Friends suggested I try turning off the bright overhead florescent lights, turn on a table lamp, or a standing lamp instead. So I did. Then I plugged in the outdoor Christmas tree and strung a few fairy lights around the front room. Changing the lights, changed the room. The edges softened. Time slowed. The light took on the tones of sunsets, and moon rises. Calm and gentle.

The pegs fit in candle holders. My favorites are ones from the 1940s and 50s, clear colored glass that is thick and heavy. I love the Hobnail ones. So far, I’ve found them in red, green, clear, and turquoise! I mix and match them with short colored candle sticks resulting in pools of colored light. As the darker, shorter days of winter advance, they add a warm glow to my afternoons and evenings. They also give me hope, as winter lengthens and nights can seem so long.

Ways to shelter and sooth, calm and collect myself.

Drinking chai tea with my neighbor while watching the birds.

Exploring second-hand stores.

An evening at book club with my favorite women.

Knitting.

Each of these activities, a small light in my life. Not too bright. Not too much. Do-able, enjoyable, quiet pleasures.

We all need pools of light. Places to relax and breathe. Places to unplug the bright glaring world and be gentle with ourselves. Pockets of calm and shelter.

I used to knit, then gave it up during the busy child raising years, and now I’m back at it. Over the past three years, I’ve knit a dozen pair of Selbu Norwegian Mittens, lots of hats, a few scarves, and some socks.

A month ago, I decided to knit a sweater. It’s relaxing. When I’m too tired to do much, but bored just sitting around, knitting is the perfect project. I chose The Norwegian Mitten Sweater on Ravelry.

Then I went up to my favorite locally owned knitting store, Prairie Fiber Arts, and bought the wool. The women in the store have been more than helpful!! It’s a complicated pattern that includes steeking – a new skill for me.

The sweater is knit in the round and then cut open down the front to create a cardigan!

Yikes. When I’m all done, I cut it open!! Wish me luck.

The first in three years! It’s great to get those old pictures - with short white hair and red highlights - taken down! Photo credits to my brilliant daughter. I love the work she does so professionally and well over at KrisKandel.

As winter darkens, days grow short, and nights grow long

May your life be full of small pools of light.

May you find glimmers of hope. Glints of joy. Shimmers of comfort.

Thank you for reading along,

Happiest of holidays to you!

Love always,

Jill