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| Female House Finch |
Do you ever have a "fear of missing out"? In modern times, this "emotion" has been shortened to the term FOMO, defined by Google's dictionary as, "anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website."
Lately, with all the embarrassing American political events, I have no FOMO for social media.
But I realized this past growing season that I do have FOMO for gardens and nature. Any time I'm stuck indoors, and especially when I don't have a window, I long to go outside and see what the plants and animals are up to! I don't want to miss out when butterflies are flitting through my garden, when deer are wandering through the woods, or when my favorite plants are about to bloom.
The only exception to this type of FOMO, for me, is winter. I honestly don't care. I don't feel the urge to go outside at all ... especially when the temperatures hover around or below 0F/-18C, and the wind howls around every corner.
On these bitter days, (non-workdays, that is), I'd prefer to curl up with a good book or a crochet project and two cats in my lap.
Yes, on these coldest of days, I occasionally glance out the kitchen window briefly.
I look up into the gnarly, old Oak trees, and realize the scene might as well be black and white.
On the colorful, sunny days the temperatures are often the coldest. Still, no FOMO for me.
I glance at the gazing ball and dream of other seasons.
I contemplate stories surrounding life forms that leave tracks as evidence of their existence.
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| Dark-Eyed Junco |
Usually, there's a tiny Dark-Eyed Junco or two scaling the snowy landscape for bits of seed--even when temperatures are subzero.
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| Eastern Gray Squirrel |
On slightly warmer days, the squirrels and other common songbirds have winter parties in the shrubs and at the feeders.
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| Male House Finch |
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| Mourning Dove |
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| Cardinal |
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| American Goldfinch |
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| Mourning Dove |
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| Various Finches |
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| House Finch and Black-Capped Chickadee |
But not me. I stay inside, briefly watch the show, lower the shades as the sun fades, and dive back into my computer, my book, or my latest project.
How about you? Do you have winter FOMO? If so, enjoy the season!
(Things are looking up! No subzero days are in the foreseeable forecast!)
Right now I'm itching to go out and do some pruning, starting with my big Deutzia. But I've either been busy or it's been too cold. I suppose I have FOMO of missing my chance for winter pruning before the spring comes.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, our overpopulation of rabbits is pruning just about all our shrubs for us--even the ones that are supposed to be rabbit-resistant. Thankfully, we had a few inches of snow cover or many would be eaten down to the ground. I am looking forward to some winter hiking one of these days, however, as the temps moderate a bit. Good luck with the Deutzia! They are beautiful shrubs--especially in bloom!
DeleteI enjoyed this post immensely; got a lot of laughs, learned a new acronym. Subzero days, I can't even imagine. Pretty pattern in your seed feeder. Pretty much the same birds here (near Los Angeles). Your photos are very good, especially like the sun in the trees and the gazing ball.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane. :) Yeah, the arctic weather is for the birds. LOL The seed pattern in the bird feeder happens naturally as the birds consume layers of sunflower and safflower seeds. The birds shown here are the regulars during the cold, winter days. With each step toward milder weather, the species increase. And the Juncos head north!
DeleteLovely post Beth, in a way it is nice you get a break during winter to do other things, although I love the fact that I can do gardening all year round here in London. I don’t want to move back to proper winter again, no need for that!
ReplyDeleteI have serious gardening FOMO – but don’t experience it in any other circumstances – certainly not for social media. I am so bad when it comes to my garden that I can’t wait to I get dressed to get out in the garden, I often wander out to check on my plants in my nighty and dressing gown….and every time the same thing happens even though I keep telling myself I am only nipping out for 2 minutes! But I am not, because 2 minutes becomes 10 and then I see something that needs deadheading, and something that needs watering and so on and so on and before I know it I have been gardening for an hour or two – in my dressing gown. Easily done, well, if you are me :-)
Thanks, Helene. Yes, we definitely have a break from "gardening" during the winter. It probably IS a good thing, or I would never get anything else done around here. ;-) Your description of wanting to get out in the garden and spend they day out there fits me perfectly ... except in the winter! It's not that I hate winter. A little of it is OK, and I'd probably have FOMO for it if I missed a season of it entirely. But after December, I have no FOMO for winter! "Serious Gardening FOMO" sounds like a great post for the summer! ;-)
DeleteHi Beth, when I still lived in Germany, where the winters can be pretty cold as well, I felt exactly like you no FOMO to get out at all in winter. At that time I didn't even have a garden...
