Nineteen and Counting

I haven’t posted in a while but that does not mean that I have not been a busy girl (although I feel more like a busy old lady).  My esty shop has been keeping me on my toes.  Seven rune orders last month and although I could do it faster, I prefer to do it the old fashion way…. by hand. 
 

Yule is only 19 days away and I am happy to say I have all my shopping done.  Now it is time to write my Yule cards, wrap all those presents and start my holiday baking.  The weather has been so warm here though that I have been far from a mood to bake.  But I do have a few new recipes I want to try.  Plus the dry weather lends itself wonderfully to doing some of my goodies. 
 

I guess if you believe in the end of the Mayan calendar the nineteen  and counting could be a countdown to the end… I choose to believe otherwise.  A change?…. Possibly…. hopefully…. It sure could not hurt.  I am ready for some positive changes… some goodness… some fun… And what better time to achieve such a goal then during the Yule time. 
 

And of course in nineteen days, my most favorite event of all… The shortest day of the year…… which means…. A return to the sun.  A return to more sunshine and longer days…. See there is always something good to look forward to.

Blessings,

A Blessed Samhain and New Year To All

Halloween

by Arthur Peterson

Out I went into the meadow, 
Where the moon was shining brightly, 
And the oak-tree's lengthening shadows 
On the sloping sward did lean; 
For I longed to see the goblins, 
And the dainty-footed fairies, 
And the gnomes, who dwell in caverns, 
But come forth on Halloween. 

"All the spirits, good and evil, 
Fay and pixie, witch and wizard, 
On this night will sure be stirring," 
Thought I, as I walked along; 
"And if Puck, the merry wanderer, 
Or her majesty, Titania, 
Or that Mab who teases housewives 
If their housewifery be wrong, 

Should but condescend to meet me"— 
But my thoughts took sudden parting, 
For I saw, a few feet from me, 
Standing in the moonlight there, 
A quaint, roguish little figure, 
And I knew 'twas Puck, the trickster, 
By the twinkle of his bright eyes 
Underneath his shaggy hair. 

Yet I felt no fear of Robin, 
Salutation brief he uttered, 
Laughed and touched me on the shoulder, 
And we lightly walked away; 
And I found that I was smaller, 
For the grasses brushed my elbows, 
And the asters seemed like oak-trees, 
With their trunks so tall and gray. 

Swiftly as the wind we traveled, 
Till we came unto a garden, 
Bright within a gloomy forest, 
Like a gem within the mine; 
And I saw, as we grew nearer, 
That the flowers so blue and golden 
Were but little men and women, 
Who amongst the green did shine. 

But 'twas marvelous the resemblance 
Their bright figures bore to blossoms, 
As they smiled, and danced, and courtesied, 
Clad in yellow, pink and blue; 
That fair dame, my eyes were certain, 
Who among them moved so proudly, 
Was my moss-rose, while her ear-rings 
Sparkled like the morning dew. 

Here, too, danced my pinks and pansies, 
Smiling, gayly, as they used to 
When, like beaux bedecked and merry, 
They disported in the sun; 
There, with meek eyes, walked a lily, 
While the violets and snow-drops 
Tripped it with the lordly tulips: 
Truant blossoms, every one. 

Then spoke Robin to me, wondering: 
"These blithe fairies are the spirits 
Of the flowers which all the summer 
Bloom beneath its tender sky; 
When they feel the frosty fingers 
Of the autumn closing round them, 
They forsake their earthborn dwellings, 
Which to earth return and die, 

"As befits things which are mortal. 
But these spirits, who are deathless, 
Care not for the frosty autumn, 
Nor the winter long and keen; 
But, from field, and wood, and garden, 
When their summer's tasks are finished, 
Gather here for dance and music, 
As of old, on Halloween." 

Long, with Puck, I watched the revels, 
Till the gray light of the morning 
Dimmed the luster of Orion, 
Starry sentry overhead; 
And the fairies, at that warning, 
Ceased their riot, and the brightness 
Faded from the lonely forest, 
And I knew that they had fled. 

