tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21027262179988813272024-03-13T09:21:32.347+00:00Urban Witch in SomersetLiving simply in an Intentional Community in Somerset. Pagan celebration, home making and the arts of the hearthfire. Mothering and home educating - creative and artistic projects and studying as a mature student.raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-15699955206508243482016-07-31T16:09:00.000+01:002016-07-31T16:09:43.858+01:00Mulling and mellowingIt has been an interesting time over the last year and I haven't felt 'called' to write anything on the blog for a while. The last post was written after my mother's death amid other changes in life. Changes don't stop obviously although some can have more depth or further reaching effects. However for the last year I have been putting roots deeper into my new home, removing the things in life that no longer feel necessary or no longer serve. And I have involved myself in local community activities which has been wonderful to feel like 'I belong' here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYsJ0B2SmjoQZ0_7zeIfamq2M2OlWHjxx0krNPDtpyDIPQnbD-9FF-lokl3MbgHYpDx7YKfJx0eLjQFPO6Cb3-5IG11Rp0IeZDxoZp6bPnUvrIBWIqN5Weh4720BbVhkyswIC-JqYPOiM/s1600/13096006_10153401761356637_6611584105417458950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Earlier in the year I became part of the team to organise the Glastonbury Beltane Celebrations. It was a wonderful experience and I am so blessed to have been part of it and made some fantastic new friends and spiritual colleagues. The event itself was amazing - we did <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYsJ0B2SmjoQZ0_7zeIfamq2M2OlWHjxx0krNPDtpyDIPQnbD-9FF-lokl3MbgHYpDx7YKfJx0eLjQFPO6Cb3-5IG11Rp0IeZDxoZp6bPnUvrIBWIqN5Weh4720BbVhkyswIC-JqYPOiM/s1600/13096006_10153401761356637_6611584105417458950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYsJ0B2SmjoQZ0_7zeIfamq2M2OlWHjxx0krNPDtpyDIPQnbD-9FF-lokl3MbgHYpDx7YKfJx0eLjQFPO6Cb3-5IG11Rp0IeZDxoZp6bPnUvrIBWIqN5Weh4720BbVhkyswIC-JqYPOiM/s200/13096006_10153401761356637_6611584105417458950_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>put a lot of work, energy and time into it, and it was estimated by the press that well over 3000 people attended. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEYY_9oSar2DoJ1h7wsENcqYjJnCvo-JyQDMMZDPqro1phDXjkdmuDCJARwjQj16mFeb5fc4KOUTYy6MdGWvIWPbxdDnCdrl87Q1U09wLNHwe-YsXD3gEsoEtl90Wgv1sbJzBbfJ_fKUa/s1600/dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEYY_9oSar2DoJ1h7wsENcqYjJnCvo-JyQDMMZDPqro1phDXjkdmuDCJARwjQj16mFeb5fc4KOUTYy6MdGWvIWPbxdDnCdrl87Q1U09wLNHwe-YsXD3gEsoEtl90Wgv1sbJzBbfJ_fKUa/s1600/dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEYY_9oSar2DoJ1h7wsENcqYjJnCvo-JyQDMMZDPqro1phDXjkdmuDCJARwjQj16mFeb5fc4KOUTYy6MdGWvIWPbxdDnCdrl87Q1U09wLNHwe-YsXD3gEsoEtl90Wgv1sbJzBbfJ_fKUa/s200/dragon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEYY_9oSar2DoJ1h7wsENcqYjJnCvo-JyQDMMZDPqro1phDXjkdmuDCJARwjQj16mFeb5fc4KOUTYy6MdGWvIWPbxdDnCdrl87Q1U09wLNHwe-YsXD3gEsoEtl90Wgv1sbJzBbfJ_fKUa/s1600/dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
The costumes, the beautiful giant Dragons, the maypole and green men were wonderful. The Abbey kindly allowed us to use some of its gardens for the various bands, the morris dancing and the hilarious mummers play.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrn1Nk0Ajp4ZgNm3KxDKb9uykXqBKF68_4ydUK9MDaU0PMXcdfLDA0fhXThk9dS5tY5xBoMKR0uf_2N8NT62QVYoSdkdq6MrkZ6_pJ0W8nRW4jvjTnQLlH8U9UZ93FPWWv_689sDtsK7q/s1600/13091977_1111893428831144_5773395359777845755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
As a result of this we have set up a new local community group - the Glastonbury Dragons and there are plans afoot to create more community fun with a Samhain festival as well as repeats of this year's Beltane festival and May Fair. It has also give us the inspiration to work on creating a local Glastonbury Museum and work is going on at the moment to raise funds and work on this project.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrn1Nk0Ajp4ZgNm3KxDKb9uykXqBKF68_4ydUK9MDaU0PMXcdfLDA0fhXThk9dS5tY5xBoMKR0uf_2N8NT62QVYoSdkdq6MrkZ6_pJ0W8nRW4jvjTnQLlH8U9UZ93FPWWv_689sDtsK7q/s1600/13091977_1111893428831144_5773395359777845755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
During the year I continued on my own studies as a mature student and finished my second year at college. Resulting in a 'foundation degree' qualification I am about to enter my 3rd year and start on another exciting project for my dissertation - a study on Glastonbury as a place of pilgrimage in the 20th century.<br />
<br />
It has also been a time of introspection as usual while I work out my current inner space, the path I am treading and find once again I am off down a side track to explore other aspects of my spiritual life. One of the things I have found over the last ten or so years is how group working has changed for me. I will leave this subject to another blog of its own. But suffice to say as I get older I find myself wanting the path of the Hedgewitch. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsYyVFFCADgfhG9t9XYfclICW4c3FKpbtUext3rsg9JBty1HsYXym6dGnQUzhJ9mfxLr-66gAoJ4Ud-tvv047nnoEPJZAMEQwnyVSskMaPj3gmU1cyGG8HOjv8-HpmGbBIeyYVawbcNwj/s1600/WP_20160728_11_57_16_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsYyVFFCADgfhG9t9XYfclICW4c3FKpbtUext3rsg9JBty1HsYXym6dGnQUzhJ9mfxLr-66gAoJ4Ud-tvv047nnoEPJZAMEQwnyVSskMaPj3gmU1cyGG8HOjv8-HpmGbBIeyYVawbcNwj/s320/WP_20160728_11_57_16_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I still enjoy open events and taking part in the jollity and celebration. But my own deep work is better done alone. It has become more simple and unstructured and I find myself conversing with nature, spirit and the old gods in a quite a direct un-ceremonial way. Like old friends in fact. <br />
<br />
It has led m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QLKUhDySGD0M3SJTWk3IT59jl1nK79JU9qQwcfr3Tu3NOTukVASwih2DmGvd8yaeLSh6JbKvTvtbqFpMzpZtjhqKLqqPxnCFh5W433G-AWNHfvIrk-Z24v-mWtsI7b-ZK2jZY8F_Mfh-/s1600/Parc_de_Versailles%252C_demi-lune_du_bassin_d%2527Apollon%252C_Pan%252C_Simon_Mazi%25C3%25A8re_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QLKUhDySGD0M3SJTWk3IT59jl1nK79JU9qQwcfr3Tu3NOTukVASwih2DmGvd8yaeLSh6JbKvTvtbqFpMzpZtjhqKLqqPxnCFh5W433G-AWNHfvIrk-Z24v-mWtsI7b-ZK2jZY8F_Mfh-/s320/Parc_de_Versailles%252C_demi-lune_du_bassin_d%2527Apollon%252C_Pan%252C_Simon_Mazi%25C3%25A8re_02.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a>e to realise something else which I will also develop into another blog entry at another time. Over the years of working particularly with the Goddess or feminine energy of the Land and being surrounded by people who only work with Her. I have noticed recently a call to work with and connect more with the God once more. I'm not sure which way this will present itself and I am interested and looking forward to seeing where this will lead.<br />
<br />
<br />
The summer is still here (just) and we are winding down towards the Autumn. I am currently celebrating the first harvests - as I have said before, my favourite time of year. Celebrating my own personal harvests and the bounty of life that has come my way this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many harvest blessings to everyone and hopefully I will have the time and inspiration to write a little more regularly. Who knows?..........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRC_XeK3MD17jGkFdwsM3M19hK5KwEZP1AuSGAeSrHBvpsy-iUAg3sIhIKrfhqOYwPtkEVLsmeT4XRrPbAhKiQ22JiBLhCqNAXq6PrjBz8NxniaL9spIh4k2ckamrHdDRmHDLnZv46tna/s1600/WP_20160727_12_52_21_Smart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRC_XeK3MD17jGkFdwsM3M19hK5KwEZP1AuSGAeSrHBvpsy-iUAg3sIhIKrfhqOYwPtkEVLsmeT4XRrPbAhKiQ22JiBLhCqNAXq6PrjBz8NxniaL9spIh4k2ckamrHdDRmHDLnZv46tna/s320/WP_20160727_12_52_21_Smart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(Beltane dragon picture by Vanda Lloyd - photographic artist based in Glastonbury)<br />
http://www.redbubble.com/people/lloydva<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-80457552276539280142015-11-02T18:43:00.000+00:002015-11-02T18:43:35.096+00:00An unexpected Grief - losing my Mother again.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_303832907"></span><span id="goog_303832908"><br /></span>
This has been a time of great change and movement for me and my family over the last 6 months. Settling down in our new home after the turmoil of rogue landlord and assault, I have given myself plenty of time to allow our roots to finally dig down deep into the loamy earth of Glastonbury. Feeling at home at last and peering out over the land to see what delights are in store for our time here.<br />
<br />
Entering the autumn and its descent into the stillness and anticipation under the Earth that is winter. My favourite times of the year. My favourite seasons. From the start of harvests, with its golden seas of fields, the second harvest of apples and fruit and picking hedgerow harvests, the 3rd harvest of Samhain and that still moment when the veil is tangible. I anticipated that time, when I walk the land, connecting with it, the animals, the spirits and the dark brown crumble of the fields stripped of their harvests. I love this time so much. I look forward to the cold visible breath and the early morning mists of Avalon. Long walks in warm woolly wraps and gloves and arriving home to the smell of comforting cooking, rich thick stews, topped with dumplings. Apple cinnamon cooking to complete a day full of sensations. <br />
<br />
Then another shaky moment. I am thrust back into connection with my estranged birth family - counting my children and chosen friends as my true kin. Hearing my mother was dying and wanted to see me produced all kinds of unexpected emotions. I have for sometime felt I had already grieved for her, assuming she was now gone from me, a kind of death without actually dying. I don't think I'm a cruel person and regardless of the reasons for removing myself from my birth family I decided to visit her. I'm glad I did. After seeing the small, broken figure in a wheel chair, half her size and hardly able to stay conscious for tiredness I felt nothing but compassion. When she told me she was sorry and that people can make huge mistakes I knew this was a good time, we made our peace and I went to her funeral 2 weeks later to say goodbye again.<br />
<br />
Its been a time of death and all its' work. From a college assignment into researching the heritage industry and its attitude towards human remains. Death in the family. The opening of the death café group locally and the count down towards Samhain. All happening together. I didn't expect to have a personal involvement with death just yet even though my mother was in her late 80s. The women in my family live long long lives. I expected she would go on into her late 90s or even like her great aunt - 104. And so I let go of whatever I had been waiting for regarding my mother and made peace. I didn't cry at her funeral - I did that years ago when I removed myself from the family. I thought I had done my grieving so her physical death wasn't the blow it might have been.<br />
<br />
Still affected me though. I still grieved though I think in a different way than before. It was sad because we had made our peace and not had time to rebuild any kind of relationship. But then, maybe we did. I saw her presence by the coffin at the crematorium and sometimes I talk to her, feeling as an ancestor she is more real to me now than before. I remember times during her life when she had been motherly, memories that had got caught up and hidden in the net that held all the hurt and upsets that caused the rifts. I saw her as she was, a woman from a different generation with the hurts and hang ups from her own life. Her family issues, her religious constraints and all the baggage she held on to. <br />
<br />
In the last conversation we had, she told me something I had never known. Something that may have made a difference to how I related to her growing up. I wish I had known, but knowing at last is better than never having known it at all. I honoured her and her soul at the day of the dead festival this weekend. I honoured her and her lessons to me at the chalice well on Samhain as I honoured all my friends and family that have gone from here. I remember her and that I did actually love her. I think she knew...raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-72022212422778305622015-06-16T17:48:00.000+01:002015-06-16T17:48:26.998+01:00New Circle beginningsA lot has happened since my last blog entry and I don't want to revisit some of the more unpleasant events. Suffice it to say that the community house I moved into was not quite what was expected and there was a few rather unsavoury experiences. I havnt had many experiences of Intentional community and still believe on the whole, they can be wonderful places. However, I have learned the hard way that its probably not a good idea to live in one where one person owns the property and can bully or coerce the rest of the community members and their families.<br />
<br />
<br />
So onwards and upwards as they say!! We moved out into our own wonderful place at the bottom of Glastonbury Tor at the Spring Equinox (an apt time I might say) and what a wonderful, peaceful and magical space we have found ourselves in. The place is actually full of wonderful people and the community I sought was on my doorstep!<br />
<br />
<br />
The new springtime has renewed my desire to work with circles again - and as always, (meant to be!!) within days of deciding this, up pops around 9 new people wanting a coven or circle to work with. So we are opening the new Coven of the Silver Hearth here in Glastonbury and Im very much looking forward to making new connections, the wonderful summer coming and more studying on my course which has been so interesting and fulfilling.<br />
<br />
<br />
More to come..................<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1587399994"></span><span id="goog_1587399995"><br /></span>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-22846033981548633522014-07-03T22:41:00.002+01:002014-07-03T22:41:37.170+01:00New BeginningsA new start - a slightly different blog title, a new life and a new location!<br />
<br />
Its been almost a year since I last wrote a piece for my blog and many things have changed for me. I have moved across from living in Canterbury in Kent to Glastonbury in Somerset. From a small city to a small town - still slightly urban setting but surrounded by the most glorious countryside, hills and fields which certainly feed my soul's need for the beauty of nature.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k5LcKOPY_jVlQfQZZqsiOFVWRtFXft3vplJzcZxIcImVCKnHVMFBRP_3eWnUvSXOwQHfFPRXHPNmJuPKvHM3ryWYUYkIf7TM4w3kkP0frYIJuWlR8kcxj4D4eAaDWpPExO6A6gs4_lVT/s1600/20140613_094738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k5LcKOPY_jVlQfQZZqsiOFVWRtFXft3vplJzcZxIcImVCKnHVMFBRP_3eWnUvSXOwQHfFPRXHPNmJuPKvHM3ryWYUYkIf7TM4w3kkP0frYIJuWlR8kcxj4D4eAaDWpPExO6A6gs4_lVT/s1600/20140613_094738.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvRgdIhB1xN0rA4HKwFtwauX_P2KQQBGRDvA5QelOXhrsAPNLfFI6dPS1r2DsSlk6fv1nHHyI83luDLCCuFOk63XYeq2bcvsf34CPZDtsXPfO7F7YSot-KOX2gcukSpMXZb67koEy5RCO/s1600/20140518_161637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvRgdIhB1xN0rA4HKwFtwauX_P2KQQBGRDvA5QelOXhrsAPNLfFI6dPS1r2DsSlk6fv1nHHyI83luDLCCuFOk63XYeq2bcvsf34CPZDtsXPfO7F7YSot-KOX2gcukSpMXZb67koEy5RCO/s1600/20140518_161637.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Im also close to so many wonderful ancient sites and places of mystery and natural power. It has been my wish to live in this area for so many years and I am so grateful the fates have finally decided it was my time to come here. I have also had the wonderful fortune to get to experience living in an intentional community. Something I have also wanted to experience for over 20 years - since I first read about Findhorn and then began searching and discovering so many other communities and housing co-operatives that have sprung up all over. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8Cmj6zWOfpnEskNnQBKNxl1eZ4YLiyODjxqRoAsNni24XI1awQBSzvISSRZ4bqeRouGxqBG2IQNfOeeiDG09cbzfg0iA3MeWBNPNeyuDQ40MgmWxPMCqwGALFf3uLvBTgu7ecH3MH5z/s1600/20140701_143229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8Cmj6zWOfpnEskNnQBKNxl1eZ4YLiyODjxqRoAsNni24XI1awQBSzvISSRZ4bqeRouGxqBG2IQNfOeeiDG09cbzfg0iA3MeWBNPNeyuDQ40MgmWxPMCqwGALFf3uLvBTgu7ecH3MH5z/s1600/20140701_143229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
I made the initial enquiries late last year and my <br />
youngest daughter and I finally moved here at the end of March this year. We are helping to lay the foundations of a new community, helping to choose and invite new people to become part of our 'family of good neighbours'. Sharing a wonderful large house with garden, veggie patch and orchard and just a few minutes walk from the high street of a wonderful place of diversity, magic and healing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course it has been quite a change - we were lucky enough to know one or two people down here already, but it has also been important to make contacts, connections and meet new friends and we have been busy doing just that. Another huge change was to begin the amazing and rewarding journey in home education - having to unlearn so much conditioning for me and Rhiannon. We have joined several home-ed groups, activities and fun things. I think its wonderful for her to know that learning can be so enjoyable after having had rather a grim time in the education system.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUertHSVYkBfKDEewwmmCwyoI6LHeFwKqSnzlc6EYILrw7YW2Sbwmk_WcjGtFrEtVEwLDkvjdjdNz0LNgRDUevkXvBeN46NV7HmUQkfsh-Cj7kmC6FVcCXsHrTy0JZBKH4vXbf1h_oBXID/s1600/20140512_103441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUertHSVYkBfKDEewwmmCwyoI6LHeFwKqSnzlc6EYILrw7YW2Sbwmk_WcjGtFrEtVEwLDkvjdjdNz0LNgRDUevkXvBeN46NV7HmUQkfsh-Cj7kmC6FVcCXsHrTy0JZBKH4vXbf1h_oBXID/s1600/20140512_103441.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8Cmj6zWOfpnEskNnQBKNxl1eZ4YLiyODjxqRoAsNni24XI1awQBSzvISSRZ4bqeRouGxqBG2IQNfOeeiDG09cbzfg0iA3MeWBNPNeyuDQ40MgmWxPMCqwGALFf3uLvBTgu7ecH3MH5z/s1600/20140701_143229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8Cmj6zWOfpnEskNnQBKNxl1eZ4YLiyODjxqRoAsNni24XI1awQBSzvISSRZ4bqeRouGxqBG2IQNfOeeiDG09cbzfg0iA3MeWBNPNeyuDQ40MgmWxPMCqwGALFf3uLvBTgu7ecH3MH5z/s1600/20140701_143229.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I have really enjoyed these last few months of new beginnings. My next new start is to begin a new phase of study for myself. I am at last going to finish studying for my degree although now I have switched from anthropology to history and archaeology and begin this September. With the possibilities of travel in Europe and taking Rhiannon along too as part of her educational experience - it is an exciting time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Also fortunate to be invited to take part in some of the local pagan activities - giving a talk at the monthly moot, being part of the circle performing the open Summer Solstice Ritual a few weeks back and other ceremonies to come. It has been wonderful after a long and hard time over the winter, removing old baggage and making decisions to move on from various situations that no longer had positive energy in them. Yes, I may find in the future that some of those decisions might give me further problems - maybe some issues. But they were not taken lightly and since I made them and removed people (including some family) from my life - I feel happier and lighter now than I did for a long long time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5w3VuOxK3WwNVIrP5HJRjojYvuNc7TkLOSGfzYa2AZ7fNnbWFGzf9MUGeVGXzOzFbIY_unrngt_erV19cblTMZS4EDhxaMUXCOFdp_wv6j0y6Qh4oVx7U1BvM-3TryA8uZa_3TqC1qzh/s1600/20140430_200809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5w3VuOxK3WwNVIrP5HJRjojYvuNc7TkLOSGfzYa2AZ7fNnbWFGzf9MUGeVGXzOzFbIY_unrngt_erV19cblTMZS4EDhxaMUXCOFdp_wv6j0y6Qh4oVx7U1BvM-3TryA8uZa_3TqC1qzh/s1600/20140430_200809.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I want to begin writing again - blogging and my coursework of course.<br />
<br />
Its lovely to be back.
