First the Rain, Then the Fog, and Today... Oh, the Sun

"An absolute patience.
Trees stand up to their knees in fog.
The fog slowly flows uphill.
White cobwebs, the grass leaning 
where deer have looked for apples.
The woods from brook to where
the top of the hill looks
over the fog, send up not one bird.
So absolute, it is
no other than happiness itself,
a breathing
too quiet to hear."
~Denise Levertov~ The Breathing

And then this morning, as if I had wished into the heart of Mother Nature for many days on end, it happened. The Sun greeted us, on the porch, as an old friend that comes unexpectedly after a long absence....

Bright, blinding sunshine that lit the damp, dead leaves with transparent hope.
Everything seemed joyful and more precious because of this life giving orb in the morning sky. 
I told you that the garden ladies would smile....

Do you see it? That small curve to the corners of her mouth? 

The faint difference in her demeanor?

The wonderful feeling of warmth and peacefulness?
Yes, the is what the sunshine does in Winter.

And then... I'm sure I saw this rabbit wink at me.

Talk about happiness.....Oh Freckles, does the sun feel good?

Brownie stood in the goat house doorway for the longest time with Bart and then he came over and rubbed his head against the fence. I know he has been the most miserable of all. Do you see the upturned corner of his mouth. That's like a silent meow.... He's such a drama king.

And then.... Murphy, my magic goat, came over and nibbled on my fingers, looking straight into my eyes. He said, " Thank you Farmlady. This is an auspicious day. A day of sunshine and happiness." 
With goats, you always want them to think that you are the creator of the sunlight and of food, so I just replied...." You're welcome, Murph'."
It was a bright and beautiful morning.