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| dreaming of summer gardens |
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Moonstruck
One of these months soon, I hope, I am going to actually see the Full Moon. I know that she is up there in the sky, beautifully round and glowing, lovely lady that she is. Certainly I feel the power of her phases, and work with them accordingly. The winter skies here are more often than not, quite cloudy. Actually the autumn and spring skies have been cloudy. And honestly there are a lot of cloudy summer skies, most often on the night of the full moon.
I long for a night where I can be outside, gazing up with wonder and appreciation of the Moon's full beauty; the tantalizing energy that you can see almost literally pulsing from the Orb.
My Full Moon Esbats are obviously mostly done indoors during the cold long months. Usually a white candle lit with reverence, maybe some incense, or quiet music. A softly chanted spell, or poem or perhaps a reading of a favorite Wiccan passage. Intense at times, sometimes just peaceful...depending on the purpose of the esbat. I know the Moon is totally present, sending me the energies I need. Honoring the Goddess is a beautiful part of my practice. Celebrating Her during an esbat is poignant and powerful.
And sometime soon...one of these months, I will look up and there She will be, in all her shining, shimmering beauty. My heart will pound, and I will gaze into the eyes of Love. Moonstruck!
image credit
I long for a night where I can be outside, gazing up with wonder and appreciation of the Moon's full beauty; the tantalizing energy that you can see almost literally pulsing from the Orb.
My Full Moon Esbats are obviously mostly done indoors during the cold long months. Usually a white candle lit with reverence, maybe some incense, or quiet music. A softly chanted spell, or poem or perhaps a reading of a favorite Wiccan passage. Intense at times, sometimes just peaceful...depending on the purpose of the esbat. I know the Moon is totally present, sending me the energies I need. Honoring the Goddess is a beautiful part of my practice. Celebrating Her during an esbat is poignant and powerful.
And sometime soon...one of these months, I will look up and there She will be, in all her shining, shimmering beauty. My heart will pound, and I will gaze into the eyes of Love. Moonstruck!
image credit
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wiccan Reads--The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (And an Invitation)
I love paranormal fiction. The ghostier the better! Recently I discovered a series of delightful books called The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Now these are not scary novels, but they do have a ghost, and each is a good mystery. Written by Alice Kimberly, the first book is The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (The Penguin Group, copyright 2004 by the Berkley Publishing Group). Inspired by the novel The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (R.A. Dick), the story follows a young widow, with a small son, who moves back to her small hometown in Rhode Island after the suicide of her husband. She steps in to assist her aunt in bringing about the revival of the family bookstore. Unbeknownst to Penelope, the widow, the store is haunted by the ghost of a private investigator, the rough and tumble, hard-boiled Jack Shepherd who was murdered on the premises in 1949. Jack talks to Pen in her head, and she has silent conversations with him which can lead to some hilarious results. A murder occurs at the bookstore, and P.I. Jack assists Penelope in the investigation--because, of course, the small town cops are not too efficient. This is a fun read, a good mystery, with a taste of the old film noir aspects of the '30's and '40's. I highly recommend this well-written series. There are five in the series, with a sixth on its way.
Have you seen the old movie, The Ghost and Mrs.Muir? A wonderful film starring Gene Tierney and the very charming Rex Harrison. A dead sea captain who is haunting his coastal cottage is not too happy when the war widow, Mrs Muir moves in with her children and housekeeper. It turns into an interesting love story. I love this old film, and honestly, did not realize it was based on a book. The novel was published in 1945, by R.A. Dick--pseudonym for Josephine Aimee Campbell Leslie. The film was made in 1947. A t.v. series was also produced from 1968-1970 (you may remember Hope Lange in the role of Mrs. Muir, Edward Mulhare as the Captain).
A couple of weeks ago, I read the novel Practical Magic, by Alice Hoffman. I had only seen the movie, and decided to see what the book was like. Now I would like to do the same with The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. I would like to invite anyone interested to join me in reading this book. It would be fun to see what we think about it. Firstly, I am going to check my local library to see if they may have a copy of the book. If not, I do know that Amazon.com has the original novel, and in true marketing form, offer the DVD of the 1947 movie.
Read the book, watch the movie and then comment on here. I will be posting about it sometime in the near future, once I have found the book. Happy Hauntings!
