Friday, March 6, 2015

GENEVA WINTER BLUES



The brown waves of fog toss up to me
Twisted faces from the bottom of the street,
And tear from a passer-by with muddy skirts
An aimless smile that hovers in the air
And vanishes along the level of the roofs.
- T.S. Eliot

So dull and dark are the November days.
The lazy mist high up the evening curled,
And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze;
The place we occupy seems all the world.
- John Clare

What a fog! Plane been buzzin' around overhead for the last half hour. Must be like trying to find your way through the inside of a cow. I never did see such a country. Even the birds are walkin'.
- Dalton Trumbo
Residing in the Geneva area or in a Swiss valley isn't always fun and can have its downside. As a matter of fact, winters in Calvin's city are mostly known for being gruesomely bland, appallingly dark and hideously characterless. So if you are a person who loves light and azure firmaments, and if winter blues are your nemesis, then you'd better not stay there during the cold season, otherwise chances are high that you’ll go loopy and depression will creep on you frequently.

You see, this small canton at the end of Lac Léman is embedded among mountains (the Jura in the north, the Salève in the south, the Vuache in the northwest, the Mont-de-Sion in the southwest, and the Voirons in the southeast) and it is literally situated in a basin ("La Cuvette Genevoise" as we call it in French), hence a dull, dense, murky and damp sea of high-altitude fog regularly covers this particular region of good old Switzerland and night tends to fall very early when sunlight is scarce.

Day after day, and sometimes week after week, we are deprived of luminosity. This situation can be outright unnerving, testing and oppressing as it feels as though we would be living in a closed box or in a kind of jail. This makes us prone to cabin fever symptoms such as mood swings, restlessness, tiredness, lack of motivation, lethargy, discontent and general discomfort.

Even for someone like me who adores Jack Frost's chilly embrace and enjoys heavy mist, it is unbearable in the long term and although I am quite an optimistic person by nature, I often suffer from low spirits. Boringly glum weather transforms me into an apathetic, grumpy, anxious and miserable lump of flesh.

Winter 2014-2015

Winter 2014 - 2015

In my opinion, there's nothing really comparable to bright hazy November days, radiant December afternoons, jovial January mornings and fiery February sunsets! This period of the year can be so joyful provided that our brightest star blesses us with its reddish rays, vivifying power and soothing warmth which's impact on our mental wellbeing is far superior to that of any drug and a hundred times more healing than any chemical medicine. The perfect cure for a numb and bruised soul!

But what do we do when the heavens above refuse to open up and we are stuck under a persistently funereal blanket of clouds? Well, there are many ways to fight against the negative side effects of this irritating nebula. For example, you can listen to pleasant music, have a relaxing bubble bath, read a book, cook a uplifting meal or bake a comforting treat, dance madly to your favorite song, light scented candles and meditate, meet friends, go out for a reinvigorating walk, break out of a rut, cozy up your home, wear bright colours, take up a project, host a movie night or visit museums. The options are endless.


On the condition that you keep busy and peel your limp body off the sofa, things can only get better in the little head of yours. Physical and intellectual activity will reduce your receptivity to the greyness outside and will push the gloomy thoughts out of your mind. 
And remember to smile (think positive) and eat lots of healthy vitamin-laden foods as both impact on your overall welfare and help you cope with melancholy. In this manner, time will pass a lot faster and the vernal equinox will be at your doorstep before you know it.

Hello March! Spring is almost here and my little heart is bursting with anticipation...


Winter 2014 - 2015

56 comments:

  1. Rosa,
    We have had a strange cold winter, nothing compared to where you live, but I know what you mean.
    I am a person who needs that tan and vitamin D all year!
    We just got back from a week in Miami, and though I never thought I would like that city, it was fabulous.
    Nothing like bright sunshine and blue skies and blooming plants to help my spirits in the dull drums of Feb/March.

    My nails grew like crazy and my spirits were lifted after 2 days!
    My husband and I decided though we love NYC, we would like to make a change, for our healthy and quality of life.

