Monday, December 21, 2009

Waiting for the Light


When the December stratus clouds hover above the mountain, I love going out to walk just before dawn. By the time I get up to the waterfall, the “rosy fingers of dawn” are beginning to streak the sky with their miraculous paint. The clouds change color from light gray to the faintest pink, a huge mess of cotton candy across the morning sky. That same pink tints the snow as well, and for several moments the mountain is a quiet fantasy land. I half expect the fairies to emerge from under the huge oaks and dance until the stars twinkle out.

This morning the light show was particularly meaningful, as today is the first day of winter. The solstice! The days will grow colder, certainly, but at least they will grow a bit lighter every day. It’s the light that sustains me through the winter months. I have walked in temperatures below freezing, but if the sun is shining and there’s snow on the ground, it’s fun, especially if I walk past the campground and kids are playing. I remember those days… coming up to Mt Baldy with my next-door-neighbor, Suzy. Her dad would drive us up every Christmas Eve and we would play in the snow until our sneakers were soaked and our hands were numb. Now I wear high-tech gloves and heavy snow boots. It’s a lot more fun….

Besides the longer days (slowly but surely), I have other reasons to celebrate. Three years ago I adopted a small black cat with a chopped off tail and brought her home during Christmas break. As I write this, she sits just feet from my chair, front paws tucked neatly beneath her, watching the raccoons who have come to the French doors to beg for cookies. Sugar Plum has blessed my life in ways I don’t need to explain to those of you who love animals. She has her own Facebook page now….

And one year ago Tainted Legacy was released. Two days before Christmas, I drove up to Apple Valley to visit my mom. I spent the afternoon with her, then just before I left, I pulled a copy of the book out of my bag and put it in her hands. The look on her face was priceless indeed. She stayed up half the night reading it. In the year since the book was released, I’ve had amazing adventures with book signings, speaking engagements, and traveling back to Missouri to wander through graveyards (again) and reconnect with friends. This, too, has been a blessing in my life, and I am thankful every day that the story—as much of it as we know—has finally been told.

There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace. We’re supposed to get snow tonight. I have plenty of firewood, a warm blanket to wrap up in, and a cat who will find a spot beside me to snuggle into. Bring on the winter. I’m ready.

10 comments:

  1. And we're ready for your wonderful blogs. Libby

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  2. Ben (A.K.A Best grandson in the world!!!!!!!)December 21, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    lol, nice picture nana! looks like fun!

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  3. You look like you are having fun. Did I understand that you published a book? If so, what is it about and where can you buy a copy? Have a Merry Christmas...

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  4. Libby, Ben--I love you!

    glnroz: If you read my blogs for June, there are mentions of the book, Tainted Legacy, but for a synopsis of what it's about, go to:
    http://www.skaymurphy.com

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  5. i agree with Ben ma! i LOVE that picture! now that we're up in the snow, our snow play days are fewer! we should make a date in January to drag the kids up there and sled!

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  6. Kay, just watch out for the bears
    Jean

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  7. Nice to meet you the other day at the waterfall. Must be nice to just walk into your cozy cabin after strolling around Mt. Baldy instead of driving back to the land of pavement.

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  8. I popped over from glnroz blog and so happy I have, you do have a way of sharing your wonderful morning walk making me feel as I was walking with you....:-) Hugs

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  9. Lucky me, I came across you from Glnroz. I will surely stay a while. Great writing

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  10. Sam, if you ever need anything while you're on the mountain, feel free to stop by my cabin! (Ask the neighbors; they'll direct you.)

    Bernie, Char, how nice to meet you! And thanks for your kind words. Glenn is bringing together a lot of nice people!

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