Hello and welcome back my drift off friends. I'm your host Joanne and I'm so glad you're here with me tonight.

In this episode, we're continuing the long winter by Laura Engels Wilder and I'll be reading the next chapter or two, depending on how the evening unfolds.

Before we begin,

just a gentle reminder

that your membership allows me to keep this space

ad free and free from distractions,

something that really matters when you're settling in for sleep.

Thank you so much for being here and for supporting the show. Now, let's take a moment

to settle in together. Wherever you're listening, allow your body to soften into its resting place.

There's nothing you need to do.

Nowhere you need to go.

Begin by noticing your breath, slow, steady and unforced.

With each exhale, imagine the day gently losing its grip.

Your body softening more and more.

Picture a quiet winter evening.

Snow drifting softly outside.

The world hushed and still, the kind of silence that feels steady and comforting. Perhaps you're indoors, warm and safe, a gentle lamp light glowing nearby.

The cold kept at a peaceful distance beyond the window.

With each breath out, let your shoulders relax.

Your jaw soften.

Your thoughts slow, like snowflakes settling to the ground.

You don't need to follow every word tonight.

...