Changelings

It all began with religion, for me. I was really good at church for a long time, all my childhood. I would sing my heart out, and play the piano, and the harp, and sometimes teach Sunday School, and I loved it. Something changed when I became a woman. It took awhile for me to figure out what was going on. Truth is, I began to think more. I began to question more. I began to sing less.

I have an overactive mind. I am not the most intelligent, or the most clever, but I am not the least either. I used to be more proud, but the more I learned, the more I realized that everything I thought was wrong, wicked, or ridiculous actually had some merit. And everything I thought was valid, and absolutely faultlessly truthful, was indeed not quite all that I thought it was.

My seeking has led me through some stagnant and deeply muddy places. Swamps of deception and despair, so they seemed, but in actuality they were the sites of old forests, chopped down by the controlling powers of the day. Powers that are having a hard time hiding what they have done. They used to think they did not need to hide their wicked ways, that all the world applauded their efforts, and they were right, but that was before all the world learned to read and write and communicate over long distances. That was before all the world realized, again, that the Earth has a voice. That is what I learned, that is what started with religion. When you study religion you learn about interesting things, like spirits, and unseen forces. When we are young we accept these things without thinking much about them, but as we get older we might begin to question things, and if you begin to question the reality of a spirit world, well, you are in for an adventure.

I came to the conclusion that the spirit world is most likely real, that I am probably interacting with it all the time, but that I am quite a novice when it comes to the language of spirit. Those that have been abusing one of the most matriarchal of spirits, Mother Earth, would not want people to be able to communicate with spirit, so even though the religious books are filled with spiritual communications, the churches of today have all but stifled the language of spirit and replaced it with fund-raising and do-gooder projects, most of which are completely ineffectual at bringing about any real good. So, I have turned to Nature. She is perhaps the best teacher for humanity. She is like a governess, or nanny, raising up the young ones to be good adults. These lessons are not without riddles, or challenges, or even danger, but one thing has changed, one very important paradigm shift has taken over the lessons of today,  Love.

Once upon a time, love and kindness were not respected. Survival was respected. Humankind learned from nature and what they learned was survival and symbiosis, mostly. Wickedness was the opposite of symbiosis and survival. This was a global understanding, or so it seemed. Then, the Abomination of Desolation swept over all the earth, destroying all those that understood the language of spirit, almost all, but the great destruction also taught one very critical thing, love is important.

Even now we are seeing a return to what might be called an "Eden Shift." Permaculture, animal rescues, tree hugging, sustainable living, these things and more are what humanity needs to learn to survive, not just for this generation, but for generations to come, if we want there to be generations to come we need to rethink, relearn, re-instinctualize the habits of humanity.

Essential oils and the metaphysical uses for crystals/stones have been an enjoyable learning experience for me. They connect the best of the past with the hopes of a brighter future.

It seems to me that we have been living for centuries in a changeling society. I thought that perhaps it was the fault of the changelings, but perhaps the faeries knew what was best. I just hope they show themselves more frequently and help us learn the magic we need to heal. One of the things I have come to believe is that in all folklore and myth there is truth for those who know how to see it.

I am looking for the music, my music. Perhaps it is time I let the thinking rest for awhile.... my mind has led me to the place where I can once again find feeling. "It is well with my soul."

The Biscotti Breakfast "Diet"

Diets seem to be trending this week. Perhaps many ladies in these parts are thinking spring and bathing suits and shorts, etc. I know I have been. I never excessively diet, but I do tend to watch what I eat if I notice that my pants are starting to fit too snugly. I don't really mind a little extra weight in the winter. I noticed that when I had a lot of post-baby weight that I stayed warmer. I am usually so cold when the temperatures drop that a few extra pounds are welcome if it means not being so chilly. The easy trend of gaining some weight over the holidays doesn't bother me, but I don't really want it to snowball year after year. I do want to be energetic and also to fit into the clothes that are in my dressers. Spring tends to naturally shed some pounds for me, because the outdoors beckon me to walk more and to play in the dirt! Gardening is a phenomenal exercise and the side effects are a healthier diet! Fresh veggies are harder to come by this time of year, but that doesn't mean there aren't many nutritious options available. Eating well doesn't have to come with an extreme amount of willpower when the food tastes delicious. For example, biscotti, some biscotti would not fall into the category of a healthy breakfast, but this recipe easily does. Granted, biscotti aren't going to be nearly as delicious unless you have a hot drink to dip them into. My favorite combination would be an organic coffee with organic milk.

