November 18, 2010

Solitude By The Fire.

Even though overall I prefer to be around people, such as my friends and my family, I will not deny that I also like being on my own. I enjoy my own company and I need - almost crave - moments of solitude.

Being alone is at times essential I believe to every human being. What I dislike however is the sensation of being lonely. This can become very palpable for many as we near the Holiday Season, which at all times instigates the idea of family and companionship and is often perceived as a difficult period for those who lack both...

I have many favorite places in my home where I like to sit and daydream my hours away, relaxing, reading, writing or just contemplating life's grand purpose, while getting lost in scents and sounds around me.
Currently, with the onset of late fall and the imminence of winter, this place is near my fireplace. The crackling of the fire, the scent of burning wood and the comfortable atmosphere generated by candle lights convey tranquility and a sense of rest, which invigorates my mind and soul, despite the twilight that rules my days.

33 comments:

Snowbrush said...

And, to make the scene complete, I see a glass of wine as well as what I take to be a well-stocked liquor cabinet--either that or all those bottle are simply decorative.

Elizabeth said...

The fireplace, what a lovely place to gaze to.

Have a lovely day.

xoxo e.

Sandy said...

I love your November Solitude mosaic. The fireplace looks so cosy and inviting. I love your cat! I'm looking forward to having a fire in our fireplace. It's not quite cold enough here yet. And not all of the leaves have fallen from our trees. I do enjoy my quiet alone times. I have some new books and magazine to read - I need to take the time to sit down and enjoy them.

Kath said...

I think that is the natural cycle of life, we should rest like the earth is resting. We seem to have come a long way from that natural way of living, with our 24-hour culture.

laoi gaul~williams said...

i love having those quiet moments to myself and i too am quite a solitary person.

there is nothing like arriving to a warm cosy home after a cold winter walk :)

Anonymous said...

Your fireplace is so beautiful! I really like the way it is situated at a right angle...very nice. Your place looks so warm and cozy-perfect for these chilly November nights : )

Brian Miller said...

i agree...there is a time to be alone..that is very healthy...it allows you to take inventory, to reflect, to heal...i can not stand being lonely as well...that is not me....

Nessa said...

You house looks like the most wonderful haven.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I also like and need solitude time. It helps me stay connected in ways that I find freeing. thanks for this post

Ash said...

I completely agree with Nessa's comment. She couldnt have put it better!

Gorgeous post and photos - as always!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I love the warm cracklin' coziness a fireplace gives. Heck, one of my grandsons said as he scooted up a stool in front of my flickerin' fire..."I'd rather watch a fire, than television!" That's my boy...his Grandma Muzzie love a fire too. Heeehehehe!

Your Pics are gorgeous girl!!!

Ya'll enjoy this beautifully blessed day! :o)

Myrna R. said...

I love being alone...maybe too much. Your lovely pictures make me want to light a fire. I think I will tonight. Good idea.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

The warmth and crackle of a real fireplace. Delicious.

And time to do what one wishes, near said fireplace... Priceless.

Tranquility...

A sense of rest...

-happy sigh-

This would be a post to put in Fav. Places, and return to, when life gets frazzled........

Claus said...

Looks so cozy!! If there is a chance of a fireplace being lit in Guatemala (if any fancy house/rich family has one) it would be at this time of year, when there's a considerable drop in temperatures that makes for people to seek warmth. I don't have a fireplace (except for that clay chimney, which it's pretty much only decoration) so I warm up cuddling with my puppies and covering with a thick, soft blanket :o)
have a great day!

S. Susan Deborah said...

So cozy and warm. I like being by myself a bit too much, like Myrna. But I have no fireplace! Alas! we have no need of that in this part of the world.

Enjoy your time, dear Zuzana.

Joy always,
Susan

Anonymous said...

I love the serenity of your fireplace! A fire is magical in that it releases daydreams and lets the imagination play free.

Bhushavali said...

I totally relate to it!!! When my rommie got married, she moved out!!! I was indeed awaiting to enjoy the solitude when another gal moved in, much to my disappointment!!! :(
I so badly wanted to enjoy the solitude!!! :(
Bride's maid outfit
Finding the birth of all South Asian Languagues - Trichy

steviewren said...

The batcat looks like sitting near the fire is one of his favorite spots as well.

I have a fireplace, but I'm afraid to use it. It's been a number of years since I built a fire and I wonder if I should have it looked at before I build another.

That fact and the fact that the little bit of firewood I had is lying rotted over to the side of the backyard are the only things stopping me from making a big cozy fire to sit next to myself.

Paul C said...

I like the distinction you make between solitude and loneliness. A fire, a book, a pet, a great movie...sounds wonderful.

Kata Wagner Berg said...

