day when we appreciate YOu!
Michael,
Does sound as if February has some emotional memories attached to it for you. I always counter the sad memories by remembering one of those bright-flashing-laughing moments with each person.
Happy #blitz
Susan
Sending warm thoughts to you, Michael. I know exactly how you feel. It's easy to get the Winter blahs, especially when this time of year holds sad memories. But Spring will brighten your spirits. It's a new beginning for all of us.
I hear you, Michael! I like snow because I go snowboarding...but this is too much. I get pretty miserable in this bitter cold. Your tips for perking up the mid-winter blues are perfect. Winter will end some time and spring will be here!
HAPPY BLITZ DAY!! :) :) :) :)
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
Hi Michael .. I felt like you do the last two years when it seemed to snow incessantly here, and/or was mighty cold!
This year we have rain, gales, storms .. thankfully I'm safe here and the only time it inconvenienced me and couldn't get a train to London it didn't matter .. so I turned round and walked home!
You asked if Spring was here .. it's mild and our daisies are coming up - they say if you can get a hand of daisies Spring is here. I'm not so sure ... it is mild, but boy are the storms bad ... railway lines dangling with the sea pounding underneath!!
Quite right .. I've been cleaning up here - had some builders in to make the place more habitable (as I rent) .. they're back tomorrow for a brief few bits and essentially that's done.
Colours and sun do cheers us though .. just put my rugs back and they're bright and very cheerful ... with a surprising pink sofa?!
Cheers for now .. Hilary
Then I forgot the most important bit about your parents and this time of year ... and your grandmother ... I've had lots of family deaths at this time of year and in October ... my mother managed to go on a day of celebration 4th July - a good day for her .. and for me, as I continue on with life!
With thoughts as you battle that snow - sounds dreadful. Hilary
I am sorry you are sad Michael! YOU did say this was a trying month for you-I hope you get some bulbs to force or buy a bouquet of color. Redecorating is a huge way to inspire our muse to see things with fresh eyes and wonder! I bet your place is fabulous-you need an art date. If you can't go out because of the brutal weather-head over to Pinterest and pin a board of inspiration! Take Care-you are in my thoughts!
Michael, I feel your pain all the way over in Minnesota! Ready to be done with this dreadful winter. Remember the happy times with your parents, and keep your head up! Spring will be here before we know it! :)
Happy Blitz Day! I had a difficult time with seasonal blues when I lived in Massachusetts, but it's been a tad easier out here in California. ~MPL
Oh, I definitely get the seasonal blues from time to time! It's hard not to when you're living in a snowy winterland that doesn't go away until April or sometimes even May. Happy blitz day!!!!!
Struggling here with the winter blues in the northeast. We got a foot of snow dumped on us in PA. Hang in there! The best part of February is it's short.
Great advice as I sit here looking out at what '8 below' weather is going to do to my day. I also know it won't always be like this no matter if it's the weather or a rewrite I'm stuck on. Happy Blitz Day.
Hope you can clear those blues away. Happy blitz day.
Happy Blitz Day! I hope this can help you with your winter blues!
happy blitz day! so sorry to hear how tough Feb is for you. I've been doing a lot of those things. Flowers especially really brighten things, and personally I've switched to all pastel nail polishes over dark! tricks the mind into thinking it's spring haha.
No matter where in the country you live, winter always seem grey and chill somehow. I like your mind-set. Dress yourself and your home in bright colors! And know that no matter how cold the winter, spring always comes. Always.
Hi Michael, hope you shake those blues right off - you are right, there's always a positive, just sometimes you can't see it.
Happy blitz day too!
Suzanne @Suzannes Tribe
xx
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm having a rough Feb this year too. Let's hope these winter blues end soon. Happy blitz day.
Bringing bright colors into your home is a great idea. I am ready for spring. Happy Blitz Day
A barrage of blitzing buddies - just what you need to beat the winter blues, Michael!
Happy Blog Blitz Day!!
A blitzin' we will go! I'd say you needed the pick me up ;) Hang in there, warmer days are ahead.
Great tips! Changing what you see to something brighter definitely can make a huge difference to your outlook.
Me, I'm looking forward to winter.
Happy Blitz Day!
I'm not a writer, but great post :) Happy Blitz Day :)
Chicago is blah, i know... i can see so little between the snowflakes. take the grey and turn it into grey'at!
