Be True to Yourself

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everyone else… means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.  -e.e.cummings

I am not an avid reality show watcher, I never really have been.  Weekly watching someone else's life and all the drama that can go with the situation created is not what I consider entertainment.  Yet I will admit that I have a guilty pleasure of watching Survivor on occasion.  Although I still do not watch it on a regular basis, if there is something that catches my interest I will tune in occasionally, especially at the finale. 

 Last night I watched the finale of the most recent Survivor show.  One of the players was the nephew of a player in previous shows who truly proved what it meant to be an out and out liar and then to not have any problem with it.  Of course I am talking about Russell.  His nephew Brandon played this season.  On several occasions he stated how he wanted to try and return some goodness to his family name and the example that Russell had left in his previous 3 shows appearances.  He tried to play with honesty and an forwardness that I enjoyed.  Although I will say that there were some that did not like his manner of telling it like it is, I found it refreshing in a world where it seems that so many just tell you what they think you want to hear.

 

Most people are other people.  Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.  Oscar Wilde

He did not win of course.  It was his honesty and true compassion to help out another that did him in.  He spoke last night about how the experience changed and also strengthened him and his convictions.  He also talked about how because of this change and the manner in which he exhibited his passions on national TV inevitably alienated him from his family per their choosing.  He had no one from his family there to support him last night.  No one was there to congratulate him on a good game except his fellow players and others in the audience.  His uncle Russell was there, yet it was only to ridicule his ridiculous manner of playing the game. 

Many times in life we have opportunities to stand up for something we claim to the comfortable crowd that we believe in.  When I say comfortable crowd I mean those of like ways and beliefs.  It takes little courage to stand up in a room where so many others would say the same words as you.  Yet to walk among others who hold a different view can be a very unpleasant and often difficult experience.  I take my hat off to Brandon for standing behind what he claimed was him.  I commend him for continuing to do so even after his return home and the discomfort he received as well as the cold shoulders and lack of compassion.  It is people like him that will eventually make a difference.  Next time you are given a chance to speak your voice and say something to support the convictions that you hold deep in the corners of your heart remember… If we become so accustomed to disguising ourselves to other people  eventually we will also become disguised to ourselves. 

Never be bullied into silence, Never allow yourself to be made a victim.  Accept no one’s definition of your life;

 Define yourself. 

Dreaming of Jamaica

This morning I woke to a wonderful temperature of 18 degrees, a sure sign that old man winter is well on his way or in some cases already here and quite settled in.  It is a far cry from the recent vacation we took before Thanksgiving.  Vincent and I spent a wonderful 7 days in Jamaica.  It was a wonderful birthday present as well as a wonderful way to relax before all the wackiness of the holiday season.  It was the first time either of us had been to Jamaica so we were not sure what to expect.

 

  Touching down in Montego Bay the sun was just beginning to set.  Our resort was on the other side of the island so we had an hour and a half drive to our destination. We sat back to enjoy the ride.  The roads are narrow in Jamaica and we had to drive over the mountain.  The manner of driving was a bit different than what we were used to.  First they drive on the other side of the road which really was not all that bad.  The other thing was the way they would swerve to miss either pot holes or people walking along the road. Many times it appeared that we were driving straight towards an oncoming car, only to have one of us swerve out of the others way just before impact.  It was a bumpy ride at times and a bit scary but we eventually made it.

 

  Our room was facing the ocean and right on the beach.  After a quick supper we spent the rest of the evening just sitting on our deck watching the waves and enjoying the warm weather. Our early flight that morning and the bottle of wine we shared led us to an early bed time. 

 

Because we arrived after dark it was difficult to see much of the country side.   The next morning our view was much clearer.  We were served breakfast on our balcony.  What a wonderful way to wake up each day.  A beautiful sunrise and wonderful weather.  I have to say that it definitely did spoil me. Because of the time difference we were up by 6am each day.  Early maybe but the sun set earlier as well so we did not want to miss any of the wonderful sunshine.

 

We did not do much extra while there.  It was an all inclusive which I think is the only way to go if you can.  Our days consisted of breakfast than down to our place on the beach.  It was set up and ready each day with towels and a wonderful ice chest full of Red Stripe, water, and ginger ale.   We ate our lunch each day on the beach as well.  Jamaican Jerk was our mainstay for lunch.  I grew to love the spicy flavors as well as the variety of items served.  I am not much of a banana lover but I grew to love fried  plantains.

