Keeping The Sparkle

 By Maryanna Gabriel 

"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo,
and it's worth fighting for."

- JRR Tolkien

It is the last vestiges of the holidays... and I felt it a question of courage as I twice boarded crammed flights to visit family, wondering if I was going to get sick or pass something on to the ones I love. As it was, it was fine. I had a lovely Christmas and did not get sick, nor did my family. Calgary was into the minus forties centigrade and coming home to Salt Spring Island with subzero temperatures was a question. Snow had fallen, and while for most of Canada this is normal, for our island it is not. I had no idea if my car would make it or if I would even have water. Rather than risking black ice, I spent the night on the big island and waited until the temperature rose a little and so I could return in the daylight. 

As it turned out Lady Luck rode with me. I only just made it up the hill to the house. All was well and there was water. The first thing I did was light a roaring fire. 

Christmas Rose Before The Snow

I have been busy processing about 20 pounds of potatoes that froze in the shed and watching "Lord Of The Rings" while I knit a new sweater by the fire. It is a simple but peaceful time. Maybe I have been watching too much Tolkien (is there such a thing?) but it seems a Grinch walks the land.

The trick is to not let it take away one's sparkle and to pass on kindness whenever possible. It makes a difference and ripples outward in the most unexpected ways.