Ah, it ne'er can be forgotten, 
This strange night I learned the secret— 
That within each flower a busy 
Fairy lives and works unseen 
Seldom is 't to mortals granted 
To behold the elves and pixies, 
To behold the merry spirits, 
Who come forth on Halloween.

The Full Hunter’s Moon

The temperatures have cooled somewhat so the other day I decided to put the flannel sheets on the bed.  It is always nice to crawl into a soft warm bed rather than a crisp cool one this time of year.  It helps to make a nights sleep just a little bit more pleasant.  Of course though eventually one has to crawl out of this warm cozy place. 

 Winston insisted last night that I do this a bit earlier than I normally   would, lets say about 3 am in the morning.  He was determined to go outside and do his business.  I grumbled as I crawled out of my warm fuzzy place, slipped on a sweater and went to the back door to let him run a bit. 
 

As I opened the back door I was greeted with a very pleasant surprise.  I knew the moon was full last night, I watched her as she rose in the east.  Yet I was reminded again of how she has a wonderful way of lighting the nighttime.  This time of year she seems to be especially bright and clear.  I stood on the back porch for a bit admiring her beauty despite the cold temperatures.  I could see the ducks as they glided across the pond lit by her.  Winston ran around in his carefree manner like he was a bit unaware that it was still so early.  Or maybe he just wanted me to come out and see just how beautiful the moon was last night. 
 

This month’s full moon is referred to as the Hunter’s Moon.  Due to the harvest that has taken place in the weeks prior.  The fields do not have as many places for the wildlife to hide, therefore the hunter’s are keen in seeing their whereabouts.  It is also call, thus because it is a time where the days shorten and the temperatures fall, meaning winter is close at hand.  It is a time to start thinking of storing for the winter months ahead.  Samhain is just days away and then the new year.  It is a time of new beginnings and a time to prepare for the long months of winter when reflection and slower times come.  May each of you enjoy the coming days with joy and many blessings.

Autumn’s Here and All is Well

Finally it looks like the feeling of Fall is coming back to us.  A brisk cold front is to hit about mid afternoon with the temperatures falling quickly.  It just doesn’t seem right… almost Halloween and temperatures in the upper 80’s.  Then the following weekend we will fall back with our clocks all making the time of year seem balanced. 

I am so looking forward to the new year.  I know I mentioned it before but a slight bit of normalcy seems to be creeping back into our lives and it is such a welcomed thing.  I have been busy with rune making.  Two sets to ship off next week and another two already for November.  The crafting of my runes has brought me much solace.  Much like needlepoint used to, yet my eyes are not as young as they once were.  I guess I am gradually falling into my later years.  Signs are everywhere of the fact that I am older.  I swore I would never say the words…. “Well when I was younger”…. but they seem to come out of my mouth more and more. 

The cooler weather has also brought the ability to cook back to me.  Although it seems that my children will not be with me this Thanksgiving I have the fever in me to start planning.  The pecans appear to be ample this year which is a good thing as last year they were scarce with the heat and such.  I have a few new recipes that I want to try out so soon I will be warming my house with the oven as well as filling it with smells of the season
. 

The vanilla sugar as well as the homemade vanilla has already been set back as well as the scented warming pads to give to friends and family.  Yes I have been keeping myself busy which as always is a good thing.  This time of year is always a welcomed time.  I smile in content of the time to nestle down with a  good cup of tea, a wooly blanket, and a good book.  Here’s hoping you as well are finding a little bit of joy in the wonder of Autumn and the coming of the new year.

Thought To Ponder–Reflection

I may not have gone where I intended to go,

but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.

Douglas Adams

Blessed Autumn

Believe it or not I am still alive and kicking.  I think if I am not mistaken that it has been since May that I last posted.  A total of almost four months.  Life has definitely been moving faster than at this time last year.  Maybe not necessarily fast just more full.  There have been up times and there have been down times but it seems that maybe things may be coming to a time of evening out.  And what better time could that be than  Autumn. 

