Winter Solstice is almost here, just a couple of days
away. We are also in the glitz and hurry of holiday season and the mad rush to tie up the year before heading into a new one. (On that note, I have something coming for your year ahead, no rush needed, but more about that at below.) I am still healing from my fall, so I limited as to
how much and how quickly I can do all the things. The upside is taking things decidedly slower is it gives me more time to notice. It is in the details that the deeper story unfolds and they need time.
Shall we?
1.
Craftsmanship.
The finishing touches are happening in the park renovation next door.
Here a worker is changing out one of the bricks from the soon to be completed sunflower walkway? Patio? Not quite sure what the final use will be, but Iove the emerging motif, so appropriate for Sunflower Park, yes?
I watched this worker, who looked to be the team leader, for quite awhile as he diligently examined each brick to make sure they were all as they should be. Delicately he removed
and replaced a couple that were just not right. I was touched by his attention and care. His and the team's mastery and artistry will be enjoyed by so many for a long time to come.
2.
Where are the small trees?
Our home is small so we always get a pretty small Christmas tree, like 3, maybe 4 feet. No matter how late we get it, and we always seem to be on the later side of getting our tree, there are always plenty to choose from. But this year, lot after lot, farm after farm, there were no small trees. One place had some but they were already very dry and not worth bringing home. Maybe it is just my area
of Sonoma County, but it was striking.
In talking to the woman at one of the larger lots, she said that as the small ones come in they immediately sell. She was not sure if was price (significantly higher this year), or the overall economy. Yes and yes would be my guess. Even so, there were plenty of people out looking for their perfect tree, even if it is
a smaller than years past.
We all hear the economic news. Numbers, trends and projections of market forces and what it means to the economy. But if you really want to know how the holidays are for folks, notice what is happening at the nearest Christmas tree lot. Or any small, local business. You get the nuances of what it is like for the people all
the data and charts are trying to represent.
3.
We did finally find find a tree though.
Our last stop on a long day of searching was a farm store with a big banner proclaiming "Fresh Cut Trees and Wreaths". There were
lovely wreaths at the entrance so we had hope, only to find the nursery area completely empty and dark. Except for four lone trees leaning up against the far fence, one fallen over on its side.
Lucky for us, one of those four was right for us. It is a little bit of a Charlie Brown tree, but that is just the way some years go. The truth is, the magic of Christmas tree is not in the tree itself, but in the tradition and care of decorating it.
This year, because of my hurt hand, the decorating was done almost entirely by my husband. Between you and me, I kind of like having someone else do most of the holiday work.
4.
In case you you need
it, you have full and encouraged permission to set your holiday boundaries.
My friend Akasha, always attentive to details, knows how to keep the joy, whimsy, and irreverence of the season.
Truly though, I wish you the very best and most wonderful week, however or what ever you are celebrating, or not. Make it your own and notice the story in the details.
5.
A blessing for your week:
(John Bauer Tarot by Lo Scarabeo)
May you find time to enjoy the beauty and details of your world.
Until next
time, Sandi
⭐ Coming next Friday⭐
Your Arcana Year- Guidance from the wisdom of ritual and Tarot.
The 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot are archetypes of human experience and wisdom. Collectively they hold the journey of a soul's growth into wholeness. Individually
they offer wisdom, guidance, and understanding of our life and its events.
For many years now, as part of my New Year ritual and outlook, I have drawn a Major Arcana card as a companion for that year. Each year the arcana that steps forward supports me as guide and lens through which to view my life. They have offered grounding, insight, and deeper understanding of myself and my circumstances. I'd love to share this experience with you.
Briefly, the reading will be a written guide and will include a poetic invocation, information about your Arcana, the energy and gifts it holds for you, along with many other ways to explore and build relationship over the next 12 months together.
More details and the opportunity to purchase a Your Arcana Year reading will be in next week's newsletter.
I am very excited to share this yearly ritual with you. More soon.