Have you seen the old movie, The Ghost and Mrs.Muir? A wonderful film starring Gene Tierney and the very charming Rex Harrison. A dead sea captain who is haunting his coastal cottage is not too happy when the war widow, Mrs Muir moves in with her children and housekeeper. It turns into an interesting love story. I love this old film, and honestly, did not realize it was based on a book. The novel was published in 1945, by R.A. Dick--pseudonym for Josephine Aimee Campbell Leslie. The film was made in 1947. A t.v. series was also produced from 1968-1970 (you may remember Hope Lange in the role of Mrs. Muir, Edward Mulhare as the Captain).
A couple of weeks ago, I read the novel Practical Magic, by Alice Hoffman. I had only seen the movie, and decided to see what the book was like. Now I would like to do the same with The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. I would like to invite anyone interested to join me in reading this book. It would be fun to see what we think about it. Firstly, I am going to check my local library to see if they may have a copy of the book. If not, I do know that Amazon.com has the original novel, and in true marketing form, offer the DVD of the 1947 movie.
Read the book, watch the movie and then comment on here. I will be posting about it sometime in the near future, once I have found the book. Happy Hauntings!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Nuts, bulbs and My Special Project
Today is National Pecan Day!! My favorite nut! I found this very delicious web site that offers many pecan recipes. Why don't you try it out? http://www.ilovepecans.org/recipes.html
Beautiful morning sunshine is coming through the windows. Milder temperatures, creeping up the thermometer are making me happy! Lots of spring bulbs are popping up around the yard. Is it really Spring? It must be, I just received a beautiful catalog in the mail for spring bulbs. The bulb people know how to do it...because if I had the funds, I would order just about everything in the book!! Order now, plant in the fall. My husband always grimaces when these catalogs arrive. Or when I say: "I'm off to the plant nursery".
I am beginning a Special Project this spring. Besides my regular garden plantings which include veggies, herbs, perennials and annuals, I am planting flowers for use in my daughter's wedding. The wedding will be taking place outdoors, at the old Irish castle, Beardslee. To pretty up the event, my daughter asked if I could make planters of flowers to place around the area where the ceremony will occur. Naturally, I am happy to comply. It will be a pleasure to grow flowers for her wedding and I will track the progress of the Growing on the blog.
Introducing Bunny MacGregor who will be supervising my gardens. I have a basket full of seed packets, and will be referring to Ellen Dugan's book Garden Witch's Herbal for my magickal planting needs. I will be making the bridal bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres as well. Most of the flowers for that will be purchased, though I am hoping to have some of my garden flowers to add to the array. So, expect to see a report at least once a week about the Wedding Garden.
Blessed Be!
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| raw pecans |
Beautiful morning sunshine is coming through the windows. Milder temperatures, creeping up the thermometer are making me happy! Lots of spring bulbs are popping up around the yard. Is it really Spring? It must be, I just received a beautiful catalog in the mail for spring bulbs. The bulb people know how to do it...because if I had the funds, I would order just about everything in the book!! Order now, plant in the fall. My husband always grimaces when these catalogs arrive. Or when I say: "I'm off to the plant nursery".
I am beginning a Special Project this spring. Besides my regular garden plantings which include veggies, herbs, perennials and annuals, I am planting flowers for use in my daughter's wedding. The wedding will be taking place outdoors, at the old Irish castle, Beardslee. To pretty up the event, my daughter asked if I could make planters of flowers to place around the area where the ceremony will occur. Naturally, I am happy to comply. It will be a pleasure to grow flowers for her wedding and I will track the progress of the Growing on the blog.
 | |
| Bunny MacGregor |
Blessed Be!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
My Pagan Profile
I knew I was forgetting something. Weeks ago Aine at http://deepestwell.blogspot.com/ created a place for people around the Blog-o-sphere to gather and share about their pagan paths. She has devised a questionnaire where you are free to answer as much or as little as you like, or even write your own questions. Once you have posted your profile on your blog, you link up with the other Pagan Profiles on Aine's blog. It is a great way to be part of a Circle within the blogging community. Also, a way to learn more about those who frequent "your blog, my blog and their blog". If you are interested in participating, just click on the link above for Aine's blog, and there you will find the Pagan Profile header. Thanks Danni, from the Whimsical Cottage for posting your pagan profile today, which reminded me!!!