 

Autumn has got to be my favorite time of the years.  The colors, the smells, the feeling of slowing down and preparing for winter…. The cooler temperatures and the ability to get back into the kitchen and cook… I mean really cook, with no worry of heating up the house too much.  Yet the best thing I think is the ending of the year and the beginning of a new year.  New beginnings are always welcomed, especially when what was a constant before was not a necessarily good constant. 

 

Don’t get me wrong… I have always been up for a challenge and change has not really scared me.  But this last year was by far one of the most challenging times I think I may have had.  Talk about retrospective…… I have had enough to last for a while at least.  Yet in all I have grown.  I finally started to work a bit more with my esty site.  Back at the first of the years my runes slowly began to sell.  I added a few other items and they were liked as well.  I still have a ways to go to make it what I want it to be but it is a beginning. 

 

I have missed so many of you over the last months.  Many of you have written emails, letters and such letting me know that I am thought of still.  It is a good thing to know.  I have even received comments on past posts which encouraged me to get my tail back here and at least check in occasionally.  I want to say thank you so much for all the kind words and warm thoughts sent my way… They were so much appreciated and so much needed. 

 

I hope to be here more often in the coming times, I even changed the look of my blog.  I have to admit though that it had been so long since I done it that I felt like a beginner again learning all over.  Ah, life it can be such a beach sometimes, can’t it…. Til next time, blessings to all of you

The Little Things - A Thought To Ponder

One sees great things from the valley....

only small things from the peak.

Gilbert K.  Chesterton

A Belated Blessed May Day

Yes for those of you who may be wondering, I am still kicking.  When I posted yesterday (just a favorite quote) I noticed the number of times I had posted thus far this year. It was few to say the least.  The month of April was only 1. 

Most of you know the reasons that keep me busier than before and why I have not been here as much as I would like to be.  Vincent is doing well.  The doctor appointments are fewer and farther between.  Although he is still under care it is a welcomed occurrence. He is back to work and so I do manage to have a bit of time to myself.  I have gained so  much respect for those who hold the name caregiver.

May Day was yesterday and a beautiful day it was.  A bit breezy yet that is to be expected in Oklahoma.  The cottonwoods are out in full force so my allergies are letting themselves be known in a wonderful manner.  We are well above our normal rainfall so everything is in full force.  It never ceases to amaze me the changes that come.  Last year we were in a major drought.  The temperatures were extremely high and everything was brown.  This year we are close to the opposite.  The abundance of color has been a wonderful gift.  It seems my flowers and such have never seemed more healthy.  My back porch has become my quiet place.  A place to calm myself when needed.

As always I am hoping to be able to drop by a bit more often then I have been yet I have learned not to promise things you are not sure of.  I have missed so many of you so much and the occasional email or comment I receive from you always lets me know that some friends can never be explained or replaced…. Blessings to all of you.  I hope that this finds you well and that our visits will become a bit more frequent.  Til then be safe….

Happiness–A Thought to Ponder

Happiness in this world,

when it comes,

comes incidentally.

Make it the object of pursuit…

and it leads us a wild-goose chase,

and is never attained.

Follow some other object…

and very possibly we may find

that we have caught happiness

without dreaming of it.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Shhhhhhh……..

Happiness is a butterfly,

which when pursued,

is always just beyond your grasp.

Yet if you will sit down quietly,

may alight upon you.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Little Blessings

Life never ceases to amaze me.  Whether it be in huge unavoidable manners that one can not help but see the cosmic clarity of or the small simple moments that come at even a more constant rate.  The later unfortunately we seem to miss all too often.  The volume of life is usually turned up way too loud. Such little noises that come along get drowned out and over looked.  Yet there are moments when silence is there and we are able to enjoy such wonderful tender notes.  It seems that this spring has been blessed with such tiny notes of laughter, color and simple bliss.  

