Ticking Down
The days are ticking down to the Solstice. It is finally, unequivocally cold here in the sunny Californian bread basket we call the Central Valley. Ice laced the leaves and ground this morning, making everything blue and quiet. I can sense the turning inward. I see it in the eyes of all of my boys. It’s a tiredness of spirit and body. It’s a longing to stay home, snuggle up, play all day in our pajamas, and drink tea. Our morning routine has become harder to get through; Lucas and Asher both move like they are stuck in a vat of molasses. Everything is slow—waking, eating, dressing, facing the day. As parents stirring the vat everyday, we cannot succumb to the freezing of motivation. We must persist, do, go, work, accomplish. For now. Within a few days, we too will be able to relax a little. To settle in and enjoy the stillness. I’m hoping so, anyway. I’m hoping for a mellow, joyful holiday season in which we can reflect, rest, and revel in the turning of the year.
