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,

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

The March Towards Yule

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

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

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

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

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

 

Blessings,

Mother Moon    

Listen

There is a privacy about winter

 which no other season gives you....

 In spring, summer and fall

people sort of have an open season on each other;

only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself.

 ~Ruth Stout

I know that so many have had more than enough of old man winter and his crazy ways.  The snow falls this season seem to be one for the record books in so many cases.  However I have found that such times offer a wonderful time for quiet and peace.  A time to reflect on the ending of the cold and the warmth that is soon to come with the approaching spring. 

Soon the warmer days will come and the small buds of green will peek through mother earth to emerge once again for yet another turn of the yearly wheel.  We will soon forget the woe and grumbling we had in regards to the snow and all its bother.

 

Days will become longer and we will seek to find things to do to fill up the time with activity.  We will no longer have enough time to silently sit and wonder about the questions and thoughts that circle our minds.  We will be far too busy with the things that warmer weather and sunshine bring to us. 

In the last few weeks of winter... take a few moments to enjoy the silence it brings.  Take a few moments to think what it may be that he is trying to tell you as he covers the earth with his fluffy white blanket.  There are so many times that nature tries diligently to tell us things, yet too often we do not listen.  Even when we are put in a place where there is silence and no other activity can be done, we still do not open our ears to hear what may be being whispered to us ever so softly. 

What a Difference a Week Can Make

Last week at this time, although I was feeling quite under the weather we were enjoying a wonderful day of mid 70 degree weather.  I could see the signs of spring everywhere from the subtle nudges of the budding trees to the melodic songs of the birds as they lazily perched on their branches soaking up the warmth. 

What a difference a week can make.  I managed to drag myself out the following Monday to the doctor as the impending winter storm to come had me quite worried that if I did not I would be stuck inside with my massive sinus headache for the time the storm and any remnants it brought remained.  I was lucky I had as I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and given adequate meds to keep me busy for the next few days. 

Although I did not feel much like doing anything I managed to gas my car up and purchase the necessities I might need if by the chance the ice storm they warned about was to hit. 

*  Salt to melt any ice that may cover my porch so that I would not fall and bust my butt. 

*  Extra water just in case the pipes burst from the below 0 zero temps that we were to have

*  Extra food - as I knew that there was a good possibility I would be stranded for a few days

I checked my post box as I thought it may be a few days before I was able to get into town and do it.  I was greeted with a wonderful surprise from Faerie Moon Creations ; A pair of earrings that I simply had to have had arrived.  A nice little bright spot in my day. 

My oldest son arrived at my home early afternoon to help me out with the chores that were just a bit to cumbersome to manage in my condition.  He filled up the generator with gas and moved it to a suitable position for me to use it if I did lose electricity in the coming days.  He carried the salt and water I had purchased earlier into the house.  Best of all he sat with me for a couple hours and just visited.  We shared an enjoyable visit over coffee and soon he was off and I was left to wait for the storm to arrive.

As evening fell the sleet began to fall.  For a good two hours it hit the windows and tinkled on the vent over the stove.  I welcomed its sounds as it was better than the ice that had previously been fore casted and which I had feared.  It is always hard to see the trees and such covered with a thickness of ice that makes them bend and too often break under its weight.  Shortly after 11 pm the snow began to fall and it was silent.  I went to bed shortly thereafter.

The next morning when I awoke the snow was still falling and the winds had joined in.  Gusts of 45 to 60 could be heard howling outside.  Glancing outside and in spots seeing the dried grass of our yard I did not think we had received too much snow yet as I observed more I realized that it was drifting quite well in places, especially behind my car.

Although the weather was frightful Winston still had to occasionally go outside and do his duty.  Being the lab he is he simply loved the cold and snow that was falling.  He would dart out the door, almost falling from the slickness that was on the back steps. Like a kid on Christmas he bounded across the yard trying to place his paws in each part of snow that had accumulated.  Yet the wind brought with it funny sounds and strange scents that brought him back inside quickly. 

