I hope your Winter Solstice was peaceful and filled with joy!
Here at the Aerie, I have been quite happy to divide my time between my snug little nest and the silent and snow-covered land. I haven't felt this contented in a long time.
It has been a time for observation and contemplation rather than action. A time for thoughts leading to a time for making plans. A time for making peace with the present as the beginning of making way for the future.
Just as I arrived slowly at this night-filled time of year, I will depart with equal slowness. Not now. Not yet. I am content to sit wrapped in a soft blanket and look out at the stars.
Blessings!
Here at the Aerie, I have been quite happy to divide my time between my snug little nest and the silent and snow-covered land. I haven't felt this contented in a long time.
It has been a time for observation and contemplation rather than action. A time for thoughts leading to a time for making plans. A time for making peace with the present as the beginning of making way for the future.
Just as I arrived slowly at this night-filled time of year, I will depart with equal slowness. Not now. Not yet. I am content to sit wrapped in a soft blanket and look out at the stars.
Blessings!
Merry Christmas to all my LJ friends who
celebrate!
Happy and blessed New Year to you all!
I am off to Christmas Eve dinner and church
services with my girlfriend in the East Village.
Tomorrow gifts and dinner at home with her family
on Christmas Day. then off to see my family
up near Rochester NY Saturday and return to NYC Wednesday.
New Years in NYC.
If I dont make it on LJ til the New Year hope you
all have a wonderful one!
celebrate!
Happy and blessed New Year to you all!
I am off to Christmas Eve dinner and church
services with my girlfriend in the East Village.
Tomorrow gifts and dinner at home with her family
on Christmas Day. then off to see my family
up near Rochester NY Saturday and return to NYC Wednesday.
New Years in NYC.
If I dont make it on LJ til the New Year hope you
all have a wonderful one!
- Mood:
happy
Today I have mostly been skating. The ice is scary.
That's all ~ I'm disappearing until sanity returns ;)
That's all ~ I'm disappearing until sanity returns ;)
There was less snow down by the river than in town. Nevertheless, it was lovely. What snow there was proved crunchy & once again, that pesky heron eluded my attempt to snap him. (I know he's a he ~ I can just tell...) Crunch went my boots, up flew the heron from his hiding place. It was ever thus. One day, heron... one day...
Where the heron wasn't
( More photographs )
Where the heron wasn't
( More photographs )
Had a blessed and quiet, reflective Yule
last night and enjoyed the energy of the
Winter Solstice. Always lovely and peaceful.
Christmas shopping in the Greenwich Village
at lunch was fun and even bought a new journal
to write in for the new year for myself as a
gift. This coming year I intend to be more
loving and compassionate to myself as I am
to others.
Still a lot of snow on the ground.
Restless at my last days at work like
a school girl waiting for Christmas
vacation. Hope tomorrow will be a slow
day at work so we get out early! Then no
work til January 4th for me-vacation! :)
last night and enjoyed the energy of the
Winter Solstice. Always lovely and peaceful.
Christmas shopping in the Greenwich Village
at lunch was fun and even bought a new journal
to write in for the new year for myself as a
gift. This coming year I intend to be more
loving and compassionate to myself as I am
to others.
Still a lot of snow on the ground.
Restless at my last days at work like
a school girl waiting for Christmas
vacation. Hope tomorrow will be a slow
day at work so we get out early! Then no
work til January 4th for me-vacation! :)
- Mood:
restless
Steamed potatoes with NO butter is a bit like a book with no words. What's the point? I was walking back from the shop & there was the Moon, sharp as glass & twice as shiny. Lovely.
And drifting across the sky, four 'somethings' for which I have no name or explanation. They were the colour of fire & actually looked as if they might be lanterns with lights inside floating across the sky. They were moving quite fast & I watched until they disappeared.
'Tis a mystery.
