Hello Friends,

    I trust that you are all well and happy, and that life is good for each of you this February . . . 

    Yesterday while driving out into the wintery weather to pick up a few supplies, I noticed that several cornfields were filled with flocks of wild geese. Even though it is still very cold (-13 here tonight) and snowy, the annual spring gathering has begun it appears.  Natures wisdom and perfection is quite amazing. The ceremony and perpetuity of this ancient ritual is a truly unfathomable wonder.  It leaves one pondering the mysteries of all the great cycles, seasons and signs of life.
     On a nearby river, just below a small dam and waterfall a flotilla of rare red-breasted mergansers swam and dived. They too seem to be gathering, instinctively awaiting the coming warmth and bountiful spring runs of spawning fish. The tiny pool of open water where the birds had landed was a lucky find as everywhere else the creeks and rivers are still frozen solid enough to make safe walking trails and temporary snowmobile highways for the local human population

    It is interesting to note the qualities of the creatures one encounters as one moves through life. . . .Geese, for example, are traditionally associated with commitment, loyalty, protection, creativity and the ability to be both grounded and spiritually connected in daily life. Being creatures of earth and air as well as water., they show us how to move easily through diverse elements and yet maintain the true nature of who we are as individuals. Geese speak of migration, personal quests and flying free of old family imprints and patterns. Geese call out for creative self expression, especially in the form of stories and writing, and ask for fierce reflection
    Mergansers on the other hand are said to bring emotional healing, strength and protection. Just as they dive deep for their food, we are shown how to dive deep in the waters of life for our own well being and sustenance. Merganser with his shaggy crest says, open your mind to new opportunities and allow the river to support you. With his ruby eye and beak he says, take action and go for the treasures that await. With his red breast he says, follow your heart and let the world of mystics and lovers be your inspiration. 

    Today dawned sunny and frigidly cold. The white brilliance of snow contrasting sharply with the long shadows of tree and out building, each footstep and animal track clearly outlined in the silent landscape. Even the toe marks of small birds and mice could be easily discerned and recognized. Yes, winter still persists, but the slant of sunlight has grown higher, songs of chickadees are in the air, and the ancient ritual of gathering for the mystical rites of spring has begun. . . .

                                       Reverent Peace, SvG
    
    
     
 

Dear Friends,

   Today has been very windy and cold with snow flying sideways and piling in drifts that look like soft, white waves frozen in time. All of the evergreens have fluffy blankets and there is not a sprig of grass in sight.  Though most lives have a harder time in winter, the snow is really quite beautiful in its own cold way. There is a stillness and peace that is different from the busy summer months of nesting, growth, and the scramble for food and territory. 
    Walking back from the barn a few evenings past I was delighted to hear the close by song of the lone silver wolf, that passes this way ever so often. Kiva-dog and I stopped, listened to his deep, primal voice and shivered involuntarily, awed by the ancient music of the night. Though our wolf brother sang his song of companionship, good hunting and spring, winter will be keeping its icy hold over the land for some time yet I reckon.

    It is dark here now, the fresh snow lit softly with silver moon-glow.  My heart companion, finally home again, rests quietly downstairs in his hospital bed, breath slow and rhythmic, damaged leg wrapped snugly in its immobilizer for the evening. It has been quite a journey these last weeks, two very close calls, but we seem to have made it through the worst. I have high hopes that some real progress in healing can begin now. 
    Though he has a long way to go, the man has handled everything remarkably well . I am quite touched by the humility and grace he has been able to maintain throughout so much trauma. It is truly amazing what the human spirit can endure. Perhaps it is all an initiation of sorts, a call to a new plain, way of living, and destination.  An initiation across the mind, through the body, and into the heart . . .
    Many thanks again to all who have been there for us in our time of need . . . 
    
                             Deep Gratitude, SvGonia