Sunday, January 24, 2010

Worth the Wait

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Around lunchtime, on Monday, the long-anticipated buzz began...

"The sun is here!"

"Can you see the sun?"

"You should see the sun!"

Emails sizzled, hot and fast, across the network.

On-the-ball observers spread the word door-to-door.

Faculty, staff, and students scurried toward south-facing windows, fingers and noses pressed against the glass.

All this...just to catch a fleeting glimpse, to witness that first blazing moment when the earth tilts its head and the sun shimmers a hundred shades of pink and red and yellow and orange upon a canvas of frozen white.

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Maybe the angle of rays through miles of atmosphere magnifies the glory.

Or maybe weeks upon weeks of darkness simply exaggerates the effect.

Regardless of the reason, our moment in the sun is dramatic and invigorating.

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And the majesty of that moment is...worth the wait.

7 comments:

Sandcastle Momma said...

That is an amazing sunrise! Does your village do anything to celebrate the sun rising again?

Allmycke said...

I know exactly how you feel. In Inuvik the sun reaches above the horizon on January 6th, so our time of darkness was somewhat shorter, but the feeling is the same.
Around here, just the longer days is enough to give me hope...

Clare said...

Ten more days, but the colours have started, and the light grows daily. I don't mind the dark season, but I sure anticipate the return of the sun. It is something that more people should experience.

Anonymous said...

Atqasuk this week was the coldest spot in the state at least two times. Village of Wainwright is having their annual sunrise Basketball Games.

Noodles

Kimberlee said...

Sandcastle Momma...
No, unfortunately we don't have any sort of celebration. I think it's a great idea, though. Maybe one of these days! :)



Allmycke...
I'm always amazed with the similarities between your photos and mine...even where you live now. Except you have all those beautiful trees!!!



Clare...
I guess those beautiful mountains make a difference, huh? I feel exactly as you've expressed. I don't mind the darkness either, but I am in awe of the sun when it finally returns.



Noodles...
I had no idea about the temperature! Thanks for sharing that information. Great time to snuggle up and stay home, huh? Maybe next weekend. :)

Steve said...

Hey, it worked!

Hi, Kimberlee. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've shared my delight about your blog, but it's still there. Peace and kind thoughts in your general northwesterly direction.

Kimberlee said...

Hey, Steve!
Great to hear from you again. Thanks for hanging in there with the comment confusion. Hope all is well with you.
:)