walking into the light

yeesh, i thought this would be a relaxing time but it's been pretty hectic. my doula world is keeping me busy with phone calls and appointments, which is a good thing.



on wednesday i had a follow-up appointment at the herbal clinic. i was told i need to make walking my life's work. i'm out of shape. my spleen is stagnant. and the fact that my legs were so sore after my last hike that i ended up in the ER, is a sign that i need to get into better shape. so yesterday i took a three mile walk. i left at sunset because i love sunset. i love how all the lights come on in the houses at that time so you can see into other people's worlds. and at this time of year there is all the christmas kitsch and color to appreciate as well. it was a very refreshing constitutional. i walked to the grocery store and bought a pint sized bottle of sierra nevada. hahaha. what a way to get in shape. i didn't drink it out of a paper bag while walking home or anything. in fact, i didn't drink it at all. i got so busy when i arrived home that i forgot about it. but still i thought it was funny that the goal of my power walk was to buy a bottle of beer at the grocery store.

i'm almost finished with the sewing basket for my special little someone. if she is reading my blog from wisconsin she must stop NOW. but i think she's too busy rolling in the snow with her dear cousins to be looking at her mom's blog. so here is a preview.





i'm not so sure about the fabric combo in my patchwork, but my fabric supply is rather limited. i haven't yet fallen into the habit of buying super amazing fabric online, because, well, it's often not cheap, and i don't yet have the confidence that i wouldn't destroy it. but soon, very soon. anyhow, i think tashi will be pleased with this. her favorite color is red, and i think the cows will make her laugh. all i have left to do is sew the button on and attach the lid with the leather cord. sure beats spending $40 and up for a manufactured sewing basket.

so is tonight the longest night, or tomorrow? this always throws me. solstice happens around 1:00 am on the 22nd, so is the night preceding it or following it the longest night? i just don't know. we usually light floating candles on the longest night, focusing on what might brighten our world as the days begin to grow longer. we also make orange clove pomanders; we talk about the year that has passed and the year to come while doing so. the smell of our memories and wishes fills our home for several weeks. i also usually clean out the frig, and throw all the old food outside for the hungering animals. books appear around the house; the fairies deliver them to tashi. solstice is a time for storytelling.

this year i'm alone on solstice. so some of this stuff will happen on christmas eve. and some of this stuff i'll do alone. which is fine. and i'm not entirely alone, because this evening molly and i are meeting for dinner and a beer (i swear, i don't have a drinking problem) at her partner's new place of business.

i also received the wonderful news that my dear friend laura had her baby girl at 4:46am this morning. i am thrilled beyond words.

i'm wishing you all a thoughtful, bright, peaceful solstice.