Thank you, Kathy. I have a few words that bedevil me like that ... combined with my seeming need to relearn how to type every time I sit down it's a wonder I manage to write anything at all!
This was so lovely, Chris. I'm not someone eager for spring (or the changing of any other seasons) -- I try to be present and grateful for where I am -- but this morning, my kids have a snow day and I had to drive to work in it, I wasn't feeling particularly loving toward February. There have been some breathtakingly beautiful days lately, though, and I find that, in many ways, all the days are welcome, whatever their condition, because I'm alive here on this gorgeous planet. Thanks for always reminding me of that.
Good luck finalizing your book edits, Chris. How do you survive sending your baby out into the world and getting it back with red ink corrections?
It occurred to me how our ancestors - regardless of skin hue - would laugh at the notion of a list of hours to be spent outdoors each month. I often think of all the animals living their entire lives out there in all kinds of weather.
The best part of being outside is the opportunities to be surprised by awe. Last night, as I drove down the lane to run an errand after supper (begrudgingly), I gasped at the huge moon setting straight ahead of me. Just a sliver of light cupped one lower edge, but somehow the whole disk was illuminated. Plus two bright planets nearby. What a gift!
As I walked in the freshly fallen snow at 12 degrees this morning, I was delighted to see the resident muskrat poking nose and tail above the surface of the water in the still mostly ice-covered pond. February has its charms.
Thanks for reminding us to get out there and enjoy it all, every day, year-round.
"…then two hours later the wind was howling, and snow was blowing sideways…"
Makes me think of being outside, just busy around the place, and suddenly feeling that north wind pushing the latest cold front my way. Watching the horses get fired up, doing their happy dance. It's invigorating in a - stick around, I'm gonna kick your ass kind of way.
I've been really settling in to late winter/early spring, and trying to enjoy it for what it is – due to one of your previous newsletter! The PNW fog can make me dreary (especially as someone who lived for 25 years in Arizona), but I try to take it as an opportunity to tuck in. I feel like a hibernating creature; snuggling up and resting while the world crinkles about.
I spend so much time outdoors whenever possible. I am fortunate that my life at the moment means I generally have flexibility to take time outside when the sun is out and the temperatures are better—as in, I can rearrange my plans to take advantage of the highs of the day and do indoor stuff when it's colder, cloudy, windy, or snowing heavily. It's a neat idea to actually track the time though! I have noticed that the general idea folks have about how good the weather is or not is not actually based on reality but how much they opt to go out in it.
"I have noticed that the general idea folks have about how good the weather is or not is not actually based on reality but how much they opt to go out in it."
Yep. Which is why I like shitty weather because I'm more likely to have wherever I happen to be out in it all to myself!
I'm looking forward to your book! And I don't do that often, because writers (myself included) can be an insufferable bunch. Thankfully you are not. Otherwise I wouldn't be reading everything you write.
Be down right hedonistic! I’m stealing that for my next resolution.
I loved all of this of course. I find getting outside - especially on the “bad” weather days - the most essential thing I do to care for myself. When our kids were younger, we went on Sunday morning hikes and told the kids it was church. One Sunday, it was -12 when we got to the trailhead, but we went anyway. The 3yo at the time said her face was frozen about halfway through. Now anytime we’re on a hike and the weather is even remotely rough, they say, “at least it isn’t as bad as that time mom made us go when we almost froze to death!” I love how the supposed bad weather can make for the best memories - and make the blue skies and perfect temps all the sweeter. Thanks for the reminder and motivation, Chris.
Despite our incredibly gorgeous weather in southern CA, I don’t get out nearly enough and enjoy it. I have to say, though, that it’s the weather itself that sustains me, ultimately -- the Los Angeles light, the Pacific, the breeze itself. Right now we’re being buffeted by an incredible storm -- so much rain! Hail!
Nice, that chart of 1000+ hours outside is pretty great. Note to self: get outside more. It is very possible and my body will be happier. Beautiful writing.
I adopted a rescue dog last month and she's getting me outside a lot more than I would be otherwise. My body-mind is much improved by this change in the routine and now I'm getting excited for what this means as the days lengthen, and soon Spring, then Summer, then Fall . . .
As usual I want to make an individual, appreciative remark about every topic you touched on here. I relate to so much of it and feel I'm in such a similar place, down to finding that 1000 hours outside concept myself this past fall and being inspired by it (and giving my email inbox an ashamed side-eye). Wishing you so much luck, ease, and joy in finishing up this stage of your book!!
I like reading about the things you are doing to find joy, to take care of yourself – it’s a different view that I don’t recall reading very often in your newsletters. And inspiring, too. I’m doing new things this year around “exercise” (don’t really like to admit that) and being outside as much as possible. It’s nice to read about how you are approaching those same goals. It’s snowing like mad here in central Vermont today – time to strap on the cross country skis and get out there. Thanks, Chris!
"Embarrass/embarrassed/embarrassing." I have to look it up every time. I am frequently embarrassed, so this is a real pain.
It's topping out in the high 40s/low 50s for a few days here in L.A. People are wearing parkas and laying in supplies.
I hope your book comes back to you as a friend this round.
Thank you, Kathy. I have a few words that bedevil me like that ... combined with my seeming need to relearn how to type every time I sit down it's a wonder I manage to write anything at all!
This was so lovely, Chris. I'm not someone eager for spring (or the changing of any other seasons) -- I try to be present and grateful for where I am -- but this morning, my kids have a snow day and I had to drive to work in it, I wasn't feeling particularly loving toward February. There have been some breathtakingly beautiful days lately, though, and I find that, in many ways, all the days are welcome, whatever their condition, because I'm alive here on this gorgeous planet. Thanks for always reminding me of that.
