Sunday, March 28, 2010

Weekly Winners - March 21-27, 2010

This was probably the longest winter of my entire life. This past fall, we moved, and just as we were getting settled I got sick. Really sick. By the time I was finally feeling like my old self again, the days were short and dark and very very cold. It wasn't long before we had snow, and then this new neighborhood I'd been looking forward to getting to know for so long suddenly seemed very very small. On top of it, I started working from home part-time. This gave me a lot more time with my boys than I've ever had, which was great - amazing even - but pretty much isolated me from almost everything I've ever known.

I was lonely. I hated everything. I didn't even like my new house - the one with the four bedrooms and the office and the fireplace and the main floor laundry. Everything about my life was different, and as much as I thought I was prepared for that, well, I don't think anyone ever really is.

I guess you could say I lost my "mojo". For everything. I didn't want to write, I didn't want to decorate my nice new house, I didn't want to get to know my new home town...I didn't want to do anything. I honestly started to think that maybe we could sell the house this summer and move back, a bit closer to where we'd lived before...back where our family and friends weren't 45 minutes away.

And then one day I noticed the days were just a teensie bit longer. I reveled in watching the sun set at 4:45. Celebrated it. Held the kids up to the window so they could see the orangy-red clouds before dinner.

Not long after that the snow started to subside. We had a few warm days that brought Scooby Doo fog that made night driving hell but surprised us every morning with receding snow piles. We had some rain, some promising temperatures, and all of a sudden my neighborhood seemed to have grown. It wasn't just empty farm fields and naked trees - there were homes out there - nice ones, much like the one we'd bought - where people must live with their kids...kids who are probably around the same ages as ours who play at the park and ride bikes down the street.

Our subdivision was no longer silent darkness in the evenings. Multitudes of people walk by with their dogs or ride by on their bikes. I've yet to hear a lawn mower, but the sound of kids laughing and motorcycles being tuned up make my heart happy.

Its been a long winter, but finally, finally...I feel as if I'm emerging, too.

We've been milking this nice weather for everything its worth. The new trampoline went up last week and the boys LOVE IT.

nick jumping
Mid-air

will, trampoline
Telling me a story while on the "jump-o-line"

nick jumping 2
This shot is straight out of camera and a bit over-exposed, 
but I just loved the look one his face and the composition.

lake
I took the boys to a local nature reserve to walk the trails a few days ago.

bridge
Walking away

geese
Geese

boys
Smiling boys

mom & will

Momma & Will
(Self-taken...best I could do but I really like it!)

20 comments:

Denise said...

I really love all the photos, but my favorite image is the one you created with your words. So glad things are looking up. Spring brings renewal, and it sounds like you're having it in spades. Love that!

KJ said...

Some great shots, but love the last one. We moved across the country a few years ago and it took me about a year to not just be waiting to move back home! Glad the horizon is expanding.

Tara R. said...

I know what you mean about this being a freaky long winter. I was never so glad for warmer weather to arrive.

The trampoline shots are so fun! Looks like your boys had some spring fever jumping they needed to do too. I really like the shot them together on the bench.

WeaselMomma said...

It's amazing what a little extra sunlight and warmer temperatures can do for the soul. I know exactly what you are talking about and I too feel like a new person emerging in the spring.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I just love when the days get a bit longer! It makes every thing so much happier. I have a picture very similar to the one of the geese. I guess they all look pretty much the same in the water..or out of it for that matter.

koreen (aka: winn) said...

I love the sepia shots. Nice!

Wineplz said...

Geez, those boys got big over the winter!
I, too, feel like a new person emerging after this past winter (granted, looking like Heimlich the caterpillar from Bug's Life helps that feeling). But this definitely seemed like an extraordinarily long winter for so many people. Glad you're finding your way outta that cold fog and into the warm sunshine. :)

Melisa Wells said...

It was a long winter for me too. Glad spring is here, and I'm so glad you're feeling a little better now! I've missed you!

Unknown said...

Great shots, Colleen. Glad you're gettin' your mojo back!!

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Great shots! I've been watching the shadows change every day as I wait for the bus. Finally I am seeing more sunny spots than shadowed ones!

Heather said...

I know I am practically giddy that it gets dark close to 8 now as I can't drive in the dark at all. It stinks since hubs works a crazy schedule and doesn't get home until nearly 9 each night. Practically trapping me in the house in the winter. I may be the only person out there looking forward to their teenager driving.

Love the bridge shot and the self portrait is great.

SECRET AGENT MAMA said...

I'm so glad you are back. Missed you a bunch! xo

Jientje said...

Winter seems to do that to me too, so glad you're feeling better!
The first and the second one are my favorites! Have a great week and don't forget to enjoy Spring!

Denise said...

I've gone through the same "lack-of-mojo" phase each time we've moved somewhere new. Each time it took me a while to sign up for things, meet people, and get around to setting up our house to look like we lived in it. If I can do it, you can too! Here's to hoping that spring will help you get back in your groove a bit : )

Lauren @ mostly i run said...

Glad you're feeling better! You two boys are too cute :)

Lauren @ mostly i run said...

Glad you're feeling better! You two boys are too cute :)

Roger Miller said...

Yay for the sun and warmth, it's awesome that the sun decided to come back and bring life back, in more ways than one.

Great pics!

Anonymous said...

Here's to warm weather and meeting those neighbors (now venturing outdoors, like you, to meet and greet and know and love)!

Anonymous said...

May every day in your new neighborhood be a pleasant adventure.

Momo Fali said...

Glad you're doing better. I feel myself coming around now that there is some sunshine!