Beating the Winter Blahs

Winter.  Winter offers a mixed bag of feelings for people.  Some people like winter, others do not.  I am growing to like winter.  I do enjoy the cold day and the snow is beautiful.  Grandmother Bessie did not like winter--she often referred to the short days as "gray days."  Grandmother Bessie liked sunshine.  Winter allows the garden to rest, allows time for me to work on inside projects, and smell soups and stews simmering on the stove.

Several years ago, the local community center offered a series of classes called "Beat the Winter Blahs."  There were dozens of different classes offered and I felt taking a class or two was a good way for me to learn something new and spend my winter time productively.  I signed up for two classes stenciling and basket making.  I had visited historical homes with stenciling and thought it was "the poor woman's answer to wallpaper."  Women have been making baskets for centuries and I took the attitude "if they can weave a basket, so can I."  Both classes were awesome!

Here are some baskets from Beating the Winter Blahs.

Here is some stenciling at Thistle Manor

This year I have decided to beat the winter blahs and the summer heat, by taking quilt classes at one of the local quilt shops.  Starting January 21st, I will have my first Jo Morton Little Women quilt class.  I am so excited!  Beautiful fabrics, opportunity to learn new techniques, meet and make some new friends, most likely some good food and a "little quilt(s)" to take home to AppleJack and Thistle Manor.

So, whether you are a winter liker or disliker, find your own way to "beat the winter blahs."