Jeremy
Michael, if anyone needs a happy blitz day, it's you. Hope this cheers you all month. Happy Blitz Day!
I am out here in the 'burbs. Roads suck. Visibilty is terrible and they are saying 9inches by the end of the day today.
BLAH!
Happy Blitz day at least!! ;)
Good ideas! I never thought about changing the decor to change my mood. Happy Blitz Day!
I like your attitude, and your ideas! Happy Blitz day!!!
It was daylight last night until almost 5:30 p.m. FIVE-THIRTY! It just seems like yesterday that it was pitch dark at 4 p.m. That raises my spirits immensely! Winter started here in northern Alberta, Canada, promptly on Nov. 4 with too many -30 C days and dark, frigid nights to count. But today is bright and beautiful, not a cloud in the sky so -19 C doesn't feel so darned bad!
Your spring ideas sound great - I'm tempted to go out pillow shopping for the living room.
And on a very bright note, I imagine it's hard to be blue on a blitz day!
HAPPY BLITZ DAY!!!!
What a splendid idea you had, Michael. I will certainly try to bring spring earlier to my cave. Change decorations...already started. At least, we must always do the best effort to feel better. :) Happy Blitz and dragon hugs.
Dropping by to say a cheery hello.
Hope February starts to look up for you!
Happy Blitz day!
Blitzed
We need winter rain here to fill up the lake for summer fun, and to keep the farmers crops growing. Rain is a good thing, but we're not getting enough. So I really shouldn't complain about the cold. I still love our warm days though.
You're always a ray of sunshine Michael. Makes me feel all warm despite winter blues.
..........dhole
We are being battered with wind and rain at the moment so can relate to the longing for warmer days. Totally agree that colour can cheer you up. Someone at work today said I reminded them of a chocolate bar! Think it was because I was wearing the colour of the wrapper - well think they meant that now I'm wondering lol.
Happy Blitz Day!
Happy Blog Blitz Day!!!
Chippy
I guess I'm strange, in that I love Fall and colder weather. Not necessarily winter, since I'm not a huge fan of the snow, but I love the layers and the dark colors - it makes me feel cozy :) That said though, I'm definitely looking forward to spring - my kiddo is way too active to keep locked up in a house all winter long!
And if all else fails, move to Florida. I don't even remember what winter is. =)
Happy blitz day!
Hello Micheal. I lost my mother in February four years ago and she was the last of my base family to die, including her, my father and brother. Winter is a hard time and I don;t live where the snow piles up for weeks or month.
I am here with DL Hammons blog blitz. Happy blitz day!
I'm so glad we get to Blitz you!!!! I don't suffer from winter depression - I'm Swedish and winter is my time. Autumn is my favorite - October in particular, spring is second.
My problem is summer. I'm just too hot and the Colorado sun is relentless. I wrote about it one hot summer and named a syndrome for it, just like you have SADD.
I call it HIDE. Heat Induced Depression Exhaustion.
Feel better - your ideas are great!
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Thanks for the bring spring inside tip! Happy day!
I see that I am very late to this party! Hahaha.
Ditch the black and navy! Isn't it funny how color changes attitudes? Bright colors feel more positive, inspiring, and uplifting. Why don't we choose to bring those things into our lives???? Good for you on pointing out an Easy Fix for the Winter Blues. We can all change up our wardrobe and choose brighter colors. Redecorating is also good for the soul. That is what winter needs... more soul food!
Winter blues are set inat the moment. I like the idea of brightening the place up. Thanks :)
Happy blog blitz day!
Oh, man... I have hated February since college. Winter wears on me. I can't imagine how much harder it would be with sad anniversaries. (though I guess I DO have several birthdays of people who are gone--you know... because people like to have sex in June)
Good suggestion with the bright stuff. I always like bright anyway, but not SUPER brights with decor, and I think some yellows and oranges may warm things up, AND I think I HAVE a few things... just have to dig them out.
Feb. is a hard month for me too. This marks the anniversary of losing one of my best friends. Sunshine, bright colors, and upbeat writing will see us through, yes? Happy Blitz Day!
I love the idea of bringing in Spring decorations now! I just might buy myself some fresh flowers.
We were just in Chicago 2 weeks ago and it was bitter cold!
Hang in there. March will be here before we know it.
Hello!
