The light returns

The season of light returning to the world is upon us. This illuminated tree was a gift from a foggy day in November here on Bowen Island. The land still offers its inspiration to you.

May 2006 be a year of light and peace for hosting colleagues and fellows worldwide.

Solstice Greetings . . .

Although the Winter Solstice passed a few days ago, it is one of my favorite days of the year and the only holiday that I celebrate during this time of the year. (In case you didn't notice, I'm a much bigger fan of Halloween than I am of X-mas!)

My dear colleague Bob S. sent out this beautiful poem celebrating the dark, pensive and reflective nature of these short, cold days. Some of you may also have received it . . . I definitely wanted to share it with you, my dear AoH family:

Snowy Night
by Mary Oliver

Last night, an owl
in the blue dark
tossed
an indeterminate number

of carefully shaped sounds into
the world, in which,
a quarter of a mile away, I happened
to be standing.

I couldn't tell
which one it was,
the barred or the great-horned
ship of the air,

it was that distant. But, anyway,
aren't there moments
that are better than knowing something,
and sweeter? Snow was falling,

so much like stars
filling the dark trees
that one could easily imagine
its reason for being was nothing more

than prettiness. I suppose
if this were someone else's story
they would have insisted on knowing
whatever is knowable would have hurried

over the fields
to name it - the owl, I mean.
But it’s mine, this poem of the night,
and I just stood there, listening and holding out

my hands to the soft glitter
falling through the air. I love this world,
but not for its answers.
And I wish good luck to the owl,

whatever its name
and I wish great welcome to the snow,
whatever its severe and comfortless
and beautiful meaning.

© Mary Oliver

Hold the Heartstone . . .

Painting from our second virtual circle call. Lots of love to you all this holiday season. Enjoy!