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  Tossing old out of date items and laying new paper down.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

Spring Fever - A Bit Early

Before I say anything else I have to say thank you to all of you who left such wonderful words and thoughts in regards to my last post.  I appreciate so much the condolences for Blackie and know that he would too.  He was a loner to say the least yet he possessed a kindness to him that was hard to describe.  It truly was my honor to have been someone that he felt somewhat at ease with to the point of allowing me to tend him while he was here.

Time still seems to be going at a slow pace but that is the way during the waning of the year.  The cold weather comes and goes and at times I see tiny glimpses of the distance reentry of spring.  Last fall I planted some new lily bulbs under my faerie tree and they have started to peek out of the earth.  The flickers and downy woodpeckers have returned and even seemed to have paired.  Odd at such an early date  yet each day I see them it is always in twos.

I find myself watching the trees for that distinct look that shows them wishing to start to bud.  I know that it is only the end of January and March 21 is still a good two months away yet still spring always seems to start calling me early.  We have been blessed with no massive snow storms yet this also has brings it cons.  The lack of snow also means the lack of moisture so many things would love to have that extra drink of water.  I usually do not find myself watering in the winter time yet this year I think there may be several occasions where I may need to, especially if my bulbs continue to peek out a bit early.

The time indoors has gotten me in a mood of reorganization and cleansing of my living quarters.  If this mood continues I plan on painting and revamping our bedroom as well as the master bath.  It is a bit of a daunting task yet one that I have had good intentions of doing for some time.  The new look will be a nice change for the coming year. 

There are also other projects that call me.. My writing as usual (nothing new there)... sketching (I need to give it more serious time).... My sewing machine and all the projects that I want to start (and finish)... my garden (which is a never ending project)... and my craft.  Not sure how to explain the last one except to say that is sort makes up the whole of me. 

What kind of changes and/or projects do you have in mind for the coming year.  Are they daring and different than anything you have done before or are they similar to the same old thing?  I always try to do something that is a little off the chart for me as a means to sort of challenge as well as spark up my life.  Sometimes it turns out good other times I realize exactly why it is that I do not do such things.  In any case it is a evolution. 

Today think about what it is that you might enjoy exploring in your life.  Something different... something you have dreamed about dabbling in... just something new....

Procrastination and Chocolate

Another glorious week of life has passed us by and I cannot help but ask myself what I have accomplished. Strangely it went past rather quickly. That is probably because it was such an enjoyable week. Not necessarily that anything special happened; in fact I spent it mostly alone. Yet the weather was quite perfect and I was able to get outdoors more than I have in some time. That always seems to lift my spirits. Even the Mercury Retrograde that everyone seems to be talking about, although I can feel it, is not affecting me in a terrible way.

It is not as if I have sat on my butt all week and absolutely done nothing. The normal chores and errands have been completed. I have my Celtic Tree Lore posts completed for the next two months. I did some deep fall cleaning. I worked outdoors of course and spent some extra time tending my flowers and gardens. I have started working on Christmas gifts. Yet still I ask myself what I have accomplished. For some time I have wanted to start seriously working on my writing yet it seems that I always find some excuse or reason not to give it the time that I really want to give it. There really is no excuse that is adequate enough although I can always find one that I deem suitable to stop me.

This morning I ran across a quote by Robert Kennedy which somewhat kicked me in the butt as if trying to tell me exactly what I need to hear. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” It is not necessarily that I want a top ten bestseller book, although don’t get me wrong if the fate landed in my lap I would not turn my nose up at it. I just want to be able to say that I put my best foot forward and that I gave it my best attempt. Procrastination is my monster that lurks in the shadows and whispers those bad things to me that keeps me from doing the things I need to do… That and possibly a bit of senility as it seems I chase rabbits a bit more now than I ever used to. Yet even that I think could be called an excuse that I use for the dragging of my feet.

