Outside, the sky is a soft gray and the snow falls gently over the forest. It seems these winter days have been rather subdued, even peaceful. It has made it easier to rest, and while my cold has not completely gone, I am trying to give myself the time I need to recover. Between naps, when it pleases me to do so, I’ve done simple activities like reading or crocheting; they take little strength but are pleasant and help to pass the time. I have been attentive in listening to my body, staying warm and lying down when I feel weak, and so in this way I am trying to take what Lorenz said to heart, to take better care of myself.
I did begin work on two small projects, though not without thoughtful consideration and reflection. I have begun on a new Remedy, and I finished new little caps for my bearded helpers- more on that in a moment. The first project, well, I at first had grand plans to make elaborate Wysolice gifts for everyone, for Mr. and Mrs. Hume, for Davy and Elise, for Mary, Mrs. Alger, Alexander, Lorenz… they have all shown so much care as I have been ill, but I have instead decided on something simpler. I’ve gathered my most precious and beautiful Impressions of this winter… from moments of quiet tenderness, uncountable acts of kindness…they are so strong. I am not entirely sure what they will be yet, but I know I want to share it with my friends whenever I am well again, even if that isn’t until spring.
And as for the little red caps… well now, that led to something most interesting. I had made two new hats to replace the old ones that had been spoiled in the soot. They were not too difficult to do, and it brought me great joy to imagine how the two little old men might like them. So on the night they were complete, I placed the woolly hats on the table, alongside two small bowls of porridge and a carrot for the golden goat which began this whole thing. I slept very deeply that night and heard nothing, but the next day I found my offerings were gone and on my desk was a scrawled drawing. It must have been their doing for in the corners of the page there were prints stamped in ink of a tiny boot, a hand, and even a hoof.
As I look over it now, though the sketch is roughly made, I recognize that part of it is a likeness of the stone giant. Lorenz and I had been puzzling over the events of the fall earlier in the week. We still do not know what the key we found might be for, why it has an image of the Green Sister on the back, or how it might be connected to my mirror. And now this picture left for me by the pair of little men from the forest… I don’t know what to make of it. At the bottom of the page is a strange scribbly line. I thought maybe they dropped the quill, but it looks rather intentional to me. I wonder what Lorenz will make of it.
Dear reader, I feel most grateful for all that the two little men did to help me. Their kind efforts, as well as those of my friends, have made me feel very cared for in this difficult time. And while I do not understand the meaning of this drawing, I now have another clue along the path. When I am better I think I shall take a trip into the forest to look over the stone giant once more; perhaps there is something I’m missing. For the time being however, I will focus on resting and I think I will add my feelings of gratitude to the new remedy.