Vincent finally arrived home early morning.  The roads had not been as bad where he came from yet as he arrived home he stated that we were definitely getting more than most.  I started a pot of chicken soup and we settled in for the day until the storm had passed.

When it was over we received 11 inches with drifts 4 to 5 feet.  My car is still snowed in and I have not left the house except once when Vincent and I ventured out on Wednesday to replenish my bird seed supply.  Yesterday as the temperatures warmed I realized that a small pipe had busted and the plumber was called early to fix it.  Feeling much better I cleared the three foot snow drifts from my back porch and made sure that a heat lamp was placed under the house where the break had occurred.  I filled the empty bird feeders which I have to say made the bird estactic.  A chore I can already see I will have to repeat again today. 

We received an additional 2-3 inches of snow yesterday yet it was a quiet gentle snow which I simply enjoyed.  Again this evening they say we may receive a bit more then one more blast next week. 

It seems like the last 7 days have been more.  So much has occurred.  You would think that being home and unable to go anywhere I would have been able to catch up on reading past blogs (which I have some) and been able to write everyday.... Yet it was Wednesday until I really felt back to myself and then I had to try and catch up on back housework. 

Imbolc came and gone and I am not even sure if the groundhog saw his shadow.  Today once again the sun is shining and it is the first day since last Saturday that we are to get above freezing.  I am looking forward to the slow thaw that it will aid in.  I intend to go and shovel a path to the garage as well as to the driveway.  The drift behind my car.... I am not sure what I will do about it.  A neighbor has promised to try and come over with his tractor and move some if time permits. 

I know that our winter plight is far from some that many of you have experienced.  Ours has only been one week where many of you have had this going on for months now.  So I will cease with my whining.  To those of you who are still under your piles of snow and those of you who still have more to come I send warm wishes and hopes that spring will soon decide to return to us again to melt the coldness that winter has so willingly shared with so many this year.  I wish also for the tender greenness to return the warmth that is so spring to slowly come back. The days are slowly lengthening and such signs are slowly becoming more evident.  Although many of us sit under a blanket of white Spring is close by just waiting to come forth. 

Hope all of you have a very blessed weekend.  Stay warm and go Green Bay. 

Company's Coming

When last I wrote I spoke of the warm weather and the wonderful signs of the coming spring.  Many of you spoke of the long cold visits from old man winter which you have experienced thus far.  A few of you even told me to be careful what I say as winter is not over yet and he could still come knocking on my doorstep eager to come and stay a while.

Well I think that may be the case.  Although we are still enjoying the 70 degree weather today, tomorrow we start to fall.  By the beginning of the week we should be well in the deep freeze and if it continues as it looks it will, a  nice coating of ice and/or sleet will be what we have. 

I am of course preparing for the weather they say we may get and hope that all my preparation is in vain.  Where I would love to have a gentle snow fall with a nice cup of rich hot chocolate at hand, the idea of an ice storm does not interest me in any way.  We have managed ourselves through some the last few years and it always does such damage to the willows and other trees as well. 

I will admit though that I marvel at the strength that the willow has shown me.  She bends so deep with the weight of such a burden that the ice gives.  Yet as the ice melts she once again lifts herself towards the sky.  She knows that in order to survive one has to learn to be flexible and not rigid.  A good lesson for all of us I think.

My birds have been overly active as well; another sign that we are more than likely in store for a good cold spell.  I trust their predictions of what is to come far more than I do the weather man's assumptions.  I know that they watch the sky in all their scientific manner.  Yet nothing can compare with the keen sense that a small creature has.  They are so more attentive and aware of the subtle changes long before they even occur.  A wonderful mystery of mother earth that I truly love to witness.

So it looks like I may be having more company next week as old man winter comes to sit a spell with me.  I already have a small bunch of bananas sitting on my cabinet ripening.  A nice loaf of fresh banana bread sounds good with a hot cup of English breakfast tea.  My son gave me a William Sonoma gift card for Christmas and I finally decided what I would purchase with it. 

