Promptvent - Day 5
25 days of winter prompts to thaw your writers (ice)block - and this year it's all about being Cozy.
If you’d like some wintry musical inspiration whilst you write, why not try listening to Winter Dawn by Chris Palmer in ‘Winter Instrumentals’ on Spotify
Listen to me read the guided invitation via audio below or if you prefer to read the transcript, that is also available for you underneath the audio.
Hello and welcome to day 5 of Promptvent!
Welcome back to our Promptvent village advent calendar where you find yourself standing once again before the cozy Christmas window.
Bundled up in your warm woolen mittens and thick scarf, you are eager to to know what wintry word of the day awaits you. What world will you step into and discover today? You lean closer, and can feel the eagerness in your fingers as you pull off your mittens and reach for the iron latch on the window, lifting it with care.
Your eyes are dazzled by the glistening snow in the first early morning light. Icicles hang from frosted trees and a gentle cold breeze swirls around your cheeks, with the scent of peppermint and pine. It is a quiet glade, untouched in the early morning. Snowflakes fall softly and slowly, adding to the perfect white blanket in front of you. Suddenly, the sound of hooves padding through snow can be heard, and sleigh bells chiming in time to the steps. Two stunning white horses arrive, pulling a red carriage behind them, lit with fairy lights. They bow their head to you in respect and blow out steam from their nose with a soft grunt.
The red wreathed door to your left slowly opens, inviting you further. You step through the door and enter the winter glade, delighting in being the first to make footprints in the snow. The horses are calm creatures and you feel relaxed around them, you pat their manes and inspect the large red carriage. A blanket waits for you and the seats are red, velvet, and plush. You climb in and before you know it, the horses are turning, taking you further into the glade.
As the frost etches silver on the earth, a silent parade is occurring up ahead - deer with coats of soft, dusky gold, amble through the snow as if in a dream. Above you, winter birds dance in the pale light, whispering songs, low and clear. You spot bright robins, jays and sparrows, their colors like a fire in the canopy of the branch laden sky, that now becomes a sparkling canopy overhead. The air holds a beauty, quiet and deep, where nature’s secrets softly sleep.
The horses begin to slow as the glade opens out once again to a humungous pine tree decorated with every color of light you could imagine. It takes your breath away. The carriage stops and a young deer arrives to guide you closer to it. The crisp, fresh air is welcome and empties your mind as you follow the deer in comfortable silence. Underneath the tree is a gift wrapped in tissue paper with your name on it - you open the package and smile. Of course, a notebook and pen.
Suddenly a huge candle sitting in a red lantern flickers on, next to a warm blanket and cushions on the floor - you go over with the deer and sit down at the foot of the tree, bathing in it’s magical light. The deer curls up besides you, resting it’s head on your knee to keep you warm. You pause a moment, grateful for the gentle grace and beauty of the wild and it’s creatures great and small.
You open the notebook and see one word in large cursive script written at the top of the page.
It reads: GLADE
You take one last look at this gorgeous winter scene buzzing with life, and then you pick up the pen - and write.
#promptvent #day5 GLADE
Soft earth beneath my feet,
the tall trees at my back,
the silence of new-fallen snow
embraces me in this space.
I welcome the grounding,
breathing in the quiet air,
and let the forest hold me
safe in this enchanted glade.
The precious pause of winter,
the nourishment of stillness
in the dark days of the year,
grows light within my soul.
Day 5
Glade
The woods so often set faraway in inaccessible countryside used to be peaceful haven for wild deer to live in . As building leaves the cities , villages are bombarded by new or restored housing interrupting the tranquillity of animals the longest and original members of the community where I live . One morning while walking up towards the top of a narrow twisty road I stopped suddenly . Standing still staring at me was a beautiful deer . He was so handsome , his antlers adding to his powerful stance . Standing motionless this beautiful animal mesmerised me . He continued to observe me intently, his eyes riveting my attention . Purposefully coming to the edge of the glade . I knew deers occupied the village but they only visited the nearby allotments to steal food or other land where they could feast . They were not loved by all . I had no cause to feel offended by him and felt honoured by his attention . I did not feel uncomfortable and was gladdened by his presence . It felt like great tidings were being bestowed . After one final stare he turned around leaving me alone . Standing paralysed for about five minutes until I heard people coming my way I walked on . Days later I told a friend , she smiled joyfully holding my hand , telling me an important message was coming , and there was .