The Glass Igloo | Cozy Bedtime Story

Explore the Finnish Laplands as you ride through a snowy wonderland on a dogsled. Come nightfall, relax in a hot tub in the snow and luxurious sauna before experiencing the Northern Lights from the comforts of a glass igloo. Within the Lingonberry-themed dome, the winter winds howl outside as you sink beneath a heavy comforter in the amber glow of a wood stove. Let the magical beauty of the arctic help you fall asleep with this cozy bedtime story. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

Travel to a wintery wonderland in Finland as you prepare for sleep with a cozy bedtime story.

You are listening to The Glass Igloo.

In tonight's story for sleep,

You explore a snowy landscape dog sledding through the forest on a husky safari.

Nightfall brings you to a glass igloo with an enclosed sauna and snow surrounded hot tub outside.

Take in the northern lights from the remote grounds of Aurora Ranch before returning to your warm and cozy glass dome to fall asleep.

It's time to dream away.

I would like to welcome you to Michelle's sanctuary.

I am Michelle,

Your dreamy guide to places crafted by your imagination.

Wiggle or shake off any lingering sensations from the day as we close the door on what is behind us and connect with the present.

Get as comfortable as you can and know you will be more and more relaxed and at peace as we proceed.

Change and customize any details along the way so that you feel catered to personally.

I am merely creating a framework to open your sensory perceptions and ideas that you run with however you like.

Your needs for restoration and softness matter most right now.

All other concerns fade away as you focus on taking care of you.

Turn your attention to your breath as you open your mouth and let out a big dramatic sigh.

This sigh casts an intention into the night that you are ready to let go of anything that interrupts your beautiful mental vacation.

Surrender safe in the sanctuary of your room and mind.

When ready,

Inhale slowly,

Sipping in the frosty air you imagine filling the room,

Acting as an invitation to escape to a snowy wonderland.

As you exhale in a sigh,

You appreciate the warmth of your bedding and the cocoon of comfort that awaits you every night.

Many times in life you may have wished to be comfortably settled in bed and now you are.

Enjoy one more round,

Inhaling as slowly as you can and filling your lungs with all the air they can physically contain.

This expansiveness opens your heart and mind to the dreams to come and then you may yawn if you like and sigh one final time,

Feeling as your muscles melt and a bone deep tiredness encroaches.

But before you give in to the gracious hours of deep healing sleep,

Enjoy the snowy tale as it unfolds.

Lapland is an expansive region that stretches across the Arctic Circle,

Spanning across Sweden,

Finland,

Norway,

And parts of Russia.

The pristine wilderness offers an ideal location to take in the northern lights.

The shimmering sea of white snow features dog sledding and snowmobile trails where packs of huskies gleefully take off through the fresh white powder.

The air is crisp and filled with the invigorating scent of evergreens and clean snow.

With nearly the same number of reindeer as people,

Lapland is a magical place.

Remote and wild in a way that requires all who visit here or reside here to be resilient and adaptable.

You stand within a sled that glides effortlessly over the powdery trails with eight eager huskies leading the way with boundless energy.

Upon arriving at the husky farm,

Your pack could not wait to leave their pawprints in the fresh snow.

Their excited yips were soon replaced with a soft patter of their paws crunching in the snow as they cut a new trail through the snow-laden landscape.

As you stand in the sled,

Gloved hands gripping the sturdy wooden rail,

You are dressed in more layers than you have ever worn.

With two pairs of socks,

Thermals,

A sweater,

Pants,

And a snowsuit,

The heavy winter attire protects you from the cutting wind.

Before embarking on this adventure,

A sense of curiosity and bliss coursed through your veins and your heart was warmed by the sweetness of the huskies who allowed you to run your fingers through their thick and soft fur to bond before taking off to explore the region.

You follow behind a guide named Ilona and her pack of huskies,

But your fleet is so well-trained that they could lead you through much of the region without any guidance.

Ilona turns her head back every now and then to check in with you,

Her pride in the dogs and this land emanating from her complacent face,

Colored cherry red by the cold.

The nip in the air adds a delightful sharpness to the senses,

Heightening your awareness of every breath.

There is a quiet stillness out here as the heavy layers of snow absorb the sounds.

The evergreen trees and shrubs adorned with a thick coating of snow stand majestically even as their branches bow under the weight.