Blessed Breakfast Biscotti

2 large/medium or 3 small eggs (responsibly homegrown or local farm raised are great, or organic at the store, if you must)

2/3 cup sugar (I used organic rapadura this time)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder (no aluminum, please)

1/2 teaspoon salt (good stuff, of course, like Himalayan)

1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon (if it isn't specifically Ceylon it might be hard on your kidneys)

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (specifically good for the kidneys and liver)

2 teaspoons real vanilla extract

2 cups flour (I think I used spelt this time which tends to leave recipes too moist, so I added a bit more. This recipe should be a bit moist, though, about like cookie dough)

3/4 cup finely chopped nuts and/or seeds ( I think I used a full cup this time)

   ~suggestions: a mix of almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, cocoa nibs, pistachios...  (I chopped them finely in a mini-food processor)

2 Tablespoons Buttermilk (more or less to get a slightly moist consistency, you could use regular milk, or maple syrup, but buttermilk really adds an extra delicious flavor)

Preheat oven to 350º (I just learned that holding down the "option" key and "0" gives you the degree symbol on a Mac)

Mix everything together well. On a slightly greased cookie sheet (stoneware rocks!) shape all of the dough into a parallelogram, which in this case would be a rectangle that looks like it is leaning, or just shape it into a rectangle, but later you are going to cut it into strips and if you are OCD you will wish that you had made the corners more angled, but you can make this recipe twice and adjust it the next time, of course. Oddly shaped biscotti can still be delicious.

 Bake for about 30 minutes. 

Let cool for 5 minutes and then cut into strips. Leave a small amount of space between each strip and bake for another 30 minutes.

Let the biscotti cool completely. If you would like a finishing touch, I recommend that you mix together a few tablespoons of organic powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of maple syrup to create a drizzle. Mix it with a fork and use the fork to create lovely lines over one side of the biscotti. The drizzle will harden slightly as it dries.

Enjoy! Be healthy! 

Essential Oil Thoughts

Essential Oils.

A few years ago I discovered them. It started with Tea Tree Oil. That was it. For about a year or two I occasionally used it for cleaning, that was pretty much all I used it for, but I enjoyed it. Then, I decided to try it on a wart that I had on my foot, a stubborn wart that refused all other types of treatment, medical and home remedies. I'm not exactly sure if it was the Tea Tree Oil and vinegar combination, or if it was that I also had just discovered Lemon Essential Oil and Thieves Oil Blends and was using them with joy. It all sort of becomes a blur from there, but the wart on my foot disappeared, the lemon essential oil seemed to bring my young daughter's fever down, the smells were poetic and powerful and I was hooked. I now refer to myself as an essential oils addict, not a professional, not an expert, just living a life immersed in the desire to know more, experience more, and share more about these little bottles of bliss.

One of the first things you will hear from anybody who is anybody and knows anything in the essential oil world is that not all essential oils are created equal. There really needs to be a strict quality control or the high concentrations can do much more harm than good. The other thing is that oils are potent. Centuries of use have helped the masses determine many of the positive and negative effects of their use. Learn about each oil from a variety of sources before using at all. Some oils are even dangerous for aromatherapy. There, now that you are either too scared to ever trying any of them or have gained a worthy respect for these deserving fluids, we can move on to briefly discussing dilution. Carrier oils are often recommended for many reasons, they lesson the sensitivity that some people experience from some oils, and they stretch the usage if you need them to. Sometimes you might not need them, sometimes you might, opinions and experiences vary greatly.

The following thoughts are related to personal experience, my opinions might change, and my knowledge might grow, and I will not be held accountable for your personal experiences due to being influenced by mine. That said, you might be curious about some of the things we do with all these precious oil relationships... 

For starters, we clean with them. We are a semi-large family in a semi-small house and there is a lot of cleaning that gets done, there is a lot more that probably should get done, but ever since I discovered that there are oils that are not only beneficial for cleaning, and that they are not only non-toxic, but actually healthy, and that there are some that deter moths, spiders, and rodents! Well, let's just say that cleaning became more mystical, sort of, but in a practical sense. I could still clean a lot more often than I do, but when I do clean now I like it a lot more! 

