Winter

If you really know me, you know that I would much rather have the temperature be 20 degrees than 80 degrees. I woke up to a gentle snow and moderate wind this morning. Judging by the sound of the few vehicles traveling outside, I can infer that the roads are a little slippery. I took this opportunity to go on a walkabout around my yard. Although I only have between three and four acres, the slow traverse across my yard over the accumulated snow is purposeful and puts me in a contemplative mood. I hear the gentle snow falling in the quiet of the small woods in my back corner of my land, the blue jays alerting the creatures that someone is coming. I see an owl take flight, being harassed by some crows. In the snow are the trails of various mammals, mainly deer who have a few runs criss-crossing across my back yard. I am one of the few of my neighbors who don't hunt so the deer seem to appreciate my stand of pines in which they can bed down in comfort and security. Today is one of those days where I have already decided I am not going anywhere. I forgot my calendar at work, I was thinking of baking cookies, and I could walk along the lake. Instead, I will take time to appreciate what I have and do some decluttering. I will

also dream. Of spring. While I enjoy winter, I also love the planning that goes into another gardening season. A friend gave me the Whole Earth Seed Catalog for my birthday. I've already read through it and marveled at the amazing variety that exists in the plant world. Today I will make my short list of seeds to order. I will go through the FEDCO catalog. Years ago my spouse discovered this company and I appreciate their commitment to avoiding Monsanto with all of its evilness. And as an English teacher, I enjoy some of the write-ups about the seeds they offer. It makes me think that there are some English majors working for them! In anticipation of my seeds to be ordered, I brought in my seed starting containers. Today I will wash them and get them warmed up so they are ready to go when the time is right. In the weeks ahead, I have some serious decisions to make regarding my future. I hope to have more of a direction within the month. As I walk around the beauty that is my yard, my garden is one of the things that keeps me connected to this small patch of earth. Even in the winter, I can see the beauty and the potential. I have spent over 25 years as the steward for this plot. I took it from grass to a very productive, quality garden soil. Compost, care, rotating crops and planning helped to make the soil what it is. I hope to have garden space where I am living this summer, at Dancing Rabbit. My plan is to plant some spring crops there when I go there the end of March. I'll do the same here. Perhaps I will continue at DR into the fall or perhaps I will return for another year of teaching. Regardless, I want to have plants in both places to hedge my bets. I have decided to give up my Madison community garden as I will not be there this summer.

Winter seems to be the perfect time to quiet the mind. As I write this, I am listening to George Winston's December. Most of his music resonates with me and adds comfort to my mindset. I know that I have steps to take in different facets of my life. I know that my path is not completely clear as I look on the horizon. And it is more than the dusting of the snow that is obscuring my vision. However, I know that I need to continue down my path, taking those proverbial first steps that will result in my thousand mile journey.

May the calmness of the day be yours.