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

Quietly Before It Begins…

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Blessings to you and yours,

M other Moon

Friends for Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings

Mother Moon

Twelve Days of Christmas - 2 Turtle Doves

On the Second Day of Christmas

My True Love gave to me

Two Turtle Doves

The last couple weeks I have had to tend to my bird feeders quite often.  The cooler weather brings all the birds (as well as a few squirrels) out in abundance.  I have added a few new feeders this year, although I think I have plenty really.  Yet the birds I  sure will not complain. 

I have hung a couple thistle feeders on the back porch as this brings the brightly colored finches closer so that I can watch them better.  I love how they dance back and forth with one another in play and a means to show off their vigor.

This year we were fortunate enough to have a flock of doves that settled near here.  The first time I saw them I was quite fascinated by their pure whiteness.  A group of about 12 of them would fly about each afternoon.  At first I thought they may be egrets yet they were far to small in stature for this.  Next I assumed they were an odd lot of pigeons.  Yet this also proved to be wrong.  When I observed them closer, I realized we were blessed with a small flock of white doves.  I am not sure how they ventured here as it is the first time I have ever seen so many  yet it was a pure delight. 

The turtle doves also as well were here.  They are such beautiful birds with such distinct markings and when adult most generally run in pairs.  They seem to be so devoted to each other once coupled.  I have  heard that they claim only one mate in a lifetime.  I am inclined to believe this as this summer we had a couple who would frequent our yard.  Later in the season I noticed only one.  As I continued to keep track of it through the days, it continued to remain alone. 

My grandfather used to cup his hands together and blow.  The sound he would make was that of the mourning dove.  It was one of my favorite things as a child.  On still afternoons I still love to sit on the porch and listen to them call. 

Perhaps because of its mournful song as well as its desire to create such strong pair bonds, the dove is often used as a symbol of devoted love.  Below an excerpt from a poem by William Shakespeare.

The Phoenix & The Turtle

by William Shakespeare

Here the anthem doth commence:

Love and constancy is dead;

Phoenix and the turtle fled

In a mutual flame from hence.

So they lov'd, as love in twain

Had the essence but in one;

Two distincts, division none:

Number there in love was slain.

Hearts remote, yet not asunder;

Distance, and no space was seen

'Twixt the turtle and his queen;

But in them it were a wonder.

So between them love did shine,

That the turtle saw his right

Flaming in the phoenix' sight:

Either was the other's mine.

Pumpkins, Gourds and A Few Other Things

Now mind you when I went to Tennessee it was not all fun and games with the grandkids.  I love traveling out to this area as there is such beautiful scenery as well as wonderful buys.

I wanted to do a little antiquing when I went and we were able to get a bit in.  Vincent and I had full intentions of going back to one venue on our own yet since we were called home early we missed out.  I did manage to pick up a couple items while I was out.  I love candle stick holders especially silver ones.  I found this one downtown in a little shop and had to have it. 

The other item I found was this adorable spoon necklace.  A little demitasse spoon with a delicate flower at its end sculpted into a necklace.  I would have loved to have found earings to match yet I was out of luck on that one. 

When we went to the Pumpkin Patch I had to pick up my annual Tennesse Pumpkin.  I choose a variety of smaller ones and also a few gourds to dry and use later.  Little ears of popping corn were also purchased as I thought they would make a cute addition to my array. 

I also picked this thing up.  I will be honest and say that at the first I thought it was a huge gourd yet the more I look at it I am not sure.  It would be wonderful if it is as can you imagine the orny I could make out of this one.  It is about 14 inches wide and about 20 inches high.  My grandkids want me to make a snowman out of it.  Little do they know I do not have the talent to paint such things.  We will see what comes of it.  I will keep you posted.

I also went to a pumpkin patch near me when I returned home in hopes of finding my big pumpkin.  Once again I was disappointed and wished I had purchased in Tennessee.  Their prices are so much better and their variety is much wider.  I am learning...

I am beginning to think that even after my daughter and her family are stationed elsewhere, I still may have to venture out to Tennessee once a year or so.  A wonderful state with so much beauty. 

Early Sunday Mornings - Autumn in the Air

Fall  is most definitely in the air.  Finally mornings where I can actually enjoy my morning coffee once more on the back porch as the sun comes over the  horizon.  Early morning temperatures in the 50's with just that touch of coldness that the hot coffee seems to divert so nicely.  I love it.  I keep telling everyone that fall is going to be early this year and they look at me as if I am crazy.

