Moontides

Parentalia February 13th

2012-02-13T08:57:00.000-05:00

"I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me those who are to come. I looked back and saw my father, and his father, and all our fathers, and in front to see my son, and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond.

And their eyes were my eyes.

-Richard Llewellyn-

The Parentalia, or Festival of Dead Ancestors, was observed in the Roman world from February 13th through the 21st. This was a day for families to honor and commemorate their deceased loved ones, particularly their parents. During the week of parentalia, all temples in rome were closed and all wedding ceremonies forbidden. Ancestral tombs were visited and offerings of grain wine and flowers were made to family ghosts. It was a quiet, personal, reflective day, followed by a quiet reflective week or so to think about loved ones and the importance of the family. Today we remember in similar, but somewhat different ways.

Some of us honor our dead by visiting graves with flowers and prayers. Jewish people light candles and say special prayers on the anniversary of their loved one's death. My sister-in-law, a devout Catholic, does the same. Some people leave food out for ancestors and other spirits by arranging it on a small tray or plate and placing it outside of their lighted windows. Others set an extra place setting at their table on holidays or other special occasions. Ancestors are prayed to, venerated with offerings, and honored through rituals. I choose to honor mine through an ancestral altar and genealogy...honoring them by learning their stories.

Whenever I work on my genealogy, it never ceases to amaze me how similar piecing together our family tree is to a jigsaw puzzle. Thousands of tiny pieces of information fit together to make a picture of your family's history. Each of these pieces has its place for without them, our lives will never have been. For example, I have previously mentioned before that my second great grandfather died at age 21. My great-grandmother was only 3 months old. Heartbreaking, yes, but something that set in motion the events which led to my birth. Yes, it is entirely possible that Richard and wife, Harriet, would have eventually moved to the states, but I highly doubt it. None of Richard's family EVER left Stalham and Barton Turf so the odds of Richard's doing so were nil.

On my mom's side, my 2nd great-grandfather, Michael, enlisted to fight in the Civil War on March 17, 1862. He deserted his unit on June 14, 1862. My great-grandmother, Sarah, was conceived in August 1862 and born in April, 1863. Michael eventually did return to the service and mustered out on March 17, 1865. But, I have to wonder if, had Michael not deserted, would Sarah have still been born? It was Sarah's time. She had to be born for me to exist.

The 18 year-old Sarah found employment as a servant in the home of a beloved school teacher, my second great-grandfather, Joseph, and his children. One of these children was John Jacob, nearly ten years Sarah's senior. The two fell in love and married one year later. Their love spanned nearly 50 years. Out of that union my grandmother was born.

Your family tree is a jigsaw puzzle in which you yourself are one of the pieces. I have box in my house...a box filled with birth, death, marriage certificates, wills, and pictures. Some of these puzzle pieces have already been placed; others await their own special place. I know that one day, I will make them fit, for they are a part of who I am.

Strangers in the Box

Come, look with me inside this drawer,

In this box I've often seen,

At the pictures, black and white,

Faces proud, still, and serene.

I wish I knew the people,

These strangers in the box,

Their names and all their memories,

Are lost among my socks.

I wonder what their lives were like,

How did they spend their days?

What about their special times?

I'll never know their ways.

If only someone had taken time,

To tell, who, what, where, and when,

These faces of my heritage,

Would come to life again.

Could this become the fate,

Of the pictures we take today?

The faces and the memories,

Someday to be passed away?

Take time to save your stories,

Seize the opportunity when it knocks,

Or someday you and yours,

Could be strangers in the box.

by Pamela A. Harazim

Vacation Days

2012-02-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

Till taught by pain,

Men really know not what good water's worth;

If you had been in Turkey or in Spain,

Or with a famish'd boat's-crew had your berth,

Or in the desert heard the camel's bell,

You'd wish yourself where Truth is--in a well.

- Lord Byron-

I'm off work from now until Tuesday. I took a couple of much needed vacation days. Wish I could say I took them off for fun, but instead I took them off to heal. My sciatica has been acting up terribly, and walking on concrete really seems to agitate it. I've a long walk from the subway o my job, and although the walk itself has been a blessing by adding some much-needed exercise into my rather sedentary life, but, because the walk on hard concrete, right now it is not conducive to healing. Yesterday morning, I left my house practically pain-free, and by the time I was halfway to the subway, the pain was shooting from my back right down my leg. And, I'm not even going to mention the torture of climbing the subway stairs when I arrived in the city. I even had to call hubby to come pick me up for fear of not making it home. So, I will be staying in for a few days and using my heating pad, hopefully will help me to heal.

This is not my first bout with sciatica. I had it about 16 years ago, and that time it was so much worse. I couldn't walk a city block without hanging onto a pole or a parking meter, whatever was handy, the pain was so severe. Then, one day hubby talked me into going to the beach with him. Now, it wasn't that I haven't always 'loved' the ocean, but when one is in as much pain as I was in at the time, one doesn't want to go anywhere. Just sitting in the car on the ride to the beach was sheer torture, and all the way there, all I could think of was how miserable I was going to be lying on the beach. I could barely rise from a chair. How on earth was I going to get up from the ground?

I have sought the waters today; we have joined with their sap. O Agni full of moisture, come and flood me with splendour.

From the Waters of Life, A Hindu Prayer

But, that was before...before I stepped into the ocean, and the miracle occurred, because, by the time I had waded in to just above my waist, the pain that I had suffered with for months was gone. Oh, after I was out of the water for awhile, the pain did return, but left as soon as I went back in. Not only did Mother Ocean gift me with a short reprieve from pain, she set in motion what was the beginning of the end of that bout of sciatica. Within a week after that day, I was well on my way to a complete recovery.

"In every drop of water, there is a story of life."

-- Leena Arif--

Water has been here, a gift to us since the beginning of time. It is essential to life. In fact, it was the great Mother who birthed us. The sea was indeed like a mother when man himself was in his childhood. In numberless myths, it is a symbol of primordial chaos out of which life emerged. In Egyptian mythology the primeval ocean, the goddess Nun, gives birth to the sun-god Atum, who then creates the rest of the universe. Tiamat has a number of personifications in the myth and can be perceived as a shape-shifter–from ocean, to mother, to underworld river. The great African goddess, Yemaya, is the Goddess of the Ocean and the moon, guardian of women, childbirth, fertility, and witchcraft. Ran is a Scandinavian goddess of the ocean. Our ancestors understood her power, but unfortunately....

...many of us take her for granted today, never realizing her healing properties, nor honoring her sacredness. Life was born of the ocean, and to this day, the primal ocean is still circulating in us. It has been millions of years since the first animals ventured out of the oceans onto land, yet the same 56 elements course through our veins that circulate in the ocean. Ocean water contains many minerals needed by your body to help heal. The natural iodine in sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. The natural ocean water massage is relaxing. The sound of the waves is so rhythmic, slow, and calming.

Unfortunately, it's a tad too cold now to take a dip, but there is always mineral salts and my bathtub. Add a few drops of my Holy Water from the healing Jordan river and a few long soaks, by Tuesday I hope to be as good as new...or, hopefully, well on my way.

Here within the half-light 'tween the night and day

Upon the sands I lie, with thoughts that idly stirr'd

Seem, as in a dream, with life and death to play,

As o'er the sea there flits a pale white bird.

In my heart I hear it, the murmur of the sea,

Ah! and memories of other lives are stirr'd,

As somewise there came a mystic voice to me

As o'er the sea there flits a pale white bird.

Who but knows that in me is a ghost that hears

A voice it heard of old in the primeval word —

A memory so dim, it like a dream appears

As o'er the sea there flits a pale white bird!

Robert Crawford

There Go I

2012-02-09T08:17:00.000-05:00

When you go out into this world, remember: compassion, compassion, compassion.

-Betty Williams-

When one thinks of a homeless person, the first image that usually comes to our mind is usually that of an alcoholic and a drug addict, a person who is mentally ill, or simply of a person who chooses to be homeless. Stereotypes, yes, but, while not entirely false, only present a small fraction of the reality of today's homeless people.

The reality is that the face of homelessness is changing. We are seeing more and more elderly and disabled people becoming homeless as they become displaced by the rising housing, food, and medical costs. Women and women with children are are finding themselves homeless due to poor job skills, domestic violence, high price of childcare.

Jane Doe is one of my clients. A woman in her 50's, she lives in the shelter downstairs in my office building. She has been living there for about six months now as the workers try to find her some kind of affordable place to live. Jane is the new face of homelessness. She has a Master's Degree in business and has worked most of her adult life, saving to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning her own little craft store. And, then she got sick. Because she always worked in management and not in the union, she was not allowed to participate in the health benefits available to the union workers. She preferred saving all her money for the store, so she never paid for the high-priced health insurance available to her. She always thought, 'It will never happen to me.' But, it did. And, don't we all tend to think that way?

Joan Doe, another client, was forced to flee from her abusive husband. She now lives in what they call a Tier II shelter with her two teen-age daughters. These are a bit more comfortable than the regular Tier I shelter as most of these shelters are run by nonprofits and offer a bedroom along with on-site services such as day care and job training. The problem is, after the job training, the jobs just aren't there anymore, and even if Joan should find a job, how is she going to pay for the two-bedroom apartment she is going to need when she gets her 5 year old son out of foster care? The rents here are far too steep for a single woman with three children, and the housing programs which once offered assistance are no longer there.

It's scares me; it really does. I'll soon be 65, and I am only one paycheck away. That possibility of being homeless hit me firsthand last week. When I first moved into this apartment, we overpaid. I laid out $1150 for one month rent, $1150 for security, and $1150 for the real estate agent. After signing the lease and handing over the money orders, it turned out the wrong price had been quoted and my rent was instead lower....$1114. I was told that they would figure out the difference and subtract from my next month's rent. Meanwhile, I had paid a full month's rent for December and did not move in until the 15th. It was my choice, yes, but even if I had wanted to move in sooner, I couldn't for I would have had no kitchen. The sink and counter top ordered was too large and had to be replaced.

So, when I entered the building on the 30th of December, I found the super handing out the rent bills. There was no bill for me. The super said I should be happy. Having never lived in a building before and believing that the above was being taken into account, I took it for granted that they were still working on my payments. You can imagine what went through my mind when I finally did receive my bill on January 28th, and it was for $2158 dollars. Luckily, I had the cash and didn't have to clean out the rest of my bank account. I raced to their office on the 30th, before work, and paid the money. Part of that was going to be for our sofa, but I guess that will have to wait for awhile.

Then, on the 31st I came home to find a letter from the building management waiting for me. Again I 'assumed'. This time I figured it was probably another copy of the rent bill. Can you imagine the thoughts that raced through my head when I saw those big letters on top of the letter which said 'Eviction notice'. The letter went on to state that I had three days to pay the bill or legal fees and late charges would be added on. I was devastated, so upset I couldn't eat...couldn't sleep. The management office was already closed. There was nothing I could do but wait. The first thing the next morning I was on the phone. Fortunately, I discovered the letter should never have been mailed out. 'Disregard the notice', I was told. (Sigh) Oh, what a relief, but...

...it really opened my eyes as to 'what if?' What if I hadn't had that extra cash? What if I didn't have a month's rent on hold in the bank? What if something happens and I lose my job? What if? I am one paycheck away from being a 'client'. 'By the grace of God, there go I'. It's a frightening thought. And, it could happen to any one of us.

The story of any one person's real experience finds its

startling parallel in that of every one of us.

James Russell Lowell

. Ts we work with homeless people in our community, we are finding that many homeless people are couples or single parents with children, who simply cannot find affordable housin

February

2012-02-08T07:58:00.000-05:00

The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within."

- William C. Bryant -

My goodness. Hard to believe, isn't it? We're already into the second week of February. I don't know about you, and maybe it is because of out weather, but this year I am really feeling Spring on its way.

According to the Georgian calendar, February is the second month of the year; it also the shortest month. February carries with it the promise that Spring will soon return. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the seasonal equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere. In common years the month has 28 days in leap years it has 29 days. Leap year occurs every 4 years (when the year is divisible by 4). There is an ancient legend that Augustus Caesar took a day from February and added it to August (the month named after him) in order to make it as long as the month names after Julius Caesar and that is how February ended up with 28 days.

February is believed to have been derived from the Latin word 'februa' which means cleansing or purification, and reflects the purification ritual undertaken before Spring. The month is named after the Roman god, Februus, a god of purification and death, and the feast of Februalia. This month is shared by the astrological signs of Aquarius the Water Bearer and Pisces, the Two Fishes. Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Other common names include Storm Moon and Hunger Moon.

The birthstone for February is the Amethyst. The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning 'without drunkenness', and throughout history the amethyst has been used to guard against drunkenness; it is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. According to Greek myth, the Roman god of wine, Bacchus, tried to seduce the virgin nymph Amethyst whom he loved but who did not return his feelings. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone (quartz). Driven by guilt about his behavior, remorse at its terrible consequences and grief for his love lost, He poured over the pure white crystalline form of Amethyst his most exquisite wine, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as Amethyst.

It is also used as a dream stone and to help those who suffer from insomnia. Placing an amethyst under one's pillow is believed to bring about pleasant dreams. Known as the 'Stone of Spirit' or the 'Stone of Integrity,' Amethyst has been long associated with purity and piety. Because of this, it has also been called the 'Bishop's Stone' and is still worn by Catholic Bishops. It is thought the amethyst is the perfect stone to symbolize The Age of Aquarius. It is the stone of the Buddha, and in Tibet it is popularly used in the making of prayer beads called Mala beads which are used in the practice of meditation.

