Friday, January 8, 2010


A Shade of Pale Blue


I have the highest respect for T. S. Eliot, not only for his prodigious talent as a poet, but also for his extraordinary ability to christen cats. However, I have to disagree with him on one fine point. April is quite simply not the cruelest month. Yes, I was born in April, but that fact carries no weight in my argument.


Ask around, especially amongst creative people, and I think you shall find that January is most often the month when ideas tend to stall, the well of inspiration may develop an echo, and the spirit can take on a shade of pale blue. I have always attributed this first month malaise to the shuddering crash down of Christmas. One minute we are living inside a snow globe of lights and festivity, and the next, well, we are not. There are those who will lay blame to the inclement weather, or the mailbox brimming with holiday bills. Others swear the reason lies squarely upon the face of the bathroom scale, a numerical result of the many sweet indulgences of the just departed season. Whatever the reason, once again this January, I have heard from more than the normal number of those who feel a tad blander than usual.


I can assure you that I am not immune. If there is ever a month when I am ripe for melancholy, it is this one. After scaling the mountain of Christmas, with a grin on my face, wooden spoon in my hand, waving red ribbons aloft in the air, I suddenly find myself just a wee bit depleted. But, I know this bad fairy of old. Therefore I make certain my quiver is full of arrows designed to shoot him right out of my house.

Shall I share just a few of my secrets?

1. Head out to the theatre for some escapist movies, and don’t refuse the popcorn. Do remember that these are not the weeks for an Ingmar Bergman film festival. Lighter fare is a must. Perhaps a screening of The Fantastic Mr. Fox.


2. If it is too icy to get out, then television can help, but only if you have something like Doc Martin or Graham Norton - Jeeves and Wooster or Hamish MacBeth. Stay away from those hideous reality shows at all cost. Best idea, rent the Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup.


3. Long hot baths - with bubbles galore. The scent of vanilla is highly recommended. The bad fairy hates it.


4. Fill your house with white flowers. I have used this January trick for years. Very effective, it provides such a clean winter feeling after all the riotous colour of Christmas.


5. Seed catalogs, and magazines featuring articles on spring fashions or exotic travel destinations, are by far the best choices for late night reading by the fire, at least for the next few weeks. Having something to look forward to, like peony gardens, white linen blazers, or trips to the seaside, helps to banish the bad fairy every single time.


6. Of course, last but not least, if you are fortunate enough to have two furry dogs who love to take long walks in the cold, then you are one giant step closer to regaining your happier self. There is something to be said for sweet companionship and fresh, icy air. And Edward and Apple would like me to remind you that wonderful, furry dogs can be found at any adoption shelter in any town or village all over the world!


So Feel Better, All!


56 comments:

  1. Oh thank you for all the wonderful and encouraging ideas! I loved each one-- One thing I tend to find most Januaries is that I am, for a time, filled with premature hope of spring. The days are JUST beginning to become noticeably longer. Perhaps this is why? And where I live, the weather is always predictably unpredictable. Though January nearly always brings some of the coldest cruelest temperatures of the year, often it ALSO brings insanely balmy melts. I tend to surpise my neighbors by diving into gardening at this time more enthusiastically than any other. I see early buds a-waiting... the dead Sedum which I leave for the birds has already begun sending up tiny brussels sprout shapes at their bases... Many places to find hope of spring! I love the white flowers idea, and the Spring fashion mags to go along with this feeling! And of course, you're right; perfect time to catch up on icy walks and old movies!

    I'm warm and hopeful just thinking of this bevy of opportunity January brings!

    Thank you, dearheart!

    xo

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  2. Oh-- I wanted to say that your illustration reminds me very much of a lovely illustrated book of verse I still have, enjoyed in childhood, which I was lucky to find online: Mother Earth's Children, 1914. (Check out the beauties on p. 18&19!)Here is the link if you are interested! I am also wondering who did your Sad Mushrooms ilustration?

    xo

    http://www.archive.org/stream/motherearthschil00gord#page/n0/mode/2up

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  3. You know...You are soo right...I couldn't place it, but you are so spot on. My least favorite month, although I know I should invite it in, with it's promise of change and new.

    Love your suggestions. Have one furry dog. That should work!

