I'll be your harvester of light

Sometimes, in the wee small hours of the morning, I stumble across something that I had no idea existed only seconds before but now cannot imagine living the rest of my life without. It could be a photo. It could be an essay. It could be anything. And last night it was “Winter Song.” I just fell instantly, insanely in love. Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson's voices have a lilting beauty together that transcends space and time. The song is steeped in the sweet sadness that sometimes sets in this season. But it's that gorgeous kind of melancholy you almost wish you could wrap around yourself like a blanket. And then there's the video. Oh kittens, the video.

If your heart doesn't grow three sizes at the sight of little animated Sara and Ingrid together, well, then there's no roast beast (or roast tofurkey, for all my vegetarian friends) for you tomorrow. Plus, if you ignore the separate beds, you can totally read a lesbianish subtext into that video.

The song is part of the wonderful holiday collection “The Hotel Cafe presents...Winter Songs.” The CD includes seasonal originals and classics by female singer-songwriters including Brandi Carlile, KT Tunstall, Fiona Apple, Colbie Caillat and many more. Naturally, I downloaded the whole thing from iTunes immediately. Best yet, a portion of the proceeds go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to support breast cancer research. (If you download individual songs, be sure to include the “Auld Lang Syne” medley to still donate.) My only complain: Katy Perry, seriously? I guess there really is no escaping her. Blessedly, there is a “delete” button. And not even Katy can ruin the beauty of all these women's voice making a joyful noise. May the wonder of winter fill your heart with love, peace and light.