The flower for the month of February is the iris which is Greek for rainbow. It was named after the Greek Goddess who is considered the messenger love and uses the rainbow to travel. Iris's come in many colors. Each color symbolizes different feelings. White iris flowers symbolize purity and kindness. Yellow iris flowers symbolize passion, blue iris flowers symbolize faith and purple iris flowers are considered a sign of wisdom and royalty.

An alternate flower for February is the violet. It represents faithfulness, modesty and virtue. Violets represent faithfulness and 'I return your love'. As the legend of St. Valentine goes, this Christian priest used the ink made from crushed violet blossoms that grew outside his prison cell to write notes of love and friendship. He wrote these words on violet leaves. These notes were delivered to St. Valentine's friends via the elegant bird of love, the dove. Violets were once the most popular flower on Valentine's Day; however, roses are an enduring symbol of deep love. It is thought that to dream of violets predicts advancement in life.

The day is ending,

The night is descending;

The marsh is frozen,

The river dead.

Through clouds like ashes

The red sun flashes

On village windows

That glimmer red.

The snow recommences;

The buried fences

Mark no longer

The road o’er the plain;

While through the meadows,

Like fearful shadows,

Slowly passes

A funeral train.

The bell is pealing,

And every feeling

Within me responds

To the dismal knell;

Shadows are trailing,

My heart is bewailing

And tolling withinLike a funeral bell.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Afternoon in February -

Tu B'Shevat February 7

2012-02-07T06:02:00.002-05:00

The oaks and the pines, and their brethren of the wood,

have seen so many suns rise and set, so many seasons come and go,

and so many generations pass into silence,

that we may well wonder what "the story of the trees" would be to us

if they had tongues to tell it, or we ears fine enough to understand.

-Author Unknown-

Tu B'Shevat is the beginning of a new year, not for people, but for trees. The Tu B'Shevat seder is an old tradition. It is the Jewish Arbor Day, the 'birthday of the trees'. Some Jews celebrate by planting trees or seeds. Others celebrate the holiday by purchasing trees to be planted in Israel. A lovely Sephardic folktale relates that at midnight of Tu B'Shevat the trees stretch out their branches and embrace each other, wishing each other a good new year.

Trees and plants were important in the ancient world. Trees furnished wood for construction of buildings, boats, furniture and smaller articles. Many trees provided nutritious and tasty fruit. Grains and vegetables were cultivated and wild plants were gathered. Other plants were used for food, medicinal purposes, herbs and spices, incense important for use in sacrifices, rope and cloth fibers.

The Torah teaches one to respect the gifts of nature, including plant life and trees. The holiday is often celebrated by eating fruit, planting seeds and recognizing the importance of nature and the ecology. The traditional food for this seder is historically vegetarian. One custom is to eat a new fruit on this day, or to eat from the Seven Species wheat, barley, grapes (vines), figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey.

The following story comes from the Talmud.

One day, Honi was walkingon the road and saw a man planting a carob tree. Honi asked the man, "How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?"

The man replied, "Seventy years."

Honi then asked the man, "And do you think you will live another seventy
years and eat the fruit of this tree?”

The man answered, "Perhaps not. However, when I was born into this world,I found many carob trees planted by my father and grandfather. Just as they planted trees for me, I am planting trees for my children and grandchildren so they will be able to eat the fruit of these trees.”

"Well fine," said Honi, as he left. After walking for about an hour, Honi realized he was exhausted. He lay down for a nap on the dusty ground right next to a large rock.

But his 'short nap' ended up lasting for 70 years! When he woke up, he was amazed to find himself beneath the towering branches of a fully grown carob tree. A middle-aged man was picking its fruit. "Are you the man who planted this tree?" called Honi.

"No," he replied. "This tree was planted by my grandfather not long before he died, so that we today would have fruit and shade to enjoy."

Honi realized then that he must have slept for years and years. In his sleep, life had blossomed around him. And he finally came to understand how important it was to plant for the next generation.

Tu B'Shevat begins in the evening of Tuesday, February 7, 2012, and ends in the evening of Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Full Moon in Leo on February 7th

2012-02-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

Great game, Giants. I'm not a football fan, but that was some exciting ending wasn't it? They'll be having a ticker tape parade tomorrow. I've only been to one, and only because I happened to work right in the area. It was in the 90's when the Yankees won. It was an amazing sight to see, but no fun when you were trying to make it through the crowd to get your lunch.

Played hooky today. Didn't sleep much last night. First it was the leg pain, then I had to use the bathroom. Sometimes I just lay there and hope it will go away, which I know is not healthy. Good way to get a bladder infection. I just hate to climb out of bed once I have found a comfortable position. Then, after about an hour I get up and go to the bathroom. Afterwards, I remind myself not to do that again. Had I got up when I originally had to go, I probably would have been to sleep already. Finally, about 3 am I fell asleep, only to be woken again by 4 am when hubby woke up. He's quiet, yes, but I am such a light sleeper, the person upstairs can wake me up.

So here we are again with another Full Moon upon us. I am having trouble keeping up.

When the moon is full it is as if the eternal light of the great spirit were upon the whole world.

-- Black Elk--

According to folklore, the Native Americans named this month's Full Moon the 'Snow Moon' because tribes in the northeastern United States had to survive some of winter's heaviest snows in February. This was a time of hardship. It is also called the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. This moon is also known as Quickening Moon because it occurs closest to Imbolc at a time when new life is beginning.

Devotion to Ishtar, the chief goddess of Babylon, led to tales of Hebrew women kneading dough and baking cakes in shape of the silvery moon in honor of the 'queen of heaven'. At Athens, Full Moon shaped honey cakes with lights stuck in them, were offered to the moon-goddess, Artemis, and in Arabia similar offerings were made to the goddess Al-Uzza, was represented by the star Venus. Women in the Orient still bake moon cakes in honor of their moon goddess, Chang O.

During a Full Moon, the Moon is opposite to the Sun, lying in a direct line on the other side of Earth, in the opposing zodiacal sign to that of the Sun, and completely illuminated. It is usually considered to be the climactic time of the month, a period of fulfillment, when the expectations begun at the new beginning moon are fulfilled. Emotions run high, and feelings on all levels is heightened. This month's Full Moon will fall in the zodiac sign Leo, the Sun's sign, on February 7th. Leo is a fixed and fire sign. It is shining, impulsive, enthusiastic. He represents the individual; the Sun in Aquarius represents the group, creative self- expression versus group expression, individual needs versus global issues. Leo embraces self-expression; Aquarius will teach us how to work together as a team.

The function here is to bring balance between the areas where the Sun and the Moon are. With the Aquarius/Leo axis, the integration is between group and individual consciousness. This Full Moon is all about achieving the balance between the two signs. The Full Moon in Leo has an emotional need to shine and be praised by others; he needs to feel appreciated.. Care needs to be taken to avoid melodramatic displays to grab the spotlight or leadership positions.

During this Full Moon....

....Use the fiery energy of this Full Moon to do a candle spell for clearing negativity. Surround yourself with bright uplifting colors such as reds, oranges, bright yellows. Aquarius is connected to the 11th house of the horoscope which signifies friends, communities, groups and all our social networks. It is a good time to be social, and to help others. Do something really fun and exciting.

Setsubun

2012-02-03T06:01:00.001-05:00

It seems that Staten Island Chuck and Punxsutawney Phil cannot agree on when Spring will arrive. While Phil saw his shadow, in turn predicting six more weeks of winter, Chuck did not see his shadow which calls for an early Spring. Here's hoping that Chuck is the one who got it right. And even if not, at least he didn't bite the mayor this year. (Chuckle) That's still a running joke around here. This is quite a festive time of the year with Imbolc, Candlemas, and Groundhog Day, so I thought you might enjoy a festivity that comes to us from Japan.

Since ancient times, the Japanese have celebrated Setsubun on February 3rd or 4th, which, according the ancient Japanese calendar, corresponded with the beginning of the natural year when winter first softens into spring, a shift once believed to bode evil and bring disaster. On this day, centuries old purification rights are performed by priests in all temples and shrines. The best known ceremony of Setsubun is the custom known as Oni-yarai, or the casting out of devils. An exorcist wanders through the streets crying, 'Devils out! Good fortune in!' and is eagerly welcomed into the people's homes to perform his feat, which consists in the recitation of certain prayers and the rattling of a wand called a shakujo.

The people also celebrate this festival at home. The father or the oldest man in the family takes the role of a demon. Inside the house, the rest of the family members throw the beans about the house in four directions saying 'Evil is out, good luck is within.' It is believed that the evil demons of winter have a loathing for dried beans so beans are placed in every corner of a family's house and pointed branches and sardine heads are mounted over the doors.

After throwing the beans, people eat the same number of beans as their age to wish for good health that year. For example, if you are 25 years old, you will eat 25 beans. The beans, having accomplished their function of expelling the devils, are swept up and carefully preserved until the first clap of spring thunder is heard, when it is the custom to cook and eat some of them.

Prayers are written on slips of paper and then cast from bridges into the rivers below.

Anyone have any special plans this weekend? I'll be slaving away in the kitchen. Actually, it's not exactly 'slaving' anymore. I love working in my new kitchen, but I really am needing some rest about now. Pain drains everything out of you, and this sciatica, though manageable, is driving me up a wall. Yesterday it was someone better and less painful so hopefully I am on the mend.

Wishing everyone a weekend filled with love, peace and joy.

Groundhog Day/Candlemas February 2nd

2012-02-02T08:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the most beautiful day. I think we hit 60 degrees. I wouldn't know because I was stuck indoors at work, clock watching, and waiting for the work day to be over so I could enjoy the warmth. Unfortunately, though, yesterday was one of my late days, and by the time I arrived home from work, it was nearly 8 pm and hard to do much of anything. I don't have my backyard anymore.

When I arrived home, I stripped down to something more comfortable, lit my white candles, home and opened the windows wide to let the air in. All day I had waited for this....my first Imbolc in my new home. After saying a prayer to Brigid, I tied a bit of cloth to the window guard for her to bless as she is said to walk the earth on Imbolc was blowing through through my window. What more perfect way to end a busy day!

Groundhog Day has become a regular institution celebrated in the United States. It was originally a cross-quarter day; that is, a day that fell midway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. However, with the advent of the Gregorian calendar, it now falls four days before the cross-quarter day. In addition, our European Celtic ancestors believed that animals had certain supernatural powers on special days that fell between the Solstice and the Equinox. Folklore indicates that when hibernating creatures came out of their winter dens too early, they were frightened by their shadow and retreated back inside for another four to six weeks.

In the United States, the groundhog has been considered a weather prophet for many years. The 2nd of February is the day when the he wakes up from its long winter's nap, and comes forth from its hole to look around and see how the spring is progressing. An old folk tale says that if a groundhog comes out of its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will last another ... If the day is cloudy and the groundhog doesn't see its shadow, there will be an early spring.

Of course, we know the groundhog's sign to be a bit of superstition or folk lore, but it sure is a lot of fun...and the subject of one of my favorite flicks. America's most famous groundhog is named Punxsutawney Phil. Legend has it that he is more than 120 years old and made his first prediction 100 years ago. It is said that he is given a special potion each summer to to help him live for seven more years.

"I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.

Wake and stretch, go out and play.

Down in my burrow, down so deep,

Time to wake, from my long winter's sleep.

Grumble, grumble, scratch, scratch,

Grunt, grunt, yawn.

I'll eat my breakfast in your front lawn.

I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.

Wake up and stretch, go out and play.'

- Author Unknown

Around the same time, in other parts of Europe, Candlemas Day was celebrated. Candlemas is one of the four cross-quarters of the year, occurring half way between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. On this day, candles were blessed by the clergy and handed out to the people to light the long winter nights.

It is believed that, when the Romans invaded the British Isles, they adopted the ancient Celtic tradition and began calling it Hedgehog Day. Then, they brought the holiday to the Germans who blended the traditions of Candlemas and Hedgehog Day with new ideas. They decided that if it were sunny on Candlemas, the hedgehog would cast a shadow. If this happened, more wintry weather was predicted. They called this 'Second Winter'.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Imbolc

2012-02-01T07:50:00.000-05:00

For most of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, February is a time of storms and bleak, short days which reflect the stark reality of Winter while it conveys the hope of Spring. It is a time that we celebrate the renewing fertility of the Earth

The celebration of Imbolc falls midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. We have reached the turning point when one is at ultimate darkness and from now on everything will start to get less dark. In earlier times, the ancient rite was traditionally held on the eve of February 1st. It was a purification fire festival called the 'Feast of Lights'.

It is the point in the cycle of seasons when new life is beginning, a time when the first stirrings can be felt in the natural world, of renewed life of the earth after winter and the growing strength of the sun. It is the festival of the beginning of spring which marked the arrival of milk for the first birthing lambs of spring. Imbolc is the festival of the Maiden Goddess, particularly Brigid in the Celtic traditions, whose associations include the dawn and the inner fire. This Sabbat celebrates the goddess bringing the youthful sun God back to the earth in spring
Imbolc is a time to clean out the old to make way for the new, to light candles to help the young Sun God. It's a great time for some early spring cleaning, too. Get rid of things you don't need. Get ready for the spring season to come. Place strips of cloth or ribbons outdoors, to catch the first light of the sun on Imbolc or the dew of the dawn. This is called Brat Bride or Brigit's cloak. The cloths were kept and used for healing throughout the year.

