February 2, 2010
Groundhog’s Day
Every year on February 2, since somewhere in the 1880s when some friends in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania went into the woods in search of a groundhog on Candlemas Day, the world turns its attention to Punxsutawney Phil, a now, very famous groundhog. It seems February 2 is right in between the winter and the spring solace and this hibernating woodchuck is seemingly the perfect indicator of what is to be in regards to our weather?? Very early in the morning, at sunrise, Phil will come out from his little groundhog burrow at Gobbler's Knob, and he will either see his shadow and run back in or he will not see it and will stay outside. If Phil sees his shadow, legend has it that we can expect six more weeks of winter weather and if he does not, we can look forward to an early spring. Anyway, congratulations for arriving here at the point of mid winter. Just as I love the thought, the image of midsummer and all of its Shakespearian romantic connotations, I love this cozy spot in midwinter. The weather can be a bit uncomfortable, but I suppose it is suppose to be. It forces us to focus on inside matters, things that might need to be tended to, like reading, sleeping more, writing, thinking, and just more moments of contemplation and more time for resting. Think of the groundhog and the bear and all of the other animals that hibernate all winter and think of us, maybe this is a time to slow down before the busyness of spring arrives. Nature is a great reveal, but sometimes, most times, we are too busy to notice her messages. Enjoy this place in midwinter for soon, regardless of what the groundhog sees today, the world, your world, will be bustling with early spring chores and whirlwinds of activities and you will be as busy as the honey bees. So, rest a bit more here in the middle of winter and store some energy and gain some insight and have a happy Groundhogs Day.
p.s.
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