Yesterday was the solstice and in keeping with the season I share a painting drawn from remembrances of December on the occasion of a sudden snow squall. Living by the lake and in between mountain ranges could easily bring a brief yet intense display of winter’s clout. Walking under copper colored street lights those attempting to navigate the icy walkways would have the added obstacle of blinding snow. As hard as one would try to lean into the frigid blast, burrowing the face into a scarf or pulled up collar, the squall would always find its way to the core. Holiday decorations such as wreaths and garlands strung from utility poles snapped and tumbled in the swirls. The doorway, almost any door, would bring about a sense of relief while the struggle quickly disappeared when watching the squall from the warm side of a window.
For those who celebrated Hanukah I hope it was a happy one, my wish is that your Solstice and Yule was bright, for those preparing for Christmas may it be merry and if you celebrate Kwanza may it be joyful. One little gift, a lovely Norwegian song “Den Lengste Natten” (The Longest Night) performed by the group Katzenjammer with Øystein Dolmen and Lisa Gansmoe.