Has Spring Sprung?

Although spring is still a good three weeks away, signs of it are beginning to appear everywhere.  For many it was a hard winter.  Old man winter came early and stayed a bit more than some may have wished him too. 

Now slowly mother earth is thawing out.  Even before the signs began to emerge and one was able to see the signs of the coming warmth, deep into the ground she was, already fast at work preparing for what was to come.  Seeds that had been planted earlier in the autumn months of last year began to open and prepare for their climb up and out towards the coming spring. 

The animals who often know well before man, begin to venture out a bit more, knowing that the winter is once again departing and the playful warmth of spring is soon to come forth.  The mad ritual dances have begun and soon the signs of young life will be seen.  The scout bees have left their colonies and started to seek a good area to feed when they are ready to travel more.  On the warmer days one can hear them buzzing about in an attempt to keep warm. 

Even the bull frogs who had dug themselves deep into the mud for the winter have started to emerge and sit on the bank when the sun is out and shinning. They bask in what little warmth they can find as it is still cool in the morning and evening time. 

Yes spring is still some time off yet the signs are gaining strength every day.  Soon once again the newnes that only spring can bring will be evident all around.



The naked earth is warm with spring.

With green grass and bursting trees

she leans to the sun's kiss glorying

and quivers in the sunny breeze.

~Julian Grenfell



The Bluebird of Happiness

And when he sings to you,

 Though you're deep in blue,

You will see a ray of light creep through,

And so remember this, life is no abyss,

 Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.

 Life is sweet, tender and complete,

when you find the bluebird of happiness.

- Bluebird of Happiness,

lyrics by Edward Heyman & Harry Parr Davies, 1934

Last week I was blessed with a new feathered friend.  A wonderful reminder of the coming of spring only 8 weeks away.  Read more about my adventure at My New Houseguest

May It Be

There are some songs that warm you to the soul and give a gift of message that is rare.  From the first time I heard this song it brought that feeling to me.  I am sure many of you have heard it many times yet I'd like to share it once more. 

Blessings

The Mourning Moon

Sunday, November 21st

Take some time and enjoy the Full Moon of November.

The Full Moon is currently in Taurus and offers a perfect opportunity for any magic one may want to conjour involving love, property or finances.

The Full Moon also offers an excellent time to plant any flower bulbs that you may be wanting to get into the ground if you haven't already.

For water charged with with the power of the Full Moon, place a jug of fresh spring water out under the light of the full moon.

This is excellent for washing or annointing anything you wish to fill with the magic of the Full Moon

In Rememberance - All Souls Day

All Souls

A THIN moon faints in the sky o'erhead,

And dumb in the churchyard lie the dead.

Walk we not, Sweet, by garden ways,

Where the late rose hangs and the phlox delays,

But forth of the gate and down the road,

Past the church and the yews, to their dim abode.

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear and the dead have sight.

Fear not that sound like wind in the trees:

It is only their call that comes on the breeze;

Fear not the shudder that seems to pass:

It is only the tread of their feet on the grass;

Fear not the drip of the bough as you stoop:

It is only the touch of their hands that grope -

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the dead can yearn and the dead can smite.

And where should a man bring his sweet to woo

But here, where such hundreds were lovers too?

Where lie the dead lips that thirst to kiss,

The empty hands that their fellows miss,

Where the maid and her lover, from sere to green,

Sleep bed by bed, with the worm between?

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear and the dead have sight.

And now that they rise and walk in the cold,

Let us warm their blood and give youth to the old.

Let them see us and hear us, and say: 'Ah, thus

In the prime of the year it went with us!'

Till their lips drawn close, and so long unkist,

Forget they are mist that mingles with mist!

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the dead can burn and the dead can smite.

Till they say, as they hear us - poor dead, poor dead! -

'Just an hour of this, and our age-long bed -

Just a thrill of the old remembered pains

To kindle a flame in our frozen veins,

Just a touch, and a sight, and a floating apart,

As the chill of dawn strikes each phantom heart -

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear, and the dead have sight.'

And where should the living feel alive

But here in this wan white humming hive,

As the moon wastes down, and the dawn turns cold,

And one by one they creep back to the fold?