ReplyDeleteNo it is exactly the opposite, here in San Dieog I can't wait to get out in winter, especially because there is so much to do in the garden at this time of the year.
Beth, I do have a question. You mentioned in your last comment on my blog that you will be in San Diego for a family event in March. Would you like to stop by and see my garden? Maybe the roses have already started their spring flush by then... I would love to have you over, if your time would allow for it.
Warm regards,
Christina
Yes, I imagine winters in Germany are similar. Winter in San Diego must be very pleasant ... actually, any time in San Diego is wonderful, I'm sure! I've been there a few times and really liked it. I sent you an email regarding our March trip. That's so kind of you to invite me. I hope our schedules will allow it. :)
DeleteI do feel like I am missing out...but I was out for a bit today to scatter some sunflower hearts and talked to the dees, nutty and titmouse... I felt better...
ReplyDeleteThat sounds pleasant. I enjoy the birds, the squirrels, and the other wildlife. I enjoy an occasional winter hike and walk-around in the garden. But no FOMO. I guess there's no need for FOMO because winter is so long here. LOL ;-)
DeleteThank you for telling us about FOMO. I don't suffer from it much but I have many friends who have acute cases of it. It is nice to put a name to it. I think FOMO is due to the fact that we have too many choices nowadays and we worry we have not made the right one.
ReplyDeleteYou have quite a variety of birds visiting.
Yes, good points! Occasionally, if I avoid Facebook and other social media sites for awhile I get a little FOMO. Not so much during an election year, but other times. ;-) All spring, summer, and fall, however, I have a serious case of wanting to be outside when I can't be! The birds shown on this post are our regular winter visitors. There are many more here in the woods and many more return and show up at the feeders in spring, summer, and fall. They are fun to watch!
DeleteWow, you are so lucky to see all this wildlife from the comfort of your home.
ReplyDeleteI do have FOMO (a new term for me!) throughout the year and often can't get out - so I resort to webcams of nature and landscapes from all over the world. Of course, books too, of which there are just too many - but nothing on a screen or a book can match the feeling I get from being outdoors regardless of the season.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful images :)
Yes, you are right, Tim. I am thankful for the view! It is a good one! There are seasons and life stages and situations when the FOMO is quite strong for me; and other times I don't feel it much at all. Lately, I fall into that latter group. It has just been too cold to want to leave a warmish house. And social media has been a little silly and confrontational lately. Anyway, soon I'll be ready for a winter hike--not really FOMO, just a need to exercise and observe a little bit. Thankfully, great blogs like yours, good books, and stitchery projects will be waiting for me when I return. :)
DeleteThank you kindly for your comment about my blog! I don't know if you saw, but I mentioned your blog in my last 'Trunk of the Month' post.
DeleteI recently gave up on Twitter and Google+ as I didn't see the point anymore. I thought I might miss Twitter, but surprisingly I don't. Hope you enjoy your winter hike :)
Oh, I remember that feeling like it was yesterday. When we lived in Michigan that lasted all winter long. One of the reasons I love living in Georgia. If I get that feeling it lasts 1 day. Winters are short here and allow me time to focus on things I neglect all the other 3 seasons.
ReplyDeleteIt is a palpable feeling, isn't it? Yes, Michigan winters are pretty similar. ;-) When I worked full-time at an office, I had to go out in it every day. It is a joy to work at home--in all seasons! I guess having a break from "gardening" is a good thing--I get a few more chores done inside the house and no distractions from work and other projects! But Georgia winters sound mighty nice!