The scent of conifers fills the air and your tingling nose as you make your way through a breathtaking landscape of whites and blues that seem to go on forever.

The dogs take this welcome adventure at least once daily and lead you to the edge of an icy blue frozen lake.

On the frozen expanse of the lake,

A community of avid ice fishermen has taken residence.

Their camps and tents scattered like unique game pieces across an icy board,

Bundled in layers that double their size.

They lumber slowly,

Protected against the winter chill.

Many are locals,

Yet some are visitors from around the world who came to engage in the timeless tradition of ice fishing,

Transforming the frozen lake into a hub of activity.

Each fisherman's setup is personalized and designed to their preferences,

Adding vibrant pops of color to the whites,

Blues,

And grays of winter.

Small temporary shelters dot the landscape,

Some made of thick canvas,

While others resemble wooden structures atop skis.

These ice shanties,

Adorned with various flags and markers,

Some of which represent the superstitions of their owners,

Shield the fishermen from the biting cold.

Ice augers pierce through the frozen lake,

Creating perfect circles for angling.

Fishing rods stand tall,

Their lines disappearing into the icy depths.

Skinny black smoke trails squiggle towards the snow clouds,

Some coming from fire pits on the ice,

Meant to keep the fishermen warm,

While thicker smoke plumes escape huts where the fresh catches of the day are smoked and preserved.

The huskies slow down,

Sniffing the air for the savory notes of smoked fish,

And you sense the encampment knows these dogs well.

Around the fires,

Camaraderie blossoms as fishermen swap stories and await for nibbles on their lines.

They notice you and the dogs,

And a man and his teenage son approach the lake's edge with a smile.

Ilona and her pack come to a stop as your dogs yip enthusiastically as the men gesture towards folded waxed paper containing pieces of fish for the pack.

You gently pull the reins,

Nodding as you say,

Of course,

And come to a stop.

You watch as the huskies enjoy these smoked delicacies as steam rises from the treats,

Evaporating into the frigid air.

The man and his son return to their encampment,

And you feel touched by the simple interaction of kindness,

Imagining how much kindness and community have allowed souls to exist and thrive in the Arctic wilderness.

The scene on the lake tells timeless stories of tradition,

Camaraderie,

And survival.

Once finished with their treats,

The dogs are ready to take off once more.

Their paws create a rhythmic beat as they glide over the frozen earth,

Leaving a trail of imprints behind them.

In the distance,

You spot other dogsledders and snowmobiles,

Their silhouettes weaving through the snowy trails and backdrop of pine trees.

As you continue your dogsledding expedition,

Trailing just behind the guide at a zesty pace,

You are taken by a feeling of sheer aliveness.

The cold air on your face,

The muffled sounds of the dogs,

And the pristine winterscape unfolding before you feel like a dream,

Lulling you with tranquil exhilaration.

In this moment,

Surrounded by the untouched beauty of Lapland,

You find serenity and joy in the embrace of this Arctic land.

But the excursion becomes even more enjoyable as you ponder the cozy amenities that await your return to Aurora Ranch.

The dogs lead you back to the Husky Farm,

Passing by rustic huts and cabins along the trail.

Daylight is available,

But for a few hours this time of year,

Promising a dark canvas of sky in the season of the Northern Lights.

As the Huskies joyfully return to their rustic barn,

Their energetic barks fill the crisp winter air,

And Elona gestures to slow them down.

The dogs easily give in to your guidance,

Coming to a stop so you disembark.

Elona skillfully helps each Husky out of their dog sledding gear,

Her hands moving deftly as she loosens leather straps and removes harnesses.

The pups run in a line through the barn doors after she opens them,

And you help to carry and hang the gear on cast-iron hooks on a shelf made of reclaimed wood.

The dogs,

Grateful for their freedom,

Wag their tails and nuzzle Elona and you,

Their energy becoming more subdued as they settle into the cozy barn.

Guided by the soft glow of lanterns,

You follow Elona to help feed the Huskies.

The air is thick with a sweet scent of hay,

And the warmth envelops you.

The Huskies lap water from a large basin and then obediently sit and wait patiently for their dinner.

You help Elona prepare their meals in silver bowls,

Placing them in a long row as the dogs continue to wait and their tails eagerly brush against the dusty barn floor.

