It's been a hard, cold winter this winter of 2014. Lake effect snows, followed by a "Polar Vortex" and  a blizzard, followed by more lake effect snows and weeks of sub-zero temperatures.  

In a way, it all feels good and right to have plenty of snow, wind, and ice in January. I'm not really complaining. But it does take it's toll on us. Especially when the temps hover below zero and the sun does not show his face for weeks at a time. Going outside to get some "fresh air and sunshine" is not an option. Ski's and snowshoes sit dusty and neglected. The best thing to do is hunker down (hibernate anyone?), eat nourishing warming food, drink pots of tea….and READ.  

Oh the joy of sitting with a book by the wood stove without guilt or reserve! I have gotten to know Abraham Lincoln  very well - have learned all about the workings of bees and the duties of those who lovingly "keep" them -and have learned how to make a fence out of saplings (not that I AM going to make a fence out of saplings…but now I know..) I have become somewhat (mostly) sedentary. 

Oh these long, dark, and cold days of January.  All as it should be.

~j

Christmas.  Not the big thrill of Christmas morning. The small moments in between.  The smiles - the hugs - the quiet moments - the stillness between the movement.  That is where my joy is found. 

~j

Fireflies

Summer on the hill. What a delight for all of my senses! We weathered our first winter - learned some things along the way.  A stove will be necessary - some new windows and a door to keep out the cold drafts.  But now - oh the joy!  Fireflies and full moons - cool breezes - hayfields blowing their wavy soft ripples in the wind - sunsets on the front porch.  As Caleb's friend so eloquently put it: "Your house is the bomb!".  I don't yet have a camera to capture the beauty -you just have to trust me.

~j

How do I take the visions in my mind and longings in my heart and manifest them in the coming year?   My deepest longings for the coming year are to live simply, to remain present and aware, and to love.  Always to love.

Maybe it's just me getting older - but I feel a deep longing to turn inward and nestle into my life.  No searching out there - but resting in here.  I am most content when my family is close and I am connected to the present moment.  This old house and the surrounding hills add to my sense of contentment.  I am good right now.  

Is it age? Or is the world calling out for a simpler way?  Only time will tell. For now I will watch the snow fall, tend to my flocks  (be they family, friends, or feathered) the best that I can, and nourish my body and soul with fresh air, deep breaths, good food and love.  

In an instant I am reminded of the beauty in the world.

~ emma ~

My 43rd birthday.  

I love birthdays.  No matter what - the day never fails to be magical with special surprises.  

Today I received hand-made cards from my two youngest with rainbows and hearts and love. I received well wishes from dozens of friends and family.  I spent my day with my Ma and  Pa and little Norah - exploring and appreciating our new home on the hill - then off through the hills to Ellicottville for lunch and some browsing in the cool shops.  Home to a delicious apple pie made especially for me by Nana, with vanilla ice cream and a mug of good coffee.  Back up to the hill so Norah could plant her hickory tree seeds in the back field. We placed a rock next to the seeds so we would remember to watch for them to grow.  Sat on the front porch of my future home to bask in the  warm sun and watch the leaves drift off the trees.  

I am so grateful. 

~j

The first frost has turned leaves white.  We were hoping to be up on the hill by now.  Settled in and cozy by the fire.  But we are still waiting. This has been the year of waiting.  I have been up at the house a few times - to run the water so the well doesn't become stagnant.  The house if friendly and waiting patiently for us to occupy it.  The land is becoming wild with no daily movement and tending.  I will go up daily until we close. The house, the land and I - we are getting to know each other little by little.