Give the Gift of Kindness

There's no better way to feel good than to pay a small kindness to someone. Whether it's helping someone carry heavy parcels, or paying the toll fee for the car behind you, acts of kindness bring pleasure to both the giver and receiver. Often it's the small gestures, given to complete strangers that surprise the most. Large or small, to strangers or loved ones, why not give it a try today? You'll be surprised how it elevates your mood.

Build a Quinzee

Quinzees are great fun and much easier to make than igloos. Kids just love them and the walls are so thin that there is no danger if they collapse. They are an amazing shelter, are made with only snow, and they really do keep you warm. Knowing how to make a quinzee can save your life. There are lots of sites out there that give detailed instructions with photos, but here is a quick rundown.
1. Pile snow into a mound the size that you would like the finished quinzee to be.
2. Let the snow "settle" for a couple of hours.
3. Scoop out the snow, working, back, up and around. Clear out all the scooped-out snow as you work.
4. Snow should be scooped out until the wall thickness is about an inch all around. You will be able to see light through the snow.
5. Enjoy!

Take Comfort

For all of us there are some foods that bring comfort. What those foods are differs from person to person. Perhaps it's a food you enjoyed in childhood, like ice cream, rice pudding or custard. For others it might be fresh baked bread or pie. Some prefer something savoury such as chicken in a cream sauce or a plate of spaggetti with homemade sauce.

Whatever it is you find the most comforting, why not allow yourself a wee indulgence?

Visit a Greenhouse

Visit a greenhouse or indoor nursery for a green oasis in our present snowy desert. Starved for summer's greenery, having a short reprieve among the plants of a greenhouse can lift the spirits.

With this in mind I made my way to a lovely tropical greenhouse, housed in an old Victorian-like structure. Imagine my disappointment and shock when I found it empty. With further dismay I learned that it had closed for repairs in the fall of 2008, to open in winter of 2009. Obviously, the work has stopped for one reason or another. A small haven, for those of us who are garden-deprived in the midst of winter, has been lost. If you are lucky enough to have a public greenhouse in your city, why not pay it a visit?

Exercise Outdoors

Whether it's skating, skiing, tobogganing or some other winter activity, try to get out in the air and get some exercise. Sunshine, fresh air and physical exertion all help to combat the "February blues".

Colour Your Day

We are somewhat colour-deprived in the winter months I've always felt, and what better way to counter that than to bring flowers into the house? They introduce not only a dash of colour but some life. You don't need to spend a bundle on an elaborate bouquet or arrangement. Even a single bloom can have a lot of impact. The gerberas in this photo came in a group of six, and only cost $5.00 for the whole lot. Best of all, the amount spent has no direct bearing on the amount of cheer you receive.

Cut flowers stand in for all that luscious life that we're missing from our gardens and remind us that spring is only 7 weeks away. Add some colour to your day.

Change Your View

Welcome to February. Now don't flinch. Yes I know, this most challenging of months is upon us. But fear not, for as I mentioned in yesterday's post, I have an idea a day at the ready to help see you and me through this month with a little less angst. These wee suggestions are simple things that hopefully will make this time of the year a little more bearable. And in 28 days, we'll be out the other side!

Let's begin the month by finding an alternate view of these wintry days. When it's cold we tend to walk about, head down, with only the goal of getting to our destination in mind. The view of our surroundings narrows considerably. If you look closely enough, you'll find that we are, in fact, surrounded by beauty. So grab your camera and go outside. If you have some woods, or other natural settings close at hand, off you go. If not, don't fret, there is beauty right under your nose. You just have to see with different eyes. These photos were taken in my garden, only steps from my front door.

So, has this altered your view at all? Will you go and seek the beauty in winter and record it?

The Unravelling

Tomorrow's the first day of February, so you could be forgiven if you feel as though you're becoming a little unravelled, perhaps a little frayed around the edges. The February blues didn't get their name without good reason. For many, February is a most difficult month to get through. Some February's are tougher than others and I've certainly had my share. February's where I've wanted to pack it all in, to stay in bed and draw the covers over my head and wait until spring to venture forth.

So, I am setting out to post a simple idea each day for the whole month of February that will help in a small way to get us through this most tiresome of months. I happen to live in a place where February means winter, that season of cold and ice and snow and short days. So my suggestions are aimed to combat that dreary reality. Hopefully some of these ideas may help you too. If you've found other ways to make getting through February a little easier, then please let me know. It's February tomorrow so beware, and take care!