Thank you, Sarah. The days ARE all welcome, aren't they? Another thing it can be difficult to remember.
Good luck finalizing your book edits, Chris. How do you survive sending your baby out into the world and getting it back with red ink corrections?
It occurred to me how our ancestors - regardless of skin hue - would laugh at the notion of a list of hours to be spent outdoors each month. I often think of all the animals living their entire lives out there in all kinds of weather.
The best part of being outside is the opportunities to be surprised by awe. Last night, as I drove down the lane to run an errand after supper (begrudgingly), I gasped at the huge moon setting straight ahead of me. Just a sliver of light cupped one lower edge, but somehow the whole disk was illuminated. Plus two bright planets nearby. What a gift!
As I walked in the freshly fallen snow at 12 degrees this morning, I was delighted to see the resident muskrat poking nose and tail above the surface of the water in the still mostly ice-covered pond. February has its charms.
Thanks for reminding us to get out there and enjoy it all, every day, year-round.
Thank you, Joni. I think our ancestors would appreciate our comforts while simultaneously judging us for our softness. 😂
"…then two hours later the wind was howling, and snow was blowing sideways…"
Makes me think of being outside, just busy around the place, and suddenly feeling that north wind pushing the latest cold front my way. Watching the horses get fired up, doing their happy dance. It's invigorating in a - stick around, I'm gonna kick your ass kind of way.
It'll sneak up on you sometimes!
Oh my gosh. I love this. You've inspired me--I'm putting own my coat and gloves. ❤️
I hope you wore at least two coats, Betsy.
Right?! It’s cold! And my three dogs have terrible cabin fever. ☹️
I've been really settling in to late winter/early spring, and trying to enjoy it for what it is – due to one of your previous newsletter! The PNW fog can make me dreary (especially as someone who lived for 25 years in Arizona), but I try to take it as an opportunity to tuck in. I feel like a hibernating creature; snuggling up and resting while the world crinkles about.
Hibernating is good for us!
I spend so much time outdoors whenever possible. I am fortunate that my life at the moment means I generally have flexibility to take time outside when the sun is out and the temperatures are better—as in, I can rearrange my plans to take advantage of the highs of the day and do indoor stuff when it's colder, cloudy, windy, or snowing heavily. It's a neat idea to actually track the time though! I have noticed that the general idea folks have about how good the weather is or not is not actually based on reality but how much they opt to go out in it.
"I have noticed that the general idea folks have about how good the weather is or not is not actually based on reality but how much they opt to go out in it."
Yep. Which is why I like shitty weather because I'm more likely to have wherever I happen to be out in it all to myself!
There is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. *laughs*
(I say as someone who grew up and has just moved back to a place where winter temps are regularly so cold it hurts my skin to go outside.)
The pain is softness leaving your body. Or something. 🥶
HA!
I'm looking forward to your book! And I don't do that often, because writers (myself included) can be an insufferable bunch. Thankfully you are not. Otherwise I wouldn't be reading everything you write.
Thank you, Thomas!
Be down right hedonistic! I’m stealing that for my next resolution.
I loved all of this of course. I find getting outside - especially on the “bad” weather days - the most essential thing I do to care for myself. When our kids were younger, we went on Sunday morning hikes and told the kids it was church. One Sunday, it was -12 when we got to the trailhead, but we went anyway. The 3yo at the time said her face was frozen about halfway through. Now anytime we’re on a hike and the weather is even remotely rough, they say, “at least it isn’t as bad as that time mom made us go when we almost froze to death!” I love how the supposed bad weather can make for the best memories - and make the blue skies and perfect temps all the sweeter. Thanks for the reminder and motivation, Chris.
Sending good vibes your way for the book edits!
Thank you, Sara!
Such a beautiful poem. I love this idea for marking and increasing time outdoors--yes to all of it. Heading outdoors now... ;)
Despite our incredibly gorgeous weather in southern CA, I don’t get out nearly enough and enjoy it. I have to say, though, that it’s the weather itself that sustains me, ultimately -- the Los Angeles light, the Pacific, the breeze itself. Right now we’re being buffeted by an incredible storm -- so much rain! Hail!
Nice, that chart of 1000+ hours outside is pretty great. Note to self: get outside more. It is very possible and my body will be happier. Beautiful writing.
I adopted a rescue dog last month and she's getting me outside a lot more than I would be otherwise. My body-mind is much improved by this change in the routine and now I'm getting excited for what this means as the days lengthen, and soon Spring, then Summer, then Fall . . .
Thanks for that wonderful poem at the end!
❤️
I love that graphic and that you pack a chair for lunch breaks! I’m going to try that.
It's very handy. I also carry a saddle blanket to ensure certain parts of the anatomy don't get too cold too quickly.
As usual I want to make an individual, appreciative remark about every topic you touched on here. I relate to so much of it and feel I'm in such a similar place, down to finding that 1000 hours outside concept myself this past fall and being inspired by it (and giving my email inbox an ashamed side-eye). Wishing you so much luck, ease, and joy in finishing up this stage of your book!!
Thank you, Clare!
I like reading about the things you are doing to find joy, to take care of yourself – it’s a different view that I don’t recall reading very often in your newsletters. And inspiring, too. I’m doing new things this year around “exercise” (don’t really like to admit that) and being outside as much as possible. It’s nice to read about how you are approaching those same goals. It’s snowing like mad here in central Vermont today – time to strap on the cross country skis and get out there. Thanks, Chris!
Not much new snow to speak of here, Jeremy, just bitter, bitter cold wind. 🥶