They look to Elona with sparkling eyes,

Licking their lips,

And waiting for the cue.

And once all the bowls are in line,

She snaps her fingers and gestures to their food.

Each Husky finds their bowl and devours the nutritious meals,

Eagerly lapping the metal clean as their tags jangle and cause the bowls to sing.

The dry air of the barn soon becomes too warm as you stand there in all your winter layers.

Yet you hang out for a few more minutes to say goodbye to your new canine friends.

Sleepiness takes hold and the Huskies settle into their individual wooden crates,

Each adorned with a thick plaid faux sheepskin blanket.

Their sighs and low moans reveal contentment as they get comfortable in their man-made dens.

You thank Elona for her hospitality and she smiles,

Her piercing blue eyes meeting yours as she wishes you a good night.

You exit the barn and make your way to the arrow-marked path that leads you back to your accommodations.

The wooden sign burned with the words,

The glass igloos,

Points in the right direction as snow falls gently around,

Causing a tranquil spell on the dark landscape.

The snow reflects shades of blue and the plowed path is illuminated by snow-dusted lanterns made sturdy enough to withstand the Arctic winds.

As the winds whistle and whip around you,

You make your way slowly,

Feeling like a marshmallow in your winter layers as you find your balance with each bouncy step of your rubber soled boots.

The soft amber glow of a dozen glass igloos lights up the darkness beyond a clearing in the snow-laden conifers.

They offer a dreamy oasis in the snow,

A magical storybook experience that brings a smile to your face.

Despite the chill,

You follow the path to your glass igloo which,

Like all of the accommodations,

Has been given a theme and name.

Yours is called the Lingonberry Igloo.

You find this name burned into another wooden sign placed before the glass dome.

You stomp your feet,

Freeing your boots of snow before you step inside.

The thermal glass dome maintains a warm,

Cozy temperature while offering breathtaking views of rolling hills of sparkling white snow and silhouetted trees against the night sky.

The glass igloo smells of cinnamon and lingonberries.

Cozy armchairs and a thick comforter on the four-poster bed made of knotty wood beams are in the rich red hues of the native berries.

In the comfort of your igloo,

You shed your snowsuit,

Sweater,

And pants and hang them in a pine closet near the sauna and ensuite.

Before settling in for the night,

The allure of a private hot tub buried in the snow inspires you to change into swimwear for a luxurious dip in the massaging waters.

Room service will deliver a delicious meal upon your return,

Something you look forward to.

Wrapped tightly in a terrycloth robe and winter boots,

You step out into the quietude of the night.

You navigate the winding path in the snow for a few dozen feet,

Led by a lantern strung from a wooden pole.

You press a button on this pole and the hot tub cover disappears like an accordion door,

Revealing the bubbling turquoise water surrounded by mounds of snow.

You remove and stow your bathrobe in a wooden box where fresh towels are folded and kept dry.

Snowflakes land on your bare skin,

Surprising you with a playful chill that turns into laughter at the silliness of the moment.

You revel in how delightfully strange it feels to be in the middle of the Arctic,

In such a remote place,

Ready to indulge in one of the most soothing modern amenities.

You lower yourself into the steamy water,

Feeling ice crystals form nearly immediately on your exposed skin.

Yet you take your time,

Adjusting at your own pace until you are fully submerged before your head.

Leaning back against a pillow headrest,

You soak in the bubbling water as jets massage your back and neck.

The ebony sky reveals itself as snow clouds are swept away by the wind.

Stars glitter above and the northern lights make a faint prelude with lime green and bright purple wisps.

A magical promise of the light show you hope to witness on this enchanting night.

As you sink into the hot tub,

Steam rises,

Creating a warm veil that contrasts with the cold night air.

The sensation of your breath meeting the chilly atmosphere adds an ethereal touch to the experience,

Dance of extremes,

That heightens the beauty of this moment.

The jets in the hot tub pulse against your body with persistent pressure to unlock tensions you had no idea you were holding.

But so often this tension is a natural response to the exposure to the cold and all that stiffness is now mellowed in the healing water.

You revel in the bubbling warmth until the heat becomes too much.

Something hard to believe could happen.

When placed outside in sub-zero weather,

You emerge from the hot tub slowly,

Seeing how quickly the layer of dew on your skin becomes frosty.

