As I type, I hear the wind blowing, and the radio has just told me that the temperature is 21 degrees F. By the time I leave for work in a few hours, it's going to be about 10 degrees. By the time time I return home from work this evening, the prediction is for about 5 degrees.
How I wish I could stay indoors all day long...and tomorrow, too. Instead, I'll remind myself that spring is not too far away and add lots of layers of clothing for my outdoor journeys, hoping the subway trains are running frequently.
In observation of Valentine's Day being tomorrow, I wanted to share a funny little assemblage that hangs on my kitchen wall.
Many years ago, I bent a wire coat hanger, added a dried tomato vine and tucked in a slip of paper found in a Chinese fortune cookie. It amuses me every day to see this little tangle. The paper fortune reads, "You will make changes for the better." It's a good fortune to read every day, and then contemplate the potential for the message's truth.
This still new year is going to be a time of changes for me. I look forward to sharing some developments with you all in the not too distant future.
Meanwhile, I thank you all for your visits and comments, and continue to marvel at the connections that blogging allows us to make.
May I also wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!
Love the wreath Frances. We read a fortune cookie recently that said something about receiving pennies from heaven, which was spot on about our little granddaughter Penny Lane. Now, how long are we going to have to wait for your news? Happy day to you also, but I am sorry it is going to be so cold.
ReplyDeleteDonna, little Miss Penny Lane really did fulfill that fortune! I'll be writing about those changes pretty soon, promise. xo
DeleteStay warm today Frances!
ReplyDeleteI like your little 'assemblage' very much. I think it's good to look at things that make one smile - every day. A good fortune is certainly worth a smile-a-day! I look forward to reading about the changes that are coming your way this year.
Well Pondside, yesterday was cold, but manageable. Now this morning it's 0 degrees F, and so the challenge as increased. Back to work, with those same hopes for efficient subway service! xo
DeleteThat's a lovely little assemblage Frances.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day too. I shall be without my valentine tomorrow as he will be on his way to South Africa.
I hope your subway trains are running well. That was one of my favourite things about NY. Not being a driver here in the UK the subway gave me an immense sense of independence while I was there.
Love and Hugs from The UK-x-
Thank you for your kind words, Sheila.
DeleteIt's even colder today, so again I do hope the subways keep on keeping on. xo
Love your wall hanging Frances.
ReplyDeleteSorry you have to go out in the cold, but wrap up warmly - and as you say, Spring is just round the corner.
Thank you, Weaver! Yes, wrapping up in lots of layers is the way to go on days like yesterday and today. It's 0 F. outside now (not taking the wind into consideration) but the temperature is supposed to rise all the way to 17 F this afternoon. Whooppee! xo
DeleteWrap up well Frances if it is going to be very cold. Stay in if you can and stay warm! I do like your pretty heart hanging.
ReplyDeleteI'll be wrapping up well again today Elizabeth, as I will be returning to work. I was amazed yesterday at just how many people braved the cold to come shopping for spring clothes.
DeleteThank you for your compliment on my little wire hanging. xo
Dress warm and think warm thoughts! Spring is on its way and I hope your trains are all on time!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! It does help to sort of "think warm thoughts" while getting to one's destination as quickly as possible in the current chill. xo
Deletekeep warm and let us know what is going to happen.Barbarax
ReplyDeleteI do promise to share my news soon, and definitely will be wrapping up again today. xo
DeleteOh My Goodness, I hope the wind is not blowing and your train is on time.
ReplyDeleteI love your wall hanging but is it one or two hangers. I can't tell ?
cheers, parsnip
Oh yes Parsnip, the wind was indeed blowing, and is still going this morning. Right now the temperature (without factoring in that wind) is 0 degrees F. Brrrrrr.
