The Results are In

The full moon has finally arrived.  Beautiful as ever may I add.  I was so glad to see that the skies have been clear the last couple nights leading up to this eve and they will remain so tonight.  I love to watch her as she rises.  The coolness of the air always seems to make her that more beautiful and bright.  It is the last of the cool nights this year, at least until the fall comes again much later in the year.  So I will gaze on her this eve and enjoy.  

 

Also today is the day that I choose the winner of my latest giveaway.  I saw that I had 15 entries.  I have to say I dislike random number generators so, I created my own.  At least for this time.  Tossing the numbers all in a bucket, I drew one out and it was the wonderful number 8.  Counting down on the comments I come to Dori T at My radiant Moon.  A wonderful blog that I am surprised I hadn’t found sooner. 

Dori, I have sent you an email to inform you and await your reply with all your posting instructions.  To the other 14….. don’t worry I am hoping to do many more of these as I used to in the past…. That is if I can get my butt into gear and get a bit more organized…. There is always an excuse isn't there? 

 

Congrats again to Dori.  And do try and sneak a peak at the gorgeous moon tonight.  As always I can assure you she will be beautiful. 

Welcome Spring

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, Great Expectations

Quick Spring Giveaway

Well better late than never…. I always say.  I promised a giveaway and “finally” here it is.  The weather has warmed up here to the upper 70s and low 80s and what can I say, I have been dying to go outdoors and work in my yard so I finally gave in.  I did however take a few moments out to throw this thing together. 

 

Anyone who has been a part of past giveaways of mine know that it is a continuous process and although there are pictures now to show the initial items up for grabs, I can assure you that more will be added.  I love to toss a thing in here and something in there.  Whatever seems to move me at the moment in other words.  I can already tell you that there are a couple secrets tucked inside the flower pot that are out of sight.  Why? you ask… Because every one needs a little surprise once in a while. 

 

Now for the rules.  All you need to do is leave a comment and be sure that there is a way to contact you in case you are chosen as the lucky winner.  I am going to try and give extra chances as time gets closer but don’t hold your breath.  If the weather stays nice, I may be outside forever…

 

The winner will receive a colorful little flower pot, as well as one of my  little drawstring bags.  This one is a rich purple and adorned with the Green Man himself.  To also acknowledge Ostara/Easter a little pink hare will be tucked inside as well.  Like I said before other things will follow as well as a few surprises.

 

The giveaway will run through March 27th (The Full Worm Moon).  The temperatures are beginning to warm thus the earth is warming as well.  Robins can be seen searching for the earth worm that can be seen now after rains or when you start to turn the soil for planting.  It is also known by some as the full crow moon.  The crows, at least mine, can be heard squawking more than often as they call in Spring and announce the ending of winter.  Good luck to all of you .

Keeping Busy

With Spring trying its' best to arrive and me trying my best not to do anything in my garden before I should,  I have been trying to keep myself busy with things indoors.  Yesterday was spent rearranging and organizing our office / my craft room.  A couple 6 foot shelving units helped tremendously and put much of my supplies in plain sight.  This will help with not purchasing things I think I need when in truth I have plenty.

 

I also have been working on some new items for my Etsy shop.  This "hobbie" has brought me so much joy and kept me busy as well when I needed to be.  Working with the woods calmed me tremendously at a time when my mind seemed to be full of so much but I  could not have told you what.  

 

When I went outdoors this morning to greet the day once again Spring was tempting me to come outside and play.  I have to admit the urge is getting stronger and I am not sure how much longer I can keep myself from starting to clean and plant.  I figure if I can hold out about one more week or so inside I should be good.  I am sure that I can find plenty of things to keep me busy. 

 

 



Hump Day–And All Is Well

The snow is falling outside, although the weatherman insisted we would only see rain.  I prefer the snow.  It silently falls and covers the ground to make for a quiet peaceful world.  It is a wet snow and I know that it will not stay long.  The rains that I know will come later today will melt it away in record time if the slightly above freezing temperatures don’t do it in sooner.  Yet for now I will enjoy it.

 

The wet weather will keep me inside today.  Working on items for my etsy shop as well as tending a pot of beans I put on for supper.  And if time allows I plan to whip up a batch of schnetka for nibbling with coffee later on this afternoon.  All in all I know I have plenty to keep me well beyond busy for the day. 

