Well hello there,
1. In yet another sign this year is not like others, the stores are almost bare of Christmas stuff. If Christmas is not your thing this can be a blessing I am sure.
At the home improvement center the very large space usually full of artificial trees, large outdoor decorations, lights of all sorts, and all other sundry for decking the halls is now filled sky high with toilets and vanities. There is metaphor in here somewhere for the year that is this one.
2. Winter Solstice is on Monday. I've taken the call of the dark time of the year more to heart this year than others I think. Slowing down. Paring down, even at the expense some important, but not essential, things. Resting is paramount. Being still. Letting tears of release flow. Knowing there are tiny seeds deep in the dark gathering strength to grow from the trials of this year. Gathering the beauty that is here in this season rather than wishing for that
of another holds a kind of magic and grace; the magic of acceptance and the grace of presence.
I know this time of year is hard for some, challenging in new ways for many, conflicted at best for most of us. Winter reminds me to pause and to remember that the dark is part of the whole.
3.Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat. Audre Lorde
Oh yes, Ms. Audre. Oh yes.
4.@andreaanimate on Instagram. Fiber-y stop-motion animation magic, pure and simple. Go watch and be enchanted and amazed.
5. For a bit of silly, how can you not smile at a Santa penguin tree with googly eyes?