Wednesday Vignette: Happy Solstice!
I'm forgoing a more lengthy post this week in favor of a simple Wednesday Vignette, hosted by Anna at Flutter&Hum.
I read Anna's post before I started writing mine, and found her eloquent message putting much of my own feelings this week into words. I feel a sense of building pressure in the world around me, both immediate and at large, but I also feel a quiet determination and sense of purpose. It's not that unusual. People often respond to pressure by finding reserves of hidden strength. I'm more determined than ever in my goals, and I'm starting to find those hidden reserves again.
The winter solstice also helps shift my attitude. Though it marks the beginning of winter on our calendars, the days are getting longer and the countdown to spring has begun. It was a remarkably beautiful day here in the PNW for December. It was sunny, and for once the sun wasn't accompanied by an Arctic air mass. I took a very quick walk around part of the garden and noticed the buds of Hamemelis 'Jelena' beginning to open. Added to the garden just this fall, this witchhazel produced a couple blooms earlier in November right after planting. Now it's preparing for the main show, ribbon-like petals held like coiled springs, ready to burst open. It seemed the perfect symbol for the day. There are still many cold, dreary weeks ahead, but each day will be a bit longer, and spring that much closer.
I read Anna's post before I started writing mine, and found her eloquent message putting much of my own feelings this week into words. I feel a sense of building pressure in the world around me, both immediate and at large, but I also feel a quiet determination and sense of purpose. It's not that unusual. People often respond to pressure by finding reserves of hidden strength. I'm more determined than ever in my goals, and I'm starting to find those hidden reserves again.
The winter solstice also helps shift my attitude. Though it marks the beginning of winter on our calendars, the days are getting longer and the countdown to spring has begun. It was a remarkably beautiful day here in the PNW for December. It was sunny, and for once the sun wasn't accompanied by an Arctic air mass. I took a very quick walk around part of the garden and noticed the buds of Hamemelis 'Jelena' beginning to open. Added to the garden just this fall, this witchhazel produced a couple blooms earlier in November right after planting. Now it's preparing for the main show, ribbon-like petals held like coiled springs, ready to burst open. It seemed the perfect symbol for the day. There are still many cold, dreary weeks ahead, but each day will be a bit longer, and spring that much closer.
Yes! Love your description of the blooms being like coiled springs. I should go out and take a look at my witch hazel. I really hope the sense we are feeling is actually of quiet determination and purpose and not people just sitting back and giving up. I mean, I swear if that bunch of wankers that have been nominated for cabinet posts gets confirmed with ease I will be so mad.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I have to admit, most of my determination and focus are self-centered. The nightmare that is the world right now sucks me in too easily and then I get nothing done. I have to block most of it out.
DeleteIt's easy to get dragged down by what's happening in the world. Focusing on what you can control or influence is key, as is setting goals and boundaries - going down a rabbit hole usually doesn't accomplish much.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I learned long ago that I'm too easily sucked down that rabbit hole. I'm still working on focusing on what I can control.
DeleteAh thanks for the reminder to get close and check things out. My witch-hazel is still hanging on to its leaves, so if the flowers are swelling they'd be easy to miss.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if mine will hang on to its leaves as long next year, when it's more established...
DeleteI love winter solstice; its the start of climbing back up towards the light. We are fortunate to have had a nice sunny day in Seattle which was a perfect way to celebrate the shortest day of year. Today will be a tiny bit longer... Can you feel it? I knew you could.
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful and sunny here yesterday, too, though other areas seem to have been covered in fog. I think I'm going to start celebrating the solstice instead of Christmas. I feel it more.
DeleteThat photo captures the promise of spring perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ricki. Hopefully winter will fly by!
DeleteTried commenting on this, this past Wednesday, but apparently it didn't take... Anyway, it is Christmas morning. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday, Evan! I do covet your Jelena so... Please keep posting more photos as it unfurls!
ReplyDelete