 

Still I long for the warmer weather and the chance to get myself outdoors and my hands into the earth.  I found my columbine starting to come up the other day.  I want to be sure and tend any brave flowers that may be peeking up from their winters rest a bit too early.  Covering with a blanket of mulch so that old man winter will not have the chance to nip them and keep them from their full potential when the weather truly is warmer in the months to come. 

 

I was sure to fill all bird feeders yesterday before the weather did turn as I knew the birds would appreciate the extra attention and goodies while the weather was a bit nasty.  I love my feathered friends so.  The joy they bring to me is more than I can express.  They truly are special little creatures and something I believe so many do not take the time to stop and enjoy.  But aren't there so many things that the average man does not stop and realize each day.   That is the true sadness in the world.  That it is all right at our finger tips yet we are too busy with trivial often worthless things to see the beauty of simplicity.  But then anyone who has read any of my prior readings knows that is one of my soapboxes. 

 

Blessings to you and yours this blessed Wednesday.  May you have a moment to enjoy a simply joy.

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,

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

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. 

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

And It’s Not Even Spring Yet

What is it about warmer weather that seems to put a sense of urgency in one to want to clean.  Possibly a feeling of waking up from a hibernation of winter’s sleep and a deep need to tidy the place up a bit?  I have no idea.  But this year it seems to have bitten me a bit early. 

 

And this is is not just the usual spring cleaning.  It is the need to clean all those far back hidden corners and cabinets that you never seem to get to.  Tossing old out of date items and laying new paper down.  When finished, you are surprised at all the room you now have.  You may even find some things that you completely forgot about.  

 

I have levolor blinds in many rooms of my home and cleaning them has always been a pain in the butt for me.  I avoid doing it simply because I had never found an adequate manner to clean them sufficiently.  Well forget that dilemma.  I found a wonderful steamer tool that works wonderfully.  My daughter told me about the wonderful steam mop, something that I feel like now I could never live without.  So I figured maybe… just maybe.  Needless to say,  I have been running around like a banshee (with her hair up and an apron on) cleaning all the blinds throughout the house.  If you have never tried this, I highly recommend you get one.  The dust can be terrible here at times and it is the biggest thing I seem to fight with.  Yet this portable steamer by Shark with all its attachments works wonders.  The steam not only cleans but sanitizes as well.  Great for allergies. 

 

In a way spring cleaning is a great thing.  It allows you to cleanse your house of old unwanted items and dirt that is lingering.  I think that clutterness can be a contributor to one feeling down.  When something is fresh and clean one can not help but feel better.  The warmer weather here has also been a wonderful treat as it has allowed me to have my doors open and allow fresh air in the house.  It is a bit odd to be able to do such a thing in the middle of January but believe me I am not complaining.  I am just enjoying the blessing while it is here. 

 

Likewise it is good to spring clean ourselves.  This last year has left many including myself heavy with many things unexplained.  I have talked with so many who have felt this feeling and I am hoping that this surge in myself to “clean” will likewise flow over to a bit of house cleaning on me.  Yet today I am cleaning windows, tossing items I no longer need and making my home feel a little more alive.  Maybe it’s just the surge of energy I get after “that time of the month” .  Even so I am glad to take it. 

 

Enjoy the day and may you likewise have a splash of freshness tossed your way.  Blessings

Blessed Beltane

May is a time of fertility and new beginnings after a long winter.

The Faeries are afoot!

They dance in the hills and roll in the grass,

reveling in the joy of warm May breezes.

Our spirits are high with the lust and heartiness of spring.

New life is stirring and appetites are keen.

 

Laurie Cabot - Celebrate the Earth

The Birthing of Spring

The Naked Earth is Warm with Spring

With green grass and bursting trees

Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,

and quivers in the sunny breeze

Julian Grenfell

Spring Update

Sweet Williams and Sage

After a bit of a cool spell over the weekend, I am fast preparing for the coming week and the upper 70 and 80 degree temperatures that are promised up via the local weathermen. Although they can be a bit off at times (this weekend for one) I am hoping that this forecast is spot on. 
 

Spring is definitely in the air everywhere you look. The forsythia is blooming in all its glory although my bushes are still nothing like the beauties they will someday become. I finally spied my first daffodil bud as well as the many tulips that are starting to come up. Soon the yard will be in full bloom and color will absolutely be everywhere.
 

We purchased our rototiller over the weekend and already I have plowed up the bottom for the flower seeds I intend to spread. I do not expect much color this year but in the years to follow it will be gorgeous.. A variety of bachelor buttons as well as shasta daisies and marigolds are my intentions. 
 

