Full Moon Blessings - May your harvest be more than you had hoped for
may Mother Earth bless you and keep you
May your harvest provide for the life and joy
of all that you love and cherish.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Harvest Moon
The full Harvest Moon hangs bright and heavy in the cold October sky. Smokey clouds dance across the glowing orb and the leaves rattle and cackle among the trees. There is a a dampness that chills the air and a hint frost; the first light touch lies close upon the earth and the musk of night surrounds and enfolds me.
The final harvest of the year arrives as the leaves burst forth with their hidden hues of orange, red and gold. How the light fades as the sun rises lower each morning and looses the height of the hot summer sun. The shadows rule the day and the night now, and they will for the next 4 months. The inner journey has begun.
Here in Maine, our lives are lived by the seasons of the year. We are all about the woodstove now. The stacking and the covering of the firewood is complete. The wood lies nestled in huge piles that create walls that will slowly be consumed and disappear by Spring. The woodstove ticks and pops in a satisfying way as the wind moans a little when it blows past the door.
I am thankful for the harvest this year. The Mother provides in so many ways, unexpected at times, but usually just what I need at the moment. Whether I realize it or not at the time...
Tomorrow I will harvest the final greens - the dandelions and the parsley. The last few peppers from the green house too.
Hope your harvest was all you hoped for!
The final harvest of the year arrives as the leaves burst forth with their hidden hues of orange, red and gold. How the light fades as the sun rises lower each morning and looses the height of the hot summer sun. The shadows rule the day and the night now, and they will for the next 4 months. The inner journey has begun.
Here in Maine, our lives are lived by the seasons of the year. We are all about the woodstove now. The stacking and the covering of the firewood is complete. The wood lies nestled in huge piles that create walls that will slowly be consumed and disappear by Spring. The woodstove ticks and pops in a satisfying way as the wind moans a little when it blows past the door.
I am thankful for the harvest this year. The Mother provides in so many ways, unexpected at times, but usually just what I need at the moment. Whether I realize it or not at the time...
Tomorrow I will harvest the final greens - the dandelions and the parsley. The last few peppers from the green house too.
Hope your harvest was all you hoped for!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Surviving Life
It's been awhile since I posted again... Forgive me faithful reader! Are you still with me? The days can pass so quickly and the garden always beckons as the summer comes to an end... though I know this isn't why I have left my blog unattended.
Actually I have avoided the whole Internet, Facebook, social media circus altogether, since my last posting here. I found myself astonished at the hate that flew at me from the airwaves from a single disgruntled person, who disagreed with my thoughts and misread my postings. I felt as if I had been slapped, judged and executed, tho it was really nothing but a mindless speel of religious/political brainwashing that I usually ignore. But this bothered me.
I realize though that allowing one uninformed person to alter my thoughts of peace and then stop the shareing of information that I accomplish online is silly. Why let 1 nasty person from my friends list of 145 people take precedence over all the good people? Why waste an instant on it? I let 'them' win if I give up. Thus my bloggin mind is renewed.
Last week was a dificult one for me. i've had a cold and a horrible cough that got much worse. I refused to call the doctor to save on my deductible - we have more than enough medical bills already. I developed a sharp pain that I let go for 2 days and it suddenly got worse. I even drove myself to the ER. It seems I have a hematoma in my abdominal wall - quite painful let me assure you. The medicine then made me sick and I ended up back at the hospital with uncontrollable vomiting and sweating and faintness (thanks for the ride Hannah!) ... Ice and rest... which would be fine if I had help with the fire, the dishes, the cleaning, the cooking, getting the water, tending the chickens, cleaning the litter boxes, going to the store... you see what I mean...
As I was recooperating and reading the Sunday paper, I was home alone. I heard barking and screaming and ran out to find my neighbors dog with one of my chickens in her mouth. She dropped the bird when I yelled but a chase ensued and I let Magick my huge black lab out to help. He saved the chickens life by holding the dog away as my chicken beelined it for Mama.
She hid in the bushes and I almost stepped on her as I searched the overgrown garden. She bled on my shirt, but it wasn't much. Her sister returned 15 minutes later, looking fine and they have spent the last 3 days trying to get out of the pen. I am better but still doing too much. I'm glad I can though! I rejoice in Life and all it's lessons! Blessed Be!
