Solstice 2017

Today is the winter solstice here in the northern hemisphere, and the longest night/shortest day of the year. I’d been hoping to have a bonfire tonight, to light a very real blaze of bright against the encroaching darkness, but heavy rain in the wee hours have put an end to that idea; the wood, waiting patiently in the fire pit, is now soaked.

Instead, I’ll be lighting candles throughout the house. If not one big blaze, then two dozen smaller ones. Maybe more. I’ll still make my attempt to shove back the dark and the dreary depression that often comes with it. The light in my heart burns, sometimes bright, sometimes dim, but always there. And when I light my candles, my heart will rejoice.

The build-up to the holidays and the end-rush into the new year always sneak up on me with more force than expected, and this year is no exception. I’ve been “slaving away” on the novel (well, I am enjoying it, but it’s taking far longer than expected–as usual!), and trying to sneak in short stories (mostly unsuccessfully) around the corners and in free moments. In addition, it’s cool enough to do gardening, so the garden has been plumped and preened a bit, and the holidays demand cooking and baking, and the dog is full of ball-playing enthusiasm with the cooler temps, and…

…and back to that darkness. Sometimes you want to shove back the dark; other times you embrace it and simply take a nap. Yesterday, and tomorrow, I did and shall nap. It does the soul a world of good, too, being a gift to yourself.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, I wish you a happy one. And a good winter’s nap, afterwards. Today, I wish you a flame–even if it’s a candle in your heart–against the dark.