Happy Solstice! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

The wondrous urge and draw to celebrate Light

I took this photo Wednesday at dusk. Here is the neighbours’ seasonal bell they place on the tree outside their home every year.

It must have been part of the sales agreement on the house; it sold several years ago, and the new owners put it up just as the previous owner always did. When you grasp the rope and give it a gentle tug it has a lovely low tone—perfect in a city—that resonates right to your toes, resounding for long minutes. I can’t walk down the street without.

The “retreat” series will be completed in early January. I don’t want to rush the writing! I’d put this photo into the latest post, but have to share it here and now. The bell, the light, the sound. The sound creates a momentary retreat for me as I stop

pull

listen

pause.

And stays with me as I go.

I am deeply grateful that you are here reading, and there—wherever you are—writing.

In a world in which much is upside down, it’s subversive to write or paint or dance. It’s subversive to think, and to create, and to love your neighbour, or even yourself.

Light up the dark. Put a candle in your window.

Wishing you all the deep joy of creating as we go on—

Alison

P.S. A guest post I did for Jolene Handy’s wonderful Time Travel Kitchen, in which I share my ancient eggnog recipe. There’s still time to make it—

Time Travel Kitchen