a magical place
We could use a little springtime here.
Gloomy and cold outside today.
Snow predicted for tomorrow.
Outdoors all the little root children are tucked in for the nights, asleep underground perhaps soon covered with a blanket of white.
Inside our tiny dwelling the little bears & animals are gathered about the fire, watching expectantly out windows for the first snowflake, and staring at the hoomans of the cottage to see what will be read aloud tonight by firelight.
Someone has left a copy of jill barklem's, Winter Story where I can see it ...
(I expect it is a ::wish:: to hear the tale of The Snow Ball again.)
It is a favorite of my little brood.
They Ooo and Ahhh at the pictures of The Grand Palace of Ice built by the mice of Brambly Hedge, a palace carved from ice in which to hold a winters dance. For days the boys of the cottage talk of nothing else but how they will build one too ... The girls talk of what they will wear, sneaking peeks at the boys wondering if one might ask them to attend. The boys pretend not to notice, but clearly are delighted.
Tonight ... Potato soup w/carrots and fresh cornbread for dinner. Candied ginger pieces passed out later for a treat. Beeswax candles to be lit leaving their yellow glow in steamed windows.
Perhaps a second watching of this movie, then asleep dreaming of waking to an icy wonderland.
Winter isn't so bad.
It fills the need to make excuses to stay in and nest. To hold up and cuddle under quilts and read until the light disappears outside and you can't see the pages anymore without lighting a lamp.
The talk of summer from friends of the Australian blogland makes me itch to go out and play in the dirt. To fill vases with bouquets of bright flowers, pick raspberries and pull weeds in the sun. Alas, it is not the view from the windows today.
Today it will have to be the paintings of flowers remembered, with my feet in the fire and a corgi princess at my side. Tonight stories of mice that live in a magical place close enough to touch will warm my heart.
Snow is on the way ::sigh:: It is an inside day.
Looking out from within. A winters reflection.
Wish you were here.
=^..^= love, zU
*m a g i c a l*! I remember how i wanted to have the Brambly Hedge book, where was all of their stories, but i could not find it at out local book shopppe. Then one day my sisters came from the town and said, that they have had seen the Brambly Hedge book on that book shoppe. Instatly i took my bike, and dashed to purchase it. This happened in year 2002. Jill Barklem's stories, especially 'winter story' and 'the secret staircase' has been my very favorites.
I love love the images Jill has created, somehow very Beatrix Potter, but still her very own.
Which movie ou have been watching, the link took me only at the you tube page.
*hugs*
delila
Posted by:sepia art studio | January 24, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Sounds like a cozy evening indeed! We need the winter season to allow us to slow down and rest in preparation for the coming summer. Sounds like you are enjoying it to it's fullest!
Posted by:Xandra | January 25, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Hi Zu!
Wonderful post! The contrast of the seasons and window into other parts of the world are beautiful aren't they?
Melissa
Posted by:Melissa | January 25, 2008 at 12:39 PM
What a cozy post! I love the pictures of the storybook animals. Wish I didn`t have dial up because I can`t check out you tube.
Have a wonderful weekend ZuZu!
tea
xo
Posted by:tea | January 26, 2008 at 05:55 AM
I'm dreaming of warmer weather, too!! Hope you stay warm & cozy in your cottage nest. {{Hugs}} to you...
Posted by:Tracy | January 26, 2008 at 09:00 AM
What a wonderfully magical cozy nest you must have! AAWWWW I'm thinking and dreaming! I LOVE winter. It is my favorite season then Fall! I love the cozy nest "feel"! candles and hearty soups and everyone around! Enchanting! Thank you for this post! Amazing!!!!~ Keep warm!
Posted by:Carrie West | January 26, 2008 at 03:08 PM
You know, zUzU... as much as I have complained about winter in the past... the cold... the inconvenience... the wind... I am enjoying it this year... maybe because we have had snow on the ground since the beginning... and not just brown and gray ugliness. I am finding myself inspired and energetic and calm...
hmmmmm.... wonder what is up with that? hee hee! I do look forward to my springtime garden, but have found beauty in the winter garden this year!
Love my visits here...
xoxo
Jillybean
Posted by:Jill | January 27, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Truly a magical read!There is always magic found within this blog!
As I close my eyes I can see myself within the ice palace hiding under quilts to keep me cuddly warm with beeswax candles lit with their yellow glow giving off extra warmth
listening eagerly to your winter tales!Pass the candied ginger please.hugs NG
Posted by:naturegirl | January 28, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I LOVE that book ( I have it tooooo ) and I always think of The Snow Ball that celebrates midwinter about this time of year.....You sound so cozy there. And yes ! STARDUST was surprisingly GOOD movie. Good pick and thank you for the trailer link - I enjoyed it again.
Mmmm, you sent me candied ginger once..and I loved every single morsel. Perfect for a Mid Winter's Tea.
Stay warm.
Posted by:Art Tea Life | January 29, 2008 at 04:28 PM
...you know ! I am getting that book down from it's shelf tonight !
Posted by:Art Tea Life | January 29, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Your blog is as delightful as the 100 acre wood.
jodi
Posted by:jodi barone | February 02, 2008 at 11:42 AM