Vladimir Kireev - The Winter

The Winter 2014 by Vladimir Kireev

One of my fellow bloggers who lives in the Netherlands posted this beautiful painting, by Vladimir Kireev, and so I had to share it. His work looks to me like that of an old master, though he is a young man. This painting drew me in as soon as I saw it, and immediately gave me the feeling of Winter Solstice.

It would be strange for me to say I love this time of year, with the impending Winter. I must admit there are many things I do appreciate, not to mention being so grateful I no longer have to travel on bad highways in snowy weather, or even snow storms. It's become easier for me to embrace Winter, and I always look forward to the Winter Solstice, and the weatherman is predicting milder weather compared to last years record snowfall which was brutal.

 I lost count of how many times I went off the long country road during my many years of travel, to and from work, and school, a two hour drive one way.  I count my blessings for all the kind neighbours that rescued and assisted me when I was stranded in one way or another.

I'm also very grateful for all those that read my blog from all over the world, who comment, and who take the time to read my ramblings and sometimes my rantings. Thank you to all, and I want to wish you blessings of the season.

The Mirror - Vladimir Kireev

Solstice

I recently found these words this song I had tucked away, by the Wyrd Sisters. The words sum up my feelings at this time of year.

 Solstice Carole

A Fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome here
We'll dance'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still  living here

We'll  count all our blessings
While the mother lays down
With the snow as her blanket
Covering the ground
Thanks to the mother
For the life that she brings

She'll wake us again in the spring

The poor and the hungry
The sick and the lost
These are our children
No matter what the cost
Come by the fire
The harvest to share
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here

A fire is burning
The long night draws near
All who need comfort
Are welcome by here
We'll dance 'neath the stars
And toast the past year
For the spirit of solstice
Is still living here

The spirit of solstice
Is still living here

By The Wyrd Sisters


I have spent the last few weeks offline. Not by choice, but circumstance, always finding this is a time of deep reflection for me, especially in Winter. Not to say it can't be challenging and even difficult, as I live in a rather isolated rural community, and as of late due to in-climate weather have been often snowed in. It is a good thing I, for the most part enjoy my own company. But I am filled with gratitude for so many blessings.

As the New Year fast approaches, I've contemplated the losses, and events throughout the year. In particular I was struck by the deaths of  Maritime musicians, and beautiful human beings, Rita MacNiel, Stompin' Tom Conners, Rayleen Rankin and lastly the death of Nelson Mandela. When Nelson Mandela died, I listened  intently to so much coverage on CBC Radio about the man, and what an inspiring example he was. How of the power of the individual can help to contribute, to change in the world in spite of the odds and the obstacles. All these folks I've mentioned did the same in one way or another. It is what we are called to do on this earth I believe. To live as wise people through knowledge, contemplation, and reflection.

Oh My Godfrey!

My mother she had a Ukranian church lady friend she sang in the choir with, she always said, " Oh My Godfrey !" She'd exclaim this when she'd get excited about something or just wanted to emphasis what she was saying. I think about my mum especially this time of year at Christmas. My whole human kind  family I  think of really and our world.

Christmas is often a sad and sorrowful time for many but also a miraculous time as well. The little miracles that happen and the big ones as well are present through out the year and seem to be more poignant during the Christmas season if we look close enough. It's a time of gratitude for me and happiness really for the little things, family and friends and the struggles overcome, not through my own strength but from the strength that comes from within, from the Power greater than myself.


The end of the  university Fall term has come and ended. It really seemed insurmountable to me at points but as I struggled to have faith, I managed to get all my work done and I think completed to a standard that I am satisfied with and can be proud of my effort. I had so many miracles happen in the form of friendship and answered prayer, that helped me along the way and I'd never been able to accomplish what I did if it they hadn't have happened.


So, I am finally exhaling and plan to have a very quiet, peaceful Christmas alone but somehow not lonely because I feel the joy and contentment within my heart , and deep gratitude and communion with The Creator and I feel that connectedness with others.


May your lives be filled with blessings of the Creator.