Hello and welcome back to Drift Off. I'm so glad you're here tonight. I'm Joanne, your host, and it is truly such a pleasure to be with you at the end of your day, right here in this quiet little corner of your evening that belongs entirely to you. Whether you're already tucked in, winding down on the couch, or simply stealing a few

peaceful moments before sleep finds you, you are exactly where you need to be. You made it

through another day, and now it's time to let it all go.

Tonight we're continuing our journey through the American Prairie in one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's most quietly compelling works, The Long Winter.

We'll be reading chapters 14 and 15, and if you've been following along, you already know the feeling of this story.

The way it wraps around you, like a quilt pulled close against the gold.

The Ingalls family is deep in the grip of an unrelenting Dakota winter.

The blizzards keep coming, The supply trains can't get through,

and yet there's something so deeply human and hopeful in the way this family holds together,

and the small warmth they create against the vast, icy dark. It's a perfect story for a night just like this one.

Before we begin, just a little note. If you love spending your evenings here with Drift Off,

you might consider joining my premium feed. Premium subscribers get access to bonus weekly episodes,

as well as early access to selected episodes before they go out to the general feed.

It's a beautiful way to support the show and helps me keep drift off completely and always add free.

No interruptions, no jarring moments,

just the story and your breath. You can find all the details in the show notes below, and I'm so grateful for every single one of you who helps keep this little haven going.

And now, let's settle in.

Go ahead and find your most comfortable position right now.

If you're lying down, let your body sink a little deeper into whatever is beneath you.

Feeling the weight of the mattress or the cushions gently rising up to meet you, holding you, supporting every part of you.

If there's any tension in your shoulders, just notice it and let them drop just a little. You don't have to force anything.

Simply allow them to soften.

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