The next time I hear that there is nothing wrong with our planet, and that global warming is a lie, I’m going to poke someone’s stupid eyes out. Daniel and I walked today, in the near summer-like temperatures. It was over 50 damn degrees when we left the house around 3 ish. At the end of December. In Oregon. Yeah, we got a problem, and that’s a fact.
Sadly, we enjoyed the hell out of it. (I know, it’s so wrong isn’t it?) We were being grateful just on general purposes, for our outstandingly terrific kids, for the clear skies, and for the functioning healthy bodies which propelled us along for four and three-quarter miles this afternoon. His job, on days like this, is to distract me while my Seattle girl is on the road going in the Away direction. (She arrived safely, in case you were wondering.)
Speaking of directions though, look at this. Yes, it’s way blurry, doesn’t matter, you’ll understand.
A Four Forked Road. Which just seemed to be so damn meaningful! (Not sure what’s up with my camera, let’s ignore the entire situation and hope it fixes its wee self.)
Moving on now to our other message and then we’ll get back to sharing more from Solstice. (This card wanted to be right side up, and that’s all.)
“The Camel Boy ~ small steps, asking for help ~
When the Camel Boy arrives as your Ally, he reminds you that asking for help will bring in the right people to ease the burden of your life. Perhaps a wise person appears to give you advice. Maybe you are moving and suddenly a couple of friends offer to give you a hand with your packing. Or you want information about someone and you just happen to run into his former partner, who gives you the knowledge you need to make the decision you have been weighing.
No matter the issue, this is a sign that if you ask, you will receive what you need. Synchronicity is engaged when you request assistance. The Camel Boy never lets you down when you ask for help in lightening your load. Now is the time to do so – and to except to get it.”
I remember the first time we got this one, and I really liked how it was worded. Seeing it again just makes me smile. The imagery is so positive and delightfully whimsical, and yet the message is such a nice solid one. Very exacting in what we need to know, and do. Always welcome.
We are pack animals, and live best, thrive even, when we have that family/clan/tribe interaction, the perfect amount of communication and contact. For some of us, like me, this can be minimal. Others need more. But we all do require it. Spending time with my babies this holiday was enormously replenishing, it just keeps me going and refills my heart. I don’t need to touch them every single day, but I do need to know where they are. When they are here all together and their dad is home, it’s just always good.
Above you can see J.D. in his Yule Tide finery. (Wow, this outfit was SO festive!) And yes, that’s dinner.
In our representation of the Winter Lights, we have small candles for our burning wishes and gratitude celebration. Over the years we’ve utilized several types of holders. Once we gathered everyone for a craft (at Karen‘s house) where we froze water in food cans then everyone pounded nails through the ice, punching holes in the metal, to create luminary designs along the sides.
This year I wanted to make sure we had enough votive cups, and also, ya know, that our chances of burning the house down were minimized, so we picked up some lovely, super simple, on-sale, clear glass containers. What we didn’t have was a table to put them on. As you saw, the tree was on one of them, and the one we used last year was really only on loan, it lives with Empress. I was slightly concerned but figured we’d work it out.
One of the reasons I don’t worry as much as I used to is because I have the world’s most thoughtful witchlings.
They wrapped this in a quilt that usually resides on the couch (for emergency cozy needs) and it was only slightly mysterious. Seriously, they searched for miles before they came up with the most perfectly atrocious three-legged flat-topped piece of furniture.
You can’t see the awesome swirl paint job on top because Dan (Officer Safety!) was all cautious and shit and put one of our baking stones on it, the better to not flame out my new holiday addition. (Which will totally be an heirloom passed down for generations, I’m sure. Also, that is Jade’s hand in there, Junior Officer Safety.)
Some time next month, whenever my Beloved and I get around to dismantling the living room, I’ll attempt some more shots of this. Wait until you see it in all of its tacky, colorful glory, it’s like it was MADE for me.
Kinda like Pinkey. (Who, I’ve decided, we will not refer to by gender. I am making a statement with this radiant creature. Ze is just Pinkey. With the extra “e” because I just can NOT leave anything alone and potentially court normalcy.)
The Birth of Pinkey. Also, I have no idea why I look bizarre in all of these pictures lately (unless it’s because I keep crying, in that case, whatever). But after Dan got zir legs attached and wings battened down our marvelous Pinkey became much more flamingo-tastic.
Still not real stable though, but he’s got some ideas. (See what I mean about the weather?) Be sure to take note of Emmy’s handiwork there on the fence. She decorated with another one of her bargains, ball ornaments. And look at this view below, she is not quite wearing that gift, but posing with it counts. (It’s difficult to drape a Thermos.)
Happy doesn’t even begin to cover how this all made me feel. Truly, it was a most joyous occasion, for days on end. There were even some unexpectedly entertaining moments as well. Like when Hanny tried to squeeze in a few exercises and Max decided she maybe wasn’t safe on her own, so he hopped up to help.
Today’s Deck:
Wisdom of the Hidden Realms Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid
