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Yeah, I think I've mentioned that this isn't my favorite season. It is even less so now that I spend 9 hours a day standing outside.
However this year has a perk- I have a pool!
Summer is so much better with a pool, let me tell you. But that aside I'm looking forward to berry picking time. There is a historic farm a little ways from here that we go to for berry and apple picking. I hope to be able to do the same this year, despite my crazy schedule. It's such a fun activity for all of us. The kids love running through the berry patches and putting the half of the berries that don't go into their mouths into the baskets to be taken home and baked into all sorts of goodies.
Berry cakes and trifles and cookies, Oh My!
That and since I've been working such a crazy schedule I've been slowly watching my commitement to focus on my spiritual path erode away with my extra energy. but lately I've been trying to focus on just bringing part of that spirituality into the everyday parts of my life in little ways with the whole "little bits add up" motto. Here's one I start the day with now. It makes me feel a lot more centered and that helps throughout the day.
Here's my new spirit shower ritual (it's a little basic, and kinda cheesy, but it works for me =) :
First I pull out my homemade strawberry and lemon shampoo, and then to the tune of I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair (yes I'm a rogers and hamerstein geek- I've learned to live with that) I chant the following:
I'm gonna wash that stress right out of my life
I'm going to scrub my spirit clean and bright
I do that three times three times as I'm washing my hair, and then I repeat for scrubbing everything else with a lavendar scrub I found out how to make on Domestic Witch .
I've found it really helps to get me in the frame of mind to start the day in the right spirits, and it's a quick and easy addition to my daily routine.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Travel Log 6-22: Is it Just me or Is it Hot in Here?
Happy Litha everyone!
A little late but better late than never. This is honestly not my favorite of the solstices. As a born and bred Californian sunshine is the norm around here, and honestly I could do with a lot less of it. But that may just be because I have a redhead's complexion and if I look at strong sunlight I burn. Or it may just be because I'm not overly fond of 100 degree weather. Or it may even be that I can't go to the beach now without having to wade through an ocean of tourists. But because I know I have this lack of affection I went out of my way to put even more into this year.
I spent the afternoon floating in my pool and trying to focus all my energy on the things I love about the summer. Freedom from school when I was younger. Trips to places with my family. Popsicles and ice cream cones. Fireworks and mornings just lazing about in front of the tv. I let the joy that I found in the summer when I was a kid shine through and felt that I really connected with the solstice this year. Then I went out front with the Squishicus and Littles and my OH and had a massive water fight while running around and giggling like a maniac.
I think this year was a success.
Berry picking season is coming up and Lughnasadh is right around the corner. The wheel of the year is turning and this year I feel really connected to it. It feels good.
A little late but better late than never. This is honestly not my favorite of the solstices. As a born and bred Californian sunshine is the norm around here, and honestly I could do with a lot less of it. But that may just be because I have a redhead's complexion and if I look at strong sunlight I burn. Or it may just be because I'm not overly fond of 100 degree weather. Or it may even be that I can't go to the beach now without having to wade through an ocean of tourists. But because I know I have this lack of affection I went out of my way to put even more into this year.
I spent the afternoon floating in my pool and trying to focus all my energy on the things I love about the summer. Freedom from school when I was younger. Trips to places with my family. Popsicles and ice cream cones. Fireworks and mornings just lazing about in front of the tv. I let the joy that I found in the summer when I was a kid shine through and felt that I really connected with the solstice this year. Then I went out front with the Squishicus and Littles and my OH and had a massive water fight while running around and giggling like a maniac.
I think this year was a success.
Berry picking season is coming up and Lughnasadh is right around the corner. The wheel of the year is turning and this year I feel really connected to it. It feels good.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Travel Log 6-9-2: To the Water's Edge
Like many of you out there I have been outraged by the oil spill in the Gulf. Part of the depth of my anger was due to my powerlessness in this situation. I can't fix this. I can't even begin to fathom what can be done to in any way mitigate the damage. It is beyond rational comprehension to think about this subject and not be incoherent with pure, blinding rage.