I love fire placees. We have one in the hose,but didn t got the chance to try yet.
Your place looks so cosy,like it a lot!
HomeSweetHome...relaxing,reading,bloging :) love it too!
This Christmas gonna be different for me. First time without my family ;( ( my family back in Hungary).We gonna spend the Christmas in Spain...
Have a nice weekend Zuzana!

Hilary said...

Your space always seem so cozy and warm.. and very inviting. And I wish I had a fireplace.. it makes a glass o wine look all that much better. :)

Cheryl Kohan said...

A glass of wine, a cozy fireplace and some solitude...just what a person needs on occasion. Beautiful photos, Zuzana, as always. You do the prettiest collages that I've ever seen.

adrielleroyale said...

Beautiful photos and sentiment :) I concur with Snowbrush though that all you're missing is a wonderful glass of wine (if it were me, it would be red). I am smiling just at the thought of it :)) Really, I so enjoy your blog!

tony said...

Its funny!Some people think others should be 'Protected-From' Being alone.
yes,'lonely' is different from 'alone'.I sometimes crave time to myself;Time to float away on my own.
I agree Zuzana.It's fine medicine.
The secret is to have choice in the matter.
Have A Fine Friday Zuzana!

Anonymous said...

There is definitely a fine line between solitude and feeling lonely. I struggle with that one a lot. I mean - I definitely enjoy my alone time, but I start to notice a chance in my mood when I have too much of it...then I know I need to connect with my friends and family. Granted, I'm married, but I spend all day by myself while he's at work (and working a LOT lately - on weekends too) - so ... I need to make sure I don't isolate myself from the world! :)

What I miss the most about the place we had before we bought our house was that it had a fireplace... the house we rented was beautiful - stained glass windows - cobblestone (wood burning) fireplace - floor to ceiling windows... old charm... it had it all! And as much as I love our house (we like older houses for the character and the history of it) - but it just doesn't have ENOUGH if you ask me :) ESPECIALLY a fireplace... I truly enjoyed when we sat around in front of the fire - it was so mesmerizing and relaxing... it could melt away the cares of the day...

Now don't laugh - okay - laugh because it's ridiculous - but not too long ago my husband came across a VHS tape in some bargain bin (getting rid of VHS tapes) of a "roaring fireplace"... pop the tape in - and VOILA! INSTANT FIREPLACE on your TV!! It is absolutely silly and I crack up when I look at the picture on the jacket cover - some 1970's couple with feathered hair sitting in front of it drinking wine... it's classic! Once in a while we pop it in for kicks - but I have to say - at least the IDEA is there - the calm, tranquility of the constant crackling flames... we may not feel the warm glow or heat but at least it's SOMETHING...

We do have a fire pit of sorts in our backyard - but once winter rolls around it doesn't get used - I think our next place will DEFINITELY have a fireplace because I really do miss having one!

I truly enjoyed your pictures and seeing the absolute coziness you are surrounded by... I just adore your house and surroundings... what a peaceful place you have... and I REALLY love your beautiful cat!!! :)

I could write too about the your holidays comment but I've typed too much as it is... lol - plus I have that on my agenda to write about myself :)

Thanks for always sharing such beautiful photos of your surroundings!!

((Hugs))
Christine

Phivos Nicolaides said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Phivos Nicolaides said...

I think dear Zuzana you urgently need a significant other. At least for the holidays season!!:):)

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I must have some quiet here and there and really have to LOOK for it at times but it rejuvenates me.

Your photo collage is warm and so inviting!

SandyCarlson said...

I share your point of view on solitude. I relish it at times, too. I am at peace with myself.

Your image is beautiful.

sprinkles said...

I spent all day every day pretty much by myself. When someone invites me to something, I jump at the chance to get out of the house for a little bit.

At the same time, I do appreciate the solitude. I have my boys to keep me company.

Nice to see Batcat make an appearance!

Rajesh said...

At times, I too enjoy being alone. I get to do things that I love to do.

Unknown said...

Zuzana: I would add to that, roasting marshmallows and sipping spiked apple cider around a fire pit with a blanket! :D) xoxo!

Zuzana said...

Snowbrush, Elizabeth, Sandy, Kath, laoi, LadyCat, Brian, Nessa, sarah (welcome), Ash, Nezzy, Myrna, Amelia, Claudia, Susan, ladyfi, Bhushavali, Stevie, Paul, Kata, Hilary, Cheryl, adrielle, tony, Christine, Philip, Jill, Sandy, sprinkles, Rajesh and Michael, thank you dear friends for sharing with me your own sentiments about solitude and loneliness.
And I am delighted to learn that you enjoyed my favourite spot as well. This is where I love to sit and daydream in the winter and where I create most of my posts and collages.:)

Thank you all as always so much for stopping by and for your words of kindness and compliments.

Xoxo
Zuzana