On Imbolc, herbs such as angelica, basil, rowan, celandine, heather, and myrrh are used to celebrate. Snowdrops and candles are placed on altars to represent all things new.The lighting of candles is done to encourage the sun in its return toward the earth. Place as many white candles around your house or on the Imbolc altar as you can, because the candles' glow symbolizes the growing light.

Quaker Prayer

2012-01-31T06:10:00.001-05:00

If we hope to overcome the ocean of darkness in the world,

we must first light a candle in our own hearts...

Committing oneself to the path of love can be the most revolutionary

way to change. Make the most of your time every day of your life...

As living human beings we are impermanent,

but we are surely not insignificant, Everything we do matters.

-- Robert Lawrence Smith, A Quaker book of Wisdom

When I was studying for my Interfaith ministerial ordination, I had the privilege of studying the tenets and beliefs of many different religions. One that I had been quite unfamiliar with was Jainism, but as I began my study, I was fascinated by what they call the world's most peaceful religion.

Jainism is an ancient dharmic religion born thousands of years ago in India that focuses its efforts on being peaceful, gentle and respectful towards any living being, whether human, plant or animal. When I read the above prayer yesterday, I began to ruminate on how much many of the different religions have in common. For example, although the above is a Quaker prayer, it fits right into the Jain ideals.

The Universal Jain symbol encompasses the core Jain teachings. In its comprehensive form it consists of a moon crescent, three dots, Swastika, palm of hand with a wheel inset and an outline encompassing all these symbols.

The upper, the realm of heaven containing the heavenly abodes of all the celestial beings and abode of the Siddhas
The lower represents the seven hells.
The center, the Earth and the planets.

The raised hand means 'stop'. There is a word in the center of the wheel which means non-violence. The two together signify the importance of careful thought before action and also non-violence in thought, speech and action. The wheel in the hand shows that if careful thought does not precede actions, humans are destined to follow the cycle of birth, rebirth and death just as a wheel goes round and round. The four arms of the swastika represent birth into any one of the four destinies...heavenly beings, human beings, animal beings and hellish beings during the incessant cycle of birth and death. The three dots above the swastika represent the three jewels of Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.

Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,

Let me once know.

I sought thee in a secret cave,

And ask'd, if Peace were there,

A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:

Go seek elsewhere.

I did; and going did a rainbow note:

Surely, thought I,

This is the lace of Peace's coat:

I will search out the matter.

But while I looked the clouds immediately

Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden and did spy

A gallant flower,

The crown-imperial: Sure, said I,

Peace at the root must dwell.

But when I digged, I saw a worm devour

What showed so well.

At length I met a rev'rend good old man;

Whom when for Peace

I did demand, he thus began:

There was a Prince of old

At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase

Of flock and fold.

He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save

His life from foes.

But after death out of his grave

There sprang twelve stalks of wheat;

Which many wond'ring at, got some of those

To plant and set.

It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse

Through all the earth:

For they that taste it do rehearse

That virtue lies therein;

A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth

By flight of sin.

Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,

And grows for you;

Make bread of it: and that repose

And peace, which ev'ry where

With so much earnestness you do pursue,

Is only there.

George Herbert

Monday This and That

2012-01-30T07:16:00.000-05:00

Every morning pull yourself up to your full height and stand tall.

Then think tall--think big, elevated thoughts. Then go out

and act tall. Do that and joy will flow to you.

William Danforth

As Monday rolls around, I wonder once again where the time went. It was a quiet weekend, didn't do much of anything. I even took a break from the computer yesterday. Didn't even turn it on. That's really a first for me. Instead, I spent the day rocking and reading. I did take a trip to one of our local 99 cent stores and picked up a few things. On the way back, I saw a sight that I've never seen before in my life. An elderly Chinese lady was out there feeding the birds and the only way I can describe it is to picture Alfred Hitchcock's film, 'The Birds'. The winter birds, hundreds of them, flying in formation, pigeons flying every which way eager to get theirs.

It was the seagulls who really amazed me. There were more of them flying about than there than I have ever seen at the beach. They were soaring high in the sky, flying in front cars, and whizzing over people's heads. And the noise level of all of these creatures was unbelievable. I stood there for a moment, mesmerized by the scene in front of me before I raced home to get my camera, but by the time I returned, all the birds except for the seagulls had disappeared. I snapped some pictures, but my camera is not powerful enough to get good shots.

Well, January is about to come to an end and we've had only about three inches of snow, and with the temperatures nearing the 50's, I doubt we'll even see a flurry before January ends. Last January, 2011, was the snowiest month on record. As of January 27, more than 36 inches of snow had fallen in the city. They say when February rolls in this week, we'll feel more like April has arrived than the dead of winter.

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Talk health,

happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

Make all your friends

feel there is something in them.

Look at the sunny side of everything.

Think only of the best, work only for the best,

and expect only the best.

Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your won.
Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements
of the future.

Give everyone a smile.

Spend so much time improving yourself

that you have no time left to criticize others.
Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

Christian D. Larsen

Iroquois Mid-Winter Ceremony: January 28

2012-01-27T06:03:00.000-05:00

The Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony begins in late January or early February, depending upon the moon cycle. To be more precise, it begins when the New Moon appears and when the Sun is in Aquarius. It is then that their spiritual year begins and five days later the Midwinter Ceremony begins. As with all Iroquois ceremonies, the Midwinter began and ended with a prayer giving thanks. The Iroquois did not ask the supreme being for anything, but expressed gratitude for what they had already been given. As with all Iroquois ceremonies, the Midwinter began and ended with a prayer giving thanks. The Iroquois did not ask the supreme being for anything, but expressed gratitude for what they had already been given. What a special way to live!

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks the rivers and streams which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and the squash, which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind which, moving the air, has banished disease.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light, when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our grandfather He-no...who has given to us his rain.

We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficient eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of his children.

This a time of purification and forgiveness is celebrated by burning the offenses and grudges of the old year in tobacco offerings. It was during the Midwinter Ceremony that the people should beg the Creator for the return of all the plants. The ceremonies were special times of feasts, dancing, and singing, celebrated with tobacco offerings, confession of offenses, singing, drumming, and dancing. Newly born children receive their names now, and the year ahead is forecast in dream telling, celebrated in music and dance.

An essential part of the Midwinter Festival was the practice of dream guessing. The Iroquois felt very strongly that dreams guided all aspects of their lives – hunting, fighting, even marriage because the dreamer had been in contact with the guidance and wisdom of the soul. For this reason, it was necessary that any instructions given in a dream be followed. Dreamers came to each festival and shared their dreams with the people there. The people would guess what these dreams meant.On the early northern frontier, it was not unusual for whole Iroquoian communities to base life-or-death decisions on the prophetic dreams. For example, if one person had a dream of failure before a battle, they would retreat, viewing the dream as an omen.

I've always been fascinated with Native American beliefs, but even more so with the Iroquois. Traditionally, the Iroquois were very religious. As is true of most American Indians, the Iroquois believed that all things on Earth had a spirit. Gods called Creator, Our Grandmother the Moon, and Our Elder Brother the Sun all lived in the sky world. The chief influences directing the religious life of the Iroquois are given as mythology, belief in spirits greater and lesser, ghosts of the dead, gods, dreams, belief in a personal soul, witchcraft, shamans and taboos.

I think I've mentioned this before, but in case I haven 't, I've been a collector of No-Face dolls for several years. My mother-in-law told me the dolls had no face because they saw no evil, heard no evil, and saw no evil. The Iroquois offer the following explanation. Hope you all enjoy this little tale as much as I did.

The three sisters of the Iroquois, Corn, Beans and Squash are the three spirits that sustain life. In the beginning, the Corn spirit was so happy at being a sustainer of life that she asked the Creator for more ways to help her people. So the Creator began forming a doll from her husks, creating for it a beautiful face, and giving it to the children of the Iroquois. But the doll, as it passed from village to village and child to child, continually proclaimed her beauty, until she became so vain that the Creator disapproved of her and asked her to refrain from such narcissistic behavior. If she continued, the Creator warned, he would have to punish her.

The doll agreed, and attempted to be more humble. But one day, walking by a creek, she glanced into the water and stopped to admire the beauy of her reflection. The Creator, however was unseeing; he sent a giant screech owl down from the sky to snatch her reflection from the water. When she then glaned into the water again to admire her beauty, her reflection was gone. She could no longer see her face or glory in her superior beauty.

Ever since, when an Iroquois mother gives a doll to her child, she usually a doll with no face, and tells the legend of the Corn-Husk doll. The Iroquois want their children to value the unique gifts that the Creator has given to each of them, but not to view themselves as superior to another, or to overemphasize physical appearance at the expense of spiritual and community values.

The City

2012-01-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

I own the charms of lovely Nature; still,
In human nature more delight I find.
Though sweet the murmuring voices of the rill,
I much prefer the voices of my kind.

I like the roar of cities. In the mart,
Where busy toilers strive for place and gain,
I seem to read humanity's great heart,
And share its hopes, its pleasures, and its pain.

The rush of hurrying trains that cannot wait,
The tread of myriad feet, all say to me:
"You are the architect of your own fate;
Toil on, hope on, and dare to do and be."

I like the jangled music of the loud
Bold bells; the whistle's sudden shrill reply;
And there is inspiration in a crowd--
A magnetism flashed from eye to eye.

My sorrows all seem lightened and my joys
Augmented when the comrade world walks near;
Close to mankind my soul best keeps its poise.
Give me the great town's bustle, strife, and noise,
And let who will, hold Nature's calm more dear.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I love the above poem. Says everything about the city life. I've been a city dweller since 1969. Gosh, has it really been that long? I remember the night I moved here as if it were yesterday. It is all so clear to me. The rundown hotel where Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul, and Mary stayed was my home, and Washington Square Park was the place to be...and I was a part of it all.

But now, now the time has come that I yearn for home. Oh, how it excited me, a young country bumpkin when I first stepped out into the city that morning oh, so long ago, and who would have guessed I would still be here today. I can't complain. All and all, the city has been good to me. I've struggled, yes, but I am one of those who came here with a dream and survived. I've been blessed.

Seems like I'm rambling today, and maybe I am. Worked on my ancestry last night and feeling a bit melancholy. Family is what it is all about, and I am really missing mine.

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

There Was Once a Wise Sage

2012-01-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

There once was a wise sage who wandered the countryside. One day, as he passed near a village, he was approached by a woman who saw he was a sage and told him of a sick child nearby. She beseeched him to help this child. The sage came to the village, and a crowd gathered around him, for such a man was a rare sight. One woman brought the sick child to him, and he said a prayer over her.

"Do you really think your prayer will help her, when medicine has failed?" yelled a man from the crowd.

"You know nothing of such things! You are a stupid fool!" said the sage to the man.

The man became very angry with these words and his face grew hot and red. He was about to say something, or perhaps strike out, when the sage walked over to him and said: "If one word has such power as to make you so angry and hot, may not another have the power to heal?"

And thus, the sage healed two people that day.

--Unknown--

I have a couple co-workers who have really nasty dispositions. Sometimes I even wonder if they even realize how they come across to others. I find it hard to believe that someone could be so deliberately hurtful. They've said things to me, just as they have everyone else. Most of the time I let it go. I know it comes from their own inner securities, and besides, two wrongs don't make a right. But sometimes, though, it is impossible to keep your peace.

When we first moved to our new offices, we had the greatest maintenance worker. She'd been a graduate of our program who had gone on to complete an internship and was eventually hired by the company. She did a great job of keeping the place clean, but management decided that she was a bit too close to all of us so they moved her to another floor. Since that time, it has been 'hit and miss' in the cleaning department there.

The other day a new girl was assigned to our floor. Well, she is not exactly new, but this is her first time working our floor. I'd seen her around the building before but we'd never really spoke, so when I saw her, I called her over and introduced myself and started a little conversation to make her feel comfortable. It was then that my office mate stopped playing her GAME, which she plays every day, all day, when not on personal calls, and turned around and said in a very 'nasty' tone, "You people don't do any work around here." You people???? How dare she? And I told her so. When she quipped a nasty remark my way, I responded with, "People who live in glass houses should never throw stones." She didn't get it.

If you could have seen the hurt look on the girl's face. All she said was, "Wow, that's a low blow" and walked away. Several times I've tried to engage the girl, but now, it is like she has the impression that we all think we are 'better than' because we have office jobs and walks away. Perhaps in time the girl's pain will heal.

When people say cruel things to us, it hurts. I know this from experience. During my childhood, I was pretty much beaten down by words, from both my parents and my peers. And, verbal abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse. As I always told my clients in my domestic violence group...bruises will go away. Despite the claim of the old nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" names DO hurt and DO inflict injuries that last a lifetime.

When we sincerely praise someone else, we encourage them and careless words spoken in anger, thoughtlessness or because someone hurt you are sharp daggers that can penetrate through the heart. Words can be used for good, and used for evil, so what are you going to do with your words. We must always remember that, when we speak, we either make someones day or we ruin it. Our words can hurt or our words can heal. It is up to us how we use them.

Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect.

We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.

U. Thant

Aquarius, the Water Bearer

2012-01-24T06:05:00.000-05:00

Aquarius symbols always incorporate water. The simplest of these symbols is a pair of squiggly lines, representing waves.

Aquarius is the 11th sign of the western zodiac. Aquarius constellation is located in the southern hemisphere in the region of the sky sometimes referred to as the Sea, because it contains a number of constellations with names related to water The element for Aquarius is 'Air', but, ironically, its name means water-bearer (or cup-bearer) in Latin. and it represents water. It is a fixed sign. Aquarians are the stubborn ones, and want to keep things as they are. The symbol of Aquarius is a water bearer, a young man pouring water into the mouth of the constellation Pisces.

