Chocolate for Breakfast

It is a dark winter morning with a slight fog settling over the low areas. The air has a frost which causes my lungs to startle and my mind to clear. Climbing into my car I spot the half eaten Lindt chocolate bar sitting in the cup holder. It looks inviting. Of course I need to move it so that I can place my hot soya chai tea in the holder.

Moving the chocolate creates a spell. A sense of attachment. My imagination stirs and I can imagine the taste of the chocolate. I put the car into gear and back out of the driveway. As I turn the next corner it occurs to me that one of my favourite ways to eat chocolate is with a nice warm drink. I reach for my soya drink, take a sip, and then dividing my attention between the road and the chocolate, I begin to unwrap the bar. The chocolate melts in my mouth with a smooth rich flavour.

Circle of Crones

The magic of a circle of harps, a meeting of minds, every woman working hard, intent on learning, encouraging each other, helping each other, sharing one common goal. Unexpectedly, the door to the room opens and the spell of harmony is distracted as two more burst into the room. Surprise! The excitement level spikes. It is time to celebrate!

My mind startles and I struggle to make sense of the new energy. I move quickly to the door to welcome friends. Hugs all around. Amazingly, the circle of harps is abandoned as everyone moves into action. A party emerges out of seemingly nowhere. Gifts and cards and food were well hidden. Wine is opened and the room fills with laughter, stories, and support for my passage from Crone in Training to full fledged Crone.

Looking at the women settled cozily into my front room furniture, my mind travels back three short years. A group of beginners, eager to learn, extremely nervous, often afraid to play their harp for each other. Afraid to make a mistake, embarrased by their nervousness, and yet willing to trust each other and become friends. And as friendship grew, so did enthusiasm, commitment and a vision. Playing together brought progress, encouragement, laughter, empathy, and a deep understanding of each persons uniqueness, talents and struggles. Every harp session wrapped up with a social time. A cup of tea or a little wine, a time to relax, connect and learn more about each other. A time to be appreciated and enjoyed. Of course conversations often turned to age and relative life experiences. The ability to laugh at ourselves, combined with respect for the learning that life experiences bring, is what originally brought us to the naming of a Circle of Crones. CRONE (Creative Researcher of New Experiences)

Sunlight streams in the window, smiles reflect genuine caring for each other. Blessings include laughter, friendship, and sharing the joys in each others life!

Only one birthday allows for this celebration. It is indeed an honour to turn fifty.



Caelestia

Midnight at the Oasis

As my daughter and her husband make their new home in Tunisia, I find myself parched for information about their new life. Three in the morning seems to be the time when I awake and lie in bed unable to extract my mind from its course of wandering. Eventually I drag myself out of bed and wander to the computer, eyes half closed trying to keep out the invasion of light which will eventually lock my mind into full alertness. The pattern is the same, sign on, check their blog, send an email, all the while hoping that at that precise moment they will come on line, and the distance between us will disolve magically. As I wait, I reach for my mug. The camomille tea that lulls my mind back to sleep is warm and soothing. Sipping it slowly allows my mind the time to wander as I stare blankley at the computer. A realization dawns, this is my midnight at the oasis.

Caelestia

Via Trita

Via Trita is latin for a much frequented way, albiet the phrase is actually in reference to a road not a blog site. The idea of a path brings to mind the journey I am choosing for myself. A chance to write about and share my thoughts to an audience. At this stage most of what I write will be about small moments or thoughts that I want to share with my family. I am inspired by the writings Tiara and Loren have posted on their blog as well as the long and delightful conversations I often have with Hailey. May you join me as often as possible along my Via Trita!

Caelestia