We awoke today to find our small homestead coated in a shining glaze of ice-- crystal clear, unyieldingly cold, and breathtakingly beautiful. Within the barn the animals are all gathered, content with beds of straw and plenty of hay. They can peer through the ice fringed doorways into the bright, frozen world, and, I hope in some deep sense, appreciate the safety and care we work so hard to provide to them.

Inside the main cabin, all is quiet and warm. The glittering ice both shield and insulate our home in all its freezing glory, and I am once again thankful. The power is holding steady (though a few minor outages were noted through the night), and the fireplace roars indefinitely, with reserves of wood to satisfy the flames’ hunger.

As is traditional, my girl and me, together braved the frosted landscape and crunched out to the barn to dote on our warm, furry friends, then retreated back to our own cozy residence and stayed inside. With nothing but the sound of crackling flames and the sweet low purr of our feline companions, we shared in equal parts some much needed laughs, embraces, and hot chocolate. Evening finds me here, rounding out the day with a quiet joy only the textile arts can bring to this battered, tired soul. The clouds of soft, raw alpaca fiber hold a calm, peaceful energy within as they are thoughtfully carded then spun into yards of potential, by hands whom appreciate every inch.

I find once again that this homestead gives me all that I need- body content, heart full, and soul satiated. Like the ice which encases the branches and buds of the sacred flora awaiting spring, our homestead world encases us and keeps us safe.

And it is the reminiscence of these particular days, both difficult and fulfilling, which keep me fighting for this life here, as long as it brings my heart joy.

I hope everyone is safe and warm, and that each of you were able to find any amount of peace in your day. Have a good evening! ♥