Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again

Thursday, March 31, 2011

I am a Winner!!

So....I won a Giveaway!   A talented artist with a lovely Etsy shop and this blog (click to go to her blog) had a giveaway of one of her beautiful Crow paintings.  Magic Love Crow is a neat blog, check it out. I am very happy to be the winner.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wordless Wednesday--Lovey Dovey

Mourning Doves

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Wiccan Rites--A New Daily Ritual

In previous posts on this blog, I have talked about the helpless feeling I have concerning the many world issues that face us. Almost every day a new crisis is in the news. What can one person do? A person like me. We are at the mercy of our politicians, natural disasters and extreme criminals. I cringe when I read the newspaper or hear the daily news. Short of uprooting oneself to move to some isolated and desolate place far from the onslaught of all this, how does one cope with this every day. What can one person do?

Donating regularly to the various causes is one small way; small in that the donations are not very large, at least in my case, but they are heartfelt. Writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper and our local politicians voicing concern or fear or outrage is another way. Not that it will really do anything except to help in the "venting" process.

I have decided that I want to devote a specific time of day, every day to focus on peaceful, healing, positive energies....for the crisis in Japan, the war(s) in Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere. For all the hatred and violence that is a daily occurrence all over the world. The atrocities in many countries, the starving and poverty-strickened around the world and in our own backyard. There are too many to list, too many to even bear thinking about. But I have to think about it; I will not live like an ostrich with its head in the sand. Not to say that I am going to dwell upon these things to the point of obsession.

I will take one part of my day and devote time to a ritual for healing and peace. Perhaps someone reading this will join me. I know there are people who are already doing this. It could help...it certainly can't hurt.

I just have to do something.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Monday Medley

Monday has come around again, it seems. For some unknown reason, I am very slow-starting today. It is bright and sunny outside, though very cold.  I have spent the morning reading, and now have many tasks to complete. 

I can not let today pass without mentioning that March 28th is the anniversary of the passing of Scott Cunningham. A Wiccan author and teacher to thousands. A gentle spirit with much knowledge about and love for the pagan community. Scott Cunningham inspired many to take the Wiccan path, to love the earth and all upon it and taught with a simple, direct style. His passing 18 years ago did not end his words and work. The books he has written are still sold in large numbers. Love and thanks to Scott Cunningham.

As I blog-hop I see many places are enjoying the emergence of Spring...buds, flowering trees, warming weather. Not so here in my little corner of the world. Still we know it is coming, and I for one can not wait. So tired of my darn winter coat. At least it is not snowing today.

I think I am ready for a nap now.  Or another cup of coffee!!  Hope your day is going a little more brisk than mine!

Blessings from Robin.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Saturday at the Castle

The Mohawk Valley region of New York state is still in the firm grip of winter. Hundreds of acres of forestland stand stark and brave against the icy wind. We drove quite near the frosted Mohawk River with its patches of icy floes amongst the fast-running water.  Nary a sign of spring to be seen. Turkey vultures circled high in the sky, floating on air currents, or pushing against the sudden bursts of chill, harsh breezes.

Beardslee Castle stands solid and gray, weathering the century and a half of winters like a weary but dedicated soldier. The thick, ancient vines of ivy mold themselves to the stone walls looking for all the world like a great, huge serpent. A brightly colored flag flaps gaily in the wind, the only color to be seen.  Cedar hedges circle the side yard where, on a summer's day, voices will rise in laughter and happiness, glasses will clink together, and music from a celtic harp will float over the gathered friends and family.

In front of the Castle are great, tall trees that are bare and silent now. In August these trees will be in their full summer glory overseeing, with their green gaze, the nuptials taking place just below them. A tiny waterfall will add its soothing sound nearby, running and giggling over old stones.

For now, the ground is frozen, the walls stand silent, waiting for the warmer days ahead. A beautiful fairy-tale bride will join her groom and  they will pledge themselves to each other. Parents will smile, with glistening eyes, and the day will be firmly embedded into the Castle's memory, to be pulled out and treasured for years to come.