 

  Our afternoons were either on the beach or in the pool.  It would usually cloud up a bit as the day neared late afternoon.  It would then rain for a bit then let up before evening came.  A couple times while it rained we indulged ourselves and had couple massages.  Afterwards we would walk back to our rooms in the rain.  It has been years since I walked in the rain and splashed in the puddles it made.  (Something I used to love to do)  These walks as well as the many mojitos we had were my favorite part of the afternoon. 

 

Then off to the room for a brief rest and then supper. A wonderful way to end the day.  A relaxing supper and maybe a little time listening to the local musicians.  I do not know how it  could be any better.   Yea I know it doesn’t sound very exciting but it was the most wonderfully relaxing vacation I have ever had.  In fact, we decided from now on if possible we will do a similar vacation each year.  The dates fall just perfectly around our anniversary (Oct 30th) , my birthday (Nov 19th), and Vincent’s birthday (Dec. 8th).  It is a wonderful way to celebrate all three as well as give oneself a bit of a breather before the holiday season gets in full swing.   A different island each year should be something nice to look forward to. 

 

We did not get to see many gorgeous sunsets as it would cloud up and shower a bit each afternoon.  I did manage to capture this one though.  

The March Towards Yule

I can hardly believe that it has been so long since I last posted. Reading back over the last few entries it seemed that each time I promised to return and become more frequent again yet it seemed that instead I only was gone longer.  No more excuses.  It is what it is.  I was doing other things.

A couple weeks ago I celebrated the milestone of my 50th birthday.  Last year as I wrote about this event I spoke of all the things I intended to do throughout the year to prepare myself for the event.  This too did not come to pass.  Yet I have to say that spending my 50th birthday on the shores of Jamaica was not a bad way to end a year that let’s just say was not what I had anticipated.

As November 1st rolled around I could feel the change.  Since I began celebrating the new year at this time, I feel more in tune with the natural revolution of the year.  The new year seemed to come with much clarity.  Although the feeling of hibernation which was well in the air due to the coming of the winter chill, I could still sense a relief; as if things were lighter and possibly brighter.

Now Yule is upon us.  The smell of gingerbread feels the air, as well as home baked breads and fresh pots of home make stews.  I love this time of year as I spend so much of my time in the kitchen.  Many of the gifts that I give to friends and family consist of cooking.   It is a way I feel I can put a bit of myself into the present.

There is much to talk about as my absence has been long.  Yet for now I will not stay long.  I will not promise as before that I will be back again in the capacity that I had at earlier times, yet I will do my best to write when I have the time.  I have missed so many of you, from reading your own musings on your own sites as well as the wonderful comments that you leave on occasion  on mine.  Some of you have taken the time to write to me via email and to you I say thank you for your thoughts and well wishes.  And to the new followers who have become a part of Mother Moon I say welcome.  Til next time, I hope that your days are filled with warmth and a good helping of the holiday spirit.

 

Blessings,

Mother Moon    

Continuous….

 

“Do not let you fire go out,

spark by irreplaceable spark

in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite,

the not-yet, and the not-at-all. 

Do not let the hero in your soul perish

in lonely frustration

for the life you deserved and

have never been able to reach.

  The world you desire can be won…

It exists… it is real…

it is possible…

it is yours.” 

-Ayn Rand-

Quietly Before It Begins…

Hello old friends. It has been some time since I have been here.  I have to say I have missed it in so many ways yet every time I had good intentions of coming by for a visit, it always seemed like something else pulled me in an opposite direction.  But then we all know what they say of good intentions.

When I looked out at this time last year, I thought what I saw was a coming year full of events and excitement.  It did evolve into just that yet the events and excitement were not of the manner that I had thought they would be.  I will say that there were many lessons to be learned.  A time it seemed to realize that there are many perspectives and interpretations to the world around me.  I would not be talking truthfully if I was to say that I was not glad that this year is drawing quickly to a close and a new one is about to begin. 

 

Not only has this time brought a wonderful release from the sweltering heat that came our way this summer it has also brought about a calmness and a form of rebirth.  Even mother nature seems to be experiencing this effect.  Flowers that labored under the heat of summer and held back much of their blooms are now unfolding in vibrant colors and number.  It is as if they are trying to make up for the lost time they had stolen from them by father sun. 

 

Over the weekend we received a wonderful drenching of moisture from the sky.  It brought with it a revival of growth and blooms.  The shorter days as well as the moisture have given cooler days and relaxing moments, something I have missed terribly.