Those of us who practice earth based faiths are doubly hit with this crisis. Not only is a huge amount of damage being done to a unique and priceless ecosystem, but the very core of our faith has been defiled by careless hands. No act of nature, but human hands serving human needs. In some way we all feel not only angry, but guilty. We benefit from these processes, and if we did not then there would be no need for the drilling in the first place.
I recently found a blog that many have already found. They have started a movement. While being solitary I tend to keep to myself this New Moon on the 12th will find me at the waters edge, joining all my sisters and brothers out there of many faiths who will be helping to in some small way give back what we have taken.
Those of us who practice earth based faiths are doubly hit with this crisis. Not only is a huge amount of damage being done to a unique and priceless ecosystem, but the very core of our faith has been defiled by careless hands. No act of nature, but human hands serving human needs. In some way we all feel not only angry, but guilty. We benefit from these processes, and if we did not then there would be no need for the drilling in the first place.
I recently found a blog that many have already found. They have started a movement. While being solitary I tend to keep to myself this New Moon on the 12th will find me at the waters edge, joining all my sisters and brothers out there of many faiths who will be helping to in some small way give back what we have taken.
Travel Log 6-9: California is hot!
I know that since I've lived here all my life I should have realized that, but this year is the first time I've gone through summer in a house that doesn't have central air. I have been spoiled. It is seriously hot out there and in here.
But on a really positive note I found this post through Pink and Green mama to Not So Idle Hands to make your own gummies.If you get a chance check out her blog, it is a hub of all things crafty. Seriously cool. this was super easy and a lot of fun! The little man loves them and now we don't have to buy potty treats we can make them! That and it is a really simple process that the kids can help with.
On the kitten front there has been a massive development. Witchazel is no longer Witchazel. The kitten formerly known as Witchazel will now be known as Phineas. Because he is in fact, a little boy. We found out from the vet that he is just 5 weeks old so we have to feed him kitten formula and super soft kitten food. And he has a respiratory infection and eye infection so he's taking meds for both of those. Oh and of course, he's a boy. She tried to be nice and hide her laughter, even made a sop at my pride by saying it was hard to tell when they are that young, but I definately caught a smirk when she was saying good bye to "hazel".
In my defense I just don't spend that much time staring at cat genitalia.....yeah see even my excuse doesn't sound good, sigh.
But yay the kitten only has minor problems, I was seriously worried for a little while.
On the spiritual side I have actually started to gather information on the modern druid paths that have developed in the past century. I do like a lot of the new takes that have come up and it's an interesting take on the interconnectedness of everything.
But on a really positive note I found this post through Pink and Green mama to Not So Idle Hands to make your own gummies.If you get a chance check out her blog, it is a hub of all things crafty. Seriously cool. this was super easy and a lot of fun! The little man loves them and now we don't have to buy potty treats we can make them! That and it is a really simple process that the kids can help with.
On the kitten front there has been a massive development. Witchazel is no longer Witchazel. The kitten formerly known as Witchazel will now be known as Phineas. Because he is in fact, a little boy. We found out from the vet that he is just 5 weeks old so we have to feed him kitten formula and super soft kitten food. And he has a respiratory infection and eye infection so he's taking meds for both of those. Oh and of course, he's a boy. She tried to be nice and hide her laughter, even made a sop at my pride by saying it was hard to tell when they are that young, but I definately caught a smirk when she was saying good bye to "hazel".
In my defense I just don't spend that much time staring at cat genitalia.....yeah see even my excuse doesn't sound good, sigh.
But yay the kitten only has minor problems, I was seriously worried for a little while.
On the spiritual side I have actually started to gather information on the modern druid paths that have developed in the past century. I do like a lot of the new takes that have come up and it's an interesting take on the interconnectedness of everything.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Travel Log 6-3: The Strangest Things Happen When We Actually Go Out
Yesterday was the OH's birthday. He got a new charcoal grill and all the acutraments to go with it so he was happy. And then, because it made no sense at all, we went to someone else's house for a barbecue, lol.
