The Light Returns

Solstice has always fascinated me. Perhaps because my father's birthday is at the summer solstice, I've been aware since I was very young that the days get longer, and then shorter, and then longer again, and the points in the year at which the changes occur have always seemed magical and special to me.

When I was around 10 years old, I spotted a newspaper article about excavations on an ancient Irish monument which predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, and the discovery that it had special significance at the winter solstice. So fascinated was I that I created a special scrap-book for any information I could gather about Newgrange. Strangely, I've never been there yet, but hope to some day be present for this event. (You'll need to choose to look at the archive, and the piece is 60 minutes long, but the first 5 minutes will let you see what it's about!)

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This is my greeting to all of my BlogLand friends for the Holiday season - whatever way you may celebrate.

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Let the return of the light bring blessings and joy to you and to yours. Let it bring ease and comfort. Let it be a reminder that we are living amidst cycles within cycles, and that the shadow comes with the light, the light with the shadow. Let your heart be peaceful, and your soul joyful.

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I will be away for a week, visiting my family, but I look forward to meeting you all again as 2008 approaches.

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Namaste, my friends.

'tis the season!

This week, Sunday Scribblings' prompt is "Dance". Well,

Because it IS that season, here's a little funny for you:


The Elf Dance


I'll spare you the version with my two sisters! I've been laughing all day!

This is why i've no shopping done, and why my tree is not only not yet decorated... It hasn't been bought yet. OK. There's always tomorrow!

Well, there you go. I don't just talk about it! I've done it! In cyberspace! Dressed as an elf!

If any of you get Elfin, drop by and let me know! Please!

It's My Birthday!!!

When I started my blog, in January 2006, the first words I used to describe myself were "Heading towards 50...". Well, I've got there. Today, I reach the milestone that is my 50th birthday. It's going to be a busy day, because there is a party. My sisters and son have already arrived. There is cooking to be done, chairs to be found, cutlery to be sorted.... You know the score, but just now, before the day really begins, there are a few minutes for reflection, and to connect in with my friends in Blogland, who have been sadly neglected over the past few months.

So, since I declared that I was heading here, much has changed, much has happened, in many ways influenced by happenings in the world of blogs and online groups. I've completed the Artist's Way again. I completed my thesis, became a university graduate. Off I went and discovered America (oh? Someone got there before me? What was his name again?); found the wonder that is California (and Oregon, and a little of Washington state - enough to convince me of the necessity of many and frequent future visits). I followed promptings and trained as a SoulCollage facilitator, and now am preparing to take on the challenge of training as a trainer next year. I've gone back into the regular workforce, working with young people in distress. My home has been redecorated to my taste. I've weeded out things that didn't uplift me or bring me joy. I've been gradually acquiring pieces of art that delight my eye, my heart and soul. I've met new friends - true friends of the heart; I've reconnected with some older friends. My life now, right now, feels full and rich and loaded with possibility and joys and I am truly grateful to be where I am right now. My life is good, and now seems like a really apt time to say so, to appreciate that, and to acknowledge that it would not be so without the love, support and encouragement that has flown my way from family and friends (real-life and those in cyber-space who have come to mean so much to me).

I'm 50, and I'm looking forward to the next year, next decade... the next 50!

50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50.