All is calm. All is bright.

Last night, above:  clear, cold, and bright, the moonlight reflecting off the snow-topped peaks. 

Tonight: a skiff of new snow over top of the ice, and still, even with a thin cloud cover, all is bright, thanks to that moon. 

This morning: met up with a friend for coffee and tea at the newly opened coffee shop which has joined with the local book store and yarn store.  Does it get much better than that?

This evening:  Have just come from solstice festivities, a gathering around the bonfire with friends up in a snowier part of the mountains, with fabulous foods and aquavit shared outside in the crisp, snowy night.  C went straight from there to another solstice drum circle (so good to see him take a break from working and get out).  The boys are asleep, rosy cheeked and tuckered out from running and wrestling in the snow.  All is calm.

Found myself idly putting this disc in yesterday for the first time in maybe a year or more (given to us several years ago by an old friend of C's who then played bass with them).  It was one of those times when, rather than change out the disc, it was just easier to hit play again, and after a few times, I was finally hearing the words again and, in one of the songs, the word "solstice" stood out.  Then, looking at the liner notes, saw that the title of the song was "Solstice":

When the trees grow bare

in the frost chilled air

And the shadows long and cold,

Kindle the night,

With a seasons light,

and a melody of old,

   *       *       *

To dance across the field of snow,

The wheels of stars-a-turning,

When the season dims, gather friends,

And keep the fire burning.

   *       *       *

For the night wouldn't feel so cold,

If we all had a flame to hold,

And the fire never burns so bright,

As the darkest hour of the solstice night.

Happy Solstice to all and to all a good night. 

Comments

[Paige]

Long-time reader, firt-time commenter here. Just wanted to say "hi" and what a wonderful post to read before turning in for the night. Oh, and coffee + books + yarn...? I'd better go lie down now....
Happiness to you and yours!

[Lizz]

Happy Solstice!

[Hege]

Beautiful picture!!

God jul og godt nyttår to you and your family!!

[celeste]

Hi! the moon has been doing magical things here at night too...we are at the top of the clouds, so it's beautiful to watch them skim and flow. Sounds like my kind of store! The fun of small town life ;0)

I really liked your tree collection below. Made my lefse yesterday, sending you a few virtual pieces;0)

[Amber]

Siri--Wishing you and your family a wonderful solstice amidst the clear winter skies... Good cheer---- Amber

[Erica]

Hi there,
This is such a beautiful post. The photo captured, for me, the beautiful darkness that comes with Solstice night. It's such a blessing to realize that there are gifts in the the dark times too. Thank you so much for sharing it.
erica

[N]

Awesome pics of the kids playing games!!! Merry Chritmas and Happy New year to you and your family!!!