A wonderful little cast iron crock just the right size for Vincent and I and a Tunisian Tagine.  I am eager to try both of them out.  A nice pot of stew for the crock and some braised short ribs for the other.  Cold weather always makes me want to bake bread too.  Maybe I will finally try that recipe for rosemary bread I have...

So although they say it is going to possibly be nasty I am looking forward to it.  My only wish is that I could have the lot of you over for a cup of tea and some of that fresh banana bread.  Needless to say Vincent does not care for it much and I do not need to eat it all alone.  I guess my son will once again get some of his momma's leftovers...

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend with blessings and joy. 

Subtle Signs

Last year at this time I was whining about the massive amounts of snow and/or ice we had been blessed with throughout the winter season.  It seemed like I was never ceasing to yearn for the warmth and signs of spring.  This year has thus far been the exact opposite.  While so many others are getting themselves covered with a white winter blanket and at times a little more, we have not had any moisture for the entire season. 

I do not miss the snow that much, as last year I did get my fill of it.  Yet a nice quiet snow fall would be nice as long as it happened on a weekend and I did not have to be anywhere else.  A nice pot of warm stew simmering in the stove with fresh bread in the oven.  A rich cup of dark Irish tea with honey.  Sounds sort of nice actually.

We have had some cold temperatures yet even there they have been few.  Today was 64 and tomorrow it is to be in the 70s.  With the dryness and the high winds, wildfires have been our biggest worry as of late. 

Even my birds seem to not need me as much as they usually do during this winter.  I have not bought near as much seed as I normally do.  I have even seen signs that make me think they may be thinking about pairing up for mating. 

While messing around in the yard today I stumbled across something I found quite different for the middle of winter.  A couple of small stands of mushroom.  Granted they were nestled in a nice bed of dry leaves as if to shelter them from the coldness if it did drop below a comfortable temperature. 

One group almost looked as if the fairies had been out enjoying them leaving odd almost rune like symbols carved into them.  A sign of an early spring perhaps?  I do not know.  It is only a little under 8 weeks away from officially starting.  The days are beginning to lengthen once again as well. 

Have you seen any signs that spring may be close at hand?  Or has old man winter decided to lengthen his visit with you just a bit longer. 

Prelude to Spring

I heard a short piece last night on television that said if all went as it appeared it would that after tomorrow all 50 states would have snow on the ground.  Something that I guess is somewhat of an oddity.  This has definitely been a different year for many of us in regards to the weather of the winter season.  A number of areas have received record snowfall amounts , some of which have broken records that are over 100 years old.  I have not checked yet to see if the storm that passed over us yesterday and dumped 10 inches on Dallas Texas (which may I say is totally unheard of) continued with its mission as it crossed over the southern states.  The northern side of Floridia was even supposed to have snow. 

There are many who are eagerly awaiting Spring's arrival as they gaze out their front window only to see a mountain of snow in front of it.  Once again our place is covered with a blanket of snow and although we were forecasted a warm up of 40 and 50s through the weekend.  However starting this morning,  the skies are still gloomy and it is still cold outdoors.  I have decided to stop whining about the absence of the warmth of the coming Spring.  Definitely I have found that such behavior does not do any good in bringing it any quicker.  Mother Earth knows her plans and she is executing them as she sees best.  I have to trust this. 

I have decided to look for the good and the beauty in the current coldness.  No I am not able to go out and do the work in my yard as I would normally be doing, preparing it for the coming flowers, and planting new ones.  I have not been able to enjoy any afternoons on the back porch soaking up the early sunshine and just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.  Yet, I have seen a tremendous abundance of birds this winter.  The weather has lured them into my feeders and they have become quite tame frolicking on my back porch throughout the day.  Each time I go and make my rounds filling the many feeders I have throughout the yard, they call to me and at times ask why it has taken so long.  The quail have even been lured out to beneath my little oak where I leave them cracked corn  and seed. 

