The Depths of Winter

With February upon us, we are in the midst of the depths of winter. There is strong impulse to curl up even tighter in our caverns. To complement that, we are also looking toward spring, as we notice a lengthening of the days and the slow return of the sun. We are reminded that the seeds of spring are beginning to stir, and while the snow falls creating drifts over gardens, the sun warmth strengthens. As we dip our candles and plan our gardens, we can find comfort in the cycle of the year and its always present rhythm of life.

Out my window I hear birds starting to return. I once again feel the warmth of the sun on my cheeks. I smell the earth, laden with the water of the melting snow. I see the sun, while still low in the sky, slowing staying with us longer each day. How are your senses experiencing the month of February?

Here is a little verse (with gestures if you wish to use them) to bring you through the midway point. I hope you enjoy it!

Merry little snowflakes falling through the air
(Twinkle fingers down like snowflakes)
Resting on the steeples and tall trees everywhere
(Bring finger tips together like a steeple, hold hand up with fingers stretched like tree branches)
Clothing roofs and fences, capping every post
(Sweep hands back and forth, create a fist with one hand and cover it with the other to cap the post)
Covering the hillsides where we like to coast
(Draw a hill shape with hand and then swoop hand to create a sledding/coasting motion)
Merry little snowflakes try their very best
(Twinkle fingers)
To make a soft white covers
(Slowly circle hands, palms down over lap)
So flowers and blubs can rest
(Make fist and gently cover it with one hand, repeat with the other hand)
When the bright spring sunshine says he’ll come to stay
(Create an arc around head with hands and arms)
Then those selfsame snowflakes
(Twinkle fingers)
Quickly run away.
(Quickly hide twinkling fingers behind back).
– Maud Burnham