Spiritual Journey Thursday and Poetry Friday, Week 48: Wintering

Kim Johnson hosted  Spiritual Journey Thursday with the topic of 'Wintering".  She recently finished reading Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.  It is a TBR book on my imaginary pile for a while.

The fabulous  Carol at The Apples in My Orchard is hosting Poetry Friday.  She's reflecting on caring for her father and the seasonal transitions.
I researched quotes by Katherine May and found several that rang true to me:
When it’s really cold, the snow makes a lovely noise underfoot, and it’s like the air is full of stars.” — Katherine May

“That is wintering. It is the active acceptance of sadness. It is the practice of allowing ourselves to feel it as a need. It is the courage to stare down the worst parts of our experience and to commit to healing them the best we can.” — Katherine May

“We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.”— Katherine May

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I  also follow Christine Valters Paintner. I subscribe to daily messages.  This recent one tied in so beautifully with the topic of wintering,

I love all the seasons. The season I am in is my favorite.  They each bring a unique rhythm.  The invitation of winter invites me to begin the day by having tea and the gas fire lit.  I watch as sunrise shows up.  This year as part of wintering and the Christmas season, I have be participating in the "Advent Photo-of-the-Day".  I am enjoying the challenge to photo something for the word of the day and creating a tiny poem for #haikuforhealing24 and #haikuforpersistence24.  Below are some of the recent haiku for wintering and being in the season.

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It's 28 days until the new year! Time to start thinking of sending New Year Post Cards! I've have also been thinking that this is an excellent way to incorporate the small poems that some have been writing thanks to Mary Lee Hahn and the hashtag #haikuforhealing2024 and mine #haikuforresilience2024.

Send five, send ten or send to all?
In Japan, it’s called Nengajo, a Japanese custom of ushering in the new year.​  
How It Works:

• Choose to send five or ten postcards.
• Create a postcard:  you can buy a postcard and write a poem on the other side or you can create one postcard to send to everyone (I use Walgreens or Zazzle)
• Once you get the names, send by January 29, 2025 (start of the Chinese New Years and someone's bday. wonder who?)
• If you choose, you can work in the Chinese animal for 2025: The year of the Wood Snake. It is not required.

Click here to join us: 2025 New Year Post Card Exchange


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 Announcement: #haikuforpersistence2025 #poetryforpersistence2025

As we begin 2025, there will be changes and challenges for us. Many of us were hoping for a different outcome last November.  On Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10AM-3 PM EST , 7 AM-12PM PST, I will have a Zoom Writing and Creating Salon as a place to write for ​#haikuforpersistence2025  and #poetryforpersistence2025.

I will be honest, I am a teeny bit scared about hosting this salon.  I am hoping to share some mentor poems (DM me if you have one that would be good), having writing time, and share in community if you feel moved.  Also, I think I want to have a c0-host to help me monitoring the Zoom room and tech (DM me if interested)

I am also suggesting that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.  I am seriously considering donating to Planned Parenthood. Details and sign up some. You know,  in some ways this is my OLW (Expand) in action.