Monday, January 4, 2010

Quiet Joys


The winter break is over today, and I find myself heading back to work reluctantly. I know that once the kids arrive, I'll be all smiles again and happy to be where I belong. But just now, just today, I long for one more quiet day at home. One more day of books in front of the fire, of baking with Sloane, of long walks in a snowy wood. One more rousing game of Yahtzee, one more set of pictures to edit, one more hour on the couch snuggling with Jeffrey and talking about nothing in particular.

And so.

At this moment, what I most feel is gratitude. I'm thankful for a job to return to; a job I love, a place to belong. And I'm thankful for this quiet season; this long month ahead full of quiet evenings just like those I've recently enjoyed.

Happy January, my friends.

39 comments:

Laura said...

Happy January Relyn!! I love that sentiment, Happy January.....usually a month that we just "exist" through; but now something to be celebrated.

My Castle in Spain said...

i too share this feeling Relyn..well we still have King's Day on the 6th but it's true, january is usually a bit dull isn't it ?
I wish you a very happy monday and a very good start of the year !!
A big hug to you...
Lala

Tess Kincaid said...

My sentiments exactly.

Bee said...

I don't teach anymore, but I remember that first day after the holidays so well! The kids always seem slightly dazed by tiredness and the return to early mornings.

I'm so glad that you had a delicious holiday. I shall try to love January a bit better; you make it sound so nice.

WhiteStone said...

Gratefulness is a great mood lifter! lol

Lubna said...

Happy January, all. I return to work this week - on Jan 8, after a long sabbatical, but in a new city and in a new role. Am nervous and excited at the same time.
My sabbatical was because of personal unfortunate circumstances and I am grateful to have gotten this time away from work.
Yes, I do wish I could proceed on a long happy holiday, but perhaps sometime in 2010, I will.
Best,
Lubna

Roban said...

I have today, still, but it's full of responsibilities that may have been shifted a day or two as the past week went by!

I can picture you at school, all smiles for the children you teach. I'm sure you'll be getting lots of hugs today!

It's wonderful that you love your work so much. The children can tell!

Hugs and blessings,
Roban

P.S. I love winter months. The nights roll in earlier, keeping us warm and cozy indoors.

Jana said...

Your words are always perfect, its why I NEEDED to follow you. Its always a gift when you post. Thanks. So glad you take the time to truly enjoy every little piece of life.

Andrea said...

There is much to be thankful for. I am thankful I found your blog, this year.
Blessings,
andrea

Marilyn Miller said...

Hooray for the quiet times of this season.

I hope you have a wonderful day back with the little ones.

Anonymous said...

i remember that feeling of first day back at school before the kids arrive.

but its exciting to start off a new year. a fresh start.

i return to work after almost eight weeks of holidays next week.

Marion Williams-Bennett said...

Sounds like a wonderful vacation, full of warmth and love. It's so hard to tear ourselves away from that, but how great to have had this time!

Good luck getting back to it all!

S. Etole said...

What a wonderful reminder to be grateful in all things.

Cindy said...

Have a great day back at work, enjoy your quiet winter nights like we do. Take care.

Jeanne said...

Much love and many blessings
Love you
Jeanne

PixieDust said...

Happy New Year, mi amor... what a joyous beginning to my own new year, settling in this morning with your posts, your words, the books you are enjoying, your wisdom, and sweet way...

:-)

(((hugs))),
love,
me

Shaista said...

Happy New Year Relyn, I am happy I found your blog, particularly as you say it contains posts on the 259 books you have read this year :)
I do love the Milosz poem, absolutely beautiful. Is the translator his son or grandson?
I look forward to yawping with you this year..

Yiota said...

Happy New Year Relyn!
I'm so grateful to have a job to return to as well, although I do wish I had a few more days of holidays, just to stay at home.
Take care my friend!

Anita said...

My daughter just wanted "one more day to sleep, come on Mom" and I was hoping the phone would ring for a sub teaching job, but no dice today. Nobody called in sick the first day back.

Unknown said...

Hi Relyn and Happy New Year!

I'm glad you've enjoyed books and company and life and I hope the return to class is smooth. I enjoyed your post on 'Sunday Morning Poetry' and trust that the end of the world is not quite yet - so that I can return many more times in 2010!

Caroline said...

Quiet winter nights in front of the fire...is there anything better?

Rita said...

Hope it was a good day back! That makes it much easier to go back! Happy New Year!

Hindsfeet said...

I felt the same reluctance to return to "real" life today, relyn, but found that, once I was back in it, the old routine was sort of comforting in a way...guess it's all about balance...

Anyway, hope your "real" life treated you well today too : )

Patti said...

I LOVE January's coziness! I am so with you on the break thing- I thought you would have had some extra days because you went so late. But, it is never enough- I always want one more day... Hope your day went well

bigBANG studio said...

relyn, happy, happy new year! What a joy to have come across your blog, and hope this year brings you countless blessings.

big hugs. xo.

Unknown said...

It was hard to go back to work today, but I reminded myself that I have a job that I really love (although I really love staying home and reading too! :))

Anita said...

I am a January baby and always love the winter and the coziness, and breaks from work to read and contemplate.
Thank you for your lovely words.

ELK said...

me too...going back is difficult...their smiles do help;))

Elizabeth Halt said...

Happy January! I like that. It is something to celebrate.

And I wish you a happy merry 2010. :)

Jeanne said...

I love you my sweet friend
God bless you and yours real good
today, tomorrow, always
Love Jeanne♥

Tracy said...

Hi, Relyn! Happy New Year! Great to be back from our trip and catching up with you here... Feeling jet-lagged and heart-fuzzy after a sweet Christmas, I am feeling much the same way too. But there is much to look forward to now! Wishing you & yours all the best of love, peace & joy in 2010, my friend. :o) ((HUGS))

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

Happy New Year to you! Thank you so much for the sweet, sweet comment :) Enjoy your week!

Anita said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog.
You are a kind and thoughtful soul! Wishing you a blessed and Happy New Year.
Anita in Alabama

cristie said...

see the glass half full is your gift. xox

Sue said...

My husband was off 3 weeks, 2 of which we were in Florida. I hate to see him go back to work...and yet I miss "normal". I like a bit of structure. I love the feeling of starting fresh in January and I keep cleaning out, organizing and throwing away things. I'm glad you love your work...makes all the difference.

Sue

Isabel said...

So well said. Gratitude is a wonderful state of being, my dear Relyn. May January be full of joy. Allow yourself to be amazed :)

Joy said...

What a beautiful attitude! It's why I love to come by! Happy January to you, too!

Jeanie said...

I say rather often these days, "I'm grateful to have a job." "I'm grateful to have medical insurance." "I'm grateful to have a house I love and wonderful friends." Yes, gratitude.q

Jaime said...

I am thankful for this quiet season too...the time to be cosy and comfortable.
Wishing you a very happy January as well!!
love love xo

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