Peppermint: It is refreshing, possibly very beneficial for the respiratory system and it is reputed to deter spiders and mice. The kitties might like it, though. Try not to get any on a cat, they can be pretty sensitive to oils on their skin, but don't be surprised if they follow you around while you clean!

Lavender: The potential benefits of lavender aromatherapy are vast and it deters moths.

Tea Tree: I'm not sure where to even begin to sing the praises of Tea Tree Essential Oil. Some people aren't fond of the smell, but I think it smells fresh and protective. Tea Tree is a basic pest deterrent, it also is known to be very good at killing the things you want dead, like germs and bacterias, molds and mildews, dust mites and lice... but don't take my word for it! Do some research and be amazed! 

A favorite cleaning blend for us is:

Peppermint

Lavender

Tea Tree

Lemongrass

Rosemary

Several drops of each in a spray bottle with water

You could add extra cleaners or vinegar if you like, but it isn't always necessary, depending on the task. 

Just the water and oils are great for wiping down walls, door knobs, railings, spot cleaning floors, etc... and it is a wonderful air freshener!

Thieves Blends: There are recipes for mixing your own, or you can buy a variety from pretty much any reputable essential oil company. The basic mixture includes Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Rosemary. You could just stop here on your Essential Oil Adventure. Never learn another thing about any other oils and so long as you learn the benefits of these few gifted drops of the gods I can die in peace knowing I have helped to influence the world and make it a better place. Seriously, this blend is just about perfect for whatever ails you.... especially the Plague, or so the story goes... We often just rub this blend on our feet and hands, but is also a great cleaning, air freshening and pest deterrent, as well as so much more! 

Around the holidays this year we found ourselves with two diffusers, and my life just keeps getting better and better. These diffusers put out a fine mist, a mist that can be infused with "magic," not really, but maybe! It sure feels magical somedays. A little water, a few drops of this or that, a push of the button, and the room becomes a haven. Some of my favorite diffuser blends so far are:

Bay and Lemon Myrtle
Bay and Jasmine

Ravensara, Nutmeg, and Lemon

Peppermint and Vanilla

Sweet Orange and Cinnamon Leaf
Tangerine and Sage
Jasmine and Cypress

The combinations are pretty much endless.... 

Citronella: I have used this oil to stay mentally grounded. Sometimes my thoughts can get a little spacey and as a result I can feel physically dizzy with really cold hands, it happens a lot during conversations with people that are religiously dogmatic. This oil does seem to help me, for whatever reason, but it is also the oil that is most likely to be strongly recognized by passers-by. "Who smells like a camping candle?" You might call it a people deterrent.... which isn't always a bad thing, but you might want to know this in case there is someone you prefer to not deter. As you probably know, it is also used as a deterrent for mosquitos and other insects.

Petitgrain is an oil that I recently discovered. Note that many oils have been used for centuries, but that most of them are relatively new to me. I will just briefly mention that Petitgrain is supposed to be a powerful emotional balancer and healer, as well as boosting the well-being of internal organs and combating bacterias that cause us to smell funky when we sweat... I mean really, what's not to love? Well, you might not love the smell all by itself, but when in combination with other scents it is actually a popular perfume additive!

One drop of Tangerine Oil in an eco-canteen of fresh water makes the beverage of beverages even more refreshing!

I am hoping to make some crockpot Castile soap again soon. We have tried many essential oil blends in the past. Cypress and White Thyme was one of my favorites. I want to make a batch of Frankincense, Sage and Rose next time.

This is pretty much just a tip of an iceberg in the world of essential oils. I have not given you a single reference to back up any of my statements, but that is mostly because I just want to encourage you to start your own research and experimentation. If you are reading this then you have access to the internet and a universe of information! Learn! Explore! Be Blessed!

Waking

Walnuts, windy, wonderful,
Wishing, walking, ways,
Working, winking, weekenders,
Wandering, whistling, wanes.

Tidbits

I've never seen a toadstool, but in pictures.
I've never climbed the Alps, 'cept in a book.
I've never eaten snails or snorkeled, ever!
I've never played the game or met a Rook.

