happy solstice.

Published on by Quandie

Today is the winter solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere.  This is the day of the year with the shortest period of daylight.  Did you know that the Twin Cities are located on the 45th parallel.  That’s exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole.  This makes us further north than some parts of Canada, like Toronto for example.

I am betting that I am not alone when I say that I struggle with the dark and gloomy days of November and December here at the 45th parallel.  Typically November and December are the least sunny months of the year for us.  Even January has more sunshine.  This time of year I leave for work in the dark, and return back home in the dark, which makes blog photo taking very challenging.

I often tell people that I don’t mind the cold or the snow, but if only winter weren’t so dark.

So I greet the arrival of the winter solstice with some relief knowing that from here on in we are going to slowly start getting more daylight hours each day.  We’ll also start getting more sunshine during those daylight hours.

I am more than ready for that.

In the meantime, I’m going to take a bit of a blogging break over the holidays to regroup, spend time with friends and family, maybe even take a few naps.  But I also want to focus on painting some furniture.

As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve been posting five days a week since September.  I didn’t really mean to start posting every week day, it just sort of happened because I had a lot of smaller projects going on that I wanted to share.

Plus, a I received a few comments on how much readers were enjoying getting a post every day.  I didn’t want to disappoint people by cutting back on the frequency of my posts.

But after taking a bit of time to reflect on that, I’ve realized that daily blogging has taken too much time away from my true love which is painting furniture.  Suddenly the furniture painting is taking a back seat to the blogging instead of the other way around.  In addition, I often find myself rushing thru my projects so that I can get them done in time for another blog post.  Quality is suffering in favor of quantity, and nobody wants that, right?

But don’t worry, I promise I won’t abandon you.  I’ll be back to help you celebrate the new year (and the longer days).

I’ll share a recap of my favorite pieces from 2017 and I’ll definitely have some new furniture makeovers for you.

So be sure to stay tuned and in the meantime happy holidays to you and yours!

 

40 thoughts on “happy solstice.”

  2. Happy winter solstice right back at you. Here in Dallas, our days are short but not quite as gloomy. Today will be sunny and low 70’s – but our summers are brutal. I totally understand the break and the fewer days blogging. While I have enjoyed the daily dose of Quandie, I think more quality versus quantity if far, far better. Merry Christmas and here’s to a successful new year. Paint on!

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    1. I’m fairly sure that I could not handle your brutal Texas summers! But I sure could use some of that Texas sunshine right about now 😉 Merry Christmas to you Laura!

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  4. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You! I always enjoy your posts and look forward to whenever they may pop up in 2018.

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  5. Your rest is well deserved. I was in awe of your extensive travel, artistic work, journaling, constant crafting connections and family interests at such a frenetic pace. Recoup, refresh, and then I hope to see you resurface after your sabbatical. You are a compassionate artisan.

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  7. A very merry Christmas! Wondering why you don’t schedule your posts in advance and just let them post every other day or so? Every day is a grueling schedule that’s way too hard to keep up. As the year ends, I want to thank you for all the encouragement and painting education you provide your readers! I have learned so much here and continually find inspiration in your beautiful painted pieces. Your readers will all agree you deserve “The Best Darn Painting Blog” award so let me bestow that on you right now.

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    1. It’s an honor just to be nominated … LOL … but seriously, thank you for that Sugar. And I have to admit, I had to chuckle when I read your comment. I do schedule all of my posts in advance. In fact, I have to do the bulk of the writing and all of the photography (this time of year) on the weekend. It’s the time it takes to do the projects, style the photos and write five blog posts per week that’s daunting. So I’ll scale that back a bit and focus on the furniture painting projects … or at least I’m going to try 😉

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  10. While I have enjoyed the frequent posts, I understand the need for a break. I don’t know how you work full time, do all of the project that you do, and still have time to post anyway so I think your readers will understand. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Btw…you may need to take a little walk at lunch to get a little daylight in. I think I’m going to it.

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  12. Thanks for the update and although I enjoyed daily blogs it is important to practice self-care.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours from Canada!

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  14. You have to do what’s best and right for you. Enjoy your painting and your holidays with family and friends. Look forward to your posts in the new year whenever they may be. Merry Christmas.

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  16. Merry Christmas! Enjoy your well deserved time off. Thank you for all that you have shared. I have learned so much from your inspiring posts. I am not a fan of the cold but what I truly miss is the sunshine. Luckily we do have many sunny days but those long dark days in a row drive me crazy. Again thank you for all you share. You are my favorite blogger!

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  17. I am just content to be on the mailing list. So enjoy it when I see an email from Quandie has slipped quietly into my mailbox. Wishing you and Mr. Q a very Merry Christmas.

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  19. Merry Christmas to you Linda, Mr Q, and Ken. I have enjoyed all of the projects and blogs that you have shared this last year. Enjoy your holiday time with friends and family. After all, that is what Christmas is all about. That and; Thank you Jesus for this lovely lady. Please continue to bless her, Mr.Q, and Ken. I am looking forward to your “favorites list,” for 2017. Happy Holidays!

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