"Oh, gosh, do come in out of that snow ...". That's probably how we'd begin, if you called in for a little cup of something with me today. "It's just a shower - one of the very few we've had this winter" I'd tell you, and we'd probably roll our eyes and smile at each other as you shook the drops from your coat and told me how miserable you found the weather here, or what's it like where you live.
We'd walk through into the kitchen and I'd see you glance at the table, bestrewn with foliage and seed packets. "Clearing out", I'd say apologetically. "Trying to shorten the chains on the hanging basket. The seed potatoes?". And then, as I flicked the switch on the kettle, I'd explain ...
... how we had a day away last weekend when my brother came to be with Dad, and had been inspired by a National Trust kitchen garden to think how we might - in the absence of the allotment - try growing more at home. Himself loved this unusual variety we had several years ago, though our record on prolific potato culture is not a good one. (Remind me to tell you of The Great Shrinking Potato Disaster sometime).
You'd notice my slight lack of conviction, and I'd tell you I'm thinking more of lots of quick-growing varieties of lettuce and green stuff. By now you'd be wondering if I was ever going to make that drink, and I'd offer you a tea, or a coffee or my home-made version of a glorious Hot Spiced Apple Juice I tried on Saturday in a café full of penny farthing bicycles ...
And as we wandered up the half-flight of stairs to the living-room with a tray of cake, Lebkuchen (amost finished, alas) and some little oranges, we'd chat about our favourite cafés and tea-rooms and what makes a really good one: the quality of the drinks? the attentiveness of the staff? the quirkiness of the décor? Pulling our chairs up to the fire, you'd tell me all about your favourite one. I'd share with you, as we warmed our toes at the multi-fuel stove and I opened the door to pop another log in, how we'd bought our stove in a second-hand bookshop-cum-stove shop. What a great three-floored cosy sanctuary, complete with rocking chairs and rugs! Himself was surprised I ever agreed to leave and come home with him.
And from there I suspect we'd meander through bookshops and crafts shops, and arrive at creativity and what we're each doing this year. I'd love to hear if you've set off in a new direction, or whether you've following through something you've already started? And if you asked me, I'd tell you that my One Little Word this year is Wild ...
... and that I am already enjoying the way it is helping me, when I can sometimes feel a little confined, to roam and rove in all kinds of ways, and how my word seems to keep jumping out at me wherever I look - does that happen to you? As if antennae are sensitised and things which would usually slip past unnoticed are standing up and waving furiously for attention. And as I offered you the last of the Christmas cake, we might ponder how many of us are engaged in de-cluttering and simplifying body, mind and home and, a little embarrassed, I'd have to admit I'd never heard of a Fitbit till this week! I'd ask if you had one and whether you thought it was worth it ...
Glancing out of the window, we'd notice the snow had stopped and it seems a good moment for you to make a dash for it before the next cloudbank rolls in ominously over the hills. As we step out into the chilly air and walk up the path, I'd steer you past the mossy patch (note to self - get this sorted!) and you'd pull your scarf around your face. Then - with a quick hug or squeeze of the hand - we'd promise to catch up again soon and keep in touch in the meantime. I'd wave you off, so glad you'd come and hoping you'd want to pop in again ... :)
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This lovely meme is hosted by the talented Abi, over at Creating Paper Dreams; if you haven't already called in, do get a mug of something nice and settle down for a clutch of wonderful reads :).
Fascinating to read Alexa. I feel all warm and cosy now. Love your word of the year and that's one gorgeous book you've started to keep on it. What a fabulous idea. Whenever I see the word Wild this year, I'll think of you :) Pxx
Posted by: Paul B | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 05:49 PM
What a great word to live by this year Alexa. I love it! That tea room looks wonderfully quirky. I hadn't come across a FitBit until last week either. Somebody posted a picture of one on Instagram, showing that they had taken 8000 steps while invigilating that day!
Posted by: Fiona@staring at the sea | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 06:05 PM
I love your word...it has so many directions it could go.....and I think I'd have a hard time leaving that book shop as well.