    Maybe somewhere warm and sunny is in your future!
    Thank you for always sharing your beautiful photos.

    xo Stacey

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  2. Ah comme je te comprends! Mais tiens bon, encore un peu, les premieres fleurs ont pointe leur nez.
    Bises et bonne fin de semaine.

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  3. Welcome back my dear friend! We had so much snow yesterday, you have no idea-)) Schools are closed, my kids at home second day this week. We like winter but really I am ready for spring and for new beginning-))

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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  4. Good to have you back to blogging world, Rosa! I miss your beautiful clicks of nature.
    Spring is already here in Germany..this weekend the temperature will reach to 15C...isn't that nice?
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Angie

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  5. Rosa - So good to see you back, especially with such sage words and always gorgeous photographs. I too, enjoy the benefits of winter - reading, cooking, cozying up by the fire - although it's wonderful to get away to someplace warm for a respite too. We can always be reassured that spring follows the winter, and because of the grey skies, snowy landscapes and cold temperatures, it makes the spring that much sweeter and beautiful. There are always silver linings.

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  6. I'm delighted to see you post again! And you've returned with exceptional work. Our winter has more sun than yours, I believe, but I also can't wait for spring -- it's been cold here lately. Odd how we always look forward to what we don't have -- I know in August I'll be ready for cool weather again!

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  7. I would be distraught with the weather you've described and probably quite cranky by now with winter. I need my sunshine. I hope spring is on the way to you Rosa. It's nice to have you back.
    Sam

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  8. Even though I don't live in Buffalo anymore, it's where I was born and raised and the weather is very much like what you described, plus a *ton* of snow. It starts to get so unpleasant this time of year. Hold out hope, because spring is in sight, sweet friend! Sending you some sunshine today. :)

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  9. Hello Rosa, hello March, and hello Spring!
    I think I can live with all of those winter blues you've described above. Too much dryness here in California, and I'm still learning to love the golden hills California known for.

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  10. Très vrai tout ça... chaque mois a sa lumière...
    Ici ce matin, c'est le blanc qui domine.

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  11. Lovely to see you post again. Spring has brought you out to bloom. A gorgeous post and breathtaking images Rosa. Your look at the world around you is unique!

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  12. Beautifully written. I long for spring every year too. Love the first picture - so hopeful.

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  13. Que c'est beau! Je viens à l'instant de tailler mes fleurs d'hortensia fanées. Elles font de superbes bouquets séchées.
    Des bises

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  14. Oui, bon .... il est vrai que les hivers en plaine en Suisse ne sont pas très "motivants". Mais cet hiver est de loin le pire et je préfère un peu de brume et de grisaille à trop de pluie et de neige.
    Je te sens très mélancolique et la grisaille hivernale n'arrange rien. C'est bien compréhensible.
    Le printemps est à nos portes et la semaine prochaine s'annonce radieuse ce qui devrait recharger tes batteries.
    Porte toi bien
    verO

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  15. WONDERFUL to have you back, Rosa!!! Well I would probably feel the same way too with this kind of weather, I don't particularly enjoy the winter season, I'm definitely a lover of sunny- warm days... I need them!!! Hopefully you'll enjoy the spring season soon!!! Sending you lots of Hugs! Happy you're back in Blogging-Land :)

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  16. It is nice to have you back sharing your lovely photos and thoughts with us, Rosa…you have been missed. With over 100 inches of snow on the ground from winter storms, I too yearn for the sunshine and warmth. With the warmth of the sun will come melting and soon after spring flowers will start to break free from the frozen earth. Yes, am eagerly awaiting spring as well.

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  17. Gorgeous! I am in love with the dried hydrangea image …you have a fabulous eye

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  18. It's been a tough one for many of us, Rosa...Today is the first day, in what feels like weeks, that I was actually humming to myself while strolling around the house. Yes, I was able to see the sun too. Spring ahead, that's for sure, Rosa...I wonder sometimes whether the seasons of our lives need the respite forced upon us no matter where on Earth we are.

    Wonderful clicks, Rosa...I await Spring's awakening through your lens. Welcome back!

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  19. Spring is on its way, Rosa. Winter is coming for us down under.

