Every morning and afternoon I bring out a fresh hot bowl of water for the chickens. Yesterday, as I carried the frozen bowl from the coop back to the house, I found myself holding it close to my body, as if it were something that could keep me warm or maybe that I could warm it. The words popped into my head, cradling a bowl of ice. I didn’t think I could feel any colder at that moment, the bowl of ice close to my heart.
In the house I stoked the fires and opened the curtains. The grey morning clouds still covered the sky. I looked at my cactus on top of the bookshelf, dormant for the winter, but still a constant symbol of desert heat to me. In an act of faith I placed the cactus on the windowsill. It’s a cold place when the sun isn’t out, the old wooden storms and cracked glass letting in drafts of freezing air. But yesterday, I needed to believe the sun would shine. The cactus, my offering, my encouragement to the sun.
Later, when I sky turned blue and the sun warmed up the windowsill, I imagined the cactus sighing, its broad planes taking in the heat. Like the donkeys in the winter or the cats, no matter what the season.
A Bowl of Trusting Sun Shine is for sale Sold. It’s a wall hanging, 23″x 33″ and is $95 + $10 shipping (in the US $20 in Canada). If you’re interested in it, just email me here or at [email protected]. I take checks and Paypal.
Oh. Gosh. I have to say it again. I love this! The colors, the thought, the cat, the window, the cactus, the positive and happy vibe! Thanks for following your creative flow!