Mid Winter Muses

“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”
― Sarah Williams

The clouds from my breath hung in the frosty air as I snuggled deeper into the furry hood of my coat. Jack Frost’s icy fingers nipped at my nose and cheeks, stinging them slightly.
 
I hadn't been sleeping well, despite my best efforts with breathing and relaxation techniques. 
Tonight my restless energy drove me from my bed, out into the winter night and the domain of starlight.

Odysseus, my ever faithful companion, alert to my wakefulness opened one sleepy eye, gave a quick disgruntled stretch and dashed out the door after me.

My horses in the paddock spotted me, nickering and coming over to greet me. I felt their warm breath on my face, and saw the clouds of their breath as they stuck their muzzles into my hands, nibbling and asking for a snack. 

Leaving the horses munching contentedly on hay, my restless feet led me on as I decided to go for a short walk. 

 Odysseus pranced alongside me, trilling with delight as he chased away shadows.
The night was alive with the glow of starlight.

I hadn’t looked, I mean really looked at the stars in ages. 
Tonight I saw the night sky as a beautiful and vast canvas, strewn with myths, legends and the
dreams of the artists, poets and astrologers who came before me.

The Milky Way arched across the heavens like a vast cosmic gateway.
The constellations welcomed me back like old friends. Scorpio, Cygnus (my mare’s namesake), the Southern Cross and the Pointers- Alpha and Beta Centauri. 

Gorgeous, mysterious starlight...
I remembered how many times the canvas of the night sky had inspired me. 

I haven’t written a blog in ages. Not because I didn’t know what to write, as I have loads of story threads floating around in my head. But because it has felt stuck and forced. 
Like my gift for writing has given up and gone away. It’s been disheartening and I decided to take a break to relieve the pressure I have been feeling around not getting a blog out on time.

But as I gazed up at the stars and took in all their wonders, the flow of words that had been absent for so long came rushing back, filling my mind. Muses whispering words and things I had been missing.

I wonder sometimes, if the stars looked down on us what would they think?
Would they be aware that even on the darkest nights they inspire light and bring hope to those who see them?

 Today take a pause and allow yourself to really look at the world around you.
 What have you been missing? 
Be in awe of the natural world around you... 
And like my night in the heart of mid winter and the canvas of stars, it just might inspire some light.​