1.31.2019

winter brrrrr (and an old mixtape)

I really don't mind the cold so much, but I just wish if it was going to be so cold, that it would actually SNOW... we had a tease of possible snow a few days ago, but I didn't see ONE SINGLE FLAKE. I pretty much have all the farm chores down to a T, breaking ice in all the troughs before work, feeding double so that the critters can eat and keep their metabolism up and stay warm enough, and making sure the chickens have lots of insulation in their coop at night.....

This winter I also have my little shop project next door, so that is keeping me from getting too bored or antsy in this cold snap, but for past winters, I have compiled a little list of things you can try to do, to avoid getting down when it is to cold to really enjoy the outdoors.......

get into an old hobby....
I recently just bought an old polaroid 600 from a Facebook yardsale page, and the film is ordered and on the way! I used to really manipulate the development of polaroids back when they were actually still in style by freezing them during the process, as well as heating them. We shall see where this goes this winter, but honestly I am just excited to use the camera for good ol' snapshots!

make an extra effort to get some sun. It is no revelation that people tend to get more depressed when the days are shorter, so make an extra effort to get some vitamin D. You can easily make this happen by spending your lunch break a few days a week at the local county pound taking out a dog or two. This works in multiple ways to improve your mood - it feels good to give back, and I promise you the dogs will love the fact that you've given them a few minutes of attention, AND you'll pick up some vitamin D, even if it is a bit cloudy! Win - win!!
set a new goal....
yeah, yeah - I am a goal setter, and this sometimes drives people crazy that I am constantly speaking of goals, BUT to each their own... who's with me?
my goal this winter was to do something with that building FINALLY. I am in the middle of that project, but as I mentioned, it keeps my mind stimulated and keeps me interested in learning new things (I have learned how to do electrical work, work with a carpenter's square, and that a cordless skillsaw is the way to go for me, since I sawed through the cord - yeah.....). Learning new things allows for growth and as long as we are constantly growing, it is harder to get bored...

work on the year's budget.
each year, I try to come up with new ways to incorporate money into the farm.... for the last few years I have been sitting on this vintage inventory, so this year the plan is to start moving it.... I heard somewhere that if you can have seven sources of income, you'll never get yourself into a debt hole that you cannot recover from. I don't have seven, but the goal is set. Ha!

...and last but not least, if you can come up with a few things to distract you from the cold, dark days of winter, soon enough you will see the days are getting longer. YES!!! Yesterday evening, I was outside and it was still light after 6pm. IT IS HAPPENING, FOLKS. Hang in there....and just like that, tomorrow is also Friday. Obviously these tips are for me, but maybe they can help you as well! <3

We have lost the ability to do the Thursday Mixtapes segment due to the software company we used to use, no longer offering the style we found the most attractive and easy to use, so I am sharing an older mix from 5 years ago... it is fitting with this time of year and having a little optimism... enjoy!


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