Last weekend I felt like ‘Cinderella’ here looks. The powers that be messed with my internal clock again.
Yep, daylight savings time rode off into the sunset – which is now officially an hour earlier. In my part of the country that means it is already dusky at 4:30 pm and will be pitch dark at 4 pm well before Christmas.
That extra hour gained back from last Spring managed to make Sunday a very long day. I was ready for my toaster-bed before my bunny slippers had crunched down their evening carrot.
Just raise a tired pinky if you relate…
So what can you do when shorter days and longer evenings threaten to turn you into a slug?
I have a few indulgences I turn to. Cinderella’s fairy godmother had the right idea when she made her slippers out of crystal. It was all about Sparkle.
Some of my sparkle of choice includes –
little white lights on the silk tree in our living room
candles in crystal or cut-glass holders to reflect the shimmer
warm lamplight
a favorite book or devotional that radiates life
a grown-up color book that’s all the rage (and available at Costco for under 10 bucks)
music playing
flavored coffee mixed in with a good dose of Colombian beans in the dark o’ morning
wee bites of dark chocolate (ha! have you ever heard of a ‘wee bite’ of chocolate anything?!)
my PJs as soon as I know we are ensconced at home for the rest of the night, and
my slippers – the comfy, welcoming pair of footwear that says to my tootsies, “I’m glad you’re home”
What are some of your favorite ways to bring a glow to the shorter days and longer nights of home? Outdoors? On the job? Traveling? At school? I’d love to have you add to the list.
Share your sparkle in the comments section below and borrow an idea or two or three!
Together, maybe we’ll convince Cinderella the toaster belongs in the kitchen, the long nights won’t last forever, and her chariot awaits.
Complete with Cinderella’s (bunny) slippers.
~ Nancy
Bonus post: If Cinderella is just plain pooped, here’s some extra encouragement about the sparkle of sleep – The ABZzzz’s of Leading. Sometimes it’s what your life needs so your eyes will sparkle too 🙂
Photo Credit: Shannon Martin/Girl Designer 2009 │The Madison Park Group, Seattle WA
Leave a Reply