New Year's Eve, 2011

Happy goings-on here with family gathered around to celebrate the New Year, share a delayed Christmas/Yule holiday with all the trimmings and play marathon board games. We are even planning our own drum circle tonight!

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable celebration, and many many good wishes for 2012. See you next year!

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Green Christmas and a Squee!!!!!

Green Christmas. We live in a very snowy, wintry region. It is unusual to have no snow for the December holidays. I am not crazy about dealing with digging out cars, icy streets and parking lots, frigid wind chills and all that. But I will admit to missing the white stuff on Christmas morning. It lends a certain ambiance. I am sure the Snow Gods will be making up for lost time soon though. Remind me in late January that I said I missed the stuff!

Squee!! Guess what I received for a wonderful Yule gift from my darling and delightful husband. A drum.  Did you hear me?  I said:  A DRUM!! Yes, that is right! No more borrowing drums at drum circle, or practicing at home on a Folger's coffee container. A real, honest-to-Goddess djembe! A conspiracy that was afoot for two months, between my husband, son and our dear friend Mary Hudson at the Fey Dragon methaphysical shop. I had no clue, and was completely WOWED!! I will get a photo of it soon, but here's an image of a similar drum.

The drum is made from mango wood and has a very good sound. It will be a blast at the next drum circle, I'll tell ya!!  

Am I lucky or what?!?!

Merry Greetings

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Wishing you peace on Earth, good will toward all.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Do you hear what I hear?

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Merry Christmas to those that believe!

Yule Blessings to All

Please accept my sincere and best wishes for a wonderfully warm and blessed Yule. I send a hug to each and every one of my dear blogging friends, followers and readers. This time of year, though it is dark, dreary, sometimes bleak, is also a great time to think about plans for the coming year, setting goals, giving a thought or two to what you would like to change, improve, get rid of, study; or to try out new things. While the snow blows (if you get snow where you live) spend time with the family, explore new hobbies, new authors, new pursuits. It is the best time to look inward and see what you can see. This is what I plan to do. I really want to expand my Wiccan practice by studying the areas of divination/scrying and perhaps adding a few new things to enhance spellwork. Plan now to put into practice later in the year. The one thing you can be sure of is that the Wheel keeps turning. Be ready for whatever that may bring!

On a personal note, my Yule plans are a bit thrown off kilter by caretaking duties for my brother. Add to that, my husband hurt his back yesterday and he is out of action for a while. Not quite sure how the rest of the holidays are going to go, but there is always a quick moment to light a candle, play some appropriate music and think about the Solstice, the God and the Goddess and be glad in that very moment. It is somewhat difficult at this time to have the usual festivities, but the important thing is that we are together. There has been no opportunity to decorate or get the tree up or bake. Hopefully a delayed celebration sometime later as my brother recovers more.

Blessed Yule, sweet friends!

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Hanukkah Blessings

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Tonight at sunset, the Festival of Lights begins for Jewish people to celebrate the miracle that occurred long ago. Sending blessings of love and light to my Jewish friends and all who observe this sacred time.

Wiccan Checklist for Yule

Oak log......check!

Plenty of holly.....check!

Herbs to throw on the fire.....check!

Sun ornaments.....check!

Red and gold candles....check!

Menu of spicy, hot food.....check!

Wine, mead and other such beverages....check!

Recipe for hot cider....check!

Thoughts of peace, light and warm good wishes....check!

Ready to honor the The God as he is re-born, and the Goddess as she welcomes him....check!

Will merriment fill the air?    Check and Double-check!!

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"Checkmate King 2, This is White Rook, Over"

If you watched the 1960's tv series "Combat", you might possibly remember that the phrase I have used in my post title today was a common line in that show. I remember it because my friends and I (all girls) used to "play" Combat during the summers. I know, strange, little girls "playing war". We used to say that phrase to each other, holding pretend walkie-talkies.

