04/30/2021 - Día del Niño

I so love April 30th. In old Mexico, 

we celebrate this day, Día del Niño,

(Day of the Child). It is a glorious

celebration of innocence, childhood

glee and joy abounding.

This got me to pondering on my own

child within. Me thinks we're so often

busy being responsible adults that we

forget our own child. And, this child 

does exist, make no mistake.

She sings along, at top voice, when

alone with the car radio. He kicks

something when things don't go right.

She sneaks that midnight bowl of ice

cream, chuckling to herself all the while.

He swears, she cries; we all giggle.

So, what would be wrong with simply

acknowledging this kid, an actual 

part of our psyche?! Recognizing that

we all have childish moments, kid-like

whims, that little bit of immaturity 

sneaking out?!

Once the child within is let out of the

closet, it's easier to deal with our own

silliness, whims and longings. So

what if you feel like an ice cream

bar around midnight?! Why does it

matter if you break down and cry over

a stubbed toe? Enjoy that fun video

game in the middle of the afternoon.

Let's celebrate our children!

Hey, my name's Mathilda . . . Come

on over and play . . .

missing my childhood

need a rest from adulthood 

longing for timeout

04/29/2021

It's too hot; no, it's too cold. He's too

tall; she's too short; too bad we can't

put them in the blender. I'm too fat;

but, she's too skinny; wish I could

look better . . .

Are we never satisfied? Do we always

complain about the weather? Or, our

weight, our years, our health? I fear 

it gets worse with age! I find myself

wondering if I am somehow turning

into a proper complainer!

How does one beat the stereotype?

How do we seek contentment and

acceptance? What's to be done in

order to lose all the negativity that

goes along with our complaints? 

Gratitude may be one answer. High

time we sat back and had a damn

good look! Remember when mom

used to say, "Eat your oatmeal right

now; there are starving children all 

over the planet!"

Frankly, everywhere we were to

look, there are people in far better

and far worse situations than us. 

So, what's the answer, already?!

Acceptance might be another answer.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't grow

or long for improvement . . . but,

never Bill Gates will we be! I would

hate to think if I ducked out of the

rat race on the morrow, that my last

thought would be, "Why couldn't I

have had more of this or more of that?"

Let's enjoy life! Let's live rather than

exist! 'Tis time to grow up already!

im fab as i am

heres me dancing in the now

bring on that music

04/28/2021

Weather is such an interesting

phenomenon! 

Today, we sat by the fire, enjoying 

the sun coming through the windows,

blue skies and drifting white clouds.

Then, as if a magician had waved

his wand, the sky began to darken.

It was almost palpable! Bright blue

to light gray to darker grey to dark!

Thereupon, the rumbles began. 

Hadn't heard thunder like that in 

forever! Lightening zigzagging 

across the sky twice over in both 

windows.

Expecting a proper downpour, 

we were suddenly pelted with

hail. Small, but deadly. I wanted

to feel it! I stepped outside the

door for just an instant . . . and

paid the price. O U C H !!!

Rain followed and continued.

Funny how I don't find the rain

nearly as depressing as snow!

Go figure!

nature in a mood

mother being capricious 

enjoying herself

04/27/2021 - Walking Sticks

I find walking sticks a great joy.

Somehow they speak to me in

a kind of comfort, if you will.

Whilst on walks in our nature, 

a perfect walking stick may 

await you. It's important to keep 

an eye out for that special find.

Go for about 5' to 5.5' in length.

The limb or stick needs to be as

straight as possible to bear your

weight safely. An inch and a half

to two inches is a good width.

Once home with your prize, all

knobs and protrusions can be

lopped off.  Sever the bottom

end straight across for greater

security. The same may be done

to the top unless it is particularly

interesting.

Stand the stick straight up for a

measure. About shoulder height

or a tad lower, drill a hole through

and through. A double length of 

leather can be threaded through 

and knotted for a perfect hand 

hold.

At this point, decor can begin.

a special stone or crystal can

be glued in a crevice at the top.

A thin copper wire can be

spiraled round and round your

stick if appealing. Symbols of

choice can be carved at different

points. A tuft of feathers can be

glued into the top. Anything goes!

I like to take mine out in Mother

Nature, show it off and silently

as for her blessing for my walks

in her bounty and beauty. This

would be a personal choice of

course. Happy walking . . .

04/26/2021 - Moon Water

I'm not certain as to the magick of

Moon Water. Still, I find myself 

attracted to the ceremonial part of

the entire venture. 

I like to choose a special time for

exact reasons. For example, a New

Moon might serve for the beginning

of a new project. A Full Moon would

perhaps represent the completion

thereof. For me, from New Moon to

Full Moon is a time of acquiring,

whereas the Full Moon to the New

Moon is a time of letting go.

So, were I to begin a special project

around the New Moon period, I'd

wash my grandmother's blue canning

jars, fill them with water along with

three specially selected crystals and 

put them outside at sunset. I would

get up at dawn to bring in the jars at

what would be moonset and sunrise.

