Peacefulness of the land

"While I stood there, I saw more than I can tell 

and I understood more than I saw." 

-Black Elk

May the peacefulness of the land speak to our souls 

and linger upon the wintry limbs of our hearts this season.

Early Morning

Early this morning, I woke to load the stove with wood. As I made my way back upstairs to bed, I heard a strange call. I laid under the blankets and waited. It called again, longer this time. I woke Kimi. "Listen," I whispered. "Listen. There's an owl." We listened to the soft hoot, the first we've heard in our woods since being here. "Stay. Mark your territory", I pleaded silently. These woods are more yours than mine.