The Twelve Days of Christmas - A Partridge in A Pear Tree

On the first day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

It is hard to believe that in only twelve more days it will be Christmas.  Today I spent a large part of my day working on Christmas goodies and also baskets that I will give out to friends and family.  I wondered earlier last month how and why I was so far ahead with all of my shopping and such.  I guess the fates know best as things came up at the beginning of the month which required my attention and time.  If I had not had so much completed ahead of time I would have been in some pickle right now. 

My blogging has suffered somewhat yet I know that all of you understand and are yourselves juggling things during this time of year.  I have not even put up the Christmas tree and not sure if I will.  I have my Yule cards around the house from friends and family.  Some have the sweetest notes inside.  I just love the wonderful friends I have found in blog land.  I planted my amaryllis and they are coming up nicely although I do not think they will all bloom in time for Christmas.  Winston sports his festive doggy collar around... I love how he jingles...

The smell of the goodies in the kitchen today helped somewhat with getting me in the spirit of the season.  Wrapping presents also did some good.  I know that a trip to my grand kids will also make me smile, although I have no idea when we may be able to get up that way. 

My oldest son will be spending Christmas with us this year.  Vince and I are looking forward to it as we did think it would only be the two of us.  So the three of us will enjoy the time together in a quiet manner.. Of course I will make lots of goodies to eat and there will be the usual festive drink yet I am sure it will a quiet time. 

As this  year draws to its end I am reminded of priorities and the  importance of those who are dear to us.  As a mother it is hard sometimes to hold my tongue and not say something I may desperately wish too.  Yet I have learned by experience that as ones kids grow that they have to learn from their mistakes as much as when they were young.  It is my task to be there when they finally do see that light and comfort them as they need to be.  I have always loved being a momma.  This is probably why I love being a GG too.  I think I born to be an old mother hen. 

As we start into these last days leading to Christmas, may your time be filled with reminders of the joy that can be found each day in the simple things in life. 

Celtic Tree Lore - Elder Myth & Folklore

uch of the folklore associated with the Elder tree has ties to Christian lore. In an attempt to suppress earlier pagan beliefs, the Elder was used as a representation with a negative persona.

An example of this is the story of Judas Iscariot. Judas was the apostle who told the Romans where to fine Jesus before his crucifixion. Realizing what he had done and feeling his guilt he hung himself on an Elder tree. Reference to this story can be found back as far as the 14th century. Although to consider the size of a Elder tree (rather small) it is a bit confusing as to why Judas would chose it as the his tool to end his life.

Another story which has ties to Christian lore, tells how the Elder was one of several trees whose wood was used to make the Cross on which Christ was crucified. Because of this act the Elder was said to have been punished for its part in this act. Its’ size and stature forever to be effected for the part it played. An old couplet states this reference best: “Bour tree – Bour tree; crooked rong, Never straight and never strong; Ever bush and never tree, Since our Lord was nailed to thee”.

The Elder is also strongly connected with magic and witchcraft in many countries. This association therefore lends itself to many folktales. One example is the story about Hylde-Moer or the Elder-tree Mother. Hylde-Moer was said to live in the Elder tree and her task was to watch over the tree. If anyone attempted to cut the tree down and use any of its wood for any purpose (especially in the making of furniture) Hylde-Moer was said to follow them home and thus haunt them. There is a story of a woodcutter who once cute down an Elder tree in order to make a cradle for his newborn son. Each time the child would be placed in the cradle, Hylde-Moer would appear and pull the baby by its’ legs. This action of course made the baby cry and would allow him no peace or anyone else until he was picked up out of the cradle. As in any tree, if one wishes to cut an Elder, one must always ask permission. In the case of the Elder, after asking permission, one must wait until Hylde-Moer grants consent by remaining silent.

Another folktale is that of the Rollright Stone Circle. The Rollright Stone Circle is near the village of Long Compton in Oxfordshire. It is said that these monoliths are the remains of an invading Danish King and his men who had come to conquer England. As the king and his men were approaching Long Compton, an old witch appeared and gave them a challenge. The challenge was as follows: “Seven long strides shalt thou take; an if Long Compton thou can see, King of England thou shalt be”. The village itself is hidden behind a low mound which is locally known as Archdruids barrow.

As the King had taken his seven strides he still could not see the village, so the witch called out again : “As Long Compton thou canst not see, King of England thou shalt not be. Rise up stick and rise up stone, For King of England thou shalt be none. Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, And I myself an Elder tree.” With those words spoken, the King became the known as the “King Stone”. A lone stone which stands out alone. A group of five upright stones huddled together are known as the “Whispering Knights” while the stones forming the circle itself are known as the “King’s Men”.

Quick Update - Life Goes On

Whether many of us like to admit it or not we are all somewhat slaves to a routine.  If we were to take a few moments to think about it I think we would all have to agree.  We rise each morning and for the most part each day we go through the same motions.  It is when the unexpected comes and changes the routine that we seem to notice it best. 

As of late I have been absent from the blog world and have not had much of any time to keep up with my posts or the many blogs I love to follow.  I wish I could say that I have been festive and bobbing around with holiday doings.  Yet this is not the case. 

Without getting into the entire drawn out details... I have been tending to my oldest son.  It is funny how to a mother her children forever remain just that... her children.  He is a 6'3" boy of 27 yet still to me he is my little boy.  He is going through a rough patch in his life right now and being the protective mother hen that I am, I am close by just in case he needs me. 

I am hoping to get back to a somewhat regular schedule this next week and hope to update myself slowly with the many posts I am sure I have missed as well as a little writing myself.  It is a great therapy for me so it is something I am looking forward to. 

I  hope that this Sunday finds you well and enjoying this holiday season.  Many of you I know are probably buried in snow.  Old man Winter has made an early entrance for many.  We have only been blessed with his wonderful cold air and strong winds thus far.  And really I can not complain much about that as it has been relatively warm most of this month and last.  Yet Yule is still a bit over a week away so there is much more to come.

Have a blessed Sunday.



Why I Am So Thankful - Reflections on Thanksgiving

Last week I enjoyed my home being full with the sounds of laughter, crying, screaming and more.  Yes my grandkids were down for a few days as well as others.  It is always nice to have a house full of people.  The life it adds to air is priceless. 

We did the usual.. Watched Alice In Wonderland, the new one of course.  Their momma had not seen it yet so of course we had to watch it with her.  We read stories, colored pictures, and played for hours.  Vincent shared a new toy with them.  Needless to say they loved it and spent most of the day before Thanksgiving outdoors.  Yet it was a wonderful 80 degree day; something one does not experience much in Oklahoma in mid November.  

 Of course though the following day was to bring colder tempertures so we were sure to take a few moments to fill all the bird feeders as well as leave some corn out for the other animals that may wander through the yard on Thanksgiving.   

The feast went wonderful.  A tradional meal of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and so on.  But the highlight for me was a wonderful 4 layer Carrot cake that my oldest son made.  He is not an avid baker but every so often he gets a wild hair and when he does his result is always totally yummy.  I have already put an order in for this to be my birthday cake and present from him for the remainder of my days.  It was totally made from scratch even to the point of grating his own cinnamon.  Believe me it tasted soooo good. 

As soon as all the fun started it was over and the house was once again silent except for Winston and I.  Yet there are many things to do.  Christmas cards to write, presents to wrap and goodies to make.  I hope all of you had as wonderful of a holiday as I was blessed with.