Pagan Profile
Name (real or blogname): Robin Larkspur
Location: Central New York State
Profession: Home Arts Specialist
Hobbies/Interests: Crafting, gardening, reading, writing, pets, blogging, family, and many passing fancies.
Blog/Website name: Wiccan Writes
URL: http://wiccanwrites.blogspot.com
If your identity was hidden somehow, (i.e. if you were behind a dark curtain or a sound-proof booth) and someone else was asked to describe you to the person behind the curtain, how would you like to be described OR what would you like this blog circle to know about you? Robin Larkspur has sincere brown eyes, a ready smile, and her sense of humor is at times quite witty, and at other times a little corny. Her love of family, friends, animals and nature guide her activities and daily life. Robin is passionate about current issues in the world. A little shy at first, she will warm up to a new person after observing for a while.
Your spiritual path: Wiccan
How did you find your current path? Since a very small child, I have had a strong connection to the natural world, getting excited about sunsets, shooting stars, beautiful meadows and woods, and wild birds. This connection finally led me after many years to the realization that I was pagan. Taking a Reiki I certification course 12 years ago opened my eyes to a spirituality that I had not experienced before. Step by step, I found Wicca.
Previous spiritual path(s) (if any): Episcopalian till the age of 14. Then drifting through many religions (baptist, methodist, baha'i, messianic judaism, non-denominational...etc.)
What drew you to and continues to keep you on this path? Initially, reading many books, meditation, and writing about pagan ways, wiccan ways, and the Universal connection that exists between people, nature and all living things both animate and inanimate. Learning about magick and the elemental energies have given me a sense of Being that nothing else has ever done. This path keeps me going, because it is not static, always changing, something new to learn, and I feel like I am part of Something beautiful.
What, if anything, disappoints you about your path - what would you change if you could? I think I am most disappointed about the difficulty of connecting with other Wiccans in my local area. I love being Solitary, but I would enjoy gathering with like-minded people for support, socialization, exchange of ideas, etc. I am also disappointed that I have come across judgmental pagans who profess to be the only experts or holding the keys to the "Right Way to be a Pagan". I would like all pagans to feel they are on the right path, and not worry about making mistakes.
If you’ve been pagan for several years, what changes have you seen in the Pagan community as a whole, and/or your own practice? In the blogging community I have seen pagans wanting to reach past the generic practices we find in many of the books. There are a lot more Solitary Practitioners than ever before, and I think we are all exploring ways to position ourselves spiritually in a more personal and meaningful and relative way. I am much more open to new ways of doing things, not so quick to dismiss something that at first seems too New or Odd.
Do you have any spiritual practices that you created yourself - that are not the kind normally found in books or practiced in groups? Generally my practices are based on the writings of Scott Cunningham. I do not perform highly ritualistic or formal magick. I prefer simple spellcasting, sometimes spur of the moment magick. My sabbat observances are loosely structured, and I don't have a uniform ritual for each one. I do admit to having a rather disorganized and messy Book of Shadows at this time, which I am currently re-doing. (I am embarrassed to admit this!)
What subjects are you interested in reading about in books and blogs? I currently have a strong interest in learning about Spirit Guides and Animal Totems. I have also been delving into the Celtic Gods and Goddesses to see if I want to expand my spiritual relationships. I always love reading about Herbals, Magickal gardening, stones. I am drawn to blogs by witty, well-written folks who don't spend too much time complaining about their lives, but talking about how being pagan is working in their lives. I also am quick to acquire a book that a trusted blogger recommends.
What in your life do you consider “sacred?” Well, first and foremost all living things, both animate and inanimate, from animals, trees, stones, stars, people, wind...all this is sacred. My love of the Lord and the Lady is sacred. My magickal practice is sacred, I have sacred space in my house and garden, and I can create sacred space where ever I might be. Words are sacred. My marriage is sacred. My children's love and relationships are sacred. Any time spent in even the simplest spiritual practice is sacred.
What about you or your life are you working towards changing - short term/long term? I always have many short term goals, mainly involving household organization, healthy eating and cooking, expanding my Wiccan practices, beginning a craft business. As for long term goals, I would have to say being a good and useful individual in this world, being a loving wife to my adorable husband, and trying to stay reasonably sane in this world of ours.
