Thursday, March 31, 2011
I am a Winner!!
So....I won a Giveaway! A talented artist with a lovely Etsy shop and this blog (click to go to her blog) had a giveaway of one of her beautiful Crow paintings. Magic Love Crow is a neat blog, check it out. I am very happy to be the winner.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wiccan Rites--A New Daily Ritual
In previous posts on this blog, I have talked about the helpless feeling I have concerning the many world issues that face us. Almost every day a new crisis is in the news. What can one person do? A person like me. We are at the mercy of our politicians, natural disasters and extreme criminals. I cringe when I read the newspaper or hear the daily news. Short of uprooting oneself to move to some isolated and desolate place far from the onslaught of all this, how does one cope with this every day. What can one person do?
Donating regularly to the various causes is one small way; small in that the donations are not very large, at least in my case, but they are heartfelt. Writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper and our local politicians voicing concern or fear or outrage is another way. Not that it will really do anything except to help in the "venting" process.
I have decided that I want to devote a specific time of day, every day to focus on peaceful, healing, positive energies....for the crisis in Japan, the war(s) in Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere. For all the hatred and violence that is a daily occurrence all over the world. The atrocities in many countries, the starving and poverty-strickened around the world and in our own backyard. There are too many to list, too many to even bear thinking about. But I have to think about it; I will not live like an ostrich with its head in the sand. Not to say that I am going to dwell upon these things to the point of obsession.
I will take one part of my day and devote time to a ritual for healing and peace. Perhaps someone reading this will join me. I know there are people who are already doing this. It could help...it certainly can't hurt.
I just have to do something.
Donating regularly to the various causes is one small way; small in that the donations are not very large, at least in my case, but they are heartfelt. Writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper and our local politicians voicing concern or fear or outrage is another way. Not that it will really do anything except to help in the "venting" process.
I have decided that I want to devote a specific time of day, every day to focus on peaceful, healing, positive energies....for the crisis in Japan, the war(s) in Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere. For all the hatred and violence that is a daily occurrence all over the world. The atrocities in many countries, the starving and poverty-strickened around the world and in our own backyard. There are too many to list, too many to even bear thinking about. But I have to think about it; I will not live like an ostrich with its head in the sand. Not to say that I am going to dwell upon these things to the point of obsession.
I will take one part of my day and devote time to a ritual for healing and peace. Perhaps someone reading this will join me. I know there are people who are already doing this. It could help...it certainly can't hurt.
I just have to do something.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday Medley
Monday has come around again, it seems. For some unknown reason, I am very slow-starting today. It is bright and sunny outside, though very cold. I have spent the morning reading, and now have many tasks to complete.
I can not let today pass without mentioning that March 28th is the anniversary of the passing of Scott Cunningham. A Wiccan author and teacher to thousands. A gentle spirit with much knowledge about and love for the pagan community. Scott Cunningham inspired many to take the Wiccan path, to love the earth and all upon it and taught with a simple, direct style. His passing 18 years ago did not end his words and work. The books he has written are still sold in large numbers. Love and thanks to Scott Cunningham.
As I blog-hop I see many places are enjoying the emergence of Spring...buds, flowering trees, warming weather. Not so here in my little corner of the world. Still we know it is coming, and I for one can not wait. So tired of my darn winter coat. At least it is not snowing today.
I think I am ready for a nap now. Or another cup of coffee!! Hope your day is going a little more brisk than mine!
Blessings from Robin.
I can not let today pass without mentioning that March 28th is the anniversary of the passing of Scott Cunningham. A Wiccan author and teacher to thousands. A gentle spirit with much knowledge about and love for the pagan community. Scott Cunningham inspired many to take the Wiccan path, to love the earth and all upon it and taught with a simple, direct style. His passing 18 years ago did not end his words and work. The books he has written are still sold in large numbers. Love and thanks to Scott Cunningham.
As I blog-hop I see many places are enjoying the emergence of Spring...buds, flowering trees, warming weather. Not so here in my little corner of the world. Still we know it is coming, and I for one can not wait. So tired of my darn winter coat. At least it is not snowing today.
I think I am ready for a nap now. Or another cup of coffee!! Hope your day is going a little more brisk than mine!
Blessings from Robin.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday at the Castle
The Mohawk Valley region of New York state is still in the firm grip of winter. Hundreds of acres of forestland stand stark and brave against the icy wind. We drove quite near the frosted Mohawk River with its patches of icy floes amongst the fast-running water. Nary a sign of spring to be seen. Turkey vultures circled high in the sky, floating on air currents, or pushing against the sudden bursts of chill, harsh breezes.
