Solstice

Tea: Orange Chocolate

Music: Unto Ashes, "Winter Born"

Time: Night.

On the longest night of the year, I offer one short wish: for light and warmth, in all good forms.

And if you have extra of either to give, by all means share it. It doesn't have to be financial, or even tangible. A warm word can go a long way in a cold world.

Let the lengthening of the days begin.

Inside, Outside, T-E-A

Tea: Oolong No. 18

Music: Holly Cole, "River"

Time: Night.

I made the tea just before leaving the house late this afternoon, because I hadn't had any caffeine yet today and I could feel a withdrawal headache coming on.

The travel mug I chose wasn't as insulated as some others I have, and I could feel the heat from the tea seeping through to my hands. As I was riding on a bus with a bum heater, this was a good thing.

The warming was more than physical, though. There was the warmth of gratitude for small pleasures, for the things (clean water, electricity) that went into making the tea -- things I take for granted, but which much of the world cannot ... and for the generosity of the giver not only of the tea, but of the teakettle and the infuser.

In cold times, it's good to be warmed that deeply.