Walkie-talkies are proving invaluable for us here, now that my brother is home from the hospital. I am downstairs. My brother is upstairs and needs something. He calls me on the walkie, I answer him. Totally "White Rook" all over again!

Yesterday's homecoming was hectic, running to the doctor straight from the hospital. Getting all the prescriptions, the excitement of walking in the door of the house for the first time in over two months. Even the canary, Ringo got a little crazy. The dogs went nuts. The transition will take a few days, but overall, my brother is relieved and happy to be back in his own bed and away from the hospital. Home health care starts tomorrow, with a nurse coming, and also a physical therapist. Home cooked food is a source of happiness!

So let the holidays begin!

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Homecoming!

Today we bring my brother home. He suffered two strokes a little over two months ago.   The road ahead for him is still a bit long, but he has a great attitude and we will be with him every step of the way. Home for the holidays...that is a great gift!

Wordless Wednesday--Decorating the Yule Tree

May I Suggest?

Boy, howdy a chilly 18 degrees F early this morning! The girls were very anxious to be let back in after their quick trip outside. They are now both curled up by the woodstove which is crackling merrily away.

A random item of movie news: Raethan just sent me a link to a movie trailer. I had no idea that a third entry in the Men In Black series was being made. Both my HH and I are fans. Here's the link if you are too.   MIB3

A random item of birdfeeding info: Suet feeders are great for woodpeckers, chickadees, titmouse and many more types of birds. Squirrels, however make quick and destructive work of them. A hint I found on another blog  chronicles of a country girl offers a solution. Placing the smaller feeder inside a larger one. Perfect! Click on the link to see a beautiful photo of the solution in action.

Here is a great idea for a Yule Charm: From The Provenance Press Guide to The Wiccan Year   Spells, Rituals, Holiday Celebrations by Judy Ann Nock (copyright by F+W Media, Inc, 2007, Avon, MA)

"To attune with the return of the sun, combine equal parts of bay laurel, cinnamon and nutmeg in your mortar and pestle. Grind them together and place on a circle of green cloth. Bind it with red thread and carry it with you on the winter solstice. All three herbs are considered to be ruled by the sun. This charm will enhance psychic awareness, project positive energy, and emanate a warm and spicy aroma."

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I love ideas like this. Grinding the herbs and making a charm is a very satisfying and magickal task. As always when performing the Work, your mind and heart should be fully aligned with the intent associated with the charm. From the time you begin gathering your tools, herbs and other supplies until the Work is completed, remain fully focused. I always find myself humming whenever spellcraft is involved. For me it is a way to be completely in the moment.

Enjoy your Tuesday. Bright blessings from Robin.

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Yule Dragon

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Full Moon in the Early Morning

Stepping outside this morning at 5:30 am to fetch the newspaper. The front yard was frozen hard, crispy-crunchy. Every surface glittering with frost. An amazing deep blue sky awaited me, and there She was. Glowing white, almost silver, round and full. This glorious Orb that makes one stop and stare, ignoring the icy breeze that chills the early morning.

Beautiful, bright object of my desire! The mystery of the Goddess right before my very eyes. Sweet, sacred Lady of song and poem, of prayer and praise, of spellwork and enchantment.

I am filled with wonder and love. The full moon on an early morning. What a blessing!

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Pecans, Puzzles and Prancer

A light snow is falling on this Friday morning. Dire predictions for heavy lake-effect snow further north of us. I am hoping it won't drift down this way, at least not till closer to Yule. But the snow blower is ready, the shovels are standing by the doors and all our boots and other winter gear are good to go. Oh what fun it is to ride...blah, blah, blah!

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Amusing observance yesterday in the backyard. Son Nicarus has been putting three pecans in the shell out on the railing for the dreaded, dastardly squirrels. His thinking is that it will draw them away from the bounty in the birdfeeders. I watched a squirrel climb deftly up the railing and discover the tasty treat. He immediately hopped off and down into our vegetable garden, hastily digging a hidey-hole, placing the pecan in said hole and carefully covering it back up. Off and away he runs. Barely seconds later, another little bushy-tailed fellow creeps stealthily into the garden, digs up the pecan and absconds to a nearby pine tree to enjoy his ill-gotten booty. Carpe pecan!