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LoQUgmfo-4I%2FU7XJDsVkcyI%2FAAAAAAAAAwk%2FqmPV5-Oq7d8%2Fs1600%2F20140701_143229.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G8Cmj6zWOfpnEskNnQBKNxl1eZ4YLiyODjxqRoAsNni24XI1awQBSzvISSRZ4bqeRouGxqBG2IQNfOeeiDG09cbzfg0iA3MeWBNPNeyuDQ40MgmWxPMCqwGALFf3uLvBTgu7ecH3MH5z/s1600/20140701_143229.jpg" -->raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-47623656529189450902013-10-06T15:27:00.001+01:002013-10-06T15:27:42.918+01:00Walking my TruthI have been a practising pagan for many years. I knew as a child that I was attracted to an 'alternate' way of looking at life the universe and everything, from the one I was pushed towards by family and school although I didn't know it was paganism then. I soaked up the interesting books - Susan coopers series including the dark is rising and the greenwitch, the hobbit and lord of the rings, And tv dramas of the 1970s - the owl service, the tomorrow people, the changes, the witches and the grinny grog, star trek, and Dr who amongst many others. They spoke of something 'unknown' and mysterious. <br />
<br />
I felt 'different' then. I even thought I might be an alien changeling. Left on earth to experience something. I spent many an evening in my room in some kind of meditation sending out a silent telepathic plea for whoever had left me here to come back and take me home!<br />
<br />
I never felt i was in the right family - i had 2 brothers that really weren't interested in me. My parents were more pro boys than girls and my dad often ventured the opinion that he wanted me to find a nice banker or accountant to 'look after me'. So when I showed an interest in wanting to act for a career I didn't get much support. I suppose that's why in the end after years of working towards this, I finally caved in and married the first man to show interest in me.<br />
<br />
And so once I had my own space and started the busy time of kids and family, I began to remember my feelings about nature, magic and the mysterious. I began to explore my spiritual side, and that's when doors opened allowing me to train in all kinds of magical trainings, wicca, ceremonial magic, shamanism and so on.<br />
<br />
It has been a time I treasure and has given me so much. It was needed as something that helped me understand myself more and how I worked out how life 'worked'. My meaning of Life.<br />
<br />
And recently I have been exploring how I came to be this person. How the disinterest and conditional love from my parents and family brought me to this place and the person I developed into. Through some very personal painful experiences this year, I have found myself in a place where I am having good supportive counselling. Learning to deal with things I have shelved for so long. Memories that I gave so little import to in order to be able to cope with them have surfaced and demanded my attention and that I deal with them.<br />
<br />
Its an ongoing process. I am not near the end of this particular journey, but I have come to some cross roads and after a pause am deciding which direction and path to take next.<br />
<br />
The major decisions that have arisen from this are as follows;<br />
<br />
I have for many years done things because I thought I had to always put other peoples needs and wants before my own. That's not to say Ive never done anything for me. But I have often carried on doing some things feeling I was letting others down if I didn't carry on. Relationships that have gone past their sell by date have continued. I haven't paid attention to my own needs which has come greatly (I think) from my early childhood experiences that meant I needed to earn the love of my parents and would have this taken away if I was naughty or embarrassed them as a way to control my behaviour.<br />
<br />
So I intend to choose when and if I want to walk away from something by going by my own feelings of what I feel I want rather than what others want me to do. Or feel I should do. Or indicate I am being selfish or nonspiritual by doing what I want.<br />
<br />
One of the main things that has changed over the years is my spiritual path and journey. I still believe I am a pagan. I still love the Earth, nature and firmly believe it has a consciousness of its own. It is a living breathing organism that I feel part and parcel of.<br />
<br />
However, my expression of this has changed significantly I feel. I was trained in Wicca. I was part of the Goddess movement. I have worked with various different kinds of magical work. I don't look on magic as something paranormal now. I remember the phrase - magic is the art of changing consciousness in accordance with my will. This is not about mystically changing things around me. This is about changing me - and therefore changing how I relate to others or how I relate to their relating to me. So much of magic has become a kind of psychology for me now rather than mystical.<br />
<br />
I don't now believe in Gods and Goddesses as separate beings. I see this as archetypal now. Aspects of myself and of nature. I still think there is a loving living intelligence in the Universe but don't give it a personality and believe it is part of me as I am part of it and them.<br />
<br />
And so this will affect my spiritual practise. I don't pray outside of myself. I look within. I enjoy celebrating seasonal times and friendships sometimes and other times I don't need to. I have decided I can no longer facilitate groups, courses, training or circles for other people as I cant actually teach them something that doesn't hold true for me any more. <br />
<br />
I no longer run a coven.<br />
<br />
I have enjoyed writing this blog and the previous ones. I don't know if I shall write more but for now I have decided to take time away from it. To anyone who has enjoyed reading it - thank you for being an audience and maybe one day we'll meet up again.<br />
xxraewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-60844901922029957732013-08-01T10:35:00.000+01:002013-08-01T10:35:30.234+01:00Love of Lammas<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Over the years I have enjoyed celebrating every festival we do - I loved the winter solstice, colours and craft making. Samhain and its fun as well as the chance to go inwards and remember our ancestors. The summer solstice and Beltane with the flowers and wonderful energies of growth. Imbolg with its promises of light to come and the equinoxes with their balances at each end of the year. However I have to say my most favourite festival of all is Lammas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN0RfOfLGM5oOMO5Lj0v8LEv4P-WNIjDgnRuSzAWgemdoS6tBFy9ALJa9YWDI7i9aY8Isbjse9Z6cV4-rUe-dIYFkXyYaYDGtP0lD7jNh_mQQPFeNxKRt2rpvel3QngvZwRRmvs-SZady/s320/20130727_142105.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Lammas loaf at Eastbourne Lammas Fair 2013</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I <strong><em>love</em></strong> Lammas. I love the feelings I get at this time of year as the wheel moves round again. I love the glints of gold in the fields of barley and corn. The grain harvests and the colours of the gold against the blue hue of the late summer skies. It isn't quite the golden autumn that comes around the later harvests at the equinox with its sunny but colder starts to the mornings, but it shows signs of the change of seasons as the nights are not quite so long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I love all it represents. Natures bounty. The traditions throughout hundreds of years to collect, celebrate and share the harvests.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The harvests of foods, the preparation of the stores for the winter to come. I know that nowadays we have food to last through the year. Storage, refrigeration and so on means we don't worry that the food stores may not take us through to spring. That families no longer all go out together to bring the harvests in from the fields and celebrate with the villagers that all is in before the weathers change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY2al-3TSxSWp2HdIFXcPaqK-DPRWz06Dg4HRJ8CY-yjLTs5XOpPa86IyeQrWLNA5WgZBqbOOZRFeXGeLkolKdBxruJSuWnLrTsFHBesXTIuFd5ECESxdPd2pMfb1eKfJULb5Py7uKuKp/s320/934510.jpg" width="212" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">But underneath all our modern lives, with supermarkets, the food miles that enable us to partake of foods from other continents and cultures. Our freezers in the kitchen or the preserving processes now used to keep food longer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Underneath all of this the link to the land is still strong in us. The echoes of what was done through the eons of time is rooted in the psyche of the people. Some feel it stronger than others its true. Some people are content not to participate in acknowledging the changes of the seasons apart from a nod at Christmas and Easter and maybe other social customs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhEH2Res42C_EQPbxE2NdALVGtmuRnM8BEdDJgzGi3pwad3Tiib1hziGVq-4eUGsUloKcliqPTI_mwe-USM6gpVhd6vb2HY9tfNXLh_fuLLLsXX7R0TF6VzmVU63ycBAa8oqlxQo3GNVZ/s1600/leeds+castle+fireworkst+2010+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhEH2Res42C_EQPbxE2NdALVGtmuRnM8BEdDJgzGi3pwad3Tiib1hziGVq-4eUGsUloKcliqPTI_mwe-USM6gpVhd6vb2HY9tfNXLh_fuLLLsXX7R0TF6VzmVU63ycBAa8oqlxQo3GNVZ/s320/leeds+castle+fireworkst+2010+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Some people enjoy the traditions of their communities. Taking part in the various local festivities. Spring or summer fairs, sea food festivals such as the whitstable oyster festival or the Brogdale apple festivals in Kent. Local Cornish festivals, or flower celebrations in Harrogate or Ely. The people may not be Pagans but still may have a rooted connection to the land and want to express it in their own way.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Others deliberately celebrate the seasons and the festivals as part of their spiritual paths. Christianity adopted most of our festivals in order to draw the people into the Church for conversion many years ago. And of course most Pagans will be celebrating the changes of the seasons along with any sacred days of the Deities they may revere.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd4ghmoI5gJHok9vH1w6U7a3jdkfgv4YZoEgYRzoaXoUrUV_OT3Ws1rH7s4v9RnQUX2c_82WPuF55cCgYhG3HD-_4gftRTy9yuTD4lEocg3NFKrXSfEaUHic88v-D9295i2t6xsUcYhqL/s1600/fairy+fest+2010+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd4ghmoI5gJHok9vH1w6U7a3jdkfgv4YZoEgYRzoaXoUrUV_OT3Ws1rH7s4v9RnQUX2c_82WPuF55cCgYhG3HD-_4gftRTy9yuTD4lEocg3NFKrXSfEaUHic88v-D9295i2t6xsUcYhqL/s320/fairy+fest+2010+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Lammas has a magic I feel strongly. It may be the culmination of growth and harvests, but underneath it all I feel a bonding to the Earth and to life. It reminds me of my roots and my connection to nature. It brings up the feelings of being part of the Earth. Not separate or living 'on it' but as a part of it. I affect it, as it affects me. Of being part of a whole organism.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And so I weave my corn dollies, and make my crafts. Sing my songs and dance my rites of the seasons. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I love samhain and midwinter. I love Beltane and dancing round the maypole. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">But Lammas..........ah......now that's my heart.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUM_Mj9g0wUSSN5uf4GCgjix4MY8rU2unN2onAx_CxwT4btBUAf4cosnuGTO22CoRXtfPRhBiHYEGzfH5EuutUorBmB31-G8aPAjAysHSF0kQYPb3B-IKY1fUlXd23fEzYMjQVX-Ok-TA/s1600/plant+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUM_Mj9g0wUSSN5uf4GCgjix4MY8rU2unN2onAx_CxwT4btBUAf4cosnuGTO22CoRXtfPRhBiHYEGzfH5EuutUorBmB31-G8aPAjAysHSF0kQYPb3B-IKY1fUlXd23fEzYMjQVX-Ok-TA/s1600/plant+pots.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley.<br /> You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky as we walk in fields of gold.<br /> So she took her love for to gaze awhile upon the fields of barley.<br /> In his arms she fell as her hair came down among the fields of gold.<br /><br /> Will you stay with me, will you be my love among the fields of barley?<br /> We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky as we lie in fields of gold.<br /> See the west wind move like a lover so upon the fields of barley.<br /> Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth among the fields of gold.<br /><br /> I never made promises lightly and there have been some that I've broken,<br /> But I swear in the days still left we'll walk in fields of gold.<br /> We'll walk in fields of gold.<br /><br /> Many years have passed since those summer days among the fields of barley.<br /> See the children run as the sun goes down among the fields of gold.<br /> You'll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley.<br /> You can tell the sun in his jealous sky when we walked in fields of gold,<br /> When we walked in fields of gold, when we walked in fields of gold.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4X96HaAAHEZJBA7E_czlIBmqcBW-bdD2qDUSf5dG7ITg2pNmHKuOSkB8ZNu_PxhTL7Ub8tOPWb9yc8mU0SZ-aNSAcbwd1TKlw2Y-F4hFGsGJq5uUyluhRcz7Bu7KV_d9saqYfKx17EWb/s1600/oh;h.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4X96HaAAHEZJBA7E_czlIBmqcBW-bdD2qDUSf5dG7ITg2pNmHKuOSkB8ZNu_PxhTL7Ub8tOPWb9yc8mU0SZ-aNSAcbwd1TKlw2Y-F4hFGsGJq5uUyluhRcz7Bu7KV_d9saqYfKx17EWb/s400/oh;h.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></em>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-91496402413861046582013-05-14T12:46:00.002+01:002013-05-14T12:46:14.299+01:00The value of snuffles and lurgies!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW__bPHzifSm67EaKL4RdnEBWBKQfwapKgDfhGeemZptDNTeaYVyKZfgqFOGkUtvD3Feh5BvVfivO7cygkE6bWrROlTOLIBjCAHzij-QeCXJpvE7KSOq1c-4cgbDNuXLRzwVo8tOLjsfz/s1600/.,njhbv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxW__bPHzifSm67EaKL4RdnEBWBKQfwapKgDfhGeemZptDNTeaYVyKZfgqFOGkUtvD3Feh5BvVfivO7cygkE6bWrROlTOLIBjCAHzij-QeCXJpvE7KSOq1c-4cgbDNuXLRzwVo8tOLjsfz/s1600/.,njhbv.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like many people I have been laid up for a few days with a nasty
viral cold. It started just over 2 weeks ago with a funny feeling in
the back of my throat which although I don’t get ill often, I
recognised as the beginning of something unpleasant to come.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I'm not a patient patient. Something probably to do with being
an Aries for a start. At first the idea of a duvet day is quite nice.
Not particularly unpleasant at first - not well enough for work. But that’s
when the idea stops being nice. Being ill means I don’t feel well
enough to get the paints and canvasses out to enjoy this sudden gift
of free time. The new book I’m looking forward to is left untouched
as my head pounds and I don’t want to open my eyes much. This
'extra time' I am given is not going to be utilised to do anything
fun or enjoyable.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So after 24 hours I’m not feeling very happy at all. Its been a
whole day! I should be better now. Why isn’t the paracetamol/throat
lozenges working? Why cant I stop coughing. I DON'T LIKE IT!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I’m worried about how much time off work I might be having.
I should be dragging myself in..coughing blood discreetly into my
linen hankie. Pale and wan, heroically pulling myself up onto my desk
and quietly martyred, ease myself into the working day. As my circumstances at present mean I'm working part time to be available for ailing parents that makes me feel doubly like I'm letting the team down. I can't even be there for the few days I'm meant to be. But that is another of my demons I am working on at the moment.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week wasn’t great to be ill at home. I had the builders in
creating a new bathroom. No use of a loo for most of the day - I had
to pull out the camping toilet and enthrone it in the bunnies shed
for a bit of privacy. (Note that camping toilet is really a large
bucket with a toilet shaped lid). Nice picture in my head now!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJzlAEYaCLrIJK9KphxYP2QP2fon0o2TbqZLKTqPhgo533aUK55c2vr6DEAAIgMHdRvfKw8ioNqFoZJGiAcQ0vkPYXDdji1IzXsdZYII1OHNcgo1r6G967BHxnKMTxKgWB8HDzKkio838/s1600/imagesCAZOZUC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJzlAEYaCLrIJK9KphxYP2QP2fon0o2TbqZLKTqPhgo533aUK55c2vr6DEAAIgMHdRvfKw8ioNqFoZJGiAcQ0vkPYXDdji1IzXsdZYII1OHNcgo1r6G967BHxnKMTxKgWB8HDzKkio838/s1600/imagesCAZOZUC6.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJzlAEYaCLrIJK9KphxYP2QP2fon0o2TbqZLKTqPhgo533aUK55c2vr6DEAAIgMHdRvfKw8ioNqFoZJGiAcQ0vkPYXDdji1IzXsdZYII1OHNcgo1r6G967BHxnKMTxKgWB8HDzKkio838/s1600/imagesCAZOZUC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though my nose felt like someone had taken the entire roll of
toilet tissue and carefully stuffed it up there, somehow I could
still smell the very strong smell of paint, tiling mastic and glue
which also rested itself on the back of my throat. I couldn’t go
back to bed so I languished in the living room with the computer and
the iPlayer for company. (its a times like these I wonder if it would
be good to have a TV again after all!!) With odd trips out to the
shed with the rabbits warily watching me and wondering what my
business was doing my business in their domain.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mind you at the end of the week, my new bathroom and the addition of a shower was
very nice, gleaming in red and white so I suppose it had been worth
it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the 3rd or 4th day of being ill I settled down to letting it wash
over me and move through it. With large doses of vitamin C and
drinking hot lemon juice with manuka honey to ease the throat I got
down to mulling over the uses of being laid up for a short while. At first all I can think is that it
is an annoying situation. I don’t get colds or
virus' very much. Maybe once a year and sometimes not that often.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course my cold is nothing compared to many people with
debilitating illnesses and problems, but I do believe that things we
experience all come with something to learn whether it be patience,
forbearance, acceptance, surrender or maybe to fight, to find
strength, to say no - this is not acceptable. I have been fortunate
not to have life threatening problems to deal with although I have
experienced ill health that has been long and drawn out before. In my
30s I suffered with post viral syndrome which was diagnosed as ME for
a while, although I eventually got better after a couple years.
You would think with that alone I might have become more patient. And I do think that I did gain some perspective during that time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My 3 pregnancies were not particularly comfortable either. Each
one getting progressively worse until my 3rd one I was ill throughout
all of it from suffering with sickness morning, noon and night, the
softening of my pelvis to the extent that I walked with a stick or
not at all, and the most painful piles that prevented me sitting
comfortably. (add that to the fact that I couldn’t sleep lying down
and had to sit up, you can imagine my sleepless, painful 9 months
turned me into a bit of a deranged zombie begging to be induced
early. I was also in pain in my stomach a great deal. A couple of
weeks after the birth it turned out I had gall stones too which had
been causing the pain (Hah! - to the doctors who told me it was all in
the mind!!).</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But this isn’t meant to be a list of 'Illnesses I have Suffered'
rather than to just mention that I have had some discomfort in my
life and can speak from experience of how I have come to view these
experiences.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And what I have found is that each time - whether it is a short
snuffle or something that extends over a period of time, I am not
someone who can surrender willingly at first. I resist and push
against it. Until the time comes sooner or later that I must accept
it is there. I have it. I must go through it.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The benefits to me are that I do eventually get to rest. Maybe I
have been doing too much and needed this time. I have been known to ignore the messages and the universe may have to slap me in the face to get my attention! Maybe I am not looking
at other things in my life that need addressing and this enforced
rest allows me to think and consider more as my mind is occupied by
thoughts rather than what I must do next.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwfAq31rC8Dkh-P47bcpIywQYuz0-IIN-5_J80tCj_EgPxoriPgRjQtfYlBHkk4zz1qPbBIYXqcjsgzQjCnmwAdvIa98HFopW8UvitAQn402Ujn2vEAhwwlPaj3Z3whHhy7FUopeGQSZj/s1600/kmjnhg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwfAq31rC8Dkh-P47bcpIywQYuz0-IIN-5_J80tCj_EgPxoriPgRjQtfYlBHkk4zz1qPbBIYXqcjsgzQjCnmwAdvIa98HFopW8UvitAQn402Ujn2vEAhwwlPaj3Z3whHhy7FUopeGQSZj/s1600/kmjnhg.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe it also means that I realise that sometimes my body is not
completely under my control and that I need to honour it more. Listen
to the signals and messages. Love it and look after it with foods and
treatments that show I appreciate my body and its wonders. (though during the snuffles I'm afraid I do try to bribe it with chocolate!)</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've also come to appreciate that the odd cold or sniffle is
boosting my immune system. Building up a body that may find it has
more fighting power against any more serious bouts of flu or virus
infections that are ahead.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So eventually I gave in. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surrendered. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took a few days off work.
Slept on the sofa for a day or two until the building work was done.
Threw open the windows to let the paint smell out (and the fresh air
in) and left the unread books on the coffee table until my head
stopped pounding, and I had enough interest and no eye strain to
write this blog post..... Sniff.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTsy60mj-7RHH1cHXF5E7eG248ESUTWFFacqv54RIFGR__XZ18jv02Gd3evUQREX-W6uVfOiCca3YIpvfrxzf-Pf0o48rrsYLxute2oIzguyqz48alkHFRBTlncHpXeUTH7Sb7mRar56r/s1600/imagesCAXRSN6M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTsy60mj-7RHH1cHXF5E7eG248ESUTWFFacqv54RIFGR__XZ18jv02Gd3evUQREX-W6uVfOiCca3YIpvfrxzf-Pf0o48rrsYLxute2oIzguyqz48alkHFRBTlncHpXeUTH7Sb7mRar56r/s1600/imagesCAXRSN6M.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Get Well Soon</span><br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-77213583169009287092013-04-23T17:19:00.000+01:002013-04-23T17:19:50.611+01:00To Everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose.......<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jigbA8rcaDBweGyYshmqxpGNAthoBiU1HbJPZtdCDKcZmKvVD8pzAmuDL9X-yTOaDUuD-Xgh38-r5HDym0hi2c8XmR2REU0NDscZdjLXamw4ipzyb76VEoLIRlivyWwT4cK93Sjsjo9/s1600/179535_10150862862971362_931995416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jigbA8rcaDBweGyYshmqxpGNAthoBiU1HbJPZtdCDKcZmKvVD8pzAmuDL9X-yTOaDUuD-Xgh38-r5HDym0hi2c8XmR2REU0NDscZdjLXamw4ipzyb76VEoLIRlivyWwT4cK93Sjsjo9/s1600/179535_10150862862971362_931995416_n.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li><strong><span style="color: purple;">To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />And a time to every purpose, under Heaven (The Byrds - Words adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes</span></strong>)<br />
</li>
</ol>
The seasonal wheel of the year is an interesting way to work through the year. To appreciate the different seasons, weather patterns and to really connect with Earth spirituality and its magic. Over the years I have often celebrated various festivals, enjoyed the activities either arranged by my circles or open gatherings.<br />
<br />
Recently I have seen articles and thoughts put forward criticising
the use of the wheel of the year. Claims that it is an ancient system may be upsetting to purists but I for one love to use it to mark the times of the year. I suppose if one was to insist that
the only way to celebrate it was to stick to the usual 8 festivals
often mentioned then it would merit such critical discussion. I personally
enjoy working with those 8 festivals myself although that doesn't
discourage me from celebrating any other festival that seems to have
an emotional or spiritual connection for me.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjijZY9NEwjNV3DoMnyiTH82MSOHrV4PWodxXIB5CFkecFTCFM8OlRThVq-GSOrQc7zJehdKpW94FmEnK-auU3yt7sF2eTYtQpJ4duOVjXxk62biR0HAfA4t52NY6XBJKL8wS6FJoK7EQB/s1600/imagesCAW6WKAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjijZY9NEwjNV3DoMnyiTH82MSOHrV4PWodxXIB5CFkecFTCFM8OlRThVq-GSOrQc7zJehdKpW94FmEnK-auU3yt7sF2eTYtQpJ4duOVjXxk62biR0HAfA4t52NY6XBJKL8wS6FJoK7EQB/s1600/imagesCAW6WKAA.jpg" /></a></div>
The wheel is a skeleton. It can have 8 festivals. It can have 4.
It could have 27 - really it is up to the individual to choose what
they wish to observe. Most public gatherings tend to follow the 8
that most people know about these days, but it really depends on what
kind of spiritual path you are following, if any. Whether it is one
that many people enjoy or one entirely created from your own
experiences and ideas it really doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
One of the interesting things that has been on my mind recently is
how it was natural for me to just get on with it. To do it without
analysing what it meant to me, how it was affecting me and how I
changed and grew from it. As I got older, I took into account the way
I felt, the fact that my body and feelings often mirrored the
weather, the seasons and the natural ebb and flow of nature. I began
to take more of an interest. To document my body's reactions to the
summer and the winter changes. It may seem obvious now, but I was
fascinated as I recognised the patterns in the same way as I had
worked with the moon phases and noted their effect on me during a
time of more formal magical training I had with a wiccan coven during
the 1980s.<br />
<br />
With the seasons of the year I began to look at the seasons of
life. I have recently written a little on this in an article on
menopause and croning for the Goddess Pages magazine so I don't want
to repeat too much of what I said before.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb3Wb9zCZ0xzq1pMoZGYxItKHmF8M4RSdiAhCIXYrQH2xsMa3TKIzaRt9pQ4TWDsmlIhnNxF1ME259FVfxEC_YVBVqt2N8NU04I58fAHquu1vLwxWQZ9RTqdojV6FuTRZcik2fIyp8QUt/s1600/imagestrat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb3Wb9zCZ0xzq1pMoZGYxItKHmF8M4RSdiAhCIXYrQH2xsMa3TKIzaRt9pQ4TWDsmlIhnNxF1ME259FVfxEC_YVBVqt2N8NU04I58fAHquu1vLwxWQZ9RTqdojV6FuTRZcik2fIyp8QUt/s1600/imagestrat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb3Wb9zCZ0xzq1pMoZGYxItKHmF8M4RSdiAhCIXYrQH2xsMa3TKIzaRt9pQ4TWDsmlIhnNxF1ME259FVfxEC_YVBVqt2N8NU04I58fAHquu1vLwxWQZ9RTqdojV6FuTRZcik2fIyp8QUt/s1600/imagestrat.jpg" /></a>However, it had occurred to me that the wheel of the year is part
of a larger wheel of life and death - often mentioned in the mythical
teachings of various cultures - the fates of Greece, Moirai, Sudice
and Parcae spinning and cutting lives on the wheel of life. The cycle
of the the day in Egypt - with Ra the God of the Sun, crossing the
skies in his bark. Even time is described as a curve rather than a
straight line. Many things repeat themselves in history. Life is so
many circles within circles. Birth, life and death, seasons, years,
cycles spinning on and on. To me the celebration of the wheel of the
year is a comfort and a joy. An active participation and
acknowledgement of my part in the nature of things.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
And so I turn to the seasons now and how they mirror so much in my
life. There are answers to questions here that I need to ask. And if
I don't, then the experience rolls round again on the next cycle
whether it is next year, in the next stage of my life or maybe even
in another lifetime? <br />
<br />
Then on to the actual yearly wheel and how it differs year to year in parallel to the similarities that bring a comforting familiarity to following this yearly map. Each year brings possibilities. Do I grasp them with both hands or as I get older do I hesitate, more worried at removing my comfort zones.
