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.

image source

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?

source: backgroundpictures.org

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.