Monday, December 21, 2009

A Light for the Solstice


A Light for the Solstice
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal

Today marks the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year. It's only fitting that we as humans light a candle against the intense darkness that will seem to last forever. The snow still blankets the ground here, and the intense cold gives the remaining snowpiles a distinctive CRUNCH. The temps will rise as the solstice ends, and minute by minute daylight will lengthen as we move toward the spring.

It will be a week of holiday preparations as I begin the holiday cooking this morning. A few traditional dishes, our annual cheesecake, last minute errands, and a few more shelves tidied and organized (this chore will last throughout spring too I'm afraid! LOL). Our celebrations will be modified this year - the reality of the recession, family distances and circumstances being what they are. And yet, the solemnity and joy of the occasion remain.

It's Christmas ....a holy time.

3 comments:

Lorraine said...

Gorgeous painting Lin and lovely sentiment. I too love the winter solstice day and light all my beautiful lamps -- early today as it is cold and overcast but thankfully the roads are clear and should remain so for a few days not. I feel so for those in the paths of the various storms.
Happy Solstice to you.
Hugs,
Lorraine

Teri said...

Oh WOW Lin, what a beautiful painting and a beautiful thought.

Joan said...

This shows the spirit of the light so well...nicely done!!! I know you've had a lot going on lately, which I'm sure reinforces how important family is at this time of year.