I hope that likewise all of you have been able to experience such a time yourselves.  A few moments to gather ones self and prepare for the quietness that the coming months will soon bring.  I have no doubt that with it we will have our own surprises, much like this last year brought.  Yet I hope that it will give us times to reflect and once again prepare ourselves. 

The year draws down to its final days and soon the time of Samhain will be upon us.  It is a special time for many.   I look forward to all the aspects that it will bring with it.  I look forward to putting this year to the past and making way for the new one to come.

Blessings to you and yours,

M other Moon

Stay Safe…

This last year has brought about a variety of extremes when it comes to the subject of weather.  It seems that this is a pattern that will not be soon to slow.  Hurricane Irene has made herself known in the last couple days as she churns her way through the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and other tropical paradises in the Caribbean.  Now she sets her eye on the eastern coast of the US.  At this time it appears that the Carolinas are her first stop and then a leisurely stroll up the coast visiting Virginia, DC, and so on.  She then plans to make her last stop (or so it seems at this time) at no other than the Big Apple itself. 

 

Hurricanes are not something that comes to mind when I think of New York City. Yet none the less it seems at this time that one may be visiting them in the next few days.  For all my friends in the path of Irene I send my thoughts and blessings.  I know that such thoughts bring little help in the anticipation of what may or will come yet the thought is there.  I hope that (as the weather men say) one of those tiny spaghetti strings which is located further east, away from the coast is the true trek Irene plans and her desires turn towards a more ocean voyage rather than one that comes inland. 

The Aftermath–Good and Bad

It seems like just the other day that we went to Chicago for Lollapalooza.  Yet it has already been two weeks.  It was wonderful to get away for a few days and even better to be able to go somewhere where the weather was considerably cooler.  We did have to tend with a bit of humidity but that was just fine.  I truly think it was the first time this summer that we actually spent three entire days outside all day long.  For me that alone was the best thing of the whole long weekend. 

The whole event was a blast.  I will say though since we were there a few years back that the number of people attending seemed to grow considerably.  It was the 20th anniversary so that could have had something to do with it all.  It was sold out all weekend which meant that 300,000 total were present each day, not to count the few that managed to sneak in one way or another.  Despite the crowdedness it was still fun.  The first day was the best as many had not gotten off of work yet and it did not seem to be as hard to find a good spot to just relax and listen to music.  Also of course Muse played Friday evening.  I was bummed as they put Muse and Coldplay up against one another.  Yet in the end my loyalties won out and I was smack in the middle for the Muse concert.  As always they were great and I was not disappointed with my choice at all. 

The rest of the weekend was filled with acts like Flogging Molly, Foo Fighters, Manchester Orchestra, Celo Green, Foster the People, and so many more.  We stayed at the Hard Rock which was nice yet it was also where many of the bands stayed.  Needless to say it was much like grand central station there at times, especially in the evenings.  If I had been a mere 20 years younger I probably would have enjoyed it much more. 

The only downfall of the whole weekend was the morning we came home.  In our drive to the airport of course we were stuck in morning traffic.  I managed to leave my camera in the cabbie when we got out at the airport.  I realized it immediately and we called the Cabbie Co first thing.  Although we made valiant efforts, we did not retrieve it.  I was depressed for days as my camera had become a bit of an appendage for me.  I lost all my photos from the weekend as well as some family photos I had shot before we left.  I will say that I was a bit upset about the honesty of people after it was all over.  We called immediately after we exited.  The cabbie had told us that because of the traffic he would just go down to arrivals at the airport and get his next fare there.  It would have been so easy to retrieve the camera then.  And even if he decided otherwise reporting it found would have likewise been as easy.

Sometimes I feel like I give too much credit to others that I just assume they will do the right thing.  Although also I do not want to become so cynical that I don’t trust anyone and look suspiciously at any who may give me a funny feeling.  I know that we live in rough times these days. Because of that it can lend some to do things that in other situations they may not even consider doing.  I also know that I have to accept that there are some who will do such things despite right or wrong.  I just tell myself that for some reason of which I will never know that maybe he needed it more than I.  Maybe in some way the possession of my Nikon D80 will aid him in a way that it did not not aid me.  I miss the rabbit charm that hung from the handle of my camera case almost as much as the camera.  I had received it from a friend in Ireland.  It was hand made with green stones and a pewter bunny at the end.  It was my good luck charm or at least it was suppose to be.  Yet no use crying over spilt milk.  It is what it is…

 

Mother Moon

A Thought To Ponder

Look well into thyself;

  There is a source of strength

which will always spring up

if thou will always look there.

