As I gather the moments of this month, I see some themes.
Cold is one theme, as this has been the coldest January I can remember. I realize that we don't know cold like some of you know cold, but we have had bone-chilling temperatures here...a whole string of them at that! And I must note that as I have checked the weather conditions each morning, it has been colder here than at my son's home in Maine more than once! Brutal.
Comfort is another theme. We have indulged in comfort foods, like meat loaf and hot bean soup and corn bread. We've layered extra blankets on the beds. We have cancelled appointments and stayed inside. We have pulled out our fuzzy socks.
Cozy. That's the ticket. Candlelight. Cups of hot tea, hot coffee, hot cocoa. Filling up the wood stove. Games at the kitchen table. Books in bed. Sunday evenings at Downton Abbey.
Cheer. I've had to work at that one. Ron brought home a bouquet of flowers...just because. "We need all the cheer we can get in this cold," he said. Connections bring cheer too. Connections with our dear ones. A post-holiday gathering. Birthday celebrations. Shared Sunday afternoons. Phone calls from afar, especially when a phone call includes three beautiful young voices singing a hymn for you. "At the Cross." All the verses. It doesn't get much more cheerful than that I tell you!
And so, another year has begun, another month has passed. As I gather my moments, I will say with the Psalmist, "My times are in your hand."
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Beginning with this month, I am inviting you to join me in "gathering the moments." You may wish to share two or three photos, or several collages, or bunches of photos...with words, or without words. The link-up below will be a gathering place for us to reflect and share and connect. (The link-up will stay open for a week, so you have plenty of time to gather.)
Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI teared up at the joy you must have felt when those three precious voices called and sang to you! Precious!
Tell Bekah her socks are so cute! I love your girls. Sweet, kind, loving hearts.
I love your thoughts here too. We have had the same - cold, comfort, cozy, and dear companionship.
Ron is right!
Deanna
Did you hear me slapping my head from there? Honestly, my mind is like a sieve. Okay, I'll be back in just a minute or two to leave a real comment.
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful gift with a ribbon round it. Do I understand that the photos can be ones not yet shared? I am afraid that my photos will all be of potatoes. ;D
ReplyDeleteVee, no need to slap your head! I would have posted a reminder if my blogging week had not been entirely full of planned posts. Next month, I'll try to give a heads-up, although with the link open a full week, it is not a problem at all!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes...any photos at all, previously published or not. I find that these end of the month wrap-ups are the perfect place to use a photo that I love but that didn't exactly fit anywhere else. Mine are usually a mixture of new and "old".
(And I'll be disappointed if potatoes don't appear somewhere in your post.) ;)
I loved your pictures...just warm and comforting somehow. I would love to do this too, but don't know if I even have enough photos. Mine are all of sewing projects, haha. Enjoy your week-end!
ReplyDeleteIt's always a joy to see your month's photos. I found a few to join in, thanks for the great idea! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful collages and gathering moments post! Wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely family moments to cherish for many years :) Have a blessed weekend. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful Cheryl, Thank you for sharing. Give me some time to get mine together!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures as usual. I especially adore the red hat on the lady. That is my kind of hat!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea Cheryl and thank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYour mosaics are beautiful - if I had to choose where to be in Winter it would be your home - full of warmth and love.
If you feel like a bit of sunshine please come on over!
What a fun idea, to look back over the past months. I enjoyed your post and lovely photos. I hope to join in, maybe next month! Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea to sum up one month before moving on to the next. A way of giving thanks, of counting the moments.
ReplyDeleteSweet photos of special moments. I especially like the candid shots you caught. The phone call including the hymn singing was most precious! And... just because flowers :) nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late to the party, but I made it! I look forward to visiting other who are gathering. Thank you for hosting, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteYour photos and your words are all so lovely, thank you for sharing with us - I am encouraged every time I visit. Blessings to you and your family today!
That's a terrific visual summary!
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