Posted by: Jacky S | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 07:49 PM
Ah...a lovely read alexa. We have tried kitchen gardens over the years, mainly with herbs, they start well...good luck with yours x
Posted by: Louise | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 07:53 PM
ooh thank you so much for the cuppa! What a great chat as always Alexa, is that snowy photo of you recent? Look forward to seeing more of you soon xxx
Posted by: furrypig | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 08:46 PM
I'd gratefully accept that offer of hot cider (considering I don't drink tea or coffee having never developed a taste for either). I'd tell you that the weather here topped out at 51 degrees (F) allowing some of the snow to melt, but the temperatures are plummeting again and we are expecting more snow tomorrow. This has been one of the coldest winters in quite awhile. I'd tell you I don't have a favorite cafe (again since I don't drink the beverages most of them serve) but if I had to pick one to hang out in, our local Panera Bread seems pretty nice. It has a beautiful fireplace. I wonder if they ever have it on? I'd tell you that your One Little Word is so exciting, so full of possibility! I wouldn't need to explain mine, I know you are already aware of what I'm up to. And I'd answer your question - YES! I have a FitBit. I've had one for about two years now. And YES! I love it and do find it motivating trying to make sure I meet a certain goal on a daily basis. I have found that the suggested goal of 10,000 steps per day is out of my reach during the winter when I spend most of my time inside on my computer. So I set my goal to a more realistic 5000 steps a day - which is an improvement over the 3000 I was getting in without the goal. I'll up that a little each week as the weather improves and be pushing myself to get 8000 per day by the time Spring is in full bloom! And I'd tell you if you decide to buy one, make sure to "friend" me on the website!
Posted by: Cheri | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 09:27 PM
Thank you for such a wonderful catch up. I love your word! Would love that tea room, I like quirky.
Posted by: Miriam | Sunday, 02 February 2014 at 11:04 PM
Book shops and coffee/tea shops; I would love to spend time with you in either or both! Your OLW surprised me; one I've never known anyone to choose--and such possibilities!
Posted by: Karen | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 12:48 AM
Homemade hot spiced apple juice sounds fabulous! My experience of coffee shops is limited to generic chain stores, not much fun, but always consistent; one day I won't have children with me when I meet friends for brunch, so can experience quirky and cute places.
Posted by: Cate | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 06:11 AM
Bookshops, craft shops and creativity? Now you know that's my idea of a good time. Hold onto that spiced apple juice, I'll not be long :)
Posted by: Sian | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 10:28 AM
Snow or not, I would have been glad to come and have that hot drink and chat about all those lovely subjects. I am toying with the idea of a Fitbit too...so it would have been good to hear your thoughts on it!
Alison xx
Posted by: Alison | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 01:44 PM
Hot cider please. Pink Fir Apple are lovely waxy potatoes - have you tried the new potato bags? Just keep topping up the dirt until the bag is full. We also grew quite a few in a no-longer-needed plastic dustbin with some holes punched in the bottom.
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 02:20 PM
ohhh yes, please on the hot cider as I shiver from the cold. I love your word and that is inspiring you in so many ways. The Chosen One and I are considering doing a small garden at a church near us but he seems to not be as inspired as he was when he brought it up in the fall. We got Fitbits for Christmas. I had something similar when I was doing WW and did find it motivating. The Chosen one has already lost his and opening mine is on my to do list this week.
Posted by: Beverly | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 06:53 PM
Alexa, there was so much here that made me smile! Your journal is wonderful and I smiled at the gorgeous photo of you. I would love to get into gardening however my mum and I have a bit of a black thumb rather than a green finger! Thank you so much for joining in!
Posted by: Abi | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 07:36 PM
Oh, what a lovely visit! The cider was delicious, and it was so nice to catch up on all our news. (I'd love to go to that little cafe with you one of these days!)
PS I actually enjoyed your weather - so much warmer than mine! (It always makes me smile to think you and your Dad are following my Winnipeg weather.)
