At the beginning of a new month, people in Greece greet just about anyone they know and meet by saying ‘Kalo Mina’. It is the greek way of wholeheartedly wishing good things for the month ahead. Paris, who’s favourite season is summer and no other, is always the first to say Kalo Mina to us in the early hours of the morning; in February though, he never ceases to also say, ‘Cheers to the last month of winter!’ I used to dread the months after the holidays. January and February felt endless and just like Paris, I too eagerly awaited for spring. After reading ‘Wintering’ in the fall, I’ve perceived the winter season entirely differently. I’ve honed in on the easiness that it imposes, the warmth and comfort of the season. February’s arrival though gives us a short interval from winter’s weather with ‘The Alkyonides‘ —a period of time with unseasonable warm weather, sunny, balmy days and clear blue skies; a slight taste of spring!
Lately
If you’ve been following along, I’m sure that you’ve seen the little bistro table set up we have in our home. I’ve created a whole new morning routine thanks to it which I look forward to every day! It begins with breakfast (lately it’s tahini and greek honey on toast) whilst I wait for the water to boil for my French press coffee, I open the shutters…once my coffee is ready, I head to our little set up where I sit for a while, savouring my coffee and basking in the sunshine. On some mornings, I start my day a bit slower…usually with a good read. On others, I find myself being more productive by organising my day and focusing on my work. The one thing that certainly never changes is the calmness this space brings. Within those moments of quietude and stillness, I feel more grounded. I’ve found much clarity…a shift in my creative perspective which excites me because I have so many ideas for this space! I’m a firm believer that well-being is crucial to become a better version of ourselves and carving out time for ourselves, whatever it may be, needs to be a part of the daily.
Home organising is still going on this month. Every time I declutter a drawer or I reorganise a closet, a sense of calmness takes over! On some days I regret it…it feels like mayhem but I tell myself that it needs to get done for the sole purpose of the aftermath effect! Another plus for the mental state!
On the Calendar
February is the starting point for all garden things! I’ve already done some pruning to our rose bushes in the front of our house and in the coming week, we’ll be picking any oranges left on our trees so we can then get started on our pruning them too. I recently found this site here in Europe with the most beautiful flower selection for our flower beds. I’ve already made an order and I cannot wait to get started!
It’s an intention of mine to make our spaces feel more complete and at the moment our outdoor spaces need a refresh! I’m on the look out for patio sets, lounge chairs, umbrellas…the works! I’ll be sharing more on an upcoming blog posts!
Things I’m loving…
Curling up in bed with a book—currently reading 12 Rules for Life | Yellowstone on Netflix (obsessed!) | making vegetable soups | picking oranges for freshly squeezed orange juice | mid-week date nights | getting my hair done for no reason whatsoever