Cheryl Richardson's Blog, page 11

Life Lessons from a Snowy Morning in New England

Here in New England, when the weather forecast calls for snow, we wait to see what shows up. Living by the coast, we never know what the day will bring, and this morning I woke to find a wall of white outside my bedroom window.

After clearing and filling the bird feeders and setting out fresh water for the squirrels, I stood in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil. Staring at the birch trees slumped over with the weight of wet snow, I smiled remembering the years when I rushed outside with...

Letting Go: My Journey to a ‘Less Responsible’ New Year

I woke at 7 am, threw on jeans and a sweater, fed the cats, and loaded the car for my pre-New Year’s adventure. I was excited and nervous, hoping it made sense to do what I was about to do. I was also determined and inspired thanks to my sister, Kerri.

Holiday gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and some have no physical properties at all. One of my best Christmas presents this year came from Kerri on Christmas Eve. Sitting by the fireplace during a family gathering, I asked for her help. A few...

What will keep you warm this winter?

Golden light illuminating the bellies of geese flying overhead at sunset. The soft purr of a resting cat on my lap. The sound of a caterpillar munching on dill in the garden. Finding an eight-point buck bedded down in the yard where a dying tree had been removed earlier in the day.

These are a few of my favorite things, memories of 2023 that will keep me warm this winter. I wonder what memories will keep you warm, too?

I’ll be enjoying some downtime this week and wish you a blessed holiday seas...

How to find yourself in the darkness

I filled the cats’ water dishes, scooped their litter boxes one last time before bed, and headed for the living room to shut off the light when something told me to look outside. I flipped the switch by the door leading to the deck and discovered two bucks grazing on the lawn not ten feet away. The bucks lifted their heads in unison, looked at me, looked at each other, and returned to their late-night snacking. I stood staring in disbelief like a kid who stumbled into Santa.

The bucks continued...

Where To Find The Best Gift Of All

Yesterday, while folding laundry, I saw something move outside my living room window. As I stepped closer to check it out, I noticed a doe leaping in place and wondered what the heck was going on. Sitting on the edge of the windowsill waiting for the scene to unfold, I discovered a fox peeking out from behind the scotch pine tree in the middle of the field. Each time the fox’s head popped out, the doe backed up, leaped in the air, and landed in place waiting for him to make his next move.

It to...

What I’d miss if you were gone.

Last night, during a family holiday dinner, I stood by the pantry watching my loved ones from a distance. I smiled when my sister-in-law Missy let out her big, exuberant laugh. I took note of my brother Steven’s sly smile as he teased his wife Jan. I snapped a group photo with my mind’s eye of the raucous clan before me – the gang I call my people.

This is what I’d miss if you were gone, I thought to myself as I scanned the room in search of memorable moments. I do this more often these days bec...

Tiny secrets

I was standing at the bathroom sink, electric toothbrush in hand, cleaning my teeth before bed. As I stared in the mirror searching for bright spots in the day instead of wrinkles on my face, my husband Michael walked in after a workout.

“Hey, did you see the poem I sent you on Instagram,” he asked.

No, what poem, I replied.

“The one by my favorite poet, the woman from Canada who has a real knack for writing the truth.”

I stopped mid-brush, toothpaste spilling from my mouth.

Favorite poet, I mum...

Learning to be grateful for a predictable life

The explosion of yellow arrived as an unexpected guest when just a week before the bedroom window was flush with green. Drenched in morning sunlight, the last Norway maple to hold its color seemed to bid a striking farewell before closing up shop for the winter. It was a lovely surprise to wake up to after being away for several days.

We’ve just returned from a trip to London where we were able to support a friend in need and enjoy the beauty of a holiday season already in full swing. City stree...

Work with yourself, not against yourself.

Michael and I are in London this week for the first time since before the pandemic. While we were excited to see holiday lights and good friends, we were also nervous about traveling. Packing, house sitters, early airport pickup, and winding security lines all used to be familiar territory, but it’s been a while. So, when I searched for a blog to republish this week, I found one I needed. I hope it’s helpful to you, too.

~*~

We were dressed up and ready to drive into the city for the first time ...

How to add more life to your life

The last leaves of autumn have bid their farewell, the back fields have been plowed, and the bare branches of our surrounding trees now offer an unobstructed view of the birds who stay behind for winter. Just this morning, while sitting in the cold tub, I watched a bluejay pestering a hawk perched atop a poplar tree. The jay’s repeated attempts to ward off the enemy seemed playfully ignored when the hawk raised a foot to push him away each time he flew close. The joyful distraction allowed me to...