Light, trees, and snow!

It has snowed everyday this past week!  It does seem to bring an added light to the day--  With a layer of snow my usual dark walk to the bus and then up a trail to school is set on a wintery stage-- more like a dream than reality... Some mornings I need that.  A late night at school with the snow just starting to fall-- looking back and smiling at the snow and the light-- Monday I stopped at the Starbucks in Zug for an overpriced hot chocolate ,but was worth the view as I sipped it looking at the Christmas lights. 


 I feel worthy to have a honorary doctorate for unsticking zippers, finding lost mittens, cheering when a child has done all of this with no help.  Small victories! On Thursday was our Festival of Lights performance-- During a dress rehearsal Marcus was waving his arms to the music.  I reminded him that we have our hands at our side and he turned and said, "I can't-- I just really need to play along with the piano."  To be a determined five year old seems like a blissful way to live-- sometimes there is no negotiating!  Minus two children not making in on for their number, swept up with another class, a child dancing across the stage instead of singing, all went well.  One of my Russian students, Anastasia, wore butterfly wings-- the beauty of a child happy to be themselves!  The children walked in a procession two at a time holding a lit lantern.  IKEA lanterns with glass sides and  fire!!  It was so beautiful but I let out a huge sigh of relief as I took each one from their hands as they finished. They were thrilled!

 A Saturday morning run in the snow!  With trails not yet plowed - half way through I wished I had worn my Sorel boots... a small price to pay for an extra runners high of forging the trail!

My thoughts kept coming back to the beauty of the trees.  There are two large lit trees in the center of my little Swiss village of Cham.  I passed them on my way as I adjusted my hat and change the song on my ipod, wondering how I had missed their huge presence until they were covered in snow and lit with light.  The quiet outline of the trees on my way-- knowing that they had always been there but just now noticing and admiring strong roots in a cold storm.    A charming detour sign with an image of a mother and child sends me on a new route and new things to see.  A cold but festive Christmas market in Cham, a frosty Sunday morning at the bus stop in Luzern-- awakening me both body and spirit! A moment to remember a children's book read this week, "I'll let you into a secret, said Uncle Danny.  You don't need to grow on the outside No! You need to grow a bit on the inside."  Alexandra in my class thoughtfully answered when I asked them what was the author trying to teach you and she said, "You need to make your heart grow." A moment to strengthen my roots and admire the silent trees around me--  sitting with sweet Audrey in church.  Listening to her sing 'Im Stroh in der Krippe' (Away In A Manger) in German.  A detour-- new route that helps me see from a new perspective.  Grateful for strong trees that guide my way and continually cultivate new hope in strengthening my roots..  Another week to forge my own trail headed Home!