What would I do with the water once

I brought it into the house? I like to

water ailing plants with this special

brew. If I find myself hurting for any

reason, I like to drink a small glass

during my meditation. If I find I have

something unwanted on my face or

body, I like to wash it with Moon 

Water.

Is this important? Is it real? Does it 

work? All I know is that I much

enjoy the procedure. If there is a bit

of magick to be had, all the better.

This works for me and I love it!

Thoughts?!

04/25/2021 - Smudge Sticks

"In addition to warding off insects

and disease, shamans commonly

burned sacred plants and used their

smoke to ascend their intentions

to the heavens; a way to connect 

the material and spiritual worlds."

wikipedia

 

Smudge Sticks are one of the tools

I find endearing in my celebrated

tradition. I'm enamored from their

historical incipience to their modern

day usage.

Every summer, my guy drives me

up above the New Castle area to

collect fresh sage from the side of

the road. I only collect a wee tad

every few feet and make certain

not to touch the roots. It would be

evil to diminish Mother Nature's

bounty.

Arriving home, I shower, change

and enter a state of meditation to

begin working with the sage. The

sticks must be created whilst the 

sage is fresh. 

I take an appropriate amount of 

sage, hold it tightly as I wrap it 

with natural hemp string up one

side and down the other. Once

wrapped, I trim each end and lay

it out to dry.

I play with a bit of art in the third

round. Sometimes, I'll insert a bud

just before wrapping. A different

color herb makes a nice contrast.

I've even used a cinnamon stick.

I choose to gift these as I believe

they stray too far from the spiritual

for my purposes.

I am ever so grateful for sage; 

make no mistake . . .

04/24/2021 - Sacred Ash

What is Sacred Ash?

Sacred Ash, depicting its name

perfectly, is a specially prepped

ash to be used in sacred purposes.

How is it prepared?

1) A specifically sacred day for

the burning and prepping must

be chosen. Earth Day is perfect.

2)The pit where the ash is to be

prepped and garnered, must be

cleaned out in its entirety. 

2) Virgin wood, consisting of 

limbs and small pieces must be

gathered. No other woods are

acceptable.

4) Any fire starters used, must

be of the same ilk. No papers

or other foreign objects may be

used for this purpose.

5) The following day, cull the

ashes through a sifter. Remains

in the sifter may be returned to

the fire pit for later burning. A

couple of tablespoons of ash 

may be placed in a small, sealed

bag for later use.

How is it used?

Place a dot of sacred ash on the

forehead prior to meditation, I

like to add it to the soil used in

planting grandmother's violets.

It serves as fertilizer and growth

stimulant. I rub the ash on my

hands prior to any garden works.

How is it disposed? 

As I make it every year, I like to

dispose of any leftover ash the

day before Earth Day. I test the

direction of the wind and let it

sail away.

Note: Whether or not the sacred

ash has any special qualities is

not the issue. After going through

the process, one tends to be more

mindful of it use and meaning. I

find I pay a lot more attention to

grandmother's violets when I'm

caring for them in such a special

manner.

04/23/2021 - Morning of the day after . . .

Oh my God, an Earth Day never to be

forgotten! I would be the first to admit

that for once, the prep was nigh onto 

as much fun as the celebration.

Upon awaking at o' dark thirty, I came

downstairs and spent an hour or so

cleaning out the fire pit so that we'd

have a virgin fire. Out to the trash w/six

bags of ash and 5 or so inches snow.

A sweep and a cleanse, a lighting of

candles, a selection of special music,

and I called down my guy to make 

the fire. You can have no idea just 

how difficult it is to make a fire w/

wet virgin wood, bark and all. The 

idea  was to keep the fire as original 

as possible for collecting the sacred 

ash on the morrow.

My sweet man purchased and gifted

fresh grapes for our outdoor friends.

Birds of all kinds, chipmunks, black

squirrels . . . and a mapache (raccoon) 

that is driving him absolutely batty!

Me thinks, they adore him!

Then, began the sharing of messages

with friends of like lovings of Mama

Earth! Those thoughts, memories,

poetry shared and longings . . . naught

like it! I am ever so fortunate to have

women such as these in my life!

I have to laugh at our digging through

over a foot of snow to find that odd bit

of natural wood to bring to the fire.

Thank the gods that the fire was hot 

enough to burn thoroughly wet wood!

And, what a gorgeous fire it was the

entire day . . . ashes await the morn!

Will there ever be another Earth Day

such as this . . . I wonder?! I pray, I

be there . . .

my dear mother earth

me so loving our lady

pray tell how to serve

04/22/2021 - Earth Day

Earth Day, an annual event on April 22

demonstrating support for environmental

protection. First held on April 22, 1970,

it now includes a wide range of events 

coordinated globally by earthday.org

including 1 billion people in more than 

193 countries. Wikipedia

I was 20 years old and living in Old Mexico

when Earth Day came into play. We were all

beyond thrilled. Frankly, I don't believe any

one loves Mother Earth quite the way the 

Latin American countries do. I know that all 

over the world, there are issues with littering, 

mal use of inappropriate products, waste and

disrespect to our Mother in many ways.

