By Sandi Friel
Now that I’ve recovered from my brief mourning over the end of summer, I’ve fully embraced the change in seasons. Just like the moss and licorice ferns burst back into life at the first rains, I find the slower pace renews me and allows me to grow inwardly.
One of my mini moss creations
This is a great time of year for inside projects and creativity, and one of my hobbies is creating moss terrariums. It combines my love of miniatures, moss and designing with CTnature. And it lets me experience a little bit of the outdoors, inside?
There are plenty of other reasons to love this time of year, too. Here’s a list of a 10 that come to mind:
- The departure of tourists and part-timers creates a strong camaraderie among year-round islanders. It’s like being a part of an exclusive club and gives a comforting “we’re all in this together” feeling.
- Yes the days are shorter, but the nights are longer. If you’re an avid reader and/or Netflix movie hound, this is the time of year you can indulge yourself without guilt.
- I’m loath to leave the island when the weather is picture-perfect, but December gives me a great reason to visit mom in Florida.
- Soups, stews and other comfort food. I’m trying a new recipe each week.
- Planning and prioritizing for next year helps me gain clarity and focus.
- Flannel sheets.
- Cozy fires in the fireplace.
- Hot apple cider, dusted with nutmeg and stirred with a cinnamon stick.
- Reconnecting with people who’ve been on your mind.
- The glow of indoor colored lights strung around a gray window scene.
What we experience on Orcas in the quiet season is much like the Danish concept of hygge: a sense of comfort, camaraderie, warmth, coziness, well-being and connectedness. It’s nesting at its best, and one of the simple pleasures of living on a small island.
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