In the coming weeks and possibly longer I have promised myself to stop making excuses and to work on those things that I have kept back on the shelf telling myself that I will tend to them when I have adequate time. Really what is adequate time? Any woman knows that if we were to wait for the perfect moment to work on anything that we see as slightly selfish that it would never get done. Or at least not be given the same amount of time or importance that we give so many other things in our lives. It is not that the keeping of the household, the children, the husband, the job, and all the other things that we put before ourselves are not important. They all hold their special place in our hearts and for some no matter what we decide there are a few of those distractions that we will not budge.

Yet I do think it is important that a woman tends to herself; that she takes those special moments to treat herself and do things that she enjoys and loves. Some of us are able to do this a bit more than others. Our children have grown and are no longer at home. We have time in the day that is spent alone and we can steal those precious moments we so desire. Although I am very much in that situation; I still find myself putting myself at the bottom of the list. Which we all know means, that many times it is the one item that there just was not enough time for in the day. I will be honest and say that I do manage to have so much more “me” time than before and I do sympathize with mothers of young children at home. I know if I still here in that situation I would give my prime time to them. It is a woman’s nature to do such a thing.

In the long run though to give a little of the nurturing, that woman do so well, to oneself will benefit them greatly. It took me a while before I understood that statement. Yet when I realized that it was impossible to give anyone or anything my best if I was not giving my best to myself first, my life changed. As you can see I still regress back at times, yet like I have said before that is a woman’s way, we love to tend to others.

I guess what I am saying is I am going to have a little me time. I am going to give a bit more to the things that I enjoy and want to excel in and also jump off a few cliffs. I mean that figuratively of course. Take a few moments (or longer if you can ) this weekend and ponder on what it is you want out of yourself and then ask yourself what are you doing to achieve it. Eat a little chocolate while you think about it... Why? Because any woman knows that a little piece of chocolate can make any woman feel better. Blessings

Celtic Tree Lore - The Magical Attributes of the Hawthorne

any magical attributes are connected with the Hawthorne tree. Its connection and uses during Beltane were discussed earlier in regards to the Maypole as well as its connection with the faery folk. Medicinally parts of the Hawthorne can be used to treat such ailments as hypertension and heart problems. Such medicine is derived from the leaves and fruit of the tree. May blossom wine can also be created by the blossoms of the tree. This was more than likely a popular concoction during Beltane as the blossoms of the Hawthorne are said to be highly erotic to the male gender. 

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In regards to the performance of magic, it is said that a wand made from the wood of a Hawthorne will hold great power. The Hawthorne is said to be the tree from which magical powers enter the manifest world from beyond lending to the belief that such a wand would hold much power.  Such a wand is used for strengthening ones own magical powers as well as for protection and cleansing.

The Hawthorne is also considered a guardian which stands between the realms. It holds connection with the wee folk and is said to be a means of entry into the faery realm. Sprigs from a Hawthorn tree were often given to children as they slept as a means of protection. It was used as the wood for funeral pyres also. It was thought that as the wood burned the souls would escape through the thorns making their way to heaven. Likewise it is often used in spells regarding communication with those who have passed.

 

The Hawthorne is said to hold the power and attributes of cleansing, defensive protection, family, fertility, happiness, marriage, prosperity, purity, reconciliation, and wisdom. Thus it can be used in any spell with such holds such a theme. Its white or pink flowers which appear May through June as well as the red fruit which appears in Autumn can all be used. Other names for the Hawthorne are May, Maybush, Quickthorn, Whitethorn, or Haw bush.

Monday Mumblings - Welcome March

Last night the moon rose and shone in all its glory as it always does when she comes in all her fullness.  The clouds passed over her occasionally hiding her from my sight yet for the majority of the night she managed to shine her magic brightly.  The full moon is always a wonderful sight  and always she brings the special magic that only a full moon can.  Such energy seems to be present at this time...