<br />
<br />
This last year in particular is on my mind considerably. My winter had felt like such a long one. I have experienced much self doubt
and questioning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRZK_-AbozLsgTgYDyR64lxbdmc82eVDS5APcdt8S06eUQPvKQVwPZc2I3cutJWDiwVjztJWti_jk_g0pmTIMErH_IceFpjy1Fi4G43WVmLf6v9I6jSjD4B-87qsd7hul2FP3-LHn7dxZ/s1600/154784_463270381361_3860854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRZK_-AbozLsgTgYDyR64lxbdmc82eVDS5APcdt8S06eUQPvKQVwPZc2I3cutJWDiwVjztJWti_jk_g0pmTIMErH_IceFpjy1Fi4G43WVmLf6v9I6jSjD4B-87qsd7hul2FP3-LHn7dxZ/s320/154784_463270381361_3860854_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The timing was interesting. I am at the early stage
of my autumn years and questions of my mortality have surfaced once
or twice in the last year or so. Particularly during the winter
months. More time spent indoors keeping warm and looking out at the
snow and rains. The spring and summer doesn’t seem to echo that
introspective time within.
<br />
<br />
Now at last the sun has begun to show itself more regularly after such
a long grey winter - I know the seasonal wheel has long been turning
since the midwinter solstice, it has seemed to be a long climb back
to the fresher, warmer days that are more regular now.<br />
<br />
And with it comes the familiar sense of new beginnings, desires to
de-clutter - surroundings and life itself. The anticipation of coming
projects - planting in the garden and its hopeful harvests to come.
Planning the fun and enjoyment of holidays, activities, events and
celebrations through the year.<br />
<br />
I love this time particularly as there is so much potential. So
many plans and ideas and the realisation that there is still so much
life left to live.
<br />
<br />
During the winter, I have been mulling over those thoughts and
ideas often associated with that time of year. Of death and endings.
Of settling into a dark cave of brooding thoughts and hibernating. It
was a time of rest and conservation of reserves. It has given me lots
of food for thought. As I am getting older do I think of these things
more?
<br />
<br />
When I was in my 20s and 30s, even in my 40s, I don't remember
thinking of my finality as much. Well can I remember my teens and
20s. I was immortal! No thoughts of illness or endings. Well, not
enough to make me stop and think. None that would make me pause to
wonder if my actions or ideas could be detrimental to my health! Eat
less sugar, exercise and keep active! Life stretched out before me
eternally. I made plans up to a point but expected to be able to
change my life direction as and when I felt inclined. No idea of
having a time limit. Go to college and become a performer and then
change my mind and become a mother. I had time to do the college bit.
I could travel later. But later becomes months and years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteNUddpdjADtGQQBdrMlSGLN4xB-XRXEcodzgQoRxDd4tOwd3ozE6-YaV8dba0Pac8QB25cWV5PP4KLnOVsj1H5EwyQga1aln1tYLHt02pNQ3v4TWUnFiwFo4BYXsC_gurZHDF2XLIdLq/s1600/art7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteNUddpdjADtGQQBdrMlSGLN4xB-XRXEcodzgQoRxDd4tOwd3ozE6-YaV8dba0Pac8QB25cWV5PP4KLnOVsj1H5EwyQga1aln1tYLHt02pNQ3v4TWUnFiwFo4BYXsC_gurZHDF2XLIdLq/s1600/art7.jpg" /></a></div>
I had commitments of course. I was married and had children so
couldn't just jump into anything without taking them into
consideration. But I had that bravado that comes with youth. That
everything in my life would just fit into wherever I took it. And as
long as my husband at the time was willing to be supportive, I would
dive into new interests, take myself off to workshops and camps
(quite often taking the children along too).<br />
<br />
But as I have got older and reached what may be the peak of my
life, I have found my thoughts and ideas often tempered with other
ponderings. I sometimes catch myself thinking about my mortality. My
health and occasional lack of it. I suppose it is inevitable that as
we approach the autumn and winter of our own lives that we dwell more
on what is to come. As some of our friends pass out of this life
through illness or old age I suppose we are bound to think of our own
final moments as these things are so fresh and directly in front of
us. Being forced to acknowledge these. I have loved ones who have
succumbed to cancer. And more sadly - friends and teachers that
reached an age when they admitted that for them living had become
more of a tiring hindrance and they were ready to move on.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPmid1Otg06Xv3r5qLTkMsOoFAmUSLbmrqIYuwPNfFeubarfF04N92vWcCPx__zZby14XSaT9zB6EJSU-d2_BU1qc-2cu3fvYTY0noRP_TQiLox-c3c55j0m9HMuljKBMUpV79JXK9_k/s1600/401099_10150429189626362_686447306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPmid1Otg06Xv3r5qLTkMsOoFAmUSLbmrqIYuwPNfFeubarfF04N92vWcCPx__zZby14XSaT9zB6EJSU-d2_BU1qc-2cu3fvYTY0noRP_TQiLox-c3c55j0m9HMuljKBMUpV79JXK9_k/s1600/401099_10150429189626362_686447306_n.jpg" /></a>But I’m not ready for that yet. I had a sobering realisation
recently that things I had put off to do later were unlikely to come
around again now. Not impossible but unlikely. And these things have
spurred me on to make changes. To take hold of life again on this
part of the cycle and change the dance steps. Maybe because of the
time of the year, the place on the wheel. The spring has quickened my
blood and once more I feel I am empowered to make those changes.
Maybe that connected with my realisation that time is not so much on
my side now and to do some of my dreams need urgent action. Get out
there. Do it or put it down and leave aside any feelings of regret.<br />
<br />
I remember as a teenager in the 70s my life was so focused and
geared towards getting into drama college. I acted, took dancing
classes and even chose my school subjects around secretarial lessons
to enable me to have some kind of earning ability in between acting
jobs I was sure I would get. Auditioning and gaining a place at drama
school. And then I met someone. Everything changed and I married, had
a family and took up amateur performing. Telling everyone I was
content. Part of me was. I loved my children and found my way to
other spiritual people with similar ideas and feelings. But I
couldn’t admit even to myself that I often wondered....'what
if?'.......<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWnYq-lujnNv35Wj4s97_1QdRm4Sky54TSzkP3xK27J1G4_d7ERp_ejVBWv08KzLVDBj4AkfW8cdJLc00dOpPZoPj2vi7pNKaeo2iCIoJWKPubyNSfcxi_lD8IAAc9f0fYi_w3av7PWkz/s1600/23456_383187646361_1645427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWnYq-lujnNv35Wj4s97_1QdRm4Sky54TSzkP3xK27J1G4_d7ERp_ejVBWv08KzLVDBj4AkfW8cdJLc00dOpPZoPj2vi7pNKaeo2iCIoJWKPubyNSfcxi_lD8IAAc9f0fYi_w3av7PWkz/s320/23456_383187646361_1645427_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jump to the here and now. Marriage long over and family almost grown. Just a few weeks ago browsing on face
book and an old friend had joined a college reunion for a class back
in 1979. My college. My year that I would have been part of. Looking
at the pictures posted of events, friends, parties and performances
of that time brought a lump to my throat and I think I even died a
little inside. There was a ghost in these pictures. My ghost. I
should have known these people. I should have been in these photos.
What can hurt more than the memory of something that could have been,
that I thought I had let go. I try to be objective. I have children
that may not have been here had I gone down that road. I wouldn’t
be without them for the world. I have experiences and events that
make me who I am now. I like that person. Would I be that person had
I stuck with the plan?<br />
Who knows.<br />
<br />
But I still have time. And so I am taking action. Not into
performing, but into Art. My other love. Giving myself permission to
do something that already has its critics although I don’t allow them
to make a difference this time. Planning stages were quick - action
and decisions were needed and had to be seized. Changing my life is
scary when you are out of your comfort zone. But if I don’t, one
day I will see those reunion photos again with the missing face and
smile and maybe die a little more inside before my time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BQHtpOxZT7KkPDlGCvwdcHWxu_4TV7GUp6AoW8cuV0T3UQgqgU5iXxus5g0bCNBYXnjcoccgIkBPyCMtH34c0jQJsohyA3HKKWCw09St_vMVqyqsa1mjT-CpMl6hJvdpLiVX8Jxe1uDG/s1600/23456_383187661361_570754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven<br />
<br />
A time to be born, a time to die<br />
A time to plant, a time to reap<br />
A time to kill, a time to heal<br />
A time to laugh, a time to weep<br />
<br />
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven<br />
<br />
A time to build up,a time to break down<br />
A time to dance, a time to mourn<br />
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together<br />
<br />
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven<br />
<br />
A time of love, a time of hate<br />
A time of war, a time of peace<br />
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing<br />
<br />
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)<br />
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven<br />
<br />
A time to gain, a time to lose<br />
A time to rend, a time to sew<br />
A time for love, a time for hate<br />
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDahnGpB57XAZklZkErjIQK2nAvsXroKnoJF7pK0FGgpdHgM-XWfv1lMmJ7rbyjjA3ic5xbphgBUV64oHurKdHfHaYEGJzPAqJNGH98WRJW0_SsrFHLS0xJmjkapiHzMtP8uLtRJXW3yJm/s1600/23456_383187661361_570754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDahnGpB57XAZklZkErjIQK2nAvsXroKnoJF7pK0FGgpdHgM-XWfv1lMmJ7rbyjjA3ic5xbphgBUV64oHurKdHfHaYEGJzPAqJNGH98WRJW0_SsrFHLS0xJmjkapiHzMtP8uLtRJXW3yJm/s320/23456_383187661361_570754_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-82443544007026213142013-04-03T12:09:00.000+01:002013-04-03T12:09:24.570+01:00Feel the Fear? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMMc6OmxYnGQsJVTDFTFfb9LEC0md1clZFkgqHahCzlKWFcgT_tww5Y_2_WYn1KwvzVgNbMffOtNIMvhz4LCkYA_DLAMdvdxQpsYvil7_tHb8Ktvdgc7Z_KsR4fqzOYnDqyobsmtF37Dv/s1600/imagesCAA2JPNX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMMc6OmxYnGQsJVTDFTFfb9LEC0md1clZFkgqHahCzlKWFcgT_tww5Y_2_WYn1KwvzVgNbMffOtNIMvhz4LCkYA_DLAMdvdxQpsYvil7_tHb8Ktvdgc7Z_KsR4fqzOYnDqyobsmtF37Dv/s1600/imagesCAA2JPNX.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have realised I am going through some changes recently and its giving me a lot to think about. With all the negativity around us at the moment with cuts to public spending, cuts to the services needed by so many vulnerable people. The attacks on the poorer parts of our society and the gap between the rich and poor ever widening, it is easy to become cynical and worried about people, life and humanity. <br />
<br />
Closer to home I can worry about my children. My older children's relationships, and my youngest childs' future.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yNXhVR4xvxnRAGVg2FKM8tnhEMn9md0hF5huvFNza57GJ4AMg-QBUaq3dKBt6OGp6e_9XhPRJAD0v908vDW6VzIKSzoCTNYEZpSCUJs-Ay-PLDqCqBzsNi45kUAQwCQ3_Oqeoh-yOL6v/s1600/arga.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yNXhVR4xvxnRAGVg2FKM8tnhEMn9md0hF5huvFNza57GJ4AMg-QBUaq3dKBt6OGp6e_9XhPRJAD0v908vDW6VzIKSzoCTNYEZpSCUJs-Ay-PLDqCqBzsNi45kUAQwCQ3_Oqeoh-yOL6v/s1600/arga.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't wish to become blinkered either. To pretend that everything is wonderful when there is so much hardship around is quite insulting to those who are suffering. And then there is the wider aspect. So many people in other countries starving, having their freedoms removed, being killed for daring to follow other spiritual paths or being controlled by their gender and religions.<br />
<br />
But for a time I realised I had lost my optimism. My hope. My trust in something greater than what is so prevalent at the moment. Not necessarily something greater than humanity - I'm not talking about God or Higher consciousness here. I'm talking about something buried deep in people. Something that isn't always obvious especially when you come up against a person who seems to be determined to make others suffer. <br />
<br />
I'm thinking about that spark that sometimes I see when I read an article in a magazine or paper. Or see a video or news item that is celebrating an idea or human achievement. Or when I'm speaking to friends that are starting new paths or just happy with the one they are on. Or even just like today when I looked at a picture of someone in a facebook status who has started a therapy centre after many years of study in areas that are patently obviously meant to benefit people and help them find their inner joy and peace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsMQ_LlfRKT5c-OoWTUr0t1p40zEo3T3tqMW2KQ-sLe5vdNuB3I76UP4JbK-xK7LrTS0ViijYQh8wPyeZrjjQKk3v6bupYuBPCEpOQCqhBXKtrtDXIPFRrWuCWgYSjRurV9eTTxhH7tsk/s1600/imagesCAM6H6F6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsMQ_LlfRKT5c-OoWTUr0t1p40zEo3T3tqMW2KQ-sLe5vdNuB3I76UP4JbK-xK7LrTS0ViijYQh8wPyeZrjjQKk3v6bupYuBPCEpOQCqhBXKtrtDXIPFRrWuCWgYSjRurV9eTTxhH7tsk/s1600/imagesCAM6H6F6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Its so easy to get bogged down in the sadness's around us. And I do realise that its necessary to be able to experience both sadness and happiness. Such is life.<br />
<br />
But sometimes I find I have allowed myself to swim in the waters of worry and despair for too long. I start to find I am getting physical reactions. My gall stones flare up, my immune system begins to allow for bugs and illness. My digestive system goes haywire. My mind begins to allow itself to fear the future, my kids future. It can even cause a kind of paralysis. A fear of moving or doing something different in case it goes wrong.<br />
<br />
But I cannot live this way. Fear is sly, it creeps in the door and whispers worries and concerns until I can stop trusting myself. I read a book many years ago called Feel the fear and do it anyway. I hold to that statement although I also realise that doesn't mean go off and do something stupid. Some 'fears' are useful as they give you a pause for thought before doing something too rash. <br />
<br />
I'm talking about the fears that stop you from making changes in your life because it takes you out of your comfort zone. Leaving a job you hate to work for yourself even though your wages are cut. Moving from an area you grew up in to travel and find adventures even though you don't know anyone where you are going to or family dont approve. Starting a new path on a spiritual pathway that is different to the one you have been brought up in or your family considers to be the only authentic way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBOGVR-Ii6QtRqLUonVvK4kUGZ4vOSGZhmaOPKUEdqOJmhd8WmPkIRaaTwI75qNiD-merbcGmeRJbzBh-9S5LltbAN2a6Sgg24Yri74gdAZF368L9ii63V6pA4AcYxpCwalHfi8IXE6bV/s1600/imagesCABYF3HN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBOGVR-Ii6QtRqLUonVvK4kUGZ4vOSGZhmaOPKUEdqOJmhd8WmPkIRaaTwI75qNiD-merbcGmeRJbzBh-9S5LltbAN2a6Sgg24Yri74gdAZF368L9ii63V6pA4AcYxpCwalHfi8IXE6bV/s1600/imagesCABYF3HN.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So many things can halt people in their tracks and sometimes stop them from going any further. Of course you may not succeed in what your original plan was. I was going to say of course you might fail. But I don't think any experience is a failure. Its something to learn from. Its an experience. Its not always going to fit your idea of how its meant to be, but its still movement. Its still valuable. <br />
<br />
<br />
Fear can keep you immobile. Stuck. Afraid of change. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87UUpYVkjnrHNUEMBsDAxt8dIMjbD8JriznCEeccuUtYRCP25Ig3MoPaqyci05gz0qjyFpaumo5V5PlMBApRqV_0aj5paQga-BS0mA59q_7r8saPbuQbqFbaMvqYqR0LhMiWEXYTi50MT/s1600/untitledatata.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87UUpYVkjnrHNUEMBsDAxt8dIMjbD8JriznCEeccuUtYRCP25Ig3MoPaqyci05gz0qjyFpaumo5V5PlMBApRqV_0aj5paQga-BS0mA59q_7r8saPbuQbqFbaMvqYqR0LhMiWEXYTi50MT/s1600/untitledatata.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes I know I have let fear stop me doing the things I planned. Dreams I had were wasted - not because they weren't achieved, but because I didn't allow myself to try. If I had changed my dreams that would have been ok. But some dreams I opted out of, because I was afraid. Because I took the easy road. I also try not to live with regrets. I try to remember that I am the person that has evolved from those experiences. Theres a fine balance here and sometimes I can walk it, and other times I fall on one side or the other.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed a film a while ago called the Yes Man. Based on a book where it is advocated that we dont say yes enough to life and need to say yes more. The film was a comedy that had the main character saying yes to absolutely everything which caused a lot of chaos. But it also gave him experiences and relationships that he would have missed by saying no. It also came with a message that balance was important in this, but also, to take a chance was a good thing too.<br />
<br />
Today I was wandering around facebook. I like to read the status' of my friends. What they are up to. Projects and ideas. And I realised I was reading an awful lot of the shared news articles about the terrible things going on in life and around us. Its a bit like rubbernecking on the internet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOozb6ifBVdcv7LQqWGmmTWuahk3Sdrqyt-UaJI1DFooRWLN6YGNDmU_GsY5MyUTi49jhZUUyZMMDt9-vX38sMe9EOtYwOJgGsj-5SeQideVuK7eeZXPgTkZRp9iDFFl0RA8oQ3hykvMZ/s1600/imagesCAA3ZL81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOozb6ifBVdcv7LQqWGmmTWuahk3Sdrqyt-UaJI1DFooRWLN6YGNDmU_GsY5MyUTi49jhZUUyZMMDt9-vX38sMe9EOtYwOJgGsj-5SeQideVuK7eeZXPgTkZRp9iDFFl0RA8oQ3hykvMZ/s1600/imagesCAA3ZL81.jpg" /></a></div>
I don't enjoy knowing these things are going on but there is something that draws us to reading bad news. Is it the idea that we are sharing the bad times as well as the good? Maybe we feel better knowing other people are having as bad a time as we are! <br />
<br />
As I realised I was bringing up the shared articles that highlighted the negative side of humanity to look at I also saw one of the status that says someone has a new 'friend'. I'm always interested in reading about new people and assume that any of my friends who have made a new friend, that they will have interests and ideas similar to mine and my friends.<br />
<br />
So I clicked on their page to read about them. It was a nice colourful page. Nice looking person with some interesting things she has done. The point about her therapeutic centre being opened was interesting as well as her background and training. But there was something else.<br />
She beamed. Now I don't know if she is having hard times with her family, work or relationships. I don't know and I am making all kinds of assumptions.<br />
<br />
But she beamed. She had a light about her and something that reminded me that actually Ive got that somewhere inside. I just lost it for a bit. What have I done with it? Where did I put it away? I want it back!<br />
<br />
In a fragment of time, I realised what I have allowed my negative self to do for sometime. I have wallowed and swum for too long in this well of despair and fear. I want my authentic self back. I want to believe that in the end, or even sooner, that all things will be ok. <br />
<br />
"All shall be well and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvh6dJzA2zgiBwCvXddB_YH8pRgLhGJNmQwfM7616iemQ6sdnK4Rc5RQTpJy2-o8T45HEnLNJ5IJbZd0Ly6sSvuKVCOE2Jp5oSy_fKGT1y_PG4W6CdXqIcnUXJUUbYLgMg480p6t7u0VM/s1600/julian-of-norwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvh6dJzA2zgiBwCvXddB_YH8pRgLhGJNmQwfM7616iemQ6sdnK4Rc5RQTpJy2-o8T45HEnLNJ5IJbZd0Ly6sSvuKVCOE2Jp5oSy_fKGT1y_PG4W6CdXqIcnUXJUUbYLgMg480p6t7u0VM/s320/julian-of-norwich.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
(<em>Julian of Norwich)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
Now I just have to climb out of this well!<br />
<br />
raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-83684639617550378892013-01-03T23:05:00.000+00:002013-01-03T23:05:38.108+00:00Just on Time
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GgFC83GYtONs3bUZiSLxiK3bVWOUX3IjjfRaBIirWAukyz8TTQrGnR9E0NGJhAFg9UeP8oEpgcqr74vw1Nh4ut_Rw6708U7hMpCJGmSjxj87wDRvc5pLajcNMCuQgExQEaMqFgzcdApn/s1600/imageduy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GgFC83GYtONs3bUZiSLxiK3bVWOUX3IjjfRaBIirWAukyz8TTQrGnR9E0NGJhAFg9UeP8oEpgcqr74vw1Nh4ut_Rw6708U7hMpCJGmSjxj87wDRvc5pLajcNMCuQgExQEaMqFgzcdApn/s1600/imageduy.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GgFC83GYtONs3bUZiSLxiK3bVWOUX3IjjfRaBIirWAukyz8TTQrGnR9E0NGJhAFg9UeP8oEpgcqr74vw1Nh4ut_Rw6708U7hMpCJGmSjxj87wDRvc5pLajcNMCuQgExQEaMqFgzcdApn/s1600/imageduy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time is waiting in the wings, He speaks of senseless things</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His script is you and me, Boy! (david bowie, aladdin sane)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having
observed the interesting attitudes and behaviour around the world regarding the
end of the Mayan calendar in December 2012 it got me thinking about time.
