Winter-so far, so good. (and for the love of food)

 Winter and I seem to have reached a friendly agreement this year, surprisingly.  It's no secret that around our house, we're summer gals. We love the soaking up the sunshine, splashes in the pool, and so very many camping trips. But, I've never been a fan of wishing one season away in favor of another.  In years' past I've geared up for the long, dark evenings with a plan in place, list after list of activities to keep me busy.  This year, I didn't. 

 Instead, we've immensely enjoyed Christmas and all the celebrating that comes with it and, finding myself on the other side of the holidays, realize that I don't dread the next few months.  

 Pulling my camera out to capture this beautiful, captivating season has helped.  While summer seems to be quite the show-off, winter has a more subtle, quiet, and deep beauty to it that deserves to be noticed and enjoyed even.  

 Infusing slower rhythms into my day has helped my mind and body ease into a season of rest.  Things like waking early to drink warm lemon water and get the wood fire going for the day. 

 Or drives down to the pasture, where pops of color grow spring up like hope.

 While we certainly look forward to spring and all the adventure that it brings, for now we're happy to be here, our eyes feasting on moody lighting for days. 

A current winter passion (besides paint and photography) is cooking. 

I could talk about, read about, and learn about food (healthy, that is) all day long.  I'm fascinated with the subject and after months of not giving it near enough thought, I'm back on the bandwagon. 

The fact that there are literally thousands of healthy and delicious ways to fuel our bodies amazes me.  Like really delicious ways!  I look forward to sharing some of our favorite recipes and practices in the next few months, but for now I'll leave you with three resources I've really enjoyed this week. 

First, Brett and I watched In Defense of Food last night on PBS.  We stumbled across it and I didn't even know what it was called until this morning when I looked it up.   Michael Pollan himself says he is controversial because of his food rules to "eat less meat" but I think this is the most eye-opening documentary I've ever seen about our broken food system.  

Also, Against All Grain is a favorite I checked out from the library.  Some of the ideas in the book we don't stick to, but the author is very clear about the fact that she regained her life from an auto-immune disease by using the healing power of the right foods.  Her recipes are inspiring, fresh, and look delicious!

And last, check out my Food Pinterest Board for ideas galore! There are a few junk food things mixed in, but mostly a feast for your eyes. 

Are you a foodie?  How is your winter going so far?