Beardslee in winter


image credit

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Quickly

A quick post for this very cold Saturday.  Off to Beardslee Castle today to meet with wedding consultants for the big event in our family (in August). Also to deliver the wedding dress to my daughter.  My husband was supposed to take off for another trip to Hawaii today, but the trip was cancelled just a few hours ago. Now he can come with me to Beardslee, hurray, since he has not been there yet. I like when things work out for me occasionally!

Have a great Saturday!   Robin.




photo credit

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Reading, Rocks and a Wedding Update

Ugh, we received more snow yesterday, about 4 inches. And I have crocuses coming up, and the first of the daffodils. So back to square one as far as the greening of the earth around here.

Crocus before yesterday's snow

Daffodils before the snow

The last few days have been spent with my nose in several books, reading, reading. Taking in a lot of new ideas and information. A great task for Spring as this is the season of re-birth and re-newal!  My brain is brimming with all kinds of inspiration for spring and summer.

I have also been organizing my Witchy Herb Cupboard...labeling jars of newly-acquired herbs. Trying to also identify some stones I purchased last autumn...they are in little bags from the magick shop, without labels. Son nicarus has given me two great books on stones, gems, and crystals. There are a LOT of look alike stones, so this has been a process, believe me!

by Judy Hall


On the Wedding Front: daughter raethan's wedding dress is ready to be picked up. We bought just  three weeks ago. Having been told it would take up to 15 weeks to get it, as they were making it without a train, we expected it to be May before it was ready. raethan telephoned this morning, with such an excited, breathless voice to tell me it was ready. So I am running down to get it and will take it to her this weekend. We are meeting at Beardslee Castle Saturday to choose the wedding cake, and go over some other details with the staff. Excitement abounds.  Here's the website for Beardslee, if you would like to see where the wedding is taking place:  http://www.beardsleecastle.com/

All for today, have a super Thursday, stay safe, be happy.    Robin.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wordless Wednesday--Backyard Visitors

Grackle

American Goldfinch and Chickadee

Common Redpoll

House Finch and Redpolls

Oh, geez!!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tuesday....I'm Rambling

The news is beyond depressing. Should I stop watching newscasts or reading the daily paper? So much grief, hate and agony in the world. What can one person do? Burn a candle with peaceful intent. And try to live my life here in my safe (for now...) home.


Here's something pleasant. My son nicarus has been deluging me with books. He has found a couple of sources for used books and has given me a nice stack of pagan books, subjects ranging from Divine Sleep by my favorite Scott Cunningham, 2 books on crystals, gems and stones, and books on tarot, runes and herbs. My book shelf runneth over!!

On another fun note, Ponderosa Pagan is holding his first annual Ostara giveaway. I have grabbed his button and placed it over there...on top..on the side bar, see it? His blog is delightful and full of enthusiasm and glowing energy. Hop on over there, why dontcha?   http://ponderosapagan.blogspot.com/

Snow, of course is in the forecast for this week. My home is decorated for Ostara, and thoughts of Spring abound. But it will be a few more weeks before flowers start blooming. Meh.

Tuesdays are not my favorite day of the week.  But I wish all a wonderful day, and maybe some peace in your life.

Tulips from my April, 2009 spring garden

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Blessed Ostara

After a long, cold and snowy winter, it is a pleasure to wish everyone a Blessed Ostara.



Rebirth, renewal and balance. That's what it's all about. Happy Spring!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Celebrate Oz--It's all about Color

Sometime in the fifties and early sixties, I do not remember exactly when, I was a small child. An annual event occurred that changed my life! Yes, The Wizard of Oz was broadcast on televisions across America; perhaps it was  the springtime?