And where should a man hold his mate and say:

'One more, one more, ere we go their way'?

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the living can learn by the churchyard light.

And how should we break faith who have seen

Those dead lips plight with the mist between,

And how forget, who have seen how soon

They lie thus chambered and cold to the moon?

How scorn, how hate, how strive, we too,

Who must do so soon as those others do?

For it's All Souls' night, and break of the day,

And behold, with the light the dead are away. . . .

Edith Wharton

My Most Embarrassing Halloween Yet...

I know most of you have been having fun with Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween with the Haunted Blog Tours, the Guest Posts and yes, the giveaways!

Well, tomorrow my number is up, it's my turn to be the hostess with the mostest ; ) for the Haunted Blog Tour. I'm going to be telling everyone about "the costume of death" I was forced to wear by my mother. Why am I going to be posting about this? Probably, because I'm a glutton for punishment. Really though, I think it's a funny story, now that I'm an adult (mostly) and I hope you'll get at least a smile out of it. I'm also having another small giveaway.

So, I hope you come visit my blog tomorrow as well as reading the guest blogger post (which have been really well-written) and entering the "official" giveaways at Mrs. B's.

Also, don't forget to go see Mother Moon's blog and enter for a wickedly cool giveaway.

A Walk with Those Passed

St. James Cemetary - South of Avon

The  year slowly meanders its way to All Hallows Eve many of us have or will take the time to remember those who have passed before us. There are many traditions that some use to honor this time and ritual.  Some set an extra place for those gone before at the table on the eve of October 31st.  Some hold a special time of rememberance and place pictures and other items that resemble their loved ones. 

Myself I enjoy visiting the cemetary.  I have always been amazed at the stories behind each headstone marker. Although I do frequent my family and friends on occasion it is this time of year when I just go visiting.  There have been some over the years that I have grown attached to and wonder about the story behind them.  Jackie Moon and the children that surround her is a good example of this. 

Higates Cemetary In London

Yet today I am keeping with my love for the beautiful art that can be found as one walks through so many cemetaries.   I would like to share some photos of some of my favorites.  I have not visited each one yet their beauty is amazing.

New Orleans Cemetary

There is a peace that comes to one when they stroll through a cemetary. 

Bonaventure Cemetary - Savannah GA

I am sure that there are places where a restless soul may reside and the aura may not be as settled as most.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA 

Yet for the most part it is calm and serene.

Albany Rural Cemetary

The love can be seen in many of the monuments that have been placed in honor of those passed.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

Such detail put into some as if to place a watcher next to their loved one for safe keeping.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

The children are what move me most

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

So many passed at such tendar ages.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

This week take a few moments to remember those who have passed before us.  Reflect on the gifts they gave you as well as the ones they still give.  And if you have some free time on a beautiful October day, consider taking a stroll through your nearest cemetary.  You may be surprised what inspiration you might receive. 

Blessings

Pumpkin Pie and Parlor Games

One of the many fun activities of times of old was the hiding of charms in foods as a means of divination. With Samhain being upon us who hasn’t thought of the wonderful aroma and tastes of a pumpkin pie. The following is an old parlor game often played during Samhain.

Choose your favorite recipe for pumpkin pie and prepare. After the pie is cooked but before you add the whip cream cut the pie into eight slices. Into two of the slices hide a ring. Into two other slices hide a coin. Into two other slices hide a marble. Leave two of the slices with nothing in them.

Before you invite your guests to partake of this parlor fun, be sure and advise them of the possibility of the objects in the pie they are about to eat as to prevent any choking mishaps. Serve the pie to each one and advise the recipients of the possibility of the items enclosed.

If one finds a ring, marital bliss is theirs. If they discover a coin, wealth is said to be in their near future. If they find a marble; the coming year will be cold and lonely for them. If they get no treat in their pie, their future is sure to be filled with uncertainty and many concerns.

For a little more Halloween fun visit my personal blog Mother Moon and check out my Samhain Giveaway. 

Onion Shortcake And Thanks

During the season of Samhain is a good time to contemplate what we have reaped. It is good time to reflect all the goodness that has come to us. It is a good time to reflect on the obstacles that we have overcome in the previous year. It is a good time to think back on the desires we had and how we have manifested them in our lives.