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New family addiction. The three of us (Happy Hubby(HH), Nicarus and I) have gotten tangled up in the web of the NY Times crossword puzzle. Nicarus reads off the clue and then a lively discussion ensues as to the validity of each other's answers. It is amazing the amount of "junk trivia" that I have stored in my brain. No wonder I can never remember where I put my keys!

On the agenda this weekend. Watching at least one of my favorite Christmas movies. What will it be? One Magic Christmas starring Mary Steenbergen? The Night They Saved Christmas with Art Carney and Jaclyn Smith? Prancer with Sam Elliot and Cloris Leachman? I could watch these movies a thousand times, and still enjoy them like the first viewing. What are your favorites?

Bright Blessings for a wonderful day! 

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.  ~William Blake

Evergreens

A delay in my brother's homecoming from the hospital. One more week. Nothing serious; scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician took longer than expected. So next Thursday. Disappointing for him, as he was so looking forward to coming home today.

Snow and sleet has found its way to us. Dresses the evergreens around the neighborhood in festive style, but it makes for sloppy driving. 

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Speaking of evergreens: From Dorothy Morrison's book, Yule:  "Never throw away decorations made of evergreens; they must be burned to ensure good luck (with the exception of holly)."

Well, Ringo the canary is singing, the dogs are anxious to play in the inch of snow that has fallen so far and the morning is dwindling away here. Enjoy your day!

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Wordless Wednesday--I'm Dreaming of the Yule Fire

My Yule Log, December 2010

Mad Dash and Info Overload

Why do alarm clocks decide not to work on a day it is imperative one must be up and out? This was the case for us this morning. HH, son Nicarus and I needed to be at the hospital for a training session. With my brother's discharge looming, we needed to be trained in all things dealing with a person recovering from a stroke. Lots to learn about meds, physical limitations, speech and physical therapies, diet, etc.

A mad dash in the rain and fog 30 miles to the hospital. Somehow we made it there, only a few minutes late. Since we were each functioning on only one cup of coffee, trying to absorb all the information being sent our way was a challenge. But we had good instructors and hopefully all will be fine when my brother gets home. There is a lot to do and we are all committed to assisting him in making as complete a recovery as possible.

Hey!! Linda in New Mexico!!!! Thank you!! I won a prize in Linda's 600th post giveaway. A Not-Quite-Right Heart arrived in yesterday's mail. It is a beautiful, cheerful Holiday heart and I love it! Linda, my BB, love ya bunches.  Check out Linda's blog  here
I would love to post a photo of it, but the buggeddy camera is refusing to work. So picture a heart in your creative minds, with a black check bow and a big button on one side, and a Santa holiday paper on the other side, sewn together with a blanket stitch! Sweet!

From Dorothy Morrison's book Yule, another little tip:  "Know where your broom is. If a guest in your home makes you uncomfortable, excuse yourself and stand the broom bristles up. The guest will leave promptly and take their negative energy with them."


All for now. Hugs and blessings!   Robin.

Monday Medley

This book by Dorothy Morrison is an enjoyable reference for learning about the traditions and origins of our Yule celebrations. It is filled with history, customs, craft ideas, recipes and a whole lot more. It is a favorite of mine. I very much like the writings of Dorothy Morrison and highly recommend her books.

The weather outside is not frightful! Mild temperatures are helpful for finishing up outdoor tasks, and getting our 5 little dwarf alberta spruce trees decorated with lights. The lack of snow has some people I know quite aggravated though, as they love snowmobiling and other snow activities. Frankly, the longer without the big snowfalls the better. Not such a fan anymore.

