Winter Solstice Celebration

I love Winter Solstice. I adore the winter light and how it makes the world glow. But I also love knowing that, for the next six months, the days will grow longer.

In celebration, I've made a tradition of seeing sunrise on Winter Solstice. This year, it was with sweet Shyla. As the sun peeked over the eastern hills, it kissed her face.

Then, she climbed onto a small boulder and relaxed. I'm so grateful to have Shyla in my life. She loves our mountains like I do, and our bond is growing stronger every single day.

For years, it's been my tradition to be out for sunrise on this date. Last year, I was with K, and we were still naive.

And, on that morning, I took a photo that has become one of my favorites. These are K's paws, illuminated by the rising sun. I think of it as the "Pillars of Strength" photo. These pillars of strength helped K and me through the coming months.

This morning, I felt an odd mixture of grief for K and absolute gratefulness for the young Lab who was by my side - this odd mixture has become familiar over the past months. Shyla has a heart of gold, just like her eyes.

Yesterday, the Runner and I agreed, whole-heartedly, that the arrival of Shyla in our lives was the best thing that happened in 2012.