This was taken by my "guest photographer" in a swampy area which is frozen over, so my guest photographer was able to get "up close and personal" with this and other dead tree roots sticking out of the ice.
So, what does that have to do with the other thing I want to talk about today?
I read a blog post yesterday that made me think.
"February 7 is the day we give up".
That's right. We start the year with the best of intentions. We start out at full speed, with the best of intentions. But, before you know it, we realize it is going to take time, and work, to reach our goals. We say "the heck with it." And that happens...around February 7.
I had this word for the year....what was it, again? Oh yes. Determination.
I had already forgotten it.
But yesterday, something interesting happened to me. It was drizzling, and the temperature was right at freezing. The conditions were right for freezing drizzle. I knew that was a possibility as I started my commute to work.
I'm scared of ice. But I ended up having to walk on some sidewalks yesterday that were just starting to ice up. I didn't have ice cleats on, and my balance (despite the balance exercises I do) isn't the best. I was so tempted to freeze (no pun intended) in place the first time I started to slide. But I knew I had to keep moving.
I made it to my destination.
Once there, we talked about some serious things in a meeting, but also shared a couple of jokes.
That's more advice from the post I read yesterday- remember to laugh and have a good time.
I will remain determined, and I will remember to be grateful, and to laugh, every day.
I have never been anywhere cold enough for the pavement to ice up - guess I've lead a sheltered (but steady on my feet) life up until now. I'll have to add icy pavements to my list - along with hummingbirds and fireflies :)
ReplyDeleteIcy sidewalks are not worth putting on a bucket list, if I am reading your comment correctly :)
DeleteHmm. I never heard that sentiment. I guess because giving up (submission) is not part of my vocabulary...
ReplyDeleteGood to hear, because I know you are starting to pay a price.
DeleteI love the snow pics! I actually miss the snow sometimes, but not when I think of slipping on ice! I once broke three of my fingers falling on an icy sidewalk. Be careful!
ReplyDeleteOuch! My guest photographer is more fearless than I am. Thank her for the picture.
DeleteI feel the same way about ice. don't let it deter you.
ReplyDeleteIt is more and more scary - because it's harder and harder to get up, unscathed, from a fall.
DeleteTruly the 'dead' of winter. Keep on keepin' on. My mom always said that. Determination covers it!
ReplyDeleteI will keep on keeeping on, even though I am already concerned about a snowstorm tomorrow. That's what a relatively mild winter does, I guess.
DeleteCongratulations on not "freezing" and missing your meeting. Looks like you were determined to me. :)
ReplyDeleteI was!
DeleteScary. Glad you made it. For some reason, I thought January 27th was when resolutions got given up. Or perhaps that was just the saddest day of the year. Something.
ReplyDeleteIt was scary. Now we are going to have a snowstorm tomorrow and I am going to have to make a decision about my commute. Years ago, it would have been a no-brainer.
DeleteThat tree is fantastic! I really like the shape of the branches and how they curve. Interestingly enough, they are all pointed in one direction. I could stare at that picture for a long time. It is really compelling.
ReplyDeleteI will tell my guest photographer. She sent me several pictures from that hike and that was my favorite. Great minds!
DeleteInteresting about 2/7 being the day we give up. Also interesting that our resolve, on average, is only good for a little over a month. Oh well, I do like your advice about laughing every day!
ReplyDeleteBeing in the Midwest, we are used to these kind of days. I'm sure looking forward to Spring!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture! The one thing I don't miss from when I lived in upstate NY is the ice! I loved the snow but ice is so scary. I remember when I was delivering Meals On Wheels, I was on a narrow, ice covered country road. I hit a patch and the car did a spin, I took my hands off the wheel, said a prayer and let the car go where it wanted to. It ended up doing a half spin, coming back around and I was on my way... after I said thank you to God for being there with me.
ReplyDeleteI live in South Texas. We have snow once every few years, but it doesn't stick. Almost every year I'm in NYC about this time and each year I curse because I don't have cleats! That line spoke to me. Brenda
ReplyDeleteI have not given up my new years resolution yet. I am still waiting. at the end of this month, I will be buying a domain and hosting. Not sure when it will go live after that. I also plan on getting my own vehicle. As I am tired of being stuck without one. My plans are so close that I am really excited.
ReplyDeletelaughing every day is something that, yes, we should be able to do..that is a lovely photo.. and had never heard of 2/7.. in my case, decided to think of them as goals to work towards, one day at a time, rather than resolutions :) and when things change, like they have in the past week for me, need to find new ways to try to achieve those goals (not keep those resolutions)
ReplyDeleteNice metaphor.
ReplyDelete