I have been touched by angels and tamed dragons.
I have been given secrets of success.
I have enjoyed the bliss of raising children.
I have been spared the agony of duress.

Something Wonderful is About to Happen!

When I wake up
I want to believe
Something wonderful
waits to be seen
waits to be heard
waits to be felt
waits to be hugged
or removed from the shelf
waits to be noticed
waits to be loved
waits to be answered
waits to be held
Wonderful things
waiting for me
waiting for you
waiting for we
Sunrises and sets
clouds of fluff
rain so wet
gently blowing breezes
caressing all my hair
even if I'm dressed up
and headed for somewhere
Home and hearth
warm and cozy
family ties ever tight
loving letters looking rosy
soft sheets all the night
snuggles and kisses
books to cry and to smile
songs for dancing and singing
making merry for many miles
old trees, little saplings
squirrels gathering nuts
berries and cream
and friends come to sup
long lines by good magazines
coffee breaks and a call
loved faces in pictures
covering the wall
prayers go unanswered
leading to stronger belief
but mostly getting answered
filled with awe and relief
when I say "amen," to know and to feel
the Divine will answer
IT IS SO
it is real.

Every single moment
Every single day
Every single person
Many, many ways
Searching for meaning
Looking for the point
Does anyone really believe
Hope does not disappoint?
Posing the question
Shows philosophical age
Perhaps the wisest
Is the youngest sage.

Are We What We Eat?

Eating... I previously discussed how I think that eating is a priority. The balance of eating well is studied and argued and practiced the world over, day after day, century after century. This household has tried many methods of balance and planning. Here is a glimpse at the one we are currently performing:

"What do you think you could indefinitely eat every day and barely tire of it?" That was the question. Their answers led me to draw up a meal plan and delegate kitchen duties accordingly....

Saturday - Avé:

Lunch: Pancakes or Crepes

Supper: Tetrazzini or Alfredo and a veggie (she has a variety of favorites; peas, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, beans, etc)

Breakfast prep: Scones or Muffins


Sunday - Jason:

Lunch:
Eggs and toast (Ideally, the eggs come from our chickens, and the bread is homemade.)

Supper:
Meat (probably something on the grill), potatoes, vegetable (whatever is available)

Breakfast prep:
Onion bagels (store bought) or cereal or something else...

Monday - Savannah:

Lunch: Homemade Pizza Rolls

Supper: Tuna and Buttered Noodles and Veggies

Breakfast prep:
Pie (Which was actually Jason's request and Savannah has kindly agreed to prepare it if he helps to keep onion bagels in the house!) or a Breakfast Cake…


Tuesday - Destiny:

Lunch: Seasoned Baked Potato Wedges

Supper: Soup (using whatever is available), Bread (usually homemade artisan), Salad (optional)

Breakfast prep: Cookies


Wednesday - Shiloh:

Lunch: Oatmeal

Supper: Spaghetti (homemade sauce when ingredients are available), salad (optional)

Breakfast prep: Onion bagels or a Breakfast Cake


Thursday - Amy:

Lunch: Crackers with toppings and leftovers

Supper: Sandwiches and side dishes

Breakfast prep: Toast (Homemade is great! But any kind of bread gets eaten quickly around here.)


Friday - Chester:

Lunch: Oatmeal

Supper: Homemade Pizza

Breakfast prep: A Breakfast Cake or Cereal


There were also snack options requested:
yogurt, pretzels, granola bars, cookies, popcorn, chocolate, jerky, fruit, etc...

And Hazel has the daily backup option of scrambled eggies, pb&j, etc. Which we, of course, prepare for her. :-)

Worth 15,000 Words

Just waiting around for a kiss...

Oh yes, fresh bread from fresh ground wheat... we are THOSE people.

Jewelry Making with Maam and Mimi

Happy Birthday to Shiloh!

Foxglove

Lemon Blossoms in the cold North

Letter from Daddy

New Paint

                                                         

Birds of a Feather

We might be birds of a feather if a bunch of these apply, not all, but the more the better!