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  20. Here in Ontario, Canada, we've experienced one of the coldest February temperatures on record, complete with much darkness. Dismal thoughts and lethargy sets in, in hardly anytime at all. This week though, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping. Light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully. I need to get out of these four walls.

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  21. Toujours aussi beau et poétique....charmant !
    bises et à bientôt...

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  22. So glad your back Rosa, I have missed your beautiful posts, beautiful spring is on it's way!

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  23. Welcome back, Rosa! So funny, we nearly made our come back to the blogging world at the same time.
    Cheer up my friend, spring time is ante portas :)

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  24. So happy to have you back, Rosa! I missed your posts a lot! Awesome pictures, as always!

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  25. Hi Rosa, it is so good to see your photos again...these one are so pretty...beautiful post.
    Hope you are having a wonderful week :)

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  26. So pretty, even in its dullness. There's beauty in the the most dismal situations. Happy Spring, almost!

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  27. You're not alone in suffering from the winter blues, Rosa. I feel it, too; I think many of us do. Even so, you've managed somehow to capture the stark beauty of a season that can be tough to love. How I wish I could take a photography course with you. Hang in there, my friend. Spring is around the corner.

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  28. Yes, spring is preparing to burst upon us. None too soon. Welcome, spring!

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  29. We're starting to see signs of spring here. Early flowers are appearing and trees are starting to bloom. It can't get here fast enough!

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  30. your pictures really capture the life of springtime in the midst of the dreariness of winter! lovely!

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  31. Hi Rosa! Sorry its been so dark & gloomy there. Hopefully that sun will break through soon!! xx

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  32. You have such a wonderful spirit, Rosa --- that shot of the clouds with the blue peeking through is thrilling!

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  33. Awesome to see you online and your beautiful photos

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  34. I'm happy to see your photographs/ blog post again. Stunning pictures! And great writing...so touching.

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  35. Beautiful, evocative images, as always! ;)

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  36. Hello Rosa, it's good to have you back. Besides missing your beautiful photos, I love your writing, it's like reading a good book.

    Hopefully the sun a warm weather will be around soon, very soon, I wish.

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  37. Isn't it the best feeling when the trees start to bloom? You just know that spring is near:)
    xoxo
    E

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  38. i love the way you are working on this blog, nice stories you have added here . Lost and found

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  39. Hope you're back. Rosa! And hope spring is almost there. Always loved watching the buds begin to sprout. Your photo of the clouds opening to blue was perfect with this post.

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  40. What gorgeous captures! We still have a ton of snow but new life is beginning to poke it's way through.

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  41. Well, it looks like you still managed to create something beautiful, even if you were 'blue'...hoping spring arrives soon for you! Cheers!

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  42. The gray dreariness an be daunting during the long winter months-the beauty of spring is right around the corner. A time for rejuvenation and renewal.

    Velva

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  43. Marvelous pictures! Love your post. Great quotes. I'm looking forward for your posts.
    Deep Cleaning Richmond

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  44. Im sending youloads of love Rosa!! Hope you are doing well!
    xo

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  45. Dear Rosa, It is quite gray and dreary here too. Sending my love along with Gloria's. Lots and lots of love dearest. xoxoxo Catherine

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  46. Good to see you back Rosa with a 'bang'! The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful.

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  47. A beautiful post- stunning photos.

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  48. Wonderful photos... the 2nd one is my fave because of that tiny magenta spot!

    http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr

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  49. Welcome back Rosa :) We've missed you. The first photo is absolutely wonderful.

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  50. Such a joyful post...eventually. Really conveys the optimism for Spring in the words and beautiful images.

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  51. Happy Spring Rosa...so happy to see such adorable clicks and beautiful post here...we felt inspired reading your post...in our part of the world...winters are heavy,dark and it snows for certain...last year it seemed the snowfall was unending and it was gloomy at times too...from now on we will be trying our hands on all baked goodies possible for warming up,thanks :-)

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  52. You captured some glimpses of heaven even in the gloom. Happy hibernating the blues.

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  53. Simply beautiful image captures, Rosa! Love the beautiful chickens!

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