Yet I am holding to my prediction.  I see far too many signs to not think so.  The birds are gathering much sooner than usual as well as the neighborhood squirrels.  Even the trees seem to be showing me signs that the heat of summer is taking an early exit.  I am eager for the cooler times... the slower times... the times that I can putter around in my kitchen cooking all sorts of goodies and what not.  I love the smells of a busy kitchen.  You all know what I am talking about... It brings back memories of grandma houses, family gatherings and so on.  It seems that a busy kitchen can always make one smile.

Believe it or not I am already busily working on my Christmas/Yule gifts and it looks to be another year where I will be done early with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the season properly... in the kitchen of course.  I love when that happens as it gives one the chance to really enjoy the festive time as it should be enjoyed; without stress and in a relaxed manner. 

Yet even before Yule there is Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Another good excuse to be in the kitchen or busy working around the house.  I am of course looking forward to Mrs. B's 30 days of Halloween as I am sure many others of you are.  There is the Practical Magic Party on September 25th and the all the other goodies that come up between now and then.  This always seems to be an active time in blog land or at least with all the ones that I seem to be connected with.  So much going on.. so many great ideas to be found... and so many wonderful things to just be a part of.

And to think it is all just beginning.... enjoy

PS:  Don't forget about the wonderful giveaways over at Ewitch - Winners will be chosen this next week. 

Mother Nature's Little Harrier

One of my favorite things is sitting on my back porch and watching the hummingbirds dart to and fro. It seems that they become a bit more active at this time of year and their acrobatics become even more daring and entertaining. Perhaps it is because they seem to be in competition for the feeders. Although there is always plenty to go around they appear to not wish to share. I have tried placing numerous feeders throughout the yard yet they seem to like it better when there are but a few.

I placed one on the east side of my porch when we first moved here. The first year we had so many hummingbirds it was unbelievable. Yet because it hung almost directly over the grill I thought that maybe I should move it. The first year if I was grilling there was one hummingbird that would come up beside me and give me a good chirping, as if to tell me what in the world did I think I was doing. Yet when I moved it, they did not seem to like any of the places I tried to relocate them to. Thus each year I end up putting a feeder in the same place and despite the occasional heat from the grill they still seem to flock to this feeder above all the rest.

Yet today I sit here on my back porch, notebook on my lap and enjoy their tactical flying maneuvers around my head in a means to keep possession of the coveted feeder. Winston does not exactly know what to think of them. I will admit that the first time one buzzed me that it scared the tar out of me. If one is not familiar with the experience they would swear that a giant bee just buzzed past them. And I think I can safely say that most are probably like me and such an event gives a startle likened to a crazed jump in the air followed by a shrill shriek.

I have sense gotten used to their ways and do not give the neighbors a show to get their daily giggles from. Yet Winston seems to not quite understand them. He is not like Sweetie who occasionally positions herself beneath the feeder to just to enjoy their presence. She seems to enjoy them buzzing about her head and they in turn do not seem to have much worry that she is a cat.

As I watch this marvel of creation I cannot help but be baffled at their abilities. During the day their heart beat can race as fast as 1500 beats a minute yet as evening sets and they settle for the night it slows to a mere 50 beats a minute. They have the ability to fly upside down, backwards, sideways and of course straight forward. They dart in and out with such ease and such quickness at times reaching a speed of 30 mph. Such a small bird, weighing close to that of a ping pong ball with a size of only a few inches, yet they manage to travel great distances during their migration. This is a great example to me of the intricacies of nature. Something so simply yet so specific. But then I have always been easily pleased.

And Away We Go

Tempertures are warming up around here... It was a warm 54 yesterday and they are even predicting 60s for Sunday.  With the cabin fever that was experienced the last few weeks with all the freezing temperatures and snow, that could only mean one thing.... Taking the Harley out.  I have to admit that Vincent is a bit more weatherized then I.  He does not mind a good brisk ride in 40 degree weather.  You may say that would not be too bad, yet when you figure in the windchill it can be down right cold.  And seeing that I am not an Alaskan snow bunny I do not like that much... However, 60 degree weather is not too bad if you are dressed warm, especially if the wind is light which it is suppose to be on Sunday.

I am and always will be the "bitch" on the back.  Have no desire to have a bike of my own.  I enjoy plugging my earphones in and turning my ipod to some good music and just enjoying myself.  The feel of the wind, the smells of nature, it is all a wonderful experience to me.  Hard to explain really but if you ride (front or back) you know exactly what I am talking about. 

