Life Lately
It’s been a hard week.
I was already struggling with a little bit of holiday melancholy. You know, when all the busyness of the holidays is over, the decorations and pretty lights are down, and there isn’t as much to occupy your time and mind. Suddenly January arrives, and it’s just back to reality again. Anyone else feel that way, too?
Winter break ended and I went back into the classroom on Monday, followed up right away by the anniversay of my mom’s death on Wednesday.
January is hard month for me. It’s the month in which I lost both my parents–my dad last year on January 24, and my mom two years before that on January 6. January and hospital rooms and grief are all kind of intertwined for me.
So on Wednesday–the 3rd anniversary of losing my mom, I was already struggling, and then…. then reports of the siege on the U.S. Capitol started alerting on my phone. I did my best to ignore them, because I was busy with students all afternoon, but by the time I left school, and got home to turn on the TV, I felt drained and hollow.
It felt personal to me. I’ve been leading an annual student trip to D.C. for more than 20 years. The corridors and halls of the Capitol are nearly as familar to me as my own home. Despite my dozens of visits to the Capitol, the rich history held within those walls never fails to awe me. Watching it be assaulted was gut-wrenching.
Thankfully, the end of the week held a bright spot. Yesterday was my husband’s birthday and we celebrated him last night with a King Crab and seafood family dinner. He’s generous, and selfless, and compassionate, and fun, and always, always a bright spot in the dark cloud of January.
The Weekly Features
Planners, Calendars, Journals | Common Ground
I was drawn to Debra’s post because of the beautiful nature pictures in the planner she highlighted, but as I read what she had written, I was touched by her sharing some of the health struggles she’s experiencing in her life. I read so many blogs, and interact with so many other bloggers, that I sometimes forget that behind all the pretty pictures, everyone is dealing with their own real-life issues and challenges, just like me. I always admire bloggers who aren’t afraid to include, at least once in awhile, a “behind-the-scenes” look at reality.
Winter Decorating Tips | The Ponds Farm
Reading blogs, and creating my own, is a happy respite for me. This picture of Rachel’s dining area looks so calm and peaceful to me. I collect white ironstone dishes, too, and her collection is drool-worthy. Add in the shiplap, the chippy white painted bench, the bird figurines and touches of winter greenery…. I love everything about it.
Happy, Hopeful and Healthy 2021 | Mille Fiori Favoriti
This post by Pat caught my attention immediately. During this turbulent year, nature has been a source of comfort to me. I love watching the changing scenery, and the animals surrounding our new home. We have yet to have a deer peering in our windows, but we did have a skunk peek in the back patio doors one night! 🦨 😜
Plus, it reminded me of a night a couple of weeks ago when we went driving around to look at Christmas lights, and saw this….
At first we thought they were decorations, but quickly realized they were real. There’s three in this pic, but all told there ended up being about 9 as best we could count. Just lollygagging through the neighborhood… 😂 🦌
A special thanks to everyone who linked up this week. Looking at all your lovely creations was relaxing and fun for me, especially during a hard week. 💕
All features have been pinned to the Sundays on Silverado Pinterest Board!
Sending you lots of hugs, Niky. I know the grief journey is not an easy one no matter how long it has been. It still leaves an ache in your heart. Hang in there, CoCo
Love the deer and sending you positive thoughts. Happy Belated Birthday to your hubby.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that this week is a better week for you.
Sending love and hugs. It sounds like you are having a tough time at the moment. So sorry about your parents.
I stayed up to watch the news about the U.S Capitol. It was shocking. I felt so sad for the people of America.
Happy belated birthday to your husband. Your dinner sounds so good x
Oh my goodness! That deer is the cutest xxxx
New here so sincerely curious. Was your anguish the same in June 2020 during the days of rioting, looting, burning in our Capitolby American people?
Hi Bev, and welcome to The House on Silverado.
I’m not entirely sure what you’re looking for with your question, but to appease your “curiosity”, what I can tell you is that I’ve experienced a great deal of anguish in the past year, like most other Americans who’ve lived through a global health crisis, riots, racial injustice, political unrest, and an unprecedented number of natural disasters. Additionally, I’ve dealt with personal grief as I continue to navigate the loss of both parents.
Does that answer your question?
Thank you for sharing my last week’s post, Niky. I do enjoy seeing the deer that visit my backyard often. January is also a hard month for me as I lost my Mother on Jan.6, nine years ago. I always leave my Christmas tree up until that day in her honor. This year the horror that unfolded in the US Capitol building on that date was so disheartening. I’ve also visited the Capitol building many times as my son attended college in Washington DC and was an intern to a senator during that time. I pray our county will heal and reunite.
Stay safe and healthy! Pat
hi Niky, I am so sorry you’re having a rough time, January is a hard enough month without sad memories…I have a month like that too, mine is August…I get through it by doing super positive things, like you did with a wonderful birthday celebration for your husband. Thank you for hosting and I will hold you in my prayers
Thanks for the party Niky. Sending you {{{good vibes}}} to lift your spirits. Life is heavy- that’s why parties like these and our bogland community is so special and inspiring. Hope you have a blessed week.
XO- MaryJo
Thanks so much for sharing my post on Keeping a Journal, Niky. I appreciate your sweet words. Thanksgiving to New Year’s is tough on my family since my dad and brother both passed during the holiday. It gets better each year, but it’s definitely still felt around the table. Even though I’ve not been to the Capitol I was anguished over the actions and behavior of so many American people. I’m praying that with the new administration we can start to heal as a country. Praying for you, Niky. hugs and be blessed. Deb
Happy Sunday Niky, and thanks for all the great inspiration! I’m thinking of you and sending over some comfort and love this month. Take care.
It certainly has been a gut-wrenching week and I fear it isn’t over yet. Thank you so much for hosting.
I find January a melancholy month for many of the same reasons, having lost my dad in the month of January as well. Usually, I have our annual February trip to Mexico to look forward to which helps pick up the spirits but not this year. Sending hugs your way from Canada
Niky,
Thank you so much for all the inspiration.
I appreciate you for sharing my Winter Decorating Tips Today.
Rachel
I found Debra’s post and how she pray journals very inspiring.
The deer remind me of a nature walk I took with my husband years ago. We were lucky to live close to a lake, and on one of our walks came across a deer and her fawn. They were so close, and I really don’t know why they didn’t bolt.
Such a nice memory.
Have a good Sunday 🙂
RR
Oh Nikki this post has given me a lovely warm fuzzy feeling. Seeing all that nature and wild animals on peoples doorsteps is wonderful and once again your home décor is beautiful. Here’s to a Hopeful New Year sending you love from the other side of the world.
Niky,
Thanks so much for taking the time to host each week!! It truly is appreciated!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Deb