It would not be possible for me to pick a favorite scene, a favorite moment, character, line, song, munchkin or flying monkey. I loved every single solitary part of that movie. I cry throughout the movie:  from Miss Gulch taking Toto away on her bike, to the Scarecrow being ripped apart, to Auntie Em calling for Dorothy in the Wicked Witch's crystal ball. Tears flowing. And the outright fear....actually let's call it Terror. OOOOh those Flying Monkeys scared me to death. The Wicked Witch was so scary. The TORNADO, for crying outloud. How I loved this movie.

There was a problem though. My family did not own a color t.v. For many years, I watched The Wizard of Oz in black and white...the whole movie in black and white. I never knew there was a colorful part to the movie. So when Dorothy emerges from her tornado-twisted house to see the Munchkin Land in all its glorious color, for me it was all glorious black and white. The Yellow-Brick Road was gray. The ruby shoes could have been purple. The Horse of a Different Color? No color. I did not know the Wicked Witch had a green face. I did not know Dorothy wore a blue and white gingham dress. Who knew that the Emerald Palace was actually, well emerald green?

Pretty gray dress

Beautiful "Concrete" Palace

Gorgeous blackish slippers

I was probably 17 or 18 years old when I saw The Wizard of Oz in color for the first time. What a shock! What a difference. What color!!! I never realized what a beautiful movie it was until I saw it in rousing Technicolor. The Wicked Witch's face was truly horrific, even scarier than I would have thought. I am thinking if I had seen the movie in color when I was little, I most likely would have been traumatized!!!

My kids always looked at me in disbelief when I told them I grew up without a color tv. They cannot imagine it. Well, that's okay. I think I love the movie even more now, because I remember the times I watched it in black and white. I was thoroughly in love and impressed with it, without color. So these days, the color is a wonderful enhancement. It is definitely a beautiful, colorful, wonderful movie.

And I would love to have a pair of ruby slippers!  Red Red Red ruby slippers!!!

Colorful red ruby slippers

 Click the Link below
Our hostess, Linda in New Mexico, offers more of Celebrate Oz



Image Credits: media.photobucket.com, stonesoferasmus.com, flickr.com, thedailypump.com

Friday, March 18, 2011

Words.

Silent, weary, heartbroken. Terror, grief, wasteland. Fear, sorrow, loss. Helpless, suffering, needful. Pain, sickness, devastation. Japan, people, strength.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Top of the Morning--And the Rest of the Day too

A beautiful day is dawning for us today. Glorious sunshine pouring through the windows, and the unbelievable temperature of 56 degrees F is predicted. Sell my clothes, I'm going to the Summerlands!!! Yesterday I noticed tiny green shoots of crocus making their way through the mucky, snowy ground. And there are rumors of daffodils around town.

Please go to Mary Hudson's blog http://jesusandthegreenman.wordpress.com/  to read about the Syracuse University trip to the UK. She is blogging daily posts about their experiences there.


Busy goings-on at home for the rest of the week. Preparing for Ostara, thinking up this month's Full Moon observance and still trying to photographically capture the Elusive Cardinal.


And do be sure to check out the big event at Linda from New Mexico's blog http://lindaomasoldebaggsnstuftshirts.blogspot.com/
on Saturday March 19th. It's her Celebrate Oz blog fest. There are quite a few blogs signed up to participate in this sweet observance of the great movie, The Wizard of Oz. Wiccan Writes is one of the participants.


Have a beautiful day! Wishing you bright blessings!    Robin.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Trip DownTown

Tuesday was a beautiful, almost-spring day. A perfect day to head to downtown Syracuse for a visit to a wonderful shop!

Sky-blue world

Seven Rays Bookstore decorated for St. Patrick's Day



Bobby, the friendly shop cat greets customers

Beautiful murals throughout, fresh, growing plants, fountains

Large selection of incense

Stones displayed on a beautiful shelf

Wall display of tarot decks

Great drums

Books, dragons and toys for the kiddies to play with while parents shop

Massage chair in a serene setting
A wonderful place for browsing, contemplation and peaceful shopping. Books are displayed throughout the shop; artwork, both painted and sculpted, everywhere. Books, jewelry, tarot decks, stones, incense....so much more. We had a good time looking at everything. Bought some books, a cd of drumming, a beautiful pendulum, and some stones. This is definitely a perfect place for metaphysical supplies. They also offer reiki, massage therapy, tarot readings, as well as other pyshic readings. The shop smelled divine, the music was wonderful and I cannot express enough how happy I am to have found this place.

