I watched the sunrise this morning over the Horse Heaven Hills. 37F outside. I stood on my porch with a cup of steaming hot coffee in hand. It was an early morning gray sky dotted with small high clouds streaked with brilliant orange red hues melting into them. I could hear the train chugging across the tracks in the distance. However, once the train passed, there was stillness so precious. It was broken only by the flutterings of birds taking flight from the vineyard. It was beautiful to watch the first rays of light tenderly caress each cloud and warm the dawn. I needed time to reflect on my experiences in the last few weeks. My time here is coming to an end and it will be met with as much anxiety as I had begun. I'm thankful for my incredible experience, especially all the hands-on winemaking and mentorship that K graciously shared with me. But leaving my new friends and adopted family here pulls on my heartstrings. I am leaving here with many rich and multilayered memories. It's been a time of transition in so many ways and the change of season from late fall to early winter is fitting. This sunrise was a beautiful reminder to me of what new and brilliant experiences await me. That light and beauty is just beyond cold and dark.