Busy Solstice

Art by Tatiana Smirnova

Out of the bosom of the air,


Out of the cloudfolds of her garment shaken,


Over the woodlands, brown and bare,


Over the harvest-fields forsaken,


Silent, and soft, and slow


Descends the snow.

- By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -

Solstice blessings to all! My Nine Nights continue, including some very satisfying journey work. Of course we are still burning our bayberry candles and making various offerings to my Ladies.

We are having a bit of winter here in South Florida, chilly for us and most enjoyable. I am baking like a fiend and making fudge for gifts. Christmas Eve preparations are under way and most everything is done - the lasagna and pumpkin tira misu along with the yule log cake for Mike, to be done the eve of Christmas Eve. I am looking forward to it all.

A little something from John Matthews' book, The Winter Solstice:

For the return of the Sun, blessings & praise!

For all the gifts we give and receive, blessings & praise!

For all the gift givers, blessings & praise!

For the Children of Wonder, blessings & praise!

For children everywhere, blessings & praise!

For sunsets & starlights, blessings & praise!

For fabulous feast days, blessings & praise!

For those who cook them, blessings & praise!

For the tree in the corner, blessings & praise!

For the candles in the window, blessings & praise!

For the icicles on the trees, blessings & praise!

For the light on the snowfields, blessings & praise!

For the gifts of friendship, blessings & praise!

For hand bell ringers, blessings & praise!

For robin & wren, blessings & praise!

For animals everywhere, blessings & praise!

For all my friends, loved ones and those who stop by to read my musings, I wish you joy and abundance during this and all seasons!

Blessings nine!