Yesterday as I was in town purchasing feed for my many feathered friends, I noticed that the store has gotten their ducklings, chicks and baby rabbits in.  I am such a sucker for little animals.  If I had my way I would have all of them.... Spring is coming.  Her pace is steady and strong.  No she is not coming with a grand entrance or a gradual warming processional  yet still she comes.  One day we will wake up and realize she has already arrived.  The warmth of the sun will hit our face, the smell of the newly bloomed flowers will flow past our nose and our eyes will see she is everywhere. 

Eventually.........

The weatherman advised today that we are not quite out of the clutches of winter.  It appears that it will hold on at least for a bit longer, lingering through the end of February.  Fortunately we were blessed with a wonderful sunny day today.  I enjoyed it mostly indoors.  Although it had the appearance of warmth and sunshine, the wind had a bit of a bite and the temps barely rose out of the 20's.  Still the light was a welcomed sight.  Thursday the snow comes once again to  remind us that Old Man Winter is not quite ready to leave.  Yet the signs of spring are fast approaching each day. 

The days are getting longer.  The robins have returned in abundance.  The spring flowers are slowly starting to inch their way out of the ground.  The trees have put on their pre spring buds as if in anticipation for the departure of the colder days and the warmth that is fast approaching.  So many seem to be under the blanket of winter still.  It seems that just when we finally pull ourselves out from under its cover, we are covered again.  Although we have had an ample amount of moisture this winter the manner in which it has come is wonderful for the plants that will sprout and bloom in later months.  It has not been a gushing rain that washes away the soil yet a soft blanket of snow or covering of ice that has melted slowly allowing it to seep into the ground well.  It is still off in the distance yet I can feel it coming closer each day... It will not be long until we will welcome spring in all its glory...  In the meantime I urge you to go to Jaz's site - October Farm to see some absolutely beautiful photos of her snow.  Yes she got dumped on.. yet the pictures are simply gorgeous...

Monday Morning Rambles

I know that it is only the first of February and technically winter still has some time to go before it is officially over.  I should not hold such a bad attitude towards its pressence or its desire to show itself in such ways as it has this season.  I will admit that I was saying not that long ago how I wish we could have a winter like we had when I was younger.  The kind where we were dumped on with snow and all.  Well I have learned one thing... be careful what you wish for... Sometimes you really do get it.  As I should have known, the weathermen were wrong again and the sun decided to not visit us over the weekend.  Instead we had days filled with freezing fog.  The tempertures did rise above freezing yesterday however with the absence of the sun, melting was slow at best.  The trees still are hung over with the weight of the ice  I will admit that the fogs presence lends an erie look to the whole situation.  Much likened to what Narnia would be like if I were to ever visit I think.  At least in the time of the Ice queen.  I have enjoyed the sites yet am beginning to miss Mr. Sun.  I do not do well when he is away for long periods of time.  I am ready for his return. 

I did manage to get a few photos of the gingerbread baby out in the ice and snow.  I had so much time I even sewed a coat and hat for her so she would not get cold while I was photographing her... Now you know just how stir crazy I was.... No, really I sort of enjoyed it.  She definately had an adventure while she was here visiting... With all the help many of you gave with your stories and photos and more (thanks for the fairies Linda)  when I send her back this week she will be going with lots to tell Kylie and her classmates.  Thank all of you so much for taking the time so send the stories pictures and more to help out.... I appreciate it so much...

My little garden that I have started inside has given me some solace as it is sprouting nicely.  I have been amazed at how quickly some of the plants have grown.  I can only imagine how they will take off when the sun comes back out and is able to shine on them on a daily basis.  They tilt their heads towards the window each day as if to get all the light they possibly can.  It will be a while until any preperation can be done outdoors with all the moisture we received.  The ground was already quite satuated and as this last ice and snow melts it will take some time for it to soak in good.  I am still quite eager to get out and begin work.

Still I am reminded how it is all just a process and things occur as they should.  I have not read much on any others having too much bad weather.  Yet I will admit I have been busy doing other things and have not kept up as I know I should .  Although you would think I have enough time to do just that. I hope all of you have been able to stay warm and safe and steer clear of the brunt of the weather.  There is one good thing... or so it is a possibility as it has not occurred yet.  Seeing that the sun has kept himself away for some time... Maybe the groundhog will not see his shadow and will not be frightened back into his hole for 6 more weeks.... One can only hope.... I am longing for spring way too much..... I know in time it will make its way to us.  I have to wonder though... did I ask for patience recently..... because this sure feels like a lesson for it....

