Finally, we’re getting the rain we’ve all been waiting for. After a long dusty spring, summer and fall, the heavens have opened up and showered down their glory. I’ll take it, alongside every plant, animal and mineral around. And we accept it gratefully.
But let me say here how much I strongly dislike the cold. I’m sure some of you don’t think it’s all that chilly, but I beg to differ. My whole skeletal system shakes and shivers this time of year and I start fantasizing about getting away to the Caribbean or Hawaii or Costa Rica… Just the thought warms me right up. I know I’m a wimp when it comes to these frosty mornings, but I also recognize that in a few weeks I’ll begin to acclimate—a little bit anyway. And for the time being, at least while it’s pouring outside, I’ll take this brief respite from outside chores (except when it’s time to go feed the animals) to sit by the fire and write.
Ahh, the luxury of warmth, the pitter patter of raindrops on a metal roof, a cat snoring nearby… Woops, I spoke too soon. It’s really coming down now. I’d better go trench and mound-up some crucial spots in the dirt road so it doesn’t completely wash away our only route in or out. There goes my attempt at hibernation, even if it was only going to last a couple hours.
Back again, clothes saturated, hair dripping wet… But the dog had a great time: jumping over the creek, running circles around us, flushing out who-knows-what in the bushes… These little happies are what sustain us, aren’t they? Whether it’s vicarious pleasure such as watching the dog frolic and play or catching your grandchild’s eyes light up when they see you. It’s often the small things that really make our day. A chance meeting with a stranger in the hardware store, and after a snippet of conversation, we find out that both of us are trying to work out kinks in a similar project. What about those special friends who take time out of their busy schedule to make prayer flags for me to mark our trail up the mountain? Or when we take the opportunity to give something of ourselves when it’s not expected? Sometimes a completely random comment comes our way and makes us stop and think and smile. It’s just what we needed at the time.
(Many days and rainstorms later)
Well, it’s time to go out and feed the critters. I’m sure they’re wondering what’s taking so long. My horse will whinny when she sees me coming (because it’s dinner time). But it still feels good to be appreciated—one way or another. And now with Christmas here and gone, I’ll set my sights on the new year and try to be present enough to recognize those little happies when they present themselves. In fact, I’m going to try to create a few of those for some of you when we happen to cross paths. A kind word, a helping hand, a good joke…
This year, tomorrow, even right now, I raise my glass— “Cheers” to you. Let’s appreciate all the little happies which abound. Happy New Year!
Chi Varnado has four newly published books. The Old House in the Country, women’s fiction; and three YA novels in The Dance Centre Presents series. Her memoir, A CANYON TRILOGY: Life Before, During and After the Cedar Fire and her children’s book, The Tale of Broken Tail are also available on www.amazon.com. Her collection of essays, Quail Mutterings, can be found on www.chivarnado.com or www.dancecentrepresents.com. You can follow her on Instagram or on www.Facebook.com/dancecentrepresents.