I have had winters where I have resisted this season fiercely. Dark days, little sunlight. Not for me.
But the other day I took a slow walk around my place.
And simply noticed.
The white snow against the brown, restful trees taking a long needed rest.
![windchime](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/windchime.jpg)
The tall grasses gone the color of pale straw.
![IMG_4850](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IMG_4850.jpg)
The lone bird houses, empty and bare, patiently waiting for the spring birds to return home.
![birdhouse](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/birdhouse.jpg)
Tiny icicles hanging off the warming hut that houses our ice skates and a toasty fire.
![hut](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/hut.png)
The beehives, wrapped in their winter insulation, hopefully teeming with life on the inside. We won’t know for sure until the spring if they have survived the bitter, deep cold.
![beehive](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/beehive.jpg)
The chickens, cozy in their coop, lovingly producing eggs for us everyday. I am filled with gratitude for those little birds.
![chicken1](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/chicken1.jpg)
My beautiful garden, covered in a blanket of protective snow. I know there is purpose for all this dormancy and quiet.
![wintergarden](https://cdn.heathercarey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wintergarden.jpg)
The quite running river, temporarily deserted by the mallards and Canadian geese. Watch this very short video of the beautiful winter silence outside my back door.
I know there is a deep need to be present, to rest and to stay in this moment that is only temporary.
And simply notice.