Surveying the Aftermath - The Beauty of Destruction

I finally ventured outdoors today to tend to the birds as well as to see the gifts that old man winter left me.  As I walked across the yard, it sounded as if I were walking across an icy lake that had been covered with snow.  The layer of ice we received at the beginning of our storm cracked beneath my feet as I made way through the ample layer of snow we received.  There was such a beautiful silence.  I could not help but love the sights and sounds around me.  I know that mother nature comes at times with such fury and leaves in her wake distruction, yet still there is such beauty in it also. 

The sun did not come out today as we had hoped it would, maybe tomorrow.  There was some melting yet it is very little.  I tended the birds with more food and some talk as I always do when I feed them.  The downy woodpeckers were glad to see me and the fresh suet cakes.  As well were the cardinals.  Their brillant red was such a beautiful contrast against the white of the snow and the crystal of the ice.   

I will light a candle tonight in preperation of Imbolc as well as full moon.  The cold moon they call it and rightly so.  It is living up to its name this year that is for sure.  I briefly saw it through the clouds last eve and its brillance shown across the snow on the ground.  Its light made the night look as day with the help of the snows reflective powers.... I love the nights after snow for that very reason.. Coupled with a full moon it is that much more brillant.   As the day winds down to the night, the sun in finally deciding to peek itself out briefly before slipping back under the western horizon.  Maybe I will see the moon this evening after all.  One can always hope. 

The Morning After

Well the first half of the storm is over.... We received about 1/2 to 1 ince of ice throughout the day yesterday.  We have been blessed to not have lost power for any long amount of time yet.  This is truly a blessing, as there are thousands all around us who have lost theirs.  The lights flickered a bit last night and was off for maybe 30 minutes yet came back on.  Mind you we could still lose it as it is not suppose to warm up past freezing until Sunday and the wind is picking up. 

When I woke this morning I was eager to see if any damage was done to any of the trees.  It appears that the willows are taking minor damage.  I guess the pruning we have done helped tremendously.  We did lose a large branch off of a small redbud in our front yard.  I am not sure if we will be able to save the whole tree as the branch that broke was a large part of the tree.  As I went outdoors this morning to survey the area, I cold hear the creaking of the trees under the weight of the ice.... A few snaps could also be heard.  This really is still too early to know how much damage we will have.  I am only hoping for minimal. 

I love how mother earth cleanses herself in such manners.  Much like the order of the land with the strongest surviving.  We usually think of such an example when we think of animals yet it pertains to the natural world also.  The clearing of the trees we had done earlier helped the others remaining to become stronger.  This is evident in the manner in which they are handling this ice storm.  I know that there will be loss again yet I also understand the need for it.  I do not question her  reason.  She knows what she does.  It is amazing how such death can be so beautiful.  Although I am eager for the sun to come out in the coming days so that it can melt and ease the burden that is being carried, I am also eager for the view.  There is nothing that is more brillant and beautiful then the warmth and life of sunshine against the icy cold of winter ice. 

In truth it is making Imbolc that more special and symbolic to all it is.  The turning of the wheel... the passing of the coldness of winter into the warmth of spring and the return of the sun.            

Pale winter sun lingers, lengthing each day

On twig and branch new buds begin to swell

Songbirds give voice, each striving to excel

Seed senses change in its deep bed of cold clay

Earth goddess weaves her magic to propel

Reborn cycle of her womb along its way.

Life returns in every tree's slow thought

In pond and stream the dance begins again

Spring flowers show their purpose to proclaim

A new season comes; winters reign is short

And darkness no longer exercises any claim

Green growth dispels grey moods it brought.

