"Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart."
- Charles G. Stater
Monday, January 16, 2012
Winter Tree
"Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart."
- Charles G. Stater
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Oh, It IS Winter
The balmy 40 degree temperatures and sunny days that have marked our winter so far here in the northern climes of New York are very quickly forgotten. Snow has made a sudden and grand appearance. Beautiful from inside a cozy, woodstove-warmed home, troublesome to those who must venture out into the frigid winds and icy roads. One dog hurries out then hurries back in, demanding the fortifying dog treat that makes it all worth while. The other dog joyously launches herself onto the deck, rolling and giddy. Snow angel-dogs appear on the scene, as she cavorts and shimmies. Eating the snow, dashing around, the little dog loves this weather. The other dog, a bit older and wiser, heads down to the comfort of a warm sofa.
We will watch the snow fall, keeping the coffee pot going for those of the household who arm themselves with shovels and snowblowers. A good book, a warm quilt and this witch is ready to sit for a spell.
We will watch the snow fall, keeping the coffee pot going for those of the household who arm themselves with shovels and snowblowers. A good book, a warm quilt and this witch is ready to sit for a spell.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Meanwhile, Back on Planet Earth
2012 seems to be shaping up to be a busy year. It's a Leap Year and an election year in the U.S. (and the obvious continuance of that statement would be: I'd like to tell the candidates to take a leap.....but hardly a Wiccan kind of thing to say...!) Anyhoo, the Summer Olympics will be taking place in London in a little less than 200 days. It will be enjoyable to see what our English friends have come up with for the various venues, opening ceremonies and obligatory scandals. There is always some kind of hoopla at the Olympics.
Here in my little corner of the world it is still snowless and relatively mild (mid-40s F). We complain about too much snow, and we complain about not enough snow. An area in Alaska has received 18 FEET of snow and need rescue. No complaints, then, from me.
Seed catalogs are arriving in the mail! So many choices, so little land!!! Dig on, baby!!
Imbolc is coming. That is the next Wiccan sabbat in February. More to come on that!!
Also, a few other things brewing here at Wiccan Writes. I do declare that the giveaway I have mentioned will actually be happening! Soon. I promise. And a short story. And, wait there's more!!! Keep checking back!
Here in my little corner of the world it is still snowless and relatively mild (mid-40s F). We complain about too much snow, and we complain about not enough snow. An area in Alaska has received 18 FEET of snow and need rescue. No complaints, then, from me.
Seed catalogs are arriving in the mail! So many choices, so little land!!! Dig on, baby!!
Imbolc is coming. That is the next Wiccan sabbat in February. More to come on that!!
Also, a few other things brewing here at Wiccan Writes. I do declare that the giveaway I have mentioned will actually be happening! Soon. I promise. And a short story. And, wait there's more!!! Keep checking back!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
To the Stars?
Dr. Stephen Hawking just attained his 70th birthday which is as miraculous as his brilliant work. Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) when he was 21, he is the longest surviving victim of this terrible disease. He was unable to attend his birthday celebration this past weekend, but sent along a recording of the speech he had planned to make. Dr. Hawking, a physicist and cosmologist, is lauded for his theories on black holes, quantum gravity and other scientific works too deep for me to even possibly pronounce or type, let alone understand!!
In his recorded message, he speaks about his life, his inspirations and his career. He talks about his books and his theories. Just Google his name and you can find the speech, along with many interesting web sites about him.
One thing Dr. Hawking discussed was his belief that within a thousand years the human race will be unable to survive on our planet, and will have to seek new worlds in outer space. He is an advocate for space exploration and the colonization of other planets.
My immediate response to that was: Does the human race deserve to go out and wreck havoc on another planet? Our Earth was once a pristine world; fresh air, clean water, thriving plant and animal life. Along comes The Human and there goes the neighborhood. Like the Joni Mitchell song: "...they paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Humans have not only paved paradise, but have polluted, razed and ravaged this planet in the name of industry, technology and Progress. Is is really necessary for us to destroy every last living thing here, and then move on, like some galactic Atilla the Hun and do the same to the next beautiful, unsuspecting world?
I am all for space exploration and have been since I was a tot reading Heinlein, Bradbury and Asimov. It is a thrilling idea to think of discovering life on other planets and to have space colonies set up housekeeping. But first, absolutely FIRST, the collective consciousness must evolve beyond our throwaway consumerism, wasteful habits, lack of eco-awareness, blatant pollution, denial of the rights of every living thing to have life and freedom to survive, and.......well, you know what I am getting it.
It is a dismal thought, isn't it? Thinking about Earth a thousand years from now. Being Wiccan, I must be an optimist though and continue to work towards healing the planet, and hoping others will join in. There are many many many people who believe the same. Surely it is not too late?