Aquarius is traditionally thought to be ruled by the planet Saturn, but, since the discovery of Uranus in 1781, many astrologers have labelled Uranus as the ruler or co-ruler of Aquarius. This planet takes approximately seven years to journey through a sign of the zodiac, taking about 84 years to complete all twelve signs of the zodiac cycle. In Greek mythology, Uranus is connected to the divine mind and is said to have invented the world. He is said to have been born from Gaea, the Earth, and he became the god of the sky. His rains fertilized the Earth and gave birth to many kinds of human-like creatures. Uranus is known in astrology as the 'Awakener' because its aspects and transits bring sudden changes and shocks.

In Babylonian mythology, Aquarius is identified as the god Ea himself and, according to the Egyptians, Aquarius pours water into the Nile River at the season when the Nile normally overflows its banks; this brings the much-needed water to the farmlands bordering that great river. In some images he is seen watering the earth from two large jugs. In the Hebrew zodiac, Aquarius represented the tribe of Reuben, 'unstable as water.' In the New Testament Christians of the 16th and 17th centuries appropriately likened Aquarius to John the Baptist and to Judas Thaddaeus the Apostle.

According to Norse mythology, Aquarius was considered Wall's palace, and it was supposed to be covered with silver. In the Indian zodiac, the name of the constellation is 'Kumbha,' meaning 'Water Jar.' In the context of Hinduism and Hindu mythology, it is also symbolic of the womb. The Arabs who were so dependent on the water of the rainy season saw Aquarius as a bucket because their religion forbids them from showing pictures of any living form.

In February, the Aquarius month, the sun entered the Peruvian sign known by the name 'Mother of Waters'. The Water Mother was figured as a sacred lake located in the Southern Fish and the Crane. The month of February marks the height of the rainy season in the Andes, and the rivers are then in flood so that the powers of the Mother of Waters are at this season most conspicuously displayed.

In Greek mythology, Aquarius is usually associated with Ganymede, the cup-bearer of the gods. Ganymede was a beautiful youth of Phrygia, and the son of King Tros of Troy. Ganymede was so beautiful that he caught Zeus’ eye, prompting the god to disguise himself as an eagle (represented by the constellation Aquila) and carry him off to Olympus to serve as cup-bearer to the gods in place of Hebe.

The Aquarian is an independent free spirit, and are considered to be the ones who create change and start revolutions. They are frank, practical, idealistic and spiritual. Equality, freedom and fairness are important issues for them. In this regard, we often find the Aquarian individual associated with a search for truth, change, humanitarian issues and causes. Aquarian people also make very loyal and good friends, and will always be there to help you if they are needed.

The problem with Aquarius individuals is that they have difficulty adapting. Being an air sign, this signifies that they are a fixed sign, which makes it hard to be flexible. At times the Aquarian may seem unapproachable and distant, but far from being deliberately unfriendly, Aquarius is simply guarded.

As Monday Rolls Around...Again

2012-01-23T06:40:00.001-05:00

For each new morning with its light

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson--

I love the above prayer of Thanksgiving. I have found that whenever I am feeling sorry for myself, repeating the above has always been a source of support. There are so many things in life to be thankful for, and often enough we focus so much on the negative we forget about all the wonderful things in our lives. I woke up this morning, and before I even had a sip of coffee, I began to make myself feel miserable because I 'didn't want to go to work.' A wave of the 'poor me's' came over me.

I often find myself so focused on my dream of retirement that I forget that many out there can't find a job. People are losing their homes, their families, everything they have. Homeless shelters are full, and housing programs have lost their funding. Where does it all end? I often think that take away my paycheck and 'there go I'. It is a frightening feeling to know that you are only one paycheck away from losing everything you have.

I am blessed with my new home and the love I receive from friends and family. There was a time in my life I had neither. There were times that I laid across the bed and forced myself to sleep the day away because I had nothing to eat. Now I try never to forget where I once was and where I am now. I may feel sorry for myself at times but life truly is good.

Too many of us take life for granted. I love when, in my groups at work we go around for check-in and client's say, "I am grateful that I woke up this morning." Being alive and in good health is a gift that I am thankful for. When I wake up every morning and still have the breath of life inside of me, I am thankful for my life.

Today I light this candle in gratitude for life.

Between Sleep and Waking

Softly in a dream I heard,

Ere the day was breaking,

Softly call a cuckoo bird

Between sleep and waking.

Calling through the rippling rain

And red orchard blossom;

Calling up old love again,

Buried in my bosom;

Calling till he brought you too

From some magic region;

And the whole spring followed you,

Birds on birds in legion.

Youth was in your beaming glance,

Love a rainbow round you;

Blushing trees began to dance,

Wreaths of roses crowned you.

And I called your name, and woke

To the cuckoo's calling;

And you waned in waning smoke,

As the rain was falling.

Had the cuckoo called 'Adieu,'

Ere the day was breaking?

All the old wounds bled anew

Between sleep and waking.

Mathilde Blind

A Snowy Saturday

2012-01-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

The snow whispers around me

And my wooden clogs

Leave holes behind me in the snow.

But no one will pass this way

Seeking my footsteps,

And when the temple bell rings again

They will be covered and gone.

Amy Lowell

The first snow of the year. My food is simmering on the stove, and I am sitting here in front of the window, watching the snow gently fall to the ground, and almost 'too' gently it falls. I'd actually been hoping for a more spectacular view, but the snow has not lived up to what was forecasted, at least in my section of Brooklyn. But, I've talked about this for so long and now, here I am, enjoying my rocking chair just as I always said I would. Took some pictures, but I'm still trying to find a way to download them. The memory card doesn't work, and the wire my son was using got bent in the move. I know I have to buy a new one, but now I have misplaced the old one, so I don't even know what to ask for. The photo above is from last year.

After I posted yesterday, I took a shower, put on my makeup, all but got dressed and heard the weatherman say 'snow up to 4pm on Saturday. 3 to 5 inches', and picked up my phone to call in. Did my food shopping yesterday instead. I have to say, I am missing my old supermarket. I've been to this new one three times, and still can't get used to it. Told one of the workers there I felt like I was getting a 'workout' at the gym what with all these armlifts and running around. Seems like just about every other item I need is up so high I have to stretch to reach it. I did mention that I didn't think it was the wisest move to keep ten pound bags of cat litter on a shelf so high. What if someone reached for it, and it fell on their head? I tend to think of silly things like that, but hey, it can happen.

I'm anxious now to get a small table for my kitchen so I can begin my garden. My blogger friend, Wendy has the greatest indoor garden. She really has inspired me. I've so many things on my list to buy, but a small table to sit in front of my window has moved to the head of the list. Hubby says there won't be much room, but the way I look at it is, 'where there is a will, there is a way.' Any suggestions from you indoor gardeners?

My heart is a garden tired with autumn,

Heaped with bending asters and dahlias heavy and dark,

In the hazy sunshine, the garden remembers April,

The drench of rains and a snow-drop quick and clear as a spark;

Daffodils blowing in the cold wind of morning,

And golden tulips, goblets holding the rain—

The garden will be hushed with snow, forgotten soon, forgotten—

After the stillness, will spring come again?

Sara Teasdale

TGIF

2012-01-20T06:15:00.003-05:00

You are given the gifts of the gods,

You create your reality according to your beliefs.

Yours is the creative energy that makes your world.

There are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.

-Seth (As channelled by Jane Roberts) in

'The Nature Of Personal Reality, Chap. 22, Session 677' -

It's hard to believe, isn't it? Another weekend is upon us. Seems he weeks fly by so quickly now that I hardly know they were there. We're in for some rather inclement weather tomorrow...sleet and rain. Couldn't wait until Sunday, could it? Had to be stormy on the day I head for the supermarket.

I've decided this week that I'm going to pick up some baking supplies. I'm actually very anxious about it. Haven't baked now in about 13 years. I tried the first two years at the other house, but it was just too difficult and no fun the way the kitchen was set up. Pound cake is on the menu...as well as some scones. (Robin, you had my mouth watering when you mentioned it). Heck, maybe even some hot cinnamon buns as a treat.

Has anyone here read the Seth materials? Way back then I read them all.

You share an existence with others who are experiencing their own journeys in their own ways, and you

have journeying in common, then. Be kind to yourself and to your companions."

Seth was a personality who is no longer living in our physical reality, and from late in 1963 until 1984, when Jane passed away, Seth spoke through Jane Roberts. The readings were recorded both in long hand and later on audio tape. Collectively the sessions are frequently referred to as the Seth material. Don't know if it was a hoax, but he had a lot of good things to say.

Seth often spoke of 'creating your own reality.' We truly reap what we sow. And I also think our thoughts are much more powerful then we realize. You are indeed living what you believe. For example, if one believes they are a failure, this experience is perpetuated in various repeat situations throughout their life. When we finally look into the self and face these irrational beliefs and fears of failure, a release is achieved, and a way is found to come to know self is no failure. Sound familiar? Pretty much like the more recent Toltec teachings.

The Seth books have sold over 7 million copies and been translated into 11 languages. Most of the original material has been archived at the Yale University library.

Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul

The Nature of Personal Reality: A Seth Book

The "Unknown" Reality, Volumes I & II

The Nature of the Psyche: Its Human Expression

The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events: A Seth Book

Dreams, "Evolution," and Value Fulfillment, Volumes I & II

The Magical Approach

The following are a few more of my favorite quotes:

"As long as you fight for greed and gain, there will be no peace."

"You create your reality according to your beliefs and expectations, therefore you should examine these carefully. If you do not like some aspect of your world, then examine your own expectations"

"...if you do not have a loving concern for the environment in which you dwell, it will no longer sustain you - you will not be worthy of it. You will not be destroying the planet, you see. You will not be destroying the birds, or the flowers, or the grain, or the animals. You will not be worthy of them, and they will be destroying you."

"Realize that your physical experience and environment is the materialization of your beliefs. If you find great exuberance, health, effective work, abundance, smiles on the faces of those who you meet, then take it for granted that your beliefs are beneficial. If you see a world that is good, people like you, take it for granted again, that your beliefs are beneficial. But if you find poor health, a lack of meaningful work, a lack of abundance, a world of sorrow and evil, then assume your beliefs are faulty and begin examining them."

"You should tell yourself frequently, I will only react to constructive suggestions, for this gives you some protection against your own negative thoughts and those of others."

May you all have a wonderful weekend.

Dealing With Loss...Again

2012-01-19T08:11:00.000-05:00

You ever get those days when you realize you should never have gotten out of bed? Those days when you find yourself taking deep breaths and repeating the Serenity Prayer more often than naught? Oh my, since they changed our program to a mental health program, those days seem to be coming more and more frequently. Yesterday was the day from hell.

It began when I got up. I 'really' didn't want to go. I was tired and suffering from a sinus headache. Thought about calling in, but I didn't. By the time I realized my mistake, it was already too late. Again, I forgot my I.D. Now, our I.D. just happens to be a key to get in as well. You swipe the back of it and the door opens. I was able to get into the office, but it sure got to be a pain in the butt when I had to use the ladies' room.

In group, I put on a video that "I" had bought and all was well until about ten minutes before the end. That's when it got stuck and wouldn't go any further. Turns out that someone who had borrowed it had not taken care of it and left a big scratch.

I walked out of group when it was over to find two clients waiting for me. Both had emergencies that could not wait so they followed me to the front desk and pestered me while I was trying to sign everyone out. The first was a female client who decided that 'she didn't need to be in this program, that she wanted to go to college instead'. I had to remind her of her excessive alcohol use and that she must get that under control before moving on to anything else; hence, the necessity of attending the program.

The other client has not shown to the program in almost two months. He has been medication non-compliant and it was obvious that he was not himself. He was yelling and carrying on so that 911 had to be called. But, none of this prepared me for the news that was to come.

In the midst of this all, I got 'the call'. One of my ex clients had passed away. His sisters found him in his apartment. The housing program had a myriad of questions for me, and I was really having difficulty holding myself together. I'd worked with this for two years; he was the nicest person. Never raised his voice. An alcoholic, he always had a hard time staying clean and sober. He'd put together a few months, then disappear. Later we'd find out he'd put himself in detox or the psychiatric ward. And, he had always been suicidal so when he disappeared, there was always that nagging fear along with the sigh of relief when he finally did show up.

After my office moved to our new location, his attendance dropped off, and he admitted to me he wasn't very comfortable with the new place. After much discussion, we decided that perhaps it would be better for him to attend a program closer to his home. At first he was agreeable, but then, as the day drew near for him to leave, he balked. Everything for his transfer had already been put in place, and he got a little angry about it and told other clients I was 'putting him out', but he followed through, and all seemed to be going well.

About two weeks the psychiatrist and I received a telephone call from him. He told me that "although I was angry about being put out, I realize that what you did was because you wanted to help me. I'm going to the other program, and I like it. I'm just calling to thank you for all the support you have given me. I love you, Mary. You've always been good to me." Our psychiatrist got pretty much the same call. We both had an eerie feeling about it.

Over the weekend his sister found him in his apartment, most likely cause an overdose. His calls to me and the doctor had indeed been a good-bye.

Today, I light this candle for Pascual. May he finally find the peace that he never found in life.

Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,

Tears from the depth of some divine despair

Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,

In looking on the happy Autumn-fields,

And thinking of the days that are no more.

Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,

That brings our friends up from the underworld,

Sad as the last which reddens over one

That sinks with all we love below the verge;

So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more.

