Hi friends, welcome to episode 51 of Songs From Home…tomorrow is December 21st, marking this year’s winter solstice and it’s time to play “The Longest Night Of The Year”.

The winter solstice means different things to different people; I cherish it as a time for self-reflection, and it holds more power than the fast approaching new year for imagining what new things I hope to do, accomplish, discover, experience and BE in the days to come, accompanied by the return of the light…

There is so much to be thankful for in nature, in the rhythm of the seasons,
and every year when the winter solstice arrives, I feel an easing up of whatever troubles I’ve been carrying around, a renewal of self, and a deeper appreciation for the simple, obvious truth that without darkness, one cannot wholly appreciate light. In 2020, it holds more meaning than ever.

As one of my favorite authors Edna O’Brien said, “In a way winter is the real spring, the time when the inner things happen, the resurge of nature”…

As we approach Christmas and New Years, I am hoping that all of you who
have found a respite here also find hope in the return of the light, and that you also experience an easing up of the burdens and troubles that have weighed you down this year. This song was written during a cold, dark, and unhappy season of life and I was trying to remind myself that the solstice is as much about patience, courage, resilience and grace as it is about the lengthening of days.

Make a vow when solstice comes

to find the light in everyone

keep the faith and bang the drum

on the longest night of the year


Until the next time, stay well, stay strong, wear your mask everywhere, carry on, merry Christmas when it comes and #staymighty !

#thelongestnightoftheyear #comedarknesscomelight #songsfromhome #wintersolstice #blueridgemountains #farm #home #virginia #staythefuckhome #weareallconnected #angus #candlelight