And here's another one ~ I telephoned The Goddess and The Green Man (groovy shop in Glastonbury) yesterday & ordered my copy of We'Moon diary. The nice women said she couldn't guarantee it would get to me before Christmas. No worries, I assured her. It arrived this morning.
And drifting across the sky, four 'somethings' for which I have no name or explanation. They were the colour of fire & actually looked as if they might be lanterns with lights inside floating across the sky. They were moving quite fast & I watched until they disappeared.
'Tis a mystery.
And here's another one ~ I telephoned The Goddess and The Green Man (groovy shop in Glastonbury) yesterday & ordered my copy of We'Moon diary. The nice women said she couldn't guarantee it would get to me before Christmas. No worries, I assured her. It arrived this morning.
The snow finally arrived in NYC Saturday
during the day and lots of it! While we
were selling our yummy gluten free cupcakes
at the Brooklyn food market it was already
snowing and beautiful going home. I was happy
to spend Sunday a bit lazy and warm at home.
The market was really fun selling as well as
meeting and trying other homemade food people.
Today is Yule and Winter Solstice and am
enjoying the energy and look forward to
solitary ritual and meditation tonight.
I feel positive and happy as the promise
of the sun's return is upon us and the light
in the world! I feel I have let go and rid
my life of a lot of baggage and negativity
this year. I feel more healed, light, and hopeful
then I have in many years. my heart feels more
open again and light filters in.
I am so looking forward to a long vacation. Wednesday
should be a half work day and after that I have off
until January 4th of the new year!
Bright Yule Blessings and Happy Winter Solstice to
my LJ friends who celebrate! :)
during the day and lots of it! While we
were selling our yummy gluten free cupcakes
at the Brooklyn food market it was already
snowing and beautiful going home. I was happy
to spend Sunday a bit lazy and warm at home.
The market was really fun selling as well as
meeting and trying other homemade food people.
Today is Yule and Winter Solstice and am
enjoying the energy and look forward to
solitary ritual and meditation tonight.
I feel positive and happy as the promise
of the sun's return is upon us and the light
in the world! I feel I have let go and rid
my life of a lot of baggage and negativity
this year. I feel more healed, light, and hopeful
then I have in many years. my heart feels more
open again and light filters in.
I am so looking forward to a long vacation. Wednesday
should be a half work day and after that I have off
until January 4th of the new year!
Bright Yule Blessings and Happy Winter Solstice to
my LJ friends who celebrate! :)
- Mood:
contemplative
Hail the Light! Even though most people don't realise it, the days will now become longer. The longest night is succeeded by the lengthening days. The Goddess has undergone death & separation from the upper world; She has met with the Crone & learned the Mystery of Transition. She welcomes the spirit of the universal Child of Peace within Her.
The snow meant we weren't able to get to Carreg y Bwchi ~ too dangerous to drive (& my car looks like a meringue.) I lit candles before I left the house & met Yolanda in town. We watched the sun come up ~ being together (& Bruv came too) was what mattered. Marking the time & the day; physically seeing the sky soften & a tinge of pink lightening the morning.
Solstice greeting & blessings to all my friends & beloveds!
The snow meant we weren't able to get to Carreg y Bwchi ~ too dangerous to drive (& my car looks like a meringue.) I lit candles before I left the house & met Yolanda in town. We watched the sun come up ~ being together (& Bruv came too) was what mattered. Marking the time & the day; physically seeing the sky soften & a tinge of pink lightening the morning.
Solstice greeting & blessings to all my friends & beloveds!
Just shy of 1k ~ the number of words I have written today. Better than a slap in the face with a wet fish.
And it's snowing again... you'd be hard pressed to make an eyebrow for a very small snowman, but it's so pretty.
And it's snowing again... you'd be hard pressed to make an eyebrow for a very small snowman, but it's so pretty.
I knew there was a reason to buy a newspaper. Yesterday's Guardian entertained me for several hours & this morning I abandoned books in favour of reading a couple of the longer articles. One, concerning itself with the controversies & faction fighting in which the Church of England is presently mired, (gay clergy & women bishops) gifted me the word, conniptions, a pattern of letters I have hitherto not come across.