You covet roadside berries.
You have taken long walks to see toads mating or other seemingly odd reasons to take a long walk to observe something in nature.
People aren't sure if you are a hippy or a religious fanatic.
If you are way too serious about God stuff.
If you think individual "communion" cups should be much larger and contain real wine and church should not always take place early in the morning, and it should probably be outside around a huge fire more often, but we shouldn't burn anything on it except wood that came from a tree that got knocked down in a storm....
If you think "foot washing" is figurative for cleaning houses.
If you love solitude and people.
If you often sound contradictory.
If money is necessary, but not a main motivation if at all possible.
If you think GMOs should be outlawed.
If you think handing your children over to the government is risky.
If you enjoy a documentary and/or a long biography.
If woodsmoke is aromatherapy.
You drink a pot of coffee a day.
Baking bread from scratch is not something the "superwomen" do, but good therapy.
You collect material and sewing machines.
You at least attempt to garden and occasionally can something.
The words "wives submit" might make your husband spit milk through his nose.
You believe that the Bible is a book of truth, but that it usually gets interpreted wrong.
You are a mystic, or want to be.
You love long, long talks around campfires.
You think that children are the most precious thing in the whole world, but you beg people to watch yours sometimes.
Mowing lots of grass makes very little sense.
You've counted the immature fruits on your fruit tree and your chickens before they've hatched.
If you think hospitality can't ever be overrated, but sometimes/often you don't answer your phone, and you hate pop-ins.
You know you don't make sense.
Only mean people and friends of mean people get unfriended, the depressive sorts make you feel connected, and the encouraging sorts really do make your day sometimes... sometimes they even make your whole life feel worthwhile.
You are a very, very relaxed housekeeper.
You aren't competitive or easily intimidated.
You are comfortable with your body type.
You prefer walking to running.
You consider yourself a goat person, or at least want to come to my house and milk my goats.
If you are a bit of a disappointed idealist.. or a poet.

Petite Ode to the Potty

Potty training, pull-ups, and pig tails... p, p, p.
A toddler, some treats, and a Suess book... wee, wee, wee.
I know I'm not the only mom that questions sanity.

Shedding a tear is common for the loss of infancy,
but diaper changing won't be missed, not by them or me.

Some were inspired by others,
some were inspired by age,
Some were inspired by cereal, but for now,
Organic chocolate bunnies are all the rage.

Curlers, Cartoons and Coffee

Curlers, cartoons and coffee... just the way it should be.
The summertime is upon us, lemonade and humidity.
The son is off for a week, camping out with friends.
The man of the house has a work-a-day job, for the meeting of the ends.
Just me and my girlie girls galore, for several hours each day.
With curly hair, and repeat shows, and java going my way!

Flirting With Empty

A little light to warn me
Some money in my purse
Juggling convenience
With time and chauffeur work
Could put it off no longer
The milk was also gone
Coffee black won't start my day
A key turn and a song
Perhaps I waited just too long
Perhaps I timed it right
The gas ran out before the trip
The wheel I still held tight
We coasted down a little hill
We gently turned the bend
No waiting cars to block us
Just a pump. I thank You, Friend!

Snow is Soothing

The snow is soothing in its coldness
Whiteness blanketing the mud
Seems oblivious to Mondays
Inaugurations and angry thugs

The snow is soothing in its silence
Ordinary, yet divine
Sacred to a singing mother
Praying long for peace with time

Snow is soothing in its power
Seasonal promise from the One
Flakes so steady, calming, gentle
Reminding me, be like a dove

Snow is soothing in its beauty
Like a virginal repose
Bursting soon into the springtime
Full of hetero, fruitful hope

Snow is soothing in its emotion
Seeming wholly not to care
About the whipping, bitter fury
Or the gleeful sledding pair

Snow is soothing in its splendor
Each snowflake unique, yet homo whole
Equality, a desert blanket
A silent snicker at man's dumb goal

"Always winter, never Christmas,"
Has a ring of wicked witch
Curses never fall forever
Blessings bloom through thin or thick

4-Wheel Drive

Reflection is good, until it becomes rumination. Reflection gives meaning and pauses to consider beauty and meaning. Rumination stagnates and paralyses. Reflection is productive thinking, rumination is over and over thinking.  Reflection looks back in order to move forward with improvement. Rumination causes the "wheels to spin in the mud." When my "wheels are spinning in the mud," it would be helpful to realize that this vehicle comes with "4-wheel drive." For me, the 4 wheels are probably as follows:

1. Music: I need music. Music is not so much a hobby or enjoyment for me as it is a need. "The garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness." For some, praise music is found in a specific genre, and to some extent I do think that there are genres that are not praiseworthy, but I believe that "every good and perfect gift is from above." There is a lot of "good" music out there, and so-called praise genres are not always spiritually edifying for me, sometimes they sound a lot like Job's friends. People that limit their genres to "Christian" probably wouldn't listen to the "Song of Songs" genre. Personally, I love anything that lifts me out of heaviness and into thankfulness.