I
Actually I have avoided the whole Internet, Facebook, social media circus altogether, since my last posting here. I found myself astonished at the hate that flew at me from the airwaves from a single disgruntled person, who disagreed with my thoughts and misread my postings. I felt as if I had been slapped, judged and executed, tho it was really nothing but a mindless speel of religious/political brainwashing that I usually ignore. But this bothered me.
I realize though that allowing one uninformed person to alter my thoughts of peace and then stop the shareing of information that I accomplish online is silly. Why let 1 nasty person from my friends list of 145 people take precedence over all the good people? Why waste an instant on it? I let 'them' win if I give up. Thus my bloggin mind is renewed.
Last week was a dificult one for me. i've had a cold and a horrible cough that got much worse. I refused to call the doctor to save on my deductible - we have more than enough medical bills already. I developed a sharp pain that I let go for 2 days and it suddenly got worse. I even drove myself to the ER. It seems I have a hematoma in my abdominal wall - quite painful let me assure you. The medicine then made me sick and I ended up back at the hospital with uncontrollable vomiting and sweating and faintness (thanks for the ride Hannah!) ... Ice and rest... which would be fine if I had help with the fire, the dishes, the cleaning, the cooking, getting the water, tending the chickens, cleaning the litter boxes, going to the store... you see what I mean...
As I was recooperating and reading the Sunday paper, I was home alone. I heard barking and screaming and ran out to find my neighbors dog with one of my chickens in her mouth. She dropped the bird when I yelled but a chase ensued and I let Magick my huge black lab out to help. He saved the chickens life by holding the dog away as my chicken beelined it for Mama.
She hid in the bushes and I almost stepped on her as I searched the overgrown garden. She bled on my shirt, but it wasn't much. Her sister returned 15 minutes later, looking fine and they have spent the last 3 days trying to get out of the pen. I am better but still doing too much. I'm glad I can though! I rejoice in Life and all it's lessons! Blessed Be!
I
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Civil Rights
Today is the another 90 degree day, after 4 days of such weather. I don't usually function well when it gets over 85, so I admit to being a little cranky all week. Now we are facing Hurricane Earl as well, so you see, the stress is there...
Anyway, I lost a friend this week during a discussion of what are civil rights: who has and deserves civil rights, and whether a recent 'rally' in DC was a good or a negative thing. I feel it was divisive and questioned how many Black, Hispanic, Gay, Homeless, or illigal aliens were in attendance. She countered that it was merely a religious rally to encourage a return to our Founding Fathers values from the Constition. When I asked which value : slavery, child labor/abuse, dominance of women or abuse of minorities was she trying to return to, it got ugly quickly.
She accused me of calling her names, though I had carefully avoided doing so. Then she called ME several names, complained I only listened 'to my own kind', then said I acted like I hated her and blocked me from her facebook account! I was upset, then I realized the rally HAD been about causing division. It had worked perfectly - for we were sorely divided.
I wondered about other Christion friends, and their beliefs, and looked to Christ's own words and deeds. Then I thought of all the other homes and friendship's around the country that have probably been affected by this vary same event. How different from Martin Luther King's speech, though it was promoted as an event that would unite the country.
I'm interested in the rights of ALL - even that of the animals, plants and rocks... the Earth herself. When will Her rights be honored? The right of clean air and water? The right of having oil in her veins? Why must we rape and pillage Her and her beings? We cut down her mountains and bury her streams. We suck out the water and blow out toxic waste. How long can this continue?
There will be a time, in the not so distant future I think, when She will shake herself off and say 'ENOUGH!' I wonder if I should ask for Her calm or encourage Her Wrath? But really I want Her to shake us all and yell - 'WAKE UP!!!"
Anyway, I lost a friend this week during a discussion of what are civil rights: who has and deserves civil rights, and whether a recent 'rally' in DC was a good or a negative thing. I feel it was divisive and questioned how many Black, Hispanic, Gay, Homeless, or illigal aliens were in attendance. She countered that it was merely a religious rally to encourage a return to our Founding Fathers values from the Constition. When I asked which value : slavery, child labor/abuse, dominance of women or abuse of minorities was she trying to return to, it got ugly quickly.
