Snow Shadows
Last night the hawk was screeching, 20-30mph winds with gusts up to 50mph. Freezing fog. Temps dropping 40 degrees below freezing. I snuggled deeper into a thick cocoon of flannel, wool, cotton weave and 2 quilts.
I actually thought of Little House on the Prairie. I imagined snow drifts sweeping 2nd floor windows; entire small dwellings buried. Indeed, there was cumulative 20” of snow by morning and the neighborhood was a white-out, even plows were out of commission.
An ardent reader as a child, I adored the Laura Ingalls Wilder series. Thinking of punishing mid-west U.S.A. winters led to teepees and igloos, then to homeless seeking shelter, then to my friends in Nepal. They don’t have a thermostat to turn up a notch or two for additional comfort. They don’t have government-funded energy assistance programs to help finance gas and electric through the winter. My thoughts turned to gratitude and a list began: shelter, gas heat, food in the freezer, mobile phone, family nearby, friends nearby–
wonderful new friends in Kenosha! healers, artists, musicians, studio-owners, teachers, nurses, therapists, community workers– kind, kind, new friends.
A surprise phone call from my Jin Shin Jyutsu mentor.
A supportive email from my Swamiji.
Bowling with my nephew.
Dancing with my niece.
Laughter with my sister.
Car tips from my brother-in-law.
Sunshine hearts from my parents in Florida.
Vintage Bakery care package from brother and sister-in-law.
Faith. Digging deep enough to face the fear with light. To walk in LIGHT.
Today I decided to send my Nepalese friends energy assistance for the winter, funded by Studio Jai. Thank you all my friends all over the world! I am grateful. A blizzard of gratitude.
Beautiful Deborah! Stay warm!