Leaves Falling on Snow
leaves falling on snow
unpredictability
open to surprise
No one predicted winter would arrive while fall was still on display. It is a little disconcerting to be walking and driving through landscapes covered with snow, with leaves on top. The trees still hold their red and yellow foliage, and it all looks out of sorts. It’s not like a last-ditch attempt in the spring when winter clings to the trees. This is different.
As a consequence, at least for me and my grandson, we are discombobulated. As we drove to Spirit of Math after school today, he snoozed in the car, claiming fatigue, inertia, and wanting to go to bed and stay under the covers. I felt the same, but since I was driving, that wasn’t an option. As it turns out, several people I have talked to are suffering from a malady of the weather. (or maybe it is just November)
My musings are not a complaint but rather the surprise of unmet weather expectations. Of course, that’s an oxymoron because the weather doesn’t conform to our expectations or preferences. Weather dictates our clothes, not the other way around.
I’ve concluded, through this trivial episode, that no matter how flexible and adaptable we see ourselves, we are all subject to the wiles of fortune, like the grain of sand in the shoe. As my mother believed, it isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you out but those grains of sand in your shoe.
Tomorrow, I will give my shoes a shake, but tonight I am going to settle into the desire for a temporary hibernation and enjoy the luxury of a cozy and sleepy evening.
Notes
1)Thank you, dear readers, for all your lovely comments and emails that come my way every week. I do hope I have answered them all, but if any slipped through the cracks, please let me know. I love our correspondence.
2)I am enjoying a free writing program with the Lombardi Arts and Humanities. They have much to offer everyone.
3)For anyone who is impacted by cancer in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Wellspring Alberta for excellent free programs. They are dedicated to health-promoting programs, expert speakers, and extraordinary hospitality.
4) Many of you know that last August, I co-facilitated a hybrid retreat in Victoria with my friend and colleague Helga Beer. This next August, we are delighted to announce that Emma Rooney (Forest Bathing and Creativity Facilitator) from Toronto will join us on Bowen Island, off of Vancouver. If you are curious and would like information, please send me a note and I will forward the details.
5) If you haven’t been introduced to Sulieka Jaouad, I can recommend so much of her work. Her latest book, The Book of Alchemy, and her weekly blog, The Isolation Journals, are read by tens of thousands. Creativity is her springboard, and she is a brilliant writer, teacher and encourager. She is young, has had cancer three times, and considers each day to be “the first day.”
Suleika is also a vocal advocate for prison and healthcare reform. Jaouad has served on Barack Obama’s Presidential Cancer Panel and was the recipient of the inaugural Inspire Award from NMDP (formerly Be the Match) for her work to expand and diversify the national bone marrow registry.
6) I hope wherever you are and whatever circumstances you are in, that you are managing, asking for help, living fully while you are able, in whatever way that means to you. Thank you for reading my blog. Warmest wishes for courage, strength, resilience and joy. Trudy
Yes, Trudy I want to be at that August retreat. It will be wonderful. Second, our Wendy introduced me to Sulieka and I have been following her ever since. A thank you to Wendy. Sulieka is such an inspiration and her Book of Alchemy is wonderful. Roses still blooming here on the island; hard to believe it is winter but when I see your pictures and Emma’s pictures I can almost smell the snow. Hibernation is good for the soul!!!
Dear Patricia: Thank you for your frequent poetic notes. I always appreciate them. Loved seeing you today in the FB Studio. Warmly, Trudy
Have the need to snuggle too Trudy although we are not cooling down until tomorrow.
Thanks dear Jean. I am in need of cozy warmth these days. Big hugs, Trudy
Leaves and snow, not what we are accustomed to but anything is possible these days. I’m ready to snuggle in and spend some quality resting time 🙂 happy winter to you Trudy xoxo
I like the sound of happy winter, Janice. It makes me open my mind another crack. 🙂 Warmly, Trudy
Stay cozy my friend
Sort of silly here too heart is beginning to have better moments on my way to visit Cindy.