Truly the full moon came at a perfect time.  The ending of the month of February and the beginning of the month of March.  February seemed to be filled with clouds and snow for so many of us.  The sun hid from us on the majority of the days.  Its absence sent many of us into periods of being down and not necessarily knowing the reason for it.  Snow fell and kept many of us from doing the normal activities one would do at this time of year.  It was a bit of a time of frustration. 

Yet March comes in and almost immediately it seems to have changed.  The sun is till not present yet as I walked outside this morning to greet the day it felt different.  The east breeze welcomed me and although it was cold it brought with it a newness that felt of spring.  Glancing over to the pond I could see the mallard drakes chasing the hens around in the dance of courtship.  The trees are beginning to show the first signs of budding.  The tulips, crocus, daffodils and lilies are peeking further out of there sleeping places in the soil to where I can see them from a distance now.  Soon there colorful blooms will be everywhere. 

Spring is fast approaching and with it come a freshness of new beginnings.  Many of us are feeling the urge to pause for a time.. We feel the need to take some time to sit back and be quiet before the activity begins.  To sit and reflect as well as take time for other things within our lives that we may have been neglecting.  Self tending is always a good thing.  Something that too often we neglect to do.  Just as we tend and clean our gardens in late winter for the coming of spring and all the new growth that will come forth we must also do the same with ourselves.  Spring cleaning is not just an activity for the home or yard... It is also a much needed activity for the self. 

This week the weather looks to be nice... warmer tempertures which mean the chance to open the house up and allow the fresh air to come in and push out the old.  To sweep the dust that lays from past months out and to purify the home.  Likewise I hope to do some of the same with myself.  I wish for those of you who choose to do the same that your minds be opened to the great things around you.  That the things  you are being called to do are made clearer in your minds so that you can see them and realize the manner in which you are to achieve them.  That the cobwebs that have formed from the past months of bleakness be swept away.. making way for the fresh newness that is to come. 

Hoping all of you have a wonderful Monday.... enjoy the first day March....

Monday Mumblings

Over the weekend we enjoyed a nice reminder that winter is slowly making his way home and spring is likewise coming back. A gentle rain accompanied by a little lightning and thunder was present Saturday evening through the early morning of Sunday. It was nice to sleep snuggled under warm blankets while the sound of the rain and thunder could be heard and an occasional brightness would flash lighting up the house. Thunderstorms always make me feel like spring is close at hand.

 

The additional moisture added to what we already have present was enough to bring our pond to the brim and once again soggy the yard to a point where any yard work was and will be impossible for a few days. Thus it appears to be a week of indoor workings at least for the beginning of the week. The urge to clean and air out the house is gaining strength each day. Already I have started and still I have so much to do. Yet truly it is as they say.... housework is never done... there is always "something else" that could be done.

The closeness of spring is also bringing a noticeable difference to the length of the day. Something I always love, especially when it becomes so noticeable. In 3 short weeks we will turn our clocks forward which seems to make it even more evident allowing the sun to stay with us further into the evening hours. Never has it seemed that change was desired so much as this year, although I am sure it has been. Yet do we ever think of such times when we feel we are experiencing them at the present.

 

I have heard so many speak of the stirrings they feel inside themselves. Whether it is in a creative sense or a personal sense there is definitely movement in the air. From the reflective looks some are taking at themselves and the ultimate decisions on the changes they may choose to make to the inspirations and musings some are experiencing, the sensations seem to be everywhere. I have always enjoyed sitting back and observing such things and the evolution that takes place. It is much like watching life in process.

 

Spring and all it brings has always been a time when newness seems to abound in all things. Not just the obvious things such as the color and life of nature returning yet also in the human itself. Whether we notice it or not, we ourselves lie somewhat dormant through the winter months drawing into ourselves and waiting for the life to return. We are all just part of the grander picture, the ever turning wheel of life.

Drawn..........

