mittens

When I helped to milk the cows in the winter while I was growing up, I would wear two pairs of thick cotton gloves with a pair of disposable plastic gloves over them to keep everything dry.  While my movement was constricted a bit, it was the only way I could ever figure out to keep my hands warm, dry, and limber enough to complete my tasks.  I've always been partial to gloves instead of mittens based on these experiences. 

Now that I'm not on the farm, I have a big pair of pretty, fluffy, red fleece gloves.  They have cute white seams on the edges that make me love them even though they are about two sizes too big.

It's rain-snowing outside right now.  As a walked to the library this morning, my hands couldn't seem to stay warm.  Despite the multiple layers of fleece, my pretty puffy red gloves simply weren't holding in the heat, failing to protect my fingers from the wind and cold.  And given my discomfort, the prospect of mittens actually sounded pleasant.  Mittens would keep my fingers together, allowing them to experience friction, sharing and generating heat.
 
A small voice spoke in my head, reminding me that I have often preferred cold reality of individual insulation to challenges of creating a warm community.  And yet, the community I have-- Mark, family, friends, church, and colleagues-- are the only thing that have made finishing this degree possible.  I'm only one, eight hour exam away from finishing, and it's a tribute to the love and support that they have given me.

And so.... the endless, gifts continue.... #11-21

~ my mitten of community
~ my graduation ceremony on Saturday, a step of faith since I haven't actually finished quite yet
~ grace and strength for finishing papers and finals
~ safety during travels and commuting
~ the Yule Log Ceremony, my favorite holiday tradition at the College
~ the kindness of a friend sharing her internet  and company
~ holiday parties that bring together friends from seasons past
~ a fiance who cooks dinner when I've written up to a deadline
~ "White Christmas" and heroes of many kinds
~ a warm bed and food on the table
~ the Dwelling Place Adopt-a-Room Program