DeleteMy funny little hanging was made with just one hanger. There's just something about its ramshackle appearance that amuses me.
xo
Gosh, I remember how bitterly cold it was during our visit, and the warnings on the media not to expose skin for any longer than 20 minutes! I'm not sure I would use anything to do with a tomato as decoration - but yours does look intriguing as our your hints of changes to come. Whatever they are, we'll be looking out for them and wishing you well. Cx
ReplyDeleteChris, thanks so much for your message. Today's chill has put the "icing" on yesterday's cake and is record-breaking cold.
DeletePlease do stay tuned to learn more about what I've hinted about. xo
Wrap up warm! This winter continues to be mild here, with this week's temperatures probably the lowest we'll get ... 5C in the day and maybe -1C tonight. No snow yet but a flurry is forecast tomorrow morning (doubt it will settle).
ReplyDeleteI love your heart decoration's positive message - have a good day xx
Dear Celia, it's sort of fun to see how everyone is managing to layer up with extra clothing. I'm already thinking about my wrapping strategies for later this morning when I have to return to work. Selling spring clothing is also amusing in this sort of weather. 0 degrees F this morning, not counting the wind factor. xo
DeleteDear Frances, I love your "little tangle". Get out all of your beautifully knitted woolies and wrap yourself in all that beauty and make people smile as you pass by. Happy Valentine's Day. ox, Gina
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina for your compliment on my tangle. It does have a certain quality....
DeleteOh yes, I am joining other New Yorkers in donning lots of extra clothing to manage our required minutes outdoors during this deep freeze. xo
That is a wonderful message to read everyday. It speaks of hope and good things to come.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how a few words on an old slip of paper can be inspring? Positive vibrations and all that sort of thing. xo
DeleteI love your little wreath with its inspiring message. Stay warm Frances
ReplyDeleteOh Gina, it is even colder this morning...I might have to add one more layer to yesterday's wrapping choices before I head back to work in a few hours.
DeleteGood news is that the temperature will rise just a bit this afternoon...and by quite a bit more...by Wednesday. Keeps hope alive! xo
I read your post this morning when I was out shopping. I like the little piece of paper "you will make changes for the better" that caught your eye and you kept it. The dried tomato vine is a reminder of past life gone by. To recognize a year of change is to have great vision and, of course, fearlessness.
ReplyDeleteThat's it, Rachel, why I do like to have that odd twisted metal and dried vine and crumpled paper in my line of sight each morning. I also like what's in your last sentence. Hoping for a Frances-sized bit of vision and fearlessness as I go forward. xo
DeleteI love your little wreath heart. I hope you've kept warm, the wind is bitter here today.
ReplyDeleteAll my layers of clothing served me well earlier today on my very limited outdoors minutes. The shop was warm enough to encourage customers, and I'm glad now that my home is relatively warm, and tonight's pasta supper is delicious, if I do say so myself.
Deletexo
What a lovely heart Frances! Happy Valentine...
ReplyDeleteTitti
Thank you for your compliment and Valentine's wish, Titti. xo
DeleteWishing you once again a very Happy Saint Valentines day, We have your beautiful water colored flower cards out today!
ReplyDeleteI could only walk 2 blocks to buy flowers
for Kitt but arriving to the store that
sells them (not a florist) they were frozen.I settled on French truffles in
the shape of a heart made of chocolate. flavors.
I know your good news is coming forth here.
Mike & Kitt
NYC has at least been quiet today at 20 below zero wind chill
Thanks so much for your kind word, K and M. It doesn't surprise me that the flowers were frozen...too tender for today's chill. Chocolate flower idea is a good one. I'm once again trying to give up chocolate for Lent, and it's been tricky since Lent's earlier than usual this year.
DeleteFairly busy at work today, but mostly lovely folks to interact with throughout the day. xo
Sorry google spellcheck or ? has jumbled
ReplyDeleteup my writing structure a bit.