Beardslee Castle stands solid and gray, weathering the century and a half of winters like a weary but dedicated soldier. The thick, ancient vines of ivy mold themselves to the stone walls looking for all the world like a great, huge serpent. A brightly colored flag flaps gaily in the wind, the only color to be seen. Cedar hedges circle the side yard where, on a summer's day, voices will rise in laughter and happiness, glasses will clink together, and music from a celtic harp will float over the gathered friends and family.
In front of the Castle are great, tall trees that are bare and silent now. In August these trees will be in their full summer glory overseeing, with their green gaze, the nuptials taking place just below them. A tiny waterfall will add its soothing sound nearby, running and giggling over old stones.
For now, the ground is frozen, the walls stand silent, waiting for the warmer days ahead. A beautiful fairy-tale bride will join her groom and they will pledge themselves to each other. Parents will smile, with glistening eyes, and the day will be firmly embedded into the Castle's memory, to be pulled out and treasured for years to come.
image credit
Beardslee Castle stands solid and gray, weathering the century and a half of winters like a weary but dedicated soldier. The thick, ancient vines of ivy mold themselves to the stone walls looking for all the world like a great, huge serpent. A brightly colored flag flaps gaily in the wind, the only color to be seen. Cedar hedges circle the side yard where, on a summer's day, voices will rise in laughter and happiness, glasses will clink together, and music from a celtic harp will float over the gathered friends and family.
In front of the Castle are great, tall trees that are bare and silent now. In August these trees will be in their full summer glory overseeing, with their green gaze, the nuptials taking place just below them. A tiny waterfall will add its soothing sound nearby, running and giggling over old stones.
For now, the ground is frozen, the walls stand silent, waiting for the warmer days ahead. A beautiful fairy-tale bride will join her groom and they will pledge themselves to each other. Parents will smile, with glistening eyes, and the day will be firmly embedded into the Castle's memory, to be pulled out and treasured for years to come.
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| Beardslee in winter |
image credit
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Quickly
A quick post for this very cold Saturday. Off to Beardslee Castle today to meet with wedding consultants for the big event in our family (in August). Also to deliver the wedding dress to my daughter. My husband was supposed to take off for another trip to Hawaii today, but the trip was cancelled just a few hours ago. Now he can come with me to Beardslee, hurray, since he has not been there yet. I like when things work out for me occasionally!
Have a great Saturday! Robin.
photo credit
Have a great Saturday! Robin.
photo credit
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Reading, Rocks and a Wedding Update
Ugh, we received more snow yesterday, about 4 inches. And I have crocuses coming up, and the first of the daffodils. So back to square one as far as the greening of the earth around here.
The last few days have been spent with my nose in several books, reading, reading. Taking in a lot of new ideas and information. A great task for Spring as this is the season of re-birth and re-newal! My brain is brimming with all kinds of inspiration for spring and summer.
I have also been organizing my Witchy Herb Cupboard...labeling jars of newly-acquired herbs. Trying to also identify some stones I purchased last autumn...they are in little bags from the magick shop, without labels. Son nicarus has given me two great books on stones, gems, and crystals. There are a LOT of look alike stones, so this has been a process, believe me!
On the Wedding Front: daughter raethan's wedding dress is ready to be picked up. We bought just three weeks ago. Having been told it would take up to 15 weeks to get it, as they were making it without a train, we expected it to be May before it was ready. raethan telephoned this morning, with such an excited, breathless voice to tell me it was ready. So I am running down to get it and will take it to her this weekend. We are meeting at Beardslee Castle Saturday to choose the wedding cake, and go over some other details with the staff. Excitement abounds. Here's the website for Beardslee, if you would like to see where the wedding is taking place: http://www.beardsleecastle.com/
All for today, have a super Thursday, stay safe, be happy. Robin.
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| Crocus before yesterday's snow |
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| Daffodils before the snow |
The last few days have been spent with my nose in several books, reading, reading. Taking in a lot of new ideas and information. A great task for Spring as this is the season of re-birth and re-newal! My brain is brimming with all kinds of inspiration for spring and summer.
I have also been organizing my Witchy Herb Cupboard...labeling jars of newly-acquired herbs. Trying to also identify some stones I purchased last autumn...they are in little bags from the magick shop, without labels. Son nicarus has given me two great books on stones, gems, and crystals. There are a LOT of look alike stones, so this has been a process, believe me!
 |
| by Judy Hall |
On the Wedding Front: daughter raethan's wedding dress is ready to be picked up. We bought just three weeks ago. Having been told it would take up to 15 weeks to get it, as they were making it without a train, we expected it to be May before it was ready. raethan telephoned this morning, with such an excited, breathless voice to tell me it was ready. So I am running down to get it and will take it to her this weekend. We are meeting at Beardslee Castle Saturday to choose the wedding cake, and go over some other details with the staff. Excitement abounds. Here's the website for Beardslee, if you would like to see where the wedding is taking place: http://www.beardsleecastle.com/
All for today, have a super Thursday, stay safe, be happy. Robin.
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