The piece was quoting one Matthew Knight, Southwark Cathedral's administrator, who is gay & liberal & goes to a conservative high church in Brighton, not because he agrees with its vicar but because he likes the music & the liturgy: "I don't care if they disapprove. I don't believe the church is here to tell me what to do. The Anglican church is not my moral compass. It annoys me that the church is so obsessed with what people do in bed.' The author of the article went on to say, 'Yes, well, that sort of view would give some churchmen these days conniptions.'
*Reaches for dictionary in anticipation!* For those as lacking in education as am I, it means a fit of rage or hysteria. Conniptions is officially my new favourite word. Ironically, I'm too happy about the dusting of snow to conjure a conniption; too jaded by arch hypocrite of Canterbury, Rowan Williams' lamentable silence on the proposed legislation in the Ugandan parliament that would mandate the death penalty for some homosexuals.
I shall confine myself to contentment & save a worthwhile conniption for another day...
The piece was quoting one Matthew Knight, Southwark Cathedral's administrator, who is gay & liberal & goes to a conservative high church in Brighton, not because he agrees with its vicar but because he likes the music & the liturgy: "I don't care if they disapprove. I don't believe the church is here to tell me what to do. The Anglican church is not my moral compass. It annoys me that the church is so obsessed with what people do in bed.' The author of the article went on to say, 'Yes, well, that sort of view would give some churchmen these days conniptions.'
*Reaches for dictionary in anticipation!* For those as lacking in education as am I, it means a fit of rage or hysteria. Conniptions is officially my new favourite word. Ironically, I'm too happy about the dusting of snow to conjure a conniption; too jaded by arch hypocrite of Canterbury, Rowan Williams' lamentable silence on the proposed legislation in the Ugandan parliament that would mandate the death penalty for some homosexuals.
I shall confine myself to contentment & save a worthwhile conniption for another day...
Snow arrives,
Winter's messenger unfolds her blanket
And tells us to listen in stillness.
Listen,
Know the truth in your heart
Where Goddess whispers to you.
Whispers,
Truths flutter and grow strong
In the snowy night.
Stillness,
It is the Goddess' message
Told without words.
Winter's messenger unfolds her blanket
And tells us to listen in stillness.
Listen,
Know the truth in your heart
Where Goddess whispers to you.
Whispers,
Truths flutter and grow strong
In the snowy night.
Stillness,
It is the Goddess' message
Told without words.
Had I not been born in 1944 in a time when seasons did as they were told, I might not have grown up to love snow. I'm sorry (a bit) but I'm excited! When I opened the bedroom curtains this morning it was practicing; barely there but oh yes ~ snow! My smile made me laugh at myself! And later, as I was chatting on the phone with Maralyn, who lives forty minutes away so we pretty much share a view, we let out a mutual squeal as snow began to fall a bit more vigorously. It's stopped again, but the sky speaks volumes!
I can't wait! Come on you penguins, if you think you're hard enough!
The good birds have officially adopted my bird table. It's busy out there ~ after a week of considered reconnaissance, they've decided to move in. And Maz has given me a tip about the frozen water dish ~ apparently all that is required is a drop of glycerine. I shall buy some later.
I write & read.
I can't wait! Come on you penguins, if you think you're hard enough!
The good birds have officially adopted my bird table. It's busy out there ~ after a week of considered reconnaissance, they've decided to move in. And Maz has given me a tip about the frozen water dish ~ apparently all that is required is a drop of glycerine. I shall buy some later.
I write & read.
Very sleepy today and thankful
it is Friday. Im ready for the
weekend and preparing for Winter
Solstice/Yule here Monday.
Tomorrow Ill be doing the food
market with my gf-a holiday themed
one which should be fun. Making
cupcakes and cookies tonight all
gluten, egg, and dairy free. I eat
only gluten free myself.