Ah, sad and strange as in dark summer dawns

The earliest pipe of half-awakened birds

To dying ears, when unto dying eyes

The casement slowly grows a glimmering square;

So sad, so strange, the days that are no more.

Dear as remembered kisses after death,

And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feigned

On lips that are for others; deep as love,

Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;

O Death in Life, the days that are no more!

Alfred Lord Tennyson

The Waning Moon

2012-01-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

And like a dying lady, lean and pale,

Who totters forth, wrapped in a gauzy veil,

Out of her chamber, led by the insane

And feeble wanderings of her fading brain,

The moon arose up in the murky east,

A white and shapeless mass.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

This morning as I was waiting for my train, I looked up and the Moon was still visible in the sky. She was just little more than a sliver as she continues her cycle from full to New.

As the Moon grows smaller, its energy represents reflection and cleansing. The Waning Moon is sometimes called an old Moon. It’s seen in the east before dawn. The waning moon parallels sunset, when energy subsides and stabilizes. During the Waning Moon we work on that which we wish to release, to cleanse, and to let go of. It is the time for endings. In ancient Greek culture, the goddess Demeter who signifies the harvest.

Mythically, the Waning Moon is symbolic of the Crone, the wise woman, the elder who knows the secrets of life. She is the woman who has reached a certain age and has come to a point in her life where she has skills she can teach to the younger generation and wisdom to pass on. This, the autumn cycle of her life, follows the preparation of the maiden, the fulfillment of the mother, and now the woman as Crone comes into her own, bringing inner wisdom, guidance and the mysteries. It is the time later in life when our experience is sought as wisdom.

The Crone is connected with the color black, night, endings, the cauldron, caves, the spider and web, the owl, the raven, and the Waning or Dark Moon. She represents old age, maturity, the command for respect, winter, and the waning moon. She holds life and death as one within her. She is the post-menstrual woman Since the Crone is usually at the time of life when she no longer bears children, she has the ability to gather her force once spent in this area and focus her energies and creativity on other matters

Youth, large, lusty, loving--youth full of grace, force, fascination,

Do you know that Old Age may come after you with equal grace, force, fascination?

Day full-blown and splendid--day of the immense sun, action, ambition, laughter,

The Night follows close with millions of suns, and sleep and restoring darkness.

Walt Whitman

At 64, soon to be 65, I'm not totally a crone, but I realize I am nearing the age because of the respect I receive at work. The others don't like to tell jokes or talk dirty in front of me. And I have a lot more aches and pains than I used to. My wrinkles are deepening, my neck is drooping, and the grays are taking over. My children have grown and are on their own. And I ask myself, 'Are you ready for this? Are you ready to be a Crone?' You bet I am. I am ready to accept the power of the Crone.

Nature gives you the face
you have at twenty; it is up to
you to merit the face
you have at fifty.

Coco Chanel

Back to Work

2012-01-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

The best kind of rain, of course, is a cozy rain. This is the kind the anonymous medieval poet makes me remember, the rain that falls on a day when you'd just as soon stay in bed a little longer, write letters or read a good book by the fire, take early tea with hot scones and jam and look out the streaked window with complacency.

--Susan Allen Toth, England For All Seasons--

Well, it is back to work on a rainy day. (Sigh) It seems that these three-day weekends pass by so very quickly, and I am finding it gets harder and harder to get myself up and out the door. On a day like this, I'd like nothing more than to call in sick, pull up the covers, and go back to sleep , but, alas, we are not allowed to call in the day before or after a holiday. If so, we need a doctor's note. Otherwise, they take one of our personal days from us, and I want to be the one to choose when I take my personal time.

Oh well, I'm not going to complain. I'm here, and I am dry, and I plan to make the best of it. A little colder, and we might be in the midst of an ice storm.

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Brrr!!! It Was Cold Outside

2012-01-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

Winter is the time for comfort, for

good food and warmth, for the touch

of a friendly hand and for a talk beside

the fire: it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

It was 17 degrees when I climbed out of bed yesterday morning. Thank goodness it wasn't a work day because I just might have played sick. My house is so warm and cozy. They say that with the wind chill, it felt like it was in the single digits. We have had a rather strange winter this year. Above average temperatures with a day of chill tossed in here and there just to remind us of the season we are in. Of course, we still have a ways to go before spring arrives, so who really knows what February and March will bring.

My son came to dinner last night, and it did my heart well to see him. I cooked his favorite foods...baked ziti and toasted garlic bread, and we had a pleasant visit. He would love to come back here, and I would love to have him, but we both know that it's time for him to spread his wings. It's just not fair not to let him grow.

I realized yesterday that I am regaining my joy in cooking. For so long it had been a dreadful chore, but that's what happens when you don't have a kitchen conducive to cooking. My old kitchen was long and slim with a refrigerator far too large for the space. The stove was old and when you put the oven on, you had to be careful when you touched it for the outside of it would be burning hot. There was absolutely no counter space. But here, in my new home, it has been so different. My stove is new and the counter space adequate. I've even been thinking about baking again.

By the way, before I forget. My old place is up for sale. My landlady must have won the battle because she is listed as sole owner now, and she is asking $895,000 for the house. She has 'got' to be kidding. The electricity is dangerous, the pipes are rotting away, the boiler is on its way out, and there is a deep chill that flows through the house. But that doesn't really concern me now, for finally I am at peace.

Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter.

Who would think that those branches would turn

green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

World Religions Day: January 15th

2012-01-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

"Man must be a lover of the light, no matter from what form it may appear. He must be a lover of the rose, no matter in what soil it may be growing. He must be a seeker of the truth, no matter from what source it comes. Attachment to the lantern is not loving the light."

Today is dedicated to the unity and oneness of all world religions. The aim of World Religion Day is to foster the establishment of interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the common denominators which underlie all religions. Followers of every religion are encouraged to acknowledge the similarities that different faiths have. Sadly though, because we live in a time of fear and misunderstanding, questions about religion may seem to some as being antagonistic. It is because of these uncertain times we live in, Interfaith dialogue is extremely important in promoting understanding between cultures and fostering the establishment of interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the common denominators underlying all religions.

We have lost our way. Religion was never meant to divide or to cause conflict, but instead to unite. There are many paths to God/Goddess, and it is important for each of us to be on a path and to be heading in the direction that is right for us. Problems arise when we begin to believe that our path is better than the others. Human unity and true equality depend on our understanding that 'We are one". We are all striving to reach the same goal...an understanding of this world and our place in it.

I became an Interfaith minister because I believe there is good in 'all' religions. I think the following prayer says it all:

In striving to recognize the primacy of Fire and Light, I feel kinship with my Zoroastrian brothers and sisters.

In striving to obey the Ten Commandments, I feel kinship with my Jewish brothers and sisters.

In striving to be kind to neighbor and the needy, I feel kinship with my Christian brothers and sisters.

In striving to be compassionate to creatures great and small, I feel kinship with my Buddhist - Jaina brothers and sisters.

In striving to surrender myself completely to God Almighty, I feel kinship with my Muslim brothers and sisters.

In the recognition that wisdom flows from enlightened masters, I feel kinship with my Sikh brothers and sisters.

In remembering that serving people should be the goal of religion, I feel kinship with my Bahá'i brothers and sisters.

In my respect and reverence for Nature that sustains us, I feel kinship with my Native American brothers and sisters.

In feeling that these and more are all paths to the same Divinity, I feel kinship with my Hindu brothers and sisters.

In my love and laughter, joy and pain, I feel kinship with all my fellow humans.

In my need for nourishment and instinct to live on, I feel kinship with all beings on the planet.

In my spiritual ecstasy with this wondrous world, I feel kinship with the Cosmic Whole.

Inspired by the Parliament of World Religions Composed by Dr. V. V. Raman: at The Cape of Good Hope, SA: 1999

By Loving Others

2012-01-13T06:12:00.000-05:00

By loving others, we get to
pass on lessons in this
schoolhouse of life.
Loving others is the virtue
that is so hard to embody
yet crucial for advancing in
our spirituality.

In loving others, we elevate others
as well as ourselves and
grow closer to our Higher Power.

We experience consciously that mysterious, mystical, joyful essence
that is life and God.

We rise and transcend our false
barriers to enjoy the Oneness that,

even if long forgotten,
we still crave deep down
in our cores.

--Michael Goddart--

Today I breathe a sigh of relief as I look forward to a much needed three-day weekend. I am so tired. Have not been sleeping well lately as my fibromyalgia has been flaring up, making it difficult to find a comfortable position. I've not much planned. Have some unpacking and sorting that hasn't been done yet. Also have to get some under the bed storage. Still adjusting to three less closets and two less rooms. But it's fun. Even being creative with storage gives me pleasure.

I said to hubby last night, "I love coming home. I feel so comfortable here." Even my cat has changed. Her appetite has picked up, and she has stopped that dreadful howling in the middle of the night. I dreaded going to the other place. Never knew what was going to be there to greet me. I'd even keep the television very low and tiptoe around so no one would know I was home. Just never felt at peace.

My son will be coming to dinner on Sunday. Both of us are adjusting. He misses Mommy's cooking. I miss him as well, but I also know that it is best for him to be on his own. It's the only way he will grow. And, by golly, it's not like he moved to another country. He lives only a train ride away.

Speaking of trains, I just have to tell you. When we moved here, I felt that we were moving further from my beloved ocean. Then, when I was coming home the other night, the train pulled into the station and it said, 'Sea Beach Express'. Turns out I am actually 'closer' than before, only 15 minutes away. It was the direction of the beach that threw me off.

Wishing you all a wonderful, restful weekend.

It's a Rainy Day in Brooklyn

2012-01-12T08:11:00.002-05:00

The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's a rainy day here in the city. It began last night after I got home from work as a gentle tapping against my window. To me, rain signifies the act of purification. I'd been looking forward to rocking in my chair in front of the window and watching the snow falling, but this was just as comforting. I cannot begin to describe that feeling of peace that overcame me when the rain started. It had been such a hectic day at work, and last night's rain was exactly what I needed. It's so nice to finally have a window I can enjoy.

I close my eyes and think back to when I was a kid and rain was wonderful and amazing. Our parents always let us play in the rain if there wasn't any thunder and lightning. My friend Kathy and I loved swirling and dancing in the rain, splashing in the puddles. The cool drops softly and gently running down our faces, getting into our eyes, soaking our clothes. Playing in the rain sets you free, and can still remember how it felt. Ah, the wonders of childhood!!! How quickly we forget.

The rain! the rain! the rain!

It gushed from the skies and streamed

Like awful tears; and the sick man thought

How pitiful it seemed!

And he turned his face away,

And stared at the wall again,

His hopes nigh dead and his heart worn out.

O the rain! the rain! the rain!

II.

The rain! the rain! the rain!

And the broad stream brimmed the shores;

And ever the river crept over the reeds

And the roots of the sycamores:

A corpse swirled by in a drift

Where the boat had snapt its chain--

And a hoarse-voiced mother shrieked and raved.

O the rain! the rain! the rain!

III.

The rain! the rain! the rain!--

Pouring, with never a pause,

Over the fields and the green byways--

How beautiful it was!

And the new-made man and wife

Stood at the window-pane

Like two glad children kept from school.--

O the rain! the rain! the rain!

James Whitcomb Riley

Wednesday Quote

2012-01-11T08:01:00.002-05:00

Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to

turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on

the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.

Lao Tzu

The Man In The Mirror

2012-01-10T06:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was having a session with one of my clients, a bank robber on parole who has been in and out of the prison system since he was in his teens. He's been recently released after spending ten years in the federal prison system. He spoke to me of the self he was, and the self he has become. Today, he says, he focuses on the important things in life....rebuilding the relationship with his son and helping others. "Today, when I look in the mirror, I like what I see." And then he asked if I knew the following poem, 'The Man in the Mirror.'

If you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day

Then go to the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that man has to say

For it isn't a man's father, mother or wife

Whose judgement upon him must pass

The fellow whose verdict counts most in his life

Is the man staring back from the glass

He's the fellow to please, never mind the rest

For he's with you clear up to the end

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass

-- A convict...found on the walls of his cell--

Each of us looks into a mirror at least several times each day. Who looks back at you?

Wishing you all a day of peace and love.

As Monday Rolls Around

2012-01-09T06:10:00.000-05:00

Stress is basically a disconnection from the earth,

a forgetting of the breath. Stress is an ignorant state.

It believes that everything is an emergency.

Nothing is that important. Just lie down.

Natalie Goldberg

Whew!!!! The weekend is over and for once, I have to say I am glad to get back to work. Saturday I did the food shopping and my two week's worth of cooking. Going to the supermarket has become quite stressful for me. Yes, I am used to my little Met Food that I knew by heart; hence, I could whiz through it. And, I know I must get used to change, but my new Met Food is a bit beyond ridiculous. Nothing is where it should be. For example, at the pet department in the front of the store. After loading up my cart with cat food and litter box liners, I'm searching all over for the litter. Is it there? No, I find it way in the back of the store, up on a shelf so high I can barely reach it. When I do manage to get hold of a bag, it just about falls on my head.

I also needed some windex. On a bottom shelf in the cleaning supplies, I find a large windex refill, but no windex. After spending several minutes looking for it, I give up and move halfway up the aisle to the dish detergent. Guess what? Right next to it is the windex I was looking for. Frozen foods are located in the center aisle of the store so backtracking is a must. It is just so time-consuming when things are not organized. It took me two hours to get through it all, and another hour and a half for it to be delivered.

