Winter Warmth Part I
GATHER
In preparation for the Winter Warmth dinner at HOLD prepared by Tonya of The Well Woman, we spent an afternoon picking greenery in the snow, visiting a local farm to gather ginger, sweet potatoes and cabbage and (just for fun) had a quick visit with the endearing alpacas over at Hinterland.
As a native to Toronto, it was fun taking Tonya to some of my favourite spots on the coast. She was also able to experience the island in a way few visitors do, with a fresh blanket of snow.
winter solstice
the returning of the light. winter solstice is one of my favourite things to celebrate. it signals that we've made it through the darkest days. it feels like an accomplishment of some sort. a small victory to help us get through the winter and a reminder that warmer days are ahead.
this year, we had a small gathering with close friends in our home. I wanted to bring as much of the outdoors in and fill our home with the natural beauty of cedar, hemlock, pinecones and beeswax. a local grocery store was disposing a box of oranges which I happily took home to turn into something beautiful. this simple little garland filled our home with so much cheer. I am so grateful for this time of year, for a chance to slow down and appreciate the subtle shifts from the darkness to lightness.