I refused to believe that spring could have sprung so early.  Yet the more I see around me the more I can not help but be convinced that I may actually be wrong.  I still find myself crossing my fingers in hopes that a late visit from old man winter does not surprise us all and make the blanket of green spotted with purples, yellows and blues disappear.  

The days have been filled with fluffy white clouds laced with grey from the possibility of rain; tiny fingerlings of green sprouting out on the willows promising the soon arrival of leaves that will dance in the wind; buds of pink and purple with dots of blue  which line the bank of the pond where the tulips have sprouted and the grape hyacinth have decided to join their dance.  Needless to say Spring has definitely sprung.

  

It has been such things that have seemed to be my saving grace as of late.  The last two months have been eventful to say the least .  Vincent and I have found ourselves facing experiences that neither of us would have ever expected before they befell us. Each moment we feel that we may be seeing an end a new issue arises and we are reminded that sometimes patience is all that one can ask for.  

I  have always been one who welcomes a new life lesson.  Mind you I try hard not to request them as that is as silly as praying for patience.  Yet still when one comes along, although I may find myself whining in the beginning, I come around and am glad for the chance to learn more about life and all it has to offer.  When I take a few steps back and look at the situation in a whole I know that it could be so much worse than it appears at times.  Although I will say that when you are sailing along on calm waters, your hand lazily hung over the edge of the boat feeling the cool water as it slowly passes beneath you, and suddenly you are awaken by a change in current and realize that calm stream is leading straight to a waterfall.  Well lets just say that you are taken a bit by surprise.  

I am thankful though for the little things that have made themselves known to me throughout it all.  For it has been these little blessings that have helped me to get through much of it.  From the newness of spring to the birth of a new great niece to the wonderful words of encouragement from so many of my blog friends; I have truly been showered with blessings. 

 

It can be easy at times of difficulty and challenge in our lives to take a stance of self pity and negativity; To just sit down in our little puddle of mud and refuse to continue.   Yet eventually we will need to once again stand up and continue on; that is if we want to get out of the experience we may be in at the time. 

 

Nothing lasts forever – thank goodness.  Eventually everything will pass making way for yet another new adventure in our lives.  Some are good some are not so good.  Yet there is one thing that we can always be sure of.  Along the way of whatever may befall us, good or bad, we will be blessed with little blessings.  That is if we take the time to be still… open our eyes… look for them.. and listen.  Life is a never ending adventure of ups and downs each with its own special gift of enjoyment, sorrow, laughter and pain.  For those who refuse to embrace all that it has to offer, whether good or bad, has no idea what they are missing out on. 

 

Blessings to you and yours.

It was one of those March days

when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:

when it is summer in the light,

and winter in the shade.

~Charles Dickens

In human life there is constant change of fortune;

It is unreasonable

to expect an exemption from the common fate.

Life itself decays,

and all things are daily changing.

You can find energizing moments

in each aspect of your life;

 

But to do so

you must learn how to catch them,

hold on to them,

to feel the pull of their weight

and allow yourself to follow where they lead.

Marcus
Plutarch

Life Goes On….

The last two weeks of life in our household has been anything but normal routine.  It is odd when life brings your events that take you away from the “normal routine” and you find yourself just staying afloat amidst all the change and chaos.  As things slowly revert to some form of normalcy you look at the time passed and are amazed at the time that has gone.  Finally our lives are somewhat normal.  Vincent is slowly improving.  Now we have the multitude of doctor visits and additional tests that need to be ran to verify or clarify what has occurred.  It is a bit easier to deal with than the darkness of a black  hole that you find yourself in at the beginning. 

 

Yet even though our world was turned upside down in a matter of seconds, life itself continued to go on.  Bills still needed paid… appointments that were made needed to be kept, rescheduled or cancelled completely… the house although not lived in for a few days still managed to become cluttered and needed tidied…. laundry began to pile… You know the drill…  Yet in the midst of this all a moment occurred that could not help but make me smile. 