Then, it was immediately off to cooking because by 5 pm I was expecting people to bless my house. For that, I made of a tray of cheese, crackers, and fruit. It went well, but ran a lot longer than I had originally thought it would ...and half of it was in Spanish to accommodate the people who came with my sister-in-law which really made for a long night. All in all it went well though. My sister-in-law said that she felt the positive aura of this house the moment she stepped through the door. Her first words were, "I love it." And, so do I. I'd half expected my old landlady to call me, but she hasn't. I am so much at peace now.

Yesterday my son moved out, and I've been feeling teary-eyed. It's not the first time he spread his wings, but somehow this time is different, and I am missing him so. Both of my children were born into a marriage of physical and emotional abuse and a father who exerted total control over them. When I left their dad, I guess neither of them knew how they should feel. Part of them knew that their dad had treated me wrong and it was something I had to do, and the other side loved their dad; hence, they were resentful over the break-up. Mixed emotions so to speak. I never tried to turn them against their dad, but I was also dealing with his threats because I took his children away so I couldn't allow them to see him as often as they wanted. (Actually, he was lucky to see them at all).

Fast forward to 1991. I met my current husband, and although the boys both liked him, their real dad was still the apple of their eye. They were growing older and choosing to spend more time with him. Then he developed and died from a rare form of groin cancer in 1997. The boys lived with me and hubby full-time.

All was going well, or should I say, we all got along. We'd never really been able to develop those loving relationships I saw other family's have, but I wondered if that was how boys were with their mother. When my youngest hit 20, he moved out on his own, and my eldest moved out shortly thereafter. He and his girlfriend moved clear to another state. I loved and missed them both, but as far as an empty-nest syndrome, I found myself enjoying being able to walk about naked if I wanted and having a huge room for storage. I'd joke about my cat having her own room with a full bed.

Fast forward to five years ago. My son and his girlfriend had already been split up for a few years when he lost everything in a fire and asked if he could stay with us until he got back on his feet again. Something happened this time around. Maybe it is because he was older and has been on his own, but one day he said, "Mom, I don't blame you for leaving daddy anymore. He was mean to you." We developed that mother/son relationship that hadn't been there before. And during these years, my health has deteriorated to the point where it is harder for me to get around (I suffer from fibromyalgia and moderate COPD). He's been my savior, running about doing things for me. Hubby does what he can, but he is not well himself...liver disease and COPD.

I'm not going to try to deny it. I have been reluctant to let him go. But, it's really not fair to him for me to hold on. He has to be free to live his life, just as I claimed my own life so many years ago. I knew I was going to feel bad, but I didn't know I would hurt so much. The house feels empty. Even my little kitty is feeling I feel a sense of sadness, loneliness. I cried last night until there were no tears left. Is this what the empty nest syndrome feels like? And, how long will it last?

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,

which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them,

but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children

as living arrows are sent forth.

Khalil Gibran

Weekend Wishes

2012-01-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Whether you know it or not, one of the most important relationships in your life is with your Soul.
Will you be kind and loving to your Soul, or will you be harsh and difficult?
Many of us unknowingly damage our Souls with our negative attitudes and actions
or by simple neglect. By making the relationship with your Soul an important part of your life,
however, by honoring it in your daily routine, you give your life greater meaning
and substance. Use your experiences--all of them--as opportunities to nourish your Soul!

Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross

Closing out the week with one of my favorite authors. Her books helped me through some difficult times. What an amazing woman she was!

It's going to be a busy weekend for me. Not only is it a cooking weekend, but there are people coming to bless my home Saturday evening. My son has taken most of his things from the home and will be moving out completely on Sunday. Already I am feeling a sense of loss, but it is selfish of me to hold on. He has to be free to grow just as I was free to grow, as I was free to make mistakes, to learn the lessons of life. Empty nest syndrome here I come.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

A Thursday Ramble

2012-01-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Each part of life has its own pleasures. Each has its own abundant

harvest, to be garnered in season. We may grow old in body,

but we need never grow old in mind and spirit. No one is as old as

to think he or she cannot live one more year.

--Cicero--

Played hooky yesterday. Woke up for work, turned on the weather, saw it was only 13 degrees outdoors, and said, "Heck, no. I'm not going out in that." This apartment is so warm and cozy that I just don't want to leave. When I do go out, I find myself longing to come home. Our old place was drafty and, oh, so cold. A cold breeze blew through the bedroom window all winter long, and the radiator worked when it wanted to. The kitchen door was put in wrong, leaving almost an inch on the bottom for the cold air to filter through. I only mention this in passing for I am grateful to be where I am.

So, what did I do on my hooky day? Nothing, absolutely nothing. I stayed in my jammies, watched some television, slept, and read. Hubby offered to take me to buy some winter slacks with the gift card my youngest gave me, but I didn't want to go. My body just couldn't take it. The cold makes my body hurt...another part of growing old. I remember in the 90's. New York had a snowstorm, and by the time I left work in the afternoon, the snow was up past my knees. Traffic was at a standstill, and as I was walking to the subway, I fell on my butt. Got myself up, laughed about it, and trudged right onto the subway. Can't see myself doing that now.

But aging is an inevitable process, so the best way to deal with it is to accept it joyfully and being thankful for life, so don't think that I am complaining. Like the quote says, each part of life has its own pleasures, and where once I enjoyed life in the fast lane, I now love the simple pleasures of life. For example, yesterday I found myself glued to my computer on the hummingbird website, eagerly awaiting the liftoff of little Rose. That being said, I sometimes wonder, though, if I have become too simple, if I am finding it easier to stay in my home and avoid facing what is going on in the world around me. Am I becoming a hermit?

I think that might change now though. It all started in my old neighborhood, a place I didn't feel like I belonged. In the end, after the people I had known either died or moved away, I became the minority. Whenever I left my home, the children would look at me, stare at me, mouths agape, much like I was an alien from another planet. And mothers stood there allowing them to do it. Granted, I was not of their faith, but I am a human being, an elder to boot, and deserving of respect. All in all, it made it very uncomfortable to leave the house, so I guess I got comfortable staying in. Here there is so much to see and do. I'm actually closer to my beloved ocean and have a wonderful view of the Verazanno Bridge as I walk to the subway to go to work. I'm not too far from Little Chinatown and what a fascinating place that is.

The photo below is of my new rocking chair. It's one of my newest pleasures. Sorry it is so dark. I have a great picture of it on my camera, but the memory chip on my camera no longer works, and the wire to download to the computer somehow got bent in the move. Can't download any pictures. This was sent from my eldest son's phone.

Life is no more than what you make it, and by golly, I plan to make the best of what I have left. And now that I've touched on a number of subjects and basically said nothing, it's time to get back to work. I'm running a bit behind. Hoping you all have a great day.

Moments of Forever

2012-01-04T08:49:00.001-05:00

Parents belong to the world of the past; children belong to the world

of the future. Both share the world of the present, but neither can enter or fully understand the other's world and time. It is easier to communicate across miles than across years. We meet and laugh awhile;

we separate and grieve awhile. And then we remember.

--Joseph A. Bauer --

Over the weekend I was searching for some of the winter clothes I seem to have lost and came across the box of family mementos that I have accumulated since I began researching my family tree. Sitting there, at the kitchen table, surrounded by old photos, birth, and death certificates, old wills, and other remembrances of a time long ago, I found myself feeling rather emotional. Picking up the photo of my great grandmother, Constance Mary, a woman I has never met, I marvel at the twinkle in her eye and her gentle smile. And then there was the stern face of my great grandfather, Ralph, who died in his early 30's. And then there is the marriage certificate from Norfolk, England of my great-great grandparents, Harriet and Richard along with Richard's death certificate. He had died at the tender age of 21 when Constance Mary was only three months old. Sad as it is to see someone die of wasting disease so young, had he lived, I might never have been born. Isn't there an old saying that 'Someone must die for another to be born"?

Researching my ancestry was like putting a puzzle together. Each piece had to fit in order for me to be born. It's been an amazing journey. Had Richard lived, Harriet may not have relocated to the states. Constance Mary and Ralph would never have met. And what an amazing tale of my great-grandmother on my maternal side. She had gone to work as a servant in my great-grandfather's home. The pair fell in love, married, and had a great love that spanned over 50 years.

My family had never been close, and, as an only child, it was quite a lonely life. Compounding this feeling of isolation was the fact that I was never allowed to meet my dad's family so I grew up kind of lost. I didn't realize until later in life that I really didn't know who I was. After all, when you stop to think about it, we are our ancestors, and finding them is a good way to find ourselves. A piece of me was missing. For example, I'd never been much of a gardener, but suddenly found that everything I touched grew like it was touched by magic. Later, I received a photo of Constance Mary. She was standing in her garden, tending her tomato plants. Along with her genes, a green thumb was her gift to me.

Human legacies allow us to reach out over the expanse of time and distance to join hands with our ancestors From your most distant relative to your own parents, every individual in each generation has passed many things down to you. Each one of us is a unique blend of genetic material inherited from our ancestors. Every breath we take we owe to them, this unimaginably long and unbroken line of forebears who managed to survive all of the hostile forces of nature.Genealogy is a way to honor the dead by keeping their memory alive.

The particular human chain we're part of is central to our individual identity. Even if we loathe our families, in order to know ourselves, we seem to need to know about them, just as prologue. Not to know is to live with some of the disorientation and anxiety of the amnesiac.

Elizabeth Stone

It's a New Day in a New Year

2012-01-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead.

The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail

the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!

Edward Payson Powell

I brought the New Year in with a night of quiet contemplation. Where does my life go from here? May seem strange to hear someone who is almost 65 asking that question, but, we never outgrow being faced with decisions. For those who have followed me for awhile, you've heard me mention time after time how much I would 'love' to retire, but financially at this point, it seems out of the question....especially now with a new apartment and hubby out of work, and perhaps not going back due to health issues. But, hey, after 50 years of working, I think it might be time. My own health is not so good, either, but I am not going to get into that today.

My 'new' rocking chair arrived on the 31st, and I spent most of the night rocking in it. Oh, was I in Seventh Heaven--my Kindle, the blinking lights of the tree, some of my favorite snacks - cheese and crackers, some fresh fruits cut into small pieces, some leftover Christmas chocolates truffles - and a Monk marathon on television...and later, after hubby went to bed, the silence of peace and solitude, reflecting on the past year’s events and planning a future for the year to come. I also took the time to make the first entry in my 2012 journal, my gratitude list, and read over last year's entries.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going

to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity

and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

And now, with the festivities over, life continues, and it is back to work. Time moves on, and the older one gets, the faster it seems to fly by. Before I know it, I will once again be sitting in what then will be my 'old rocker', watching the lights twinkle on the tree, watching some marathon on television......and perhaps, I will then be able to say, "It is time to retire."

The Month of January

2012-01-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

"January is here, with eyes that keenly glow,
A frost-mailed warrior
striding a shadowy steed of snow."
- Edgar Fawcett -

In the Georgian calendar, January is the very first month of the year. It is one of the seven months that has thirty one days. It is, on average, the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere. January comes from the Latin word ianua meaning door. It is named after the god of the doorway, Janus . It is named after the god of the doorway, Janus, the two-faced divinity of beginnings and endings. January is known as the door to the year and is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

It's Anglo-Saxon name is Wulfmonath which means month of wolves. This is the month of the Wolf Moon . Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the hungry, howling wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Other names for this month's full moon include old moon and ice moon.

Capricorn and Aquarius are the astrological signs for January. Birthdays from January 1st through the 19th fall under the sign of Capricorn. January 20th through the 31st birthdays fall under the sign of Aquarius.

January's gemstone is the garnet, a beautiful, fiery stone. The garnet is one of the oldest gemstones in history. It has ancient connection with feminine life force. Also, garnet is known as a gift of love since ancient Greek time. Its powers include healing, strength, and protection. Garnet pendant worn close to heart will promote balance and peace of mind.

The flowers of this month are the snowdrop and carnation. In Christian lore, the Carnation was first seen to bloom in the exact spot where Mary wept after watching Jesus carrying his cross through the streets of Jerusalem. The pink Carnation is said to signify the tears shed by the Virgin Mary, again pointing to the religious significance of this ancient flower. Pink and yellow carnations are often sent as a symbol of admiration, while the deeper red carnation blooms are a sign of love. White Carnations symbolize purity, love and luck.

According to legend, the snowdrop became the symbol of hope when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. And, after the Fall, no flowers bloomed, and snow fell ceaselessly. When Eve was about to give up hope that the cold winters would never end, an angel appeared. As the angel talked with Eve, he caught a snowflake in his hand, breathed on it, and it fell to earth as the first snowdrop. The flower bloomed, and hope was born proving that the winters do eventually give way to the spring.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

Today is not only New Year's Day; it has also been designated by the Roman Catholic Church as World Peace Day. It is a day to meditate for peace throughout the world, and you do not have to be Catholic to participate. This day, the start of a promising new year, offers each us the perfect opportunity to make a resolution or a promise to ourselves to try to do our best to work to create a better world during the coming year. It's also the perfect occasion to take a quiet moment during our festivities to meditate and visualize a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.

Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,

Let me once know.

I sought thee in a secret cave,

And ask'd, if Peace were there,

A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:

Go seek elsewhere.

I did; and going did a rainbow note:

Surely, thought I,

This is the lace of Peace's coat:

I will search out the matter.

But while I looked the clouds immediately

Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden and did spy

A gallant flower,

The crown-imperial: Sure, said I,

Peace at the root must dwell.

But when I digged, I saw a worm devour

What showed so well.