I can totally relate to your "winter blues" down here in Indy. Just got another 12 inches dumped on us last night. Arrrg! And, I lost my brother in Feb., so I feel grief this time of year as well. Hope the blitz cheers you up and lets you know you are not alone.
Happy Blitz Day, Michael.
I know this time of year can be hard for so many reasons, and not just due to the weather. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I will be facing a hard one for the first time later this year. Sending you a virtual hug.
I'm in the middle of a snow storm…so I'm taking these tips to heart lol Happy blitz day, Michael :)
Bring on the Spring. we are having terrible storms which upset my pc last night , been most of the day adding things back on.
Yvonne.
Gimme SPRING, dammit! lol! Yah, it's been a long winter and freaking cold. I'm okay with 30's and the occasional 20 something but this wicked wind and sub zero temps are cramping my style. But the good news is, next month my daffodils and tulips will be blooming so that's good. :-)
I use bright colors. Love them. I get pillows in bright colors and scatter them about like flowers. Although I do love black I wear lots of bright fall colors interspersed with warm spring colors all year. You're right we can get most things we wear in colors other than dreary. Color, scent, and music affect our moods.
The other day I went to the big store I get groceries and walk by their bank of silk flowers. I just stopped and stared. Oh, it looked so nice. So I grabbed enough to make a couple of cheerful arrangements. I have some essential oils and one my favorites is called 'spring'. I put dabs of scent on the flowers. Amazing the difference when you walk into a room that has that subtle scent and see the splotches of bright color. Mood lift. I also use a lot of scented candles in the winter. It helps too.
Hugs Michael. Hope you're immersing yourself in color.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
I was feeling so sorry for you, clucking sympathetically over frozen Chicago life, and remembering my Hyde Park days. Until... you mentioned Trader Joes. As an expat living in the north of England, I can accept that I have to make the occasional Chipotles run to London, and even that the only way to get a real bagel is to cook it myself. But dear God, is it too much to ask for a Trader Joes? I'm tearing up just thinking of my favorite TJs. Maybe we could work out a trade? You come live in my castle flat, and I'll head to Chicago for a TJs fix?
Hi, happy Blitz day. I am praying for a lift in your spirits and a warming trend in your area. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week.
Mary-andering Creatively
Mary-andering Among the Pages
You're right, nothing like fresh flowers to brighten the late winter days. My orchids are blooming right now. Bliss! It makes me feel like spring is here even if I still have to wear my parka.
Happy Blog Blitz Day!
Hopefully blitz day will help get you out of the February blues.
What a simple and lovely suggestion. Tulips! Trader Joe's here I come. Well, after it stops snowing here on the east coast.
Snow Day Blitz Day!
I get the winter blues too. In fact I also get the grey skies blues, the rainy day blues, the cold and foggy day blues...the list is actually pretty long, lol! I think I just need to move closer to the equator. But I hear you about February, it's a tough month to get through, especially when it reminds you of your family now gone. I wish I could send you a warm ray of sunshine to brighten your month. I used to not hate February as much, but now it bums me out too, but mostly because it's the month in which I turn a year older. Thankfully February is a short month. Hugs to you and make yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate! :)
I certainly don't envy those of you living in the North this winter. Hang in there, pretty soon you'll be dealing with mud! :D which is something we'd love to see here in Texas.
Oh yeah and Happy Being Blitzed Day!
Happy blog blitz Michael! Your blog looks excellent. It's the best presentation of a blogger site I have seen yet. Congrats and best of luck.
From one boy-am I-sick-of-snow bunny to another - Happy Blitz Day.
Great tips to brighten your day :)
We are all sunshine and warmth at the moment in Australia, except for the few rainy days, which are more than welcome, but I totally relate to your tips. I love letting lots of light in, for me it's not so much bright colours, but lots of whites with dashes of colour. I just love white linen ... bit of an addiction really. Sort of wandered off track then... great attitude for you to have Michael, it sounds a nostalgic time for you but you have a good outlook. Happy Blitz :)
Bright colours are the first sign of spring ;)
Happy blitz day
I am SO sick of snow! Another 8 inches last night. Ugh! Happy Blitz day!!
Arriving a tad late. Wishing you a Happy Blitz Day and an early spring (what does that groundhog know anyway? lol)
It has been snowing to beat the band here in Maine today, BUT a few days ago I bought some potted mini-daffodils AND they chose to bloom today. So there, take that you old groundhog. I'm having spring! And joining in with a BLITZ!
