Stepping over three dogs in the darkness, I wake each morning way too early.

I welcome the moonlight from the western sky although filtered by gnarled tree branches – it’s light casts dark shadows as my boots break the crust on the frosty grass.

This is what my soul has spent a lifetime searching for.

For just a moment I pause… My head tilts back while my lungs take in the pure frigid air.

I strain to hear the sweet silence.

With each step, I feel the warmth of my faithful dog at my side.  Every morning, together on this short pilgrimage we are a pack of two.  He remains constant, at my side throughout the early morning chores.  He provides more comfort in this wooded wilderness than he knows.

Still dark, I sprinkle sawdust over icy walkways – when heading back, I seek this sawdust path – the sawdust is like breadcrumbs leading me along a less treacherous course.

I promise myself the reward of hot coffee by the glowing fire that warms the kitchen – but out here, in this moment, there is no desire to hurry.  I need no further reward.

Pausing on my way back to the house I am humbled by the last star in the morning sky.  There is now a ribbon of pink resting on the horizon bringing the promise of a new day.

Was it 4 days or maybe a week ago that we stacked hay into the night, leaving a deep ache in my back and arms?  A small price to pay for this daily gift.

My hair is wild with accents of hay and straw.  My nails are short and unpainted.

There is nothing glamorous about this life.  This work is hard.  I understand that it is not for everyone.

But for me, this world is like no other, I am happiest here.

Each new day I smile at my reflection as I pick the straw from my hair.  I can’t wait to slip on these boots again tomorrow morning, they bring me more happiness than any shoe I have ever worn.

Throughout this new year – I wish you this peace, to bring beauty and a new perspective to each day.

There is magic happening all around each of us every day – the magic isn’t there until you pause and look at it long enough to be grateful for it.

I wish you that time to pause long enough to find the magic in the world around you.

I wish you a life that makes you grateful to be alive.

***

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