DeleteI have a dog so I get out every day unless it is subzero and the wind is howling. I rarely get FOMO about anyting. I can retreat into my house, my head and luxuriate in the moment.
ReplyDeleteI need a dog! Seriously, I'd exercise more in winter and I might even enjoy it. Still, probably no winter FOMO, but it would be a little more fun. ;-) The subzero days definitely zap my FOMO. Hibernation on those days makes sense!
DeleteFOMO is new to me - the acronym, not the feeling :) I hadn't really thought of it, actually. Although I do love winter & enjoy winter activities, I don't get anxious in the least if I spend the day indoors, which I often do. I especially enjoy the coziness of being all tucked up inside during a winter storm.
ReplyDeleteBut once the snow melts and some green starts peaking through, it's a different story - then the FOMO hits and, like Helene, one thing leads to another and "I'll be right back" turns into 30 minutes of meandering.
We are similar, then, in our seasons of FOMO. ;-) I can't say I love winter or enjoy winter activities. Although an occasional winter hike or walk is quite exhilarating. Again, no FOMO, though. I'm perfectly happy to read a good book and pet the cats instead of venturing out! :)
DeleteI keep looking out hoping to see some sign of Spring even though I know it's way too early.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know what you mean. Actually there were signs of spring in the garden in December before the snow covered them! Good thing, with the bitter cold we recently experienced! I was hoping we wouldn't have any subzero weather this winter, but it was not to be. Now I hope that was the last of it! 20s and 30s for the rest of winter would be lovely!
DeleteI don't think I have FOMO, but I came across another term recently 'infomania' regarding compulsive news browsing. I may have that.
ReplyDeleteFor the garden in winter, I like getting out to check on things, but I think that's because we usually don't have snow cover.
Today, we have a winter storm in Tennessee and with everything covered by snow, I'm content to stay indoors and gaze at the beautiful scene out the window.
Oh - and check gardening blogs of course! ;-)
Oh yeah, I think I have informania for sure! Thanks for that new term, Aaron. I have informania year-round. I always want to learn something new, and every experience sparks a desire to research further. Garden blogs are great therapy this time of year! Cheers!
DeleteI love winter. I do wish it were just a bit shorter but I do enjoy the cold walks with the pup and the bits of color here and there along with the sounds of this 'quiet' season.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you, Layanee. :) And I'm jealous that you have such a sweet little pup. I was mentioning to Lisa that I think having a dog would help me to appreciate winter a little more. I doubt I'll ever have winter FOMO, but walking a dog on the warmer winter days would be good for me, and it might even be fun! The sounds and sights of winter are lovely, but the coldest days are difficult. 20s and 30s in the days ahead will be nice, though. Cheers!
DeleteA great post and I certainly have my share of garden/outdoors FOMO. Your winter photos are beautiful, though I can imagine that months of that could get old. Spring and gardening is just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina. Yes, winter (I admit) is fun at first. About a month of it would be nice, but that's not how it works. ;-) That's OK. Because I currently don't have garden FOMO, I can get other things done!
DeleteI have to work hard to make myself go out and do things with other people, so I generally don't have FOMO either. But gardening is definitely an exception. In the spring I have to go out looking for new growth every day, even if it's only a millimeter. I don't want to miss those first buds! At the moment, I only go outside if it's absolutely necessary --like to go to work. But I do force myself out to fill bird feeders :-) Gorgeous photos! I especially love cardinals in a winter landscape.
ReplyDeleteUsually, I have a mix of FOMO and introspection when it comes to personality, since I'm an ambivert. But regarding gardening/nature--my FOMO is strong in 3 seasons! Thank you, Cassi. I love the Cardinals, too. I have a few Cardinal photos from past years that are better, but in the moment this is what I could get. Long story, but yes, they are beautiful birds against the white snow!
