Winter in Nova Scotia can feel long.  For some, winter can feel down-right gloomy.... going to work in the dark, coming home from work in the dark. I am not surprised when people are shocked to learn that winter is my favorite time of year.  I truly love winter.  I love the fresh crisp air in my lungs, the brightness of the sun on freshly fallen snow, I love to curl up indoors with hot cocoa when there is a raging blizzard outside, and I love to be outside in a raging blizzard!  There are so many wonderful opportunities for beautiful photos in the winter that don't exist any other time of year. Photos that can be captured outdoors, or like the one below, from the warmth and comfort of the indoors.

This is a favorite photo of mine (I have so many favorites...).  It is a photo of the ice on a window. The beautiful shades of blue are a result of Charlos Cove Harbour under a sharp blue sky on the other side of the window.  I couldn't have captured this gem in July.

My sister thinks that I love winter so much because I was born in winter - perhaps she is onto something.  I was born on Valentine's Day and not only because it is my birthday is it my favorite day of the year.

There are many people out there who not only don't celebrate Valentine's Day, but even go so far as to have anti-Valentine's Day parties. Heartbreaking!  Valentine's Day for me is not just a "Hallmark Holiday".  For one thing, it is a time of year when like I said above, the days are short and the nights are long - and a time when I welcome the bright bursts of pinks and reds against the bright white snow or the dark night sky.

Valentine's Day is a romantic holiday; but romance isn't just about being in love.  One definition of romance is a fascination or enthusiasm for something, another, a spirit or feeling of adventure or excitement, or something that evokes emotion.  For me, Valentine's Day is about love in all its forms.  And for me, Valentine's Day is like Thanksgiving.  I choose to spend the day celebrating, and being thankful for, the things I love.

I love to take pictures. I love to tour Nova Scotia. I love the lyrics and melodies of Matt Mays, and the hard-core rock energy of The Trews and of Slash.  I love reading a book that takes me to another place while I am really just sitting in my most comfy pajamas sipping hot cocoa.  I love the crisp cold breeze in December and the fresh spring air in May.  I love the feel of tree roots under my feet on a hiking trail. As I write this I can smell the bowl of apples on the table beside me, fresh and sweet... I love that too.

There is so much to love about this world, why not take a day to celebrate and be excited about it.  What will you celebrate this Valentine's Day?