Dear Reader,

When I was growing up, I dreaded winter. For as long as I can remember, summer has always been my favorite season. As a kid, I practically lived in the water all summer long. So much so, that I used to have dreams that I was swimming down the street instead of walking. No matter how old I get, summer still makes me feel like a kid again. There’s a lightness to the season in so many ways.

Winter, on the other hand always felt dark and heavy. While I still don’t like to be cold, I’ve learned to embrace it. I spend as much time as possible outside everyday, no matter how cold it is. And, as I’ve gotten older, my perspective has changed. I think it all started with the time I spent working on a CSA farm almost twenty years ago. I gained a greater appreciation for all of the seasons. Very early in spring is when you plant the seeds, late spring, summer, and early fall are when you harvest, then late fall and winter are when you put the garden to bed, rest and plan for next year. While I haven’t worked on a farm since then, it was an amazing experience that truly transformed me. I’ve had my own garden ever since. And, starting last year, I had two. Being part of the rhythm of the seasons has allowed me to appreciate the importance of all of them and how I fit into the big picture.

What I also have realized is that it’s not the cold that makes winter difficult for me. It’s the lack of light. The east coast winters are just too cold, gray, and gloomy. When I lived out west in a mountain town, we had some very cold temperatures, and a ton of snow. But, one thing was very different. The sky was the brightest shade of blue, and the sun was shining almost every day. Maybe that’s why I love it so much when it snows and the sun is shining here. The beauty of the sun reflecting off of the snow, and the stillness of a hike in the woods will change you. So, as we move from the darkest day of the year back towards the light, I’ll hope for snow to carry me through the months of winter ahead.

I appreciate all of you who choose to be here and read my newsletter. May you be in awe of the world around you and always find the light.

Bon hiver,

Christa

Snowy Night by Mary Oliver

Last night, an owl
in the blue dark
tossed
an indeterminate number
of carefully shaped sounds into
the world, in which,
a quarter of a mile away, I happened
to be standing.
I couldn’t tell
which one it was –
the barred or the great-horned
ship of the air –
it was that distant. But, anyway,
aren’t there moments
that are better than knowing something,
and sweeter? Snow was falling,
so much like stars
filling the dark trees
that one could easily imagine
its reason for being was nothing more
than prettiness. I suppose
if this were someone else’s story
they would have insisted on knowing
whatever is knowable – would have hurried
over the fields
to name it – the owl, I mean.
But it’s mine, this poem of the night,
and I just stood there, listening and holding out
my hands to the soft glitter
falling through the air. I love this world,
but not for its answers.
And I wish good luck to the owl,
whatever its name –
and I wish great welcome to the snow,
whatever its severe and comfortless
and beautiful meaning.

Last week at a glance

• It was my birthday on Thursday, so I spent the day with my family. I received some very thoughtful gifts, we had ramen for lunch, and we saw a Christmas light show.

• I bought myself some new shoes with birthday money.

• I finished wrapping all of my Christmas presents early.

• Our older dog injured his leg playing in the back yard, so he has to go to the vet tonight to see what’s going on.

• I received a thrift books gift card for my birthday, so I ordered The Hero With A Thousand Faces. I can’t wait to read it.

• I starting watching Derry Girls again. I’ve seen it so many times, and it never disappoints. It’s brilliant.

• My friend and I walked downtown with our kids this week. We ran into an unhoused man who asked if we had cash, which we didn’t, so we bought him lunch and coffee. He told us that he had walked to Lancaster all the way from New Hampshire because he heard that there were opportunities here. It took him three months to get here. When my friend asked him if he was able to get out of the cold at night, he said all of the beds in the local shelter have been full. He then told us that he walks around all night. I know it’s not much, but we have an extra down puffer coat at my house, so I plan on bringing it to him when I go downtown this week.

• I brought some food to one of the food pantry boxes.

• I had several shopping appointments at my studio. big thank you to the locals who have been stopping by. I appreciate you.

• I sold many pairs of earrings and patches.

• I rearranged my studio and organized the closet. My plan is to get more things on the wall, so hopefully that will be happening this week.

• I started to think about what classes I want to teach this winter. The first one will probably be beginner crochet. If you have a suggestion please feel free to comment.

• My family and I saw Wicked For Good. I definitely think the first movie was much better.

• My family and I celebrated winter solstice.

• I made bird feeders from pine cones, peanut butter, and bird seed. Then we went for a hike so we could hang the bird feeders in the woods. I put some in my elderberry tree, and as soon as I went in the house they were gone. I assume that they were carried off by squirrels.

• We also had an outdoor fire in our solo stove.

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