In his recorded message, he speaks about his life, his inspirations and his career. He talks about his books and his theories. Just Google his name and you can find the speech, along with many interesting web sites about him.
One thing Dr. Hawking discussed was his belief that within a thousand years the human race will be unable to survive on our planet, and will have to seek new worlds in outer space. He is an advocate for space exploration and the colonization of other planets.
My immediate response to that was: Does the human race deserve to go out and wreck havoc on another planet? Our Earth was once a pristine world; fresh air, clean water, thriving plant and animal life. Along comes The Human and there goes the neighborhood. Like the Joni Mitchell song: "...they paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Humans have not only paved paradise, but have polluted, razed and ravaged this planet in the name of industry, technology and Progress. Is is really necessary for us to destroy every last living thing here, and then move on, like some galactic Atilla the Hun and do the same to the next beautiful, unsuspecting world?
I am all for space exploration and have been since I was a tot reading Heinlein, Bradbury and Asimov. It is a thrilling idea to think of discovering life on other planets and to have space colonies set up housekeeping. But first, absolutely FIRST, the collective consciousness must evolve beyond our throwaway consumerism, wasteful habits, lack of eco-awareness, blatant pollution, denial of the rights of every living thing to have life and freedom to survive, and.......well, you know what I am getting it.
It is a dismal thought, isn't it? Thinking about Earth a thousand years from now. Being Wiccan, I must be an optimist though and continue to work towards healing the planet, and hoping others will join in. There are many many many people who believe the same. Surely it is not too late?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Some Wiccan Advice
Hand-written notes, carefully thought out, filled with wishes, hopes, dreams, requests for help, advice, guidance. These notes are folded and placed on the Yule Log which is burning brightly with helpful herbs and intent-filled energy. The ritual is complete, the spell is done.
When you ask the Universe for assistance, be prepared to act. The answer can come swiftly. Don't miss it.
When you ask the Universe for assistance, be prepared to act. The answer can come swiftly. Don't miss it.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Off to a "great" Start!
Fourth day of the New Year and here I am, just now, with my first post of 2012. To go along with my belatedness, I somehow messed up my "comments" button when I changed my blog design. Fortunately, family members came to my rescue and everything seems to be back in order. Apologies to my dear followers who emailed me about the problem; and to those who gave up trying to comment. I will make every effort to keep the technological interruptions to an absolute minimum!
Happy New Year, by the way!! We had a fabulous time! Daughter Raethan and her husband were here, and there was a lot of love and laughter all the way around. Great ritual, with drumming and the fireplace glowing wonderfully. Good food (of which I was the cook, lol!!). Board games, gift opening, and a whole bunch of etc., etc., etc.!!
The very big news is that I received (drumroll, please...) a NEW CAMERA!!! A Canon PowerShot ELPH300HS. The gift tag read: "To Her Royal Highness of Bloggers; From Her Loyal Followers". Isn't that a hoot!! Love it! So I can now return to full-blown photo-accompanying blog posts. It will take me a few days to learn all the ins and outs of the camera, even though it is not that complicated, I still need a bit of learning time! Thank you, dear family!
My brother is doing well and enjoyed the holiday. Lots of visits from the various therapists is helping tremendously. His recovery continues slowly but consistently.
We received our first big snowstorm and the temperatures have plummeted to single digits. Beautiful, but frigid. I knew the winter weather could not stay away for too long. Photos soon!!!
This was a quick check-in post. Hope all is well with absolutely everyone. Blessed be!
Happy New Year, by the way!! We had a fabulous time! Daughter Raethan and her husband were here, and there was a lot of love and laughter all the way around. Great ritual, with drumming and the fireplace glowing wonderfully. Good food (of which I was the cook, lol!!). Board games, gift opening, and a whole bunch of etc., etc., etc.!!
The very big news is that I received (drumroll, please...) a NEW CAMERA!!! A Canon PowerShot ELPH300HS. The gift tag read: "To Her Royal Highness of Bloggers; From Her Loyal Followers". Isn't that a hoot!! Love it! So I can now return to full-blown photo-accompanying blog posts. It will take me a few days to learn all the ins and outs of the camera, even though it is not that complicated, I still need a bit of learning time! Thank you, dear family!
My brother is doing well and enjoyed the holiday. Lots of visits from the various therapists is helping tremendously. His recovery continues slowly but consistently.
We received our first big snowstorm and the temperatures have plummeted to single digits. Beautiful, but frigid. I knew the winter weather could not stay away for too long. Photos soon!!!
This was a quick check-in post. Hope all is well with absolutely everyone. Blessed be!
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