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  4. Hi Pamela
    Well in my upside down world here is Australia we have the benefit of summer to snap us out of the after Christmas doldrums. However, the vanilla scented bath, fresh white flowers, and two furry dogs sounds absolutely delightful!!! I think your ideas to chase away that woeful fairy and quite perfect!! Happy days to you xx Julie

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  5. Sage advice Pamela.

    I have a large furry cat that loves to sit on my lap and keep me warm :-)

    A little get away to a warm location is also another wonderful antidote to winter! A tropical sunset and warm sand sounds so good right now.

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  6. I agree that spirits can be low at this time of year and I like the sound of your ideas for lifting them.

    For me, long walks in the countryside, catching up on my 'books to read' pile and quiet contemplation helps to bring the positives to the fore.

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  7. Delightful post, Pamela! I've taken to dips in warm mineral springs, a massage, and a glass or two at the beach as the means to finding my way back...and, anyway, January is good for introspection and dormancy...a long, quiet time for pulling out of that sluggish feeling.

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  8. Might I also add that booking a summer holiday is a good diversion and very escapist.

    We have been watching old Ealing comedies on DVD in front of the fire, after walking the dog of course. It is unusually cold here, minus 21 last night!

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  9. I always feel sad and a bit depressed in Januari..It is a very long and dark month...my ducks are calling out for a male., and My owl is screaming all night for a male!!!
    my 2 little dogs are sleeping all day, and I want to cuddle next to them...just wake me when winter is over????

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  10. I agree with you it is a bit flat after all the huastle and bustle of christmas! But I do love the cosiness of home at this time of the year, roaring fire! Suzie. xxx

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  11. My birthday is in January so I think I escape the black dog a bit- but I know what you mean. We set goals to high and expect to have done so much by the end of January and then end up having to stay in all the time because of snow and feeling a bit flat.

    I agree about the cinema- very few times have I not felt much more centred after a trip to the pictures- and there is so much out at the moment

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  12. Its ice and snow when I look outside my window...and its ever so cold...I love winter..but it always takes too long ...'Now what'..I am thinking when I get out of bed..I need light and laughter..Somethin what takes you up and not down...So I watched the movie UP...last week..and emmediately felt better..Sleeping is also a lovely thing to do...and wake up when the ice is gone..

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  13. Thanks for the tips on E&A's diets.
    Don't tell me you have winter in Atlanta!

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  14. What a wonderful list of things to do, Pamela.
    Luckily, the disposition that was genetically bestowed upon me, allows me to love every month. I am loving the winter wonderland that we are experiencing here in the U.K. and I am so looking forward to Spring. My birthday is in February and, mid- february we are going the see The Cirque du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall. We go every year and that show makes you feel so good.
    It sounds as if you have a penchant for British T.V. I love Graham Norton. We saw him, last year in La Cage aux Folles.
    I think that, if all of your readers follow your advice, they will have an enjoyable post Christmas. XXXX

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  15. Personally i feel that undressing the tree and de-decking the house
    are the main culprits of the malaise. It takes so much longer to pack everything away and settle the house into a feeling of warmth and shelter curling up by the fireside without making lists and generally planning ahead.
    I wish we had winter, five days of 100F+ is closer to purgatory than post Christmas destressing.

    Enjoy your warm woolly socks ... does Edward have some too?

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  16. My well of inspiration is quite empty now. I think I hear it filling, I look in only to discover that it is still empty and echoing -- someone has left a faucet dripping.

    Thanks for the winter tips. I will send the hubby out tomorrow to purchase some white flowers and rent a warm movie.

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  17. Serendipity. Weather forced today's appt, many miles from home, to be rescheduled.

    I thought, go see a movie.

    Crack more tile in the master bath, the claw foot tub is being installed soon.

    Hopefully I'll be soaking in that tub before month's end.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  18. I'm with you on the January blues. Ah, the thought of peony gardens - maybe my lone peony will bloom this year!

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  19. Beautiful words as usual Pamela and also wise advice - although if you read my blog today you will see my thoughts on garden catalogues. I do agree that January is much more cruel than April. I am always pleased when we get through to February as it is a short month and the nights are getting lighter. Do you have snow and do Edward and Apple love it as Tess does?

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  20. And I think the furry dogs are the best of all.

