Hi Y'All! (that's how people talk down south in the Shenandoah Valley)
We drove back Friday and arrived home road-weary and dog-tired. Thank you all so much for your sweet words of sympathy and love you have left for me and mine. We are walking around in a kind of stupor, but sleep and time, tea and perhaps some chocolate will help. I am planning on doing a ritual for my mom very soon. She was a Christian and believed truly in a Heaven and reuniting with all the loved ones who have passed. I fully believe she will have her beautiful after life.
In the meantime, I will think of a way to honor her passing, of her breaking through the veil of this life, into the next. She never knew about my Wiccan path. It never felt right to tell her about it. Can't explain why. I am sure those of you on pagan paths will understand. It is not about fear of her being angry, or rejecting me. I have no regrets not revealing my path to her.
On the way home, we were thrilled to see very new-born baby calves in the fields. A true representation of the sabbat Imbolc, which is February 2nd. The return of light and new life. Very sweet scenes.
Take care, everyone. Back soon. Love you all. Robin.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
My Beloved Mother
Two weeks ago I received word from my brother in Virginia that our mother was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and other illnesses. A week passed and she improved a bit. Then within a few days her condition worsened. This past Sunday (Jan 22) my son Nick and I left for Virginia from Syracuse NY and drove as fast as we could the 500 miles to the Shenandoah Valley area where my brother and mother reside. My brother that lives with me was desperate to go with us, but is unable to travel as he is still recovering from his stroke. My husband has stayed in Syracuse to be with my brother.
My mother was conscious and fairly alert when we arrived at the hospital late that Sunday evening. She greeted me with a big smile and softly said my name. We embraced as best we could around all the wires and tubes and machines. Later that night, her condition worsened. She was placed on palliative care, and for a little over 24 hours she lay unconscious and unresponsive. My daughter and my best friend were traveling to us, and finally arrived. That night, two of my brothers, my son and daughter, our dear family friend and I stayed up tending our vigil.
At 6:00 am the following morning, Jan 25th, everyone, except Nick and me, went up for coffee and breakfast. While they were gone, my beloved mother passed away with me holding her hand. Quietly, calmly and with no pain, she left us.
My mother was 96 and beloved by everyone who knew her. Despite many difficulties in her last years, she always maintained a bright and loving spirit. She was a gracious and delightful woman, and a remarkable mom. In the late spring when early roses are blooming, we will place her ashes in a beautiful place and have a simple memorial service with the close family and friends that made up her circle of love.
I am devastated and drained, but I know my mom is happy and free of pain now. We will celebrate her life and then do our best to honor her in the way we live our lives. My beloved mother, how I love you!
My mother was conscious and fairly alert when we arrived at the hospital late that Sunday evening. She greeted me with a big smile and softly said my name. We embraced as best we could around all the wires and tubes and machines. Later that night, her condition worsened. She was placed on palliative care, and for a little over 24 hours she lay unconscious and unresponsive. My daughter and my best friend were traveling to us, and finally arrived. That night, two of my brothers, my son and daughter, our dear family friend and I stayed up tending our vigil.
At 6:00 am the following morning, Jan 25th, everyone, except Nick and me, went up for coffee and breakfast. While they were gone, my beloved mother passed away with me holding her hand. Quietly, calmly and with no pain, she left us.
My mother was 96 and beloved by everyone who knew her. Despite many difficulties in her last years, she always maintained a bright and loving spirit. She was a gracious and delightful woman, and a remarkable mom. In the late spring when early roses are blooming, we will place her ashes in a beautiful place and have a simple memorial service with the close family and friends that made up her circle of love.
I am devastated and drained, but I know my mom is happy and free of pain now. We will celebrate her life and then do our best to honor her in the way we live our lives. My beloved mother, how I love you!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wind and Magick
It is a little after midnight, and when I sat down at the computer it was Tuesday. So now it is early Wednesday and the wind is blowing like banshees outside. More snow is on the way. The wind is sweeping down the chimney, even though the flue is closed. All kinds of things are rattling and shaking and knocking all around the house outside. Normally I love the wind, but this seems a bit too much on a cold winter's night. And the lights are flickering.
I am up late (or early, depending on perspective). Lots of things going on that are keeping me awake. I can't talk about it right now, perhaps later this week. Not-good-things. I know that is not fair to mention something and then refuse to explain further. But I know my dear blog-world friends will understand.
And now I am afraid to stay on the computer much longer, the lights are definitely dimming off and on. My honey put a little flashlight in my pocket before he climbed upstairs to bed. My laptop perhaps needs to be shut down in case of power outage.
I think it is time to get out my cauldron, light a couple of candles, pull out some herbs and incense. Time for a spell or two to help out with things. Midnight is the witching hour. And perhaps use some of the Wind power that is blowing all around. Must go....magick is afoot.
I am up late (or early, depending on perspective). Lots of things going on that are keeping me awake. I can't talk about it right now, perhaps later this week. Not-good-things. I know that is not fair to mention something and then refuse to explain further. But I know my dear blog-world friends will understand.
And now I am afraid to stay on the computer much longer, the lights are definitely dimming off and on. My honey put a little flashlight in my pocket before he climbed upstairs to bed. My laptop perhaps needs to be shut down in case of power outage.
I think it is time to get out my cauldron, light a couple of candles, pull out some herbs and incense. Time for a spell or two to help out with things. Midnight is the witching hour. And perhaps use some of the Wind power that is blowing all around. Must go....magick is afoot.
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!
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