What Makes Me Happy - You Really Think You Are Ready For This?

Faerwillow over at Serendipity was a dear and gave me this award.  Her blog is always uplifting and full of wonderful things.  With receipt of this award I am to offer up to my readers 10 things that make me really happy.  Have to say there are probably much more than 10 things, yet at the moment this seems to be the things that are on my mind the most..  And Away We Go............

The first thing that comes to my mind when you speak of happiness has got to be my grandbabies.  They are such a big part of my life as well as such a wealth of smiles, love, and laughter.  I still have not figured out the complete secret of being a grandparent yet I know that there is something incredibly special about it.  It give a feeling inside of you that is unique all to its own.  Plus I just love the simple ways of a child.  They are so open to the world and accepting without question.  They have yet to be mucked up by all the sinicism of the world.  It is refreshing and delightful to experience their bare truth of reality.

The second thing that makes me happy is my Vinnie.  Funny how I have truly been in love with this man since I was 7 years old.  I just wish I had had my pushy ways back when I was younger.  Maybe I would not had to have waited until I was 42 to have married him.  He has brought me more love in the last 5 and half years of being together than I think I have had in all the years before.  He truly is my soulmate and best friend.  My very own Captain Morgan... what else could a girl ask for. 

Music runs a close number three with of course Matthew Bellamy of Muse being at the forefront of that.  I mean really girls the boy believes in fairies.  Music has always been an important attribute to my life.  It inspires, lifts my spirits, makes me cry, and makes me want to dance like a crazed loon.  Yes, I can get down with my bad self, believe it or not.  I think I will have the same feelings as well as the same closet groupie fetishes til the day I die.  From George Harrison of the Beatles to Mattie.... I will "forever" love the boys in the band. 

Friends and family come in next.  Goodness where would we be without this one.  Over the last year I have realized the important of both of these groups.  Whether they are right next door to you or clear across the pond, they still mean as much to you and can have just as much influence and impact on your life.  A true friend is hard to find and sometimes impossible.  I feel that as of late I have been blessed with several.  And that can do nothing but make me happy.

Cooking is another thing that makes me happy.  Let me feed someone and that is my way of telling them I care.  Not sure why I am like that, I think I get it from my mother.  Although since she learned I can cook she doesn't cook for me as much.  Just ask my kids they will tell you that I love nothing more than to shove food down ones throat.  A little melodramatic there... although my daughter swears I fed them too much as kids... Always having cookies and cakes baked.  What can I say... it is one of my many ways of saying I love you.

Full moons and fairies.  Yea I know this is two things yet to me I tie them together often.  I have always loved to gaze at a full round moon as it rises in the sky at night.  To feel its energies pulsating from it.  I have forever been a moonchild and feel extremely close to her.  As for the fairies, the wee folk have always been dear to me.  It saddens me that people truly do not believe in them anymore yet I can understand why.  They represent something that is unseen to most and therefore can be unproven.  Ah to be caught in a world where you can not believe what you can not see.    Something that definitely does not make me smile....

Nature and all her glory of course makes me smile and tremendously happy.  From the strength and wisdom of a tall aged oak to the soft touch of a gentle breeze.  There are so many facets of this area that truly touch my soul.  I have learned so much from the out of doors.  It is what is truly real.  It holds so many secrets for us if we only but listen to her.  Its stories are ageless and offer to us the answers to so many of the questions we often ponder. 

My garden makes me happy.  Over the last several years I have planted and nurtured several flowers, trees, etc.  It is now coming to the stage where it is starting to shine.  It has been a wonderful experience for me to learn.  Although the feel of the earth under my feet or the touch of fresh soil excites me in a way that only another gardener can understand.  The excitement of that little green sprout peeking out of the ground or the first bud on a rose bush makes me beam... I thank my grandma and grandpa for this love of the earth as well as Thelma Pate, a woman who taught me the love of a beautiful flower at a very young age. 

My camera and my love of photography makes me smile.  It goes with me everywhere and has brought me a form of satisfaction I had not experienced before.  It has taught me creativity, uniqueness and the means to accept myself as an artist. 