She accused me of calling her names, though I had carefully avoided doing so. Then she called ME several names, complained I only listened 'to my own kind', then said I acted like I hated her and blocked me from her facebook account! I was upset, then I realized the rally HAD been about causing division. It had worked perfectly - for we were sorely divided.
I wondered about other Christion friends, and their beliefs, and looked to Christ's own words and deeds. Then I thought of all the other homes and friendship's around the country that have probably been affected by this vary same event. How different from Martin Luther King's speech, though it was promoted as an event that would unite the country.
I'm interested in the rights of ALL - even that of the animals, plants and rocks... the Earth herself. When will Her rights be honored? The right of clean air and water? The right of having oil in her veins? Why must we rape and pillage Her and her beings? We cut down her mountains and bury her streams. We suck out the water and blow out toxic waste. How long can this continue?
There will be a time, in the not so distant future I think, when She will shake herself off and say 'ENOUGH!' I wonder if I should ask for Her calm or encourage Her Wrath? But really I want Her to shake us all and yell - 'WAKE UP!!!"
Monday, August 30, 2010
August Excuses
The month of August lasts only a few days here in Maine. I know the calender says there are more, but the calender knows nothing of the shift of time and space when air and sun and ocean combine to create an unreality that is unexpalinable to all but those that have lived this phenomenom.
Has it been a whole MONTH since I last wrote? Ack!
The chickens have grown but yet to give me an egg, though the cockatiels are now laying again and are enjoying the move to the glass greenhouse for the next couple of months. The yard is full of finches - yellow, gold and purple, that feast on the ripening elderberries and sweet sticky blackberrries. Huge dragonflies cruise the yard by the dozens in the late afternoon and the crickets sing us to sleep.
My daughter has come and gone, like a whirlwind, from California. We wined and dined, walked and talked. Friends - young and old, came and went. We ate too many lobsters and I made black and blue berry pies.
The Porter Preserve on Barters Island in Boothbay Harbor was a treasure. Another day we walked in the rain with umbrellas - she said she missed the rain. The Boothbay botanical garden was a magickal day, followed by a free wine tasting that we came across. Later, she and her father had oysters and drinks on the pier at the Contented Sole in Pemaquid. Priceless!
We wait now for a series of hurricanes to come and play along the coast. The week should be interesting as school starts Wednesday, and the days grow darker and cooler.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Triumph of Summer
July passes like an afternoon breeze and I try to recall what has happened to the days. The air is crisp with bright blue sky and cottony clouds that float away.
Here at Windsong Woods we revel in the perfect days - the hot sun and drenching thunderstorms that string the days together. It's all about the gardens now for me. How the flowers bloom and what is ripe and which birds grace the feeders. These things take up my time and fill my thoughts and dreams.
The winter winds shall blow in not so many months from now. I'll let the snow pile by the door, for I will have July in my heart and no Winter wind or frosty chill can take that thought from me. I keep the memories too tight, balled in cotton, soaked in lavender and tucked deep into my summer soul.
The chickens have grown and my last wish was requested! My son took pity on my haphazard plans for the chicken shelter and produced a magical house with nesting areas, a window and a locking front door. The whole front slides out for easy cleaning and the back opens up for egg removal.
The chickens love cherry tomatoes, so I do endulge their little cravings. The Raspberries have gone by now, but will soon be replaced with the biggest, juiciest, easiest picking Blackberries I have ever seen! The Blueberries come from the stand at the side of the road, but the pie was awesome!! Here's the reciepe:
Front Page Blueberry Pie
For the Crust - I make this first. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2 cups of white whole wheat flour
1t. salt
2 T. sugar
2 sticks of cold organic butter (I know! But this is the right amount!)
1/3 cup of ice water - more or less, I don't measure, but go by feel... sorry - that's how Nanny taught me
Stir first 3 ingredients together, then cut butter into flour with a pastry cutter or break with fingers into peas sized pieces. Sprinkle water, a spoon at a time into 5 sections of the bowl - more or less and stir lightly. Squeeze it together, knead a couple times, divide into 2 discs and wrap in plastic. Put in the freezer.
Then combine a quart of Blueberries, with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of flour.