Posted by: Prairie Jill | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 11:44 PM
Loved reading this Alexa and the hot spiced apple sounds lovely! I haven't chosen a word this year, but I do have a couple of intentions - one to try and get out and walk every day (even if it is just up the road at work in my lunchbreak) and the second is to spend more time with my family having fun. Hoping that I will be able to do both!
Posted by: Becky | Tuesday, 04 February 2014 at 03:36 PM
Love your chosen word...looks like an adventurous year for you!
As for me, I'm slowing down on projects...now a mix of simple gifts to give away and complex mixed media canvases to feed my soul.
Posted by: Yvonne Yam | Tuesday, 04 February 2014 at 11:23 PM
Love the sound of hot spiced apple and penny farthings! Your journal is already looking beautiful - love the doodles.
Posted by: Jemma @ Just-Jimjams | Wednesday, 05 February 2014 at 11:09 PM
I feel as though I just sat down to visit with you. You are so welcoming!
Wild. What a fabulous word and it goes a direction I would never have considered - before. Now I will! I haven't been chosen by a word yet this year.
Posted by: Nin | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 06:11 PM
What a lovely catch up, Alexa, and I just love the photos of you in this post. You look so sweet and happy in that café. And OH MY GOODNESS! The doodled page for WILD?!?! Over the top adorable. I am smitten with it! I love the way your OLW is taking shape for you, and I do hope you'll be sharing more about that journey in the future.
Thanks for the tea! ;o) xo
Posted by: Deb @ PaperTurtle | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 10:57 PM
What a nice visit. Though the weather was cold, the garden things in your kitchen hint at spring's promise. I must admit, as well, that I'm a bit envious of your bicycle shop visit--it looks like a fascinating place to visit.
Posted by: Wanda | Thursday, 06 February 2014 at 11:14 PM
Thank you for the lovely visit! I enjoyed it :) I should really join in one of these days!
Posted by: Nathalie | Friday, 07 February 2014 at 06:00 AM
Hello! Thanks so much for the tea and a chat! It is 10degrees F here this morning, it's sunny and beautiful after our foot of snow on Wednesday… Would love to come for tea and a chat if ever across the pond!! Love seeing your journals and photos. Just starting to think about gardens here in New England…what did you build your raised beds out of?!
Posted by: SueTR | Friday, 07 February 2014 at 01:33 PM
What a lovely visit today Alexa! My word is FUN this year & it's popping up all the time! We're expecting snow flurries here today, so I'm staying inside & crafting!
Posted by: Melissa Gross | Friday, 07 February 2014 at 02:51 PM
I have missed reading your posts! We have some potatoes chitting ( is that how you spell it ) and will probably start some seeds going fairly soon. It has been fairly mild though wet most days but I'd better make sure we have the green house heater gas topped up, just in case.
Posted by: ifa | Friday, 07 February 2014 at 07:00 PM
Shrinking potatoes? Whatever next. I love ur OLW which makes you sound like you're taking a great big adventure this year. Thank you so much for the info on the Greek word for butterfly, I did not know that at all so I'm off to research a bit more. You see blogfriends are the best. Between yourself, Lizzie and Julie I've managed to learn loads this week.
Look forward to more tea and cake this month,
Love Jo xxx
Posted by: jo | Saturday, 08 February 2014 at 07:05 PM
I like the peak at your handwriting. That's my favorite thing; handwriting. It's so personal and telling. Yours is pretty.
Posted by: Rleyn | Monday, 10 February 2014 at 05:07 PM
Count me in for hot spiced apple juice drink too. And from a purely appetite point of view, potatoes top leafy green things, hands down. I'll be back soon to see more of where "wild" takes you.
Posted by: Susanne | Monday, 10 February 2014 at 06:39 PM
how I enjoy your time for tea posts! I feel like I have indeed been nattering by the fireside, warming my toes and sipping on a warm cuppa, and looking out the window at the gently falling snow!
Posted by: Sharon | Tuesday, 11 March 2014 at 01:11 AM