YES AND YET

The mind dances here and there, rarely in a linear fashion. So what’s on my mind these days? How about counting on these fingers?

~*~

1. She’s big on Christmas traditions, including our observing Advent these days. I’m still surprised she inherited none of it in her family! Created it like a radical quilt. Makes this array all the more remarkable, from my perspective.
2. Slush on the windshield. Ice underfoot.
3. Winter’s setting in, though I’m already tired of it.
4. The earliest sunsets of the year have plateau’d and are already inching back in my part of the world. The oppressive late-afternoon darkness will soon be obviously relenting. We don’t wait for the solstice.
5. I like the Eastern Orthodox insight of Mary as the Mother of Light.
6. In reality, I hate being the caretaker, responsible one, cleaner-upper, put-awayer. Contrary to my self-image.
7. It’s been a long road to here. Sometimes it feels like a hangover.
8. In working a seasonal job, she has a curious freedom in not having to worry about being fired, losing the mortgage, and so on. Just put the hours in and go home.
9. Whatever happened to my collection of winter scarves? (As if I really need to ask.)
10. Authenticity: something that speaks to the bones.

~*~