Spring's Arrival

“Winter is the time for comfort,

 for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand and

for a talk beside the fire:

it is the time for home.”

Edith Sitwell

My astrological sign indicates how important home is to me.  My home surrounds me with my favorite collections of things gathered from all over.  Most items are insignificant to others, but I can recall their origins and why they meant something special to me.  I guess I could say the same about the friends I have gathered into my home.  Each friend being uniquely their own, but we all have a vibrant thread connecting us in some invisible way.

Winter has its share of beauty, but I find it to be so cold and dull.  I don't mind hibernating so much, it is the absence of brilliant colors, sunshine and warmth.  The winter is drab and my imagination feels stunted in return.  I have been told that today is the first day of spring, but clearly some one has neglected to pass the word along to those who control.

Most people watch television, but my personal favorite winter activity is watching a fire in the fireplace.  I can stare into a fire for hours on end being magically led to what has passed, the possibilities of dreams for the future, and what might need special attention in the present.   It is as though the fire dances around stirring stories within me.  Some stories are just sad memories, others are filled with laughter, and some are nothing but wonderment.

Winter hibernating doesn't take much effort on my part.  If I have my favorite quilt, I can cuddle up most anywhere and read or write for hours on end.  I have no need to communicate with anyone and I  seem to lack any desire to be out in the cold.   Actions always have consequences which in my case means isolation.  On some level I miss my circle of friends who support me so very well, and yet I find my self willing to sink deeper into the folds and creases of my soul.

The hermit side of my self seems to be gaining momentum away  from the extroverted part of me.  I willingly enter the deep caverns of my cave with candles glowing and a warm fire waiting.  Endless silent moments are like little gifts dropped lovingly upon me.  I love the silence and it intensifies the cloak of darkness draping over me. 

It is here in this darkness my light will reflect what is remaining for me to do.  It will radiate a brightness for me to view what loiters still that I won't allow my self to see.   As I shred pieces of my past,  into the fire they go.  Now kindled by the discarded trash, the fire grows, lifting the darkness and leaving a healing glow.

Hibernating in a cave being  content as a hermit, creates a social awkwardness when others are anticipating the extroverted side of my self.  The clashing of my 'selves' creates an anxiety that grows too loudly in my ears.  I discover my self retreating back into my winter cave, knowing I will welcome new growth in the spring.  When it actually arrives!

Returning Home

 

 

 

 

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 

 

Edith Sitwell

 

 

 

Staying in Key West for over a month has been a wonderful blessing.  I am most grateful and thankful to be able to have enjoyed this opportunity especially with Russ.  We have visited an old cemetery,  historical fort, gardens and homes, the gulf, the ocean, Red Barn Theater, Waterfront Theater, intimate garden concert, art show, art festival,  shrimp boats, wharf, cruise ships, and a spectacular evening celebrating Russ's birthday on an island arriving by ferry.  We have haunted most every neighborhood restaurant eating in beautiful gardens.  We have walked extensively every morning, afternoon, and evening.  I am stuffed with fresh fish, lobster and shrimp to say nothing of the homemade ice cream at Flamingo Crossing.  My skin is so soft and once again has some color.  It has been a joy to spend every day out doors surrounding by the abundance of richly colored nature, and the dipping pool in the back yard.

 

 

It is time to go home, however, and I must admit I am prepared.  I am anxious to return to my own surroundings where I can find familiar books, writings, and favorite coffee cup.  I will get the fireplace started and apologize to my plants.  I will reach out to my favorite coffee 'sister' as well as my women's group and writers group.  I have missed all of these tender hearts as they so generously support and encourage me.

 

 

With loads of laundry piled high, I will put away my summer linen and return to my closet to rediscover my winter garbs.  From flip flops to boots, from linen tops and shorts to sweaters and leggings.  I will nest in front of the warm fire in my favorite sweats and baggy thermal shirt.

 

 

I will find time to journal about the holes I have found in my spiritual wardrobe, and begin requests for additional help in mending my ways.  It is curious to me when we grow spiritually stronger, it allows us to see more areas of personal repair. My father used to use an old Swedish saying, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!"

 

 

Fare thee wells will be extended to our friends and paradise will be imprinted upon my memories.   I will stay present in the moment, letting go of this abundance, making room for what will next unfold.  As one adventure ends, a new journey begins.