Hibernation Catch Up

I feel like I’m finally waking up from my later-winter/early-spring hibernation period. I tend to burrow this time of year – maybe it’s the anticipation of spring in New England or maybe it’s the exhaustion from trying to push through unattainable new year resolutions, I don’t know. But I tend to disappear and then pop up again once everyone starts to forget about me.

I told my husband yesterday that I think the world is missing novels based on Hobbits in the Shire. I know there’s a whole series about that world, but once they leave the Shire in the first book then I have no use for that story. Seriously. There’s even a whole book called The Hobbit, but they’re only in the Shire for a little bit. I want to read a whole book about life in a hobbit hole. Eating constantly with a tea kettle bubbling away. Out in the garden with the flowers and the vegetables, covered in dirt. Curled up under quilts and in my woolens while reading books.

My Biggest Bear and I have been making a habit of going to the library every Saturday. Yesterday we checked out a book called Julia’s House For Lost Creatures and it was lovely and cozy. Check out her living room:

That’s how I imagine my own burrow: clean and cozy, yet full of life. I can’t help but wonder what’s behind that tiny door on the left side of the picture. I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time staring at this picture!

And of course, there’s the Brambly Hedge books that make my heart go pitter-patter every time I look at them. While only storybooks, these are great examples of the home I want to create for my family.

I’m in the midst of a big and scary life change right now, but books have been getting me through. They take me to a cozy home by the sea that’s full of lovely things. To a brambly hedge where the mice work hard to fill their larders and eat delicious food. To boardrooms at publishing houses and the opportunity to meet Jackie Kennedy Onassis. To boarding schools in England where the students play dangerous games with serious consequences. To the lovely village of Three Pines, where the people have become my friends and my soul is filled with the belief that we are all only human, whatever that means.

It’s Sunday, a day of rest. My mind has been swirling about what that means. I have scribbled thoughts in my notebook that I want to share with you, but all in due time. I have a hobbit hole to tidy and make cozy!