If you are ever in the Syracuse area, or live nearby, this is a definite must-see!  Here's their website:  http://www.sevenrays.com/   And their address: Seven Rays Bookstore:
222 Walton Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 424-9137


I am looking forward to more spring weather to make getting out and about exciting and pleasurable after months of snow, ice and frigid temperatures!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Wiccan Reads---ABC Book of Shadows

Today I received a delightful gift from my son. He is home on spring break and brought to me a tiny book which has charmed me to no end.

By Katie Lydon Olivares with Art work by April Choi

It is a children's book that has wonderful artwork and sweet words for pagan parents to share with their children. Looking through this book immediately brings a smile to one's face and truly is heartwarming. I loved reading it through; the rhymes will be easily understood by young children. Definitions of words relating to pagan culture are woven in using poetry and art. Sabbats, nature and the wonders of magick are some of the subjects.

O begins Ostara for balance and Spring. P presents Pagan Rede, "Harm no living thing."
 This would be a terrific gift for a young child. Nestle a child in your lap and share this joyful little book.


ABC Book of Shadows by Katie Lydon Olivares with Artwork by April Choi, published by Itty Bitty Witch Works, 616 Jackson St. Bakersfield, CA 93305. Copyright Katie Lydon Olivares 2005.
http://www.ittybittywitch.com/

I love the motto for this pagan publishing company:  "Tiny Bodies.Huge Spirits.Infinite Magick."

Monday, March 14, 2011

Not My Best Work

Photography...I will give it a shot! (sorry, bad bad pun). Anyhooo...Sunday morning and the bird feeders were very busy. A large flock of common redpolls landed in the back garden. They are migrating through and I was so excited. Grab the camera, quick! Down like invading raptors come three grackles who are large and very wing-flappy (official technical ornithological term). Away go the redpolls and I haven't seen them since. So there is a photo I did not get.

I have been desperately trying to get photos of the Northern Cardinal which is my most favorite wild bird. Gosh, they are beautiful. Vivid red against a snow-covered pine tree. Lovely! Yesterday, shortly after the grackle vs. redpoll incident, what to my wondering eyes appear but a male cardinal, in all his red glory. Right on my feeder. So quick, again. Grab the camera. The feeder is twirling a bit. Here is the result of my photographic effort:


Can you see him?  He is right there, look carefully! Away he went and has not returned....yet. I will get him, you'll see.







I did get a fair, somewhat blurry shot of a male and female house finch. Not that great though.

My goal now is to capture beautiful photos of all the backyard birds. You will be impressed, I swear. The elusive cardinal will be mine! And hopefully many other gorgeous feathered creatures. The hummingbirds will be back soon from their tropical vacation. Those should be easy to photograph, right?

Keep watching this blog for the latest in spectacular wild life photography.  You will never need to buy a Audubon magazine again!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Saving Daylight

What will you do with this wonderful "extra" hour of daylight? When I was a kid, it meant getting to go outside after dinner! Nowadays, it means sitting on the porch (once that beautiful summer weather gets here), or walking through the garden until the mosquitos come out. Here's a picture of what I will be doing with my extra daylight:


Yep, sitting in a tree in my Sunday's finest outfit (don't I look good?)


image link

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Somber mood

A little snow fell over night, and I am hoping that may be one of the last of the season. March is always so capricious that way. Gets your hopes up for spring, then covers those hopes with snow and ice. But there are migratory birds returning, such as grackles and red-winged blackbirds. We move our clocks ahead an hour this weekend, and Ostara, the Spring Equinox is in just a week.

