manifesto monday: metaphors

tree branches_fall leaves, originally uploaded by Ann Marie Whittaker.

celebrations for winter holidays usually have some kind of metaphor that embraces a bright moment in the "dead" of winter. for example, the winter solstice is the darkest day of the year, but each day following the solstice grows brighter.
growing up in a place where most plants hibernate and grass is covered in layers of snow, it is odd for me to be in a place where this does not happen. here, in california, winter means that everything, except for certain trees, turns an emerald green. the grasses that were scorched dry during our extreme summer heat are nourished and come to life.
this has changed my winter metaphor...or at least it has broadened it: winter brings moisture which the earth drinks up and stores for tougher times ahead. it is a time to prepare, to slow down, and to soak it all in, bringing life. this i believe.