 

A while back I spoke of how I was reopening my Esty shop, determined to become creative and once again attempt to peddle my wares.  Really before the only wares I had were my willow runes, yet they were something I was quite proud of.  Each set was created and became like a baby to me.  Well last week I sold my first set of willow runes from my Esty shop.  Yes it did come at a time when time was not necessarily something that I had tons of.  Yet still the event was a joyous event to me.  I will send them out tomorrow.  They are to be a gift for a husband’s birthday. 

 

As I worked with them and prepared them for their journey to their new owner, I realized that life is forever turning.  It does not stop when we have a moment that may seem to hard or too much.  It keeps moving on.  Much like we must try to do in the midst of such moments.  This event has shown Vincent and I much and truly I see it as a blessing.  It could have been so much worse than it was.  It was just enough to get our attention and let us know the things that needed to be done to advert a further possibly more severe event.  It reminded us of the precious time we have with each other and those around us.  Although I do not like to learn lessons or be reminded in such a manner, I am thankful that the message was given. It has shown me so many things this last two weeks and many of them are truly blessings. 

 

To those of you who have sent blessings and well wishes our way, thank you.  I have felt the healing energies and they have been so welcomed and appreciated.  I hope that I am able to return the gift.  Blessings

My Valentine….

Love is a funny thing,

When it is true nothing can take it from you. 

 Regardless of frustration, or change,

Love is the one thing that always remains. 

Finally–The Winner Is….

Forgive my lateness.. but I have finally picked the winner of my giveaway.  I truly meant to have more pictures and hints to go along as the time progressed… but once again life happened.  Before I send the goodies out I will get a picture and post out so that everyone can see all the goodies I gathered. 

 

Now for the winner…..

Skye from Between the Branches was the lucky name drawn. She is from the fair state of Nebraska and with the cold and snow she has had as of late I am sure she could enjoy a little surprise.   If you could send me your post info Skye,  I will do my best to get this out to you as quickly as possible.

Those Who Do Not Dance

A crippled child

Said, "How shall I dance?"

Let your heart dance

We said.

Then the invalid said:

"How shall I sing?"

Let your heart sing

We said

Then spoke the poor dead thistle,

"But I, how shall I dance?"

Let your heart fly to the wind

We said.

Then God spoke from above

"How shall I descend from the blue?"

Come dance for us here in the light

We said.

All the valley is dancing

Together under the sun,

And the heart of him who joins us not

Is turned to dust, to dust.

Gabriela Mistral

It has been ten days since Vincent had his stroke.  Progress is slow but it is evident.  I know the power of a positive outlook.  I found this poem and it spoke to me somehow.  It reminds me that nothing is set in stone and that anything is possible.  Also we can never be sure what unexpected sources may bring us the very moment that will bring us the influences and experiences we require. 

Blessing to all who have been so generous with your prayers and thoughts.  I truly can feel the energy.  I know that many are praying for us at this time and it has taught me that God comes in so many forms, for I feel the healing warmth from each of you. 

The harder the conflict,

the more glorious the triumph. 

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.

- Thomas Paine -

In the Blink of An Eye

Last Saturday was much like any day for me.  I met a good friend I had not seen for some time for lunch and had a nice visit.  Afterwards I went home to work on a baby quilt I am doing and fix supper for Vincent when he arrived home later that day. Lasagna was the food of choice.  We had a quiet dinner enjoying each others company.  He excused himself and promised to return shortly. 

 

When he did arrive back he was complaining of being a bit dizzy and seeing double.  He works long hours and so I thought he was just tired.  He sat next to me and laid his head back.  It did not take long before he was asleep.  I missed his company but I let him sleep.  When I got up to go to bed I attempted to wake him to join me.  He would not respond.  I soon realized that he was not going to wake.  I quickly called 911 who arrived shortly afterwards.  They too were unable to rouse him.  After vitals were taken and such they decided to transport him to the hospital. 

