Why I Love The Big Dark
Autumn & Winter - the cozy time of year
Photos by Aleah Anne
Why Do I Love The Big Dark?
I don’t do well in the heat. My Scandinavian genes simply cannot accept much over 70 degrees. I got too hot mowing the yard yesterday, and wondered how it could be SO HOT in October. My husband informed me that it was in the mid 60’s.
I love, love, love the Pacific Northwest - especially in the fall and winter. I always wondered why my grandparents would come to the United States from Norway, go directly to Minnesota, then migrate westward to the Pacific Northwest. As I grew older, I understood. The coolness, mountains, ocean, and waterways reminded them of home.
And - they could go outside. I love being outside, but I need cloud cover and protection from sun and heat. We certainly get that most of the year in the PNW.
The Big Dark (the season from late fall through winter, when it is gray, cold and raining most days) is the cozy time of year. The fire is on, rain nourishes the forests, hot coffee is glued to my hand, and I am cozy inside. Or enjoying a hike in the brisk, clean air. This is my happy place.
How Do We Spend Our Time In The Big Dark?
Busy Time - Relaxing Time
When the fog creeps in and settles over everything, the world becomes a quiet place. Very moody. A time to reflect, rest, rejuvenate, and take on indoor projects.
Work Parties - A Social Time
As I walk through our town, I notice the people in the fields as they get ready for winter. Soon, the outside work will be done. They will move their focus indoors.
I am reminded of my childhood. Summer was a time to work in the garden, play on the beach, or go on vacation. We were very active outdoors in summer. Winter was very different. It was our time to catch up on home projects.
My father created beautiful watercolor paintings, remodeled the house, and developed film in his darkroom. He was as busy indoors in winter as he was outside in summer. He also loved to watch the big, winter storms roll in on the ocean. Most people only go to the ocean in the summer; I think winter was his favorite time to be there. Oh, how he loved the storms.
During the winter months, my mother got together with friends for “work parties.” A group of women gathered monthly in the home of whomever was hosting the event that month. I started attending work parties with my mother in my late teens. A hot meal was served, and the women worked on projects. Knitting, crocheting, weaving rugs made from scrap fabric, embroidery, hand sewing, lace making. I was fascinated by the variety of skills.
I loved the fact that these women were skilled, creative, and were willing to put in the work to make beautiful items for their homes. They were independent, rather than dependent on stores.
These work parties only took place in the fall and winter. All of the women worked full time outside the house; summers were too busy with gardening, vacations, and other summer activities. As spring approached, much of the conversation revolved around planning that season’s garden.
This was an important part of my mother’s social life. Friendships were made and maintained. Emotional support was woven into the fabric of the time spent together, and laughter flowed freely as projects started, progressed, and finished.
Balance
I believe we all need “down time” - a cozy, peaceful, reflective time. For me, it is during The Big Dark.
We need seasons - for work and play, planning and doing.
Winter is not just a time of staying indoors. The season also provides outdoor activities. Snow skiing, hiking, beach walking, winter festivals (festivals are important for livening things up during the long, dark winter). I love the rare clear, sunny days of winter - they are much appreciated when they happen.
At Spruce & Fjell, you will see our activities and projects change to reflect the seasons.
Projects Of 2022-23 Winter
We have ordered the shiplap needed for finishing our family room. Since buying our “tiny home” 2 years ago in the PNW (tiny next to our large Arizona home), we have been remodeling it. Several projects have been featured in our Home Improvement section. In the coming weeks, we will install and paint the shiplap, then add shelves.
We will be adding many more sewing, DIY decor, and Home Improvement/Remodeling projects during the winter months. Some of them are moving over from our previous website: CraftAndFabricLinks.com.
We also have more art lessons and projects coming. Art is the language of the soul, and however you do it - it will help bring out your creative side.
We encourage you to incorporate creativity into your lives. From simple, small art projects, to redesigning and remodeling a room - let your soul shine through.
Recently Posted Projects - fall 2022