Happy Holidays from the Wildwood!

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the winter solstice is very meaningful. While we are well on our way to the warmest winter in Seattle history, we are also 10 inches ahead in rainfall and the dark really closes in about now. It can be a struggle to remain cheerful and open but I have devised a few techniques for myself.

First, a little physical activity helps me a lot. With our winter storms, that is usually pretty easy to come by. Yes, that is my driveway. My husband is doing a lovely job clearing the wood and adding it to our pile for next year. I scurried around picking up the trash and moving anything I could without the aid of a chain saw. Add the daily walks with our dog and I seem to be holding my own. Unfortunately, the sunset time around 4 in the afternoon doesn’t really help, but we are coping.

Another thing that helps is riotous color! As much of it as possible. I sure do like to mix things up. And luckily, the holidays allow me to throw colors around pretty flagrantly. As I spin, I can dream of springtime sun. While I make little ornaments and scarves out of yarn I would normally never touch, I can remember “’tis the season!”

Of course, trying out new things and keeping my interest up with unusual projects also provides me with happy shots. I played with the shawl above for a week, working on the best way to have it drape. Playing with the white, art-yarn shawl and getting just the right number of picks per inch was the perfect antidote to a grey day. The fox cowl was a straightforward pattern, but it was a new creation and fun to watch emerge. And creating new designs for the little ornaments was a big kick! Anything to avoid being stuck in a rut.

I think it all adds up to having fun and finding joy where I can. In truth, I love this time of the year – the lights, the holiday spirits, and the chance to share creations with others. I feel lucky indeed to have friends and family to love and the opportunity to create things that look pretty, feel good, and do a job. (and the sun was up a little longer every day now – always a plus!)