Friday, December 18, 2009

Keeping the home lights burning

Baby, it's cold outside—-9 today with a wind chill of -17 which translates to       degrees Fahrenheit. It began as most Fridays, with Ilga and I meeting for our knitting-as-life walk and talk session. Last week we delved into the woodland paths of a local park trailing beside a lake and thouroughly enjoying the beauty of winter woods as we carried on our animated conversation. Today, we thought we'd try the waterfront where a boardwalk lines the full length of Halifax Harbour currently ablaze with festive cheer. We got as far as the boardwalk. Whereas last week the winter beauty took our breath away, today we simply couldn't breathe—too cold! Once we realized our important bits were freezing (toes, chin), we scuttled into the nearest coffee shop to chat over Mayan hot chocolate instead of frosty elements.

Back home hours later, my boots crunched against the icy snow as I made my way down the steps. Before turning for the front door, I paused, gazing out across the river, now frozen. How deceiving life can be. Just when we catch ourselves thinking that all is frozen, caught in stasis of season or time, we need reminding that beneath the surface energy flows constantly, just like the river. Not dead, not even sleeping, always moving on some level. So saying, in these temps it's easier pondering the paradoxes of the natural world while safely ensconced by the fireside. I may look out my living room window and see this:

My steps in winter

But all I need do is turn around to see this:

Hearth and Home

My spirit's merry this season, my head brimming with new ideas for my new Inspiration Club. Just wait until you see what I'm cooking up….