Today is the winter solstice- the longest night of the year.Since ancient times people celebrated that after this night the world turns to light again. Yule is the time of awakening-a time to welcome all that is new and possible.So take time in the hustle and bustle to light a candle to remember that even in the coldest darkest time- light and warmth will return
Brightest blessings
Pattyann

Pattyann, that is a lovely tradition.
Thank you for sharing it!
For me today is going to be the longest day of the year. I just started working retail and they have me working until 11:30pm! The customers tonight will get very good deals as I will probably fall asleep by 10!

Happy Solstice Pattyann, and bright blessings. As the days grow longer, may your blessings grow.

THanks Meredith-i hope the light shines as brightly in your life

i celebrated the solstice by the soft glow of my lightbox...doesn't sound zen, but it really was...
i depress easily during the winter months and that lightbox has given me the opportunity to enjoy this season in whole new ways -- like awake

a warm and bright yule wish for all!

[ December 22, 2005, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: msdiana ]

Happy solstice Pattyann and may the glow from that lightbox illuminate all the best things for you in the coming New Year.

Thanks Chatty
I understand completely about the lightbox thingie- seasonal affective disorder is tough- just think diana- minute by minute the days are getting longer!!

Ah...my second favorite day of the year. The first is June 21...the l-o-n-g-e-s-t day of the year!

Merry Christmas,

Sandrea- isn't it wonderful that when we're ready for the sun it comes and just as wonderful that the quiet of darkness returns too in it's time

Isn't our Creator wonderful? When I consider the work of His hands... everything in it's time... the beauty of a sunset, the hope that comes with sunrise...I can only praise HIM!

God is such an incredible artist. Everything working together as one. The sun, the moon, the stars, daylight and dark all in harmony with every living thing.

How wonderfully blessed we are to be a part of His creation.

smile

We have some of the most beautiful sunsets...it was one of the reasons we moved here.

Last evening, you could see layers and layers of fluffed indigo colored clouds....
Looking toward the south... pastel yellow streaked across the sky , from the last traces of the sun shinning through. Touches of light blue & purple in various shades, surrounded the yellow and then faded back into indigo layers.

What wonderful masterpiece's we are given on a daily basis.

All power and glory, to our heavenly father.

And we are all truly blessed when we stop and notice the beauty all around us

All we need to do is take the time to open our eyes to His beauty. It surrounds us and often tiems we walk through life with blinders on totally unaware of His grace.

He is THE greatest artist. And He shares His exhibit with all of us, every day, for free!!

We saw the most incredible sunset the other night! It was as though the sky was streaked with rainbows. I'd never seen anything like it. It gave me a feeling of peace that I sorely needed at that moment.

Nature can be the best medicine!

Today is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it!

Pattyann, it was wonderful to be reminded that we are returning to the light again. I actually felt a sigh of relief escaping me while reading that. It was a nice reminder that these cold dark nights are eventually ending.

I've been reading about people who suffer from SAD and it occurs to me...are those people actually getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine that *is* available this time of year? Yeah, it's cold but dress for the weather and cold isn't a problem; rather it's a great time of year, just another season that God uses to give His earth and children a blessing.

I spent two hours outside today...using the tractor to set out hay for the horses and sheep, going to town to pick up Christmas trees to feed the sheep, setting the trees out for the sheep...just usual chores for this time of year. When I was washing up for supper I noticed my face is a bit sunburned...what a nice gift! It was a beautiful day...great for being outside and drinking in the fresh air, sunshine and signs/sounds of the day.

Maybe if people would get outside even in the winter, they could defeat SAD more easily...?

When I'm knitting in our sunroom, I use an OTT light which is a full spectrum light. It's supposed to help with SAD as well but heck, when I'm looking out of windows that are 5 feet by 4 feet...it's a little like taking coals to Newcastle, ya know? :>)

I love being outside and totally agree with you Thistle Cove.

I do have a friend who gets really down from SADD. I have never had SADD but I do understand how my friend is easily affected by it. She's not really an outdoor person. When she lived next door to me I would divide up my plants from my yard and go plant them for her. I love to walk around my yard to see new buds coming up in early and I also walk seven miles a day. I think it's why my health is so good and I have no arthritis.

I look forward to May 1st and the three ruby throated humming birds that make my yard their home.

ThistleCove, when I see the healthiest people who are really old I notice I am like them. We all like to dig in the garden and get sweaty and dirty. We love being outside and taking long walks. We are not interested in focusing on food. Food is a secondary element to nourish my body not to over feed it and make me sick.

I wish I could motivate everyone to get outside and walk, dig in your gardens and plant things. For people who don't have any space to garden many plants and shrubs can thrive in containers. Many plants that attract hummingbirds can be planted in containers.

For me, some of my greatest inspiration and joy comes simply from walking the aisles of plants outside at my local nurseries. The owners of these establishments know me personally and often ask me what they should stock more of.

When you are outside you are getting vitamin D on your skin. When you dig and pull to plant something you are stretching muscles. When you are outside your appetite almost vanishes as you labor in the garden. When it's all done you feel energized and you can relax and look at the beauty you have created. I even do it for my elderly neighbor without charging her for my services. I created an English garden for her in front of her picture window.

Anyone can do this. It strenghthens your body and takes your mind off of other things. Let it be your inspiration to better health not only physically, but emotionally as well.