Our front porch this time last year

Good news! A target discharge date for my brother has been set for later this week. He will need home health care for a while, and will need to use a walker and wheel chair, but he has improved enough that he will be able to finally come home after more than six weeks in the hospital. Life will be very different for a while for all of us while he continues the healing process, but it will be such a relief to have him back home. Thank you all for your caring comments and healing thoughts during these last few weeks!

A tip from Dorothy Morrison's book Yule:  "Keep a bayberry candle burning. It not only keeps negative energy at bay, but draws money into the household."

Wishing you a super week. Stay safe and well! 

Simply Stated

Yule. The darkness is daunting. What better time to celebrate the turning of the Wheel! There is light and rebirth awaiting all.

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Welcome December

Turning the last page of the calendar! Is it really December? The thick frost on the ground this morning seems to confirm that fact.  The start of a busy month, the end of the year and the month of memories. Remembering all the Decembers from the past. Opening up the boxes of decorations, baking special once-a-year recipes, listening to all the great old songs. The holidays are upon us. Some years better than others, some sad, some so very fine!
Whatever your traditions or religious observances (or non-observances), may this month be one of peace, contentment, happiness, good health and safekeeping.

You may recall I mentioned sometime back that my beloved camera ceased working. It is a trial not having a camera. I have been using a camera my brother got at a yardsale for 5 bucks. It is not that great, as you can imagine; very awkward to use, runs on double "a" batteries which constantly need replacing. It stamps the date in big yellow print on all photos and that function appears to be permanently "abled". Sigh. Perhaps sometime in the New Year a new camera will be possible. In the meantime here are a few photos that are relatively acceptable.

Sharp-shinned hawk on our fence, gazing at the birdfeeders

Cranberries simmering for our Thanksgiving dinner

Apple pie I made for my HH

Gwennie peeking at me (please disregard effects of flash on her eyes)

Lexie in her award-winning role as the "nobody loves me, please give me a treat" dog

Time to go start one of many lists for this month. (I do adore making lists!) The sun is shining and the day is calling. Have a great one!

Rainy Days and Monday

In the summertime, lying in bed listening to rain, whether it is falling gently or pounding the earth accompanied by the thunder and lightening symphony, I am pleased.  The soft rain lulls me to sleep. The loud and energetic storm makes me feel cozy, snuggling down into the covers.

But rain hitting the windows early on a Monday morning in late November is quite different. Ugh. Hit the snooze button and try to return to a soft, warm sleep state. It is a little chilly outside, no lovely sunrise. Just the darkness gradually lighting up to a dull gray. Even the dogs want to stay in bed.

This is perfect weather for the Time between Time. Rain, gray, chill. It is not a crisp winter cold. Just a damp, dull day. There is no sparkling snow, glistening like diamonds in the morning sunshine. Birds are quiet, maybe a lone crow calling somewhere in the near distance.

Awake now, with reviving coffee. Ringo, our canary is singing. The kitchen light throws a little cheerfulness here and there. The dogs steeled themselves, tippy toeing through the rain in the yard.

The day begins.

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Pumpkin Pie, Drumming and Time Between Time

Pumpkin pie for breakfast! Oh, yeah!

Um, oh, where was I? Sorry, got distracted by that delicious thought! Anyway, so here it is a balmy Saturday for us here in northern New York. Almost 60 degrees F at the end of November. I will enjoy it though as long as possible, because the arctic chill from Canada will be sweeping through here soon, bringing with it those icy winds and heavy snows. Back to the season where it takes several minutes to get dressed to head out into the weather! 

Last night was our monthly drumming circle. A fellow was there who brought an authentic didgeridoo from Australia. It was an amazing experience as he blew into it and made the droning, eerie sound. We drummers began a slow, steady beat which evolved into a trance-like rhythm. A very unique experience that I loved. We enjoyed two hours of fanciful drumming, wild, jungle beats and loud, primal rhythms. We drum for 10 to 15 minutes, take a little rest, then start up a new rhythm. Each set was different from the last. There were about 20 drummers last night, and it was, as always, exhilarating.