Imbolc by Ian R. Thorpe

And So It Begins

I awoke early this morning to the sound of rain falling.  Earlier the night before the weather men assured us that it would be a dry morning and that the majority of the storm to come would not be here until noon today... As usual they were wrong.  It was barely light outside yet as I glanced out the back door the porch appeared to be only wet.  As I made the morning coffee I could hear the rain continue.  The picture to the left is  only the beginning of what I know is to come as the day continues.  Even since I took the picture the ice has accumulated more.   Already there are reports of loss of power.  The rain is to continue throughout the day, not turning to sleet or snow until after dark.  For any of you who have encountered an ice storm, you know what this means.... There is a very good possibility for significant ice accumulation.  It will be a true miracle if we don't lose our power.  It is just a question of when it will happen and how long it will remain out.  Last storm like this it was a total of 4 days.  However this was nothing compared to others who were without power for close to 2 weeks.  Yet enough about this..... We will deal with it as it comes and with whatever it decides to give to us.  As we all know there is no stopping Mother Nature when she wants to do something. 

In some ways I am sort of eager for the cold and ice.  Strange isn't it.  I say this because I know that next week is Imbolc, the turning point of winter.  A day of welcoming the sun back and saying goodbye to the cold clutches of winter.  Although I know that winter can still take hold even after February 2nd, especially here in Oklahoma, I can not help but feel that it is symbolic of the beginning of the end.  One last hurrah...

Yesterday was a beautiful spring like day.  Temperatures in the mid 60s, fluffy white clouds with hues of grey and the brillant blue sky.  It was a day that you could not help but be outdoors doing something just so that you could enjoy it.  What a contrast from the weather we have today.  Cold blusterly winds, freezing rain, ice coating everything and anything that it lands on.  I told Vincent, it was likened to the day before giving birth.... You have all this energy and feel wonderful, then labor begins and hard stuff begins.... It was a blessing however, as it allowed so many, including ourselves to prepare for what was to come.

It seemed as if everything was active yesterday.

The birds yesterday played throughout the yard and trees yesterday as if themselves enjoying the warmth, knowing that today would not be as nice. Even the honey bees were out yesterday trying to eat from my bird feeders.  I knew that the weather to come would be bad as they were busily trying to eat anything they could to prepare.

Today  the birds  huddled around the bird feeders at first light,  scurrying to eat all they could before the frozen ice covered their access to their nourishment.   I always keep an bucket of seed in the house at times like these.  I am sure to toss some out occasionally across the back porch so that they will have something when the weather is inclement.  The wind blows them sliding across the wood as they try to eat the seeds that land near them.  They often huddled on the south side of the porch just under the window to where I write.  I am sure they will be there again today as the weather continues.

Although there is sorrow in the weather to come as I know that there will be trees that will suffer because of the weight of the ice they will bear.  I also know that it is  a time of cleansing.  When last our willows endured such a storm, I was heartbroken at the devastation they encountered.  From tall standing stately trees, that swayed so softly in the breeze, they were reduced to heavy laden trees whose arms now hung to the ground.  Some could not take the strain and gave in to the pain.  Others remained strong and as the ice melted rose once more to their stature.... This event however enabled us to take the weaker parts from the trees which in turn made them stronger.  I know that we will more than likely still lose some this time also, yet I am hopeful that they will not be as burdened as before.

As before I stated that there are others that this storm will effect, as this runs from New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and beyond... Some will get rain, some snow, others ice... To all of you, stay warm yet above all stay safe... blessings

Preparing For What Is To Come

Well they have been telling us about it since last Friday.  Warning us that it was going to be a big one and that we had best be ready for a few rough days.  Monday came and the weathermen still urged us to prepare. Now they say that by this time tomorrow we will be under a full blown winter ice storm.  It appears that the brunt of it will pass directly over the top of us.  Something I am not too excited about.  They are predicting anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch thick ice.  Plus the lovely wind is to be blowing at 20 to 30 mph so that will not help matters much.  Not sure if many of you have ever experienced an ice storm.  They are not that much fun.  The worse part is that you usually lose electricity.  Sometimes for weeks. 