DeleteWonderful series of photos . . .
ReplyDeleteLoved the Finch and Doves . . . others too . . .
If I hadn't stopped in to visit you . . . I would have "really missed out!"
A few more weeks and then springtime will begin to tease us . . . big time . . .
Enjoy your books . . . that is what I am doing . . .
Good book . . . The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter Sweet . . .(each time I read it I like it more)
Thank you, Lynne. Yes, the books make winter enjoyable...truly! Believe it or not, my book club read "The Hotel..." book. I liked it, too. The history was interesting and the story was compelling.
DeleteHa, no winter FOMO for me! I'm enjoying as much winter as you are from the indoors :) Bird watching is so enjoyable during winter, though. I do have FOMO for general things sometimes, though, especially when it comes to traveling. So many amazing places I'd love to see in the world!
ReplyDeleteYes, I couldn't have said it better--I mean, I feel the same way about winter, social activities, and travel! I do feel sometimes that I'm missing out on travel. But we push the budget when we can. So many places to see!
DeleteAhhh...the frozen tundra called the USA! It was summer until a couple of weeks ago and now it's going to make up for lost time.My spirit lifter is poring through the gardening catalogs, looking at pics of last summers garden and counting the days until I can start seeds!
ReplyDeleteYes, the frozen tundra. ;-) We're thawing out a little bit now, thankfully, which makes me want to go out a little more. The garden catalogs are fun, yes!
DeleteLovely set of photos, especially the Finches..
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Thanks, Amanda! Goldfinches and House Finches are year-round visitors here. As are Chickadees and Cardinals. Love them all. :)
DeleteMost of what people think they're missing out on isn't worth the time it demands. Once that moment is past you often realize you didn't miss anything at all. Peace and contentment with our own choices is much more important.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Tammy. I guess there are different types of FOMO, and different stages and phases of life. Sometimes I like to be at the center of things, and other times I prefer to reflect and muse on my own. But most of the time, I want to be out in the garden!
DeleteI never heard before of FOMO, but now I know from your interesting post with wonderful photos, especially of the birds. As far as I can see I have a FOMO for the garden, gardening, nature and all kind of animals. Even in winter I have to go out, love it. I also have FOMO for travelling, there are still so many places I want to see, may be in the near future we realize some of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, to gardens and travel--better yet, both at the same time! I do hope you'll be able to realize many of your travel dreams!
DeleteI don't like to be cold! I got chill bumps just looking at your pictures. I joke that I hibernate during the winter. BUT we have a lot of mild days, and whenever the temperature climbs out of the 40s, I am out there. I am always eager to see what has been happening.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree--I don't handle cold well, either. Yes, I'm sure I would be outside year-round in your climate! The heat doesn't bother me nearly as much as the cold. Anything above 25F with sun feels comfortable to me--with the appropriate clothing. Rainy, cloudy days in the 30s can be miserable though. The dampness goes right to the bones!
DeleteAlthough I have become spoiled by our relative lack of winter here, I sometimes envy the long snow-covered season when absolutely nothing needs to be don in the garden. Here, there are always outside chores calling. More leaf clean-up, planting the last few spring bulbs, etc. Although extremely wet and rainy days sometimes prevent working in the garden or at least give an excuse to stay inside, there's something that could be done all the time. Enjoy your time off with the kitty lap warmers!
ReplyDeleteI guess I can see the benefit of a little break. It does last too long, but I do appreciate the time to catch up on books and other projects. Thanks for your kind thoughts. I hope you find some excuses for some breaks now and then. ;-)
DeleteThere is certainly a lot of activity at your house, Beth! I've missed seeing many birds this winter, but they tend to come to the feeders more when we have a lot of snow cover, and we haven't had much of that this winter. I appreciate the winter break to catch up on other projects, too, but by March I will be wishing for winter's end!
