winter warmth

Women gathered together this weekend. 

We dined and celebrated and shopped and 

shared hearts like only women do: 

with unashamed indulgence and vulnerability.

 And this little one stole our hearts with his quiet coos and 

feather-fingers gracing his wrinkly face. 

The most wonderful things start so very small. 

And grow so quickly into a knowing wonder, full of 

uniqueness and giggles and personality.

Amazing to me how little ones hold so much of our hearts!

The last few weeks of cold nights while Curtis labored over

books and research articles, I found cozy spots to twist yarn

into something warm. I've learned to embrace winter 

for the ways it warms me in spite of the chill it brings.

No other season can do it quite so well.

Only in winter do I light candles, drink too much coffee and tea, 

wear double socks and leggings and slouchy hats. 

Only in winter do I cut out red hearts and use pink sprinkles on 

Curtis' favorite treats.

Only winter gives the promise of spring and every cold day that the 

sun still shines makes the heart glow with hope and expectancy.

Today I am warmed through with thankfulness:

for healthy babies, beautiful mamas, sister-hearts, 

brothers' joy, father's affirmation, mother's generosity, 

husband's passion and warmth for me.

For he warms me most of all.