Spring can't come soon enough for me!!!! Great advice, Michael. I think I need to get some spring scented candles to burn while I write (instead of the Christmas-y one's I'm using).
I hadn't thought of redecorating to beat the winter blues. I just plan trips and try to stay seated and read. January is my darkest month and February 1st is celebrated. Days are longer every day - another reason to smile.
Great tips! Also, Happy Blitz Day! I hope it's been a fabulous day! :)
I hate winter! I'm in Iowa, so we're having similar weather, only I think your area has been getting way more snow than we have. Thank you for taking the brunt of that for us!
I keep the bright colors out all year long - too many years living in boring white apartments. LOL.
Happy BLITZ day to you!
Happy blitz day! Hubby and I both get SAD during the winter I need sun and to be outside. I prefer spring and summer.
Michael, I come from a very different world in which any snow at all is only a dream which never comes true. Right now we are in the midst of a horrible, humid summer, so whenever I see people feeling sad about winter, I just feel sad about my own situation. :P
You are always an inspiration, Michael. I wish I could reciprocate—I'm so sorry February is such a sad time of year for you.
When I owned a house, I always decorated for the seasons. Now that I'm in 500 sq/ft with no storage, I'm sort of a one trick pony.
It's no secret I love winter (while readily acknowledging I wouldn't say that if I lived in Chicago). Lots of snow today on Boston's North Shore, but we've also had plenty of sunny days. Yes, that sun came with sub-freezing temps, but there's something hopeful in wearing sunglasses, even if they freeze to your nose. :)
HAPPY, HAPPY! There is no other blogger I'd rather BLITZ!
VR Barkowski
Great ideas for beating the winter blahs. Though I will say I love black and navy and wear them year round (among other things). Yea, I'm pretty boring.
Happy Blitz Day! Those are a lot of great suggestions for creating a happier mood when the Earth is in hibernation.
Sorry to hear February is a sad month for you. Personally, I love February. My birthday is in February on the 12th, that's also Lincoln's birthday. Being as I'm from Illinois (Chicago) and was born before we started celebrating President's Day and had a Holiday for both Lincoln and Washington, my birthday was not only my special day, but I grew up thinking it was also a National Holiday. Fortunately, my parents treated it like that also. Between my birthday and Valentines Day I could usually stretch the celebration into a week. I admit I loved it. No longer does my family make such a big deal out of it (parents are gone now and nobody else much cares), but I still like the month.
Currently living at Lake Tahoe and we could use some of that cold and snow that you guys have no use for, I keep telling my Chicago friends to send it back out west.
Some great suggestions for the winter blahs, no matter what month. Enjoy the rest of February the best you can. I'll be enjoying next week for sure. Oh and if you haven't noticed YOU HAVE BEEN BLITZED. Enjoy this day of your own.
Great advice! I don't tend to get the winter blues down here in TX, but a little spring time decor can help put a bounce in my step. Happy Blitz Day!
Happy Blitz Day. Sorry about your loss. No winter in Jamaica but the blues can find anyone. Glad you try to stay positive and shared tips for others.
---Greetings from a February IWSG Cohost
I understand about the sad month thing. For me it was January that held some loses for me. And the weather! To top it off, today we were without power for 12 hours! I did get to work outside two days this week and it felt great. Hurry spring!
Great post! Happy Blog Blitz Day to you. I may just take some of that advice for chasing away the winter blues.
Great post. February is usually a down month for me too, but I think I might take some of your advice. Btw, Happy Blog Blitz Day!
Colors...everyone is always on me to wear more color. White and gray just don't seem to cut it, it seems. :)
I sympathize with your February blues. Despite Myra passing in July, I believe December will be "my February" for other reasons. Staying positive is a choice which requires a great deal of effort sometimes. Rest assured there are those of us who do understand that effort.
Peace and my best wishes to you, Michael. I send them with gratitude for your support riding shotgun.
February is my birthday month, so depending on what year my age happens to be, this month can go either way:)
Happy Blitzering! Hope that puts a smile on your face!
We've had hardly any winter and are finally getting some. I love good reasons to stay home and write. Yet I live in a place where it's usually winter most of the year... except this year. We get a lot of sun, though.
Sounds like you need to move to Malaysia Michael - it's 32 degrees out here!