 

To make a long story short, Vincent suffered a mild stroke.  We have spent the last four and a half days in the hospital, running multiple blood tests along with MRIs, MRAs, CTs and countless other anagrams.  He was discharged yesterday to come home.  Luckily he only had a small blockage that seems to have released itself.  He is on the usual medicine to help to prevent further episodes .  His vision is a bit messed up but we have an appointment with a nuero optometrist who should be able to help that. 

 

It is amazing how your life can change in the blink of an eye.  I find myself with all sorts of questions swimming around in my head.  I want so to talk my frustrations and worries over with my best friend yet I am unable to.  He is not who he used to be, at least not for now.  Plus the added drama and worry is not something he needs to feel he has to handle.  Keep us in your thoughts.  I am not sure what this journey has in store for us but I know that we will see it through…My giveaway is still a go, just understand if I am not as punctual as before.  Much love and hold precious those cherished moments.

Blessed Imbolc

For many, the winter has been quite mild and we have not been witness to the fits that the season usually brings.  Tempertures have been warmer than usual and there has been an absence of the white stuff.  Still today marks the mid point between Winter and Spring.  The earth is slowly awakening.  Soon the signs will become even more obvious that once more the wheel has continued to turn. 

 

May each of you witness the awakening in your own special manner. 

Blessings

To Celebrate the Season–A Giveaway

The weather has been simply gorgeous as of late… The daffodils and jonquils are daring to poke their head out of the ground and think about sprouting.  Although it is the last day of January it truly does not feel like it.  It has created a festive spirit in me.  With Imbolc around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to have a little giveaway.  I will be honest and say that I have been thinking about his for a while. 

 

I think it’s going to be one of my goodie boxes.  A little of this a little of that.  No pictures yet just a few hints… Something sweet and good to eat…. Something red  to warm your feet…. Something square to hide your treats…. something special with a little heat. 

 

The giveaway will run through February 14th with the winner being announced February 15th.  All you have to do is leave a comment so I can drop your name in the mix.  I will post more hints (including photos) in the coming days.  Good luck to all. 

A Matter of Choice

If a Man

does not keep pace with his companions,

perhaps it is because

he hears a different drummer. 

Let him step to the music he hears,

however measured or far away. 

- Thoreau -

 I have always believed that one’s spiritual walk should be a personal one.  And although beliefs could be similar there is that personal aspect that makes each one unique.  It is not no one man’s responsibility or capability to tell another what is right or what is wrong when it comes to his search for “his” path.  I know that this is hard for some to accept as through time we have been told that there is a specific path that must be walked in order to get to the “correct” destination.  I have always found this somewhat ironic as there seems to be so many “correct” paths. 

In each one of us there is the ability to seek  for ourselves.  If that desire to find is true, then all will come in its own time and in its own way.  There will be times when the manners that our questions are answered may not meld with that of others.  We may find ourselves being led to walk down a road that some may find questionable.  Yet if we trust ourselves and “our” god, then we will be led where it is that we should go.  The lessons throughout life are not the same for everyone.  What one may learn on a clear flowered path others may need a rocky incline to achieve. 

 

May you find the path you are to follow and may you have the courage to continue your journey when and if it leads you in ways that others may feel incorrect. Remember that although we may be in the company of many, in reality we are really alone. 

 

Blessings

The Lore of the Ent–Shepherd of the Forest

Being a lover of trees it is no surprise that I take great fondness in Ent lore.  For those of you who may not know what an Ent is…. An Ent is a race in Tolkien’s Trilogy “Lord of the Rings”.  They were the shepherds of the forest and themselves resembled  giant trees.  Although they did so in a very slow manner, they were able to travel and converse when the need or desire arose. They were an ancient race, if not one of the first.  They were first woken by the Elves it is said and slowly taught to speak and help the Elves themselves learn their language.  

