December Views Week 2

Without planning it, last week's December Views included a lot of colour. This week I seemed to gravitate toward warmth and light...

I love how the sun hits this corner of my office/studio in the afternoon
(Buddha pic is by Girl Seeking Grace and The Three Graces in the back by Lisa Occhipinti)

more sunlight on my girly lampshade

Cassie basking in the afternoon sunlight, she keeps me warm with snuggles

daytime candlelight offers a warm presence while I work on my creative projects

candles and twinkle lights bring evening warmth to a favourite corner of my home

winter twinkle in the office/studio illuminates a favourite painting and Buddha

Solstice Reflections: Kelly Letky

Solstice Reflections 2011 is an online gathering of reflections by seven lovely women on the spirit of winter and the migration from darkness to light. My hope is that they may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter. Click here for all posts to date.

~~~

walking my way into winter

cotton-ball snowflakes falling gently on a night with no wind.

tree branches like lace against a lavender sky.

a fresh expanse of snow unmarred by footprints.

glittering.

the fresh smell of winter's morning.

birds calling.

cardinals dotting a hedgerow like oversized berries.

a fire that roars while the wind howls outside.

kittens curled up and basking in the glow.

time to read and hibernate, a little.

forced to slow down.

a little.

dreams of spring and green and gardens.

wrapped in quilts that feel like love.

::

my footsteps crunch their way through this season.

leading me from endings to beginnings.

i catch a snowflake on my tongue.

hold it there.

savoring the flavor.

another solstice.

rising.

::

~~~

Kelly Letky works as a freelance graphic artist and jewelry designer. In addition to those two hats, she also wears those of photographer, writer, wife, mother, sister, daughter, crazy cat lady, friend, runner, knitter and gardener. Beyond that, she makes regular attempts to be kind, caring, loving, generous, artful, and immersed in each and every moment. She writes at www.mrsmediocrity.com and www.thebluemuse.com.

Solstice Reflections: Rebecca Klier

Solstice Reflections 2011 is an online gathering of reflections by seven lovely women on the spirit of winter and the migration from darkness to light. My hope is that they may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter. Click here for all posts to date.

~~~

Snowflake

Tree with berries

Starry Night

~~~

My name is Rebecca. I like to make and create. On any given day I have been known to sew, paint, crochet, glue, draw, knit, hammer, dig, photograph, plant, design, build and sometimes sing really loud in the car (not necessarily at the same time). My subjects are what moves me - watching a plant grow or birds fly or children laughing or a dog snoring.  I don't like to point myself in any one direction as I'm always curious as to what I left behind or what's around that other corner. Will work for Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies.

(Note from Steph: You can enjoy more of Rebecca's words and illustrations at her Website, deutschemexicana.com.)

Solstice Reflections: Jen Lee

Solstice Reflections 2011 is an online gathering of reflections by seven lovely women on the spirit of winter and the migration from darkness to light. My hope is that they may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter. Click here for all posts to date.

~~~

 Listen to Jen's Solstice Reflections podcast:

~~~

Jen Lee is a voice recovery specialist, independent media producer and a beloved performer in New York City’s storytelling scene, including The Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour and The Moth Mainstage. She is a sought-after mentor and guide for workshops and retreats unleashing creative expression, and the creator of Finding Your Voice and Telling Your Story, cutting-edge personal breakthrough courses. Her latest book, The Care and Keeping of Creative Souls: A Manual, is now available.

Bio photo credit: Bella Cirovic (shetoldstories.com)

December Views Week 1 + a Bit

I've decided to join in on my friend Darlene's December Views again this year. This first bit of December brought a mixture of colour, Christmas decorating, warmth and soothing teas to nurse a lingering cold...

candlelight brings warmth to our evening meals

a vintage find at a favourite consignment shop

I'd been waiting a looong time to savour my first of the season's clementines

a trip to Michaels on a grey day yielded colourful ribbons

lemon ginger tea in a favourite mug has been my comfort these past few weeks

a moment of afternoon sunlight and a well placed garland of faux greenery = camera play