I am drawn to all that resembles the coming spring.  Drawn to the Rowan for its resemblance of Imbolc and the quickening it represents.  Drawn to the brightness of the birds as they begin to don their more vivid colors in preperation for the courtship that is soon to begin.  Drawn to the urge to cleanse and begin a new.  Drawn to plant and see the small green sprouts slowly shoot our of the soft rich earth which hold them.  I am drawn out of myself.  As if in side a cocoon or warm winter cave, I long to emerge out into the bright sunlight and once again create. 

Yesterday I began my planting indoors.  I planted herbs of Basil, Rosemary, Chamomile and Lavender.  I planted a multitude of flowers from columbine,  forget me nots, cupids darts and many others.... Likewise I have started my much needed spring cleaning and as stated earlier, I am eager to complete it by the end of this week.  Not only will it allow me to do my house cleansing at Imbolc it will also get it out of the way and allow me more time to do other things when the weather does turn warmer and remain that way.

As for the creativity side of it all.  I am to receive my netbook this week.  Words can not even begin to explain the excitement inside of me in regards to this.  I have patiently been waiting for it since I ordered it earlier this month.  It is a late Christmas presant from my sweetie, Vincent.  I have been holding off on much of my writing until it arrives, as this is going to be its main purpose.  I can hardly wait to recieve it. I think I can safely say I am busting at the seams with words to put down.

Like so many others I have also decided to attempt a little organization on my part especially in regards to my blog.  If I truly give the time I am wanting to my writing I am definately going to have to do some organizing.  I have started a weekly post on Monday's which will be a brief detail of the current Tree Month.  It has always been an area which I am quite fond of and seeing that much of my life these days seems to be centered around the wonderful tree, I thought it only right.  Possibly somewhat of an omen you might say.  At the moment it is quite basic yet as time continues who knows the posts may grow into more detail.  Likewise I will continue to focus on a new blog each week.  Introducing you and yours to little treasures I find in blogland.  This post as always will appear each Wednesday.  It has become a very special part of my week and has truly brought me many blessings as well as new friends. 

Who knows I may try a few other things out yet I am not too keen on making it to organized or set in its tracks as I think that that can make it become somewhat boring or predictable and I do not want to become either of those things.  I like the interaction that off the cuff entries can bring between blogger and comments.  And that is something that can not always be achieved via a planned or scheduled blog post.  For some time though I have wanted to somewhat get a bit more of myself into Mother Moon.  In regards to my spiritual path.  It has beem emerging at a quickening pace and I very much would like to at least share some of the ride with some of the people whom I feel have helped to get me here.  You know who you are.. and if you even have a bit of  a wonderment if you are one of them... then you probably are.... what would a girl do without you....

So off I go... to continue my tasks for this Monday morning.  I wish you a warm and cheery Monday morning.. Yes I know there are some of you who do not like to smile on Monday mornings, yet I still wish you a good one... Get you a big cup of coffee... take a couple good sips in silence, ponder on all the things that are good..... and I bet you will at lest have a bit of a smile... enjoy.... many blessings to you all.

Sage - A Herb for the Wise

Sage is not only beautiful to look at, it is also a herb that can lend itself powerfully to those wishing to seek its hidden remedies and powers as well as a wonderful seasoning to use in cooking this time of year.  Fresh rubbed sage is a smell that is hard to beat. 

Use Sage in your love, cleansing and protection charms.  Sage is also  known as a wisdom herb, helping one to gain insight and focus  in attempts to reach those in the spirit realm.  Neutralizing the negativity, Sage brings harmony and therefore aids in the effectiveness of such endeavors.  Sage bundles can also be burnt as a means to purify or cleanse an area.  As it is an easy plant to grow, creating your own home made sage bundles is an easy task to do once the plant is established and you are able to harvest from it each fall, giving the end product that much more potency as it was worked entirely from yourself.  

An example of a sage protection charm is as follows:  Place some sage in small bag. (make sure the bag is of silk or cotton)   Charge the bag with the four elements; air, fire, earth, & water, by calling out to each one while holding the bag.  State your request for protection .  I like to place a small ameythst  also in the bag.  Carry with you when you feel you need a boost of added protection .