As we gather on Samhain as friends and or family such reflection can be shared. Gathering around the fire during the coolness of evening and as the sun set on the previous year is an excellent time to share with one another. Working in a clockwise fashion around the circle ask each to share what they are grateful for. A fresh homemade loaf of bread passed around at the same time allowing each one to break a piece off as they share is symbolic of allowing this gift be become part of one’s whole being.

It is always helpful to share with others yet if some feel uncomfortable allow them to write down their thanks or to silently think their thought. Below is a recipe for Onion Shortcake. A simple recipe to prepare and also to share with the gathering.

Onion Shortcake

2 cups flour   

                     4 teaspoons baking powder  

1 ½ teaspoon salt      

         4 tablespoons shortening     

2/3 cups milk       

               2 teaspoons butter

2 ½ cup sliced onions  

       1 egg            

½ cup light cream

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour and baking powder with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cut in the shortening. Add the milk and knead the dough lightly. Flatten into a greased 8 by 8 inch dish.

Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the onions until golden. I like to combine red and white for an added color. Let the onions cool then spread them over the dough.

Beat the egg, cream, and the remaining salt. Pour over the onions. Sprinkle with paprika and poppy seeds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.



Blessed October

October gave a party;

the leaves by hundreds came -

The Chesnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

and leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

and everything was grand.

Miss Weather led the dancing

Professor Wind the band.

-George Cooper-

Psssst... What To Know A Secret

Just wanted to let all our readers know that currently a simply wonderful giveaway is taking place.  Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween is currently underway.  Yes, I know that it is the 2nd but there are still 30 days (counting today) to get in on all the fun that will take place. There is a wonderful giveaway (sometimes more) every day and also Haunted Blog tours as well as a variety of guest bloggers.  A little bit for everyone.

Today's giveaways are a perfect example of the great things that one will have the chance to win through out the month of October.

First there is a lovely Samhain themed goddess doll made my none other than Nydia over at Bringing Up Salamanders.  I can say from experience that her work is wonderful and the patience and love she puts into it are well apparent.

Next a Book entitled "Weisers Field Guide to Witches" it looks to be a wonderful find.

And lastly a wonderful goodie basket by none other than October Farm.  Any of you who have been to her blog know that her gifts are full of wonderful treats and are a bounty unto itself. 

So take the time to slip over to Mrs. B's and join in on all the fun.  I can assure you that you will be glad you did. 

Farewell and Thank You for Coming

Sometimes in life we are so blessed to have found that special friend/sister who is as much us as we are ourselves.  They cry our tears, they giggle our joys.

They are with us always even when they are absent.

They are willing to share whatever is needed.

They are willing to give whatever we ask.

May you find such a friend/sister.

May you experience the true sisterhood that only two women can share.

Thank you for joining us for our Practical Magic Blog Party. 

You are always welcomed to come again.

blessings
For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

My Blood, Your Blood, Our Blood

How far would you go for someone?

How bare would you make yourself
 to those you may be trying to hide from;

In order to help someone who means the most to you?

The power and understanding of women for one another
(whether alike or different)
 if far greater than we may allow.

Sometimes we need only to be the first one to take the first step.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Bad Boys - What You Gonna Do

Why is it that we always seem to be intrigued by the dark bad boys?

Doesn't it always seem that eventually we grow to regret it?

But still for those brief moments,
when we are in ignorant bliss.......

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

To Love or Not to Love - Is That The Question

Who among us never dreamt of love when we were young?  How many times did you sit and dream about the one you would someday fall helplessly in love with?  How many times was your heart broke into a million tiny slivers when that love was lost or found to be not what you expected.  I think we can all relate in some way or the other. 

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Those We call Sister... Those We Call Friend

The connection between those we call sister and/or friend is a fierce bond.  We can feel each others sorrow and dance to each others joys. 

Today take a moment to drop a note to someone who holds that place in your heart and let them know the blessings they have brought your way.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Let the Party Begin

There is no better way to get a party started then with a good margarita..Join us throughout the weekend as we celebrate that movie we all love "Practical Magic".

