the gift of unscripted time

  manzanita, on the oregon coast.

small torn paper collages.

inspired by nature...

created from the recycling bin.

taking a little holiday break here at

sew and sow life.

may your days be merry and bright!

an ancient day

We gathered in silence in the chapel at Wooster School in Danbury at 8:30 this morning. The pelting rain and raging wind and wooden floor squeaks were the only sounds in the hush.  The names were read and the beloved phrase "gentle, generous, truthful, kind and brave" was our anchor. At 9:30 the prefects rang the bell, and its tolling joined bells in other steeples all over our small state of Connecticut. It was sad and solemn and sobering.

The days cannot get much darker here. Yet when we stepped out into the world, it felt washed clean and the heavy and grey clouds were being chased away by the thinnest of sunbursts. In some ancient way, we have honored the darkness, and in some more miraculous way, nature has taken us by the hand and said...look...the light is irresistible, magical and welcoming.  Move in that direction. Be brave and faithful and be hopeful.

Happy solstice, dearest ones. May your days be spangled and brilliant and filled with wonder.  

sometimes...

...it's finding a patch of welcome winter sunshine.

...or the softest comfort of fur under my hand.

...or casting on a new project that will bring comfort 

to both the knitter and the recipient.

wishing you peace and comfort as we slip into 

the darkest and shortest day of the year. 

xo

december 18th

remembering e.e.p...
and her bright and shining light.

"e"very day is a blessing, and inspired by erin,
i am trying very hard
to cultivate light and love and hope,

because that is what this world needs right now.

light to chase away the darkness.
xo

at a loss

our house in CT is two towns south of newtown, 

and i have been at a loss for words these past few days.

one of my favorite bloggers...uma...

has written eloquent words that have brought me some small comfort,

and i encourage you to read them for yourselves.

namaste dearest uma. 

glowing orange

outdoors

A stroll to stretch our legs after a long drive to Vermont.

Sunset to the west,

Venus and Betelgeuse (the red star) shimmering

 in the sky to the east.

Hunting dogs barking down the valley.

A fierce chill in the air.

indoors

Local chicken and apple sausages, and onions,

sauteed in a pan on the Home Comfort.

Snug and warm.

Re-watching Downton Abbey season one, 

in preparation for January 6th.

Breathing and noticing and appreciating

simple things in the midst of this busy season.

Relaxing while we may.

Are you able to carve out a bit of peace in your days?