February 2nd annually marks Groundhog Day. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow, it will return to its burrow and there will be six more weeks of winter. About the same time each year, the ancient Celtic fire festival of Imbolc celebrates the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, embodying the increasing daylight and the gradual return of warmth. Imbolc beckons us to witness the tender shoots pushing through the soil, mirroring the inner awakening that unfolds within ourselves (www.thornandclaw.com)

As I faced the reality of spending my first winter alone on the acreage, I jokingly said that I was going to hibernate and in many respects, I have done just that. I pulled back from socializing and pulled in. I monitored my spending from the perspective of: 1) money; 2) resources (natural gas and power); and 3) where I have chosen to spend my time – I started a gratitude and glimmer journal . . . I have spent more time reading, listening to music and podcasts than mindlessly watching TV, and I have embraced a healthier daily routine of both eating and exercise. Finally, I have started to plan for the day that I leave my full-time job and this land, and I have made progress on my 55 in 55 list . . .

I read three books (no. 8) and gave four away (no. 52); I wrote a poem (no. 13); I got a massage (no. 41), a manicure, and a pedicure (no. 51); I joined an online group which led me to starting a conversation with a stranger (no. 10) and subsequently meeting her for coffee (no. 3). I have reconnected with a couple of old friends through video wine chats (no. 25) and I have finally been successful in consistently drinking water (no. 24), walking at least 55 minutes three times a week (no. 23), and have lost almost half of the 55 lbs (no. 19) that is my goal. I continue to save $55/week (no. 11).

In Saskatchewan there can be a lot of winter take place in February and March but I feel like the darkest days are behind me and the promise of Spring is so much closer than it was on December 1st. With a trip to BC planned in mid-March to take my vintage trailer to my brother’s for repair, I, like the groundhog, will return to hibernation for another 6+ weeks and then emerge open to the possibility of all that 2024 has to offer.