    Happy New Year dear friend.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  21. Oh Pamela, I had to smile, since yesterday I raved about the rush and the tendencies to pass the NOW rather quickly for the next new thing....like spring all over the catalogs and shops, when I am still deep into winter mood...
    In a way, I agree, January can be a bit of a drag after the glamour of the holidays, but I have always seen January as a new beginning with all the chances of a fresh start.
    I feel more like that in November, after the autumn has vanished and the stretch 'til the holidays seems forever!

    Now I so love the longer light and the clear cold sunshine!
    And the fire inside...

    Love your image, as always!
    And your sweet recommendations to feel good!

    Kisses!
    Victoria

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  22. Well, I am feeling the let down of sorts but am uplifted by our newest addition. I too now have two furry companions to accompany me on those blustery walks. However, the newest arrival is still a bit hesitant on the leash. She is also in need of one furry warm sweater. Her short hair is not like that of Edward or Apple or her bother Wallace.
    Stop by and meet our new Phoebe Mackay.
    She is a real sweet heart and she is helping to uplift the doldrums of January.

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  23. Thanks for those wise words Pamela...I always feel very unsettled in January...we must be on the same wavelenght...i have white flowers...lovely magazines full of spring beauty...vanilla candles and the dog to take on long walks.....but what to do with the itchy feet!!!

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  24. We are certainly not feeling very bland in England at the moment. There's nothing like a dissaster to liven things up a bit! Still looking for that lampost though :)

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  25. What wonderful and positive suggestions! We are all thoroughly sick of the cold and your ideas are wonderful and inspiring.

    About April, at one point a mortician told me that his shop was busiest in April. Perhaps that is where the negative comes from...

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  26. Oh, the Weaver was just talking about seed catalogs today on her blog. Such a springy, hopeful activity. Although, I love winter, so I'm happy as a lark in my snowy neck of the woods!

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  27. Did I mention that we all love and adore the Narnia pop up book. It is amazing.
    thanks-
    pve

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  28. Thanks. I thought it was just me feeling this way. I think white flowers and a film would do the trick.

    Happy New Year.

    Marjorie

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  29. What wonderful ideas! I can't help but believe your list is an answer to a prayer that I would learn to embrace winter this year.

    When I was a girl, my mom decorated our Christmas tree with little ornaments that look so much like the red and white figures in the illustration you posted. Seeing that image made me smile.

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  30. Oh yes, I agree with you. Particularly after the 6th of January, I feel so blue. I fill my rooms with white tulips and always take a tropical vacation. Seems to make the rest of winter more bearable. Have a lovely weekend, Pamela and Edward! I shall be playing on Hawaiian sands with my babies.

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  31. Such a lovely post. All your ideas are wonderful ... #6 especially ♥ it's been a while since I have visited the house of Edward. Wishing you, Edward & Apple a Very Happy New Year!

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  32. I have to admit tha January is not the cruelest month for me...in fact I quite enjoy it. I enjoy the slower pace, the enforced staying in due to bad weather, the quiet of cold and snow, warm soups and stews, eating by the fire...

    having said that I have to say I love all your suggestions too and even those of us who love January will take you up on them:)

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  33. I do feel oh so much better after reading this. I go through this each January-wishing time backwards-longing to savor the days just prior to Chrsitmas. So much sweet effort goes into the holidays and then suddenly it's January. The house is void of the scent of balsam, there are no holidays treats...those went into the trash {or freezer} on New Year's day. We still have toddies by the fire and our two devoted pups are always near. I can't seem to get out of my own tracks. I do think I will look for some really good, light-hearted movies, take more tubbies and start planning out a new raised bed for the spring. Thank you Pamela-this was just what I needed.

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  34. To avoid the post-Christmas emptiness, I continue the celebration by leaving up all of my snowmen to recognize winter. They are around until the Valentine hearts appear.
    Pamela, thank you for your blogs- nothing short of poetry. I read them to find peace and regain perspective.

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  35. I've enjoyed your recent lists Pamela - your posts are always inspirational...........so I'd better get going on my own 'to do' lists for this brand new year.

    Cold here but I love it! Walked today for a while but no handsome dog for company unfortunately!
    Happy New Year and thank you for bringing so much beauty to blogland.

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  36. Six fabulous ideas for sure! I do think that this cold weather has made it so much worse for everyone. At least we've had sun here.

