My Children call it "Momma's Shawl"

It feels cold this morning, dampness creeping in the open windows but I can't imagine closing them... the coolness feels so good, invigorating. I grabbed my wool socks and my shawl this morning as I dressed. There is a old time coziness to wearing a shawl. Mine, well loved by my daughters too. The very kind of fondness that makes them say things like, "mom, will you leave this to me in your will" and said with a smile, "when you're gone, I want that shawl". Not said in a bad way, but in a way that says, it will be good to always be wrapped in your love mom. It is Gray wool with a row or two of dark red. I Crocheted it about 16 years ago, maybe longer, I am not sure. Simple pattern. Snuggly warm. It has warmed sick children, made many quick trips to the barn in kidding season, covered me snuggly when an extra trip to the woodshed is needed on very cold days. It is more of a friend of sorts than just a piece of clothing. It has covered my head in moments of deep prayer, it has stretched and embraced a child on either side of me during story time or when childish arguments needed to be settled.

This shawl is part of our family and today I wore it for the first time this season. It hangs from Autumn until Spring on the peg in the living room. Always handy for those mad dashed outside to bring the clothes in off the line when rain threatens, or for fast trips to the hen house for that one more egg needed for a certain recipe.

This old shawl that has given much in its time and today as I sit and spin, have a cup of Cherry Vanilla tea, it once again gives warmth. It will go with me this morning as I bring in some wood for the first fire of the season.

music of the morning....

Winter Solstice by Windham Hill (yes I am rushing the season a bit)

Smoky Mountain Home Place

Clothing of the day....

Long blue and tea stained plaid skirt

Thermal shirt, well loved, well worn, LLBean,

Blue and tan bulky knit wool socks

And of course, THE shawl

Food of the morning.....

Cherry Vanilla Tea

Toast with home made plum jam

All around a pretty perfect morning, especially after a surprise visit from my beloved as he had an errand in town. He kissed me on the cheek, pronounced me "his beautiful girl" mentioned the temperature of the house with the windows open and had to scoot back to work, but those are the moments of surprise that makes you smile all day long.