Sunday I plan to have an art day-work
on my painting and some spiritual
study as well as get ready for Yule.
Did some holiday shopping at lunch today.
Got some of my online purchases delivered
as well. Almost done with shopping and glad
to be ahead this year.
Happy Weekend! :)
it is Friday. Im ready for the
weekend and preparing for Winter
Solstice/Yule here Monday.
Tomorrow Ill be doing the food
market with my gf-a holiday themed
one which should be fun. Making
cupcakes and cookies tonight all
gluten, egg, and dairy free. I eat
only gluten free myself.
Sunday I plan to have an art day-work
on my painting and some spiritual
study as well as get ready for Yule.
Did some holiday shopping at lunch today.
Got some of my online purchases delivered
as well. Almost done with shopping and glad
to be ahead this year.
Happy Weekend! :)
- Mood:
tired
You have it on good authority (mine & my loyal lieutenant's ~ we are experts & know about these things...) that it is officially, cold enough for penguins. The mangled quote* comes from something I heard on the radio this morning ~ a tale from Russia that says the arrival of swans from the Arctic tundra augers well for a white Christmas. I have already seen two on the wing ~ the morning I drove to Montgomery ~ but had no idea what this signified. Their journey westward is said to be influenced by the bitter easterly winds in Russia ~ swans sense cold weather & move out.
In the absence of Tom (the only human other than myself, trained to outwit penguins) I confess to a sense of relief at the possibility we may have extra swans in Wales. T will have his work cut out in Milton Keynes ~ penguin platoons, I sense, are massing as I type. Here, it has yet to reach a critical level ~ the border is relatively secure, but for how long is anyone's guess. Penguins v Swans ~ the number ratio is worrying, but swans do get mean if you cross them. Do swans, I wonder, have an inborn beef with penguins?
I can only resolve to be vigilant & conjure a Thwarting Spell...
In other news ~ having taken a rain check/cheque on the house warming, I was awake early & wrote several pages of notes. The scribbled nature of this stuff renders it impossible to do an accurate word count. Suffice it to say ~ there are a great deal more words today than yesterday.
Last night's meal was a tour du force. Debbie~Rose & her band of elves created a meal worthy of Delia. No kidding ~ it was lush ~ a sit down, pre~Christmas dinner for twenty! Everything cooked to perfection. And how lovely to see the kids again ~ it's been a while since I socialised with my campus crew. Molly wasn't out ~ she went to bed early to sleep off a 7,000 word essay!
It's almost cold enough for penguins & I love it. Fresh fine days & bright sunshine. My day has been a mix of scribbling, shopping & posting. All the Solstice cards are in the mail ~ there are a few to be hand delivered & one parcel left to post tomorrow. I do try to keep this card lark to the minimum & with a couple of exceptions, make them myself.
My sitting~room looks as if a gang of pre~schoolers have been let loose with the art box.
Even though I didn't get to bed until midnight, I was still awake early & got some more writing done, in bed. I'm rather enjoying these sessions ~ propped up in bed with a book & the first cup of tea. Going off on tangents & scribbling for a while; back to the book, another cuppa, more scribbling. I did over an hour this morning.
It's almost cold enough for penguins & I love it. Fresh fine days & bright sunshine. My day has been a mix of scribbling, shopping & posting. All the Solstice cards are in the mail ~ there are a few to be hand delivered & one parcel left to post tomorrow. I do try to keep this card lark to the minimum & with a couple of exceptions, make them myself.
My sitting~room looks as if a gang of pre~schoolers have been let loose with the art box.
Even though I didn't get to bed until midnight, I was still awake early & got some more writing done, in bed. I'm rather enjoying these sessions ~ propped up in bed with a book & the first cup of tea. Going off on tangents & scribbling for a while; back to the book, another cuppa, more scribbling. I did over an hour this morning.