2. Prayer: What a gift to be able to take absolutely everything to our divine benefactor and believe that we are cared for, "beyond what we could even ask or think." What a rest to be told that "all things will work together for good." ALL THINGS! I can't actually make a mistake, because when I hand it over to my God He makes it a non-mistake. The freedom that we are able to live in is a gift we can share with everyone around us, forgive them, pray for them. Sometimes, most of the time, forgiveness and suffering are holding hands. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." Don't over think suffering. Forgive, be soft, be compassionate, be broken, rest under the wings of the One who teaches the birds of the fields to build their nests, the One who clothes the lilies, the One who likes to count the stars, the hairs on your head, and the sands on the shore. My God is a savant, some may think of God as an idiot savant, but I don't, I think that God is the savant of idiots, able to make any idiot eternally useful.

3. Necessity: Some days my thoughts can run on and on limited only by the hours in the day, and necessity. I often think of Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, as examples of love and duty. Perhaps the lesson is that duty should not trump those for whom we are dutiful. Perhaps duty should be embraced as a tool for reflection, rather than despised as an interruption from spinning thoughts. Any way that we focus on necessity isn't going to change the fact that there are things to do that are necessary, but seeing those things as reflective is helpful for me.


4. Love: The crux of every matter. Perhaps love is more than a wheel, perhaps love is also the vehicle and the road and the destination and the sunrise and the sunset and the air we breathe and the breathe of life and the hope that is the reason of the Ages, perhaps without love there is nothing except "darkness over the face of the deep."

Just Because

I have a man who loves me
I think he's very sweet
He puts up with my foibles
He thinks I am a treat

I have a man that I love
I think he is the bomb
He has awesome hobbies
He fills my life with song

What a lucky combo
Married to our friend
We think we won the lotto
We hope it never ends

Thanks, Carolyn!

One of the advantages of being a home educating mom up late at night on Facebook is that there are other home educating moms up late at night on Facebook, and sometimes they say cool things like, "We just came in from watching a lot of meteors flash across the night sky..." Which gives others of us cool ideas like, "I wonder if I could see some meteors if I go outside?" And sometimes we can even entice our husbands to get off the cozy couch and away from the interesting show on the tele and join us outside in the freezing cold wintry air to stare at the starry sky.... which is what we found ourselves doing. The stars began to shoot and shoot and shoot and we were delighted and then I felt a little guilty... What kind of home educating parents watch a meteor shower in the freezing cold nearly midnight air while their children are tucked up warm and snug in their cozy beds? So I marched upstairs and stood in the girl's bedroom, I was still bundled like an Eskimo (well, maybe not quite like an Eskimo, but I was wearing a coat and scarf), and I sort of whispered, "Is anyone awake?" Avé politely answered, "Sort of..." I told her what we were up to and she said, "Cool!" And hopped out of bed and found a bathrobe and blanket and a few other essentials and came outside to join us. That was when I notified her that this was school... she scoffed... and said she had to go to the bathroom and I asked if she had a hall pass and she was like, "What?" That was when Chester wandered out, like a bat at noon, stumbling and giggling, his eyes not being adjusted, but his dad and I had adjusted eyes, adjusted enough to see that he was in short sleeves... he was sent directly back into the house to find a coat and when he returned Jason invited Chester to share his chair, because Jason wanted to see a few more shooting stars with his son, but needed some extra warmth! That was when I began to wax reflective and shared that I had a strong feeling that the stars were like angels, and then one shooting star actually appeared to have wings! And then I said, "What if they began to sing?!" And Chester was like, "What?" And I said, "It has happened, the sky being filled with singing angels... Can you imagine? If those stars just burst into song? Wouldn't that be scary? I wonder how the shepherds kept from passing out for fear?" And Chester said, "They had scarier things in their lives than we have in ours." And I was like, "Scarier things than a sky full of singing angels?" And Chester said, "No, they dealt with scarier things than we deal with. They tended sheep and had to chase away bears and other large animals and all we have to deal with are rats." And I saw his point. I said, "I'm probably going to blog about this." Chester said, "Oh well..." Then he said, "The closest thing that people in the city have to seeing shooting stars like this is helicopters." And I said, "Yes, it takes darkness to see light." And Jason said, "Well, folks, I'm freezing." Avé continued watching stars for a few more minutes with our trusty dog, and before long we were all inside, thankful for shooting stars and a warm home, and I had to blog quick, because I was pretty sure I'd forget something by morning... I probably already forgot something... but it was special.