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Update on my brother: He has been in the acute rehabilitation hospital for 26 days now. Still some problems with balance and weakness on the left side. He is also, still, a "fall risk". But every day a little progress is made in strengthening with lots of physical and occupational therapy. He works hard, and though he has low moments, is generally in good spirits. 

Time to put away all the Thanksgiving things, make some turkey soup and begin thinking about the Yule decorating. 

No rush though. This is the Time-Between-Time, when the earth is wrapped in darkness (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the Wheel of the Year seems suspended in time, between the life and the death of seasons. A good time to reflect on one's own life, on preparations for new beginnings, on settling loose ends both mentally and physically and spiritually. Each moment is important. Slow down for a bit. And give some thought to the darkness.

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Hugs and blessings from Robin.

Thanksgiving Greetings

Wishing you and your loved ones a bountiful day filled with all good things!

Enjoy the meal in the spirit of gathering together in gratitude and love.

There is fun to be had, of course.

Preparing for the festivities can be arduous.

But all the work is worth it.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Autumn Fire

If the ground had frozen by now, stacking the monstrous load of firewood would be easier. Instead, the mud clings to ridged boots and the wheel of the barrow. The cold doesn't stop the trickles of sweat running into eyes. Gloves keep fingers warm and splinter-free. The logs are dry and seasoned, ready for the stove, where the crackle and popping will send a nervous dog up to her bed. The warmth of the fire will fill the house, first the lower level, slowly creeping up stairs and into the corners and cozies and nooks. Wood-smoke puffs out of the chimney, swirling and rising into the sky, into the blackness, into the night, taking with it our prayers and wishes. The Universe will grasp these wispy tendrils of requests, and answers will come.

Fire on a cold, late-autumn night does more than warm the bones and cheer the room. Fire is a sender and receiver of spells and dreams, hopes and ideas. Gather intention and release it in fire. Then watch the flames. What will you see?

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Strike Up the Band!

Please click on the link below to watch 35 seconds of a funny, sweet and curiously uplifting video!

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(thanks to Nicarus for showing me this video)

Wordless Wednesday--Planning Thanksgiving Dinner

A Blank Page

Sometimes staring at the blank page of the "New Post" is a little overwhelming. So much to say, so much to do, so much to think about. And yet, the mind bogs down under all the details of all the things that are going on. Do you know what I mean?

Cluttered and jumbled, both house and brain, spirit and thought.

Inspiration has flown and so has any creative idea. Just getting through the day, a step at a time.

Dealing with a catastrophic event in the life of family takes its toll.

It will get better, I know. Hang in there with me.

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Veteran

Today is the United States national holiday, Veteran's Day. A day set aside to recognize and honor this country's military servicemen and servicewomen. Throughout our history there have been countless sacrifices by these men and women who endured tribulations, the horrors of war, long separations from family and home. From the early days of this country's founding to our present war-torn status, members of our military defend the United States to the best of their abilities; too many have lost their lives, too many have come home irreparably injured. And still, the service continues. No matter what one's beliefs are concerning the conflicts, we must all recognize these honorable people as the heroes they are. Whether a veteran served in peace time or war time, the jobs they performed were created for the common good.

My best friend, The Godmother of my children, served our country in the US Army until her retirement a few years ago. She served in the Medical field, and deployed to the Persian Gulf. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, her contributions to our country were of valued importance. I am so proud of her and it is a joy and honor to have her in my life. Thank you, dearheart.

There is a man I know who served his country for 24 years. Enlisting in the US Navy out of high school, he became a vital part of the Submarine Service. His meticulous sense of duty, commitment to his job, his incredible work ethic and his pride in performing his duties to the utmost of his abilities led him through a brilliant career. Please join me in thanking him for his contributions to our country's freedom, and also wish him a happy birthday, as he was born on November 11th.

My Happy Hubby!!

I love this man!!

Veteran's Day, November 11, 2011:  Observe, honor, remember.