M & K
We do get so attached to these treasures that arrive by serendipity and get hung where we can see them each day. A fortune I keep on the wall next to my desk says, "If you don't run too far the way back will be shorter." I've never been sure if this is good advice or not. It sounds like you are about to "run far," with the changes coming in your life. I'm eager to hear what your future will bring. Stay warm dear Frances.
ReplyDeleteDear Carol, I see what you mean about that fortune message being a bit ambiguous...as many fortunes are. I think we are pretty good at figuring out when to take chances...and to choose the scale of those chances.
Deletexo
Dear Frances, as I type, the snow continues falling outside and all the bird feeders are very busy. Hence, I made more homemade food for them, including our first own walnuts in abundance. Can't be too long before spring now. Happy belated Valentines to you! Love your heart. Will be so exciting to see the changes this year brings for you. Best wishes from Belgium.
ReplyDeleteBayou, I think we might see a few more snow flurries this afternoon, as our dreadfully cold weekend weather warms us just a bit. I'm sure that your visiting bird friends are delighted to find the treats you provide them...they must all want to be your Valentine. xo
DeleteI hope you are keeping warm dear Frances. Your heart is lovely and what a great fortune cookie saying....perfect to keep applying afresh each day. It is very cold here too and our little pond was frozen this morning. Keep cosy.
ReplyDeleteHelen xox
Thank you so much, Helen! Yes, it's slightly warmer today, just below the freezing point. Now we have light snow flurries...but tomorrow it will be warmer with ... heavy rain. February does bring its challenges, but it's a great time to be cosy with indoor projects. xo
Deletehello hopr spring come fast also in NY...lovely heart ad its story!!I wait for your news!!Have happy week
ReplyDeleteHello Gabri and thanks so much for your comment. Yes, spring gets closer every day.
DeleteIn the first moment, I thought it is an Alpine flower named "Edelweiss"! Very nice idea! Love your "letters from N.Y"!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I appreciate your visit and comment. Hoping to see you here again. Cheers!
DeleteI love your assemblage! Totally charming! And I look forward to hearing more of your 'developments.'
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki. I'll soon be able to post an update on those developments. xo
DeleteIntrigued about the changes you are planning and wondering if the UK features at all in your dreams... Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI do promise to keep you all posted, Marianne. xo
ReplyDeleteFrances, Now I am so curious as to your changes for the better.Hmmm, I wonder if this could involve a move, as you have sometimes alluded to the desire for your own little plot of garden...
ReplyDeleteStep by step, Jeri. What is a big change for me might not even register on another person's scale.
Deletexo
Hello Frances, I was catching up this morning and read your posts up to date . The cold weather and snow covered streets, but the new boots look wonderful for the task. It amazes me how quickly you knit the hats with such detailed patterns. I found some wool to knit myself another of my favourite hat. Wrong wool, so need to shop for some. Mine only a few cables in pattern, need to wear one as suffering ear problems.
ReplyDeleteI watched Brooklyn film last week and thought of you. I enjoyed it. I am also reading Meadowlands, only a couple of chapters in but I like what I have read. Glad to just read your comment and hear you are off for a wander in Central Park. I have just arrived home after a pleasant road walk in the sunshine, very well wrapped up with down jacket, hat , scarves and gloves. Found my next page! And you are always an inspiration.
Take care, millyx
Thanks so much for this comment, Milly. I did manage a Central Park walk in yesterday's sunny, mild weather. I'll be showing some photographs in my next post.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you liked Brooklyn. I admit to not quite being able to get into the novel, and haven't seen the film. Perhaps eventually...
As you know, I really loved Meadowlands!
xo
I’m attempting to get back into blogging and blog reading; my mind is lighter - must be the lengthening days - and blogging is becoming enjoyable again.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you still make the most of every day and every little thing gives you pleasure. A lady with the perfect attitude!
I like your coat hanger heart, it’s delightful and an idea very much up to your usual clever creativity.
I hope the weather has warmed up a bit and you can soon stroll about Central Park among the daffodils.
I love winter white. So beautiful.
ReplyDelete