Countdown - and Solstice -

Darkness came especially early tonight - without the added benefit of starlight because of the heavy cloud cover and omnipresent Seattle drizzle.

We are all in the house together, snug and warm, and scattered throughout working on our various projects. (I'm working on the LAST face before beginning to transfer these drawings to watercolor paper this evening...)

And in conjunction with lights on the Christmas tree and garlands throughout the upstairs, I spare a moment to acknowledge the coming of the night this Solstice evening. Darkness will once again be pushed back by the light in the ongoing dance of sun and earth and sky. And for me, Winter Solstice folds effortlessly into the days leading up to Christmas where we celebrate the Source of all Light. Peace on earth. Goodwill to men......