Hi Reader,

I don't know about you, but the second half of winter has felt much harder than the earlier days of the season. How is it that February - the shortest month of the year - often feels like the longest?

I've found myself craving warmer temperatures and wishing for green sprouts in the garden. And while the high snow drifts along our shoveled walkway tell me spring is still a long way off, the subtle shift in daylight reminds me we're heading in the right direction.

What to do during seasons of waiting? Seasons of longing. Hoping.

I find it helpful to intentionally look for the beauty in each day - however small each glimmer may be. I know it may sound cliché, but this slight shift in mindset can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. There's room for hope and joy in this place of waiting.

This week I've been enthralled with the pastel colors of the winter sky. The soft colors have truly captivated me and reminded me of the beauty still to be found in winter.

Watercolor Winter

Bethany Valyou

Nestled under blankets of soft pink snow sits a handmade home
Built with patience, hard work, and love
Tucked in tight, a patchwork quilt pulled up to her chin
Amid a watercolor winter
Purple wisps of cloud drift across the sky
Intertwined with glowing ribbons of rose-gold
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Snow so cold it squeaks with every step
On the winding path through the winter forest
Between whispering trees, arched to the ground
Tunnels under heavy-laden branches
Upwards over drifts of snow
Almost blue under the purple-pink sky peeking through the tall trees

Continued on my blog...

To read the entirety of the poem and to hear me read it aloud, join me here: Watercolor Winter - A Poem.

May you have a gentle start to your weekend and find the beauty in every day.

With peace and love,

P.S. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly — I'd love to hear from you. Introduce yourself or share any of your own winter reflections. Simply reply to this email and your message will go directly to my inbox.

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