 

The best known Ent is probably Tree Beard.  He of course was the keeper of Merry and Pippin for a time during the movie version of the “war of the Ring”.  Although if by chance you read the book, you will also know of Quickbeam or Bregalad as he was sometimes called.  He as a younger Ent.  Definitely not as mature as the others.  It was his job to guard over the Rowan groves.  His name “Quickbeam” is another word for Rowan or Mountain Ash.  Being younger he was not always as patient as the older Ents.  His second name “Bregalad” means hastiness, something that an Ent is not usually associated with.  It was Quickbeam who first wanted to attack Saruman and Isengard.  He had seen first hand the destruction of many of the rowan groves in which he was entrusted.

 

Although from a book thought fiction, I can not help but wonder what the trees of today must think.  It was said that as time continued, the Ents themselves began to slow and take less of a part in the world.  This decision helped them to become more “treeish”.  They did not travel as much and thus found a suitable place to stay for long periods of time.  When this was done in many cases, they would take root and remain, thus becoming more as a tree then an Ent.  Still I am sure that they kept their slow sense of observance.  Watching the world as it traveled by in time.  The acts of nature as well as man was surely part of their daily show.  I have always found that trees hold a sense of deepness to them, especially the trees that seem to have been for years and years.  What must they have seen.  What secrets they could tell.  I often go among the trees and just listen.  They hold so much inside… they have so much to tell and so few who will listen.  Like the tale of Ents it is not a task that can move quickly.  It is one of patience and  quietness.  Yet if one gives the time and a willful ear, who knows what one may hear. 

 

Blessings

My Little Old Man

The simplest toy,

one which even they youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.

– Sam Levenson- 

Most of you know there is nothing I love more than bragging about my grandkids.  They have brought more joy to me than I can even begin to describe. I am amazed at times at the ability they have to bring a smile to my face so quickly and many times they don’t have to do a thing to make it happen. 

My oldest grandson started kindergarten this last year.  He was terribly excited about it.  His birthday was in late September and they were a bit concerned at first as to whether he would be old enough and/or mature enough to go.  At first they decided to wait till next year.  Yet at the advice of his pre-K teacher they enrolled him a bit later in the semester. 

 

Yesterday was his 100th day at school.  It is tradition for them to dress up as an “older” person on this day. Needless to say he ate it up.  He reminds me of my own little Benjamin Buttons.  The later picture is him imitating a grumpy old man chasing ornery young'uns off of his yard. 

 

From the day he was born this little man has brought nothing but smiles to me.  His nature is warm and his charisma even warmer.  I swear he could melt the north pole with his smile.  Yes, I know I am partial yet even if he was not my grandson, I think I would feel the same.  I think as I progress in life the one thing I will always be thankful for is the gift of grandkids and the youth they seem to give to me.  A magic elixir I think it is.  If only I could bottle it and put it to market.  But then all you grandparents out there know exactly what I am talking about and exactly where you can get some. 

 

Blessings

The Art of Productivity

I look at the title of this post and I can not help but laugh.  Productivity has not been one of my strong suits over the last year.  No good reason, or at least none that I can honestly put my finger on.  I only know that it was as if I was in limbo.  I had the desire.  Yet when it came time to exert that desire something inside of me just fizzled and nothing occurred. Although at times I can over think things, this is something that I have promised myself to just accept and move on from.  The lull seemed to be felt my many and I was not singled out alone it seems.  Finally I seem to have come out from under the wet blanket that covered me and once again I feel that surge to create and produce something…. anything.  

 

I have once again started to dabble in my writings.  I have had several ideas as of late and have started to once again put them to pen and paper.  Of course I will share them with all of you when they are in a more presentable manner.  

 

I have also been craving to create in a crafty manner again.   I have even reopened my Esty shop and am bound and determined to start posting items once again.  From my hand made willow runes to embroidery sachets,  home grown potpourri, and so much more; soon my shop should be up and running at full steam.  When it is in a more presentable state I will post the link on my blog, just in case you would like to check it out. 