Retrieve dough from the freezer - Keep in for 5 minutes - and roll out first crust with rolling pin. Fold in half and put into pie plate. Unfold. Spread evenly, pour berries in and dot with a little butter here and there. Roll out 2nd crust and place over top. Pinch edges, poke a dozen evenly spaced holes in the crust and bake for 15 min. in preheated 400 oven. Then turn down to 350 for 1/2 or until slightly golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting - if it's hot it will be runny - just cover it with ice cream!
Enjoy!! I'm back to the garden. My your life be as blessed as mine is this day! Light and Love!
Here at Windsong Woods we revel in the perfect days - the hot sun and drenching thunderstorms that string the days together. It's all about the gardens now for me. How the flowers bloom and what is ripe and which birds grace the feeders. These things take up my time and fill my thoughts and dreams.
The winter winds shall blow in not so many months from now. I'll let the snow pile by the door, for I will have July in my heart and no Winter wind or frosty chill can take that thought from me. I keep the memories too tight, balled in cotton, soaked in lavender and tucked deep into my summer soul.
The chickens have grown and my last wish was requested! My son took pity on my haphazard plans for the chicken shelter and produced a magical house with nesting areas, a window and a locking front door. The whole front slides out for easy cleaning and the back opens up for egg removal.
The chickens love cherry tomatoes, so I do endulge their little cravings. The Raspberries have gone by now, but will soon be replaced with the biggest, juiciest, easiest picking Blackberries I have ever seen! The Blueberries come from the stand at the side of the road, but the pie was awesome!! Here's the reciepe:
Front Page Blueberry Pie
For the Crust - I make this first. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2 cups of white whole wheat flour
1t. salt
2 T. sugar
2 sticks of cold organic butter (I know! But this is the right amount!)
1/3 cup of ice water - more or less, I don't measure, but go by feel... sorry - that's how Nanny taught me
Stir first 3 ingredients together, then cut butter into flour with a pastry cutter or break with fingers into peas sized pieces. Sprinkle water, a spoon at a time into 5 sections of the bowl - more or less and stir lightly. Squeeze it together, knead a couple times, divide into 2 discs and wrap in plastic. Put in the freezer.
Then combine a quart of Blueberries, with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of flour.
Retrieve dough from the freezer - Keep in for 5 minutes - and roll out first crust with rolling pin. Fold in half and put into pie plate. Unfold. Spread evenly, pour berries in and dot with a little butter here and there. Roll out 2nd crust and place over top. Pinch edges, poke a dozen evenly spaced holes in the crust and bake for 15 min. in preheated 400 oven. Then turn down to 350 for 1/2 or until slightly golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting - if it's hot it will be runny - just cover it with ice cream!
Enjoy!! I'm back to the garden. My your life be as blessed as mine is this day! Light and Love!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Welcome July
The poppies are blooming and the garden grows with glee. Green tomatoes hang with ripening cukes and the Elderberry flowers are opening. The lavender awaits my cutting and the Hawthorne tree blooms in ecstacy.
The cockatiels, Joey and Olivia are beginning anewin the laying cycles. Dozens of eggs and nary a fertile one. I have yet to find a bird fertility specialist, so I merely wait and trust that the Universe has a plan for unborn chicks. My birds seem happy going about the motions, and after a month of no hatching, they begin the mating and laying again. I'm content to watch and enjoy their company.
The chicken chicks are 3 + weeks old and have been outside to play in the yard a small fenced in area. Next week, they will have a more permanent enclosure for outdoor fun.... I'm still debating the final design. In other words, I don't have clue where the pen will be. I wish I had a chicken house.... Sigh.
In a an undeniable craving for camping and alone time, I found a $7 tent at the thrift store and set it up in the backyard. It is lovely and I may move in before the summer is over. I'm waiting for a warm night to test it out. Page and I have played and painted in it earlier in the week. The dogs loved it and now she declares that she wants a tent too! Her bottom tooth is really loose and we hoped it would fall out, but has clung on mightily... In time the tooth fairy will visit.
We did go to the beach this week for a brief visit in the afternoon. Baby Beach in Pemaquid was almost empty of people and the tide was high. We enjoyed the warm sun, Page ran in up to her chest, I got my legs wet, but it was just to cold for me to dive in... Page was really disappointed that I am so wimpy, though I promised next time that I would.
I'm off to the garden...be well and enjoy the summer's kindness!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