Placing your feet in your boots,

You dry off with a towel and quickly wrap yourself in a cozy robe.

You press the button to conceal the hot tub with the accordion cover,

Hoping to return before your time comes to leave Finland.

You spontaneously skip back to the glass igloo in a fun effort to expediate your way indoors before the pleasant chill transforms into an unbearable cold.

Inside the Lingonberry igloo,

A delightful meal of local dishes awaits beneath stainless steel dome-shaped covers,

Mirroring the shape of the dwelling.

You make your way to the sauna in the ensuite,

Comfortably settled atop the wood bench.

You inhale the intoxicating smell of pine.

Water droplets evaporate quickly as your pores open to welcome the dry heat.

Your swimwear is soon dry as you align your spine against the hot wooden beams in the soothing haven.

You take a few deep breaths and open your eyes,

Ready to enjoy a meal.

Stepping into the modern yet functional bathroom,

You moisturize your skin with a complimentary lotion that smells of cranberries and pine.

Your skin soaks up the creamy nourishment as you change into thick flannel pajamas and extra thick crocheted sock slippers.

Fire burns brightly in the wood stove of the main room as you sit at the handcrafted wood table adorned with scarlet tapered candles.

You remove the food covers and they evoke images of elegance portrayed in films.

You inhale the steamy fragrance of the hearty local foods.

Eating slowly,

You savor each bite in the ambient glow of candles peering out of the glass igloo.

At the darkness around you,

As you enjoy the meal,

The northern lights begin to paint the sky.

Brilliant shades of purple,

Green,

And teal dash across the sky in intricate patterns.

Like brush strokes on a velvety black canvas,

They swirl like heavy cream added to rich dark coffee.

You sip on a silky warm drink as the northern lights create a memorable spectacle during this extraordinary dinner.

The lights dance and weave a celestial performance that so many souls come to the region hoping to see.

During each stay,

The ranch staff promises to alert guests with a call should the lights not appear until deep into the night.

But how fortunate you feel to enjoy this show during dinner as the northern lights fade away.

Their absence gives way to a sense of tired contentment from a day well spent.

You realize how tired you truly are and now the newness and excitement of the Finnish Laplands fades away.

The wind howls outside as you rise and peer out on the wintry landscape once more,

Savoring its pristine beauty in a mental image that will not fade with time.

You blow out the candles,

Watching small black squiggles fill the air with a smell of candles put out.

You walk to the rustic bed and nestle beneath the rich red comforter as a cascade of sensations from the day's adventures wash over you.

You recall the rhythmic sounds of the huskies paws,

Your fingers running through their downy fur,

The crisp wind against your face as you soared through the trails on the dog sled.

As these memories dance in your mind,

You sense your fortitude and resilience.

An adventurous soul who met each challenge with a determined spirit and a well of gratitude.

What better way to end the day than with the warm contrasts of the hot tub and the cozy glass igloo that allow you to feel safe in the Arctic freeze.

You could not be more comfortable or thankful as your head sinks into the pillows and you inhale the freshly laundered linens.

As you close your eyes,

The vivid memories of the day merge with the quiet darkness and the sensory echoes of your adventures linger.

You drift between reality and sleep as the persistent whistle of the wind serenades you with an Arctic lullaby.

Looking up at the stars through the thermal glass dome,

You witness their distant twinkling.

A celestial farewell before your eyelids that becomes so heavy with the weight of the day's experiences,

They betray you.

With each breath,

You slip between worlds.

The boundary between your waking life and sleeping life dissolving into the retreat of deep restorative slumber.

Finding peace,

Finding comfort,

Finding bliss,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.

Reviews

Michelle, you always craft stories that remind me of something in my life that I either experienced or currently enjoy! Lapland was of interest as I had also heard they have more reindeer than people. As a lover of cold weather, snowmobiling (from the mid 80’s & 90’s conditions permitting) was my most favourite weekend activity!!!
My colleague at work raised Siberian Huskies for her & her husband to participate in Iditarod races. Their dogs loved running & she said they always got very excited to participate.

I put this on repeat all night until my alarm went off, then finally heard the whole thing before getting up.
Thank you kindly for yet another wonderful bedtime story! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

The Northern Lights is on my bucket list … so this is a lovely preview 🥰 thank you as always, Michelle!