Tuesday, December 8, 2009

First Fire of the Winter Season


The snow of Minne-snow-ta is on its way. It is a very good reason for lighting the fireplace in the studio. I await and announce this day every year. I speak loudly to the sprites in the chimney that I'm going to light a fire! It doesn't matter whether there are other humans in the house or not, I announce it. I gather the wood from outside, the kindling and the newspaper. I use real wood matches because I like to hold it in my hand a moment. I like the sulfur smell just a little. Perhaps I'm a wee bit of a pyro? I poke it with a stick and keep it roasty toasty.

I love to see and smell the fire and hear the music, and taste a steaming cup of java, tea, or hot cocoa. I guess it's sensory overload, but wow, it's good.

Some days when I've lit it every day for many days, and tendered its coals overnight, I begin to feel the presence of my ancestors, who kept their houses warm with their fires. It is cool in my studio without it, since I teach in my lower level. I get a little tired of hauling the wood, and then I laugh at myself. The women chopped it and stacked it, and I do it for the atmosphere. HA!

My studio parents love it too. They come in and visibly relax into the sofa. Aaaah, they remark on its warmth. But I think it's more than that. So many of them rush rush rush from one place to the next. Sometimes there is such a peace in the fireplace room that they fall asleep, worn and warm. It is a rich moment when the student and I notice their grownup asleep and we agree to serenade them in their dreams. We talk softly and play our music with extra depth.

Oh yes, I lit the fire today. It is officially the first day of winter.

9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful tradition. It feels so heartfelt and cozy. I would love to sit by your fire, relax and savor a cuppa. There really is nothing as radiant as wood heat.

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  2. Sounds heavenly. I love the smell of a good fire.

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  3. yeah for the first day of winter! :) How cozy this post was. Can we all join you? hee

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  4. Chris there is nothing like an open fire. Little need in a country where winter only lasts three months but we often have small back paddock bonfires and mulled wine or soup. It is cosy and warming and conducive to conversation. Ha really like your Chrissy stockings!

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  5. oh this is one of th reasons i love this time of year...i could stare at the fire all evening...

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  6. I love poking a fire and letting it mesmerize me.

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  7. Nothing like a fire going in the fireplace for atmosphere. I had my first fire months ago - it was cold!

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  8. I built another fire today. It crackles and pops because there is a little snow on the wood. I adore that as well!

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  9. I just gotta love somebody who speaks to sprites in a chimney. :)

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