At length I met a rev'rend good old man;

Whom when for Peace

I did demand, he thus began:

There was a Prince of old

At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase

Of flock and fold.

He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save

His life from foes.

But after death out of his grave

There sprang twelve stalks of wheat;

Which many wond'ring at, got some of those

To plant and set.

It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse

Through all the earth:

For they that taste it do rehearse

That virtue lies therein;

A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth

By flight of sin.

Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,

And grows for you;

Make bread of it: and that repose

And peace, which ev'ry where

With so much earnestness you do pursue,

Is only there.

--George Herbert--

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. Janus was always depicted with two faces. Janus was time, and he presided over all moments of transition--dawn, noon, dusk, midnight. He was the first god the Romans prayed to in the morning and the last god they prayed to before retiring for the night.

According to Roman mythology, this ancient Latin deity presided over the beginning of everything. With his two heads, he stands at the parting of the ways looking back retrospectively over the year that is gone and prophetically over the year that is coming. To the Romans, this was a time for a review of the past and for new resolutions to be friendly and good to one another.

Janus is the originator of the New Year's gift for on New Year's Day, the principal festival of the god, the Romans gave presents to each one another. These consisted of sweetmeats and branches by giving each other branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year's gifts. On one side of the latter— given for the sake of good omen—was the double head of Janus, and on the other a ship. The latter was probably a symbol wishing good luck to the recipient.

Let us, like the good Janus, for whom the month of January is named, look forward as well as backwards. New Year's Eve is a time to look back on the previous year, to reflect on the good times and the bad. As we embark on the journey of another year, let me take this opportunity wish you and yours all the best in 2012. May you have a delightful New Year full of love, peace, and joy. Here’s wishing, all the love, joys and good things in life dawn on you with this new start.

Happy New Year! See you all in 2012.

As You Travel Through Life

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000-05:00

What a truly amazing poem for the New Year. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Hats off to the author.

As you travel through life there are always those times

When decisions just have to be made,

When the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce,

And the rain seems to soak your parade.

There are some situations where all you can do

Is simply let go and move on,

Gather your courage and choose a direction

That carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward -
The process of change can be tough,
But think about all the excitement ahead
There might be adventures you never imagined
Just waiting around the next bend,
And wishes and dreams just about to come true
In ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships
That spring from new things
As you challenge your status quo,
And learn there are so many options in life.
Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
And see things that you've never seen,
Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
And wonderful spots in between!
Perhaps you'll find warmth and affection and caring
And somebody special who's there
To help you stay cantered and listen with interest
To stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
Are supportive of all that you do,
And believe that whatever decisions you make,
They'll be the right choices for you.
So keep putting one foot in front of the other,
And taking your life day by day...
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road -
Don't look back!
You're not going that way!

-Unknown-

As the New Year quickly approaches, I find myself thinking about events of the past year and focusing on my hopes for the future. I remember making resolutions concerning every aspect of my life at one point, but I gave up resolutions a long time ago because I was only setting myself up for failure. I actually have a notebook filled with resolutions, and amazingly, it was the same ones year after year. I wasn't going to stop smoking until I was good and ready to stop. Writing it down wasn't going to make me want to quit. So, with this in mind, why was I putting myself through the torture of making a resolution when I knew deep down that I wasn't going to go through with what I said I would do? A resolution is a determined decision that requires discipline to carry out.

A New Year is looked upon as a fresh new start. It is a chance to correct many of the things that went wrong in the previous twelve months. So, instead of making those same ill-fated resolutions each year, I take a look at all I need to improve in my life and work on fixing that. I do know that I have to lose weight, but it is not a resolution that will make me do so. It is a desire to do the things I used to do, the things I still want to do, and hope to do again without having to stop and catch my breath. Change is part of the new year and making personal changes almost seems easier and more logical. The last thing I need though is a resolution that will instill guilt once I break it.

A fabulous New Year awaits us...and it is just down the road.

What a Difference a Year Makes

2011-12-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last year on December 26th and 27th, we were dealing with the Blizzard of 2010. The city was at a standstill. Couldn't make it to work because the trains weren't running. Despite the fact that the city was snowed in, the CEO and his cohort decided that we should forfeit a vacation day because we didn't make it to work. Talk about Scrooge!!!

Yesterday was stormy as well...gale force winds and heavy rain. If it had been colder, it probably would have been worse than last year's storm. Of course, Scrooge already made his appearance on Friday when he announced that they didn't want to allow staff to leave early. They prefer to pay us to play computer games than let us spend some extra time preparing for the holiday....

But, it wouldn't be Christmas without a visit from Scrooge, would it? Sadly, there are more and more people who act like Scrooge during the holidays and fail to embrace and enjoy the season of Christmas--disagreeable, mean, greedy, and uncooperative. The current economic climate is such that it might not be all that surprising to see that many people are becoming a Scrooge of sorts this Christmas. And who can blame them. So many are losing their jobs and the replacement jobs are just not there. How can one possibly feel the Christmas spirit?

As an example, I'll use my agency....and this is happening all over the country. Five years ago we got Christmas bonuses....$50 Barnes & Noble gift cards. Four years ago we got movie tickets. We also had a wonderful Christmas party each year. We felt appreciated. Then, the year came when the Christmas party was gone as well, but the evening dinner cruise still continues. They say that all of us are invited. But, how is that possible when we have to work...so only the higher ups get to enjoy it. The clients had a Christmas party as well, and they actually got some nice gifts.

That is gone as well, now. The CEO and his cohort say they are losing money, but how can that be? They're consolidating all of us into one building. Not only do we no longer have offices, but are accommodating more clients than ever in a space half the size of what we had. Let's see...there is our program, the Manhattan Apartment Program, our Reception Center Shelter, our detox, our medical office, Human Resources, and a brand new 200 bed men's shelter sharing the same building. That's seven rents they are saving.

Our CEO has a salary of $292,000. His cohort is probably not far behind. Guess it pays to run a non-profit agency, doesn't it? We get a 3 per cent raise and our health insurance goes up 4 per cent. Bye, bye raise. The clients get nothing. Hot meals are gone. Soup and sandwich are the daily menu. Yes, Scrooge is alive and well in New York City...and, he is not just one person. There are many of them who are pocketing high salaries to the detriment of their staff and clients. That's the difference between the haves and the have nots. Is it any wonder why the Christmas spirit is disappearing?

But, of course, Christmas was never meant to be about money. In my own opinion, Christmas is meant to bring families together. It is a day to let go of everything negative. There should be good food and praise music. People should gives gifts from the heart. The rich should give to the poor. No one should be alone. Christmas is about love, peace, and joy on earth. When and how did we forget? And, how do we find it again?

Thanks for letting me share....my last rant of 2011.

Being

2011-12-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

Being...

It is the letting go of all the

should's, the must's, the have-to's,

the have-nots, the cannots,

the doubts and the guilt.

It is allowing your thoughts to come forth -

without judgment.

It is allowing yourself to feel -

without judgment.

It is allowing yourself to do what you want -

without judgment.

It is allowing yourself to be who you are -

without judgment.

When you allow yourself to be,

You find

Peace, Freedom, Love and Joy

Within you.

--Anonymous--

Christmas has come and gone. The gifts have been unwrapped and most have already been put away, but perhaps the greatest gift is one that we find within ourselves......being.

Have a great day.

Our First Christmas in Our New Home

2011-12-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. --Norman Vincent Peale

It was a quiet holiday...just hubby, myself, and my two sons. My youngest had a nasty cold, and I had told him to stay home and come on Sunday, but Christmas Eve is a tradition for us. It was nice to enjoy a tree this year. I told my son that, in previous years in the old house, the only time I saw the Christmas lights was when I checked to see if they worked...and why the heck did I even bother that. Didn't matter if they worked or not. Couldn't enjoy them. Silly, wasn't it? (Sigh)

We had our usual Christmas Eve spread--chips, dip, buffalo wings for he boys and I, shrimp for hubby, cold cuts, all kinds of cheeses, Christmas cookies, chocolate Yule log cake at midnight. There is a church on my block, and it was wonderful to hear the bells toll at midnight. It 'really' made if feel like Christmas. None of us is doing well financially this year, so gifts were small and from the heart. And, most importantly, we celebrated together.

Christmas has always been about families for me. I loved spending the festive period with all off my family around me. Eating lots of food and all laughing together. After my grandparents died the magic of Christmas was lost for awhile, but with the birth of my sons, I found that magic again. Christmas means family and love and hope. It is a time for families, friends and loved ones to come together. Christmas is always a great time to be happy and be grateful. It's a time of peace and harmony. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, a time of hope and love and wishes. Christmas is a magical time when dreams come true. That's what Christmas means to me.

The only problem I have now is that it passes all too quickly, but it doesn't have to, for Christmas is forever....

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

It's That Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hard to imagine, isn't it? Here we are on the eve before the eve. The missing keys have been...in my son's pocket. My set of keys has the same key chain as his, and since I'd left mine on the kitchen table rather than the rack where I usually keep them, he'd thought they were his. Whew!!! At least I hadn't thrown them away. This morning I bought my eacy of my sons a gift card. I've always loved wrapping gifts and seeing the surprised look on their faces when they open them, but this year with the move and finances so low, there is just no time for it.

Tomorrow morning I'll be heading on out to the supermarket. Still trying to figure out which one to go to. It just happens to be a cooking weekend for me, not that I am going to spend all day Christmas Eve cooking. That I'll put off for another day. But I will be busy putting together our usual cold cut tray, chips and dip, and whatever other little goodies I find today that my family might enjoy. Heck, I'm even thinking of baking a few cookies. I'm so looking forward to this, my first Christmas in my new home....some soft Christmas music, candles, good food, and my family. Who can ask for anything more?

Again at Christmas did we weave
The holly round the Christmas hearth;
The silent snow possess'd the earth,
And calmly fell our Christmas-eve:

The yule-log sparkled keen with frost,
No wing of wind the region swept,
But over all things brooding slept
The quiet sense of something lost.

As in the winters left behind,
Again our ancient games had place,
The mimic picture's breathing grace,
And dance and song and hoodman-blind.

Who show'd a token of distress?
No single tear, no mark of pain:
O sorrow, then can sorrow wane?
O grief, can grief be changed to less?

O last regret, regret can die!
No--mixt with all this mystic frame,
Her deep relations are the same,
But with long use her tears are dry.

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Wishing you all the happiest of holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy Yule.

Christmas Fancies

2011-12-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

It's been one of those mornings. All was going fine until it came time to leave to go to work. I couldn't find my keys. Ended up getting here late, but I still didn't find them. Luckily hubby was there to lock the door behind me. When I got to work I remembered that yesterday morning it was raining, and I couldn't find my umbrella, so I stopped to buy one on the way to the train. When I opened it, I slipped its wrappings into my pocket. This morning, I tossed it into the garbage. Bet my keys were in there.

Been back at work now since Tuesday. Such a busy time. Came back to find five new intakes in files on my desk. I've been touching base with all my clients and trying my best to stay caught up. That's why I worked so hard before my vacation. I knew what would be waiting on my return. Today I must do some discharges before my caseload gets too out of control, so I am...

...hoping you all enjoy the poem today. Ella Wheeler Wilcox is one of my favorites.

When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow,

We hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago.

And etched on vacant places,

Are half forgotten faces

Of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know –

When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow.

Uprising from the ocean of the present surging near,

We see, with strange emotion that is not free from fear,

That continent Elysian

Long vanished from our vision,

Youth’s lovely lost Atlantis, so mourned for and so dear,

Uprising from the ocean of the present surging near.

When gloomy gray Decembers are roused to Christmas mirth,

The dullest life remembers there once was joy on earth,

And draws from youth’s recesses

Some memory it possesses,

And, gazing through the lens of time, exaggerates its worth,

When gloomy gray December is roused to Christmas mirth.

When hanging up the holly or mistletoe, I wis

Each heart recalls some folly that lit the world with bliss.

Not all the seers and sages

With wisdom of the ages

Can give the mind such pleasure as memories of that kiss

When hanging up the holly or mistletoe, I wis.

For life was made for loving, and love alone repays,

As passing years are proving for all of Time’s sad ways.

There lies a sting in pleasure,

And fame gives shallow measure,

And wealth is but a phantom that mocks the restless days,

For life was made for loving, and only loving pays.

When Christmas bells are pelting the air with silver chimes,

And silences are melting to soft, melodious rhymes,

Let Love, the worlds beginning,

End fear and hate and sinning;

Let Love, the God Eternal, be worshipped in all climes

When Christmas bells are pelting the air with silver chimes.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

Every winter,
When the great sun has turned his face away,
The earth goes down into a vale of grief,
And fasts, and weeps, and shrouds herself in sables,
Leaving her wedding-garlands to decay -
Then leaps in spring to his returning kisses.

-Charles Kingsley-

For thousands of years, almost every civilization has celebrated the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. This is the time when life retreats from the earth when the Lord of Death is most apparent, but it is also a time to celebrate the new life that is born from death. Long ago, people feared that the sunlight would not come back again. or those ancient people in their completely natural environment it marked the end of the long dark days, the freezing cold nights, the hard barren earth. Solstice means, "When the Sun stands still." They began the tradition of burning yule logs to help bring back the light.

For people throughout the ages—from the ancient Egyptians and Celts to the Hopi—midwinter has been a significant time of ritual, reflection, and renewal. Although three months of winter still lay ahead, each coming day will have a little bit more sunlight signaling the coming of spring. In celebrating the Solstice we celebrate the seasons of change and honor Mother Earth. Throughout many regions of the world, peoples have marked the Winter Solstice as a yearly cycle of life. It is a turning point, a time for reflection on the past and for hope in the future.