 

The out of doors has also been calling me.  The sweltering heat of last summer threw so many things out of whack and the usual time I spent outside was greatly reduced.  I am also eager for this to change as it will inspire me in all my areas of creation. Nature has a way of doing that.  Last night we received a welcomed rain and already I can see the life peek through.  Spring is not far away and newness will be everywhere. 

 

I guess sometimes we do just need to sit and be still.  Sit and listen to the hushed voices around us and what they may be saying.  It is so easy at times to get caught up in all the noise and clamor that we lose site of what the true goal may be.  I am looking forward to the spring cleaning of my life as this new year transpires.  I have a feeling that it is going to be an interesting one indeed. 

 

Blessings

Rowan–The Protecting Dragon

For those of you who have followed my blog for a time you will remember previous post surrounding Celtic Tree Lore.  This is an area which is very dear to my heart as the willows which surround my home as well as the wee (which is not so wee anymore) oak which I nurtured from a twig have all help to show me the wonderful relationship that one can have with such creatures if they allow themselves to be open.  I have had much comment and question in regards to these post.  Therefore I am going to bring them back and try and probe a bit deeper than before into their attributes as well as the magic that each of them can give to us. 

 

With today being Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of the year of the Dragon, it seems only fitting that we start off with the Rowan tree.  January 21st, was the beginning of the Tree Month of Rowan. Associated with the dragon, the Rowan tree is a symbol of protection and defense. Believing that Rowan could ward off evil spirits the Celts often used it on a daily basis.  During the festivities of Beltane, garlands of Rowan would be fashioned and tied with string which had been dyed red using the Rowan berry.  These garlands were then put on livestock as well as the animals stalls to ward off evil.  One might even see a cow with springs of rowan hanging from her tail held only by the brightly red strings. 

 

Rowan trees intentionally were  planted in churchyards to protect and watch over the spirits of the dead. As the body was being carried to the churchyard for burial, it would be sat beneath a Rowan during any stops needing to be made.  This insured that the soul which had departed would not be taunted by any evil before it was finally laid to rest. 

 

Bracelets made of rowan berries were worn by the women as a means of protection.  As well as cross necklaces fashioned from rowan wood.  Such wooden crosses were also often placed at the head of a newborn’s cradle as a means of protection.  It was believed that a child who was born with exceptional beauty or charm was often sought out by the fairy folk.  The Rowan was believed to keep the fairy from doing such mischief.  

 

Many believe that Rowan has the power to protect one from the mischief of fairies.  As this may be true, the Rowan is also a tree which is most loved and cherished by the wee folk.  It is believed that anyone found harming a Rowan runs the risk of bringing upon themselves the wrath of the fairies. It is through the method of grave illness that the fairies are said to  get their revenge.  However I do not believe that anyone should harm any tree for no reason.  There is an old Irish legend  called the Forest of Dooros.  It was said that the fairies which lived in this forest loved the Rowan tree.  Even more so they loved to partake of the Rowan berry.  Nothing seemed to bring them more delight.  As they ventured from fairyland to mortal land they would bring the berry as nourishment.  Yet on one occasion one of the berries brought from fairyland fell to the ground without them knowing .  From this berry grew a great Rowan tree.  The berries which it bore tasted sweeter than honey itself.  It was said that if one ate just one it would render then drunk.  If one ate two berries they would live for a hundred years.  If they continued and ate three berries they would become as if they were thirty years old again, and thus stay that way for a hundred years.  They fairies knew that their magic needed protection.  They asked a great giant named Sharvan to watch over the tree for them.  Sharvan had a keen liking for the human kind, especially at meal time.    This being the case, very few who have ventured forth to partake of this treat have ever been heard of again. 

 

The Rowan tree is one of great power and much depth.  If you find yourself blessed to be a part of a Rowans life, do not take it lightly.  They bring with themselves great ability, as well as greater understanding of that which most do not know.