Short and Sweet

Today, it is my turn as Guest Blogger over at Danni's Whimsical Cottage. She has been hosting her February Fairies celebration all month. If you would like to visit her and see my guest post  click here

There is another giveaway brewing here at Wiccan Writes. Stay tuned for details!

A very short post today; please have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Lexie and her ducky-toy, both worn out!

Monday Medley

Superbowl 2011 is over, the Packers beat the Steelers, and some of the commercials were fun. That sums up my knowledge of the game, and to be honest, I am not a football fan. I did enjoy the chocolate chip cookies baked for the occasion.

The winter weather was not a bane of existence this weekend, with temperatures soaring into the low thirties. Balmy, almost.

The Sunday newspaper book recommendations suggested a first time fiction writer's work. Dorothy Harkness' Discovery of Witches. I am excited about reading this book. The author has previously written two non-fiction historical books, and began writing this novel because she wondered what vampires did for a living. Somehow this warped into a story of a witch teaming up with a vampire to solve a mystery. It sounds intriguing and I will let you know my thoughts on this book soon. (A trip to my favorite bookstore will be happening today.) If you are interested in learning more about this book, you can go to the author's website  here

A reminder to take a look at February Fairies going on at http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/
This fun event is going on all month long.

Wishing everyone a great week, good weather, and fun blogging!

Soaring Eagles

Nicholas Lisi/The Post-Standard

 
An incredible sight here in the Syracuse NY area.  20 eagles have been seen soaring over our Onondaga Lake. They settle into trees surrounding the lake, providing wonderful photographic opportunities. Our Sunday newspaper (The Post-Standard)  had beautiful pictures and a story that tells of the return of the eagles after decades. The eagle was on the endangered species across the United States, but has been removed. This magnificent bird is flourishing around the country. It is remarkable to have them settled in here for the winter, in such an urban environment. There is concern though. Onondaga Lake, up until recently, was considered one of the most polluted lakes in the US. Years of chemical dumping before the 1970s by industries surrounding the lake, left it damaged almost beyond repair. Efforts in recent years to clean the lake up have been successful, but the lake bed is the repository of mercury and other toxic chemicals. The eagles taking fish out of this lake could face, among other effects, fertility issues.

Nicholas Lisi/The Post-Standard

Onondaga Lake has a place of importance for the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, now referred to in their own language as the Haudenosaunee. The eagle is a revered symbol; of peace, of spirituality. Seeing the eagles return is a reason to celebrate, but also, a reason to heed the mistakes of the past and continue to restore the lake.

The Tree of Peace
by John Kahionhes Fadden

For more information on the Haudenosaunee, click here

February Fairies: What is this about? On my sidebar, you can click on the button, and be whisked away to the Whimsical Cottage blog. Danni is hosting a month of guest blogs, art, stories and more, all about the Fae. Her goal is to bring some lively posts to help us all get through these long winter days. I am going to be a guest blogger there on February 12th.

Also, note that the fundraiser is still going on for the Syracuse University students who are flying to Great Britain in March to attend Spring Solstice observances at Stonehenge. Every little bit helps. Click the button on my sidebar (Pagan Students) for all the info.