Sleepy and cold winter evening.
Going to enjoy a hot cup of coffee
and listen to my monthly teleclass.
I got a few wonderful cozy wintry
Christmas time mystery books from
the library and will be really enjoying
them this time of year.
Work was very busy so happy to be
home tonight. Also starting to be great
evening bubble bath with candlelight
at night weather.
Going to enjoy a hot cup of coffee
and listen to my monthly teleclass.
I got a few wonderful cozy wintry
Christmas time mystery books from
the library and will be really enjoying
them this time of year.
Work was very busy so happy to be
home tonight. Also starting to be great
evening bubble bath with candlelight
at night weather.
- Mood:
sleepy
My homepage is the BBC's Homepage paired down to my essentials ~ Weather, News, Radio, iPlayer & TV listings. Once I've clicked onto Listen Live & Radio 4 kicks in I feel ready to face the day & check out the weather. (I like the little icons ~ today they promise sun for three days.) Next, the news, which appears in three sections:~ NEWS, MORE TOP STORIES & LOCAL. Three topics to a section. Honest to Goddess, these are this morning's key words:~
NEWS
* Protest
* Die
* Blackspot
MORE TOP STORIES
* Dysfunctional
* Battle
* End
LOCAL
* Raid
* Strike
* But hey! Tesco plan to 'protect ladder jobs'!' (Which may or may not mean window cleaners can breath more easily.)
Phew! For a while there I thought I might be set for a depressing day...
In other news (I know ~ witty!)
* I have lovely gifts for my little girls, boxed & wrapped & ready to post.
* Early this morning I wrote a small piece of prose that pleases me. I'm claiming quality rather than quantity.
* I have given in & bought multi~vitamins. An alternative to the flu jab for me this year.
* Less than three hours to New Moon.
* I'm going out tonight.
NEWS
* Protest
* Die
* Blackspot
MORE TOP STORIES
* Dysfunctional
* Battle
* End
LOCAL
* Raid
* Strike
* But hey! Tesco plan to 'protect ladder jobs'!' (Which may or may not mean window cleaners can breath more easily.)
Phew! For a while there I thought I might be set for a depressing day...
In other news (I know ~ witty!)
* I have lovely gifts for my little girls, boxed & wrapped & ready to post.
* Early this morning I wrote a small piece of prose that pleases me. I'm claiming quality rather than quantity.
* I have given in & bought multi~vitamins. An alternative to the flu jab for me this year.
* Less than three hours to New Moon.
* I'm going out tonight.
Warmed up to 50s today and then going back
to colder 30s tonight. I have been embracing
my need to be more quiet and introspective this
week in preparation for the Winter Solstice and
Yule. I have been feeling the need to be more
restful as well and a bit more tired as we
are in the dark time of year. I also feel very
creative.
Last night I watched one of my favorite annual
holiday time films Little Women with Winona Ryder
and Gabriel Byrne. Just love that movie. It is
poetic and romantic and a lovely film in the
19th century period. I always loved the novel
as well by Louisa May Alcott. I always felt most
connected to Jo...her desire to be a writer and a
bit of a non traditional woman during her time.
I always feel inspired by her character in my
own creativity.
Tonight will be a night of crafting and just
enjoying this quiet winter period.
to colder 30s tonight. I have been embracing
my need to be more quiet and introspective this
week in preparation for the Winter Solstice and
Yule. I have been feeling the need to be more
restful as well and a bit more tired as we
are in the dark time of year. I also feel very
creative.
Last night I watched one of my favorite annual
holiday time films Little Women with Winona Ryder
and Gabriel Byrne. Just love that movie. It is
poetic and romantic and a lovely film in the
19th century period. I always loved the novel
as well by Louisa May Alcott. I always felt most
connected to Jo...her desire to be a writer and a
bit of a non traditional woman during her time.
I always feel inspired by her character in my
own creativity.
Tonight will be a night of crafting and just
enjoying this quiet winter period.
