While warmer air cleared away some of the snow outside, I cleared away some of the clutter inside. I dragged the Christmas tree out to the swamp to provide habitat for our little wild friends. There were tiny bird tracks on the surface of the snow where I left the tree. I rearranged a little indoors, cleaned some surfaces with vinegar and lemon juice ,and then lit these candles as evening fell.
Yesterday, I went to the college bookstore to purchase materials for the upcoming semester. One of my books is an autobiographical narrative by Frederick Douglass about his experiences as a slave. The clerk at the bookstore is an immigrant with a strong accent and a brisk manner that camouflages a friendly, personable nature. She commented that the book is a very good one. "I like to read a story where a person faces adversity and survives!" she comment. Stepping to the cash register, she added, "I'm tired of sob stories!" In this harsh season, where light is dim and a chill lingers in the air, I have to agree with her. Let me read a story of the triumphant human spirit! With her recommendation, I am looking forward to reading this book.
Not realizing that the clerk remembered seeing me in the bookstore over the past several semesters, I was pleasantly surprised when she added, "It won't be too long now and I'll be able to see you graduate!" Her friendly comment was like the candlelight on my piano top: a warm flicker of light added to my day.
photo by Aisling, January 5, 2008