The Whispers of Winter

Breezy and Deanie having a walk on
 the beach on a winter's day in 1989. 

If I asked you what your favorite days look like, what would you say? I imagine most people will respond with something akin to the bright sunny days of spring or summer. Maybe some will say that a fall day is best and I would agree with them if fall was like it used to be with vibrant colors and cool temps but, around here, the colors are always the same and the temps are almost always hot. Except in winter which is why I love the dreary, foggy, cold days of winter.

After a day or two or more of those drab days, sunny days are always brighter and I appreciate them more. But the drab, gray winter days? Those are the ones in which I find solace and I look forward to them every year. Maybe it's because we have an overabundance of those bright, sunny days that cause me to shield my eyes from blindness and sit inside to avoid the sweltering heat. Drab, gray winter days allow me to sit in front of a fire with warm, soft, snuggly clothing and a soft blanket. They make a steaming hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate completely comforting, inviting, and appreciated. They allow me to reflect on whatever comes to mind or give me time to get lost in a good book.

Drab, winter days make everything seem quiet and I like quiet. It has to be quiet during winter in case snow comes so you can hear it fall. Streams are calm and smooth and reflect the beauty of the wildlife that happens by for an icy drink. The moon and the stars shine brighter and the sun offers a welcomed warmth. Winter days make things seem empty and I like empty. They are soft, like whispers. Bright, sunny days are crowded. And noisy.

A nature walk on a drab, winter day is refreshing and hides no secrets in the gray and black vastness. The gray, black, and white of winter are far more dramatic than the colors of spring and summer and it makes the red of the cardinals pop. Plus, in winter, I don't have to squint. I can breathe. I have energy. I don't break into a sweat just walking out onto the front porch. Even the beach is more beautiful on a drab winter day.

The wind, even when it blows strong, sounds like whispers that rise and fall depending on the depth of the tale being told. Add the sound of the surf (if the wind is just right I can hear it from my bedroom windows) and the foghorns if there's any wonderfully mysterious fog and you've got my absolute favorite kind of night or early morning.

If it weren't for fall and winter, I think I'd stay inside year 'round.

Of course, now the winter days are whispering in my ear reminding me how quickly time flies by and how days gone, are gone. But they also remind me that I have my memories and how they are sufficient to keep me warm on the inside.

And now, I'm asking: What do your favorite days look like?