Thoughts on how it is regarded, recorded and observed. I believe that Time is a
form of energy. Most people tend to think of linear time – as our lives on a
line starting from birth and leading onward until the finish. History having
events on various points along the line of time. However I have also read of
time being a ‘curve’ that may be why some points of time converge together and
touch. Maybe enabling us to be out of our time. Could this be why some people
see Romans marching through ancient sites? Not ghosts but a brief connection of
the ‘time line’. I remember as a child watching a series on BBC TV about
children finding gateways to other times – Timeslip, a brilliant children’s
drama from the 1960/70s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlOP6C1l8yRmRHkGBQT86AjEqDhj0TI889lnrUmaK5cov2k2dRBSy0X5-yKipAJEd63koOeZm_L5gBb6c-mlnubl_GuIIqO1HoIzLb-f4qjGKSpeVYk911wbWcqQXhoD5TGOm6b2F5ZO/s1600/th_Norton2011-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlOP6C1l8yRmRHkGBQT86AjEqDhj0TI889lnrUmaK5cov2k2dRBSy0X5-yKipAJEd63koOeZm_L5gBb6c-mlnubl_GuIIqO1HoIzLb-f4qjGKSpeVYk911wbWcqQXhoD5TGOm6b2F5ZO/s1600/th_Norton2011-77.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
occasions when one may experience an awareness of being ‘out of time’. When the
ability to experience other dimension all at once. We cannot do this easily at
present for it would overwhelm the human mind at its present stage. Those rare
souls that do experience this would do this as a momentary experience of Outer
time. Maybe similar to the aborigine dream time. By learning consciously to do this,
can we change the barriers of the time we exist in? By moving time, extending
time and even travelling through time? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCt3ZxXHq8MOVAhe-93RZLzbF-rrc14NTzDH1Tuji_qm6pxj7MGSPebetPAQsGnQqbjOMyohNI2MsBjsuC1bztZykE5ikuB46cTEM1w0T1Eq0IpvRQny9PFdyHihUuaZ6lre6tqSGX-Nw/s1600/imagegfjds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCt3ZxXHq8MOVAhe-93RZLzbF-rrc14NTzDH1Tuji_qm6pxj7MGSPebetPAQsGnQqbjOMyohNI2MsBjsuC1bztZykE5ikuB46cTEM1w0T1Eq0IpvRQny9PFdyHihUuaZ6lre6tqSGX-Nw/s1600/imagegfjds.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I also remember reading a story (maybe by Isaac Asimov – to be honest I can’t remember if it is his) where a child – very advanced works out how to loop time using something similar to a figure eight and mentally projects it so he can move through time and space.</span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time has
been recorded, identified and its possibilities noted since records began. Seen
of course with the calendars of different cultures. Even our own celebrations
of seasons and festivals are as marking of the passage of time. Of course the
most recent in peoples’ minds has been the Mayan calendar that some even believed
indicated the end of time. Though of course many others have felt this is the
end of time – as we know it. That some energy or changes are happening on other
layers and levels to be understood when we are ready for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhEH2Res42C_EQPbxE2NdALVGtmuRnM8BEdDJgzGi3pwad3Tiib1hziGVq-4eUGsUloKcliqPTI_mwe-USM6gpVhd6vb2HY9tfNXLh_fuLLLsXX7R0TF6VzmVU63ycBAa8oqlxQo3GNVZ/s1600/leeds+castle+fireworkst+2010+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhEH2Res42C_EQPbxE2NdALVGtmuRnM8BEdDJgzGi3pwad3Tiib1hziGVq-4eUGsUloKcliqPTI_mwe-USM6gpVhd6vb2HY9tfNXLh_fuLLLsXX7R0TF6VzmVU63ycBAa8oqlxQo3GNVZ/s320/leeds+castle+fireworkst+2010+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time is
affected by the rate of speed that our galaxy moves at. Some scientists have
found that galaxies father away can have a higher rate of speed which should
also create a differing speed of time. I have read somewhere some enlightened
scientists describing it as the universe in the act of breathing in and out.
The study of space, quantum physics and time shows us that the exhale is probably
where the big bang of our universe came from. There could also be a big crunch
when the exhalation will change the face of the universe. Not destroy it, but
change it. Ancient stories describe this. The Egyptian stories refer to the
Boat of a Million Years, the sun God Ra moves across the celestial skies. The Indian
philosophers talked of the Year of Brahma which lasts 321 trillion years. The
Hindu year refers to a cycle of cosmic breathing heralding an age lasting
trillions of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy71Ik7dzP4HJpviEogbo-i2sNeIdHQXM0eZwJVoRvW3Dkrv6dPlikK17QV6o4u00aytHtnf5xG_7HAyq-8rQgdojDe5K9rVpl5Dxm1I4hbUhvNOdXHvODsbT3nZ3lHjozP1Mp101RBm5/s1600/rhiannons+art+5+and+6yrs+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy71Ik7dzP4HJpviEogbo-i2sNeIdHQXM0eZwJVoRvW3Dkrv6dPlikK17QV6o4u00aytHtnf5xG_7HAyq-8rQgdojDe5K9rVpl5Dxm1I4hbUhvNOdXHvODsbT3nZ3lHjozP1Mp101RBm5/s320/rhiannons+art+5+and+6yrs+006.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has also
been said that we ‘dream out of time’. In Outer time there is a point where all
is One. Every conceivable thing of life and experience at every level of the
universe converges and is instantly present. People have dreams in a few
minutes or even less that in a state of wakefulness could take several hours to
experience. May be this can suggest why some people dream of events that happen
in the future. They are out of time and therefor can move to the future. Sleep
is the same state as deep meditation. The Alpha brain waves are similar in
sleep as during deep altered states.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How has
Outer time been measured? There may be various places as doorways to outer
time. Pyramids, stone circles and other sacred spots are usually sited on geomantically
important areas. On ley lines which may also travel along the Earths fault
lines. The siting of these ancient monuments has been investigated in many ways
– scientists found that within the areas there are stronger currents of electro-magnetic
energy Ceremonies, magical acts and inner journeys within these areas have
often wielded interesting results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certain times of the year can also provide these areas with different
energies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5H-10_IJ-smMnxSRMelgahk08VBsHDaPMOkQfsvQxrksJe7Ur6baFYefDT7h2CfbqiqcHRhEYVtOAou3MJzHXwrFyv-DOnwqOnqkxMx-cEnSUcqIFEVn9TPfa2vUWphr2IJtbdae20OSn/s1600/Aveburystonecircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5H-10_IJ-smMnxSRMelgahk08VBsHDaPMOkQfsvQxrksJe7Ur6baFYefDT7h2CfbqiqcHRhEYVtOAou3MJzHXwrFyv-DOnwqOnqkxMx-cEnSUcqIFEVn9TPfa2vUWphr2IJtbdae20OSn/s1600/Aveburystonecircle.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the
1980s experiments recorded fields of energies within sites tested. Stone
circles emitted ultra-sonic signals at the equinoxes whatever the weather
patterns. These signals faded at the solstices. The west of the UK has the
highest incidence of fault lines and interesting that the majority of crop circles
are in this area too. Many believe these are also time related and that may
account for the reason why these beautiful and intricate patterns appear
overnight. Certainly not the result of some chap with a board!</span></div>
raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-45926555935005739402012-04-08T14:44:00.001+01:002012-04-08T14:48:03.742+01:00Time of the Crone?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s1ulwsIjMXdlgmggS0czhTyAI79l8Z_2tIZbJpSKTmo_k5MAbI4v8nDbID39n3WAoMv6eJiq-TjaR8x_QQFzdhvs-fc6p6MuKdJDTrTtYtYaqBk9fv8_4bPfgzp13UP9LV2a2vcHKEqa/s1600/sloes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0s1ulwsIjMXdlgmggS0czhTyAI79l8Z_2tIZbJpSKTmo_k5MAbI4v8nDbID39n3WAoMv6eJiq-TjaR8x_QQFzdhvs-fc6p6MuKdJDTrTtYtYaqBk9fv8_4bPfgzp13UP9LV2a2vcHKEqa/s320/sloes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You may be thinking this is a strange kind of thing to write about at this time of the year. Spring doesnt tend to make people think of endings, death or the time of the Crone. However, I am writing from a personal point of view and how I am feeling at the moment. Seasons do have an effect on us all, sometimes some more than others, but I am writing from the perspective of personal seasons, lifecycles and even planetary effects.<br />
<br />
The last few months have held some interesting experiences, thoughts and events for me. It has made me think over big issues – you know the kind I mean; Life, the Universe and Everything!! First of all we lost a couple of pets to illness and old age, and I was aware of some very tragic events to people I know, losing precious young family members to accidents and other sad situations. Then I fell ill to a very nasty attack of the Flu and for a few weeks was really unable to do anything more than lie in bed and rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
And last week, my original teacher and High Priestess of the first Coven I was trained in passed to the summer lands. Sylvia was a good old age, well past the 3 score years and ten and had lived an interesting and eventful life, so not an unexpected event when her life finally ended. Even so, it gave my heart cause to grieve at her loss. She was a Great Lady, trained and advised a great many people who entered her circles, and was a wonderful role model for many Witches and Pagans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfkgJSyhBI4ZrpYLecauibXb6_ArSP82U7kznSVCTC2o75Pw_M-aNIfaGOGeLcjfE1ktZ1zvsDDm63Yrat5v1SrRFWuuS8jjkQOk6Eevyqi5kOrphMZE9R66khqsgV0MrSs4qlVzX3KEa/s1600/tyuiyu.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfkgJSyhBI4ZrpYLecauibXb6_ArSP82U7kznSVCTC2o75Pw_M-aNIfaGOGeLcjfE1ktZ1zvsDDm63Yrat5v1SrRFWuuS8jjkQOk6Eevyqi5kOrphMZE9R66khqsgV0MrSs4qlVzX3KEa/s320/tyuiyu.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My parents are in their 80s now and although fairly healthy, I have become aware that their time is limited and one day I shall have to encounter a personal grief when I lose them. And then my 50th birthday comes up next week and I have been menopausal for a while now. <br />
<br />
<br />
It’s a time when I feel I want to look at my life now, and what is possibly to come. Im aware that certain birthdays can initiate these feelings and make you feel that it should be acknowledged. However at the moment it seems more than that. I feel the call of the crow as she calls me to pull the dark robe of the Crone over my shoulders and follow Her path now. I’m sure (well, I hope!) I have many more years to go before I am called to cross the Styx, but it feels almost like I am entering a cave for another initiation that I have only now started to become aware of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls8Q3bsZGQo6AqpTYKFTBye0-8nQK6YNAFsvdYv21ir58fN7cNLac6dEINsT8hpcpJRaomHCv2lSuSV3vZXbxMX7EbR_A8w8T_LNXxE0kzm04fGtp5q7L8WDC4j14KsJfOtk_cfR1PZGL/s1600/_4090570-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls8Q3bsZGQo6AqpTYKFTBye0-8nQK6YNAFsvdYv21ir58fN7cNLac6dEINsT8hpcpJRaomHCv2lSuSV3vZXbxMX7EbR_A8w8T_LNXxE0kzm04fGtp5q7L8WDC4j14KsJfOtk_cfR1PZGL/s320/_4090570-31.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
When I originally trained in Sylvia's coven Moonshadow, back in the late 80s I was eager to learn, work through and take the formal initiation ceremonies available to me. Over 3 or 4 years I learned, practised and ceremonially took the 1st 2nd and finally 3rd degree initiations to allow me to become an elder of her coven and eventually form my own groups and circles. My understanding then was that the 1st degree was akin to connecting to the Maiden aspect of the Goddess. Then the 2nd was connection to the Mother and finally the 3rd degree was that of the Crone. And as a 3rd degree initiate I could call myself that! <br />
<br />
Ahh the arrogance of the young! (well actually I had just reached 30 when I finally took the 3rd degree initiation - but still had a lot to learn on my spiritual path). I can see that my initiations to the Maiden and the Mother could well connect to the Maiden and Mother Goddess as I had lived as both, I had - obviously, been a Maiden and had already had the first 2 of my 3 children so had experience of motherhood. I think I could also say there would have been some identity of running and teaching a coven, often 'mothering' some of my circle members. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjesXowGXFlzzu50qMcOZ_KhkbF6nIk1mM0ebY2t5II3eV-Fe8hTRBht0NPcvplJIcrX2ejBGKFMgsVgrPfeJPCjhuA0l5nmscaz6HuHOPnJVsOowThhrYKllmJDQxreuAFvt4LkKUu2LM/s1600/gjk.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjesXowGXFlzzu50qMcOZ_KhkbF6nIk1mM0ebY2t5II3eV-Fe8hTRBht0NPcvplJIcrX2ejBGKFMgsVgrPfeJPCjhuA0l5nmscaz6HuHOPnJVsOowThhrYKllmJDQxreuAFvt4LkKUu2LM/s200/gjk.bmp" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Maiden by Rachel Mayatt</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiMWuX36YiWzjPMYW8OEndaEN73mt9yBH2Skah7XsPxts_aopnsQIfRZW5E7xjF1iNpSwbFFizXbGxYrn-SlhGto36R8ls665KXqPoI_XkpP0-U-VpucRcGyVhzdcLvESHo-n-19hpmpc/s1600/dhg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiMWuX36YiWzjPMYW8OEndaEN73mt9yBH2Skah7XsPxts_aopnsQIfRZW5E7xjF1iNpSwbFFizXbGxYrn-SlhGto36R8ls665KXqPoI_XkpP0-U-VpucRcGyVhzdcLvESHo-n-19hpmpc/s200/dhg.bmp" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Mother by Rachel Mayatt</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like to think of these times as my own personal seasons. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
I had some experience of the seasons of maiden and motherhood.<br />
<br />
However, the only experience I had of the time of the Crone was that of observer - with family or friends. I could read as much as I wanted about women experiencing their own Crone time, but without being immersed in it myself, I could only guess at what it really means to be there.<br />
<br />
And strangely enough, I feel it has crept up on me. Or maybe it wasn’t obvious to me because of all the experiences I needed to have before my body started its journey to becoming the Crone. Mental, emotional, physical and spiritual experiences, from the end of my marriage, the descent into my own personal dark night of the soul that lasted for several years, and the birth of my last child. I have spent the last few years still in the mother phase - and this will stay fairly intense for several more years yet as my youngest daughter is only 8 years old. However, I have also become a Grandmother. My periods have stopped and have only reappeared once in the last 12 months and I am regularly woken with amazing rushes of heat as I ride the power surges that are my journey into the realm of the Crone.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATu1iXKr8hUeuWIpa3omeE2hFP_xiyqBf7PgyFkXV9dylur4Z_E7ajlLIRNzfz2OSbUnp4bxxEX3paMbjhdUlINOUXUMWhNIyy7ArcZxwMNaxIfFxpXOLsWxbU0mZrVJFRxKjZHWYIXtT/s1600/hgf.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATu1iXKr8hUeuWIpa3omeE2hFP_xiyqBf7PgyFkXV9dylur4Z_E7ajlLIRNzfz2OSbUnp4bxxEX3paMbjhdUlINOUXUMWhNIyy7ArcZxwMNaxIfFxpXOLsWxbU0mZrVJFRxKjZHWYIXtT/s200/hgf.bmp" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meno pause by Rachel Mayatt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then as I mentioned previously. I am on the precipice of my 50th birthday which is also astrologically the time of my Chiron return. Death and endings are always around us but I have become more aware of them lately as they have been people or animals I know and care for. I can sense a new awareness of the Crone as she beckons her wizened finger to me to enter her Cavern and begin a new time of learning. I am apprehensive - am I ready? Will I be able to sufficiently rise to this challenge? Actually I think I will. I think whatever is on this new path to be trod; will be particular to me and my experiences. <br />
<br />
Funnily enough, as I have got older, I had begun to shed the layers of should, should nots and must or must nots that we often encumber ourselves with during our spiritual journey. I don’t see myself as not being equal to the tasks ahead. As all my experiences, all my feelings and expectations are right as they are. Any feelings of inadequacy or concern are waves of negative energy that I can either indulge in, or waft away. I am all that I should be. I can be more or less if I wish. <br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespd7geAWaW5quyIu9KZNr1YH4dlELvuPwQcppGmR6alQDeGGsA06eJNsQayEHiT2oHM_5s5Dxiv2jePQLJj9GwX_g5belO8J4A8xRYuOKvldo1wOgY1DLiHXegM3rHOVobBxA2V1tWt5/s1600/cbn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespd7geAWaW5quyIu9KZNr1YH4dlELvuPwQcppGmR6alQDeGGsA06eJNsQayEHiT2oHM_5s5Dxiv2jePQLJj9GwX_g5belO8J4A8xRYuOKvldo1wOgY1DLiHXegM3rHOVobBxA2V1tWt5/s200/cbn.bmp" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe that is one of the biggest lessons to learn as a Crone.</div>
<br />
But whatever is waiting for me in Her cave, I know now that the experience is what will truly initiate me and give me the right to call myself Crone.<br />
<div align="center">
</div>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-90674121712376871552012-03-16T20:14:00.000+00:002012-03-16T20:14:41.770+00:00Making plans to live now, not later<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b6lsxN1h8Flwjgx1J3k5tCU-ksg4JHmg9Qwwigh9tHTdJObYyhfOPwNT87_FUFKzL4VVNM1IiVfsGLsNMsEuE8he_QLMoy9j9EYYbjLCy3NDoRWDadtK_omqR7WByFTrrNg7S0ywxCpC/s1600/th_caduceus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b6lsxN1h8Flwjgx1J3k5tCU-ksg4JHmg9Qwwigh9tHTdJObYyhfOPwNT87_FUFKzL4VVNM1IiVfsGLsNMsEuE8he_QLMoy9j9EYYbjLCy3NDoRWDadtK_omqR7WByFTrrNg7S0ywxCpC/s1600/th_caduceus.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Im one of these annoying people that sail through the winter without getting much in the way of sniffles and coughs! Well, I was! So imagine my irritation and annoyance at coming home from work one monday evening several weeks back feeling achey and a little bit peculiar! Dammit, I thought to myself, Im coming down with a cold. Paracetemol and an early night and a couple of days feeling less than great at work coming up.<br />
<br />
About 2 am in the morning, I realised that actually, work wouldnt be an option the following day and I must admit over the next few days I was completely taken aback as I couldnt stand up, shivered when fully clothed and covered with 2 duvets, hurt all over and felt as lousy as I thought it was possible. Finally after a week when I felt I could get out of bed to go to the doctors, I learned I had got the Flu. First time ever, and if you ever see someone sniffling a bit with a head cold telling you they have the flu, remember to tell them they dont know what having it really means.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1IH3x-zkvIfsudWhRt1EexixUHORo3a0N7Otsuh697NY5CeRW8ABtOsFdXPSDrKU1PYKHsK8KZ6A-OmHhePyvKvNEeBugN0Pg69P8MCBFS5uHbXKcdxt45GuLKBh01H8AwOOsPsCsdkz/s1600/th_mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1IH3x-zkvIfsudWhRt1EexixUHORo3a0N7Otsuh697NY5CeRW8ABtOsFdXPSDrKU1PYKHsK8KZ6A-OmHhePyvKvNEeBugN0Pg69P8MCBFS5uHbXKcdxt45GuLKBh01H8AwOOsPsCsdkz/s1600/th_mother.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
But this blog isnt about the Flu really. Its more about what went through my mind while I was made to rest up and had nothing to do but sleep or think all day and night. Now I only had Flu. I wasnt terminal, I know it can lead to nasty things and really bad cases of it can be dangerous - but I just felt very unpleasant, and after it developed a secondary lung infection resulting in anti biotics, I turned the corner and got better.<br />
<br />
What it did though was make me consider a number of things; my life so far, things I want to do in the future, and how I live now. The first thing I realised was although Im not really that old, Im 50 this year and I dont consider that particularly old, but I am aware that parts of me dont work as well as they used to. My eyesight has got worse and now I am shortsighted but also need reading glasses too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0wVI8XbsKXRtnPujNo1_z2IwyVJtAWaV6QRDPlHOXtUEBi7yVsnXePPTLuCazYjdIXc3wVkIp3d7VI2my29XLj2C98z2bGOQ0qPB3km1Heken02LTfXaqnj3H_vfE119kZFzQ4kbcBGw/s1600/th_mr_magoo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0wVI8XbsKXRtnPujNo1_z2IwyVJtAWaV6QRDPlHOXtUEBi7yVsnXePPTLuCazYjdIXc3wVkIp3d7VI2my29XLj2C98z2bGOQ0qPB3km1Heken02LTfXaqnj3H_vfE119kZFzQ4kbcBGw/s1600/th_mr_magoo.gif" /></a></div>
I have developed gall stones and have to be careful of what I eat to keep them managed. I dont have the energy to go to work, go out all night and get up at 6 am after a few hours sleep like I could in my twenties.<br />
<br />
So Im not as young as I was, and I need to make sure I eat well, get enough sleep and hopefully last well into my dotage. But I also had other things to consider. I realised that the things I had thought I wanted to do or achieve in my life over the last 20 years or so, have changed and I need to make some kind of 'bucket' list. Not that Im expecting to kick the bucket for sometime hopefully, but it did make me think that I dont want to get to a stage where I regret not making plans or taking up things I want to do, just because I want to! <br />
<br />
Ive also had other things happening around me over the last year which has made an impact. One of my dear friends was diagnosed with cancer. After having a breast removed, a dose of very intense chemo and radiotherapy she has gone into remission thankfully. But it did make me think of my own mortality and whether Im living the fullest life I can nowadays. Even little things like 2 of our family pets shuffling off their mortal coils recently added to the thoughts turning over in my mind. And so I started to assemble some ideas of things I want to do in my life, so I dont have cause to regret when I come to its end.<br />
<br />
One of my major dreams is to live on a canal or house boat - and I had mentally made a note to do this when I retire, or my youngest daughter leaves home for university etc. Suddenly it occured to me. Why on earth was I waiting another 15 - 20 years for this? I had been kind of mentally considering an inheritance that I know will come to me some time in the future, although hopefully not too soon, and was assuming I would use this to finance it, but there are other options available and so I have opened myself up to looking into it now and seeing if its possible. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9I2KtVqQrqrdpAPe7fc7THiybGbQyGfVle-12ekkuFVcgFcWM30SdrBqrHDz22NJggGxBCUeHyL-HvLUfeo47kq6S_JpKE5LTUsNKdF1NkPBRIJs5gMGh61hgR5iHkNAZKH6zJIxOiz6/s1600/narrow_boat_canal_p_r_hall_sons_kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9I2KtVqQrqrdpAPe7fc7THiybGbQyGfVle-12ekkuFVcgFcWM30SdrBqrHDz22NJggGxBCUeHyL-HvLUfeo47kq6S_JpKE5LTUsNKdF1NkPBRIJs5gMGh61hgR5iHkNAZKH6zJIxOiz6/s320/narrow_boat_canal_p_r_hall_sons_kim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A couple of other things to go on my 'bucket' list include a trip to the Scottish Highlands and the Islands. And one other item which may seem strange to some people, is that I want to be painted, sketched or photographed nude. This is probably an odd one to mention, but it came when I was getting better during my Flu bout and watched a really interesting programme on the art channel about a photographer in America, doing the American road trip thing, and taking pictures of naked people in unusual situations - such as 100 naked people lying in the road with cars and buses driving past them.<br />
<br />
There was one particular photograph when there were 2 women. One was a very skinny and tall lady with very pale skin. The other lady was a very large lady, with a lovely face and long luscious hair but lots of rolls of skin and flesh. The larger lady spoke about how this experience had made her feel beautiful and free as she lay back on some rocks by the waters around New York in some of her photographs. The ones he took of both of them together were fantastic, she didnt look uncomfortable or concerned about her body compared to the thinner lady and together it was beautiful. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh9MaEgLr0jJyZ4gqXxeGpJKPqHTkmKkVqBC6RG0hvOMr6-4z5-ehG0RFYcHQkMyNq8a1gQD7YjrCoRvEfrw7QXkSSeOkahbq_nQhL6I2lgnBvCv4bbCGdv50UhL9ePg3EjGntjobFMnj/s1600/La-Nymphe-de-Foret-Guillaume-Seignac-Femme-Classic-Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh9MaEgLr0jJyZ4gqXxeGpJKPqHTkmKkVqBC6RG0hvOMr6-4z5-ehG0RFYcHQkMyNq8a1gQD7YjrCoRvEfrw7QXkSSeOkahbq_nQhL6I2lgnBvCv4bbCGdv50UhL9ePg3EjGntjobFMnj/s1600/La-Nymphe-de-Foret-Guillaume-Seignac-Femme-Classic-Art.jpg" /></a></div>
As I watched this, I realised that I have myself become very comfortable in my own skin. Im not obese, but not a slim type either and I have had body issues in the past. But now, I am content about my body and how I look and feel. It also made me realise that I too, would like to be able to feel totally free, strip off and have someone capture my freedom in paint or print. And so Im looking at the possibility of offering myself to a life art class.<br />
<br />
Looking at the few things on my list - which I am sure I will add to as I go along, I realised that its not unachievable or impossible things that I want to do. Maybe slightly unusual, but its ok - its my list. And Im not in a rush, but at the same time, Im not going to put off things that will make me happy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vGQCY6mlq9dTJXWkIWM-qKTT2AhA0qtDJg6faxLr1Dn0R8MQu3Tcj0IOhgPvpFEkf5oz4sC_pPUgojp7lWiOGxZ5NeA1F5exZuJKcSEslvu9s2-cdlUyPoD_RyUMfZM8l-slIJrmgAwt/s1600/29904647200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vGQCY6mlq9dTJXWkIWM-qKTT2AhA0qtDJg6faxLr1Dn0R8MQu3Tcj0IOhgPvpFEkf5oz4sC_pPUgojp7lWiOGxZ5NeA1F5exZuJKcSEslvu9s2-cdlUyPoD_RyUMfZM8l-slIJrmgAwt/s1600/29904647200.jpg" /></a></div>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-47861273894279460182012-01-03T15:19:00.011+00:002012-01-03T16:22:38.719+00:00Resolving not to make resolutions?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidyD1hpr080fMCUmhxzz6M5l5eL07gCb1Ia5bFy2d39Q_MFOX5u7MN3j_g8OjKK4thYTvlTVvP459aKQ6jBYRLECceBKwwUpiHoB5FXkSXbiew6hmQXEEeAYy7Q-KMWDVQmVNCe_KA5rk/s1600/S7303120.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidyD1hpr080fMCUmhxzz6M5l5eL07gCb1Ia5bFy2d39Q_MFOX5u7MN3j_g8OjKK4thYTvlTVvP459aKQ6jBYRLECceBKwwUpiHoB5FXkSXbiew6hmQXEEeAYy7Q-KMWDVQmVNCe_KA5rk/s320/S7303120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693436268019708002" /></a><br /><br />The midwinter season has finally wound up and I find myself looking to new ideas, projects and hopefully an interesting year ahead.<br /><br />My solstice celebration was such a lovely time. My family and some good friends all together. A feast of food and sharing, presents under the tree and lots of fun and silly games afterwards. The only rule was no TV. And so we made merry until it was late and people began to depart. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-vxMv_ghhUiCs0P7Bv_sX-ccP74RaOMHxukSLm9BaGXMstNlQOtqbaGqSGlH4BQKR3AD_nrmX5e6V5qNgt-9nCxLLkXFR2iYR8-InYK9RDhURRJ9t1GuBb4rvhaTioP7asukKJOjJoAd/s1600/376027_10151072689645615_724685614_21959585_698286484_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-vxMv_ghhUiCs0P7Bv_sX-ccP74RaOMHxukSLm9BaGXMstNlQOtqbaGqSGlH4BQKR3AD_nrmX5e6V5qNgt-9nCxLLkXFR2iYR8-InYK9RDhURRJ9t1GuBb4rvhaTioP7asukKJOjJoAd/s320/376027_10151072689645615_724685614_21959585_698286484_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693435918700968274" /></a><br /><br />Over the next few days I saw other family and friends, but having done the meal and presents already, it was lovely to relax, chat and get out into the countryside or by the sea and avoid all the last minute rush of the shops and people doing xmas. <br /><br />On 25th december I took my youngest daughter for a long walk by the almost deserted beaches of Whitstable and Tankerton. We met a few dog walkers at first all smiling and wishing us merry xmas but eventually as it got towards early afternoon, we found ourselves alone with just the sound of the surf, the seagulls and a lovely time of beach combing and finding interesting shells and driftwood for crafting. Rhiannon declared in her 7 year old wisdom, it had been the best xmas day ever. I had to agree!<br /><br />It was the same for the next few days, and I cant say I remember having had such a lovely relaxing holiday. We had more seashore walks - along Deal and near Dover. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxwz90JxUB1CiYrw72B_YLvVuryHkPGo3VjfnsFTefzHBhqdsL93pPkxiPZh5ghzkgvwHvjXZsVAMJWWHT4lnxzlza1McqzcG668gaLEYXG-JJx1B56nX0Gy4lNpaYe0ADp5ACgR7MI8p/s1600/S7303180.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxwz90JxUB1CiYrw72B_YLvVuryHkPGo3VjfnsFTefzHBhqdsL93pPkxiPZh5ghzkgvwHvjXZsVAMJWWHT4lnxzlza1McqzcG668gaLEYXG-JJx1B56nX0Gy4lNpaYe0ADp5ACgR7MI8p/s320/S7303180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693435265091244066" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday a wonderful day by the mysterious Dungeness with its strange otherworldly energy. The sun shone and that amazing winter light danced around us and the people fishing on the beach. And today I have packed up the last of the tree decorations and cards. Caught up with my household tasks and made myself ready for the return to work tomorrow.<br /><br /><br />Now Im not one for New Year Resolutions. Ive always felt that if I cant have the discipline to follow a plan through at any other time of the year, it certainly wont be any different at the beginning of the calander year. And to be honest, I celebrate a couple of 'New Year' festivals. The Samhain/celtic new year is one and Imbolc - the beginning of early spring is another. I clinked my glass on 31st december at midnight as it signalled the beginning of a new calander year as well as the birthday of my eldest daughter born on 1 january back in 1987. However, I do find it another good time to take stock of where I am, where I am going and anything I want to focus on next year.<br /><br />This is not the lose a stone in weight, join a gym or improve my lovelife type of taking stock. It is usually something that may include remembering to honour my time and family. It also tends to be a spiritual focus for me too. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohXO0zTdY82RfTk31a3zH8rP49q0FpQuPlEephTtZJosN1fEO8TBe31WWWTkN13e7UIJrAGfoFwAi95nI3fek-P6hOsUN-8zlZ6FMTye9UMBCj8BILVg247Vxc6WJd6kIpvbRedvC9SSD/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohXO0zTdY82RfTk31a3zH8rP49q0FpQuPlEephTtZJosN1fEO8TBe31WWWTkN13e7UIJrAGfoFwAi95nI3fek-P6hOsUN-8zlZ6FMTye9UMBCj8BILVg247Vxc6WJd6kIpvbRedvC9SSD/s320/IMG_0232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693440376715984658" /></a><br /><br />One of my main plans for the year is something I have been thinking of on and off over several months now. For many years I sooo longed to live in the west country. Somerset or Cornwall were two favourites and you may have read in previous blogs how I longed to live in Glastonbury and was sadly dissillusioned in the summer. It resulted in my really looking at why I feel this need to move elsewhere rather than really connect with the land on which I live at the moment. I realised that I wasnt honouring the spirit of the land here, not being in the moment and really connecting. And so I have been thinking of ways to do this.<br /><br />One of the things I came up with while talking to my best friend last autumn was that there are an awful lot of sacred sites in Kent that we either havnt visited (or maybe did so many years ago as children) or didnt realise were here. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcRsH4VMraLUMEgtYkbi3yUIPtdbnIDUQXKkanh_ynQ2iktI6vzuMvhd5yIznyiieBZusTxpZp77AX546tfgDWO7BfI6W40BqUiI12tHf6cDkNT8_TaEF7aXu1S8cR69prCxyMD9V2w9u/s1600/005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcRsH4VMraLUMEgtYkbi3yUIPtdbnIDUQXKkanh_ynQ2iktI6vzuMvhd5yIznyiieBZusTxpZp77AX546tfgDWO7BfI6W40BqUiI12tHf6cDkNT8_TaEF7aXu1S8cR69prCxyMD9V2w9u/s320/005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693439367636209106" /></a> Wonderful places such as Toad Rock and the Coldrum Stones.<br /><br />Last year I did make more of an effort to visit local and slightly more distant country fayres and celebrations during the year in an effort to connect more. I intend to continue to do so as well as visiting and honouring the sites I am discovering. I will probably write about them on this blog during the year too and Im really looking forward to these visits.<br /><br />Last year one of my decisions was to make more of an effort to grow my fruit and veg in my pocket handkerchief garden, for the pleasure of having home grown veg as well as another effort to connect with the land. I managed to find some old car tyres and bins to grow some bit and pieces and get the chickens I planned to have a couple of years ago. <br /><br />This year I am planning more veg - I last grew onions about 20 years ago, so thats another new challenge. Still doing the potatoes, tomatoes and courgettes. My herb patch needs sorting since the chickens used it for a dirt bath!! I think some soft fruit this year too.<br /><br />Other ideas and plans for the year are cooking in the pot and will probably be started in the next few months. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHufdj2ON7zNII-QCniq1IaExTFbsJjqxYLJArGCXewMU4Yb-sDtREpsqtzQ6N8kfGXt6quutTRC-2wARJg3DzP3vjCQcMmhtnno1y1ppavNaXGpALtobgnh8UqjKJ308P623FNBBn6aAp/s1600/th_een137-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHufdj2ON7zNII-QCniq1IaExTFbsJjqxYLJArGCXewMU4Yb-sDtREpsqtzQ6N8kfGXt6quutTRC-2wARJg3DzP3vjCQcMmhtnno1y1ppavNaXGpALtobgnh8UqjKJ308P623FNBBn6aAp/s320/th_een137-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693440658272335522" /></a><br /><br />Our first Witches Stitches craft night of 2012 is tomorrow night and we plan to sit and make lists of the crafts we want to do this year and make sure we organise our diaries to keep to our plans.<br /><br />So though I cant say I have any resolutions as such - I can say I have plans. I am planting the seeds and who knows what may grow this year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsAG-CHrtLt5UlMNe4aSpZzs2BuRYplEGGOatSx-5whFIE8GNMCKdCulhN-qY-yspxstMU5Y7Rde47PbPeCOo5-Z-Q3KwrFB0ARH29-eZ81CSBI3PnvqHKJy_iyS2uCXlwMi5FPPxO3mT/s1600/16430.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsAG-CHrtLt5UlMNe4aSpZzs2BuRYplEGGOatSx-5whFIE8GNMCKdCulhN-qY-yspxstMU5Y7Rde47PbPeCOo5-Z-Q3KwrFB0ARH29-eZ81CSBI3PnvqHKJy_iyS2uCXlwMi5FPPxO3mT/s320/16430.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693441175816325426" /></a>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-42134098423567165452011-12-11T13:21:00.012+00:002011-12-11T14:13:49.106+00:00Midwinter Festival - A Time To Celebrate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQi_nVnHL5gaYZMW_-IBgXxt6agYc2U2a0bASsfdXLZKyCKioRzPX432nKPEgtAO5jKdabrFt4CphfADDBr8Tp3jVycgm5T7EjZ7nYx1gOAAv5DCXsrI1kZHT3tmJxEHE9mZ04fzBro_h/s1600/sd.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQi_nVnHL5gaYZMW_-IBgXxt6agYc2U2a0bASsfdXLZKyCKioRzPX432nKPEgtAO5jKdabrFt4CphfADDBr8Tp3jVycgm5T7EjZ7nYx1gOAAv5DCXsrI1kZHT3tmJxEHE9mZ04fzBro_h/s320/sd.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684870592667645778" /></a><br /><br />As I wander down my local high street window-shopping and people watching I am aware of the festive lights twinkling above – attached to the various shops and lampposts. The shops themselves - windows brimful of packages covered with tinsel and wrapped up to look like seasonal gifts. Seemingly unaware of the financial crunch we keep hearing about, they beckon the harried Christmas shopper in to increase the amount on the credit cards. At my daughter’s school, they are rehearsing for the school Christmas concerts and busy collecting unwanted toiletries to sell at the seasonal fayre. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTD-KFE8D3yF8zM0cNL6xrH7VIDpCcnSz02A_WsT6hxeyY-yHPDDAGLLXwqqHq6IwMwsg9MMVU2qqI6aoKFuGnI2Vs46tYlEbHQLDEsoqRQxpWJiCGymSyy-LGFiuEyPyepF6Pw53tBzUT/s1600/dfhyg.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTD-KFE8D3yF8zM0cNL6xrH7VIDpCcnSz02A_WsT6hxeyY-yHPDDAGLLXwqqHq6IwMwsg9MMVU2qqI6aoKFuGnI2Vs46tYlEbHQLDEsoqRQxpWJiCGymSyy-LGFiuEyPyepF6Pw53tBzUT/s320/dfhyg.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684872365152050994" /></a><br /><br />And today I was amused to be accosted by the normally friendly parents of her school chums. They spoke to me with undisguised pity in their voices as they asked the usual questions at this time of year. ‘Oh yes that’s right – you’re a pagan aren’t you? Bet you feel a bit left out this time of year? Well what do you do at Christmas then?’ ‘Such a shame isn’t it – doesn’t she get upset at not getting any presents?’. And a number of various similar questions that added up to the accusation of my obvious scrooge like behavior because I don’t do Xmas!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tNaLyPrF8AuDgayPrN_4MEOgGlK-ho-1wG6F8Qu6CoL5ASxt4iu6PkZ7qtGXk_EsMhSxXtItoNwd3meRipCzQTUwuB8vUH_sRU_iTCYOZu-d-qq8lPUHDRd3jyoU-vxAHhyYSHf0PA3-/s1600/S7303098.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tNaLyPrF8AuDgayPrN_4MEOgGlK-ho-1wG6F8Qu6CoL5ASxt4iu6PkZ7qtGXk_EsMhSxXtItoNwd3meRipCzQTUwuB8vUH_sRU_iTCYOZu-d-qq8lPUHDRd3jyoU-vxAHhyYSHf0PA3-/s320/S7303098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684863669591026114" /></a><br /><br />Of course once I explain that actually, I don’t celebrate the 25th December, but the Solstice a few days before. That yes, we do have a decorated tree, celebrations, sing songs, have presents and do many of the same kinds of things with a different emphasis there is almost a sigh of relief. Then its off to accost the other strange people who don’t ‘do Christmas’ – with the majority of pity levied on the family who’s children are Jehovah’s witnesses and ‘don’t have any Christmas or even birthdays!!!’<br /><br />It amuses me because of the way people become almost concerned and worried that my child isn’t going to be part of the celebrations with their own kids. Whereas for the rest of the year they seem to have no problem at all that we are a pagan family! It amuses me because I feel that I actually have far more fun and joy throughout the whole year celebrating all the festivals and giving them equal attention and making sure my youngest daughter enjoys herself as well as learning about the reasons why we celebrate them and what they mean. <br /><br />In 2008 I decided to be pro-active and gave the school and my daughter’s current teacher copies of a book I wrote on celebrating the seasons in a pagan family. It included our family activities and beliefs for the complete yearly festivals as well as the solstice and it was very well received. The school head was very positive and let me know they will be including activities and information in it for inclusion in the assemblies along with the other cultural activities they now include, such as Devali and Hanukkah. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx-V3qkHzgXNtOjhN5zJSXny9bX2c-7OyYfGnXCf4-oNSAqpVlPu0sSe-E8VJCsfG2o0MjAxFHZJVVt5qPUCoSLzmbLkT_PoZGAqcm0IZdrx63D7AAwi302UlJIpjsHQHy86A8zm-DJNz/s1600/121.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGx-V3qkHzgXNtOjhN5zJSXny9bX2c-7OyYfGnXCf4-oNSAqpVlPu0sSe-E8VJCsfG2o0MjAxFHZJVVt5qPUCoSLzmbLkT_PoZGAqcm0IZdrx63D7AAwi302UlJIpjsHQHy86A8zm-DJNz/s320/121.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684865983199275410" /></a><br /><br />As a family we do enjoy all the seasonal cycles but I do have a sneaky extra love for this time of year. It’s the whole of autumn through to winter that I love the most. Beginning with harvest time – when we have outings foraging in the countryside. Then Samhain – when we have a family circle for friends and children with a party that culminates in the local trick or treat activities. Finally with the many craft activities and preparations we put into our Yuletide feasting; I relish the planning and organizing of the Solstice season. I see no reason why I shouldn’t enjoy this season as much, if not more that the Christians do – whether secular or practicing. And of course as Christmas did actually kidnap our festival, I make no apologies at any of my anticipation and enjoyment of this time of year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd4ApFvFgqSfxx0oF47lV74pzDMQiYt_jRI_BuJ1-JKwcrNR_kZbv5AEHwW-keFe7tisYGdY3VR2WB2HZwBUbLX5kr3o2MMtuTYI10OS1oCKhIpWeN2uWn_AQRcNZX8sTLTxMYEiWkIdC/s1600/S7303050.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd4ApFvFgqSfxx0oF47lV74pzDMQiYt_jRI_BuJ1-JKwcrNR_kZbv5AEHwW-keFe7tisYGdY3VR2WB2HZwBUbLX5kr3o2MMtuTYI10OS1oCKhIpWeN2uWn_AQRcNZX8sTLTxMYEiWkIdC/s320/S7303050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684872777201576274" /></a><br /><br />We have been active since the harvests, gathering blackberries, elderberries and other various hedgerow goodies. Making jams, cordials and jellies. Sloes have been steeped in sugar and brandy, and chillies stripped of their skins and submerged in olive oil for several weeks. Ingredients have been collected to make fudge, cinnamon candies, sugared chestnuts and candied peel. Wines brewed and fruits submerged in jars with a variety of alcoholic beverages and each one newly stickered and tied with a ribbon ready for stockings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-cKZl6kEYfb6NPnkfHMNjPnqfnbdMNZ6q0tMC0I052hc-I3ftsTOtdhfUGzAIvYg7SykWVROhAYIN732Sa0-u_SykoRlAJP6Re98majXmn7YpEFEH_zBOMEvAQA8WgzajxjxE8N-Khb/s1600/yuo.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-cKZl6kEYfb6NPnkfHMNjPnqfnbdMNZ6q0tMC0I052hc-I3ftsTOtdhfUGzAIvYg7SykWVROhAYIN732Sa0-u_SykoRlAJP6Re98majXmn7YpEFEH_zBOMEvAQA8WgzajxjxE8N-Khb/s320/yuo.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684867158453883650" /></a><br /><br />Next week we are making the handmade Solstice cards and last night we hand printed the large rolls of wall lining paper for our own wrapping paper. And the 21 matchboxes I have found over the last few months will be decorated and filled with a small chocolate for my daughters Solstice advent style calendar. We still have a pudding and a cake- with the same ritual stirring and wish making – wonderful spell opportunities. And the gingerbread is being cut and decorated into biscuits to hang in star, moon and Goddess shapes on the Solstice tree.<br /><br />We will go into the local woodlands and find berried holly, ivy and search out the elusive mistletoe to hang around the mantelpiece. Cutting strips of paper we make paper chains and paper decorations for the living room. A ring of willow I made in the summer has dried out and will be decorated with the pinecones we dipped in glitter, with ribbons and more holly to hang on the front door.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlRmGB1yXmLZw_ovAN6mwHcHiNkU7M9Zpu9cKHuE7uhOvA6ptSthyphenhyphenr7R9Q3NZ01P-WRqF19LEr02Lkq-tIYEe_3or3hWMxVBXdRA9_n-6eoTpfTuyn_CI3DJKunMZnS9kk6hc8kz2mQr/s1600/Copy+of+S7303102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VlRmGB1yXmLZw_ovAN6mwHcHiNkU7M9Zpu9cKHuE7uhOvA6ptSthyphenhyphenr7R9Q3NZ01P-WRqF19LEr02Lkq-tIYEe_3or3hWMxVBXdRA9_n-6eoTpfTuyn_CI3DJKunMZnS9kk6hc8kz2mQr/s320/Copy+of+S7303102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684862773495410482" /></a><br /><br />My daughter will enjoy the Christmas parties and concerts at school – she knows that the Christian festival is their version of celebrating the light returning at the darkest point of winter. She accepts it and doesn’t seem to have any of the problems of understanding it that her friend’s parents do. We went to enjoy Cinderella at the new Marlowe Theatre last weekend and this year I finish work the day before the solstice. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a5BhQW51fpN87VknHwtvNDbhqAXvoeG4y9oNdskAPKePDVBLHJcQnOvwEkveSrb_isuDc1Cpa4zCVyVZl_hS3K4HWb9bc_ZRuOlyUeToNbPwi6la4uEpT0UMkkhe-7ZulvXGwvu4F_R2/s1600/S7303092.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a5BhQW51fpN87VknHwtvNDbhqAXvoeG4y9oNdskAPKePDVBLHJcQnOvwEkveSrb_isuDc1Cpa4zCVyVZl_hS3K4HWb9bc_ZRuOlyUeToNbPwi6la4uEpT0UMkkhe-7ZulvXGwvu4F_R2/s320/S7303092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864554092821986" /></a><br /><br />The night before we will light the Yule candle on the altar(I don’t have a fireplace any more!) and put out clove oranges to represent the Sun returning. On the day itself, my older grown up children and some pagan friends will come along with their families to have presents under the tree, sit round the table and feast on a shared meal while toasting the Solstice with some of the potent wine made from our foraging trips.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGLV-FVGj_lt3FjjrI7GitkPPxjag4lbtiNVJiekJCWwPa3CRkeZCR4_vdfR7QRJlkVguYbk1PFfw69370Wn84LBFfiQAbNMij9dpPzSflEXuwrS_d3rXgbNCmZZ2hh4sztybF-SbZiZ5/s1600/gug.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGLV-FVGj_lt3FjjrI7GitkPPxjag4lbtiNVJiekJCWwPa3CRkeZCR4_vdfR7QRJlkVguYbk1PFfw69370Wn84LBFfiQAbNMij9dpPzSflEXuwrS_d3rXgbNCmZZ2hh4sztybF-SbZiZ5/s320/gug.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684865439338894914" /></a><br /><br />And on the 25th December? My daughter and I will take a flask of soup, a bag of birdseed and stale bread and have a hearty walk in the woods and by the river to feed the ducks. When we get home we will sit together watching DVDs and videos after a light lunch and the satisfied feeling that we have celebrated the real meaning of this season – the cycles of life and the balance of light and darkness.<br /><br />May your solstice or whatever you celebrate be whatever you wish it to be.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz_5Q1R2m9CJJ17BCKAbvwFR30f1UtjQUkttIPEe2jM0kygYmrya5zyTSEmk8HxNl3s36yumxewqJKgCW8oNc-rxQsIeyJM7nCuyUVF2fvabs4pFM9hR7xJJ2Pa9LzUSy_AqOCCQpEkKt/s1600/S7303072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz_5Q1R2m9CJJ17BCKAbvwFR30f1UtjQUkttIPEe2jM0kygYmrya5zyTSEmk8HxNl3s36yumxewqJKgCW8oNc-rxQsIeyJM7nCuyUVF2fvabs4pFM9hR7xJJ2Pa9LzUSy_AqOCCQpEkKt/s320/S7303072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864120299580338" /></a><br /><br />Blessings<br />Rachelraewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-22937883008356191582011-11-08T18:27:00.006+00:002011-11-08T20:13:25.910+00:00Thrift and Fun crafts 1.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk7GSfWdXM4gJKpu9JcM2rp_bdcqqtumxA15cipggvVhmFT3e69Cd6gfYTbJ9FnjbDK99NIcni75ZM-8HfjyOl0bm0brb99T-xRxWwDahXXoBd3qaoCmu_kopU6ufccRmec5P5KIMcMqk/s1600/th_een137-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk7GSfWdXM4gJKpu9JcM2rp_bdcqqtumxA15cipggvVhmFT3e69Cd6gfYTbJ9FnjbDK99NIcni75ZM-8HfjyOl0bm0brb99T-xRxWwDahXXoBd3qaoCmu_kopU6ufccRmec5P5KIMcMqk/s320/th_een137-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672720118641589634" /></a><br />Over the last year I have enjoyed a variety of activities and gatherings with the idea of making and creating. Of going out into the countryside to forage and gather ingredients which we can make into tasty treats, and trying out arts and crafts. Things that include traditional crafts, or new adaptions. <br /><br />I have gathered together other pagan friends fortnightly to have an evening of creative fun trying out some of these crafts. Our group calls our fortnightly wednesday night 'Witches Stitches'. And though originally we intended to mainly do some kinds of stitch crafts, it has widened to include various others too. <br /><br />And at other times, I have been able to attend local craft fairs, traditional village and goose fairs, or other events that promote traditional crafts and activities. All in all, this year has been full of creative fun, and certainly fuelled the creative juices in me, my family and friends too.<br /><br />What is wonderful is sharing the fun, learning something together and ending up with something to remember the evening too. Some of the things we have made will become gifts and with the Winter Solstice coming up, I thought I would share some of the fun and ideas we've had to use for gift ideas, maybe over a couple of seperate blogging sessions.<br /><br />Bath bombs<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uW8jDazEa1f8fT38ZADI9mLhKZLRUH7kla_cYwPLQYOp6RDaTvHgM48hqa0-9vzU5JOIss-m7bH88vFLiB8U9nYjVMqtk7dxookmydj1DeS6M4sxD94v-hJXA-ujWLWwsDq5_1Fcy0xI/s1600/S7303044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uW8jDazEa1f8fT38ZADI9mLhKZLRUH7kla_cYwPLQYOp6RDaTvHgM48hqa0-9vzU5JOIss-m7bH88vFLiB8U9nYjVMqtk7dxookmydj1DeS6M4sxD94v-hJXA-ujWLWwsDq5_1Fcy0xI/s320/S7303044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672713052121008498" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to my friend Sarah for this. We made some of these during a Witches Stitches a few weeks back. Easy to make and for children too.<br /><br />2 tablespoons of cornflour, <br />2 tablespoons of citric acid and <br />60g of baking powder into a bowl.<br /><br />In another bowl, put 3 tablespoons of oil <br />a few drops of food colouring <br />a few drops of essential oil<br />if you wish, add a few dried herbs too<br /><br /> Mix all these ingredients together into a damp crumbly mixture.<br /><br /> Pack into moulds - a ping pong ball cut in half is excellent.<br />leave for a few days to dry out a bit and then pack a few into cellophane wrapping and tie with a big bow<br /><br />Button Craft<br /><br />Another fun evening in Witches Stitches was suggested by Jane. Button craft is fun and easy to do and you can create some lovely decorations and items.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-iwYCxN9sh_5O5Gu0UkxPM6UG-xKwGmUxy7Nt2KUiA-GHGma8m7wriTxIhk-G2XF2COLyUbeAs_Kg7fDeexDuhOcD8b2hMRxNN8mXmKZmoCFnjiIRluWAqY-7RdJicxvX3gsbwq4P7Ar/s1600/S7303047.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-iwYCxN9sh_5O5Gu0UkxPM6UG-xKwGmUxy7Nt2KUiA-GHGma8m7wriTxIhk-G2XF2COLyUbeAs_Kg7fDeexDuhOcD8b2hMRxNN8mXmKZmoCFnjiIRluWAqY-7RdJicxvX3gsbwq4P7Ar/s320/S7303047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672714856359962466" /></a><br /><br /><br />You need an assortment of buttons<br />wire<br />ribbons<br />any other decorative items you want to use.<br /><br /><br />Thread long wire through buttons and bend into different designs. Great for country type wall hangings, yule tree/xmas tree decorations.<br /><br />some people put 2 or 3 buttons together to make different contrasts.<br /><br />You can use ribbons or elastic to make hair decorations too. Or put wire and ribbons together for extra decorative effects.<br /><br />And a last creative tipple.<br /><br /><br />Orange Liqueur<br /><br />Walking around a well known supermarket with my friend Sarah recently we noticed the price of Grand Marnier liqueur, a lovely orange flavoured brandy type drink. We've already been making sloe gin and damson gin recently, and a forest fruit brandy is maturing in my cupboard at the moment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWcdk4AHD9mclis9Q6yL0tByyEAblyFZmxgyu4gd7KoPdu3D_GHxcg_OyUiZ_LRg0D0Q8hJgbaoGXgdJad0UWMVQfnya8iinsEH65VckxbhFNb_1pKOm-txYYlgjy710k4g6LFwODhyphenhyphenCd/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWcdk4AHD9mclis9Q6yL0tByyEAblyFZmxgyu4gd7KoPdu3D_GHxcg_OyUiZ_LRg0D0Q8hJgbaoGXgdJad0UWMVQfnya8iinsEH65VckxbhFNb_1pKOm-txYYlgjy710k4g6LFwODhyphenhyphenCd/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672718242427684226" /></a><br />However, we decided to make our own orange brandy too.<br /><br />Cheap brandy with several orange slices and the same weight of sugar as that of the fruit is placed in a sealed jar or large neck bottle. Leave for at least a month in a dark cupboard. Decant the liqueur into clean bottles and put the fruit into jars to use as decorations on adult puddings.<br /><br />Enjoy!raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-8828537630423451472011-08-29T09:32:00.009+01:002011-08-29T10:41:35.259+01:00Missed in Avalon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiqE-rkPFvUUpXRbWoS0nUm839kAHHs8-zwleyd0XNTukMAXAGNoq9H7JAHXxG58NIdcYWUCjtgK9-XDEcx2SLHd7PZQODgTV57-bGZ0T7LVxrz5pRtTVvzT8t_xlEZcTbpDU78g_6Z3U/s1600/S7302942.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiqE-rkPFvUUpXRbWoS0nUm839kAHHs8-zwleyd0XNTukMAXAGNoq9H7JAHXxG58NIdcYWUCjtgK9-XDEcx2SLHd7PZQODgTV57-bGZ0T7LVxrz5pRtTVvzT8t_xlEZcTbpDU78g_6Z3U/s320/S7302942.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646207728218339586" /></a>
<br />
<br />For a long time Ive been promising to take Rhiannon to my most favourite places. Places I love. Last year we visited Avebury for the first time and she also found it was a place she felt was special. This year I finally had the resources, car etc to take her to Glastonbury. Its been a long time since I was there last. Over 10 years in fact. It goes by so quickly, I hadnt realised how long it had been, although I realised how much I had missed being there.
