Sensory Joy
Photos 166, 167, 168 & 169
It still feels strange to not form my day around the needs of my mother. There are still aspects of caregiving that I have to do but she’s not in my space anymore; or more correctly: I’m not in hers. I can come and go without having to let her know I’m leaving, where I’m going, when I’ll be back. It’s a tentative freedom. I am finding joy and delight in the novelty of it.
Photo 166 - Having a birthday which coincides with the first day of advent means I was always guaranteed to get at least one advent calendar each birthday. My favorite neighbor was usually the one to send it. I remember the last year I got one from her, only a few years ago now, but it was bittersweet. We don’t often know when the last time will be, only knowing it in retrospect. Because I’ve lost so many people in the past three years, people who were very much a part of my life from when I was born, I decided to buy myself my own advent calendar this year. A chocolate one with a celstial theme. It was sublime. Each day was a treat, literally and figuratively, and brought me more joy and delight than I can convey. Somehow it helped heal my heart, at least a little.
Photo 167 - There is nothing like trees and candles and light to ease the heart in the cold winter days. Pure joy to sit in silence as the flames flicker.
Photo 168 - A friend asked if I would take a photo of a neighbor’s barn with the full moon rising over it. He had just put up the wreath and spot light and wanted to gift the image to the owner of the property. It was a beyond cold evening. I was sick and unwell and I traveled the long distance (about a mile :-)) to stand on the roadside dodging cars and deer, to wait for the right amount of dark. This barn is an iconic island landmark and it is a heart warmer on the long dark nights of winter. Jolly Jupiter was also visible and a delightful bonus.
Photo 169 - The night after the barn photo, my husband snapped this photo of the full moon starting to set over the north light. This place where we live is magical, even on the hard days.
We are so blessed.
Happy belated birthday, my friend.
❤️❤️😘