To go in the dark with a light is to know the light. To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight, and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings, and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings. -Wendell Berry Art by By Līga Kļaviņa

Solstice.  The longest night is a fruitful time for setting intentions, to be birthed with the newborn Sun. What you conceive now can grow with the Sun, and gain momentum in Spring. You might start a tradition of setting Winter Solstice intentions, and in one year, see how many have come into being. Put them in a special tin or box that has meaning for you. The dark before the dawn, just like the new moons, can be a powerful moment of magic, drawing in what you'd like to see happen in the new year.
A time of magic and a time to dream peace. 
As I take stock of the year past I am so deeply grateful for my many blessings.  A beautiful, warm, comfortable home, a menagerie of beautiful pets - especially two dogs, the ability to work at a job that provides well for me in a good work environment, a family to give and receive love, the mountains that hold me and a climate that is kind to me.
Of course I have picked up a few things this year like a cardiologist and an orthopedic surgeon, but still there is a place for such sincere gratitude as my health is good and I have the ability to keep it that way. 
As I ponder and really do know how fortunate I am and pray for those less fortunate; for my son who is going through a breakup of a relationship and is devastated. For his beautiful wife whom I also love greatly. For those who are homeless or sick or otherwise in pain. For those suffering from mental illness or are totally alone.  I pray for those who serve and protect us; firefighters, police and other service people.  The woman at the company that handles my worker's comp claim which was just closed and I need to re-open it because of great back pain.  Her kind words and support have sustained me at this difficult time.  Again, gratitude that I can seek the help that I need and that there are people who truly care and can be loving and nice in the process. 

A very emotional time of the year and I am grateful to feel a full range of those emotions.  A time of gratitude, a time of re-birthing and a time of magic as we call back the sun - may it shine on a more peaceful and loving world.