Deep Winter Decorating

Just the other day, as I was putting away some fabric scraps, I came across these remnants from last year's valentine crafting. It reminded me of how important it is for me to have the decorations in my home during the deep winter month of January reflect the world around us. Partly this is because I like to bring the outdoors in, but also because I like the wonderful contrast it provides to Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day seems all the more cheerful and bright after a month of deep winter decorations.

This month, the woodpeckers have discovered our bird feeders. We have a big hairy woodpecker enjoying the suet. He's so big he's had trouble getting at the suet without dangling upside down. The nuthatches don't seem to come around when he is eating.









This little downy woodpecker doesn't scare off the smaller birds.











Inside the deep blue candles, birch bark candle holders, and chickadees on the table remind us all that while it's white, dark, and cold outside, the woods are still alive with color and sound.