Dear reader, as winter slowly unfolds, I am struck by all the little things of beauty around me. In the morning, there are the fern-like crystal patterns, left on my window by Old Man Frost. The brown leaves outside look as though they’ve been dusted with sugar. And in the evening, I get to fall asleep watching the Long Night Lantern with Flame’s soft, glowing fur pressed against my cheek. There is no snow yet, but these cold days are still filled with wonder.
All this cold has put me in the mood of working with yarn again; I think there’s nothing quite as cozy as a knitted scarf or crocheted blanket. I delight in the rich dyes of the twisted fibers and love to see how, row by row, the woven pattern is revealed, each little stitch adding to the greater whole. I like to sit by the fire first thing in the morning and do just a bit; then come back and do some more at night. It’s a peaceful way to begin and end each day, and after a week or so I finish something pretty. What shall I do with all these scarves and things, you may wonder. Well, I have it in mind to give them as Wysolice gifts this year. I’ve already sent off a few in a package —auburn for Auntie Ember, and crimson for Lettie and her husband Peter. This way they’ll know I’m thinking of them and hold them in my heart this holiday season.
In truth the whole village seems alight with preparations for Wysolice. Doors are wreathed in fir and holly, and the sweet smell of baked goods wafts from every chimney and open window. I especially enjoyed market day this week, what with all the festive goods being sold, and Lorenz did too. He’s staying in the village this winter, and after I had traded a few bottles of Joy and Friendship for some cinnamon and cloves, we amused ourselves by tasting the fresh treats: hot apple cider prepared by one of the farmers, and spiced gingerbread made by Mary and Elise. It was delicious, and I told the two ladies how I looked forward to seeing them for Wysolice, as we had all been invited to the Hume’s house to celebrate. Lorenz and I continued about the market and I asked if he thought Wysolice at the baron’s manor would be very grand. He told me of the banquet being prepared, the guests that were due to arrive from the capital, and Alexander, who was hopelessly distracted from his lessons. I giggled. “Well goodness, I can certainly understand why! It seems there’s no end to all the good things you two have to look forward, not to mention what gifts Alexander might be dreaming of.” Lorenz smiled and looked aside. “I must admit, Miss Sonya, I’ve been a bit distracted myself. Holiday plans and special gifts... and of course, there are the many secrets still waiting at the Well of the Green Sister.” My mind wandered back to the odd stone from the fall, the one that the white-eyed crow had shown me. We had all taken turns passing it around on our last trip into the forest, and agreed it was curious, though none of us could make any sense of it. Such a strange feeling it imparted, along with its being unusually warm to the touch. “It is a shame we don’t have the stone with us now,” Lorenz whispered. “It would be quite beneficial in keeping the cold away.”
Dear reader, as I close this entry, I’ve just finished knitting another scarf; this one for Lorenz. It’s not enchanted like the stone, but I do hope it will help keep him warm this winter, and goodness! I can see that the first snow is just beginning to fall! Snowflakes always amaze me, their intricate facets and twirling dance. I shall go out and welcome this gentle flurry, for it seems Grandfather Frost is in a festive mood too.