Had -38 centigrade here last week and that slowed everything down regardless of previous plans. But beyond that thank you for a fine piece on one of the most important aspects of creativity and productivity.
Had a SIMILAR year, and everyone finds solace in different ways.... I got to spend some time in my stand this year... and for me... ALOT of re-centering happens there in the quiet....... or even just a long drive with the right songs.... any way you get it done.... as long as you do...
Won't belong before the owls start, the buds start swelling and the days get longer. Then the time will come to say, "Enough recentering, time to get this game started!"
Love your reflections; here in New England I also struggle with SAD. I can’t leave as I have a dog recovering from cruciate surgery so This year I made it a priority to focus on planning for the spring; started at the gym, ordered new tomato seeds which I winter sow, and decided to start my personal cookbook, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. My goal this week is to develop a sauerbraten cabbage roll recipe. Can’t wait for yours, I love Mexican cooking, I envy your trip!
Our friend @paolomarchesi spends a few months in Baja living the van life and living off the land every winter. I'm sure he'd be happy to spend some time with you if you want us to connect you!
I winter in Florida to get away from Michigan, but when I lived in Texas, it was in the rio grande and loved going to progreso mx. they catered to the winter Texans but we always went way farther south than where the tourist went Loved trying different foods there
Traveling south in the winter is the way to go. I needed re centering and have spent 4 days shooting doves in Mission Texas. January doves are restorative they come in waves 3 feet off the ground so many that you simply cannot load fast enough easy limits in those sesame fields of dreams and coming home with a possession limit of 90 picked birds will provide numerous great meals, last night smothered in red wine gravy with dirty Farro made with dove hearts and Nilgai sausage. Thats the way to start a new year. A trip to Loretto's Restaurant in Mission was nothing short of fabulous. Head south the weather is balmy and there are doves for days.
Thanks for sharing your heart again, Hank. I can tell you that there are thousands of Minnesotans that know exactly what you are going thru. The weather here has not been good for those with SAD and they, like you, are working on making meaning of their lives right now. I know this all too well as I watch my wife struggle each winter a bit this time. Creative thinking, mental engagement and meaningful activities such as volunteering for hospice gets her through (and throw in a trip to the south some where) until, as one commenter stated, “the owls will start (nesting), the buds will swell and the days will get longer”.
I look forward to spending some time in the duck blind with you in OK in a couple of weeks before you take off to Mexico! Until then, hang in there!!
I’ll look forward to your new book. As I’ve recentered to life in Idaho after 40 years in Alaska, I’ve enjoyed exploring local Mexican food venues and cooking Mexican food. Mexico is such a large and diverse country that the “Mexican “ food most Americans are familiar with is just the tip of the iceberg.
Had -38 centigrade here last week and that slowed everything down regardless of previous plans. But beyond that thank you for a fine piece on one of the most important aspects of creativity and productivity.
Very LOL.... One Vast Nothing All Things Potentially
Had a SIMILAR year, and everyone finds solace in different ways.... I got to spend some time in my stand this year... and for me... ALOT of re-centering happens there in the quiet....... or even just a long drive with the right songs.... any way you get it done.... as long as you do...
Won't belong before the owls start, the buds start swelling and the days get longer. Then the time will come to say, "Enough recentering, time to get this game started!"
Love your reflections; here in New England I also struggle with SAD. I can’t leave as I have a dog recovering from cruciate surgery so This year I made it a priority to focus on planning for the spring; started at the gym, ordered new tomato seeds which I winter sow, and decided to start my personal cookbook, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. My goal this week is to develop a sauerbraten cabbage roll recipe. Can’t wait for yours, I love Mexican cooking, I envy your trip!
Our friend @paolomarchesi spends a few months in Baja living the van life and living off the land every winter. I'm sure he'd be happy to spend some time with you if you want us to connect you!
I winter in Florida to get away from Michigan, but when I lived in Texas, it was in the rio grande and loved going to progreso mx. they catered to the winter Texans but we always went way farther south than where the tourist went Loved trying different foods there
Traveling south in the winter is the way to go. I needed re centering and have spent 4 days shooting doves in Mission Texas. January doves are restorative they come in waves 3 feet off the ground so many that you simply cannot load fast enough easy limits in those sesame fields of dreams and coming home with a possession limit of 90 picked birds will provide numerous great meals, last night smothered in red wine gravy with dirty Farro made with dove hearts and Nilgai sausage. Thats the way to start a new year. A trip to Loretto's Restaurant in Mission was nothing short of fabulous. Head south the weather is balmy and there are doves for days.
Hank, you are simply performing the Scottish "hurkle durkle", a wonderful calming exercise.
To hurkle-durkle is to lounge around in bed long after you should have got up.
https://www.haggardhawks.com/post/hurkle-durkle
I find myself doing it more the later the sun comes up. I think of it as part of the body's natural rhythm (plus, I am a procrastinator)
Thanks for sharing your heart again, Hank. I can tell you that there are thousands of Minnesotans that know exactly what you are going thru. The weather here has not been good for those with SAD and they, like you, are working on making meaning of their lives right now. I know this all too well as I watch my wife struggle each winter a bit this time. Creative thinking, mental engagement and meaningful activities such as volunteering for hospice gets her through (and throw in a trip to the south some where) until, as one commenter stated, “the owls will start (nesting), the buds will swell and the days will get longer”.
I look forward to spending some time in the duck blind with you in OK in a couple of weeks before you take off to Mexico! Until then, hang in there!!
I’ll look forward to your new book. As I’ve recentered to life in Idaho after 40 years in Alaska, I’ve enjoyed exploring local Mexican food venues and cooking Mexican food. Mexico is such a large and diverse country that the “Mexican “ food most Americans are familiar with is just the tip of the iceberg.