The last worse ice storm here was 2 years ago in 2007.  We were without electricity for 4 days.  I can not complain too much with that time as there were many that was without it for much longer.  Yet what hurt me the most was the damage that it done to all the trees.  The weight of the ice is just too much for them to bear. Our willows were brave souls.  They had alot of give to them so they bent without breaking more than most trees, yet still the weight of the ice was too much in some cases.  It was at this time that much of our willows were harvested and pruned back somewhat.  I remember when I went outdoors on this morning.  The wind was blowing very little yet  even still it moved the trees slightly.  The sound they made was like moaning.  You truly could hear their pain and their sadness at what had happened.  Yet for some reason Mother Earth felt it necessary. 

This storm is suppose to be just as bad if not worse.  We have risen early to prepare for it as best we could.  The last storm and loss of electricity encouraged us to purchase a generator.  Vincent being the boy scout that he is of course got one that will run the entire house.  We will be able to stay at home with is a good thing.  We are off this morning to purchase the last few supplies; extra gas for the generator, water, and a few other things.  Hopefully the shelves will not be barren.  Some folks tend to go a bit crazy at times like this, yet it is better to be prepared.  Oklahoma has seen their share of ice storms and we know exactly what they can do.  I am sure there are a few more of you that will be effected by this coming storm... Linda in New Mexico, Steve in Missouri.... Karen in Arkansas... I wish you all well also and hopefully it will not be too bad.... There is also snow so that is not as bad.  I am hoping for at least a little snow as I am still waiting for my quiet still snow this year.... Not sure if I am going to get it. 

The Restless Soul

Goodness what a winter this has been.  Colder than normal tempertures, snow out the whazoo....and all the issues that come along with such things.  I know that it is a time of quiet reflection of oneself and all that is around them.  A time to ponder on the things that have occurred in past and what may occur in times ahead.  Many it seems have drawn back into themselves in this time sorting out the things that weigh on their mind.  A bit of a quiet lull has fallen over blog land.  It is not surprising in that the last few months were so full of activity that at times I thought it was too much. One would think I would relish the quiet solitude that seems to be the norm the last week or two. 

Yet as I have greeted the greatly missed sunshine the last few days and the feel of a warm breeze I could not help but get a bit of an urging deep inside of me.  Maybe it is the stirring before spring, although that may just be an excuse because I long so for its arrival.  Yet I can feel the restlessness inside of me.  I long for more time outdoors.  To feel the sun on me, to hear the songs of the birds as they play with one another.  I long to piddle in my garden, clearing the fall and winter debri and making way for the new arrival of the flowers that will bloom soon.  My visions of my secret fairy space are eager to emerge into reality. 

As the the New Moon settles in today I understand more what I am feeling.  The corner was turned as Yule and we began our journey back towards the sun.  Slowly we have been making our way.  Imbolc lies as our next destination.  A time when we  begin to see the signs emerge more vividly thus also the strengthening of the feeling that comes with such progress.  Just as the soft flowers of winter begin to emerge, as the slow warming melts the coldness of winter from us, so also we feel the warmth come back into ourselves. 

The winter is still with us and will be for some time.  Coldness still could come and once again wrap us in its icy cloak.  Yet the wheel still turns and we know it is but a matter of time before the days become longer, the birthing of the spring animals will begin, and  the first signs of life will emerge once more to cover the earth.  The restlessness I feel is many things from the new moon, to the fact that Mercury is no longer in retrograde.  Yet the strongest pull I sense is that of an eagerness to bloom.  I know that it is not time yet.  The seed was planted as it should be and must run its coarse yet still I want it to shoot from the ground which is my being and become what it is meant to be.  I have always been a bit of an impatient one, especially when it is something that excites me.... And I know better than to ask for patience as I will most likely be taught it.  Something which is usually not a necessary plesant thing.

So I wait... quietly and yes patiently.  I wait as each day grows by a minute or two.  As  the sun comes to greet us just a tad earlier and leaves just a tad later each day.  As the earth thaws from the hold of winter's grasp and once again becomes soft and ready for life.  As I myself slowly sprout... all in good time I tell myself... all in good time