I hope the darkness wraps you in quiet comfort, not fear. Easier said than done, but I’ve found that the winter can offer gentle introspection and a chance to reset. Wishing you whatever you need this season. X
I love this contemplation of winter. It made it so much easier to bear. I love when the winter brings snow. Snow is still magical to me even after 8 years of living in a place with winter. I came from the land where the whole year has roughly the same hours of sun. Here I like to tell people we have eternal summer. It sounds like heaven but actually it isn't. I love the changing seasons here instead, reminding me that time and nature keep on going by regardless of us...
And yes - snow is magical - even though I grew up with it - I still get excited to this day when it snows. It makes cities go quiet and kids come out to play and it only ever lasts a short period of time. It really transforms the world around it.
I also miss the changing seasons when I am not living in them. I find myself looking for those markers, there is something reassuring in knowing things are moving and changing and to know what signs to look for to mark where we are in the year.
I love this. I am such a devotee to the seasons and in my travels have also always found so many different seasons and times for things and different people’s knowings of what is changing, based on how the landscape is changing, across every climate and culture. Beautiful piece!
Catriona, I only just saw this. I don’t mind the winter, or the cold, as long as I can have some sunshine during the day. In Geneva, unless you drive up to the mountains, you tend to sit under low cloud for months on end, which is quite depressing. Add cold to that and…, well, when I was still riding my horse I was ok, but since I’ve more or less had to give it up it became hard, so I’m grateful to be able to spend part of the winter in Spain. I love snow, as long as I don’t have to drive in it! I love waking up and somehow knowing it has snowed, because the sound is distinctly different, somehow muffled and softened. We used to have quite a bit of snow in Geneva when I was a child, now it’s very rare, and hardly lasts, turning grey and slushy and yuck. Lots of love to you! Francesca xx
This all sounds idyllic Francesca. I spent some time in an art residency in Trelex in November 2017 and I loved walking in the Jura and I know exactly what you mean - that bright sun and snow - I need to dig out the photos from that trip as it was beautiful walking there - such great views when the sun came out and I loved being in the snow. It is true the snow is fun until you are on the wet slippery roads and pavements!
Oh wow - I just loved it there. I only know the places the train went to - so not sure if I went to Gingins. I used to walk up the hills to the places the mountain train stopped then get it back down. I loved Saint-Cergue and some of the other little villages. I have a piece about this time - I will let you know when I publish it.
Lovely, poetic piece, Catriona! You write some wise words about the dark season. Merry Christmas and wishing you an inspired 2025! 🎄😍
Thank you Monica for your comment and reflections. Happy Christmas to you too and equally lots of inspiration for 2025!
Thank you so much!
I hope the darkness wraps you in quiet comfort, not fear. Easier said than done, but I’ve found that the winter can offer gentle introspection and a chance to reset. Wishing you whatever you need this season. X
Thank you so much Jo. It is certainly not easy but we are strong.
Beautiful words here Catriona.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas 🎄
I love this contemplation of winter. It made it so much easier to bear. I love when the winter brings snow. Snow is still magical to me even after 8 years of living in a place with winter. I came from the land where the whole year has roughly the same hours of sun. Here I like to tell people we have eternal summer. It sounds like heaven but actually it isn't. I love the changing seasons here instead, reminding me that time and nature keep on going by regardless of us...
Thank you Rachel and thank you for your comment.
And yes - snow is magical - even though I grew up with it - I still get excited to this day when it snows. It makes cities go quiet and kids come out to play and it only ever lasts a short period of time. It really transforms the world around it.
I also miss the changing seasons when I am not living in them. I find myself looking for those markers, there is something reassuring in knowing things are moving and changing and to know what signs to look for to mark where we are in the year.
I love this. I am such a devotee to the seasons and in my travels have also always found so many different seasons and times for things and different people’s knowings of what is changing, based on how the landscape is changing, across every climate and culture. Beautiful piece!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your own experience of this Amanda. Lovely to read your words.
Catriona, I only just saw this. I don’t mind the winter, or the cold, as long as I can have some sunshine during the day. In Geneva, unless you drive up to the mountains, you tend to sit under low cloud for months on end, which is quite depressing. Add cold to that and…, well, when I was still riding my horse I was ok, but since I’ve more or less had to give it up it became hard, so I’m grateful to be able to spend part of the winter in Spain. I love snow, as long as I don’t have to drive in it! I love waking up and somehow knowing it has snowed, because the sound is distinctly different, somehow muffled and softened. We used to have quite a bit of snow in Geneva when I was a child, now it’s very rare, and hardly lasts, turning grey and slushy and yuck. Lots of love to you! Francesca xx
This all sounds idyllic Francesca. I spent some time in an art residency in Trelex in November 2017 and I loved walking in the Jura and I know exactly what you mean - that bright sun and snow - I need to dig out the photos from that trip as it was beautiful walking there - such great views when the sun came out and I loved being in the snow. It is true the snow is fun until you are on the wet slippery roads and pavements!
Trelex is right next to my village! I live in Gingins! Incredible!
Oh wow - I just loved it there. I only know the places the train went to - so not sure if I went to Gingins. I used to walk up the hills to the places the mountain train stopped then get it back down. I loved Saint-Cergue and some of the other little villages. I have a piece about this time - I will let you know when I publish it.
It is literally the village just before, on the Geneva side!