We’ve had a handful of warmer days over the last week or so, and the aim has been to use this time to my advantage in the yard before the colder weather returns. While it’s been wonderful to check in on a few perennial herbs (it’s a great time to split some chives and bring them indoors for a bit of fresh greenery,) open the windows for the afternoon, or enjoy the occasional crocus that’s made its way awake, I appreciate time with the bees.

I tend to be a procraftinator. Urban Dictionary lists this as “someone who avoids a task by engaging in one or more crafts that they likely will not complete.” There’s probably a 12-step program for this somewhere that begins with a ball of yarn in an attempt to knit a scarf before paint and stamps and beads are added; by step 10 a Silhouette is involved and you still can’t find the scrapbook paper (still in the bag from the store) that was put in a safe place to complete step 7.

It’s January in New England, and as of this writing we’re preparing for our third winter storm in a week with another two storms headed our way. I don’t mind shoveling - it’s productive, allows for extra time outside, and keeps one physically active – though I prefer it as an intermittent activity, not a daily one. Equally, I love being inside by the fire on chilly days - crafting, reading, dreaming of all things spring while I savor the aroma of banana bread or cookies wafting in from the kitchen.

Have you ever wondered what the difference of a day can make? In all actuality it depends on the exact day that we’re talking about, but on some days even the mundane can conceal what can only be called extraordinary when time is reserved to look back, to realize how a handful of seconds can impact life so profoundly.