Of course, sickness does not excuse a farmer/shepherd/wife/mother/grandmother from going to work or doing her work, does it? But somehow (on the farming/shepherding front), I feel that making myself get up, bundle up and trudge through the snow in sub-zero temperatures builds strength and actually keeps me going! At a time when I read or hear over and over about how people are fighting the "winter blues" or wondering how they can overcome depression or sadness, I realize again how blessed I am to be given the privilege to be on a small farm and care for livestock. It doesn't allow time for those feelings, and when I am least expecting it ~ something or someone does something to cheer me and lift my spirits. It might a ewe who pushes her nose into my hand for a scratch, or the antics of lambs or it might be the glory of a sunrise or the moon glowing over the fields that bring peace and joy. Or best of all might be a special moment shared on the farm with a family member!
Most of you know that I LOVE winter...it probably is my favorite season. But today, the photo I am leaving you with is one I took last spring and called "The Promise"...a row of lavender plants that border my long perennial garden, just beginning to show their promise of what will come. Here is to the promise of spring soon to come (and of course, the weeding of the garden that will go along with it...you might notice the pile of weeds that I had been pulling on the lawn next to the garden!)
