Blessed Samhain 2013--Happy Halloween

image source

"As I went out walking this fall afternoon,
I heard a whisper whispering.
I heard a whisper whispering,
Upon this fine fall day...

As I went out walking this fall afternoon,
I heard a laugh a' laughing.
I heard a laugh a' laughing,
Upon this fine fall day...

I heard this whisper and I wondered,
I heard this laugh and then I knew.
The time is getting near my friends,
The time that I hold dear my friends,
The veil is getting thin my friends,
And strange things will pass through."
-   The Veil is Getting Thinner 

(author unknown)

"He Was Headless!"

"On mounting a rising ground, which brought the figure of his fellow-traveller in relief against the sky, gigantic in height, and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck on perceiving that he was headless!--but his horror was still more increased on observing that the head, which should have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the pommel of his saddle!"
- Washington Irving, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

 

Headless Source

At a Loss

It is just a couple of days to Wicca's most sacred observance of Samhain. A time to honor our Ancestors and contemplate the ending of the year. The Wheel of the Year has gone through its complete cycle and soon we enter into the long sleep of Winter.

It is festive and somber both. Thoughts turn inward.

Yesterday, my son's close friend lost her sister in an unimaginably horrific way. She and another woman were stabbed to death by the sister's estranged husband. An "order of protection" did nothing to keep her safe. A brutal senseless crime, leaving behind devastated families and friends. My son spent several hours with his friend and her family last night, obviously a painful experience.

I am at a loss as to what to tell him. And when I talk to his friend there will be no words one can say except "I am here to support you in whatever way you need".

This Samhain will be significantly different for us. Thinking about this 24 year old woman's death, a mother of two young children, adds a more sobering element to this day and night of remembrance.

My Old PurrrrSnicKitty Blog Has Been Plundered

Thanks to Mary and Linda for emailing me about the blog I had taken down several months ago. The blog, PurrrrSnicKitty was intended to be a journal of our kittens. Apparently it got taken over by less-than-g-rated people. If my PurrrrSnickitty blog showed up in your blog lists, I want you to know, that it is NOT me.

Delete the blog PurrrrSnickitty immediately.

What a pain, eh?

Indeed!

Happy Friday! The end of a long hectic, anxious, happy, scattered week!!!

I am proud to say my husband and I are now officially "landed gentry", lol!! Thirty minutes cloistered with two attorneys, while high winds, rain and hail batter the office windows. Snow gathered around corners and temperatures plummeting. And we have just bought property further NORTH!! lol!!

And, now, my friends, for the announcement of the name of our new land.

AutumnWood

I think it is perfect for this place we found. Hopefully the weather will improve so we can get out there and plant spring-blooming bulbs and do a few other things.

Grandmother Maple--a perfect spot for a picnic

Thanks for all your happy words of support!!! Super weekend, everyone!!!

Events

Rain is falling tonight, dark and breezy outside. Chilly. But my shivers are more of excitement for Thursday's happenings. The finalization of the purchase of our land!!

Today was special too, my brother's birthday. We took him to his favorite restaurant tonight for dinner. He is doing okay; if you may recall two years ago he suffered two strokes less than a week apart, and has been dealing with the aftereffects, as well as severe kidney disease and heart disease. Not an easy road, but we are all doing the best we can.

And then a phone call from our darling daughter. She received a promotion today, and was calling to share her news. She is getting an office (with 4 walls,ceiling and a door); she has been in a cubicle for a long time. We are proud and happy for her. She works very hard and has earned this promotion!

Once we actually have the deed to the land in our hands, I am going to announce the name we have chosen for the property. It was a big job...we went over at least 30 different names (there were some hurt feelings, mostly on my part, as some names were rejected). But we all love the one we have selected. It is perfect!!

Bright Blessings from Robin.

Monday Melody--Aromatic Autumn

Sunday supper: Baked herbed chicken and a delicious casserole using a recipe from the talented and creative chef, Joyce at the blog OctoberFarm. I have made this casserole before and it is a favorite of the family's; it makes mouths water and stomachs rumble as the aroma of baking casserole wafts through the house. You must make this! Joyce says that even kids that won't touch a zucchini will love this. Click on the link to see the recipe and visit Joyce's great blog: OctoberFarm's Zucchini Casserole
 (unfortunately I forgot to snap a photo of the yummy goodness; all that is left is an empty dish)


A chill in the house the last couple of days. The family room especially is cooler than the rest of the house. So the first woodstove fire of the season. Just a small one. Stepping outside to look at the fabulous full moon, the aroma of wood smoke lightly drifting upwards immediately evoked autumns past. A comforting feeling.

And burning sage and rosemary on the night of the Full Moon is tremendously aromatic and most conducive to meditation and spell work. Smells so good in the chilly night air.

Happy Birthday today to my dearest friend and godmother to my children!! We love you!!