My next feat is to till up the ground for my intended garden. I have purchased a few seeds and will purchase my tomato and pepper plants on my return from my visit to the grandkids. I can hardly wait to get my hands into the dirt and play.

My first Swap is also fast approaching. I had a wonderful turnout of participants and can hardly wait to divide everyone up and commence with the goodie giving. I think I may have to make a quarterly event of this as it is quite fun. 
 

If you still want to get involved it will be open until tomorrow. Just click on the link in the upper right corner of my blog and leave a comment or shoot me an email with your mailing info. We would love to have you join in on the fun.

Spring Swap

One of the many blessings that I have received while in blogland is the abundance of new people I have met and gotten to know. In many of these cases I have had the joy of receiving some of the wonderful creations that so many have.

I have always been amazed at the wonderful things that others are able to do. Some are so unique it boggles my mind. It seems that each creation has a little piece of the person inside of it. No matter how simple or how grand each one is so special.

I have also had the pleasure of participating in some wonderful swaps. I enjoy a swap so much more than a giveaway as it allows everyone to partake of the joy of a surprise in the mail. No one needs to be left out and everyone is happy.

So this month instead of a giveaway I would like to attempt to organize a swap. Please be patient with me as this will be my first one. Below are the details . Come join us and share a little of your creative magic.

* Sign up for the swap by leaving a comment and/or emailing me that you wish to participate. Be sure that if you do just leave a comment that I will be able to contact you when I send out partners later in the month.

* Sign up for the Swap will begin today and run through March 16th (two weeks)

* On March 17th (St Patty's Day) I will pair up partners and send out the information to all those involved.

* Now for the good stuff: What will we swap!! Seeing that Spring is so close at hand and the newness of life is everywhere, plus the first day of spring is March 21, it is only fitting that this be our theme.

    * One item given - small or large  (can give more if you like)
    * Hand made if at all possible

    * Representive of Spring, Rebirth, Renewal, and New Life

    * Posted no later than Friday, March 18th

I am looking forward to the fun. If there are any questions feel free to email me.

I Have Been Bit by the Creative Bug

I have been in a bit of a crafty mood as of late. I think it all started with the workings with my willow twigs. They somewhat inspired me. Although the crafts that came forth from them were not necessarily spectacular, they had meaning to me and it was good to put the leftover twigs to some kind of use. I still have a basket full of the left over twigs and more still scatter the ground. I think the remaining twigs will go towards the building of my fairy village I have wanted to create for some time now.

Each day I walk my yard and the area under the tree house is quickly awakening to spring. The sweet Williams are pushing their head outs, reaching towards the sunlight as well as the lily bulbs that I planted last fall. They are cluttered with an abundance of dried leaves and such that have fallen and blown through the earlier fall and winter months. I think the weather is warm enough now that I can clear the debris out and allow the plants to spread abit.

I have gathered stones along with my sticks for the area. I think when all is said and done the fae will enjoy their renovations. I noticed that the primrose has sprouted as well as the foxglove. I also purchased three new rose bushes to plant and I have been thinking if there is any way I could plant one of them near this location. I am not sure if they will receive enough sunlight; yet the color and aroma is something I am sure the fae would enjoy.

I have also convinced Vincent to let me plant a small plot for vegetables and some additional herbs. Of course this means we will need to purchase a rototiller so that I can start working the ground. Goodness but I have sympathy for those in years before when such things were not available. I am also excited about the new piece of equipment as it will also allow me to till the perimeter of the bottom yard and plant the bachelor buttons I have been wanting to plant for some time now. It would be just my luck to get this place just the way I like it and then move…

Another craft I have been toying with is the making of sachets and/or charms. I have sent a couple of these out to friends and am still playing around with different ideas. I have missed sewing with my machine. I still have many projects that I need to work on.

I do not know where all this creativeness is coming from or really what I will do with it all. Even my runes have been calling me again and I am eager to work with creating some new sets. Quite possibly it is the coming of spring and the newness that it always seems to bring. This last winter was definitely one of hibernation for me. I became quiet and drawn into myself and it seemed that the creative juices stopped for a bit…

Yet finally that seems to be something that is slowly changing. So many of you have given me new ideas and suggestions as to what I could do.. I thank you all for that. Inspiration is the only word that best sums it up. And then of course there is always my craft of cooking and my kitchen. The area I seem to feel most at home with and my ability seems to flow most freely. I have been trying new recipes and ideas and I am hoping to be sharing many of them with you in the coming months as they all involve fresh items, from vegetables to fruit and herbs.