ReplyDeleteThey come and go at our place, too. I can never predict it. I think part of the reason is the comings and goings of raptors and other predators; and another reason is that we're only a few blocks from a lake--where they can be near open water on warmer days. I'm getting cabin fever now, but today was a wonderful day to get out and glance around the garden!
DeleteYou make winter look enchanting, dear Beth! And the days are getting longer ... I notice my indoor plants perking up! In this downtime, trying to tackle many 'hopeful' indoor projects calling my name ... so far, not much success since getting sidetracked by other life callings. :) We have been blessed with an unusually mild/easy winter that I hope doesn't run havoc with our spring/summer. In the meantime, let's enjoy the beauty we have ... you certainly have charming views outside your windows!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joey! The longer days are fabulous, aren't they? Today was a stunning sunny, mild day before the storm. Like you, I worry about the summer to follow this mild winter. But perhaps things will moderate and next summer will be another stunner like last year. :)
DeleteWinter FOMO depends on the season -- and weather I'm stuck indoors working on one of those rare nice days. I actually did get out for a walk Tuesday afternoon. Would have been nicer without the wind gusts and overcasts skies, but it was good to breath in fresh air for a bit. I've posted a few pics for this week's T13.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, I agree: It depends on the weather and how far into the winter for me, as well. Today was so mild and pretty, I took a little walk around the property, sloshing around in the slush. Not really FOMO, but curiosity, for sure. Yes--definitely good to get some fresh air!
Deletelove your cold frosty photos, I suppose having a bucket list maybe serves as compensation for FOMO. When it's very hot and I'm stuck indoors I do have dreams of being somewhere where there is shade and a pool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. It makes sense that your issues are the opposite of mine--too hot instead of too cold. I agree: If I lived in a hot climate, having access to a pool would be perfect! I don't mind the heat as much as the cold, especially if I have access to a pool. ;-)
DeleteGreat view from up high. I am afraid of heights, so I would have been shaking too. You know I am one to go outside in 0° and below. I think it is invigorating and write on that quite a bit. I can understand you sitting inside and hoping spring comes fast, but I like the change of seasons and always don't mind the wait.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. I think this refers to the Florida post? Oh, and this one, too, I see. :) I actually enjoy the change of seasons, too. You will not catch me going outside for "fun" if the temps dip below about 20F. I find it hard to breathe, and my old frostbite injuries really act up (I've had it so many times by now). Even with heavy gloves, my fingers hurt. I do enjoy a season of mild "hibernation," though. Good books, fires, movies, crochet, and warm cats keep me happy inside ... until February, when I'm ready for a warm vacation! ;-)
DeleteHi Beth, FOMO is the reason I avoid Twitter, I get so worried I might miss an interesting conversation I can't leave it! Pathetic... I love your snowy photos, no white stuff here, just rain! I am comforting myself by ordering dahlias in vivid colours and day-dreaming of spring and sowing seeds.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I can see how FOMO on Twitter could be extremely addicting and time-consuming. Fortunately, I do not have that! I do sometimes with Facebook, but less so during a big political year like this one for us in the U.S. Too much arguing and embarrassing "ugly American" behavior. Regarding the snow: It continues here, although it hasn't been a difficult winter. Today we reached 41F/5C, which is pleasant for us in winter, and it was very sunny. Great day for a short hike around the garden. :)
DeleteI usually don't have FOMO issues so much anymore but in winter if I am cooped up too much I do feel it a bit which is why we try to walk daily. And definitely I hate being inside during garden season....I had a big case of this when I was recouping from surgery 2 years ago during spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteRecovering from surgery during gardening season would be so difficult! Wow, I can't imagine! My FOMO comes and goes with life stages and seasons. But I feel it much less--both socially and for nature--during January. I have a bit of cabin fever now, but we had guests over for the weekend and the weather today was warm enough for a hike. So, no more FOMO or cabin fever for a few days, anyway! :)
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