As I write, the sun is streaming in through the window heralding warmer days to come...we're still very much in winter with a smattering of snow on the ground and ice in our buckets and outdoor washing bowls.

Padmasakhi and I returned to the community house last week from our winter sojourn in the UK and are gradually picking up the threads that we will weave into this year's retreat season - beginning with the 11 week ordination retreat which begins on 17 April this year. Soon come!

Lots to attend to as always and plenty of opportunity within that activity to stand still and breathe. The forest does a lot of that on our behalf, in close conversation with the deep blue sky. Which is appearing now and then amidst the snow clouds. The night skies have also been breathtaking - clear and so full of celestial bodies we can only gaze and wonder. The gift of a dark sky feels precious as a diamond as our breath cuts through the icy night air.

So as January moves towards February and the celebration of Imbolc on 1st we're coming out of hibernation season. Opening up what we put to bed a few months ago - and preparing to welcome all the women who will make the journey here over the next months. Step by step, one foot in front of the other. Thank you Antonio Machado for your words (in translation) below...

Traveler, your footprints

are the only road, nothing else.

Traveler, there is no road;

you make your own path as you walk.

As you walk, you make your own road,

and when you look back

you see the path

you will never travel again.

Traveler, there is no road;

only a ship's wake on the sea.