Keeping watch on the latest news from Japan. My heart is breaking for all the suffering and devastation. The human spirit is strong and will carry on, I know.

Here's a photo I found on the web....a serene scene.

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend.



Image Link

Friday, March 11, 2011

Keeping Hopeful Thoughts

My husband made it home safe and sound this morning. He had left Hawaii just hours before the tsunami warnings. Keeping hopeful thoughts for the people in Japan and the other areas affected by the devastating earthquake and aftermath.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Silvered Wings

In case you did not get over to Danni's http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/   for her February Fairies observance, I wanted to post the poem here that I contributed.  Something sunny for a rainy, wintry day.

Silvered Wings
by Robin Larkspur 

As I sat on arbored swing
I thought I saw a silvered wing.

Not the wing of bug or bird
More gossamer, much more absurd.

My unbelieving eye did blink
just barely once, or so I think.

Quickly sped this tiny being;
Am I seeing what I'm seeing?

There's no such thing, it's just plain rot
I''m sane and grown-up, am I not?

But speeding past my very nose
It stopped and stared and struck a pose.

Its tiny hand reach out towards me
While it hovered like a bumble bee.

A little smile, then tinkling laughter
Made me wonder what it's after.

As I stood and watched, quite leery
It snapped its fingers, my eyes went bleery.

A glittering sprinkling, like shiny dust
It must be dangerous, I know it must.

Frightened now I stepped back quickly
The deadly glitter came round me thickly.

Settling on my face and hair
this dusty sparkle from who knows where.

A scent so sweet, so light, quite fleeting
set my mind to rest, slowed my heart's fast beating.

And suddenly I laughed and shouted
Of course you're real, how could I have doubted.

Memories quickly filled my mind
of childhood spent with fairy-kind.

Playing games in the garden during daylight;
Dancing and singing with them in moonlight.

Tears filled my eyes, I felt quite rotten.
I'd always known, I'd just forgotten.

It's alright, my little dear,
She said quite softly in my ear.

For fairies lost and fairies found
We wait and watch, we're always 'round.

You will see us, we know not when
In fairies you'll believe again.

And saying that, she waved farewell
with silvered wing, more glitter fell.

This time I caught the fairy prize;
and tears of joy filled up my eyes.




Image Link

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A-thrifting I did go

I've been tumbling about blogger this morning, getting caught up in long pauses, swirling and swirling "loading" signs, and generally not having fun. Trying to post a comment, having it not post, re-posting, then both posts showing up. What to do except take a long break and try again. And it seems the bloggity bogey has settled down.

On a whim, yesterday, I stopped by the thrift store. Now why would I do this when I have been decluttering and reorganizing these last few weeks?! The issue at hand is that I love the hunt and the thrill of finding something unique, interesting, collectible, nostalgic, oh and cheap budget-worthy. So I thought I would post some photos of a few of things I found.

Wooden display "ladder" (I have two others like these that I have found over the years)


Wooden pineapple tray...my guest room has a pineapple theme

Tray with cardinals, for carrying snacks to the family room

Three small canisters for herbs, and Green stuff for St. Patrick's Day



wood curtain rod rings, for a craft project


A box for holding what?

Two brand new decks of cards, unused score pad and two pencils

The girls want to know what I got for them
 (Don't be fooled by the sad faces; the girls always get biscuits and other doggie treats daily and a new toy now and then)

All my purchases came to less than 20 bucks.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mardi Gras Tradition

When I was growing up, every Mardi Gras my dear mother would fix crepes for dinner. She came to the United States from the Province of Quebec, Canada. The crepes are a traditional meal for this day. I continued the tradition with my little ones, though they called them pancakes and sometimes these pancakes were made into animal shapes with a special pancake mold.

My mom is 95 and living far away from me in Virginia, and my children are off on their own. My husband is away on business. But it is Mardi Gras and I shall make the pancakes again tonight. With sweet dark amber maple syrup. And I will light some candles to mark the continuing of a family tradition. Perhaps a little bittersweet but still memorable.


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