For others who are also celebrating go to http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Mabon Blessings

As autumn returns once again with all its blessings,

and day and night are briefly,

but perfectly,

balanced at the equinox,

May we take a few moments to be reminded

of the precious fraility of

human life

as well as the precious gifts bestowed upon us

by the life that encircles us each day.

The wonders and beauties of Mother Nature

and all other creatures,

trees and plants,

waters and winds.

May we strive to make wise choices

 in how and what we reap as well as what we sow. 

As the earth's days shorten,

may we be blessed with beautiful Indian Summer days.

As the coolness comes,

may the gathering of those preparing for winter ahead

be prosperous and plentiful.

And as we also prepare for the coming inward journey

 of the coming months,

may we find an increasing compassion and tolerance

in our hearts and minds for those in need.

-Mother Moon-

My Childhood Visitors

I was a quiet child growing up. Without going into great details I would have to say I was one of those “forgotten children”. It seemed that everyone else was busy with something or someone else. I was the youngest of four children, and the sister who was born a mere 14 months before me was diagnosed with major health issues from day one. Not only did she have heart issues which eventually caused open heart surgery she was also predicted to not live past her 3rd year of life. I am happy to report that she is alive and kicking still on the verge of celebrating her 50th birthday this month.(Fall Equinox to be exact)  She will more than likely live way  past the rest of us. Ah, the marvels of modern medicine.

Yet that is not the pathway that I wish to take with this posting. Since I was born quite soon after her birth and she still required frequent trips to the doctor and hospital for multiple surgeries that she would have during the first few years of her life, I did not partake in the usual baby mother time. As I grew older this continued as I was quite healthy and a quiet timid child. I was perfectly happy with my multitude of cats that occupied my time on the farm. I did not need the companionship of my much older brother or sister, nor did they wish to give it to me.

In retrospect although this time of my life (through my 4th year) had moments that would terrify me and the lack of what some would consider the basic nurturing that most children received; it was also a time of some of the most memorable moments of my childhood. I slept in a baby bed in the old farm house in a room just off from the kitchen. A window was near my bed and I remember being able to see the moon from it. A dresser was positioned next to my bed and each evening a baby bottle would be sat atop it for me to have access to through the night.

Although I know I was only four years old the memories of this time are quite vivid in my mind. In fact some of them are more vivid then memories from later on in my childhood, yet that is what repression does to you. One evening that I remember with clarity was an occasion after I went to bed and awoke later in the night. As I went to the dresser to retrieve my bottle I could not reach it. I remember trying yet to no avail.

Suddenly a woman came through the door of my bedroom and was walking towards me. She wore all white and her hair hung around her shoulders. She came towards me as if floating and a glow like shimmer surrounded her. She never spoke a work yet it was as if I could understand what she spoke to me. As she came closer she handed the out of reach bottle to me. She stood by my bed until I must have fallen asleep as the next thing I recall was morning.

Another instance was not realized until much later in my life. I had lived with the memories of late night talks around the kitchen sink while sitting on the kitchen cabinet, my feet sitting in the sink. As I sat and gazed out the window at the night sky and all its wonder I remember being told stories of the moon and all her glory. In retrospect it seemed that at most times this occurred when the moon was full. A woman stood at the sink, She would share her stories and knowledge with me as well as another girl who stood beside her.

For years I assumed that this woman and other girl were my mother and older sister. I did not think much about it until once when I asked my sister about it. She had no idea what I was talking about so I dismissed her recollection as the fact that it was probably not her who shared in the late night stories. Later I brought the subject up with my mother who responded in a similar manner as my sister. She did not know anything of what I was speaking of.

She continued to tell me that although she did not ever remember sitting with me in the kitchen conveying stories she did remember finding me on several occasions asleep on the kitchen cabinet in the mornings. She also added that I should know better than to think I would be allowed to sit on the cabinet with my feet in the kitchen sink.

After this revelation I wondered for sometime who the woman was. Who told me the many stories of the moon and warned me of specific places on the farm not to go? Was it the woman who also assisted me that evening with my bottle on the dresser? I am not sure if I will ever know yet I do feel that I was being watched over.

One occasion when I relayed this story to my granddaughter then at a tender age of 6 she looked square at me and said in a child’s matter of fact manner, it was your angel GG. I think she was right.