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!

click here


(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.

"Go to your Happy Place"

So I didn't tell you all this because, well.....you are really going to think something is "not-quite-right" with ole Robin Larkspur. But........two weeks ago I sprained my foot. And last week I went to the doctor for an x-ray to see if the foot was broken. Not broken, hurray, but the sprain caused an acute flare-up of arthritis (which I did not know was in the foot). So the doc gave me one of those big boots to wear to help support the foot and scheduled me for a cortisone injection. Which was today.

I am settled on the x-ray table, as he is going to administer this injection using the x-ray to make sure he gets the right spot. He tells me to take a few deep breaths and "go to your happy place".  As he is rubbing the iodine on  my foot and getting ready to inject the first of two large needles, I wanted to say..."Wait, I have only gotten to "mildly amused", can you wait a little longer?!!!"

Well, needless to say, the procedure was carried out, and after some huffing and puffing, and more than one or two tears, it was done.Hopefully this will solve the pain, at least for a few months.

What I also failed to mention though, was while wearing the big boot the other night, my HH took me out for dinner to cheer me up. Coming out of the restaurant, I stepped on uneven pavement with the booted foot, and hyperextended the bad knee I hurt during the infamous CourtHouse fall fiasco. So it is inflamed again. But, hey, my foot will feel better soon. And at least I haven't poked my other eye!!

As I mentioned before:

  Klutz?

 OR

Goblins?

 

Protection ritual coming up asap!!

Hurry!

It is supposed to be warm today and tomorrow...possibly up to 70 degrees! I am going to hurry outside and clean up the garden, wrap the shrubs and roses, throw the ball for the dogs, snicker at the squirrels, sit on the porch, and light a lovely magickal fire in the fire pit. A little celebration of the full moon, and to offer up thanks to the Goddess for so many blessings.

We have to hurry though. The winter winds won't be held back much longer!

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Autumn Celebration!

Sunshine on a perfect autumn day!  The air smells splendid: of fallen leaves, of the newly-dying garden,  of frost-bitten plants and shrubs.  Star-studded, clear night skies!  I love the words "star-studded".

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Celebrating this wondrous autumn season. Relishing the feel of it. Summer is so long-done. Winter is still a few breaths away. Frosty clouds floating round as you breathe in and out. Bare-limbed trees etching still life pictures against the sky. There are still vivid golds, reds, rusty oranges amassed in stunning poses along the roads, trees that are not ready to give in to the pull of gravity. "We will fall to the earth at the last possible moment" these hale-hearty leaves state stubbornly.

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The squirrels running back and forth, from home to yards blocks away. Gathering, piling, chattering, arguing, scoffing. Full of fall-inspired fervor to prepare for those long dark days ahead. Will they truly find the treasures they bury now, when the snow has piled into deep clouds of icy-white indomitable hills?

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The juncos have returned from their Arctic summer vacations. These little black and white gems of birds dart and flit, back and forth. Kicking the grass and bits of dry detritus out of their way, searching for the perfect seeds and berries. In the snow, they will shine vividly. The American goldfinch males are discarding their bright summer garb for the duller green costume they love for winter cover.

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Winter is coming!  But Autumn is NOW!  Grasp it, hold it, breathe it in, remember it! Love it! Celebrate Autumn!

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Random Sentences

Firstly, an update on my brother: He was transferred this week to an acute rehabilitation hospital and is working hard to gain back his strength. After two strokes it will take time; the doctors are saying he should make a full recovery. Very good news!!

So now I think I can get back into some regular daily activities including this blog! And cleaning house, playing with my dogs, baking and crafting for the upcoming holidays, laughing. It has been a while since there was much laughter here, as you can imagine.

Every morning now there is heavy frost. I do not laugh at having to scrape the car. But the beauty of a frosty morning cannot be denied.

And now it is time, this weekend, to set our clocks back. (Remember also to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors!). I guess winter really is coming. I would enjoy a much longer autumn, really, don't you agree?

Today is my Good Friend Dee's birthday! She is my fellow bird-lover, garden buddy, dog fanatic. Many happy wishes are flying off to her!!

My HH and I broke down and watched the movie "Season of the Witch".  Blech. And not really about witches. Not much else to say about it.

We still have to prepare the gardens for winter, so far behind in that respect. Also, a big load of firewood will be dumped in our driveway. It is going to make me very tired watching HH and nicarus stack it all. (ahem).

Upcoming here at Wiccan Writes: the giveaway I was unable to do in October; some chatter about books; my contributions to The Deepest Well blog Witches Circle conversations; preparations for Yule; a couple of new original short stories; and, oh so much more.

Have a super Saturday!  Blessed Be!!