Marcus Aurelius

Blessed Lammas

With the heat that Summer brought to so many of us this year, I am happy to celebrate Lammas today.  It is with Lammas that we start to usher in the Autumn or harvest time of the year and slowly say our goodbyes to Summer. 

Slowly we will begin to see our days grow shorter which in turn will allow us to cool a bit more in the dark hours. Flowers and some garden plants will get a bit of a reprieve from the heat and possibly produce a bit of a second harvest if some are lucky.

To many today will be a day when they are in their kitchen baking a fresh loaf of bread to help them celebrate Lammas.  Any bread recipe can be altered to suit, simply by adding cornmeal.   Below is a recipe I often use.

Lammas Bread

1 cup cornmeal

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

4 Tablespoons Butter

2 cups Buttermilk

Sift together the dry ingredients. Make a hole in the center of the dry mix and dice in the butter.  Pour in the buttermilk.  Mix together until a soft dough is achieved.  Turn onto a floured board and knead gently until combined.  Place on a floured bake sheet and score the top if desired.  Bake at 425 for 30 minutes.  Turn off the oven and leave in the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.  Enjoy…

Here is wishing all of you a blessed and joyous Lammas.  May each of you begin to enjoy a bountiful harvest as well as the cooling that Autumn brings.

 

Blessings

Mother Moon

In Honor Of…….

Born February 7, 1975  in Albany New York

Died July 21, 2011 in Paktika, Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Benjamin A. Stevenson of Canyon Lake, Texas died at age 36 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. Stevenson was currently serving his 10th deployment overseas since the start of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Highly decorated, Master Sgt. Stevenson received the following:  Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Nation Defense Service Medal, among several others.  He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, his parents, a brother and a sister.

Living In The Moment

Another week has past.  The events that came to each of us these last days were unique in their own way.  Although some of them may reoccur in the future, they will not be as they were this last week.

I often think about the chances that come to us each day.  The ones that we allow to go to the side and not act upon the opportunity that may be offered to us.  I know that in most cases it is impossible to act upon all such times that may come our way.  Yet I wonder at times if the ones that I do allow to go untouched were ones that possibly could have brought me an extra special blessing.  Some may say that such a wonder is a form of regret and I guess that in some way it is.  Yet each day as we venture out on our daily life we choose the events that we partake in or avoid.  It is in the question as to why we join in a cause or why also we may quietly walk by hoping that no one notices.

 

Sometimes our reasons are good ones.  At other times we justify the reason so that we can avoid and not feel too bad for doing so.  As I crawl out of the hole I feel I have resided in for the last few months, I wonder about all the opportunities I may have allowed to go by the wayside.  I wonder about the revelations and the blessings that I may have missed because I did so.  I am careful not to be too hard on myself as I also know that in doing what I did, I may have also avoided things that could have brought me the very opposite.

 

As the year winds down and the autumn calls off in the distance, I am only now coming out of my hibernation.  It may prove to be a very interesting time.  I have missed the interaction with the blogworld and am happy to be back.  Yet I know that there are other things that call me as well.  Although I felt that I reclused myself these last few months, in my own way I made my own choices.  It was a choice of subtle seclusion and retrospect.  Sometimes the times that comes to one can not be avoided and although we may wish to take a different path we are somewhat herded down the one we would not have necessarily chosen.  These times can be blessings as well.  It all depends on our attitude and how open we keep our heart and eyes as we travel down it.

 

Although at times I have questioned the why of a choice I may have made, in most cases I see the reasoning eventually.  Maybe not immediately or even shortly after, it comes to me in time.  What did I learn from my latest journey?  So far the lessons that have come are those of realization; that as quickly as something comes it can also go.  It are the moments of now that matter the most.  It is not the pain or joy one gains from looking at the past that is most important.  It is not the anticipation of what could possibly be that one feels as they gaze into the future.  The past will forever keep us in its grasp if we live only in it.  The future will bring us nothing if we gaze only at the possibilities and attempt nothing to reach the goal.  But the present… It is a means to have it all.  In the present we can deal with the happenings of the past and resolve the pain that may have been there and hold precious all the joys.  We can plan and act upon the path to reach the dreams we may have for the future and eventually in time reach the destination we desire.  It is in the present that we hold all of time and the power to manipulate it in the palm of our hand.

 Blessings,

Mother Moon

Friends for Breakfast

Although our weather has been overly warm this summer, if one rises early enough in the morning they may experience a brief time of lovely weather.  Before the sun rises high enough to start its hot walk across the sky, and if there is a slight breeze; the early morning can be quite nice. 