Happy blitz day!
Winter is starting to get old- isn't it?
Good advice to wear bright colors- I love walking into stores and seeing displays of brightly folded sweaters like that. And nothing sounds more springish than apple green! Happy belated Blitz!
Great idea. I have been wearing a light blue sweat shirt lately. It does make me feel spring like. I love the snow though, especially on a bright sunny day when it looks beautiful. We don't have to shovel it so that makes it better for us. Our apartment has a window wall looking over a park so we have light and bright all year round.
I try to keep optimistic too, it can make such a difference. Bright colours is a great idea - it really does work.
Dear Michael,
I've been having a really bad case of the February Blues. You are sooo right about setting one's sight on light colours and looking forward to spring. I am sketching spring and sommer jewellery to cheer myself up.
Thanks for your lovely comments about my story for 'New Beginnings'. I'm thinking about you when I write.
Your Noir world has inspired me to write a slightly different kind of flash fiction for February's WEP 'What's in a Face'. I'm all done, but I won't post it until February 22nd. One difference is that I have set my story in the present in an unknown city (with characters with New Yorky accents). But the feeling of dread and fear is inspired of your Chicago from 1947! But with a lot plainer English!
Thanks pally!
Best wishes,
Anna
I am totally with you on the brighter colors to liven things up! I get so tired of black and grey all winter.
Happy Blitz Day!
Hi Michael! In my lifelong trend of not being like the others, I actually enjoy winter, snow, Christmas, you name it. I don't tend to go ice fishing or anything, but bundling up in my furry leopard-print coat and going for a walk in the snow makes me happy. I'm much more of a Fall and Christmas sort of person, and also a night owl, so when people don't like the dark of winter, I also can't relate to that, either. So I'm absolutely no help!
I appreciated hearing about brightening up the house with lighter colors and wearing brighter colors. These little changes are so helpful! The week around Valentine's Day I wear a lot of pink and red. It really does make me feel a little better :)
My favourite colours are all dark … and I prefer being cold to hot. Um? Hugs, happy blitz day and keep warm! X
shahwharton.com
I can see why the month hangs heavy around your heart. I hope you get through it and into spring when the colors lighten and the temperature climbs to tolerable.
I'm with C. Lee in her comment . . . but I don't want to leave this at just "ditto." I hope and pray that February becomes a lighter, brighter, and better month for you, and that spring colors brighten up all of our days.
BTW - you've been blitzed. :)
Happy belated blitz day. I hope February lightens up for you. I don't notice any blues since I'm in Miami and this isn't a month of sadness for me, but I can understand why you feel this way.
Great advice for getting over the mid-winter blues. Another thing to do is host a party or plan some kind of outing you can look forward to and go do. There are usually a lot of cool events going on this time of year. Also, paying tribute to lost family somehow; freshening up a grave, or just making a photo collage can help with the loss. Take care. I'm eagerly awaiting that scrumptious coffee.
Being positive and joyful in each season is a blessing... even as sad memories may want to take their toll. This is a great IWSG posting. :)
Sorry for being late for the blitzing party. But, better late than never!
I'm sorry this is a hard month for you, but it's understandable.
I do have my curtains open today letting the sun bounce off the snow and lighting up the room.
What an encouraging post, Michael! Actually, I got new office furniture (I still have to clear the area and put it together) and that brightened my day. Office Depot had a killer sale, and I needed something new...something inspiration at which to sit and pen my tales.
Your suggestions are spot on. Living in Florida, our winters (even this one, comparatively) are mild and I was just saying this morning that it'll be spring in a couple of weeks. The azaleas will bloom (prematurely, because we'll get ONE more frost that will kill the blossoms) and same with the apple tree.
Here's to sunny skies for you.
M.L. Swift, Writer
Boy, doesn't the weather interest people! What a great number of comments! But it's all back to front to me. We have bright colors all year round. Spare a thought for the other half of the world who is sweating their way through extreme hot weather! Now where is that swimming pool...?
And i forgot to say...thinking of you at this time...x
I've been a bit blue due to sickness and not the mostly nice weather we've been blessed with here in L.A. That cold weather is one reason I turned down a first job offer in Chicago to accept one in Southern California instead. Of course if I'd taken the Chicago position I might still be working and not unemployed. California is a real business killer.
Spring will be blessing you before you know!
Lee
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