Friday, February 1, 2013

hibernum

Winter is the time for comfort,
for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand 
and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home.

~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun



It seems like I have been encased in a state of hibernation, as it might possibly relate to communicating anything on this blog of late anyway. It was never intended to be that way, just spells of activity and priorities immeasurable overcame any extra computer time. 


But isn't winter stoked with good things? We are drinking oodles of steaming pots of herb teas or hot freshly-brewed coffee with cream, reading wonderful pieces of literature, and eating comfort foods with family and
 friends.



Smothered in the essence of winter, rather reminding me of a hot biscuit smothered in chipped beef gravy. 


Cozy and dappled,


Welcoming places to gather,


Rosemary peach jam spread on an English muffin, I call this preserved summer in a jar.






"Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics, when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew;
especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts than while so occupied."

~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun



Although this post has quoted a particular piece of Hawthorne's work twice, frankly, I have not read the novel, The Marble Faun. But I do love the quotes.
 As far as the sewing goes, on winter afternoons and evenings I stitch. Lately, I have been keeping my hands busy smocking on a blue batiste nightgown or my "piece-de-resistance", a table runner created as a crazy quilt type arrangement. It lends itself to such creative needlework, and to me astounds with its distinct siren call.


4 comments:

Leslie said...

Such lovely thoughts and pictures, Cathy. I love your sitting space and am now eyeballing my own to see if I can't make it prettier/more cozy. Not sure how without those great windows of yours. :) I think I enjoy winter much better in pictures than reality.

no spring chicken said...

I've been seeing a bit of smocking around lately. Hmm. We find out on the 15th if the grandbaby is a boy or a girl. If it's a girl..... :)

Blessings, Debbie

The dB family said...

Mmmm, what a lovely post to savour. There is something special about winter even if it's given over to mostly hibernating :o).

Blessings!
Deborah

Karen said...

Oh, so many good things you've been enjoying from the delicious food you entice us with, to the lovely peacefulness of your home and the work of your hands.
I've missed your posting, but am sure you've been enjoying our winter. Good to see you back!

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