Representing or Poetry in Motion Pictures

if you like my poems let them by E. E. Cummings

if you like my poems let them
walk in the evening,a little behind you

then people will say
"Along this road i saw a princess pass
on her way to meet her lover(it was
toward nightfall)with tall and ignorant servants."

Black Friday Sale

On Black Friday, Jason and I went shopping, at the Farmer/Flea Market. We bought yummy foods like plums and romanesco and organic Winesap apples, and I also spied this lovely red tray with a Victorian silhouette of a lady walking her dog. The tray was filled with some odd little items like partially burnt candles in vintage boxes and a little white rabbit. I loved it! Jason inquired about the price and for one dollar we became the proud owners of the tray and all its stuff! I just knew that somebody at home would appreciate our purchase and I wasn't mistaken. Hazel has been counting and sorting and singing "Happy Birthday" with her little candles and her fun little tray since yesterday, and I am imagining all the happiness those candles brought to some one else once upon a time...

Windows and Saint Elsewheres

We thank Thee Lord for Jason,

his hobbies we all love,

and also, Lord, for these dear folks

and all their familial hugs.

Letta and her smile

Aaron and his song

Faith and her puppies

Sweet Greg, the whole day long

Becky and her Alle

Michael and his phone

Jordan and his presence

Warming up our home

Heidi and her fuzzy scarf

Guenie without a key

Shiloh in her glory

Chester and Oliver make three

Avé and her lemon pie

Destiny and her love

Savannah and her chocacorns

Little Hazel dove

Patti, Bob and yummy corn

Lovely Nicole and Samaria, too

A crisp autumn day and cheerful words

Blue skies and sun on cue

And many more close to our hearts

Far from our hearth and street

for lack of pics of those near and far

I write this poetreat.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, and a few thoughtful people took some photos, but I was not one of them. Today I noticed that there was still beautiful energy in the house, a lingering festivity, and some time to capture a few glimpses. So, I committed the names of the precious people to memory in poetry and the place I captured in photos... the food, on the other hand, I only captured with my winter weight! And what a lot of food it was. Nobody did everything, but everybody did something, and together we feasted and gave thanks!

And Hazel is still in a great mood! Apparently, parties with pie and nice people make her feel like celebrating in her own unique way for days :-) I think that our pooch, Coffee, was just hoping that she didn't celebrate too much in his direction!

Fly Away Home

A little finch looking for birdseed
flies away.
Madame Cardinal, looking striking today,
allows my senses to soar as she perches.

Phonics and counting with someone
so alive.
Why is there such relief
when the greatest blessings are paused?

Loneliness is most poignant in a crowded room,
especially a room filled with acquaintances
that seem to desire nothing more
than to remain vaguely familiar.

Everyone has some sort of feelings,
but not everyone has the same feelings
about the same sorts of things,
friends tend to, but not always.

What makes a friend?
Nothing.
Nothing in particular anyway.
Friends are made the same way as enemies.

There really is a fine line.
It is easier, oftentimes for me,
to love an enemy,
than to love a friend that loves my enemy.

Love does not need to be blind to exist,
but loyalty does.
Blind and deaf,
like an old dog.

Depressing, isn't it?
Life spun without romance.
How much nicer to see dimly in candlelight
and choose the sound of soft music?

We all do it, in one way or another.
We chose to be the faithful old dog,
or the stray, or the hopeful romantic...
It helps when one has a friend who feels the same.