Wintering

The decorations are up, the candles lit. It is one month to the Solstice, so this is my last post of 2020. I’m digging in with writing, studies and a simpler schedule, ready to embrace the festivities and reflection of the season. As I wrote to a friend the other day, who was apologising for weeks between our correspondence, “Friendship doesn’t keep time – it simply makes the most of it.” I’m grateful for the wonderful people in my life, the moments we share.

Writing has been a focus; a coping mechanism to navigate the pandemic. I’ve produced a collection of my children’s stories, written a nonfiction book and begun a new project. It’s been a tough year for humanity, with incomprehensible loss. Like others, I’m creating something as a focus. Creation is magical stuff for dealing with challenging times. Each subject I trained in, over the years has served in some way, planting seeds on the journey. I began writing something last Autumn, sensing a complete picture just out of reach. Regular effort has helped the picture take shape.

There have been home/garden projects, hilarious chats, heartfelt letters and texts and phone calls heralding loss. Silly dancing, tears, singing and overwhelming exhaustion. We’ve streamlined spaces and made fluid plans for meet-ups. I’ve seen others overcome tremendous struggle and create amazing work. I’ve seen kindness and courage emerging like rainbows after rainfall. I’ve listened to grace in the face of adversity and am grateful for those that inspire, with their creativity and decency.

Whatever your plans – adapted as they must be – enjoy moments of celebration and reflection for all you’ve done this year. Peace and love to all.

Louise

All photos copyright © Louise Ann Knight