Hello and welcome back to Drift Off Bedtime Stories.

I'm Joanne, your host, and I'm really happy you've joined me this evening.

Tonight we're returning to one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's most powerful and quietly moving tales, the long winter.

It's 1880 on the Dakota Prairie, where the Ingalls family is about to endure a relentless

season of blizzards that will challenge their strength in every way.

It's a story of perseverance, a family leaning on one another, and of a gentle but unwavering

hope that continues to glow even through the harshest cold.

It feels like just the right kind of story to ease you and to rest tonight.

Before we begin, just a quick note, if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support it, you might consider becoming a premium member.

Driftoff is entirely listener-supported and ad-free, made possible by people like you.

As a member, you'll receive one weekly bonus each week, early access to new releases, and full-length audiobooks to help you unwind whenever you need. You'll find those links in the show notes, and I truly appreciate your support. Now let's settle in.

Take a moment to get comfortable.

However that looks for you tonight.

Maybe you shift your position just slightly

or pull the blankets a little closer around you.

Let your body begin to soften into the surface beneath you, feeling supported and held.

Gently bring your attention to your shoulders and allow them to drop.

Really seeing any tension you might still be carrying from the day.

Let your jaw unclench.

Your brow smooth out.

Your face, soft and at ease.

Take a slow, steady breath in through your nose, and exhale gently through your mouth.

...