I am hoping that this is not merely a phase that I am going through but something of a new area for me as it has been nice to keep myself busy. What kind of things have you been working on as of late? Are there new crafts that you have created? Have you started your summer garden? Maybe it has not become quite warm enough and you are just browsing through those wonderful seed catalogs that grace our mail this time of year. Whatever it is I wish you joy with your new creations.

Blessings

Awake, thou wintry earth -

Fling off thy sadness!

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

The Quickening Moon - A Garden of Self

I stepped out onto the back porch the other night just about dusk and was struck by the most beautiful sight.  Just coming up in the East was the beautiful moon.  Although she was not entirely full until today, it was simply beautiful.  I stood there for some time just gazing at her.  I continued to go out throughout the evening and gaze upon her.  I love the way she lights the night.  The subtle glow that is everywhere.  Taking Winston outdoors before bed I gazed one last time at her listening to the bat sing his nightly song.  Such a peaceful moment.

The moon this month is known as the Quickening Moon.  A wonderful word to describe this time of the year.  The time just before the spring equinox.  Although many will say it is still winter, spring is already working her magic.  Deep down in the earth the seeds of the coming years flowers and more are awakening. 

The word Quickening means, the first sign of new life.  Those of you who have had the blessing of giving birth know that feeling when you first feel your wee one move.  Somewhat like a butterfly fluttering inside of you.  It is that moment when you realize the reality of the life you are carrying.  

The same is with the birth of Spring.  February brings a time when we first start to see the subtle signs of Spring and rebirth that it brings each year.  You will see the breaking open of the earth to help the bulbs planted last fall to come forth and climb towards the sun and life.  The trees begin their journey also.  Soon the Bradford Pears will start peeking out their tiny white flowers and before one knows spring will be evident everywhere.

A quickening is also at work in us as well.  As the wheel turns and we follow the seasons (some more than most) we know the feelings that each one brings us.  The quiet feel of winter as we retreat into inward reflection and silence.  Yet now spring or a renewal is at work in us as well.  Those of you who are sensitive to the changes know what I speak of.  You have felt it and those of you who have that stirring inside yet quite do not know what to call it... it is the quickening you are experiencing.  Open yourself up to the wonders of rebirth and an awakening of yourself as well.  Who knows what beautiful gardens you will grow this year, not only in the literal sense yet also in the sense of your garden of self.  blessings.

Spring Is In the Air

Yesterday many were singing “Love is In the Air”… yet today I have to say my song is Spring is in the air. As I did my morning walk around today, I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of wee crocus peeking out of the ground from beneath the pile of spent sunflower seeds that lay beneath my young oak . As I looked closer I could see more that are well on their way to blooming in the near future. A further walk around the pond showed me even more signs of spring’s nearness. The daffodil and tulip bulbs I had planted earlier last fall were breaking mother earth and starting their climb towards the warming sun.

Most of the snow that we had received the last week is melted. Only the snow that blew and formed the towering drifts still remain. Yet they too have melted considerably and will be a distant thought in the coming days. The weather is warming to the 70’s and possibly 80’s and I find myself craving to take my rake to the garden and clear the accumulated leaves that have blown and piled in the last few months. I know though that a spring snow could still come and the sweet Williams that are cradled beneath the warmth of the decaying leaves are tender and green and do not need to be uncovered so soon. So I will hold myself back a bit longer before I do too much.

The high winds during the winter storms loosened many of the small twigs and branches on the willows that surround the pond. I do have plans to gather them in the coming warm days. I have many ideas racing around my mind as to how I might put them to use rather than just get rid of them. Look for examples of these ideas in the coming weeks as I bring them to life. I have big plans for my garden beneath my fairy tree; many of which include the use of these twigs.

I am also planning a Spring trip to see the grand kids. It is still a few weeks away but I have to say I am excited. Yes I know it was just a couple months since last I visited but what can I say I already miss them. They all seem to grow so fast. It is hard to believe the my little Buddha (my nickname for my grand daughter) will be eight this year. The wee one is walking now so of course that will be fun. And lastly my little sushi pal (my oldest grandson) can’t wait for me to come so we can share a plate of edamane and some tuna rolls. Needless to say I am more than ready.

Have you seen any signs of spring approaching or has old man winter still got you in his grip. Do you have any big plans for your spring garden? In the coming week as the temperatures warm, I hope that the urgings that only spring can bring come to each and everyone of you. Blessings