Welcome to Hibernate!
This is a four-week blog to encourage all of us in the midst of the cold winter month of February. It is an invitation to consider embracing moments of personal hibernation, joining with others over a shared meal, and playing with our children. Each year, we compile this series of writings, recipes, and activities that combat the winter blues and remind us all that spring is coming – until then, let’s Hibernate!
A Winter Rambling from Jennifer
“This is the loudest snow I have ever heard!”
It has been in the negative digits, and piles of snow have accumulated, hardened, and now make a spectacular squeaky sound each time I take a step.
Yesterday, I pulled on a huge overcoat, wrapped my scarf around my face so that only my eyes peeked out, and made sure there was no skin exposed between the tops of my boots and the bottom of my pant legs. I set out into the winter wonderland to walk my dog, Seed.
At first, the squeak of the snow and the wind chill biting my eyelashes were all I could focus on. I thought I would walk Seed as quickly as possible to the corner of our road and then turn back and head for my kitchen table and hot pot of coffee. Then my hands started to warm up inside my mittens, and the quiet heaviness of the snow covering the trees silenced the cold, squeaky snow. Life seemed to slow down, and I noticed I started to join the slow rhythm. Stopping every few feet to let my dog explore, I began breathing deeper.
Even as I inhaled the tiny soft fibers of my scarf, I couldn’t help but notice how peaceful this road in the middle of the woods was. With the wind moving the trees, making them sway and dance together all wrapped in white quilts, I was reminded of this quote:
““I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” ”
Carroll’s quote invites us to take the imagery of the snow-blanketed trees and step into a season of hibernation. Snuggling down into a soft quilt, walking through the snow at the slow pace it demands, and dipping bread into a hot bowl of soup in the presence of a friend.
In our fast-paced lives, the idea of slowing down and quieting ourselves can often feel like a luxury we can’t stop for. Yet, winter reminds us that stillness is necessary; it is powerful. This season invites us to take a step into pausing, a step towards hibernating. Quiet spaces can be a source of strength and peace. In the stillness, we can hear God’s voice more clearly, and the chaos surrounding us becomes muted.
“Woof, Woof, Woof!”
My stillness was abruptly interrupted by a serious melody of barking, and the sensation of my arm getting tugged off as my dog found something of interest in the woods. Tracks. An animal of some sort had scurried across the snow not too long ago. Perhaps on the way to its den to nestle down, out of the cold… to hibernate.
This week, let’s take a moment to embrace the winter quietness. Take a slow hike, step outside after the kids are in bed just to stand in the quiet, or take a moment to breathe in the cold air and look for an object of beauty in this winter season. And then, let’s hibernate! Create a space inside, a cozy nook with a blanket that you can pull away and snuggle in with a good book or a movie. Consider what a February nook could look like in your space – a space with candles, a favorite mug, art supplies, music, books, pillows, or even a blanket fort. Is there a space that you can create a four-week hibernating spot?
A Shared Kitchen
Winter is a time to break bread together, linger a little longer over a good hot cup of tea or coffee, and drop off a meal to someone in need or someone living alone. If you have older children, consider having them cook/bake alongside you.
Mary’s Magnificently Easy Potato Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans peeled whole potatoes, drained
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup cream or half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, grated cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream for topping
Instructions:
In a pot, warm the oil and butter over low to medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently,
until the onions are translucent and soft (5 min).
Transfer the onions to a food processor or blender.
Add the drained potatoes and the stock. Blend until smooth.
Return the puree to the soup pot and
cook over medium heat until hot.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm with the parsley, cheese,
bacon bits, and sour cream for toppings.
Baked Brownie Smores
Ingredients:
• 1 box of your favorite brownie mix
• 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
• 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows
• Chocolate syrup
Instructions:
Choose your favorite boxed brownie mix. Prepare and bake the brownies as directed. While they are baking, crush 2 cups of graham crackers. Once brownies are finished baking, lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Top the pan of cooked brownies with the graham crackers, then spread the mini marshmallows on top. Put the pan back into the oven until the marshmallows are melted. Remove and drizzle chocolate syrup on top. Cool and serve.
Supplies:
• The children’s book, The Mitten, by Jan Brett
• Warm clothes for a hike outside
Sitting in your nook, or blanket fort, read The Mitten. This is a story about a collection of animals that find a white knitted mitten and, one by one, crawl inside it to stay warm. It is the perfect book to complement our journey of hibernating.
After you read the book, consider taking a walk outside and look for animal and human tracks. See if there are any winter treasures you can find to bring inside: a twig, dried berries, seeds, or nuts that have been dropped, etc.
If you would prefer an indoor activity, consider trying to knit. There are all sorts of different types of loom knitting and finger knitting great for beginners and younger kids. Pull up a tutorial video online and search for where you can purchase items to knit with.
We would love to connect with you. Please reach out to your local office or stop in for a hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate!
Grand Traverse
Location: 1240 E. Eighth Street, Traverse City
Phone: 231-944-1710
Email: grandtraverse@singlemomm.org
Benzie Leelanau
Location: 901 Barber St, Benzonia, MI 49616
(Our Mobile Office is located in the parking lot of the First Congregational Church)
Phone: 231-499-5817
Email: benzieleelanau@singlemomm.org
Holland Zeeland
Location: 100 Pine Street, Zeeland, MI 49464
(The SMHZ Office is located inside City on a Hill)
Phone: 616-373-1499
Email: hollandzeeland@singlemomm.org
Wexford Missaukee
NEW Location: 118 Stimson Street, Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 231-463-0820
Email: wexfordmissaukee@singlemomm.org