:: it Surrounds You Everywhere
The view out the windows has been grey and soul draining. The vibrant colours of fall have leached to a dreary brownish/greenish tint in a world of white, grey, and more white. I crave colour even more than chocolate at this time of year... honest! Well, once this month may-be. But there are soul refreshing spots to treasure. While returning library books the other evening I discovered, tucked away in a hidden corner, a touch of wonder. There behind a service station, on the edge of the parking lot, was a beautiful snow covered spruce. Someone had draped the tree with large, old fashioned Christmas lights. Snow now covered of the branches; each bulb's light softened, causing the snowy branches to glow magically in the night.
Up until this point I had been struggling with the darkness, the greyness, the loneliness. I wasn't open to seeing any beauty around me. Yet here was a gift of light and colour just when I needed it. I sat and looked at this tree, the snow swirling in the street lights, sat and teared up a little. Beauty and peace in a place I last expected it.
Too often we let the pressures of Christmas drag us under. I'm sure each of you experiences this in some form or another. Rushing, cleaning, shopping, baking, entertaining, one concert after another, and always the emotions and expectations that are part and parcel with the season. I know I struggle with holiday preparation, and have difficulty remembering to breathe, to the point of anxiety.
This year it was the graceful beauty of a snow covered tree which slowed me down enough to see all wasn't dark and dreary. Here was beauty. The love of five concerned canines reminded me I wasn't alone -- concerned with me acting out of character, yes. Which leads to them wondering when I was going to turn the truck towards home, and, the horror was the all important 'Dinner Time' at risk. "Quick let's mob her and make her feel better, or we might never ever eat again!!"
So just once today, slow down, and discover your own place of hidden wonder.
I have always loved red lights and ornaments on a snow covered tree
Zuzia,
In the midst of the pale greys and blues, I wish you brilliant colour. In the mist of darkness I wish you light to flood your soul. In the midst of bone chilling cold, I wish you the warmth of friends and family.
Stay Calm, Be Brave, Take is Slow! With love,
_,
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jgs / |`= the Little Brown Bird