“Please don’t take my sunshine away.” –Traditional
The sun will come out tomorrow. Umm, maybe, but not for long enough. I’m about to enter the long dark.
I’m staying in Alaska this winter, for the first time in many years, and I’m dreading it. Dreading the dark. Dreading the cold. Wondering if I made the right decision. I’m already freezing.
I’d rather be in the desert, or hanging out on the Pacific Coast. But 2020 is a different kind of year. Travel just doesn’t seem like the wise or responsible choice this time around. There’s Covid, and the strife and uncertainty of a nation at odds with itself. I feel the need to be near like-minded souls and people who know and love me, instead of playing the eternal wanderer. At least for a little while.
There are some good aspects to a winter in Alaska. It’s pretty. Actually, pretty damn beautiful. I’ve been aching for the aurora. The warmth of good friends is most definitely the most important reason to stay. But still, I don’t think I’ll make a habit of it.
Little darling, the smile’s returning to their faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun,
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right
-George Harrison
Thank you, Ana of Anvica’s Gallery, for this week’s theme, The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow. The symbolism of this topic for me on this day is not wasted. I do feel hope.
Saturday I kept breaking out in tears, tears of joy and relief. I didn’t realize how much I had been sublimating, how deeply the despair and anxiety of the last few days, of the last four years, had penetrated my soul, until I turned my computer on that morning and saw 290 on the electoral vote count. Prayers of gratitude. Especially in these times, we need leaders who feed our hopes, not our anger.
“Minds that seek revenge destroy states, while those that seek reconciliation build Nations.” – Nelson Mandela
Wise words. Words for our nation to heed. Words a true leader should live by. Remember these wise words as the events of the next couple of months play out. It’s always darkest before the dawn. I hope our democracy survives the transition. If it does, the sun WILL come out tomorrow.
Absolutely beautiful
Thanks, Vicki!
Good to see you back in print with spirits and sin rising.
Sun rising
Thanks! It was too difficult to try to keep the blog up this summer. No internet way back in the wilderness where I live, and my “office” at the local coffee shop was closed due to Covid.
Lovely post Dianne! Solstice will be here before we know it and we will all be turning towards the light!
Thank you, Maria. Dear friends like you will help me survive the long dark.
Thank you, Dianne.
You are very welcome, Charlotte!
Lovely work xx
Thank you, Paul.
Wow. GREAT photographs. Thoughtful words. ‘This too shall pass.’
Thank you, John. Glad you liked it!
Well I’ll just say WOW Dianne, your images are simply spectacular!! Having visited Alaska I agree 100% about its natural beauty and am sure despite the cold the winters there are serene and glorious. I’ll look forward to more images 😊. I share your hope that we get thru the turmoil sooner rather than later and that we can begin the process of rebuilding our nation. I also hope the recent news about the vaccine will help us to get back to the lives we enjoyed before the pandemic, albeit with greater appreciation. Thanks for joining us with your beautiful post
Thank you for your kind words, Tina!
What a great post Dianne. The images are stunning (what a bedroom view!) and your words touched my heart. I wish you peace and warmth this winter and I hope that your nation finds a way forward without too much more turmoil. Take care.
Thank you, Wendy. I’m so glad you liked it.
All in all a beautiful post.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it!
You so lucky to have these so cool landscapes close by. nice pic
Thank you! BTW, love your birds!
Amazing images Dianne and beautifully articulated ~ appreciate the excellent post!
Beautiful post, Dianne in words and images. I love that Mandela quote and like you I cried this weekend. Take care of yourself this winter. You made a wise choice, I think, to be closer to family and not travel. We made the same decision. This isn’t the time to be wandering! Stay well and stay safe.
Thank you, Patti. Not closer to family, (they’re all in Colorado) but closer to tribe and home folks. That’s what made the decision so difficult, questioning whether I should go South to be closer to my Mom or not. But I have a stronger support network here.
The Mandela quote strikes me deep. I think I’ll be posting it on my social media a lot during the next couple of months.
Dianne, I cried for days…and like you I hope your nation will heal after the turmoil of four years in despair. Over here we worry about the results not being recognized by the “man”.Yourbeautiful images made me cry too – Alaska. A land I would love to see someday, but I fear that will have to wait until my next life – if there is one. You made the right decision. And I will love seeing more images from your stay – an amazing country. Be safe and well –
Thank you, Ann-Christine. We worry, too. History shows that his current actions could be the beginning of a slow slide into fascism, and those that pay no attention to history are likely to repeat it. The next few months are key. It is good to know that all over the world people are supporting us through this difficult time.
Wonderful post, Dianne. A lot of encouragement for your stay in Alaska this winter, although it hasn’t been an easy decision, your reasons for staying will surely give you strength to find the positive side.
Sometimes, it is hard to see the sun, but we must remember that it is in our hands not to stop looking for it. 🙂
Thank you, Ana!
Diane! Great work! This post is inspiring and so true! And as always, it was so nice to see you at open Virtual Open Mic tonight. I was happy to hear the piece about your trusty truck again, too.. Your great ride and safety zone! Thanks for sharing, and keep this great writing coming!
Thank you, Sophie!
Sending you warm wishes for a chilly tomorrow 🙂 🙂
Thanks, Jo!
Wonderful photos! Many are of places I’ve visited (Pacific coast, New Mexico) but Alaska is still on my wishlist. I think though I will come in summer 😀
Although British I too was relieved to see the results of your election, both on behalf of my many US friends (OK, not ALL of them, as one otherwise lovely friend inexplicably voted for your incumbent POTUS!), but also because I believe the world will be a better place once you have a more balanced and stable leader in place. I wish you, and all of us, a much better year in 2021 🙂
Thanks, Sarah. I’m glad you liked it!