<br />
<br />It couldnt be a long visit though. I had to be back home for a hospital appointment and time it all between some summer leave from work, so a nice long weekend was planned to stay with a friend of mine who had moved down there just a year ago. So much excitement. Finally to visit the place I have longed to live in for so many years.
<br />
<br />I first visited Glastonbury about 20 years ago. Starting with a trip into the town during my stay at the Glastonbury Festival. I loved it instantly. The feeling of being 'at home' there. Wonderful and interesting shops all nestling along with the usual ones in a high street. I remember a cavernlike shop called ISIS. Full of interesting books, decorative items you walked through one shop into another and at the back was a studio with the wonderful paintings of Peter Pracownik and stuff he was working on at the time. What I also loved was that there were lots of interesting witchy shops, not just the odd one you sometimes see in most towns.
<br />
<br />I watched people in the streets while I sipped coffee, in the Blue note cafe, a man with bare feet walking along with a guitar strung on his back. Then a lady with a twinset and court shoes clip clopping along. A melting pot of many different types of people and ideas, all milling around together. It was a festival feeling there. And not just because of the Glastonbury festival. I visited again several times over the next few years at different times in the year and the same feeling was there.
<br />
<br />And so I longed to live there. To be part of this amazing place. And then - on top of all this, the most wonderful Tor and the Chalice Well.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcG6aNIdVg_EkskQNLWxFgmOz0VCLn5mFJmItdr_wqpzZqtRaBlMKmEntdT0PT2Ka8qhw0wwgV77DIFTcqxPnIS1gLG7Cst6BCLZShUI-fhaiCZ3SC6VNVVA3paIb7qAJJlHuVCDoYgBp/s1600/S7302957.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcG6aNIdVg_EkskQNLWxFgmOz0VCLn5mFJmItdr_wqpzZqtRaBlMKmEntdT0PT2Ka8qhw0wwgV77DIFTcqxPnIS1gLG7Cst6BCLZShUI-fhaiCZ3SC6VNVVA3paIb7qAJJlHuVCDoYgBp/s320/S7302957.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646207954615110706" /></a>
<br />
<br />Wonderful places with such amazing energy. Over the years when I visited either along or with my older children, we always made sure we climbed the Tor and drank from the well. I remember one really wild and windy day, climbing the hill with my children (just the 2 then) and having to hold them really tight. Im sure if I had attached string to them I could have flown them like kites!
<br />
<br />My visits stopped for a while for various reasons, my personal life changed, I became a one parent family with little money for expenses like transport or holidays. And living in Kent as I do, it was a fair distance to get to. Specially lugging heavy camping gear and trailing 2 children with me. And so the years slipped by.
<br />
<br />My circumstances changed, I wished so much to revisit the Isle of Avalon once again. And take my youngest daughter to visit. I had told Rhiannon so much about it and she wanted to see it too. Last year it almost happened but something came up, so when a friend of mine moved down there just a year ago and invited us to visit, we were ready.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuwspac7KUZVygkjNCh2iUqm0u0dmk_wE3ApABXyscOgdxYV7WFfKxWolERND6ONQ4kcmZ5mukpO-mccTa2WXb39t_hzQHoDyt5QvnSM_Z-sRUofyvXW-zaUCeS8lbISYepnJ7zoWpFF5/s1600/S7302926.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuwspac7KUZVygkjNCh2iUqm0u0dmk_wE3ApABXyscOgdxYV7WFfKxWolERND6ONQ4kcmZ5mukpO-mccTa2WXb39t_hzQHoDyt5QvnSM_Z-sRUofyvXW-zaUCeS8lbISYepnJ7zoWpFF5/s320/S7302926.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646207109696338194" /></a>
<br />
<br />Our trip from kent was broken with a stop at Avebury on the way. Wonderful, we circled the Stones and left an offering at the trees with the plaited roots. Rejuvinated we drove the last few miles to Glastonbury. And when we saw the Tor in the distance I felt so happy. At last! 10 years of waiting and im finally here again.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHVp2dd0WkSiOy3M0gBc6jBHHHc1uZXp3OgHE4NhywTHZ_t3ZbBIT7fyIEURGt9ygp7-h1uf4bZxzbIbsD_0sfTsOv1BCMT08muDysxKb6beGLOyKzpuxaWhZmik4B_yNx0_1-1oA0PDG/s1600/S7302928.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHVp2dd0WkSiOy3M0gBc6jBHHHc1uZXp3OgHE4NhywTHZ_t3ZbBIT7fyIEURGt9ygp7-h1uf4bZxzbIbsD_0sfTsOv1BCMT08muDysxKb6beGLOyKzpuxaWhZmik4B_yNx0_1-1oA0PDG/s320/S7302928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646207416340825362" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Tor was magical - the chalice well was calm and peaceful and beautiful. We drank the waters and made a staff while the gardens hosted a healing festival that was on that weekend. We saw our friend and met a few new ones too. And the Goddess Temple in the centre of Glastonbury was lovely. So peaceful and beautiful. We sat in it for a while, Rhiannon drawing a picture of the Goddess that the lovely melissa put on the altar and promised to take a photo when it was closed to email us later.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oMoSly5eyM6WxrTyOnroPn_N-2wRAOCl8Y9M95B2Q6zaA2TCvcZZVEazEqgvQA9QlGeRkgReJKFI_DkEm4VgL_x6-EEFd7hia5zdBk71mJrjoDs8FU5Kt7yMfb6lLLHVU7z3sfup5CPR/s1600/temple+006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oMoSly5eyM6WxrTyOnroPn_N-2wRAOCl8Y9M95B2Q6zaA2TCvcZZVEazEqgvQA9QlGeRkgReJKFI_DkEm4VgL_x6-EEFd7hia5zdBk71mJrjoDs8FU5Kt7yMfb6lLLHVU7z3sfup5CPR/s320/temple+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646208867952255650" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />So why was I saddened during my visit?
<br />
<br />Isnt this a place I love, have longed to see again, a place that restores my soul?
<br />
<br />Actually.....I dont like it any more. Well, Im afraid I dont like the town itself. I loved climbing the Tor again, pausing for breath at the bench half way up. Sitting at the top, closing my eyes and feeling the healing energies from the earth. Paddling in the Chalice well waters and filling bottles with the healing waters was wonderful too. But these are the ancient places that make up Avalon and will never change no matter what people do to them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylm6nQ8aq2osLDfqQhzOMD-vYeNb3b1w7624TonZVZCB7sfPzpWcA2yHz0yomTNTtHNJjx7HNHTi7tKGqPlWLf48KyiSdFBLeVr2DYxcj0FSW3M2W9br6-TFyCyWcuZVRW9IarW7RCWPk/s1600/S7302941.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylm6nQ8aq2osLDfqQhzOMD-vYeNb3b1w7624TonZVZCB7sfPzpWcA2yHz0yomTNTtHNJjx7HNHTi7tKGqPlWLf48KyiSdFBLeVr2DYxcj0FSW3M2W9br6-TFyCyWcuZVRW9IarW7RCWPk/s320/S7302941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646209913943726226" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The town is another matter. Oh yes - I enjoyed sitting in the cafe drinking hot apple punch and snacking on the nicest carrot cake ive ever tasted. And the Goddess temple itself was an oasis of peace and love. But what about the rest?
<br />
<br />Maybe its not that I dislike it but just realised I wouldnt want to live here. Maybe if I did I might dip under the brash prices and sugar coating spirituality being sold around me. I could meet the genuine dwellers - like the few I met on my visit through my friend. Maybe I could connect with the people hidden in the mists of this Isle that remain hidden to the outsiders who briefly visit - such as me!
<br />
<br />But now, when I look at the town, I see the tinsel for sale. The unwelcoming notices to parents regarding the sale items. NO TOUCHING signs. I understand why. The giant crystals ripped from the earth for sale at thousands of pounds, ornaments and statues at similar large prices. No one wants the children touching them. Breakages must be paid for.
<br />
<br />One or two places still welcomed the customer. But on the whole I saw the ££££ signs and the posters with the latest guru being advertised. Courses priced int the hundreds and thousands.
<br />
<br />Now before anyone says anything, I have no problem with people needing to earn a living. We all have to pay the rent, bills and put food on the table. But it seems we have new updated courses and workshops to experience and then along comes anew one, more money, more money, more money!
<br />
<br />And at night the place changed - during the time I was there staying in the town I heard shouting, noise, arguments and threats between groups of people coming from the pubs.I closed my eyes and thought of the peace in the Well gardens and on the Tor in the early morning.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCQs5mhxw2RnQo648qT7Yt3LrtP2ZUW3hr4l_2Bh-kOmhusQ7A2U6Y2jJFMkCBRBSirMjOUVKFikTyjijYaHib2V_aaY36aLnsWG4rGntpZqw5CHO4tPW-82y3jmbvqsUME57sGTAMLv9/s1600/S7302961.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCQs5mhxw2RnQo648qT7Yt3LrtP2ZUW3hr4l_2Bh-kOmhusQ7A2U6Y2jJFMkCBRBSirMjOUVKFikTyjijYaHib2V_aaY36aLnsWG4rGntpZqw5CHO4tPW-82y3jmbvqsUME57sGTAMLv9/s320/S7302961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646208307964777218" /></a>
<br />So I left, knowing my home and path lie elsewhere. To continue to honour the Goddess who is everywhere afterall. Sad in some ways that this place I dreamed of living in for so long, is not meant for me. But also, strangely free!raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-53032832124011340542011-08-14T19:20:00.006+01:002011-08-14T20:04:15.671+01:00A little bit Country, a little bit Rock n rollOne of the things I find living on the edge of a city, albeit a small city with the country on my doorstep, is that sometimes I need to refresh myself. To rediscover the joys of both worlds - living in an urban setting and enjoying the facilities it offers, as well as getting the chance to get out into the countryside and refresh the parts that other beers do not reach.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgmiyaPl5Im-Wtfq30RteQceIV-DmupkwWR8naYd92wzJkRMRywBXa9JoSsYPj8CijgFRvWcK2VThBFYvqN24JXl7Zd4JA7s9e-voyt7Bro31d9QquSeJaSx1anwlFcJTfMAHvx7_SL4I/s1600/th_Moon06.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgmiyaPl5Im-Wtfq30RteQceIV-DmupkwWR8naYd92wzJkRMRywBXa9JoSsYPj8CijgFRvWcK2VThBFYvqN24JXl7Zd4JA7s9e-voyt7Bro31d9QquSeJaSx1anwlFcJTfMAHvx7_SL4I/s320/th_Moon06.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640787675339280306" /></a>
<br />
<br />The plan this weekend, was on saturday to celebrate the full moon at a farm nearby with the organisers of the Druid grove I like to attend. A few good friends, a bonfire and the chance to camp out for those who wanted to drink more than a toast around the circle. Circumstances prevented this unfortunately, and instead, I found myself sitting by the sea at St Margarets bay with jagged seaweed covered rocks, white cliffs and black stones and shingle that looked more like a volcanic landscape than a typical local beach.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh_mA6sRM4A36MTtFu75onoIEGAxtNsL-kLY31Y7pBzC50vHYQzxnAUPJ-5ZMPmgoOg7ZvJaiiE3ZGwtNcJHRLR_4yy_EQWDjDGWrRKHE_5CYUtNJmAelkK7ONOH2NTl8MabWlIZ72eBE/s1600/th_IMGP2530.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh_mA6sRM4A36MTtFu75onoIEGAxtNsL-kLY31Y7pBzC50vHYQzxnAUPJ-5ZMPmgoOg7ZvJaiiE3ZGwtNcJHRLR_4yy_EQWDjDGWrRKHE_5CYUtNJmAelkK7ONOH2NTl8MabWlIZ72eBE/s320/th_IMGP2530.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640788844501257826" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />There, with my youngest daughter and a good friend, we connected to the spirit of the oceans, ate a hearty picnic and made an offering to the waters and the Lady of the Sea. Funny how things that arent planned (by us anyway!) are often the ones that create the most amazing energy. We drove home into the most glorious sunset, and I felt something so right connect as we got home in the dark, to go to bed and sleep a good sleep.
<br />
<br />And then today, my plan was to get busy on some long awaited clearing up! Since I have started work again, I find the time for getting my home in some kind of order quite limited. Im trying not to get silly about this - Im certainly not someone with a disorder for excessive cleaning, but I do like to feel uncluttered at least. (difficult really with a 7 year old with a penchant for crafts, making dens and leaving toys around just in case!)
<br />
<br />However, as I clicked briefly on facebook and saw my friend's status declaring she had just left for the Smallholders fair at Sissinghurst castle, I suddenly remembered it was something I had told her about and meant to visit myself. Suddenly it was almost a military opperation, get the washing hung out, bath and wash hair, get some things together and leave. At least hopefully to get there in time to hear Hugh Fearnly Wittingstal's talk.
<br />
<br />And so we got out of the door and on the open road. With my friend's loan of a sat nav bossily instructing us on the directions...enter roundabout..take the 3rd exit...after .7miles turn left....turn left......TURN LEFT!!!!!
<br />
<br />Well I got there in time for the last 10minutes of Hugh's talk. But it didnt matter. Breathing in the beautiful energy of the Weald of Kent land. Munching on hog roast and wandering around looking at the sheep and lavendar bantams, the pot bellied piglets (had to really discipline myself not to buy one!!) and the crafts. Rhiannon held as many animals as she was allowed - which was most of them, except for the cow!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ujmKcxlk-LRi3SP9wp_UHwzj8yqZYzck0KXRmp8idV2KwvBxnbKW4wKknu7ZvGrNAS-17PN9okFhLT5Z1uuF-sNxL97IkJENlsLGU-bpxEXniCneesY98SlFLKERbhOvh8NfuEDhYogU/s1600/th_cow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ujmKcxlk-LRi3SP9wp_UHwzj8yqZYzck0KXRmp8idV2KwvBxnbKW4wKknu7ZvGrNAS-17PN9okFhLT5Z1uuF-sNxL97IkJENlsLGU-bpxEXniCneesY98SlFLKERbhOvh8NfuEDhYogU/s320/th_cow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640787415425848770" /></a>
<br />
<br />I became a member of the kent smallholders association. Well I do have 2 chickens and a few veg growing in my handkerchief!! What fun! Im a smallholder!! A very smallholder!!