It was fun, and the cake I made with cookies and cream icing was much appreciated. We had my parents watch the midgets while we were away, and the minute we got home a kitten decided to follow my sister into the house. It is absolutely adorable. And it is sick, so to the vet we go today. Hopefully it will not be too expensive.
She is so tiny I'm a little worried she hasn't been weaned yet. But the really funny thing is that for the past week we've been talking about going down to the shelter and picking up a kitten. After my Tabbytha passed 2 years ago I've been really resistant to getting another cat. Hubby's cat has ruled the roost around here, but just recently I've felt a yearning for a little ball of fluff for myself. Looks like fate decided to take a hand, lol.
Does anyone out there know of a way to help cats get along? Kitsune, the aformentioned hubby's cat, is so far not taking the new addition well. We have been keeping them apart because of the cold we think WitchHazel has(yes I named her, so of course now we're keeping her, lol) but every chance she gets Kitsune goes into a growling hissing fit. I think it's because she hasn't gotten a good look at the tiny little thing yet
and doesn't realize she's not big enough to be a threat. What can I say, hope springs eternal.
It was fun, and the cake I made with cookies and cream icing was much appreciated. We had my parents watch the midgets while we were away, and the minute we got home a kitten decided to follow my sister into the house. It is absolutely adorable. And it is sick, so to the vet we go today. Hopefully it will not be too expensive.
She is so tiny I'm a little worried she hasn't been weaned yet. But the really funny thing is that for the past week we've been talking about going down to the shelter and picking up a kitten. After my Tabbytha passed 2 years ago I've been really resistant to getting another cat. Hubby's cat has ruled the roost around here, but just recently I've felt a yearning for a little ball of fluff for myself. Looks like fate decided to take a hand, lol.
Does anyone out there know of a way to help cats get along? Kitsune, the aformentioned hubby's cat, is so far not taking the new addition well. We have been keeping them apart because of the cold we think WitchHazel has(yes I named her, so of course now we're keeping her, lol) but every chance she gets Kitsune goes into a growling hissing fit. I think it's because she hasn't gotten a good look at the tiny little thing yet
and doesn't realize she's not big enough to be a threat. What can I say, hope springs eternal.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Travel Log 5-31: A Tidbit
I've been roving around blogland this evening and I have noticed that just about everyone out there has a tidbit on their blog about the holiday. Now what strikes me about this is that in person all people (at least around here, and I am perfectly willing to admit it may just be a Southern California thing) talk about Memorial Day is a time to bbq and drink copious amounts of alcohol. Which kinda offends me in a way. Of course that may just be because the majority of the adults of a male persuasion around when I was growing up served in the Korean War or WW2. I guess you really have to know a veteran to have memorial day and veteran's day stand out as more than a drink fest.
That thought almost makes me cry sometimes, because we are all growing up to be so apathetic towards things that we have not directly experienced. Our empathy is one of the things that helps to strengthen us. It is the step past courage that makes us stand and fight the battle, whether metaphorical or physical.
In the vein of that thought, and because I have resolved to write more (and not hide it away), here is my modest contribution to the holiday.
"Who will die today?"
A boy lifts his tricorn hat, waves to his mother and steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
Two young men, twins- one in grey, one in blue, hug each other and step forward.
"Who will die today?"
A man in a brown uniform kisses his young wife and wipes away her tear, then steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
A woman in cammoflage hugs her husband, kisses her children and steps forward.
"You are all willing to die today?"
As one they answer- "YES".
"What is so important that it is worth your life?"
The boy answers- "Independance."
The young men answer in unison- "Because my cause is just."
The man answers- "Innocent people are being killed."
The woman answers- "To protect what I love."
"For this you are willing to stand and fight, no matter the hardship, no matter the cost?"
They answer as one, by the thousands, through the years-
"YES"
That thought almost makes me cry sometimes, because we are all growing up to be so apathetic towards things that we have not directly experienced. Our empathy is one of the things that helps to strengthen us. It is the step past courage that makes us stand and fight the battle, whether metaphorical or physical.
