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Day 29 ~ The Texas Sky
Tonight was all about the most spectacular sunset. I couldn't capture it's magnificence, but it's pure awesomeness was something to behold. I'm pretty sure I exclaimed "Are you kidding me?" to my empty truck as I was driving home. It just got bigger and brighter and bolder, until it actually made me ache with all of it's beautiful glowey-ness. Even when it had faded to grey it was still breathtaking in it's scope and texture. So, so lovely....
Day 28 ~ Our Urban Green Spaces...
As much time as I spend day dreaming about running away to the mountains or the coast, I can lose sight of how lucky we are to have so many green spaces in Austin to explore and enjoy. Both the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail are located in Central Austin and together offer over 17 miles of trails. In addition to these trails, we have many smaller loops all over town. Lately I've really enjoyed walking the small trail by our our house with the girlie. It's been a really lovely way to release the stress of the day...just walk right out the front door together, and keep walking until the shoulders relax a bit and the conversation starts to lighten....
Day 27 ~ Color on a Grey Day.
Day 26 ~ Mary Oliver
Today
Today I’m flying low and I’m
not saying a word
I’m letting all the voodoos of ambition sleep.
The world goes on as it must,
the bees in the garden rumbling a little,
the fish leaping, the gnats getting eaten.
And so forth.
But I’m taking the day off.
Quiet as a feather.
I hardly move though really I’m traveling
a terrific distance.
Stillness. One of the doors
into the temple.
~Mary Oliver
Day 25 ~ These two...
Nana and Fred, Fred and Nana...these two who are ever-welcoming, generous, hilarious, gracious and kind. I can't imagine our world without them. We're just so lucky to have them so near...and there's nothing like spending a bit of Christmas Day by the bonfire with them, to have that gratitude come flooding in full force. Love these two!
Day 24 ~ This Moment...
I meant to post this last night after I had finished the wrapping and the taping and the bow-ing...but the hours stretched on and before I knew it, it was way too late to try and string any thoughts together.
I am grateful for the stillness that is late night on Christmas Eve, or perhaps even pre-dawn on Christmas Day...when all of the things that can be done have been done and all there is to do is exhale. That moment when you step back away from the tree, see the pretty packages reflecting the warmth of the lights, and can imagine that in just hours all of the surprises will be revealed, and that laughter and joy will fill the day. Yes...this moment.
Day 23 ~ All the kindred ladies...
There are all of these ladies in my life, that fill the world up with love and laughter. They are hilarious, sharp, witty, raw and real. They are tender and tough...mamas, volunteers, philanthropists, academics, caregivers, educators, freelancers, crafters, and the best damn artists and makers you ever did see. They are intuitive and wise, supportive and most of all...loving. Not a day goes by that I am not moved and inspired by the love and graciousness put out into the world by these incredible women...but in addition to that, this tribe of mine feels like family and I am so incredibly grateful we all have one another.
Day 22 ~ My Cruiser
I like to think that generally I'm not too attached to material stuff. It comes. It goes. That's the nature of the 'things' in the world...and I think I'm pretty okay with that. However, I seem to be wholely attached to my truck. I never really knew that I had the capacity to feel so smitten with a thing...but apparently I totally do! My baby, my beast, is twenty years old and has just about 280,000 miles on her. She shimmies a little, and sometimes shakes a bit too, she's a little drippy in a couple of spots, but nothing to be too alarmed about. She groans a little when I turn her to the left and she'd rather be cruising along than creeping in traffic...but then so would I. All these things are constants with an older piece of machinery and that type of familiarity is almost a little comforting. The main thing is, she gets us where we need to go, whether it be school, work, a quick get away, or an extended trip looking for snow and overland fun. I know it must seem a little silly to be expressing gratitude for this 'thing' but I really am grateful that for all her years, she is still so steadfast and sturdy and that our family gets to enjoy such a solid automobile.
Day 21 ~ The Winter Solstice
"When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome." -Wilma Rudolph
As we turn past the winter solstice and move towards the days slowly growing longer, I get downright giddy at the prospect of more sunlight and less shadow. This promise of radiance and renewal reinspires me as we move towards the new year....
Day 20 ~ being read to...
There's little that I love more than indulging in a good book with the girlie. Tonight I'm grateful that she shares the reading aloud with me...and the laughter that a well written book can evoke.
