The skies are often grey, the days still dark, though the light can be felt pushing in just a little around the edges. The temperatures are sometimes mild, sometimes freezing again.
But here in the dismal drizzle of January, there are small, astonishing surprises. Red-pink mounds are pushing themselves out from the rhubarb root, the last thing one expects from such a gnarly brown mass. The fresh faces of the snowdrops are waking and the sound of birdsong fills the early morning.
Nestled within the darkness, whether it is the darkness of the natural world or a shadow that has fallen across our lives, there are always the glimmers of a new beginning.
Here’s a little poem I wrote a while ago, which has patiently been waiting for this time of year.
Little snowdrop
purest white
your generous gift
is my delight.
P.S. I would love to know what glimmers of new beginnings you have been noticing, either out in the natural world where you are or within your own life? Have you noticed or felt some small, hopeful sliver of light after a period of darkness? It would be good to hear from you and know how things are in your life. Leave me a comment below.
Hello Leah,
Always a joy to hear from you. I love the way you write, and by this time, I can tell your unique voice.
Things have been busy lately, with me being in school but also starting a freelance writing and editing business! There’s a lot to do including pricing, webpage, and contract.
Going to be graduating from grad school this coming May.
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Hello Isabella, Thanks for leaving your lovely comment. It’s wonderful to hear that you’re starting a freelance writing and editing business, even if it means things feel busy at the moment with all there is to do on top of school. Wow, you’ll be graduating very soon and I hope that feels really good. I’m wishing you so much success and happiness with your business – very exciting!
I was away in Lyme Regis for a night staying with my lovely cousin.
On returning home I opened my front door and sniffed……….what is that glorious fragrance? Has someone been here before me ? ( I live alone).??
Walking towards the kitchen the perfume became stronger, wrapped me with a fragrant welcome home hug……
Then I remembered a dear friend and neighbour, had popped in the day before I left, and brought me, as she always does, something freshly picked from her garden. She knows the Latin name, I only know it’s common name – Sweet Box.
These five stems of evergreen leaves and tiny white flowers had magically turned my whole house into a wonderful surprise.
Sarcococca
How lovely of your neighbour, Francesca. What a delight to return home to such a beautiful perfume in your home. I looked up the plant and will keep it in mind for the garden. I am hoping to have a Daphne as I am completely intoxicated by their scent! Thanks for sharing this wonderful moment. Sending lots of love.
What a lovely poem Leah, I love snowdrops. I keep meaning to plant some and I forget!
I have a couple of new beginnings.
In my garden there are lovely green daffodil and crocus stems standing proud against the weeds, waiting for a bit more rain and sun, I can’t wait to see them.
And I’m starting counselling and CBT this week so hopefully that will lead to a new path. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for keeping in touch, it means a lot. Sarah xx
I love snowdrops too, Sarah! And oh, I love to hear about the glimmers of daffodil and crocus stems. I could almost cry thinking about the time they will flower and bring their colour to the world! And I am thrilled to hear that you are starting counselling and CBT this week and hope that feels like a brave and beautiful thing to be beginning. I very much hope that it will offer you some valuable space and help open up some new paths. It is so wonderful to feel supported. Sending lots of love xx
Thank you, it definitely feels like a brave things so fingers crossed. Thank you for your support too. Lots of love Sarah
It is wonderful to be brave and I admire your courage. I hope with all my heart it can support you on your path. You certainly deserve it as you clearly have a huge heart. xx