solstice

more than any other day on the calendar at this time of year, the winter solstice serves as a striking reminder of yet another trip around the sun. it is the shortest day of the year; we can only go up from here. we have winter to get through but the days will be growing longer. snow will fall but we'll have more daylight in which to enjoy it.

there was a brisk wind blowing from the north as i enjoyed a run this afternoon. i warmed up as i ran away from it, but once i turned into the breeze i zipped up my jacket and returned my gloves to my hands. the shadows were exceptionally long, even at 3:30 in the afternoon. i thought about walking downtown for dinner in the summer, still in the sun after 7:00. it feels like a lifetime ago.

tonight's long hours beckon me to do some baking to celebrate the coming new year. later i'll curl up with a fantastic book i'm reading and as my eyelids close for the night i'll say a brief thank you for all the past year has held and convey some hope for the coming one.