a snail's pace

Some days, I think of all I need to do, and I envy snails. They have all they need within their tiny little shells. Their lives are brief, and they're pretty simple as creatures go. But simple is all they need, so simple is all they are.

I found this one a couple of weeks ago, before all the snow. It seemed to still have the snail still in it (which was a bit odd, usually when I find them it's after a bird has got to the snail and just left the shell behind)

This seems to be the time of year when life sets a "snail's pace", everything moves slowly. I get impatient waiting on the spring to make its grand appearance. I re-read gardening books, and fuss over my houseplants, and wonder if I should get that little potted plant that I saw at the store, it was cute and I didn't have one like it.

The snow has pretty much left us for the time being. It has been in the 60ish range past couple of days, and tomorrow will be almost as warm. Still too cold at night to plant things, but warm enough to do some outdoor stuff during the day.

Maybe I will take a walk tomorrow, and see if I can find some more buggy friends, who are as confused at the weather as I am.

Time paces as the snail, slowly. Yet it passes.

Aye,
Kraneia

Winter Elf?

It is such a rare thing to see snowfall here, at least in this amount. I sweet talked my room mate into taking some snaps of  me in my ears. Some turned out better than others.

The pines out front were white with bent branches, heavy with snow.  I thought I'd hide under one of them.

I just knew I'd get a pile of snow landing on my head, but it stayed put.

So far we have got at least a couple of inches. It may stick around for a couple of days, as the temps are supposed to be well below freezing tonight. But this weekend should be close to 60... a good time for a walk in the woods.

In the mean time, there is hot cocoa, and tea, and blankets, and the heat is going full blast.

There is something mystic and magical in the snow. It hides shapes, and makes new ones. It muffles the snow, and makes everything look like it's been iced. It's cold despite making a "blanket" on your shoulders. And the icicles that form are like cold daggers or points in time.

It gives you time to think and reflect, and makes you restless for spring, all at once.

Imbolc is fast approaching, and I am ready.

Aye,
Kraneia

Kraneia Rising

Yule came and went, and my year ended as it had begun, fairly quietly. I spent a very cold afternoon removing the outdoor Christmas lights (that hadn't been on since the day after Christmas) and so now the neighborhood is a bit duller, it sleeps in waiting for the Spring to follow in the Winter's footsteps.

This was taken last year...
but this is how it feels outside at the moment! 

The thinning has continued apace. I have some things gathered for Goodwill, with more to add to the pile, as soon as I can get the energy. I have also bowed off of Facebook, at least for the time being. It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, makes an attempt to email (I put it right up there on a post....) I am still going back and forth on whether to delete the account entirely, or merely let it sleep for a while till I get things straightened out...... and make my triumphant return.

I have noticed other changes, as well. I recently had the opportunity to introduce myself  with my "new" name, and it was almost a startlement to introduce myself as such. But one has to start somewhere.

We can only go up from here.

In the mean time, there is much to do. Time to make a plan, and stick with it. There are photographs that need to be taken, and a story I need to finish, and friend-family I need to find.

I turn 43 in a couple of weeks. Time to get moving.

Aye,
Kraneia (AKA Scratch)