12.29.24 … “Solvitur Ambulando” - It is solved by walking, 2024 Christmastide Labyrinth Walks, 2024 Labyrinth Walks, MorningStar Lutheran Chapel-Matthews NC

#FRIENDSHIP 2025

Massive storms came through this morning in Charlotte. It was unbelievably warm, in my opinion, for December 29, 60°. A huge storm ripped through and we have been without electricity now for four hours. It reminded me of the Christmas a few years back when it was absolutely freezing, and they did rolling blackouts in Charlotte. I won’t complain that is 60° and that we don’t have power. We will easily survive.

Anyway, I needed to get out of the dark house so I headed to pick up some things at a nearby target and decided that I would visit one of my favorite labyrinths. The gloom and doom of the weather has definitely affected my mood.

One of my favorite friends in Alaska posted this this morning.

I have never thought I was particularly subject to winter darkness syndrome, but I would imagine it would affect me very seriously if I lived in Alaska. Several years ago I shared with Becca, Katherine May’s “Wintering.” I think her post today reflects on those May’s thoughts.

My walk was quick today because the sky was still dripping. I had to laugh because I did not anticipate that the fountain would still be flowing. I wonder if it has an automatic turn off.

Not only did I have sound of flowing water from the fountain, I heard the chimes hung high in the tree ringing for me. The extreme winds from earlier today have died down, so it was a gentle sound and worked nicely with the sound of the flowing water in the fountain.

I never knew anything or even ever thought about plants that don’t drop their dead leaves in winter. Oak leaf hydrangeas are one. The periphery of this labyrinth is surrounded by dead oak leaf hydrangeas. (From chat gbt: Hydrangeas (Certain Species) While most hydrangeas drop their leaves, oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) often retain their dried leaves throughout winter, giving a marcescent appearance.)

Post Christmas, I have had three dates with friends who I don’t get to see nearly often enough… One a Davidson friend, one a lawyer friend, make two lawyer friends. The lawyer friends are friends that I met when I practiced law but have stayed in my life in non-law capacities. Anyway, each of those conversations lifted me up. As I go into the next phase of my life, although I have not worked for 20 years, each of these people I value for their insight and wisdom, and for their knowing me through so many eras of my life.

I have been pondering what will be my vision words for 2025.I have been struggling to find my words. Here are my words from the past few years:

#CHANGETheSameRESILIENCEwander2024

#MYSTERYsaunterUrbane2023

#BlessingMOVEMENTPeace2022

#RESTStoryJOYBeStill2021

I feel confident that FRIENDSHIP will be part of my vision words for 2025.

Blessings to you on this stormy warm December day.