...the softer side of years...

My birthday was last week and it was OHHHHH so much fun! I find myself taking much more time to "stop and smell the roses" don't you? this isn't a rose but dang it's pretty!

One day a long time ago the Sun called for a Winter Dance. This dance was to celebrate the moment heard when she stepped forth on the shortest day of the year...she prepared herself with a sparkly shawl and began singing the most beautiful song...her song weaves through the ages bringing with it new life each year. She sings of past sorrows wrought with deep pain and she sings of fresh healing moist with dewy rain; she sings of the shadowy changes and her melodies swell with hopeful changes; When Sun calls for the Winter Dance all who hear leap forth.

Slowly dancers began entering her doors, first, Auntie River adorned in the most glorious blue dress with shells dangling from her sleeves and hems; next Grandpas Fir and Elm and Willow with their long whiskers and long nimble fingers; they carried on their shoulders the young...Brothers Elk, Deer, Moose and Big Brother Salmon all enter with dignity and deep voiced songs...

The laughter of children rings out with hope and one at a time all join the dance...

In the background swaying as one with the music are the Dancers in the Hills...they had woven for themselves shawls of powdery snow and in their hair they wore lightly beaded barrettes of icicle designs. Their feathers sparkled for they were gifted from eagles of their most delicate fluffs...

Winter Solstice is different for all of us, but Monday, you're all invited to listen for our songs!