Posted on : By : Michelle Posted in : Uncategorized

Solstice

Today being the Winter Solstice, I set out with the intention to photograph both the sunrise and the sunset.
I’ve been starting work early these days, so I actually took my lunch hour (very) early and set out at 7:30 to catch the sunrise.
The last several days have been completely overcast, so I felt so lucky that the skies were partially clear.
The clouds were amazing!
After work, I set out for my favorite sunset-watching spot, anticipating a crowd, it being Solstice and all.
There was only one other dedicated sunset-watcher there (not just drifting by to take a selfie and then moving on).
I said to this woman, “I’m so surprised there aren’t more people here for the Solstice!”
She answered, “Yeah, Summer Solstice gets all the love.”
Well, I love you, dear Winter Solstice. I love you with all my heart. Welcome back, dear Sun.

Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who make the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the

miserable and the crotchety —

best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever-darkness,

to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light —

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.