~Baby.....it's cold outside!

     Yesterday was clear and cold. However, the sun was out and that helped immensely! I decided to bundle up and take a walk. Thankfully, there was no wind, since when it is this cold, the wind is evil!
      The sky was a crystal blue and the snow glittered. Birds were singing. If it wasn't 5 degrees outside, you might glance out a window and think it was spring! The sun actually felt warm upon my face. However, on the walk home - away from the sunlight, my nose was a bit frosty!
     I returned home feel fresh and invigorated! There is just something about a winter walk that feels so good!

      

~We are here to endure beams of love

     I was writing in my spiritual journal, which is something new that I have started. It is journal writing with a twist and intention, although still very flexible and open. It incorporates both writing and drawing, and feels relaxing and fresh. It seems to create an opening in me that allow me to receive. I was looking for some inspiration for todays' entry, when I came across the William Blake's quote -"We are here to endure beams of love". I quickly thought about the many people and things in my life that that I deeply love.
     I drew hearts depicting the most special people in my life- my parents and 10 brothers and sisters, and also more hearts for my own children and partner. That's a lot of hearts! The hearts were all joined to the brilliant sun by its outstretched beams. We are all connected.....it felt so beautiful!
     I then proceeded to list the many people in my life that I love. I concluded by detailing the many things that I love from chocolate to roses to sunsets! I feel so blessed!
                                           

~A Winter Walk~

     I had the absolute pleasure of heading up north last week. It was a nice day....especially for late December in northern Michigan. The temps were in the 30"s and the sun was shining......good enough for walking the beach. It was cold, the wind the deciding factor, but it felt great! Listening to the waves crash as I chatted with my sweetheart and took in the natural beauty felt so nice!
    Back home the scenery is not quite so picturesque. But tonight after work, I bundled up and headed into the familiarity of my neighborhood. It was cold, but the wind was not blowing, so that helped. I walked my usual route, noting the faint colors that the sunset painted the sky and examining the bare trees. It really felt good. I don't know what it is about walking in the air.....it is just sort of invigorating. Something about it seems so refreshing!

     Once I get out and walk, I almost always enjoy it. The struggle is getting out the door....that is the challenge!

~January Reality~

       Back to Reality......tomorrow school. The house is still full of holiday decorations waiting to come down. I am not at all motivated, but know I won't want to do it once I am back to school - tired. I hate to do it.....everything seems to look so bare when all the sparkle of Christmas is gone. Which brings me to the reality of January......and heading back to school. The day after Christmas break is possibly the worst day of the school year. In the fall it is a challenge, but the weather is still good in Michigan and there is still a freshness about it all. Then following spring break you know the end is in sight.......
       However, January, with its short, dark, cold days just feels heavy. The thought of kids, reports and IEPs has me less than motivated. Sigh. It seems so easy to be up and enthusiastic about embracing winter before the holidays, but come January the heaviness really seems to set in. It is easy to slip into a dark, funky place.
       Spring seems like a million years away too. Time to dismantle Christmas.

     On more positive note, these lovely pictures were taken one day over break during a day trip up north. The winter splendor was breathtaking!

~After Christmas Angel~

    I have not written in a few weeks now.....caught up in the frenzy of getting ready for Christmas. Then came all the fun celebrating. Yesterday was the recovery. Christmas was wonderful and I have so much to be thankful for.
    Here is a poem I wrote in early December:
                                                     ~ANGELS~
Lovely, Celestial Beings.....
Ethereal and Graceful
Casting Peace and Hope across the Heavens
Glazing the Silvery Stars
Sprinkling the Budding Blossoms
Swirling in the Gentle Breezes
Filling the World with Light and Beauty.

Snow is here~

We are finally getting some snow. It looks very pretty, but the roads are getting slippery. It is still coming down, and I am enjoying watching the birds flit about. I hope there are a few seeds left.....Mr. Squirrel - pictured above, spent a great deal of time filling his fat face this morning.
We are all hoping and praying for a snow day around here. Trust me, us teachers want it just as much as the kids do! It would be nice to get a little accumulation, since I would  love to go cross country skiing.
I am going to make a quick trip to the grocery store, and then plan on staying in for the rest of the day. Some sort of chili or soup with homemade bread will make a perfect dinner. Maybe bake some cookies too. I have a request for window panes - the ones with colored mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Lots to do inside today..... Christmas cards, clean up, work on reports, exercise etc. However, what is sounding most appealing is time on the couch with a book, followed by a snooze.
Listening to some Christmas music - Mannheim Steamroller (We saw them last night in concert - what a fantastic show) and watching it snow. Yes, a good day to stay inside and enjoy my indoor garden

Christmas Trees~

                                                                                      

It has been a  long week.......lots going on at home and at school. Last night I was really tired, so the last thing I want to do was head out to a Christmas party. When it is this cold, and dark so early, once I get home, I do not want to leave. However, I did venture out to the party.....the annual Christmas party for my poetry group.   This years party was at one of the members home instead of at the library, since they were having a problem with the furnace. Her home was lovely....full of plants, glass and art. How fun to see the essence of who my friend is displayed everywhere. Even if you had never met her, once you walked through her house you would have a strong sense of who she is. Her lovely collection of clear, glass Christmas trees displayed on a long table with  a mirror behind them, has inspired me to start one of my own too.                          

Of course, there was lots of delicious food and drink shared, along with some beautiful poetry too. Members share their own original works, as well as favorites too. Mary read one the I just love. Here it is: 

little tree
by: e.e. cummings (1894-1962)

ITTLE tree

little silent Christmas tree

you are so little

you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest

and were you very sorry to come away?

see i will comfort you

because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark

and hug you safe and tight

just as your mother would,

only don't be afraid

look the spangles

that sleep all the year in a dark box

dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,

the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms

and i'll give them all to you to hold

every finger shall have its ring

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you're quite dressed

you'll stand in the window for everyone to see

and how they'll stare!

oh but you'll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands

and looking up at our beautiful tree

we'll dance and sing

"Noel Noel"