So, I’m trying to counter blah with bright warm colors. I
have fabrics and paint samples to brighten my inside world. First thing is
getting my ceilings painted a nice bright white. It adds pizzazz, freshness,
and the feeling of light to about any room. Then, since I love the energy of
reds (I know, you hadn’t a clue, did you?) I have a plan to paint a
focal wall in my living room a cross between barn red and well, red. Not like a
strawberry or a tomato. A richer and warmer type of red. I can cool it down with blues and green
accents or even whites, if I need to. Then again, I can add rich ambers, gold,
and amethysts to make it pop. All my furniture is in neutral colors and so is
the color of my walls. A bright set of pillows here and there, a colorful
throws, bouquets of flowers, nick knacks, and pictures can add visual interest.
I have lots of colorful throws and pillows now but it doesn’t touch the overall
blah.
Great plans, but I need to wait (ugh, I hate waiting when
I’m ready to move forward) until, 1. I can get the guy who will paint the
ceilings. That’s a project that is difficult for me. But, I’m going to tell you,
if he dithers anymore, I’m going to get really creative with broomsticks and
paint rollers and lots of plastic to throw on the floors and furniture. 2.
Extra dollars for all the paint and stuff needed.
This is what comes of being sick for such a long time. You
don’t care when you’re sick what’s going on around you. You’re totally focused
on getting better and the rest can wait until then. Getting well? You tend to
look at your environment with different eyes that grow very large when focused
on surroundings. You also tend to say Holy Shitake mushrooms or the shorter
pithier version thereof. A lot.
So, since I can’t tackle the living room just yet, I painted
my blog. Hey, it worked for me, or at least, took away the main itch for the
immediate moment. I have added pine boughs, poinsettias, lights and glitter to
the house, which helps.
Next, the rest of my environment.
How do you handle the Winter Blahs?
- Sidney Ayers on December 16th with her latest book in Demons Unleashed, DEMONS LIKE IT HOT.
- Terry Spear December 19th with her latest, DREAMING OF THE WOLF
- I’ll also be having Jessica Bell with her STRING BRIDGE visiting and I’ll give you more info on that visit as soon as we have it set—possibly the 14th. And I’m hoping to have some of her wonderful music as well. LOVE her music!
Starting on December 20th I will be running
various holiday stories for your enjoyment. These will run through the 31st.
I’ve got some great stories to share. Just sayin’.
Here’s a recipe that will warm the cockles of your heart or
anything else that needs warming. J
Glühwein
Ingredients
- 4 quarts dry red wine (zinfandel, merlot, burgundy, etc.)
- 1 pint brandy
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cloves, whole
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp mace
- 2 oranges, sliced
Directions
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Pour the wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat.
- As it begins to warm, add sugar and spices. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the brandy.
- Heat thoroughly, but do not allow boiling!
- Add the lemon and orange.
- Steep for about 1 hour over low heat.
- You may add more sugar during this time if desired, stirring well so it dissolves.
- Serve hot and garnish with orange slices. A stick cinnamon could also be used.
Serves 12-15
