The days are slowly, incrementally becoming longer. Although I know this to be a fact, it’s something I can’t yet feel or see. The mornings are dark and cold, and then anywhere from about 4 pm it’s dark and cold again!
This year I carefully prepared for this annual trial by challenging weather. I decided to keep really busy. In the past I’ve felt this gloomy cloud slowly envelop me. I’ve grieved over the loss of light. I bought a special SAD light to help me feel my perky self. But sometimes these things aren’t as straightforward as they seem. |
The bears are one step ahead at this time of the year. Infuriating to think they have the answer to living gracefully through the winter days, whereas some folks like me don’t accept this part of nature at all. They stuff themselves in the beautiful fall days, then sleep until Spring beckons, waking up slim and ready to go eat again. Humans on the other hand tend to stuff themselves all winter, waking up to reality in the New Year, when they resolve to slim down.
For some, it isn't merry
It was hard to wish folks a merry Christmas, realizing and remembering so many all over the globe were without homes and family members too. It's kind of hard to be merry when you think about loved ones who have left us.
- December 22 - Anak Krakatau Tsunami December 22 killed an estimated 430 people, with 1,500 injured and an estimated 22,000 displaced.
- November 8-25 - The dreadful Northern and Southern California wildfires killed 91, 15,000 structures (including homes) and 230,000 acres were scorched by the fires.
- October 10 - category 4 Hurricane Michael wreaked huge damage in the Florida Panhandle and other areas. 6 deaths, and over a million buildings without electricity.
- September 28 - another Indonesia tsunami, this time striking mainly the island of Sulawesi, mainly its central province, Palu. 844 deaths, but still counting.
- September 13-17 - hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, lingering for days, and causing severe flooding, .42 deaths.
Of course these are just a tiny number of the disasters that struck all over the world in 2018.Several more are happening even as I’m thinking of and writing about them. Just the sheer number and severity of them convinces me that climate change is very real, not just a figment of the scientists collective brains.
Can you fight cruelty with kindness? Build joy out of sadness?
There’s not much I can do to help the sadness in this world. But I do know you have to keep searching for the good bits too, and there are many precious nuggets to be found, whatever happens. We’re breathing down the neck of what could be a remarkable 2019. My strategy is going to be making excitement and joy right here in my little world, and I’m looking forward to doing that with such anticipation.
I went to check on the lemon and lime trees under their cosy Remay cover, heated by a strand of Christmas lights. This is unbelievable! The lime tree is suddenly covered with beautiful, snow-white perfumed buds and blossoms! I’ll be out there, pollinating with my little paintbrush tomorrow.
Other happiness things!
- So far no snow in our area, Love this, as I can travel around easily, and no driveway to shovel.
- Spring bulbs are peeking out of the ground!
- My Avocado tree is blossoming! More about that later...yep it's in the sunroom!
- A blue, cloudless sky with lots of sun today.
- Excitement at the thought of a New Year ahead, with all kinds of things you can promise yourself.
Huge wishes for a 2019 that will meet your wishes and actions in the best way possible!
Vicki