There are days when my morning begins with thoughts of work. Etsy shop updates. Blog posts. Business plan worksheets.
Somewhere though the path of my day shifts. I veer towards the seemingly unimportant. Rearranging furniture. Washing floors. Daydreaming.
Many times I offer myself only reprimands about such behaviour and wasting time. Sometimes I allow myself to sink into it and recognize that this too is part of the process.
Today was a good day.
xo
Winter. Characterized by the pursuit of warmth from things other than the sun.
Things like the way the light casts shadows in a very different way than is warmer times.
And perfectly timed new releases from favourite authors.
Winter. Cold comfort. Beauty of a different kind.
xo
Oh - these days. They are unfolding exactly as I had hoped they would, way back when I first entertained the idea that there would indeed be quiet days ahead.
For now it would seem there has been victory on the side of good in the elusive quest for balance. Fun and work pursuits maintain relative harmony. Time spent in reality and dreamland keep me moving forward slowly and steadily.
The ongoing pursuit of wood to keep our homestead fire going,
in between LittleWool shop updating.
Hoping these are good days for you too folks.
xo
I am going to go out on a limb here and state for the record that this year my love of Christmas was given a run for it's money by thoughts of the days after. The December whirlwind of full-time winter farming, LittleWool making and all that is Christmas prep felt at times like a race to the finish line.
Don't get me wrong, our familiar holiday traditions foster a mindful and lovely vibe. Each gift is purchased or made with careful consideration - books and tools and craft supplies bringing much joy to both the giver and receiver. Of note - it is surprising how much preparation is required to achieve such simplicity. A fact that I must promptly forget each year once the festivities begin.
And now, with all holidaying behind me I find myself with a string of commitment free days. Days spent with the possibility of spontaneous walks on our homestead with no intended destination. Walks with the unhurried pace that allows for the delivery of carrots and apples to spots we know our animal friends will find them.
Mornings and afternoons spent with books and fibre as my inspiration. Always with a coffee or tea in hand. Sometimes in the company of friends or family, sometimes in the quiet of morning alone while those I love are asleep.
Balance has been struck. And as such I have been able to make room in my head for hopes and dreams for the coming year. As we make ready to ring in 2017 there is space for the idea of possibility.
It begins with this little old shed. And remains the subject for another post.
xo
The Wheel of the year has turned. And we find ourselves on the path of returning light - despite the reality of much cold and dark still to come before Winter gives way. This is a time that traditionally has been one of quiet and introspection. One of remembering and of planning for the days to come. Full of ceremony and as much a part of the cycle as that of planting seeds or bringing in the harvest.
This is a truth I am compelled to honour.
With hope and light, I wish you all a Happy Solstice.
xo
Thanks in part to a stint of Wintery weather, this weekend was spent close to home. There was some shovelling, it's true. And plenty of woodbox filling as well. But there was actually time - albeit brief - for nothing at all.
Our first homestead cut tree was brought indoors and decorated. I love having trees in the house. Until I don't. Which is usually sometime around January 2 or 3.
Come to think of it, this weekend felt a bit like a practice run for the holiday break that I envision starting next weekend.
Have a great week folks.
xo
Proof to me that the universe is watching. Because the fact that songs like "It's a Good Life if you don't Weaken" and "If We Make it through December" have been running on repeat through my head for the past month just weren't indication enough. When day one of the work week begins with a headachy kid, it doesn't matter what was on the list of things to-do. The powers that be have other plans.
A forced stop.
A quiet day at home. With little bits of holiday decorating and making thrown in. An opportunity to teach the sick one about essential oil mixing. Catching up on LittleWool custom orders.
Small things that have a disproportionate impact. The opportunity to catch my breath.
xo
And so. Despite a stretch of Autumn days that defied all calendar logic, we somehow still managed to get caught with our pants down so to speak.
This morning, in howling wind and snow we worked to dismantle the trampoline and put it away for another season. This afternoon Michael got to fulfill his lifelong dream of personally installing snow tires on my car.
The time of the year where weather dictates how a day will unfold has arrived.
A fact that I am so good with.
xo
As it surely must be with many, I am finding it difficult to keep my worry at bay. I know that it is a futile emotion. That it casts a shadow over all that is good. That it's insidious nature can reduce a person to inaction.
The words "love harder" are echoing through my head these days. Without intending to make light of all that is going on in the world today, they are helping to quiet the negative voices at work. And help remind me that there are concrete ways in which to make things better.
xo
How can it be that the addition of just one hour shifts the feeling of an entire day?
One extra hour of sleep.
One extra hour dedicated to the list of weekend work.
One extra hour for tea in the afternoon.
One extra hour to lift my head and take a good look around.
xo
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