Last night after the Occupy General Assembly I walked the Chico Labyrinth with my old friend Karen Stinson. We lit candles and addressed the four directions before and after the Labyrinth. It was cold and dark and thoroughly worth staying downtown late after a day of work to do.
This morning the new dawn of the rising light rose over a cold and frosted earth and I went out to wander my wonders with wet hair and appreciation for the visible manifestation. Calendula framed in ice crystals. Fennel seed heads drooping from umbel to dripping tethered fireworks display.

 Our brothers and sisters across the creek aren't up yet until the sun warms their tent.

 There is still color back in Max's orchard... the last brilliance of fall.

 And in the radiant stalks of Bruce's chard of pink, yellow, salmon and red.

In all this I rest in my not knowing. I surrender to the incredibility and the open heartedness of being this creature in this time. I wish you well in your practice of being and becoming before any expectations of Holiday cheeriness. It is enough to be and to be part of the changing of the seasons and to enjoy what good health and friendship as there is. Happy Solstice and the New Year.