The thing I keep telling myself, "Let it never

be me!" Because, it all starts at home, doesn't

it?! And, if each and everyone of us does our

bit, those phenomenal concentric circles

emanate outwards, often over crossing and

bringing her the satisfaction that we're paying

attention to business!

Perhaps, I'm not of an age to march, carry 

signs and make speeches. However, I am of

that ever perfect age to recycle, never litter,

re-use and donate. There are so many ways

in which we can honor our Mother. Let's

each celebrate her every way we can!

loving mother earth

hostess to our residing

pray be a good guest

04/21/2021

Coming home . . . what an experience!

One tends to forget. In the space of just

a few hours, so many weather changes.

Sooooo wasn't expecting . . .

From blue skies and clouds . . . go to 

skies so dark, it felt like the end of the

world.  Not only that, we couldn't see

in front of our faces . . . not even the

red or green traffic lights. We'd come

right up to them before they revealed

themselves. Talk about, not only going

slow, but still slamming on brakes . . .

all the way!

Hours later, when we finally rounded

the corner to home, sweet home, it

rather felt apocryphal. We made it!

Wow! Quick, get the most essential

items in; it's starting to snow!

Trip after trip, only bringing in that

which couldn't be left out in the travel

trailer. Hurry! And, it had snowed 8"

whilst we were away . . . no path to

the cabin!

Finally in . . . cabin looks a mess, but

so be it! And then, "Oh my God, I just

remembered . . . " Deal with it, what

ever 'it' was . . . and then, "S--t, I just

thought of something I should have

done!" Whatever, three separate times

and I am sooooo hoping there are no

more remembrances!!!

Loved our long weekend with fam!

Not quite certain just why I love the

coming home as well! It's all good!

what an adventure

so love me some family

ever and always

04/20/2021

I know my dad used to repeat that old

adage, "If you don't like the weather

in Colorado, wait 15 minutes!" But,

this weekend took the cake.

We traveled in high winds; snow began

upon our arrival and left its three plus

inches behind. Next day, we were able

to sit out in the sun and today we awake

to fog so dark it feels like the end of the

world! Just to be Colorado!

I saw a jest on our infamous FB about

a gal packing for a Colorado vacation.

In her suitcase, she had clothing for

every eventuality and even then was

questioning whether she had packed

for all occasions. Again, that would 

be our Colorado.

We're going to try and make it home.

Not. sure if we'll have to camp out, 

say 15 minutes from home, but it is

an idea to be considered!

Love being retired and not having a

nervous breakdown every time some

thing doesn't go my way and I'll be

late for work. Come on guys, get your

retired hat on, your fishing gear in the

truck and let's party!

I'll bring ice cold brewskies and snacks.

Sorry, I don't cook anymore! Wish I 

didn't eat anymore either!!!

course you're invited

im fun and games retired

want to come and play

Learn to pronounce

04/19/2021

Exciting day . . . got my 14th tat! I'm

going for 13 wild cat tats and 2 pan

tats and 1 redone! If you can overlook

the pain involved . . . 'tis an amazing,

several years' project! 

Since the wild cat is my totem, it's been

fun selecting different cats to immortalize

on my bod! My tattoo artist, Archie, has

done a phenomenal job! He tells me, this  

is the first time he's done a full body of 

work in wild cat heads. I also quite like 

the two symbols he's done on my upper 

arms, thus representing my core beliefs.

I've heard a rumor a couple of times or

three, that tattooing can become addictive.

Not certain I have the right to opine, but

me thinks 'tis most likely true. It's simply

been killing me to await my next tat

whilst this damn plague has been playing

itself out!

If Winter ever ends, and yes, I know

Spring was eclipsed, I'm going to have

to get in a wardrobe that shows off 

some of my tats. I've been dressing in

nothing but black for so long, can't

even visualize me in color. Maybe,

I'll continue the black and throw in

the odd colored scarf or some such! 

so love me some tats

saddens me wrong era born

fun at any cost

04/18/2021

There is something to be said about

being able to watch the sun go down,

slowly but surely, the rays stretching

out along the mountain range . . .

 . . . Perhaps, only surpassed by the

incomparable beauty of the sunrise,

rarely seen in my tiny cul de sac.

It's made me think, there are many

sunrises and sunsets in the days of

our lives, we just have to see them,

watch for them.

There is a sunrise in the smile of

every happy child. There's a sunrise

in promises offered and kept, in rare

and unexpected phenomenal days.

Sunsets occur at the end of amazing

days, highlighting precious moments.

But, sunsets can also mark the end

of battles fought and won, the end

of sorrow.

Me thinks 'tis good to pay attention

to those unexpected sunrises and

sunsets . . . lessons to be learned

as well as honored . . .

sunrises begin

sunsets somehow never end

rising and setting