A short journey, such as the one to school each morning, can hold an enchanting hidden story.

Gazing out through the half-frozen passenger seat window, it's quite easy to wonder, do our surroundings enjoy the new year or do they long for the spring months to appear?

Each morning we are stunned by the crisp, fresh air we encounter. Clusters of warmth follow each morning greeting we express. The sentimental taste of tea helps us gather ourselves before our hectic day commences.

As the wheels of the car crawl upon the untouched carpet of frost, clouds lay low upon the surface of the road creating a mysterious fog. Meadows are slow awakening as their blanket of early morning dew still lies across them. It hovers over each valley as if to whisper 'five more minutes' to each blade of grass.

Our grasslands hold more than an empty appearance: they are missing the one thing which gives them purpose. Whether that field is a tillage or a livestock field, it is unfulfilled without its tenants. Longing for company throughout each long night, our bare fields of winter need some companionship.

White glazed and accompanying each side of our rural roads, our pastures are lonesome for the livestock which they home throughout the dry seasons. Their naked appearance is aching for the tractor which will soon be ploughing, harrowing and rolling upon them. Curious for when their gates will be re-opened, the stillness throughout is anticipating the sweet scent of elder wild flowers.

As your hands begin to dance off one another in the hope of producing some heat, the image of isolation replicates itself through each tree that thistles above us. Crows echo across their unprotected habitats while song-birds make an attempt to enhance proceedings.

Oak, ash and horse-chestnut trees are longing for their family of leaves to keep them entertained. Their buds are shy of approaching with the knowledge that January still lingers. With a dull brown outlook, tree trunks are incomplete longing for their vibrant green overcoat.

As the evenings begin to stretch, distinctive bright stars enlighten our frosty moonlight sky. Whether it's trimming your ditches, gathering your soil samples or ordering your lime and fertilisers, these initial weeks of 2015 involve laying down the foundations to a successful year.

January is the month of new life, new aspirations and new expectations, especially with the lambing and calving season upon us.

With that in mind, let our surroundings be lonely for spring. Let us embrace the new year. Let our settings wish for spring's abundance and let us make the most of our last winter days

Una Sinnott is a student in Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, County Wicklow