Time for the great rest

The holidays have come and gone, and my garden is dried and brown; looking like it will never come back. I used to dread these long, cold winter months, but after I read a wonderful book about trees ("The Overstory") and the need for all of Nature to take time for rest, I realized that this time of year should be savored, even treasured. As a self-admitted type A personality, I never have recognized “rest” as a valuable thing to do. Doing more was always better; being super productive was applauded. Maybe it's just because I'm older now, but I finally understand the great value in living slow, resting often, and enjoying little things that often go unnoticed. These winter months I will be sitting by the fire longer, having a little more comfort food and hopefully diving into an engrossing new book. I will work on planning my garden. Hopefully it will snow a little. Flowers and trees need to rest as well, so I feel free of weeding and seedling worries; spring and all of it's garden chores will be here soon enough! 

"Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."