<br />
<br />It was one of those events that kind of inspires and re-energises me. Topping off the events of last night its been one of those weekends that I can live off for a very long time. And now my autumn and winter has something to plan and focus on. To meet together with other smallholders (whether those with a fields or a window box to smallhold on) and the possibility of dancing with a Morris side. Im well and truly ready to continue in my Urban paradise. As long as I can bring a bit of country into my urban life. I am content.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUM_Mj9g0wUSSN5uf4GCgjix4MY8rU2unN2onAx_CxwT4btBUAf4cosnuGTO22CoRXtfPRhBiHYEGzfH5EuutUorBmB31-G8aPAjAysHSF0kQYPb3B-IKY1fUlXd23fEzYMjQVX-Ok-TA/s1600/plant+pots.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUM_Mj9g0wUSSN5uf4GCgjix4MY8rU2unN2onAx_CxwT4btBUAf4cosnuGTO22CoRXtfPRhBiHYEGzfH5EuutUorBmB31-G8aPAjAysHSF0kQYPb3B-IKY1fUlXd23fEzYMjQVX-Ok-TA/s320/plant+pots.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640788144882418258" /></a>
<br />raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-81638798992220330112011-07-03T10:28:00.008+01:002011-07-03T11:28:08.955+01:00Another New Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5nAv9rEu5laiVQs4uvZ_kiOWUCAyIroy6nKzsE4Q-18N_FZtZJ8hiLKI8D4gUPFsMFmDiJgkIFXl89t2DdBuPJBOhdes_Ji8lVLPO4Z0OOF1ZS-4Yt8wrK4WgXZndwq4nNYZZqf2L_w7/s1600/th_smiley_face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5nAv9rEu5laiVQs4uvZ_kiOWUCAyIroy6nKzsE4Q-18N_FZtZJ8hiLKI8D4gUPFsMFmDiJgkIFXl89t2DdBuPJBOhdes_Ji8lVLPO4Z0OOF1ZS-4Yt8wrK4WgXZndwq4nNYZZqf2L_w7/s320/th_smiley_face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625068391511993666" /></a><br />Ive got a new Job!<br /><br />At last!!!!<br /><br />I cant describe the relief I have now after 6 months of being unemployed. You may remember from a previous blog that I left my job back in december last year with the intention of going self employed. Well that didnt quite work out and like many plans that dont quite go the way intended, I always believe things happen for a particular reason. Maybe, if I realised at the time I would be out of work and signing on for 6 months, I wouldnt have jumped. <br /><br />But its been a valuable experience nevertheless. I got a chance to really appreciate what I did have. Ive never been one for buying loads of stuff, but having a bit of independence financially does help. First to go were the little pleasures, an occasional takeaway, a trip out with Rhiannon (couldnt afford the petrol) or her extra curricular activities - swimming club, tennis etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojqeLtgWEexQLAqTdsPq0L2Yng0L1du446PvQzpXczRmvnFWxrvEovwfnXl7nKstdrWs3CWlf3spjMuGdpgrWBrR3UBWuL8-x0WzQmlHwgGDRLDUE6b314X1ZjEI562G5oI3cUs3XJJFq/s1600/th_Pict3562.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojqeLtgWEexQLAqTdsPq0L2Yng0L1du446PvQzpXczRmvnFWxrvEovwfnXl7nKstdrWs3CWlf3spjMuGdpgrWBrR3UBWuL8-x0WzQmlHwgGDRLDUE6b314X1ZjEI562G5oI3cUs3XJJFq/s320/th_Pict3562.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625066115336304578" /></a><br />Then the car had to be taken off road. Insurance, tax disc and MOT couldnt be covered. That would also impact on my ability to find work - if I couldnt get to a job after dropping Rhiannon off at school then I would find it harder too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJTpbaJz8DmJPSgEVxw6snsuX_eQNd8Epy4NLpB6XBstPvO3nWzhjOdaFBJg27U5TGarik1nNDsqtmKppPRx2uAsfDa63dezQqOYc-IVX-XS2Id5-sfboBWyQUtKYxkRWT2qXRUp044go/s1600/th_JobCentre.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJTpbaJz8DmJPSgEVxw6snsuX_eQNd8Epy4NLpB6XBstPvO3nWzhjOdaFBJg27U5TGarik1nNDsqtmKppPRx2uAsfDa63dezQqOYc-IVX-XS2Id5-sfboBWyQUtKYxkRWT2qXRUp044go/s320/th_JobCentre.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625066468254482818" /></a><br />I also hadnt realised how unpleasant it would be to have to sign on either. Now I know the majority of people without work usually try very hard to find it, but I found a lot of attitudes towards unemployed people very negative. That doesnt mean there are no people out there trying to cheat the system, but they are very much the minority, and I was frustrated and angry at how so many people thought I was living the life of riley.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtoGiH0zMiHttuGz7QTFKsm0xnD3IuCSxCzQxMm1kLAxnd_toxzcAQDfE5paHmht5JeXifH6esFhguNyQ5B-3QyEBAVB25qpSmp1akQ0x-da0bq_7qxnNnNoewpcj9tCDxf-efeIVeBbR/s1600/th_HAMMOCK.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtoGiH0zMiHttuGz7QTFKsm0xnD3IuCSxCzQxMm1kLAxnd_toxzcAQDfE5paHmht5JeXifH6esFhguNyQ5B-3QyEBAVB25qpSmp1akQ0x-da0bq_7qxnNnNoewpcj9tCDxf-efeIVeBbR/s320/th_HAMMOCK.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625067428253282626" /></a><br />It was hard too - as I found a couple of hours work helping in a toddlers toy library and the job centre kept loosing my declaration forms or demanding payslips I hadnt had and stopping my allowance. Not an easy time for a while.<br /><br /><br />These were all lessons to be experienced and processed.<br /><br />I began to use the buses again when necessary and walk more. Before I got my car, I used to walk everywhere and it was only a few weeks before I noticed the difference in myself. It was difficult for getting Rhiannon to school though. We had a journey to the other side of the city to get there which meant walking, 2 buses and walking again. Leaving at 7.30 in the morning to arrive in time, then for me a return journey, and a repeat of both to collect her in the afternoon!<br /><br />Im a very organised person financially. Always listing my incomings and outgoings which I record weekly in a diary, so I didnt run out of money, but as I said earlier, I had less to play with and this curtailed a lot of activities. So in between searching for a job, I caught up reading, worked harder on my garden and projects I had been leaving 'until I had time', and sometimes just staring into space and enjoying being still.<br /><br /><br />It was an enforced period of contemplation that made me realise how much I did have, and to appreciate it even more. So that when a job finally turned up (and I was always certain it would in the end) I wanted to be sure that I wouldnt become complacent and take it all for granted. Especially when the job eventually turned up and I still dont have the use of my car. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlOP6C1l8yRmRHkGBQT86AjEqDhj0TI889lnrUmaK5cov2k2dRBSy0X5-yKipAJEd63koOeZm_L5gBb6c-mlnubl_GuIIqO1HoIzLb-f4qjGKSpeVYk911wbWcqQXhoD5TGOm6b2F5ZO/s1600/th_Norton2011-77.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlOP6C1l8yRmRHkGBQT86AjEqDhj0TI889lnrUmaK5cov2k2dRBSy0X5-yKipAJEd63koOeZm_L5gBb6c-mlnubl_GuIIqO1HoIzLb-f4qjGKSpeVYk911wbWcqQXhoD5TGOm6b2F5ZO/s320/th_Norton2011-77.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625067745415730738" /></a><br />A good friend has lent me hers while she's unable to drive for a few months - giving me the chance to get Rhiannon to school and me to work in time, and save up for the MOT etc.<br /><br />And now Im a working girl again. Started last monday, extremely tired as its 6 hours on my feet all day and very physical work as a domestic assistant in the University.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAiwXcXNgWgTB1TJbdpHcQOhVDvWzzqW6O-uqer9kY-SID6Rrqz_sKof2_7l6Os6W86X1utudggdZ-63Is_U-XMS9qs3LaZZZd_1gAT8YoAFph8YU-gJhyVh_RdQwnrmsNnPHLAnbw1bU/s1600/th_bucketre-done.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAiwXcXNgWgTB1TJbdpHcQOhVDvWzzqW6O-uqer9kY-SID6Rrqz_sKof2_7l6Os6W86X1utudggdZ-63Is_U-XMS9qs3LaZZZd_1gAT8YoAFph8YU-gJhyVh_RdQwnrmsNnPHLAnbw1bU/s320/th_bucketre-done.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625065823438614866" /></a><br /> But I get to take my daughter to school and collect her. We spent the weekend at a Hay making festival and I could afford to pay for the hog roast and ice cream again. We are off today to the local wolf sanctuary and maybe another ice cream (well, it is summer!!)<br /><br />So Im grateful for the experience and hope I can appreciate what I have even more this time around.raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-27487752120780391322011-06-05T18:42:00.008+01:002011-06-05T20:16:18.263+01:00Putting Down Roots and Future DreamsI've always been a bit of a wanderer, enjoyed the adventure of finding new places to explore and live. Some of the time its been something I didn't have an awful lot of control over. After my divorce for instance, I lived in rented flats or houses, and on a few occasions my landlords decided to sell the house which meant me finding alternative homes.<br /><br />I also needed to move sometimes myself, for work or for family situations. Once I just had to move from an area so grey - I just had to find somewhere with some greenery nearby!<br /><br />I live at the moment in a small house with a handkerchief garden on the edge of a small city. I came here originally to study at the University and rented a small Victorian cottage. After the birth of my last child, I couldn't afford the rent and was given a large, light and airy council flat that backed onto a lovely woodland. It was a good place to live, but as my daughter learned to walk and needed a garden, I managed to find a swap with the tenant of my present home - she wanted to be rid of a garden due to some health problems and so we exchanged and I have been here for nearly 3 years now.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMoKahVwVZfhtap_y1608MUdqfiYPtnf22rbTQiUyCPVK7JrF9fcjry9qBhnNPSBI9qMAb5nePcm0XhvCIdq19mtUJNIBlDJbKuNlTG-nXa5lpmPnN_NkkzRJ1yyjIxYXX6G4N4yfcJ8-/s1600/S7302758.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614809695593891010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMoKahVwVZfhtap_y1608MUdqfiYPtnf22rbTQiUyCPVK7JrF9fcjry9qBhnNPSBI9qMAb5nePcm0XhvCIdq19mtUJNIBlDJbKuNlTG-nXa5lpmPnN_NkkzRJ1yyjIxYXX6G4N4yfcJ8-/s320/S7302758.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The last 13 years has seen me move and live in 8 different places which is quite a lot of moves. And apart from the work involved in packing up and unpacking and the money to hire vans and an extra pair of hands or two, it really hasn't stressed me. Last year a problem with some neighbours disinterest in their children's' activities (basically breaking my windows and fencing) gave me itchy feet again and I began to look at exchange websites. For years I have longed to live down in the South west or West country, and my dreams of my rural witchy cottage, or canal boat haven't changed very much over the last few years.<br /><br />But every time I was offered an exchange, it came with a situation that wasn't right for me and my family. And so I began to think about it a little more deeply. Yes, I know if I want something strongly enough, I could find a way to do it, but then I also find that difficulties in doing something may indicate a need to decide if it really is the right thing after all.<br /><br />I don't want to uproot my young daughter at the moment - she has settled into a school and made friends and is doing well. The trouble I encountered has settled down. Strangely enough, all it needed was for me to install a blind across my kitchen window that faced the front to give me some privacy. The trouble only seemed to occur when I was visible through the window. Literally 'out of sight, out of mind' - although I'm pretty certain the simple spell I did to infuse the blind with invisibility helped a little!!<br /><br />Over the last couple of years I have been slowly decorating the house and adding little touches to it, to make it reflect my personality and interests. And the garden is also coming together to become a place of reflection and peace. Even when some choice language drifts over from another house, it doesn't seem to disturb the tranquility, almost like I have created a spiritual bubble of calm.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3X51h_nE9m47xmRAJdsNJRStPicKKg_6bVmySOdmDXJ5BfLK7bfhqcnByPoXCNnTYI7oqxYQhQbl2Miu_oGQ_TwmTXIpPPA7_tulR5CYFQyRIdIJ8ow4jS8D1DXPKisnnwLrtWaO2uSc/s1600/S7302753.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614810540169706306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3X51h_nE9m47xmRAJdsNJRStPicKKg_6bVmySOdmDXJ5BfLK7bfhqcnByPoXCNnTYI7oqxYQhQbl2Miu_oGQ_TwmTXIpPPA7_tulR5CYFQyRIdIJ8ow4jS8D1DXPKisnnwLrtWaO2uSc/s320/S7302753.JPG" /></a><br />I had decided that if for now I cant live in the country, I would bring the country to me. As well as sorting the garden out as a pleasant place to sit and contemplate, I added 3 chickens - for eggs, for the pleasure of watching them peck and scratch and for fun. Growing a few veg and having planted a couple of apple trees has also added to its simple beauty and I find myself sitting out in it as often as possible.<br /><br />I also found on another level I have connected to the spirit of the land where I live. I realised with my desire to leave, I had stopped making trips out, walking and exploring, foraging and observing the seasons, day and night cycles. I have made an effort to walk more, trips out to the nearby villages and countryside to look for interesting places to become acquainted with.<br /><br />My foraging activities started up again and I gathered dandelions to make marmalion jelly recently, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol3qIBgOXBlXcQsQ8BPqphGsvJTP2MYesztiB7tjVjBjNoUfEGcCZddxowMplFjOkQQM1jOeqbNLxtRic268ledphRnsKeVqlKIcVQepxJZNBobkoIvcB-oXfwORYiUN_RP5fidKX9bk_/s1600/marmalade.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614808858314987410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol3qIBgOXBlXcQsQ8BPqphGsvJTP2MYesztiB7tjVjBjNoUfEGcCZddxowMplFjOkQQM1jOeqbNLxtRic268ledphRnsKeVqlKIcVQepxJZNBobkoIvcB-oXfwORYiUN_RP5fidKX9bk_/s320/marmalade.jpg" /></a><br />and just last week walked for several hours exploring. We found many elders bursting with elderflower heads, some of which I turned into fragrant and delicate syrup. Nettles for beer and shortly, wild cherries for home made cherry brandy to put away for winter solstice presents. (If I can keep my hands off it long enough!)A local spring has beautiful clear water and we sat on a small walkers bridge in the sun, dangling toes into the fresh sharp waters. There are quite a few green areas in and on the outskirts of Canterbury and exploring the city often brings unexpected delights. By the Christchurch university for example; I found many elder trees in a churchyard where the church is now a music centre for the university.<br /><br />This is so important to me too. Because I am making a connection to the land. Appreciating its bounty and bringing into my home. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2KiIBjr5CHCprNYu0nbBMPMDtVijzHzg5NdTNPIC-3uGWkXybru7paqJlftn2lecvQeCNFr9tWxqP3l27vTZcH7nHvWcxEQkgNB57ZuMsOGmdwvh8kT7-eF8OGlEjE6Tm0bSMRUKNHSx/s1600/S7302773.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614809241509324082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2KiIBjr5CHCprNYu0nbBMPMDtVijzHzg5NdTNPIC-3uGWkXybru7paqJlftn2lecvQeCNFr9tWxqP3l27vTZcH7nHvWcxEQkgNB57ZuMsOGmdwvh8kT7-eF8OGlEjE6Tm0bSMRUKNHSx/s320/S7302773.JPG" /></a><br />I sit and listen to the wind again. Observe the sky, the plants and the wildlife. Spotting Herons and squirrels and maybe the odd urban fox. I feel the spirit of the Land and remember ancient feelings and memories. Remembering old recipes and remedies I used to use - hanging chamomile daisies in the kitchen to get rid of flies, adding wild peppermint leaves to my salads to aid digestion and so much more. I feel the spirit of the land so much closer now and can find a contentment that I hadn't felt for a long time.<br /><br />And so I sat today to make a decision for the next few years - at least until Rhiannon reaches secondary school, that I have got to allow the roots I'm putting down here to dig in and become strong. To nourish the plant to grow and flourish.<br /><br />No - I haven't stopped having my dream. One day I know I will have the freedom I seek and the canal narrow boat home I long for. I'm open to whatever there is in store for me and my family. Now, I am content to water and feed the roots Ive put down and live in the home I choose to be in.raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-76137480604645915452011-05-02T08:55:00.007+01:002011-05-02T10:02:15.457+01:00Beltane Season and the Sacred Marriage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit4ykSUVeon8WaNXgEwU1UvGNo97wWY2Q7QYJ7m4o4M11C-X2aa3xB-Au6vfI8sM0_WMXOgxyCST20iqFHc0gjK8lAzccsRf_3yyB77qsdOopqxvfwbSO7OzlHjJTLF1T2vLiN6Gs6R0C/s1600/th_maypole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit4ykSUVeon8WaNXgEwU1UvGNo97wWY2Q7QYJ7m4o4M11C-X2aa3xB-Au6vfI8sM0_WMXOgxyCST20iqFHc0gjK8lAzccsRf_3yyB77qsdOopqxvfwbSO7OzlHjJTLF1T2vLiN6Gs6R0C/s320/th_maypole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602035697021970210" /></a><br /><br />Well for weeks I have avoided it as much as possible! I really dislike the media hype and histerical outpourings of sentiment from the press. With all thats been going on in the world, I was not interested in what the dress would look like, who would be there, would she say 'obey' etc etc. In fact I found it really annoying to hear about how 'frugal' their wedding was going to be. Hmmmm.....Well I think most couples about to wed would enjoy being married in such splendour and it would probably cost them a fraction of what was really spent!<br /><br />So I made arrangements to be otherwise engaged on friday 29 april in order not to have to be around hyped up parties and over emotional people who wanted to party till its 1999. Then my plans fell through. I couldnt go where I meant to and I have a 7 year old daughter who had been at school for most of the week with playground street parties and making union jacks who now wanted to watch the wedding. <br /><br />Ok, so I can potter around, finish that washing, sort out the stuff for this summers crafts projects while she watches it. She'll soon get bored and want to change over to sponge bob square pants. And I only allow a bit of tv anyway so it'll soon be turned off and she can play with her dollies or help me plant some of the lettuce we have for the garden.<br /><br />No chance, she wants me to sit with her and cuddle. So at first I sit while we watch the people gather at the Cathedral, the colourful processions of the soldiers. And then I thought, well actually Ive always been interested in history and this is an event that will definately go down somewhere. Im no monarchist, but I do like the pagaentry and costumes - and the ritual of it all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA_OVxrDm-826gcQN2n_MHfmJQAy6QSn-jvIuGgB6mAV3SIBnExJqcizuAqmlaovERAfmj6b-YlKLO97qBsxPjSYVLqGyxgG4JVr550a3O9fwp12IOUpgCSMJFD4nKpfs5OwEi-f7YEEU/s1600/th_IMG_0199.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA_OVxrDm-826gcQN2n_MHfmJQAy6QSn-jvIuGgB6mAV3SIBnExJqcizuAqmlaovERAfmj6b-YlKLO97qBsxPjSYVLqGyxgG4JVr550a3O9fwp12IOUpgCSMJFD4nKpfs5OwEi-f7YEEU/s320/th_IMG_0199.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602037185833720930" /></a><br /><br /> Now like a lot of people, Id already drawn the connection to the fact that the wedding was happening at this time, just at the time of Beltane. The festival of the sacred marriage of the Goddess and the God. The Hieros Gamos. But I began to think about it as I watched the Queens guards and the horses marching along, listening to the crowds of people there and I began to see a bigger picture.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwKoFqcEp3jxX4fHqPy-ZqPWKTIzoOwuTFbdgzr2igqc1ONjQQjk7wirf0fPJTu7QfAM-w6eSp_EBXD7iHtSDhWl0J7daf5ITVXZmBKp0T-vA9_lylf53S7jn8m_xQlXbQ3VYcuPGr8Wk/s1600/th_streetpartypix.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwKoFqcEp3jxX4fHqPy-ZqPWKTIzoOwuTFbdgzr2igqc1ONjQQjk7wirf0fPJTu7QfAM-w6eSp_EBXD7iHtSDhWl0J7daf5ITVXZmBKp0T-vA9_lylf53S7jn8m_xQlXbQ3VYcuPGr8Wk/s320/th_streetpartypix.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602035850178251090" /></a><br /><br />The crowds of people all over the country with their parties - street or otherwise. The families who were watching the event together, or just sitting alone with a TV. What amazing energy was being created here. An energy being raised with most people unaware of the time of year and what it represents, but still their connection to the Land so strong that this was so important to be part of. In fact, all over the world, this energy was being raised, so many people in so many lands watching the wedding, wanting to be part of it somehow.<br /><br />I certainly dont think the monarchy purposely selected this time for the wedding conciously knowing its connection to the festival of Beltane. No that was the doing of a Greater power and knowledge of Her people and Lands. Chess pieces maybe.<br /><br />As I watched the ceremony seeing the trees that Katherine Middleton had asked to be placed in the cathedral and the moment when the Archbishop bound their hands together I could see how in the midst of all this organised religion and dogma, the Goddess had brought the Land inside. All it needed was a dance round the maypole. Well, they had a party in the evening and lots of dancing so maybe even that was represented in a way. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqD8gHacnZlWeTWR1Stx6gZ2rFISoEikVCKhoKw-WRDcwZFKo4vjDYjogZlS6ds9rwzBMyIpp2fCrqUaL1I7zH4ZZr7UAVcHcI89q4ATaLPtx2_pNZ-R8eL0lt-1c_h2VL1zrFVAdup6m/s1600/th_Handfasting.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqD8gHacnZlWeTWR1Stx6gZ2rFISoEikVCKhoKw-WRDcwZFKo4vjDYjogZlS6ds9rwzBMyIpp2fCrqUaL1I7zH4ZZr7UAVcHcI89q4ATaLPtx2_pNZ-R8eL0lt-1c_h2VL1zrFVAdup6m/s320/th_Handfasting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602038065204742850" /></a><br /><br /><br />And interesting it was the Bride - Kate who had wanted the trees. An act of the Goddess through her priestess although she is probably unaware of her role in this sacred marriage. The good will and connection created by the people of the world will create an amazing energy. I feel it is no accident that all this happened now, in the way it did. <br /><br />I remember being astounded at the energy raised by people when Diana died - the amazing connection between people united in mourning someone they never knew. But then she had become a symbolic person. Reaching out to the sick and injured. Remember the pictures of her with aids infected people, or the limbless victims of land mines. Queen of Hearts is what she wanted to be known as. And now her son has married a woman who may well be an unknowing priestess. Who knows - it will be interesting to see how this is played out in the coming years. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-4lzxel4VE5bfm5mvpluE828M53uXVzxQLhmYR_rlLZPsQmi0-XlIZj_q4imC_FRXqTtLhR7rMjA64gpOVLyxRby4fKe832QzAkVtGUdBRhedwV449igLvUkbn9SCNfU1uoQ3mdBNmYm/s1600/225191_1904890375057_1025685625_32179575_2865454_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-4lzxel4VE5bfm5mvpluE828M53uXVzxQLhmYR_rlLZPsQmi0-XlIZj_q4imC_FRXqTtLhR7rMjA64gpOVLyxRby4fKe832QzAkVtGUdBRhedwV449igLvUkbn9SCNfU1uoQ3mdBNmYm/s320/225191_1904890375057_1025685625_32179575_2865454_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602036036245411698" /></a><br /><br />No, Im still not a monarchist. My feelings on that are too long for this post and maybe I will share that another time. But Im glad I took the time to watch this event. And afterwards took part in my own Beltane celebrations, gathered with friends to dance the maypole and toast the Summer.