Our lockdown is over, though I wouldn't call it an "all clear!" Still, it's a relief to see numbers drop, instead of climb, and to resume our socially distant drive-way gatherings.
Our last campfire night feels ages ago, then we had stormy weather, and that kept everyone home, and dry. This weekend was a gift... of finer weather, friends, and doing stuff. What a welcome little flurry of activities, and moments.
The weather
was full of wind and rain. I don't think any of us enjoy the wind... it's just
too much! But we need the rain, so it was welcome. And when I saw that we had dried out a bit, and it wasn't a school night, or holiday, or governor ordered pandemic lockdown, I asked a few friends over. Thanks to gifts, and a donation, we have four fire rings! Normally, four is a lot, but on a cold night when each pod needs space, four fire rings is brilliant. I made up camp spaces for each family, with extra wood at each site. I think the reason it never got as cold as anticipated is because I was so well prepared! Leo got to revisit his campfire skills, and eventually overcame damp wood, and built a roaring fire. Geoff left out his fluorescent chalk, and turned up the black-light, and we stood back while Bex, Spencer, Simon, Leslie, and Ido made our driveway into a glowing gallery! The reviews have been
glowing, too! And please note, we are considering updating our dress codes: Onesies won't be mandatory, but favored.
Highly favored. Thanks to Leslie, we had potatoes roasting in each of our fires, and those were delicious. Lots of talking, sharing, laughing, and a bit of astonishment that we have been at this for almost a year. Are things looking up? We hope so. It makes a world of difference to see friendly faces, to feel the warmth of kindness, good hunor, and encouragement.
After
the pleasure and success of making the first little purse, I started a second one, again with no plan, or strategy. Red floss made me think of Mars, and the red planet made me think of the Moon, and stars, and then I was filled with gratitude for all of the star gazing, and sky watching I've enjoyed since last summer, culminating in the
Great Convergance, and Solstice, Oh! Now I realize I should have stitched some shooting stars, too! I stitched Jupiter and three of its moons, Saturn, then I added a lining.
The lining is worth the effort, and I am firmly committed.
Planning would probably be worth the effort, as well, and I am firmly committed to makng an attempt at that effort for the next one. I will definitely make another. These are fun to do, fun to see where they will go... from inspiration and ideas, to something small and whimsical. I fill them with my daydreaming, and hopes, with good thoughts, wishes, ideals. It's not hard to think what an awful year it's been, for many awful reasons, but I had Jupiter and Mars, Sirius the Dog Star, and the Geminids, and Venus. I have had campfire gatherings, movie nights, bike rides, a full house, and the comfort of having
skills and resources to rely on, and to share. I am far from glossing over the injustice and deep tragedies that have transpired, but I cannot let hate and ignorance, grief and loss, take away all joy. I don't want to throw all of the year on the fire, as though nothing good happened or came of the struggle. I had a Solar System to look up to, and stars to count.
Suddenly, it's February. There is still so much to overcome, to heal from, to hope for. With sunshine we have shadows, and Spring follows Winter. I am hopeful that we can see it all, and still have more to look up for, especially more to share, and celebrate.
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