What energies do you want to rid yourself of - what energies do you want to bring in? I will admit that I have had a tendency of being self-defeating in certain areas of my life, and I have been working to change and delete that totally. I am always looking for ways to bring in as much positive, fruitful energies to aid in my quest to be more involved in service to the Goddess and God (such as the energy to make the time to volunteer for some of the issues I am passionate about).
What about the world would you like to see change - short term/long term? Obviously, this planet of ours is being atrociously abused every day by pollution, consumerism, lack of conscientious "green" practices by big business, small business, and citizens of the world. Alternate sources of energy must be implemented to rid ourselves of dependency on fossil fuels, outright prohibition of "hydro-fracking", cessation of senseless wars, and taking care of our starving, our poverty-stricken, our elderly. Getting back to the basics of living a more simple life...starting with simply buying locally produced food, and not being so caught up in the purchase of cheap foreign made products.
What has made and/or continues to make you truly happy? My marriage and my children make me very happy. Wicca makes me happy. Music and books make me happy.
What is your favorite word? I have too many favorite words, but I do enjoy saying the word, "Mimosa"
What/who inspires you? I am inspired everyday by people who endure and thrive despite physical or emotional handicaps. I am inspired by people who commit to serve others. And I am inspired by witnessing great and beautiful things that exist on this planet.
If at the end of your life, you were given a new name, which in one word described your contribution to the the web of life (the connections you made, people you touched, etc., ) what would your name be? Empath
Pagan Profile
Name (real or blogname): Robin Larkspur
Location: Central New York State
Profession: Home Arts Specialist
Hobbies/Interests: Crafting, gardening, reading, writing, pets, blogging, family, and many passing fancies.
Blog/Website name: Wiccan Writes
URL: http://wiccanwrites.blogspot.com
If your identity was hidden somehow, (i.e. if you were behind a dark curtain or a sound-proof booth) and someone else was asked to describe you to the person behind the curtain, how would you like to be described OR what would you like this blog circle to know about you? Robin Larkspur has sincere brown eyes, a ready smile, and her sense of humor is at times quite witty, and at other times a little corny. Her love of family, friends, animals and nature guide her activities and daily life. Robin is passionate about current issues in the world. A little shy at first, she will warm up to a new person after observing for a while.
Your spiritual path: Wiccan
How did you find your current path? Since a very small child, I have had a strong connection to the natural world, getting excited about sunsets, shooting stars, beautiful meadows and woods, and wild birds. This connection finally led me after many years to the realization that I was pagan. Taking a Reiki I certification course 12 years ago opened my eyes to a spirituality that I had not experienced before. Step by step, I found Wicca.
Previous spiritual path(s) (if any): Episcopalian till the age of 14. Then drifting through many religions (baptist, methodist, baha'i, messianic judaism, non-denominational...etc.)
What drew you to and continues to keep you on this path? Initially, reading many books, meditation, and writing about pagan ways, wiccan ways, and the Universal connection that exists between people, nature and all living things both animate and inanimate. Learning about magick and the elemental energies have given me a sense of Being that nothing else has ever done. This path keeps me going, because it is not static, always changing, something new to learn, and I feel like I am part of Something beautiful.
What, if anything, disappoints you about your path - what would you change if you could? I think I am most disappointed about the difficulty of connecting with other Wiccans in my local area. I love being Solitary, but I would enjoy gathering with like-minded people for support, socialization, exchange of ideas, etc. I am also disappointed that I have come across judgmental pagans who profess to be the only experts or holding the keys to the "Right Way to be a Pagan". I would like all pagans to feel they are on the right path, and not worry about making mistakes.
If you’ve been pagan for several years, what changes have you seen in the Pagan community as a whole, and/or your own practice? In the blogging community I have seen pagans wanting to reach past the generic practices we find in many of the books. There are a lot more Solitary Practitioners than ever before, and I think we are all exploring ways to position ourselves spiritually in a more personal and meaningful and relative way. I am much more open to new ways of doing things, not so quick to dismiss something that at first seems too New or Odd.
Do you have any spiritual practices that you created yourself - that are not the kind normally found in books or practiced in groups? Generally my practices are based on the writings of Scott Cunningham. I do not perform highly ritualistic or formal magick. I prefer simple spellcasting, sometimes spur of the moment magick. My sabbat observances are loosely structured, and I don't have a uniform ritual for each one. I do admit to having a rather disorganized and messy Book of Shadows at this time, which I am currently re-doing. (I am embarrassed to admit this!)