In the vein of that thought, and because I have resolved to write more (and not hide it away), here is my modest contribution to the holiday.
"Who will die today?"
A boy lifts his tricorn hat, waves to his mother and steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
Two young men, twins- one in grey, one in blue, hug each other and step forward.
"Who will die today?"
A man in a brown uniform kisses his young wife and wipes away her tear, then steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
A woman in cammoflage hugs her husband, kisses her children and steps forward.
"You are all willing to die today?"
As one they answer- "YES".
"What is so important that it is worth your life?"
The boy answers- "Independance."
The young men answer in unison- "Because my cause is just."
The man answers- "Innocent people are being killed."
The woman answers- "To protect what I love."
"For this you are willing to stand and fight, no matter the hardship, no matter the cost?"
They answer as one, by the thousands, through the years-
"YES"
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Travel Log 5-26: Busy Busy Busy Bee!
I have been so swamped lately it's ridiculous. I've made a solid effort to start doing more creative stuff. One of my co-workers wives invited me to her baby shower, and while I cannot attend, I did make (yes I said make!) her 2 gifts. I made a modified solar nightlight that I found on Pink and Green Mama's blog. I added a false stained glass piece (you know, the ones you make out of that special paint? The brand name is Gallery Glass) to the inside of the bottle and used glass paint to create a textured look inside the bottle. When I get the ribbon for around the neck I'll take a picture and post it.
I also made a blanket for the little princling out of the softest microfiber fleece.
And the monkey boy had his 10th birthday yesterday. Between making all the snacks and baking I was swamped. That and the filling up of 300 water balloons for the epic water fight that we had. It was a lot of wet, watery fun. I think the squishmiester was the winner of the most balloons popped on the ground award, but for a slightly less than 2 year old he did pretty good.
So yeah, that and work have kept me tied up pretty well, but I plan on doing more projects with the Gallery Glass products and probably do an art deco style lamp that I found an awesome pattern for.
A post I saw the other day really got me thinking. The exact same motto is up on the break room wall in huge letters at work but I never paid it a lot of attention. It was a post by The Domestic Witch that really made me think about it. It is the phrase "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" and in her context it is pointing towards finding what you would do if you knew that you would be successful at it.
When I think about this the first thing that jumps into my head is unequivocally writing. If I knew that I would be a successful author and my family would be taken care of I would devote my life to the stories and characters that live in my head and constantly try and break the door down to get out. I have over the past few years started to really write a full length book. But I have never finished any of the 10 that I have in various stages. And ultimately its because I am afraid. I think I'm going to have to get tougher on myself.
If it's what I truly want then I need to take the risk for it and open myself up to criticism.
I also made a blanket for the little princling out of the softest microfiber fleece.
And the monkey boy had his 10th birthday yesterday. Between making all the snacks and baking I was swamped. That and the filling up of 300 water balloons for the epic water fight that we had. It was a lot of wet, watery fun. I think the squishmiester was the winner of the most balloons popped on the ground award, but for a slightly less than 2 year old he did pretty good.
So yeah, that and work have kept me tied up pretty well, but I plan on doing more projects with the Gallery Glass products and probably do an art deco style lamp that I found an awesome pattern for.
A post I saw the other day really got me thinking. The exact same motto is up on the break room wall in huge letters at work but I never paid it a lot of attention. It was a post by The Domestic Witch that really made me think about it. It is the phrase "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" and in her context it is pointing towards finding what you would do if you knew that you would be successful at it.
When I think about this the first thing that jumps into my head is unequivocally writing. If I knew that I would be a successful author and my family would be taken care of I would devote my life to the stories and characters that live in my head and constantly try and break the door down to get out. I have over the past few years started to really write a full length book. But I have never finished any of the 10 that I have in various stages. And ultimately its because I am afraid. I think I'm going to have to get tougher on myself.
If it's what I truly want then I need to take the risk for it and open myself up to criticism.
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