I learned this morning though that I am not the only one who also finds this to be a nice time to come out and enjoy the day before it becomes too unbearable.  Winston and I had just stepped off the porch when a movement caught my attention from the corner of my sight.  As I turned towards my little oak at the bottom of the yard, I noticed something jump from its branches.  Now the squirrels enjoy this tree quite a bit as there is a big feeder of sunflower seed that is nestled in the middle of it, hidden from most .  It is a treasure that is only there for those who know it is there.  Yet this did not appear to be a squirrel.  It was much darker in color, almost black.   Also if it was to be a squirrel I had somehow acquired monster squirrels as its size was a bit large.

I continued to watch not yet venturing to close as Winston was with me and the last thing I wanted was for him to catch sight of what I was witnessing and possibly take chase.   Just then a second animal jumped to the ground.  This time I caught a better view and again it was definitely not a squirrel. 

I could not believe that two animals of such size would be sitting up in my little oak and be so hidden from my sight.  They both crouched down at the base of the tree so that I still could not make out their true identity.  I ushered Winston into the house so that I could take a closer look.   As I ventured down a bit closer to the tree, a third animal jumped down from the oak’s branches.  Now a total of three animals hunkered down around the bottom of the small oak hidden only by a few sparse weeds .  Although the plants that surrounded the oak were few I still could not make out their faces.  Then one of them darted from their hiding place toward the woods nearby.  As it ran towards the higher grass and brush it drug behind it  a ringed tail.  Soon after the second followed and then the third.  Three young coons were enjoying an early morning breakfast of sunflower seeds nestled snugly up in the branches of my little oak.  

I still am a bit surprised that three of them could fit themselves up in the small tree.  Yet my little oak has been refuge for many a squirrel and bird.  His branches reach out accepting all who come to visit and sit a spell. I am sure that he would also welcome three coon siblings if they came his way.   I wondered after seeing my new visitors if I should attempt to trap and relocate them to a more fitting location then my back yard.  I have already done so with two others this summer. They had found my suet cakes and seed earlier at a feeding station closer to my house and were making themselves a bit too welcomed. After consuming a gross number of suet cakes and practically demolishing one of my feeders in an attempt to gain entrance, I had no other choice but to find them new homes.   I think as long as these three stay down by the oak  they will be fine.  It was obvious by their size that they were but young ones and the fact that they were three in number made me think they must be siblings who were likely born earlier this spring.  How could I possibly break up siblings. 

  I did spread cracked corn around the oak yesterday for the birds as well as the rabbits that sometime frequent.  A bit silly of me to think that nothing else might come and also partake of it. 

Blessings

Mother Moon

A Thought To Ponder

An interesting method

for dealing with negative and unwanted thoughts.

Don't let them possess you.

Don't assume you have to act them out.

On the other hand;

Don't struggle mightily to suppress them, either.

Instead, try this:

Bow to the offending idea.

Acknowledge and admire its power.

Express your gratitude and respect to it

For galvanizing so much of your psychic energy

Meditation teacher Jack Kornfield

.

Monday Mumblings–Five months til Yule

As I rose this morning, I glanced at the calendar and realized that it was the 25th of July already.  Can you believe that it is only five months away from Yule.  I have to admit that I love the thought of that. To be honest it is mostly because of the cooler temperatures that I know will be present at that time.  The temperatures this summer have been brutal to almost anyone who lives in the States.  Oklahoma is well used to having an occasional “hot” summer yet some of the areas further north are way out of their comfort zone with the temperatures as well as the humidity they have been experiencing this year.

It does seem though that the uneasiness that I felt earlier in the year may be subsiding somewhat.  I find myself a bit more focused as well as energized.  It is probably the time of the year and the need to start gathering and preparing for the coming fall and winter is calling even though it seems to still be a ways off.  I have already started considering the treats I will bake and give away for the holidays as well as started my holiday gift shopping.  Last year I was able to complete all of this busy work well before and I was left with ample time to leisurely bake and cook to my hearts content.  It was quite enjoyable.

Although thought of cooler times are well on my mind, I still am saddened by the excessive heat.  The flowers have struggled so, as well as many of my bushes in my yard.  We have been without rain in some areas for so long that the ground has started to crack and buckle.  Many areas have mandatory water rationing and thus can not water their yards as they may wish too.  I am fortunate that we have a water well and thus I am able to water within reason.  Our pond once more has started to decrease in water yet it could be much worse.  Earlier in the year (May) we received a good rain which filled it to the brim.  If we had not gotten that, it would be no more than a muddy little hole. 