    I do think that I will take your advice about the white flowers. That sounds wonderful!

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  37. terrific ideas for this awful motnh this year. I am also catching up on new works of art! Maybe breathing in too many intoxicating fumes!

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  38. So beautifully said. As I sit and sip on my chamomile tea and have my toast and stay up way past my bedtime I am smiling at your words and wisdom. : )

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  39. ...thought it was just me! Pop over. I've mentioned this post on Textilosophy in gratefulness. Just what I needed!xx

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  40. what a beautiful post.... you might not like the Scottish Highlands at the moment.. there again you might as they have loads of SNOW!!! even in my small town we have snow and it has stuck... keep warm.

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  41. Yes...Yes...and Yes...! Oh, I knew I needed to come over here today...

    I've been prepping for the ever faithful creative low in January for weeks with a new art exhibit challenging me to create...Ah, filling my heart, and head with positive energy has been the perfect remedy, and has made all the difference.

    I love your list and will apply many, if not all of them, to life around here..

    Thank you, beautiful bloggy friend!

    Off to grab my Gurney's Seed catalog before finishing a drawing:)... And would you believe I ordered a Netflix copy of Hammish MacBeth on Thursday? Sadly, it was damaged and would not play.

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  42. This is a post full of hope and encouragement. So smart. I don't personally have trouble in January. I never seem to get tired of winter, I know, I'm strange. Maybe it's because I do the things you wrote. I just had a deeply soothing warm bubbly candlelit bath two nights ago, and I had inspiration come into my head from that fog of steam.

    Seed catalogs are great too. I don't have any white flowers out, but I have loved it in the past when I still had paper whites left from Christmas in January.

    So glad you loved Fugitive Pieces. Did your friend give you The Winter Vault? I am still reading that one, which is still lovely but didn't capture my imagination as the other did.

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  43. I agree completely about listless January, "As idle as a painted ship/Upon a painted ocean." Toadstool hats are sure to make for an interesting month though, whatever the weather :)

    Lovely site you have here, and such wonderful images. Edward knows all my favorite illustrators. I'm glad I followed that link

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  44. Lovely ideas - thank you! I have been making myself feel lighter and brighter by have a good clearout of my cluttered flat, and switching my diet back to one heavy on veggies and fruit. Sometimes if I cannot escape the darkness, I simply dig into it with all the sensual things that this time of year is known for. I roast parsnips and kale, I use cinnamon and honey with baked fruit. I let the spaces in my home fill with these deep aromas. Then I feel good again.

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  45. There are not many ills in the world that can't be fixed by the company of two furry dogs! Leigh

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  46. Hello P&E,

    Despite being snowed in for a week I've been quite content, reading and watching favourite things on the TV. This week should be back to work and I think it's the business of trudging to work in the cold, wet and dark that casts that blue veil over folks. Stay happy!

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  47. So true; the house seems so lonely and devoid of spirit after all the Christmas grandeur and whimsy is packed away.
    Love the suggestion of white flowers! I'm off to buy some today!

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  48. What lovely ideas to lift our spirits and guide us through the dark days of January, and we certainly need as much warmth and cheer as we can muster this year:)

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  49. Fellow April baby here but I do not get down in January, rather I am lifted as Christmas is over (Bah Humbug that I am). Did you know that January is meant to be the Arian's lucky month? The snow has helped to bring light to us here in spite of its coldness.
    I have just caught up on your blogs, I sooooo love it here.
    To be one's authentic self, that was one of my resolutions as well.
    Thank you for your magical words.

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  50. I like your advice! We've been enjoying lots of snowy walks and I've found myself very creatively inspired this month....

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  51. Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog, and it is the most charming, fill-me-up-inside thing I have ever encountered. Poetry, writings, and beautiful images all in one place...sigh. Just lovely. Thank you!
    ~Madeline

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  52. I happen to have 2 furry dogs!:) And I must say your movie cure with popcorn works wonders! glad to have found you!

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  53. I opened this post the other day, but was dragged away before I had time to read it all. I think that I shall return, again and again, in order to arm myself against the bad fairy.

    Movies and baths are definitely in my arsenal for coping with January, and I have some white hyacinths that are just about to bloom! I need to get out and walk more, though.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!