At Winter Solstice, the Oak King brings the opportunity to be reborn and begin new life. Traditional celebrations usually include fire, light, and quiet contemplation. This year, my quiet celebration will contain all three...fire from my candles, light from my tree, and quiet contemplation of the year that passed and the year that is yet to come, a time of acknowledging the passing of the year, a time of reflection and looking forward. It is a time for deep reflections; and of looking back over your past experiences, and planning changes to assure a better future.

It is the darkest day of the year, when we fold ourselves like feathered birds gazing at the inside of a candle flame, at the small sparks of humanity, the place of light.--Louise Nayer

Happy Summer Solstice to my friends in the Southern Hemisphere. As you celebrate your 'longest' day of the year may you have love, peace, and joy.

The Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

Put the finishing touches on my tree finished yesterday, and I actually have it lit. Hip! Hip! Hooray! My son bought me some lights that played a squeaky Jingle Bells over and over again. Didn't take long for us to pull the speaker out. I have a bunch of pictures of the tree on my camera, and guess what? The memory card on the camera does not work, and we cannot find the wire. Alas, the above is not my tree. As I sat there last night, just watching the lights twinkle off and on, memories of Christmas past drifted into my mind.

When I was a little girl, we always had a real tree. Mom and dad would park the tree in the back yard and not bring it in until Christmas Eve. Once I was fast asleep, they bring out the decorations. How amazing Christmas morning was. Then, when I got older and had my own place, I remember thinking that the aluminum tree with its glass bulbs and color wheel was the greatest. I had two cats at the time and, for Christmas, I had bought them stockings filled with catnip toys. I wish I had a picture of that Christmas morn. They'd torn open their stockings and catnip was everywhere. My tree was down and half the bulbs had broken. Wrapping paper and ribbon were strewn all through the living room. Talk about a lesson learned. Never put catnip under the tree again.

My first year here in the city was the only time in my 64 years that I didn't have a tree. In fact, I didn't even have a Christmas that year. It was a time I like to forget, but always remember because it shows me just how far I have come. Since that time, I have not had another real tree. Now, I have an artificial that we bought 15 years ago, and although it is still as good as new, I think next year might bring some changes.

The practice of having a decorated tree and gifts, lights, carols, feasts, and processions has pagan origins. It originated from the pre-Christian Pagan cultures and was associated with the Winter Solstice. The birthplace of the Christmas tree was in Egypt, and its origin dates from a period long before the Christian era. Around 1300 BCE, the ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with palm branches to mark the Solstice. Not having evergreen trees, the ancient Egyptians considered the palm tree to symbolize resurrection. It was a happy holiday for them for the greenery reminded them that as the hours of daylight increased, their crops would begin to grow.

In northern Europe, the fir tree was the most common evergreen, and our ancestors used branches of fir to decorate their homes from the Winter Solstice through to spring. Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that Winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. Hence, the ancient Germanic people tied fruit and attached candles to evergreen tree branches, in honor of their god Woden. Evergreens were seen as symbols of eternal life at a time of year when all other plant life had died off.

In the folklore of Iceland we read of a sacred ash tree, whose branches were covered with shining lights that no wind could extinguish. According to their concept, the Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, is the eternal tree of Northern belief, the great natural core that links our world to heaven and hell. On the top was supposed to sit an eagle. The lights were the stars. Now an angel takes the place of the eagle and proclaims good tidings of great joy.

The mid-winter festival of Saturnalia, an old Roman holiday to commemorate the god Saturn, started on December 17th and often lasted until a few days after the Solstice. The houses were decorated with lights and greenery, and it was customary to have trees laden with decorations and gifts. When Christianity supplanted these earlier religions, and Christmas replaced Saturnalia and the winter solstice celebrations, the ritual of the decorated tree was retained. Only now it symbolized the birth of the Christ child.

There is an old 8th century German legend that St. Boniface, the organizer of the Christian Church in France and Germany, came upon a group of Druids who were congregated around an old oak tree about to perform a sacrifice St Boniface chopped down the sacred oak tree around which they were worshipping and split it into several sections, each falling in different directions. In the midst of the splintered oak, a small, unharmed fir tree stood growing at the roots of the old oak. Taking this as a sign of the Christian faith, he instructed the people henceforth to carry the evergreen from the wilderness into their homes and to surround it with gifts, symbols of love and kindness.

And, then there is an old French romance of the 13th century in which the hero sees a tree whose branches from top to bottom are covered with burning candles, while on the top is a figure of a child shining with a still greater radiance. This tree symbolized humanity — the upper lights being the souls of the good, those below, of the wicked, while the child represented Christ.

Yet another legend tells of a poor woodsman who long ago met a lost and hungry child on Christmas Eve. Though very poor himself, the woodsman gave the child food and shelter for the night. The woodsman woke up in the very next morning to find a beaming tree outside his home and surprisingly he found one as well. The child was really the Christ child who camouflaged. The child rewarded the poor woodsman the glittering tree for his charity.

Credit has been given to Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant faith, for inventing the Christmas tree. According to legend, it around the year 1500, when Luther was walking through the woods near his home in Wittenberg, Germany, on Christmas Eve and was awe struck by the beauty of the evergreen trees and how the millions of stars above glittered through their branches. He brought a little fir tree inside to share the story with his children. He re-created the effect by decorating it with candles, in honor of Christ's birth.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

The sight of thee at Christmastide

Spreads hope and gladness far and wide

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou hast a wondrous message:

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou hast a wondrous message:

Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth

Good will to men and peace on earth

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou hast a wondrous message

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

You stand in verdant beauty

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

You stand in verdant beauty

Your boughs are green in summer's glow

And do not fade in winter's snow

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

You stand in verdant beauty

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

How laden are your branches

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Your presence here enhances

Your silver star does glisten bright

Reflecting all the candlelight

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

How laden are your branches

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

You fill all hearts with gaiety

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

You fill all hearts with gaiety

On Christmas Day you stand so tall

Affording joy to one and all

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

You fill all hearts with gaiety

Busy Times

2011-12-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a very busy time for me, but everything is falling into place. There is still a ways to go, but it is starting to look like a home. Last night I set up my tree. Yes, there is still much more to be done in the apartment, but I've only gone one year without a Christmas tree, and that was the year I moved to New York, a Christmas that left me with nothing but bad memories. I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was to set up up in front of my living room window...and actually be able to light it. This year, my Christmas village will be on hold.

Hubby and I were talking last night, and both of us are in agreement. Despite all that still needs to be done, we already feel so much more comfortable. No more of the insanity of the other place. No more family feuds...although, believe it or not, my ex-landlady did give me a call yesterday to chat about what had been going on at the other place. Very politely I told her it was not a good time for me to chat. What I REALLY wanted to say was that there would NEVER be a good time for me to chat.

This place has such unbelievable ambiance. We'd seen larger, more modern apartments in fancier buildings, but none 'called out' to me like this one did...and, ironically, I didn't even want to come see it. It was my late night at work, and after putting in a full day, who wants to go check out apartments? But, I went, anyway and knew from the moment I walked in that this was 'the one'.

First of all, it is one of New York City's great pre-war apartments which, with their high ceilings, hardwood floors, doorways and other old world charms, are prized by renter and buyer alike. I haven't measured, but my ceilings are at least double hubby's height which makes them about 12 feet high, quite appealing, but not when you have to change a light bulb. Older, pre-war apartments tend to be sturdily constructed with thick firewalls between apartments lending to a quieter living environment. I 'must' get some pictures. I'd love to learn the history of this building, and once settled, I plan to do some investigating. And, after the holidays, my sister-in-law will be coming to bless our home.

Christmas this year will be a time for family appreciation, a to say thank-you and I love you. There will be no high-priced expensive gifts. Money is very tight for us this year. Each year I watch the Christmas movies where how many gifts one gets matters not. One special favorite is Christmas in Canaan where gifts are pictures from wish lists torn from a magazine...and there was oh, so much love, there. The joy comes in being together, and that is what I am looking forward to....a good old-fashioned family Christmas with plenty of good eats, love, and laughter...Christmas the way it was meant to be.

In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty

Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him whom cherubim

Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk

And a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him whom angels

Fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel

Which adore.

Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Throng'd the air,

But only His mother

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,--

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give my heart

--Christina Rosetti--

Even the Best Laid Plans

2011-12-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

The move was a nightmare. I'd been working toward organizing this for a month now, and I thought I had it all together, but what one thinks, and what is, may sometimes be two different matters altogether. On moving day, I realized I still had much to pack, so when hubby announced that he was going to get the truck and the movers, I was totally not ready, but it was already 2 pm. It had to be done. The movers from the other night never called, so we hired a few guys for $50 each who stand on the corner just waiting for odd jobs. I give these guys credit; they stand out there in all kinds of weather just waiting for someone to need them for a job. We've hired plumbers, electricians, even painters eager to make an honest living...and, we've never had a problem. That is, until we hired the movers.

Everything was rush, rush, rush. I understand they were eager to get back to their spot in the hopes of another job, but by the time they left to I just wanted to cry. They were picking up bags so quickly that I had to chase them halfway out to the truck to make sure they weren't taking garbage...and every time I sat down to take a break, they came to take whatever I was sitting on. I was going from room to room just trying to find a quiet place, and the next thing I knew, the chair or bed was being pulled out from under me. Well, maybe not pulled, but it sure did feel that way. And if I wasn't so gosh darned tired and in pain, it was like a comedy show.

They broke my television so we had to lay out an extra $350 for a new one as cable was coming the next morning to hook up everything. That was a miracle. Usually they take days, even weeks to get there. This time we got an HD flat screen. Looks great. I wasn't too happy about all the extra money we had to spend, but I did joke with hubby about how something has to break in order for us to modernize. We didn't get a DVD player until our VCR literally blew up. Didn't get a cell phone until our land line kept going off and on. And now, our old model, a 15 year old Sharp, had to break for us to get an LED.

It was almost 10 pm when I finally got to the house. I cannot begin to tell you about the unbearable howls my cat let out on the trip over. It was so bad that I gave my son my keys and told him to open all the doors so I could just make a run for it. The next day was a work day for my neighbors and didn't want to get off on the wrong foot. She's been on the kitchen chair most of the time since we got here. I put her litter box nearby and have been feeding her under the table to help her get used to the new place. Aside from one howling episode about 3 am in the morning, she appears to be coming around.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I walked in on. All I could do was sit and stare. Despite the fact that I'd labeled everything, they had EVERYTHING all piled against the wall...boxes, bags, lamps, furniture. Matter of fact, by the time we got 'to' the lamps we discovered one of them broken under there. Not much we could do about these things. The guys are not insured.

So now, I am busily trying to make this place look like a home. Thought I'd check in and let you know how things were going. It's a lot of hard work, but in the long run, will be well worth it.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Halcyon Days

2011-12-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

We are now about to enter the Halcyon Days --the seven days prior to and the seven days following the Winter Solstice, being the fourteen days commencing around December 14th and ending on the 28th. Among sailors, it is the two-week period of calm weather before and after the shortest day of the year, approximately December 21st. The name originates from the Greek goddess, Alcyone.

According to the ancient myth, Alcyone was married to Ceyx, the Morning Star. The pair were very happy together until the time came when Ceyx decided that he must take a perilous journey across the sea, leaving his beloved wife behind. Alcyone foresaw nothing but disaster and told Ceyx that he should not make this voyage because everyone knew how powerful the winds upon the sea are, but he chose to go anyway.

The premonitions of Alcyone proved true, and the ship went down in a terrible storm. Alcyone saw in a dream what had happened and ran to the sea. In the distance, she could see a body, which she immediately recognized as that of her husband. Alcyone, in agonized grief, threw herself into the sea, but the gods, out of compassion, changed her arms changed into wings and her nose into a beak. Ceyx rose from the sea to meet her, and the two became a pair of magical kingfishers.

The Gods their shapes to winter-birds translate,

But both obnoxious to their former fate.

Their conjugal affection still is ty'd,

And still the mournful race is multiply'd:

They bill, they tread; Alcyone compress'd,

Sev'n days sits brooding on her floating nest:

A wintry queen: her sire at length is kind,

Calms ev'ry storm, and hushes ev'ry wind;

Prepares his empire for his daughter's ease,

And for his hatching nephews smooths the seas.

And ever since that time, every year there are seven days on end in which the sea lies still and calm. They say that these are the days when Alcyone broods over her nest floating on the sea. After the young birds are hatched, the charm is broken, but each and every winter these days of peace come, and they are called after her.

Over the years the term "Halcyon Days" has come to denote a time of comfort, peace and prosperity. I am so looking at this as a sign, and my moving day just happens to fall on the first of the Halcyon Days. It is also supposed to rain tomorrow, the only day this week and the day we made arrangements to move. They say that rain on one's wedding day brings good luck. Hope it is the same for settling into a new abode.

Today is my last full day here. I'll admit it. I'm feeling a bit melancholy at this time. Still worried about my cat. All I can do is hope for the best. I've not completed the packing, and the truckers have not called back. Sanitation took a pile of stuff today, but Friday is the day for furnishings and housewares, so we'll be coming back. I'm just trying not to let it worry me anymore. I'll be going offline for awhile. Hopefully, it will not for long. At any rate, I return to work on the 19th so will have a computer available at that time.

Blessings to all and many thanks for listening to my rants and for all of your support. I know I've been a 'pain' in the butt about this move, and it surprises me that anyone listens to me anymore. Thank you.