Last night I woke to the sound of rain drops on the skylight, a noise that usually does not wake me.  It did not rain much but enough to dampen things a little.  I in turn went out this morning and turned on the sprinklers for a bit so the birds could have a bit of fun before it became too hot today.

Here is hoping that this finds you all well and if by chance the heat has gotten you down, just remember…. Two more months until fall and only five until Yule.  Then we will have a whole new weather condition to complain about. 

blessings,

Mother Moon

The Cycle of Life

Grace

emerges in the ebb and the flow.

The waning reveals a different blessing

then the waxing.

As The Wheel Turns

Balance, according to Webster is mental and emotional steadiness. Although I do not feel that I have gone off the deep end, I do not feel like I have been very balanced as of late.

After my birthday last year, I had grand plans of all the things I wanted to accomplish and the manner in which I would do just that. Of course there is still a few more months left for me to chip away at the list I created, yet the lack of enthusiasm I have had as of late has not helped matters much. As many of us know when we plan to do something so many times something always seems to come up and "change" things.

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry"

Robert Burns

 So with that being said I guess I am in good company and should not be too hard on myself. Most definitely this year has turned out to be much different than I had expected it to be. Not necessarily in a bad way just in a different manner. It has taught me lessons and helped me to lose a little of my controlling nature. Something that I guess I needed to work on a bit. A good life lesson is always welcomed, although the tough ones sometimes make me whine a bit. Yet as I look around there has been difference in many areas of life. From the weather to politics there are times when I want to just throw up my hands and say what in the world is going on. Yet the wheel continues to turn as it always does and will. Change is something that will always be among us no matter how much we may cuss it or wish it away

Change is inevitable, growth is intentional

Glenda Cloud

Change is what makes us who we are. How it comes and how we choose to deal with it is what is most important. Do we react or do we respond? Reaction is sudden and often from our emotions. Such times are usually the ones we wish we could go back and change given the chance. The sudden release of intense emotions often feels good initially yet later we see the folly in our actions. Responding is often done over a longer period of time. We consider all that is involved and although we may not make the best decision the one that is eventually made is often a much clearer one.

I know from experience that reacting is usually not the best thing to do. Sitting back and thinking over all the options and all the feelings involved will bring one to a much better conclusion. Thus with this recent change I sit back and try not to over think the situation. I look at the opportunities that have come my way in place of those I had planned on and see that there were other things that needed to be tended to first. I also am able to see the additional blessings that have come my way on this different road. So many times when things do not go our way we jump to all the bad things about the situation and forget to look for the good that may have come from it. I have learned there is always some good in bad things. It may be hard to see let alone accept, yet it is there.

July is almost over and soon the Autumn will come. The circle will have taken its course and all that was to happen will have come to pass. We may not think that it was as it should be yet in its own way it will have been just as it should have been.

Blessings to you and yours

Mother Moon

In Honor Of .......

A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division of Ft. Campbell died Thursday of injuries he sustained while fighting in Afghanistan.

 

Sergeant Jeremy R. Summers was injured in small arms fire while on dismounted patrol in Paktika province Tuesday. Summers, 27, was from Mt. Olivet, Kentucky.

 

He was a fire support specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in March 2005 and arrived at Ft. Campbell in August 2009.

 

Summers is survived by his mother, Laura Jo Summers, and father, Kenneth M. Summers, both of Mt. Olivet.

Changes

Good Saturday morning. The hot summer sun has risen to begin yet another wonderful day we have here on this big ball we call home. Because of mother earth's desire to give us a "hot" summer this year, I have already been up and done my daily yard work before the crack of dawn. One nice thing is that I do not need to mow as often as in previous years. I still have my little green sanctuary down under the tree house, where I water on a regular basis to keep at least a little corner of my world lush and green. The birds and other animals seem to appreciate the effort as well. They delight in their early morning baths to wash the dust from them as they play beneath the sprinkler and the cool welcomed water. The neighborhood bunny has also found me and has made my spot a stop on his morning jaunt. Green grass is hard to find this year and I have a special little patch that I keep a bit tall just for him.

I do miss the usual time I would spend working in the yard tending to all my areas, yet it is meant to be hot this year with little rain from the sky so I will search for the other things that life has for me to mull over. Last night I did venture out as well as the night before and gaze upon the beautiful full moon. The heat did make the sky a bit hazy yet she was quite beautiful as she rose last night. It never ceases to amaze me how she takes my breath away each time she comes out in all her glory. I love the glow she casts across the night. Natures night light.