Lastly what makes me Happy?  Me Myself and I.  I have learned to love myself and who and what I am.  I can laugh at my shortcomings and not be too hard on myself... I love life and all that it has to offer.  I guess in a way Life makes me happy.  Sure it has its pitfalls and such but there truly is always something positive to be gained from everything.  No matter how cliche that sounds.  I have learned to lean towards the positive side of all things and in the end all will be better for it.  Not to dwell on the negative or the trivial as it will only bog you down and keep you from enjoying the goodness that surrounds you.  Now I have to send this on to 10 more people.  First let me say that I am not necessarily a lover of question and answer things such as this yet this one has been a bit of a blessing to me.  It made me focus on a bunch of positive  things and also made me realize that there is much more than just 10 things... In saying this I pass this on to 10 people whom have inspired me with their stories, their teachings and their lives.  People whom have made me happy .  I hope you have as much fun doing this as I have had;  PS:  Lyon, Rue and Mary:  I would send this to you yet see you already had it sent to you.... All three of you have made me smile several times as well as lift my spirits and taught me much... blessing to you. 

So in no specific order:

Tracy from Witch Path to Take

Bridgett from Doug and; Boo Plus 2

Iris from Iris Awakened

Sugar and Spice from Sweet and Sour Witches

Nan from Ole Crows Nest

Dede from Brightest Blessings

Birgit from Swapping Howdies

Bella from Memoirs of A Crazy Witch

Linda from Old Baggs n Stuffed Shirts

Lucy from Secrets for Happyness

Love all of you and Faerwillow, thank you so much for sending this my way.... Blessings to all of you. 

Who Is Your God?

It seems that at of late I have ran across many blogs dealing with the issue of Christianity vs. Paganism.  I have read and commented on most of these writings yet truly do feel inspired to write my own.  Thus here goes.  I know that this is an extremely sensitive subject to both sides as well as to those who feel somewhat stuck in the middle.  I think I feel my empathy for the middle people the most as they are not truly accepted by either side entirely.  Somewhat like being a mixed spiritual follower.... You are not considered Christian and you are not considered Pagan.  I remember when I first decided to start Mother Moon.  This is one of the issues that drove me to see its need.  I grew up in Rural Oklahoma.  One can not get anymore Bible belt than that.  There was a Southern Baptist church on every corner.  Ok I am embellishing the truth somewhat but you get what I mean.    Alternative beliefs were something that were greatly shunned upon and anyone known to be dabbling in such things was immediately marked.  No you didn't necessarily have a  W plastered on your chest but being a small town the word got around... And the bad thing about the word getting around anywhere is that it never is the same two times in a row. 

I did not grow up in what would be considered a "church home" yet it was the church where I received much of my early belief system.  I will say this, that although I grew up in the church, I questioned it constantly.  Especially when I realized that people were telling me one thing and they themselves were doing the opposite.  At an early age (4 to be exact) I started to question everything that was told to me.  I did not accept anything based simply on the fact that it was what my Sunday School teacher told me.  I wanted to understand it for myself.  I wanted to experience it for myself.  I wanted to live it myself.  I wanted it to be personal and mine. 

Eventually due to this thought process and the fact that I had come to conclusions that were not in tune with their teachings I fell away from the "church" yet not necessarily away from God.  I do not claim to know what is the truth and what is not.  I do not think anyone can.  I do know though that this world is too vast and intricate to not have a creator.  Or at least that is my thought process. 

My God has been with me since I can remember.  I have received comfort, wisdom, solace, strength, and so much more from my God.  I have been shown my God best through nature and all that surrounds me that is true and real.  Not made from man's hands or even from his mind. Although I will say that there has been some grand inventions and words and music wrote that stir my soul to no end.  I experience my God best when I am in nature.  The trees speak to me as only they can.  The wind cradles me and rocks me gently.  Tears fall from the sky to cleanse me as well as to invigorate me.  The sun shines on me and warms my soul.  This is my God.  The animals as they frolic in the woods, the flowers as they bloom and lend their fragrance to the day.  The beauty of a clear clean night when the moon is full.  Sometimes my God is a she; a mother who holds me in her arms and gently sings me to sleep.  Sometimes my God is a man; who helps me to see the folly of my ways and lends wisdom to help be once again walk the right path. 

I do not claim to know or completely understand your God or their God, her God, or his God.  Yet I beleive that as real as my God is to me... yours is likewise to you.  We all walk our own path in an attempt to take that journey that only we ourselves can truly take.  No one is capable of doing it for us then telling us this is how it is.  We must experience it on our own.  I can not see why anyone would want one to do it for them and then miss out on the delight of the experience.  I am not sure what to call myself... I only know that I am a believer..... And it is like I always say... Believing is half way there.