<br /><br />Hail the Queen of the Mayraewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-13068543347920748832011-01-25T13:20:00.006+00:002011-01-25T13:54:56.680+00:00Have a Merry Burns Night!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixydfgbPrE8lmf0N9NTLeD-6nCyhmMcr_hUQJLnvLGyJdmEkIq-fbbnYsZkCMEH_kBgY5qsY9jNp6IrW_cpQXDOzEoJq4-AWkshTJxfZCeTyK3rh9xdQAFp1As1jUJ7fAdPgEsMYQDRU2F/s1600/230px-Robert_burns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixydfgbPrE8lmf0N9NTLeD-6nCyhmMcr_hUQJLnvLGyJdmEkIq-fbbnYsZkCMEH_kBgY5qsY9jNp6IrW_cpQXDOzEoJq4-AWkshTJxfZCeTyK3rh9xdQAFp1As1jUJ7fAdPgEsMYQDRU2F/s320/230px-Robert_burns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566120272914417170" /></a><br />Robert Burns was born 25 January 1759 (to 21 july 1796) and is well known for his poetry, his contribution to the Romantic movement and as possibly the most famous Scotsman.<br /><br />He is celebrated on 25 January each year at Burns Night events everywhere. Although this isnt a pagan celebration, I still like to celebrate it as its a celebration of poetry, song and creativity which my Bardic side enjoys immensly. It was he who wrote Auld lang syne which everyone knows world wide, and is traditionally sung on new years eve. And another well known poem Tam o' Shanter.<br /><br />He is celebrated with a feast of Haggis, neeps and a dram of whisky. The Haggis was immortalised in his poem 'Address to a Haggis'. Neeps is a dish usually consisting of swede, turnip, and potatoes, boiled and mashed. Sometimes served with butter and a good dose of pepper in it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk-f6TgMFj1k4wOfUA2M5AGIZTpvNfyo2wXmI_ouofhrZ6PX1ZuF1CSo6FlVpN37r68IFc9DdS6yUdQ1ae35OCZ-4d1l_ta13G75OqTK6FQXGaf71y7RmpdfAYOyoGXbvwDo2o8sJt-W8/s1600/th_haggis.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk-f6TgMFj1k4wOfUA2M5AGIZTpvNfyo2wXmI_ouofhrZ6PX1ZuF1CSo6FlVpN37r68IFc9DdS6yUdQ1ae35OCZ-4d1l_ta13G75OqTK6FQXGaf71y7RmpdfAYOyoGXbvwDo2o8sJt-W8/s320/th_haggis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566120412966899778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The Haggis is a dish containing a mix of minced sheep's heart, liver and lungs, onion, oatmeal,spices, meat stock and suet with a pinch of salt which is mixed and traditionally simmered in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours. Haggis is actually a large kind of sausage. Nowadays you can even get a vegetarian Haggis option in many health food shops.<br /><br />Part of my pagan life consists of celebrating the traditions built up over many years of various lands that I feel connected to. They may not be a 'pagan' celebration, but still fun to take part and great to be part of a living tradition.<br /><br />He also wrote 'To a Mouse' from which we get the well known line 'Wee, sleekit, cowrin, timrous beastie'<br /><br />To A Mouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CrUPfH_HBp56_eUXESkyosTPRNR-mxTZ2C-eKwF3JzqXz1PsOoTB-5MaNj0nb7iZs3GMa-4Z84S83M36C2uvKJTfQ2OL-gQvY7UgJIIRH5r25mpngzPnLJ_LnPA3GdDtSnp7Ab6WWe25/s1600/th_concretegardenmousestatuefigurinewwwthepetmarkercom.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CrUPfH_HBp56_eUXESkyosTPRNR-mxTZ2C-eKwF3JzqXz1PsOoTB-5MaNj0nb7iZs3GMa-4Z84S83M36C2uvKJTfQ2OL-gQvY7UgJIIRH5r25mpngzPnLJ_LnPA3GdDtSnp7Ab6WWe25/s320/th_concretegardenmousestatuefigurinewwwthepetmarkercom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566120652206641234" /></a><br /><br /><br />Wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie,<br />O, what a panic's in thy breastie!<br />Thou need na start awa sae hasty<br />Wi bickering brattle!<br />I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,<br />Wi' murdering pattle.<br /><br />I'm truly sorry man's dominion<br />Has broken Nature's social union,<br />An' justifies that ill opinion<br />Which makes thee startle<br />At me, thy poor, earth born companion<br />An' fellow mortal!<br /><br />I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;<br />What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!<br />A daimen icker in a thrave<br />'S a sma' request;<br />I'll get a blessin wi' the lave,<br />An' never miss't.<br /><br />Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!<br />It's silly wa's the win's are strewin!<br />An' naething, now, to big a new ane,<br />O' foggage green!<br />An' bleak December's win's ensuin,<br />Baith snell an' keen!<br /><br />Thou saw the fields laid bare an' waste,<br />An' weary winter comin fast,<br />An' cozie here, beneath the blast,<br />Thou thought to dwell,<br />Till crash! the cruel coulter past<br />Out thro' thy cell.<br /><br />That wee bit heap o' leaves an' stibble,<br />Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!<br />Now thou's turned out, for a' thy trouble,<br />But house or hald,<br />To thole the winter's sleety dribble,<br />An' cranreuch cauld.<br /><br />But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,<br />In proving foresight may be vain:<br />The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men<br />Gang aft agley,<br />An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,<br />For promis'd joy!<br /><br />Still thou are blest, compared wi' me!<br />The present only toucheth thee:<br />But och! I backward cast my e'e,<br />On prospects drear!<br />An' forward, tho' I canna see,<br />I guess an' fear!<br /><br />I wish you a Merry Burns Night - pass the whisky please!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5M3F_EDUUJFvfSRf3YpTRHfAlVI7Fcp5T-NgugowSiFIB0YR9tPkQHbGgJD6sHEMSOYnX5MaK6i3kLnwicSTVftY9sxm2pDSfVHBSwsIxFkxRumtXWfHWqBJ5NC4eGh_j92wdJ8Gpi9p/s1600/image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5M3F_EDUUJFvfSRf3YpTRHfAlVI7Fcp5T-NgugowSiFIB0YR9tPkQHbGgJD6sHEMSOYnX5MaK6i3kLnwicSTVftY9sxm2pDSfVHBSwsIxFkxRumtXWfHWqBJ5NC4eGh_j92wdJ8Gpi9p/s320/image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566121070195178402" /></a>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-7824670567885982432011-01-22T11:20:00.011+00:002011-01-22T12:24:58.343+00:00Time to wake up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiul4QWxDE3hzS9EJ3RByhD4mYfENjU77Vm3B1SQBNnreNcNCXx-5jkCH1fNjgZyNa1oA4Hu0nvEdymLw4hsYA-97k3rK8HY-x9hvr9PZfdL3ysfhS7y2YNsYOHZrI0gOelEZkLHZjMcHq/s1600/jjf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiul4QWxDE3hzS9EJ3RByhD4mYfENjU77Vm3B1SQBNnreNcNCXx-5jkCH1fNjgZyNa1oA4Hu0nvEdymLw4hsYA-97k3rK8HY-x9hvr9PZfdL3ysfhS7y2YNsYOHZrI0gOelEZkLHZjMcHq/s320/jjf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564980971887624786" /></a><br />Continuing on with the last post on new beginnings - each day brings that little bit of extra energy to start new projects, new ideas and build on a foundation that will create the building of this year.<br /><br />I always find 2 major things happen to me at this time of year. Clearing out inner and outer crap is one of them and can be seen in a desire to remove clutter in my home (mirroring the desire to remove the spiritual and emotional clutter I may be carrying around with me too). The other biggie is when I begin looking around for new and interesting things to do. Some of this may have been on the back boiler and had their seeds planted last year - such as my new career possibilities, and some have arrived like an unexpected but very welcome friend coming to visit!<br /><br />So far, I have finally got round to sending off for the OBOD's bardic grade coursework which is something that has been in my mind for several years. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XN3EKYYOp5PewOtgPkRL1fYjsR3aDd7FdnfkH9Ypl82s4FU40PQhZJr01kzqP1qTSXRJ8YBNzBDPqcZuiodmAVFgAAYo3IOMYhZezIraiPXxQfEbPeSLuKt9O3iqYIGpxJPyFDgrQA04/s1600/obod.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XN3EKYYOp5PewOtgPkRL1fYjsR3aDd7FdnfkH9Ypl82s4FU40PQhZJr01kzqP1qTSXRJ8YBNzBDPqcZuiodmAVFgAAYo3IOMYhZezIraiPXxQfEbPeSLuKt9O3iqYIGpxJPyFDgrQA04/s320/obod.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564981531995758418" /></a><br />This also has something to do with my spiritual path and a part of me I have been suppressing for several years - another blog entry will cover that I think. But its that time when some things connect with the energy to create new things in my life and become irrisistable to leave for another year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWr_kWqbBPbO7Lm_beQFmhwgWwTL0n4QJduQBmS2WyUjURit5tkSEn9aMikWZqx6KeY79mXbWxpo9PUZ2RRKsYDpEBI7kZ8pyLwROXXgaFhdJl__81InXZC5QQd1Yo7LPvR0EAsf0tOqE/s1600/Image029.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWr_kWqbBPbO7Lm_beQFmhwgWwTL0n4QJduQBmS2WyUjURit5tkSEn9aMikWZqx6KeY79mXbWxpo9PUZ2RRKsYDpEBI7kZ8pyLwROXXgaFhdJl__81InXZC5QQd1Yo7LPvR0EAsf0tOqE/s320/Image029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564979868792618722" /></a><br /><br />More usual are the things I look around to do for fun and to satisfy the creative part of me. Things I can do with my youngest daughter and other family members when they're here. So I scour the internet for the websites of events I enjoy - The Green Man festival at Hastings in May. The strawberry fair at Cambridge in June. And on the way I discover other events I may not have come accross before - maybe being put on for the first time - such as last year Eden projects 'Big Lunch' which we took part in during july in canterbury. I get a lovely new diary (I just love a new virgin page ready to write my plans and projects on). It gets filled with ideas of things I might like to take part in, practical information such as money coming in and bills going out, and school diary info too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BorBgnSkgp3P8a1KaRc1RHVHtP7RkV0xBVKXrAlz2HLjzyayLyyX5e0quh8M-kqNfC-7fSkN6uQzRo4Pir9kcNOllNOXmF3glfo3E8fG-JA-PzbIE-pX9Hm9viyzrPd_AIcQboRKYetl/s1600/blean+summer+fair+2010+022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BorBgnSkgp3P8a1KaRc1RHVHtP7RkV0xBVKXrAlz2HLjzyayLyyX5e0quh8M-kqNfC-7fSkN6uQzRo4Pir9kcNOllNOXmF3glfo3E8fG-JA-PzbIE-pX9Hm9viyzrPd_AIcQboRKYetl/s320/blean+summer+fair+2010+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564980291974802018" /></a><br /><br />I explore the local colleges and universities sites too (we're greedy in canterbury - we have 3 universities here!) for day schools and family learning days. Often cheap or with concessions for low wage earners they can provide really interesting and fun ways to try new things and feed that part of me crying out to learn or use my creativity. Or both! Found a fantastic day school in the summer to work with a Labyrinth built in Kent university's grounds, with the chance to walk it, write about it , create around it and .....well.....we are only limited by our imaginations arent we!<br /><br />I am not in the space where I want to start new magical or mediation groups and circles nowadays, but do like to come together with friends old and new to do something for fun regularly, so have decided to hold a regular arty session for creative crafts and fun. Its not a rigid structured group which doesnt put any pressure on me which is what Im going for at the moment. Just a day or evening regularly that I plan to have open house for anyone who wants to join me doing some craft or arty activity. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnwgq40tg_9JQ4szw-NrL4B_GPyRUaeIxjTlpm_cVhyphenhyphengRaLlt-3wvjDjs8jsFEyLFiBUtCjRW3bS1USUvVA_EB8dKIuO13rXaZKyX4qtnymXtUfbbfIheN8n7O_Y2C3ih6CHD5JkMTdbT/s1600/spring.11+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnwgq40tg_9JQ4szw-NrL4B_GPyRUaeIxjTlpm_cVhyphenhyphengRaLlt-3wvjDjs8jsFEyLFiBUtCjRW3bS1USUvVA_EB8dKIuO13rXaZKyX4qtnymXtUfbbfIheN8n7O_Y2C3ih6CHD5JkMTdbT/s320/spring.11+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564982091573286754" /></a><br /><br />What could be more simple, fun, companionable and feed my creative soul?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASfkLA_ka3NYKz4mFUeAMOBXFvv4wQx83MgOAZuhQlHEwh3wUTWTayCRt2cHDFv0akBa3PaZW-vItjcWtF76gTokLIguCJZzl0JvbBC0SYEE5LQnMRuK4M36Gh-MF3nm_Xm5bPINkGZoY/s1600/faery10.4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASfkLA_ka3NYKz4mFUeAMOBXFvv4wQx83MgOAZuhQlHEwh3wUTWTayCRt2cHDFv0akBa3PaZW-vItjcWtF76gTokLIguCJZzl0JvbBC0SYEE5LQnMRuK4M36Gh-MF3nm_Xm5bPINkGZoY/s320/faery10.4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564983365412667730" /></a><br /><br />And to feed my spiritual soul - as I mentioned I am eagerly awaiting my bardic coursework from OBOD. And a variety of pagan fairs and processions to enjoy. The Fairy Festival in Canterbury is an event we love to go to. The fun of dressing up, meeting fun, friendly people and maybe going to the Fairy Ball. <br /><br />It seems to me that this time I find Im hungry in various parts of my soul. I need to feed several parts of me - the spiritual, physical, emotional and practical. This is the energy of Spring arising from its earthy sleep as we creep slowly but surely towards Imbolg.<br /><br />Depending where you live there are things you can do. Obviously in an urban setting there may be more on offer so country dwellers or more isolated community inhabitants may have to be creative and organise the things you want to do yourself rather than look for events planned. Even in towns and cities you may be unable to find a group or circle of people with your interests. Several years ago there were no Goddess groups in canterbury and I started one up because it was something I wanted to be involved with at the time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq84wmKOw3fNxkZb_TKwWTZwy4cFCpwUk3BLpFgeU0MEBjd3njiRM1BI7SZGfqB8H4mV-Q5i2AwJvodgaQL9Aqpz8M5DmTCuhIBd6fuw2yMMaqODtOwFRqe__9P2gfFlnFLLmLXRMketnl/s1600/th_sleepingbear-tm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq84wmKOw3fNxkZb_TKwWTZwy4cFCpwUk3BLpFgeU0MEBjd3njiRM1BI7SZGfqB8H4mV-Q5i2AwJvodgaQL9Aqpz8M5DmTCuhIBd6fuw2yMMaqODtOwFRqe__9P2gfFlnFLLmLXRMketnl/s320/th_sleepingbear-tm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564984536342650850" /></a><br /><br /><br />Im a creature of nature and find myself hibernating over winter and not wanting to trudge around outside even if I know once I get out I will enjoy it. Its easy to get into the habit of lounging about even when the days start to get warmer and lighter but the pull of the seasonal tides is as sure as night following the day, and if I dont answer the call...well....I just become sullen and cranky.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJaf_c3i9Vdaxpmebt-0UUfAvX23IKCwHAdLNsiyKIsTtgKV_r6yS34QuZlsoeid3avFdWHud93sXzywsX0J2NuMLavBeldWFwPCsxHSw_cmUGJA2N30UtJ1ehTt97_3qrtKYH_SVT6cq/s1600/hj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJaf_c3i9Vdaxpmebt-0UUfAvX23IKCwHAdLNsiyKIsTtgKV_r6yS34QuZlsoeid3avFdWHud93sXzywsX0J2NuMLavBeldWFwPCsxHSw_cmUGJA2N30UtJ1ehTt97_3qrtKYH_SVT6cq/s320/hj.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564984981116519426" /></a>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-83054447431569110512011-01-18T19:18:00.006+00:002011-01-18T19:40:42.968+00:00New Beginnings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a21MuakKJ_Euqz7eLVxEAgBfyL5C5B5QQzvjVRJsubBiEZXd3l7IwIf6VaOjwVUx9I3csgRWB5zJl82irPj-nkiE0_oEyWRnCG7ujvSPtrXYduRzpzU7XFr_ZSxYLVt28P9bkVXvSLWu/s1600/skits%253D+046.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a21MuakKJ_Euqz7eLVxEAgBfyL5C5B5QQzvjVRJsubBiEZXd3l7IwIf6VaOjwVUx9I3csgRWB5zJl82irPj-nkiE0_oEyWRnCG7ujvSPtrXYduRzpzU7XFr_ZSxYLVt28P9bkVXvSLWu/s320/skits%253D+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563611979468137522" /></a><br />Well the new calendar year has got under way and already I can feel the movement of the seasons as spring tentatively indicates she is on her way. At the end of last year I underwent big changes personally when I left a job I had grown to dislike in order to take a new direction. Actually I have to say - it wasnt the actual job I disliked - I love to cook and the children at the school i worked in were lovely. <br />Are lovely - my daughter still goes there....<br /><br />Sadly all too familiar - it was the company I worked for. A outside contract company that I would not work for again...but thats in the past and I am looking to the present and future. I took the plunge into an idea that has been a slow growing thought for several years. In fact, since I gave birth to Rhiannon nearly 7 years ago. <br /><br />I like children, I loved having her at home before she started school, doing crafts and fun things together. I had thought about becoming a registered child minder before, but it just wasnt the right time then. Now it is! I am slowly going through the process of the registration, doing the coursework, paediatric first aid etc and hopefully will be all ready to start by the beginning of the summer.<br /><br />Of course this has a knock on effect on all my life. Im having to use my resources to keep my head above water while i go through the new training. Im going along on the belief that I have made the right decision - as all people do when they want to start a new business and have to believe the work will come.<br /><br />But Im absolutely sure Ive done the right thing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDbv8BKbRmye4y_G7cmWqlQWveWif3UhOa4HWauC-6iJbdUp-4AOJ5pZRYD9YVyxcyINlcx96eJhNaUu5ApFbLvTU7eakHV4C6H-pFmXu9Te1_km9TpnBqrxzVh8_rP-wt7JEaQru8ZCN/s1600/imageduy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDbv8BKbRmye4y_G7cmWqlQWveWif3UhOa4HWauC-6iJbdUp-4AOJ5pZRYD9YVyxcyINlcx96eJhNaUu5ApFbLvTU7eakHV4C6H-pFmXu9Te1_km9TpnBqrxzVh8_rP-wt7JEaQru8ZCN/s320/imageduy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563612504152061122" /></a><br /><br />First of all, I dont wake up in the morning dreading going to work and what problems my immediate management will give me this week. I can physically feel the stress has gone and my shoulders have lost a weight it carried around for most of last year. I feel healthier and happier too. And all the puzzle pieces are fitting in the right places, effortlessly and easily. I havent had any problems with sorting out my finances although they are tight and everything is falling into place in the time frame I have planned for. I am so grateful and appreciative that this is happening now and continue to believe that I am walking the right path for me, for now.<br /><br />New beginnings at a new cycle of time and life....watch this space....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79T6lIleLhXi8LEBDjvyu7a8JN1pBQdPz5keijLCLuDS3wBGxFHrpuuH-8N81jn12hU5OnP9rZ8r1F9fuSwHAS93yl4mdxl0g9N8c7nTUAH7C4lQ-x8NGhqKdpE5eOnbJXOORT8nhm2hy/s1600/imagegfjds.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79T6lIleLhXi8LEBDjvyu7a8JN1pBQdPz5keijLCLuDS3wBGxFHrpuuH-8N81jn12hU5OnP9rZ8r1F9fuSwHAS93yl4mdxl0g9N8c7nTUAH7C4lQ-x8NGhqKdpE5eOnbJXOORT8nhm2hy/s320/imagegfjds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563612579892587986" /></a>raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-75892058432664597542010-12-24T11:47:00.004+00:002010-12-24T18:06:55.555+00:00New Year Blessings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aMaLHX16x1fVf3NZoTcjTeN2vVm1zfEt34_GGGrg3fTdUNwR3TLgr-WQXB7T-iQvhlHLEGYo7ZyM4FiG_DrfQjKvsJcjDyPzpwBkJOauHPfElbCDu7BeAKMOATDpJVfzG6FAQFLZiIAe/s1600/lunar+eclipse+yuletide+2010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aMaLHX16x1fVf3NZoTcjTeN2vVm1zfEt34_GGGrg3fTdUNwR3TLgr-WQXB7T-iQvhlHLEGYo7ZyM4FiG_DrfQjKvsJcjDyPzpwBkJOauHPfElbCDu7BeAKMOATDpJVfzG6FAQFLZiIAe/s320/lunar+eclipse+yuletide+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554214963816447634" /></a><br /><strong>Mai y flwyddyn newydd yn dod â bendithion a lwc dda i chi a chi<br /><br />I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and abundance in all things.<br />See you in the new year</strong><br /><br />(photo by alex langstone)raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2102726217998881327.post-50864932178697022712010-12-02T11:28:00.009+00:002010-12-02T11:55:03.261+00:00Winter Stillness - take time to be still and reflect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52oUH3EgiiayNHnok369D_fW_n03klk_jII-kvgcsz_eMEo_4i93iJPhcahokSXWWTobL3lc_uiBmuwSYW1hxNLEEMmh9jH0On7OwFChQJ8fyTRxBCnY7jRiR_Bdg7z_dbTWktZ07VCcS/s1600/solstice+10.123+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52oUH3EgiiayNHnok369D_fW_n03klk_jII-kvgcsz_eMEo_4i93iJPhcahokSXWWTobL3lc_uiBmuwSYW1hxNLEEMmh9jH0On7OwFChQJ8fyTRxBCnY7jRiR_Bdg7z_dbTWktZ07VCcS/s320/solstice+10.123+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546050216278948274" /></a><br />As time ticks down towards the coming festivities and some of us are busy visiting santa, going to the panto and the kids school show, xmas bazaars and so on, its sometimes hard to remember to make time to sit and be still. Maybe to reflect on the past year and the new one to come. Whether you make resolutions at the new year or not, this time is one that definately encourages me to think about the past and future. I know I have mentioned before that I get this kind of feeling between Samhain and the Winter Solstice as the year and the natural cycle of life winds down into deep winter. <br /><br />It seems even more important since the weather has changed drastically and so many of us are forced to stay home from work and school. Some dramatically cut off in their villages and more remote areas. Even here on the edge of the city of Canterbury, I have been given a day off work as the schools are closed for the day. Reluctant at first as I dont get paid when Im not at work and with my approaching change of career/work I cant really afford any more loss of income. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd3JN8fIjFf8am8C2BBDiShY086UqRbTip97NBHDHYNUW2gvYmlOmKgyDzO5JC7x0xHpaKBxyo-vYW9a2pVLDJM7KiRtkpX1geJm5zIr1hKnK5XzZ47l3wjebKmONmIKr2c4GFBejcYOq/s1600/solstice+10.123+007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd3JN8fIjFf8am8C2BBDiShY086UqRbTip97NBHDHYNUW2gvYmlOmKgyDzO5JC7x0xHpaKBxyo-vYW9a2pVLDJM7KiRtkpX1geJm5zIr1hKnK5XzZ47l3wjebKmONmIKr2c4GFBejcYOq/s320/solstice+10.123+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546050480561211634" /></a><br /><br />But then I decided to make this a gift to myself. I have made plans to make solstice cards with Rhiannon this afternoon and just enjoy the day for what it is. I took some photos of the view from my bedroom window and was entranced by the stillness and peace of the scene. Normally I can see buses climbing the hill behind my garden. Cars weaving up and down the road. <br /><br />Today nothing moves. There is no sound of engines or people calling to each other. Even the bird song seems absent and although Im sure later there will be sounds of children enjoying snowball fights and snowman building, as I write this, I am enjoying the 'sound of the silence.'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzK4X2rNief95E5bJ3DbEXxxVa0K7lBpoT1dKm2C2kHVc6WajnaKhcdGdqDrOOhRkiMAf_jb5qKLdSdqiXZOFbDlNpgAHBepJhjhawYV8wKYsPES4q2-vhLcB8MrHpVp_uM6AQK3z3aqT/s1600/solstice+10.123+002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzK4X2rNief95E5bJ3DbEXxxVa0K7lBpoT1dKm2C2kHVc6WajnaKhcdGdqDrOOhRkiMAf_jb5qKLdSdqiXZOFbDlNpgAHBepJhjhawYV8wKYsPES4q2-vhLcB8MrHpVp_uM6AQK3z3aqT/s320/solstice+10.123+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546051475034895058" /></a><br /><br />It may be an enforced silence and rest for some of us - but welcome in the rushing busy world most of us inhabit. It reminds me to make sure I allow moments of stillness and peace into my life. Its a soul necessity.raewytchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01023524046081777342noreply@blogger.com1