As I sit here and comment on the intense heat that we have experienced (25 days of 100 plus temperatures) there are many who are dealing with an abundance of rain. The news last night reported cities in the north plains who were dealing with heavy floods. Such extremes seem to be taking place in our world these days. Last February we broke a record with a record low temperature of -31. As compared with the many highs we have had thus far this summer. The temperature has reached anywhere from 105 to 118 depending on which part of the state you reside in. I cannot help but sense that mother nature is attempting to get our attention.

I will be honest and say that I do not know much in regards to all the theories that go around to explain such phenomenon yet still it seems that something is occurring. The true explanation may not be fully clear to us as of yet. That does not mean though that we should not take heed and listen to what may be being told to us through such actions.

I hope that whether it be intense heat (fire), an abundance of rain (water), violent storms (air), or earthquakes (earth), that this finds you well and in good spirits. I have missed being here on a daily or even weekly basis. Like the weather I have been a bit different this last few months. Once again as in previous recent posts I hope to be able to make a more frequent return as before. Til then may all you have a blessed weekend.

Just Checking In With My Monthly Update

Yes once again I have been absent for another long period of time... Not letting anyone know my whereabouts or what may be or not be going on with me. As I have said in the past it has been a "different" year. I would have to say it has been much about change and self awareness as well as awareness of those around me and the enviromnent itself. I like to think I am good with change but in all honesty are any of us... Yes I know it is good for you and it keeps one on their toes but still...

 

I do believe although I can not say I truly enjoyed it all, that it has made me aware that possibly I was taking my easy life a bit for granted. Not truly realizing the ease that I may have had it at.... I would take it all back if it would change things but I know that is now how a life lesson works and so I will move ahead and work through the situations and "adventures" that have come my way.

 

It has been a brutally hot summer thus far. Really it started before summer even officially came. First it was the storms that when they did erupt were destructive and deadly. Then after we were hit with that the heat came. Nine days straight of 100 plus temps. Yesterday it was 110 and felt like 113. It was hard to even go outside. We went ahead and had Winston sheered this summer. Yes I know he is a lab and a white one at that but he was taking the heat so hard I began to worry about him. He is just getting over his stubble growth and I think has gotten used to his shorter cut. I can tell a vast improvement in the way he has been.

 

You all know my procrastination... yea got to love it... I finally went to the dr. a couple weeks ago. Had the much needed women things done. I hate to say it but it had been since 2006. Yes I know that is 5 years. First visit went great. All results came back fine just a stern finger wagging telling me to not wait so long next time. This morning I received a call on the second visit. We all know that when they call it is not necessarily ok. My mamogram results suggest I need additional viewings is what I was advised. So next week I return to see if this adventure will end then or continue a bit longer. Fingers crossed.

 

I have had some blessings this year. I have been abundantly blessed with many visits with my grandkids. Not only to their home but they came up to Oklahoma a couple weeks ago which was so much fun. There is nothing like a house full of grandkids to keep ones spirits up. I always cherish the memories made with them, as they always leave me with just a bit more love in my heart.

 

Here is hoping that all are having a wonderful fun filled summer and that the heat is not taking too much of a toll on you. And any of my friends who may be or have been in the paths of the waters that have covered so much this year, my thoughts and prayers are with you as well. Take care and be safe.

Early Morning Sundays - Be Yourself

To be nobody but yourself

in a world

that is doing its best

to make you just like everybody else,

means to fight the greatest battle

there is to fight and never stop fighting.

 

E.E. Cummings

An Interview with Mother Moon - Conclusion

Q: Do you wear or own any Celtic Motifs? (such as jewelry, tattoos, art or so on?) I wear a Celtic cross which some call a witches cross. In earlier days I wore a cross at all times. It gave me comfort and peace. As I allowed myself to embrace the beliefs I held I felt that wearing the cross no longer was appropriate yet I wanted to wear something. I searched until I found my necklace. It called to me and so I embraced it. I also wear a collection of silver Celtic designed rings. A pinky ring with a green stone, a larger one with a garnet and a larger Celtic ring design.

 

I have wanted to get a tattoo for some time yet have not as of yet found the symbol I would like. I am leaning heavily towards a replica of my necklace.