What subjects are you interested in reading about in books and blogs? I currently have a strong interest in learning about Spirit Guides and Animal Totems. I have also been delving into the Celtic Gods and Goddesses to see if I want to expand my spiritual relationships. I always love reading about Herbals, Magickal gardening, stones. I am drawn to blogs by witty, well-written folks who don't spend too much time complaining about their lives, but talking about how being pagan is working in their lives. I also am quick to acquire a book that a trusted blogger recommends.
What in your life do you consider “sacred?” Well, first and foremost all living things, both animate and inanimate, from animals, trees, stones, stars, people, wind...all this is sacred. My love of the Lord and the Lady is sacred. My magickal practice is sacred, I have sacred space in my house and garden, and I can create sacred space where ever I might be. Words are sacred. My marriage is sacred. My children's love and relationships are sacred. Any time spent in even the simplest spiritual practice is sacred.
What about you or your life are you working towards changing - short term/long term? I always have many short term goals, mainly involving household organization, healthy eating and cooking, expanding my Wiccan practices, beginning a craft business. As for long term goals, I would have to say being a good and useful individual in this world, being a loving wife to my adorable husband, and trying to stay reasonably sane in this world of ours.
What energies do you want to rid yourself of - what energies do you want to bring in? I will admit that I have had a tendency of being self-defeating in certain areas of my life, and I have been working to change and delete that totally. I am always looking for ways to bring in as much positive, fruitful energies to aid in my quest to be more involved in service to the Goddess and God (such as the energy to make the time to volunteer for some of the issues I am passionate about).
What about the world would you like to see change - short term/long term? Obviously, this planet of ours is being atrociously abused every day by pollution, consumerism, lack of conscientious "green" practices by big business, small business, and citizens of the world. Alternate sources of energy must be implemented to rid ourselves of dependency on fossil fuels, outright prohibition of "hydro-fracking", cessation of senseless wars, and taking care of our starving, our poverty-stricken, our elderly. Getting back to the basics of living a more simple life...starting with simply buying locally produced food, and not being so caught up in the purchase of cheap foreign made products.
What has made and/or continues to make you truly happy? My marriage and my children make me very happy. Wicca makes me happy. Music and books make me happy.
What is your favorite word? I have too many favorite words, but I do enjoy saying the word, "Mimosa"
What/who inspires you? I am inspired everyday by people who endure and thrive despite physical or emotional handicaps. I am inspired by people who commit to serve others. And I am inspired by witnessing great and beautiful things that exist on this planet.
If at the end of your life, you were given a new name, which in one word described your contribution to the the web of life (the connections you made, people you touched, etc., ) what would your name be? Empath
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday Medley--A Weekend Away
We went away for the weekend and believe or not, I left Midnight, my laptop, home! Nice to be unplugged. My husband and I drove east then north to Saratoga Springs, NY to visit Raethan, our bride-to-be daughter and her fiance. And the future in-laws. The weather was beautiful, the wedding was discussed (sort of like developing a battle plan!) and we enjoyed dining at two different Irish pubs. A delightful, relaxing weekend in a very lovely town. I only have two photos to show, as I got caught up in socializing.
Just outside of Saratoga Springs, my husband spotted this: (click on photos for a better look).
A quick U-turn brought us back to this small, but homey little place. Some wine was tasted and purchased, and we were back on the road. Saratoga Springs has a big horse-racing season, hence the horse on the sign!
As you can see in the above photo, horses tend to dominate outdoor decorating in Saratoga.
We will be going back to Saratoga Springs in May, so I will take more pictures to show off this really delightful area in the Adirondack Mountains.
Plans for this week are based around gardening. I have a special project to tell you about later in the week. And planning for the upcoming Sabbat, Beltane, is underway. Busy, but happy.
Have a wonderful week!
Just outside of Saratoga Springs, my husband spotted this: (click on photos for a better look).
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| The Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room |
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| Sculptures outside our hotel |
We will be going back to Saratoga Springs in May, so I will take more pictures to show off this really delightful area in the Adirondack Mountains.
Plans for this week are based around gardening. I have a special project to tell you about later in the week. And planning for the upcoming Sabbat, Beltane, is underway. Busy, but happy.
Have a wonderful week!
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