- Mood:
creative
I woke this morning to a vision of mist. With Dark Moon less than a whisper away I'm allowing Crone Time to embrace me. Hours of dreamless, uninterrupted sleep have restored me physically & gifted my spirit some kindness too. I have two beautiful necklaces for my little girls ~ dear Yvonne delivered them personally this morning.
And Debbie~Rose called too. I wasn't even cross! Anyone who knows me would never, ever call on me unannounced! Unless it was an emergency of course (I guard my privacy, not my compassion.) Anyway ~ Debbie risked an impromptu visit (her phone is incommunicado) & it was lovely. She is lovely! I miss my girls when they are otherwise engaged. But, both she & Molly are working hard which is what matters. And I have an invitation to supper tomorrow evening chez Debbie ~ la societe de femmes!
I have notes. Ideas begin to take shape ~ like clouds, some of them drift & dissolve. A few resemble a mad woman's dream but enough show promise. It is the best I can hope for at present. But soon, my precious... soon...
Restful weekend. Friday night was restful and
enjoyed doing a ritual for my priestess studies.
My neighborhood has a large population of Jewish
Orthodox and all the Chanukah candles were lit on
the menorahs in the windows on my walk home. Very
lovely and spiritual on a winter's eve.
Saturday was spiritual study and laundry day.
Then my friend's Chanukah party was nice and
joyful at night with my gf.
Yesterday was a perfect rainy Sunday to be home.
I spent the day making art-painting and feels
good to have more creative time again.
I feel this time of year I want to hibernate and
be introspective and work on my art and craft
until Spring. I will embrace this need more this
year and night fight it. Be more in tune with
my own cycle and rhythm with the seasons.
enjoyed doing a ritual for my priestess studies.
My neighborhood has a large population of Jewish
Orthodox and all the Chanukah candles were lit on
the menorahs in the windows on my walk home. Very
lovely and spiritual on a winter's eve.
Saturday was spiritual study and laundry day.
Then my friend's Chanukah party was nice and
joyful at night with my gf.
Yesterday was a perfect rainy Sunday to be home.
I spent the day making art-painting and feels
good to have more creative time again.
I feel this time of year I want to hibernate and
be introspective and work on my art and craft
until Spring. I will embrace this need more this
year and night fight it. Be more in tune with
my own cycle and rhythm with the seasons.
- Mood: peaceful
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theglitterwitch- theglitterwitch
Page Summary
- athenagrey : Gentle Stirrings [+1]
- lavendarbloom : Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! [+1]
- readthisandweep : Winter Sports [+2]
- readthisandweep : Walking in a Winter Wonderland, or, Where the Heron Wasn't [+4]
- lavendarbloom : Almost Vacation Time! [+6]
- readthisandweep : Funny the Things You See When You Forget the Butter & Have to Pop Out Again [+6]
- lavendarbloom : NYC SNOW......Bright Yule Blessings and Happy Winter Solstice! [+2]
- readthisandweep : "And She Births the Spirit Within us, Bringing Light & Hope to us all" [+10]
- readthisandweep : Later [+0]
- readthisandweep : In Which I Discover the Word, 'Conniptions' But Fail to Come up With a Way to Employ it... [+2]
- athenagrey : Winter's messenger [+3]
- readthisandweep : I Blame the Parents [+8]
- lavendarbloom : Friday Has Arrived........ [+2]
- readthisandweep : "Swans [May] Bring Winter on Their Wings" ~ But Penguins Can Kill You in 142 Different Ways... [+4]
- readthisandweep : Eight Days to go & Still Not Counting... [+2]
- lavendarbloom : Sleepy Night....... [+4]
- readthisandweep : Words to Wake up to or, Why I Try Not to Read the News in Detail [+3]
- lavendarbloom : A Crafty Winter Evening...... [+7]
- readthisandweep : Island Life [+1]
- lavendarbloom : (no subject) [+4]
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