Winter in Alaska

Winter in Alaska from monica devine on Vimeo.In a few days, we’ll be on our way to California for Christmas with our grown children; away from the snow and cold, to swaying palm trees, farmer’s markets, and the glorious heat of a shining sun. And then on to Hawaii, for long hikes to waterfalls and swimming with the turtles and fishes.

We are snowbirds, my flock-mate and I, fleeing midwinter out of the darkest days in Alaska, and into the silky light and orange sunsets of warmer climes.

That first curl of the toes in hot beach sand is a remarkable “ahhhh…” moment, such a vivid contrast to where we’ve been, how we’ve experienced this beautiful earth the past few months of a dark and snowy winter.

From snow boots to flip-flops. From long underwear to soft cotton sundresses.

And to think it was only yesterday we trudged through knee-deep snow on the Palmer hay flats, cameras in our hands, eager to shoot the pink-rimmed Reflection Lake covered in a white, austere beauty; our hearts flushed with excitement at the curling bark of birch trees, and the giant, snow covered logs, now cold and still, lying in a heap at the confluence of two frozen rivers.

Hot and cold.
Ebb and flow.
Sorrow and joy.

Always, we have each other.

From my tribe to yours…warmly,
Merry Christmas.