 

Q: If you do, what means the most to you? I once had a small pinky ring of Celtic design with a small garnet. I loved that ring until one day that I lost it. Now in its place I wear the one with the green stone. I have lost this ring off of my fingers many times. Even outside in my yard it has fell from my finger. Yet each time I lose it I am always reunited with it. I have come to believe that it is a lucky symbol. It means a great deal to me and I never take it off. (unless of course it chooses for fall from my finger)

 

Q: What makes you like Celtic Lore enough to write about it? It has inspired me in many areas of my life yet most of all it has inspired me in a spiritual sense. It has brought questions to me as a person going through life yet if I ask for answers, in some way it always seems to answer. I do not ever mean to push or shove my beliefs onto anyone. I feel that each ones spiritual journey is a personal walk that they must take alone. There are always guides along the way to help us see a bit more clearly yet the path we travel is one of solitude or it should be. Because of the things I have been shown and the things I have learned I feel it is only right that I share. What one does with such information is completely up to them. It may speak to some and say nothing to others. That is not for me to decide. Yet to keep the knowledge I have to myself I feel is not right. I would want someone to tell me if I was about to walk off a cliff. It doesn't necessarily mean that I would not still walk off the cliff but I would do it in a completely different manner.

Q: Has it influenced you any other ways? It has influenced me in regards to the way I act towards people. It has helped me to become for accepting of differences in those who do not believe as me. I used to be somewhat pushy in regards to trying to make others see what I was saying. I see now that it is not for me to say. We each have the struggles we have and it is not necessarily our place to tell others how to deal with such struggles. It is our place to be there for them.

 

Q: How so? Many times this entails simply sitting and being still. My tree lore has helped me with this as to get to know nature one has to sit and be still and listen. Not to our minds or thoughts but to the simple sounds that surround you. One also has to be attentive to the smallest of detail and realize its effect on that around it. It can make one so much more aware of the huge impact they may have on the environment around them.

 

Q: How do you think Celtic Culture has influenced people of today? There are still many today that even though they may not realize it they in some way celebrate and acknowledge Celtic ways. So many of the holidays that celebrate today were replicas (adjusted slightly) of pagan festivals celebrated long before the church. Yet as a means to "convert" the pagans, the church designed like holidays with different names of course to take their place. They incorporated just enough of the previous theme to make the pagans feel they were still celebrating their old ways. Prime examples of such events:

 

*Yule and  Christmas

* Samhain and Halloween

* Ostara and Easter

I think also that in many family and cultures there are traditions passed down through the ages that still hold glimpses of the old ways to them. This can be seen in cooking ways as well as old remedies to help colds, upset stomachs and such. When my granddaughter lived closer, each winter I had a special tea that I would make. We would drink a cup at the beginning of winter along with some special fairy cakes I would make. We would never get colds yet all those around us would. We told them that is was due to the tea and cakes yet they laughed at us. I have tried to pass such bits down to her as she grows. I keep a book for her of tiny tidbits and such for when I am gone. In her I hope the tradition continues as I feel assured it will

 

Q: Do you know anyone else who has been influenced by the Celtic World? I think there are many. I do not necessarily go around asking of making a point to note how I may feel one is affected. Yet like I mentioned earlier, it can be seen in many ways and some are ever so slight. I watched an old Scottish woman make shortbread once. She was infatic about the manner in which she combined the ingredients and also about the markings that were to go on the top as it baked. I asked her why and she looked at me and said so that the blessing will be good and the eater will receive it.

 

Also I know many that as they prepare their gardens each spring that certain rituals must be held and performed before the ground is tilled, the seed is sown, and the crop is harvested. There are more than likely many who partake in such rites that no one knows about. A simple toss of salt over ones shoulder, although some think is just an old wives tale is the purification of the area around oneself from the evil that may be present.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? I think that regardless what ones heart may be calling them to do in regards to the answer to the many questions that come to all of us throughout our lives, we should all be open to at least listening. There are so many influences in so many forms that attempt to tell us these days that this is wrong and this is right. Take this pill and it will do this. We become so excited that there is actually something that will fix this that we fail to continue to listen to what it could also cause in its place. We are a world of fast moving, high rising, got to do better than before people. We have lost the simple secrets that the world has to offer us. They have not gone anywhere , although we with our ways of improvement will see that that will not always remain the case.

 

There will come a time when there will be no more time to "fix things". It may not happen in my life, your life of anytime soon after that, yet the time will eventually come. Although we have been raised to believe that we are not doing good unless we are creating a new, we are being led astray. Technology is the snake in the Garden of Eden we have been given.

Thank you for joining me in the sharing a little of myself.  Blessings