Snowy Speculations

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If I could paint, I would have tried to replicate the landscape very early this morning. Illuminated by the faintest hints of light and hours before sunrise, the cold, stark landscape lay completely still in its snowy blanket. Naked trees stood proudly and quietly against this backdrop, this palate of pure white an unforgiving place for any creature, big or small, to attempt to cross without drawing attention to its existence at this time. Even our ancient tire swing looked sleepy and droopy, suspended precariously close to the ground, as if the effort of hanging from a tree limb was too much for it. To the east, the only rays of light visible were the ones coming from the across the river, and even those seem hushed and muffled, like a child tired and murmuring not to wake them up just yet.  The young families down the road have gone all out with Christmas lights this year. Bright colours adorn the night skies and my neighbours even have a Christmas Cat and a Christmas Dinosaur that i
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Christmas in the Country

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 Christmas in the Country

In these times of uncertainty, I am reminded more than ever that our mental health can be reflected and improved by what surrounds us. This year, more than any other year that I can remember, everything that we hold dear has been questioned and life as we know it has been brought to a grinding halt. As I woke up to that dusting of snow last week and the world was covered in an undisturbed radiant splendor, I was reminded again of why our family chose to live in a rural setting.

Before the dogs were let out to start the day, I took a few minutes to admire the pillowy tops of the snow on the trees and the vast expanse of fields and vineyards, quiet and serene on that cold, winter's morning. Later that day I spent some time cutting wild grapevines for some rustic Christmas decor and as I was listening to the quiet around me and feeling the warmth of the sunlight on my face, I felt a sense of peace. The occasional crack of a twig breaking in the forest as my dogs nosed around enjoying their freedom and the drill of a solitary woodpecker hammering out a steady staccato, were the only sounds I heard. 

There is nothing like taking a walk on a snowy day, breathing in the cold air and truly clearing your head. We are surrounded by so many walking trails. Sitting by the river or by a creek or pond gives you time to reflect or forget. We are bombarded by so much negativity that we have started to overlook the simplicity of life that can lead to a much healthier lifestyle. Walking in nature doesn't need to be seen as exercise. Being in the outdoors brings a different sense of satisfaction than walking on a treadmill in the confines of your home does. 

So over these next few weeks, while we go into another lockdown and a shut down of everything that we think we need, break free! Take a drive at night and appreciate the time and effort that our community has put into making their homes festive and uplifting. Don those old winter clothes and boots and get outside. There is a peace in the serenity of these beautiful natural landscapes Niagara-on-the-Lake has been blessed with. Learn to not take these works of art for granted. This Christmas season, don't get bogged down by this pandemic and take care of yourself. Get oustide and reap the benefits of this beautiful community we call home!

Lolita Schimann Hale

Comments

  1. NancyDecember 21, 2020 at 4:59 AM

    Thank you, Lolita. We will do just that and contemplate on the true gift of Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lolita HaleDecember 21, 2020 at 7:10 AM

      Thank you for your kind words. The "true gift" seems to have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of the times we are living in.

      Delete

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