Snowy days--

Snow seems to make the world slow down a bit...  Maybe its just that I find myself stopping more and taking in those quiet moments.  My well worn path from the bus stop to school suddenly is different and I stop as if to wonder if this really could be the same trail.. The world really isn't stopping but I'm stopping my world..

A week of creating...  a ginger bread house that looks more like it has been tagged than decorated, Swiss Christmas decorations, ice caves, and a stop at the yarn shop --  entertained by English... who knew that wool was cool?  Good to know..

Took the train and bus with Maddie to the church on Thursday and together with Deveney and Steph we created a wreath for the foyer.  I learned that it is a Swiss/German tradition to create them for the table or to hang with four candles.  One candle to be lit each Sunday before Christmas.  Beautiful image.  It is a busy night as other women come to create a bit of Christmas cheer.  A familiar sight with women working along side each other but again in another country and language I notice things that I might not have noticed..  like that fresh skiff of snow I stop, sit back and watch.   I feel like I sense more of the big picture of young women and older together.... I watched as three beautiful angels laughed, glued, and very gently learned from these strong women; while the energy from these young girls seems to add an extra dose of joy in the room! A mix of English, German and translation...  A new understanding-- as women in different places, ages,  and languages we are more alike than different and deeper understanding grows when we create spaces to be together.. open to see things from a perspective that just might be the bit we are missing...

A pleasant surprise this week.  Stumbled upon a Jack Johnson-esk song that calmed 19 five year old..  Which is pretty much a miracle.  They were mesmerized by it.  Not sure if it was the gentle voice or the images of taking care of each other-- seemed like it went right along with my week--  I always thought I could make my millions creating Ritalin in mist form for teachers.  I think I found some--

A quiet peaceful Sunday morning with a few Christmas lights still lit---  A beautiful smile came to join our group today....  Audrey bounced in her chair as we began, "I've just been waiting my whole life for this."  I smile as I look out the window to see snow falling. A fresh needed perspective!  Thank you Audrey for helping me remember that it is a remarkable place to be with a group of young women who are working on being good and doing good--  Blessings!

Sun peeks out as I listen to a favorite song, "The heart is in the details."  Happy that a snowy week helps me see a few more of those small, simple things that make life so sweet!