The brilliant truth about the shortest day is that it can only stretch and become longer henceforth!
The shortest day of the year was characterized by:
...an early, too early, cheaper awakening. That's because I couldn't really tell if the sun had risen or was only about to rise. Cloudy skies mess with your senses in that way.
...breakfast.
...writing. I had an inspired moment at 4 a.m. A story spilled out of me quickly, fluently. I worked all day to edit and improve it.
I thought I saved it.
I hadn't saved it.
I flushed it down with my little trash icon and even Ed's heroic efforts failed to fully restore what I had single handedly thrown away.
Come evening, I had wanted to bring to your attention the moment the sun disappeared below the horizon, but 1. it was so early that I forgot to pay attention (4:26 p.m.) and 2. it was too cloudy to catch anyway.
But, here's the thing -- in the evening, the pregnant couple came over for supper and even though this truly is the shortest post on this shortest day, I can't help but recall that moment of radiance when they walked in.
Short post, short day, full heart.
The shortest day of the year was characterized by:
...an early, too early, cheaper awakening. That's because I couldn't really tell if the sun had risen or was only about to rise. Cloudy skies mess with your senses in that way.
...breakfast.
...writing. I had an inspired moment at 4 a.m. A story spilled out of me quickly, fluently. I worked all day to edit and improve it.
I thought I saved it.
I hadn't saved it.
I flushed it down with my little trash icon and even Ed's heroic efforts failed to fully restore what I had single handedly thrown away.
Come evening, I had wanted to bring to your attention the moment the sun disappeared below the horizon, but 1. it was so early that I forgot to pay attention (4:26 p.m.) and 2. it was too cloudy to catch anyway.
But, here's the thing -- in the evening, the pregnant couple came over for supper and even though this truly is the shortest post on this shortest day, I can't help but recall that moment of radiance when they walked in.
Short post, short day, full heart.
I think today could have been one of 'those' days. I lost half of a post I labored on for the first time at JS. Then later in the evening half of an e-mail that was quite lengthy. Not a happy camper. It's a good thing I had other more pleasant experiences today to balance that out!
ReplyDeleteNice the pregnant couple came to visit and bring radiance.
Computer troubles are all the more irritating when they are your own fault -- that wasn't your case, but it surely was the case for me! Ah well. Rewritten now, and more vigilant going forward.
DeleteI forgot that yesterday was the winter solstice. We saw some vivid bands of color low in the southwest at sunset. Thank you for bringing me out here to see this! I said to my GrandDog, who had been rather insistent (nudging my knee, then finally standing up and poking his nose in between my book and my face, giving me the soulful eyes)
ReplyDeleteMama and Daddy (with the biggest smile I've ever seen) have no idea how their world is about to be rocked! in the best possible way.
Yes, it is quite shocking how life changes. In good ways, of course, but at the outset, I think the sense of shock is profound. I'm so ready to step in and give these guys some time off!
DeleteAh well, our new parents are having an easy time so far. Mary says Cadence is still living "her womb life" at 2weeks. Her little body is so relaxed, it's as if she's floating in her father's big hands. She loves to stretch. She's nursing often, and more often at night, but mommy doesn't have anywhere she needs to go :) They want her in their arms. They are just bowled over with love.
DeleteIt is so touching.
So what I'm saying is, at first your kids won't need or want a break from their new baby. What they will appreciate is food brought in and lots of it! For the very-hungry mama, and also to offer to other family, who travel to see them. Good thing cooking is your forte.
I told Eric that on our last visit I would clean the floors, change the beds, and more specifics :) but everything was already done! He is fast. He is a getter-doner! as my Dad used to say with a wink, to annoy my mother, who would pretend to be annoyed.