The Inner Life of a Cell

Impressive...watch it.

Faith

Better trust all and be deceiv’d,
And weep that trust, and that deceiving,
Than doubt one heart that, if believ’d,
Had blessed one’s life with true believing.

Oh, in this mocking world, too fast
The doubting fiend o’ertakes our youth!
Better be cheated to the last
Than lose the blessèd hope of truth.

Frances Anne Kemble (1809–93)

what balm to heal the wounds of others doing?

how does one earn that fresh page or that clean brush?

Autumnal Equinox

Happy Alban Elfed, Autumn Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Home, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Witch's Thanksgiving, first day of autumn, or whichever other seasonal name you prefer.

Neo-pagans use the name Mabon. Mabon was the son of Mordon, the Goddess of the earth (Welsh Mythology). Our family has always used the name Autumnal Equinox and used it as a time of Thanksgiving.

According to the Celtic cycle of the year, autumns’ equinox was the second harvest (first harvest festival = Lammas in August).

The Autumnal equinox signals the beginning of fall. It is the point where there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness (okay, technically only at the equator – humour me, okay?!). The daylight hours are decreasing and will continue to decrease until the Winter Solstice (in December), the shortest day of the year and the start of winter.

Here the leaves are beginning to turn and the nights are crisp (snuggle weather! as opposed to the it's "too f*ing hot" weather...)

Things I am thankful for: My family, my friends (those I know in real life and those I have yet to meet), my health and the health of those dear to me…

Today may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends and remember those who are alone.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
May we appreciate the freedoms we have and remember those who suffer injustice and tyranny.

To the friends who have become family
and the family who have become friends-

Peace on earth.

Namaste

If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It's a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it's time to reflect on what's come before. (M. Burgess, Northern Exposure)

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. (E. Teale)

Take advantage of the crisp air and the longer nights
Use this time as you see fit...
Look ahead, we will be there

Namaste

I'm going to try...

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Bessie Stanley

not only am I going to try to succeed in this way...but I'm going to grab my eyepatch, swab the deck, take many a swig of grog, keelhaul landlubbers, and keep to the code!

Yarrrrr ya scurvy dogs ...'tis International Talk like a Pirate Day...shiver me timbers! It's the plank for you!

Avast and Ahoy!

It was a day like any other day.

My hometown.

BITCHOLOGY

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a bitch.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they call me a bitch.

Being a bitch means I won't compromise what's in my heart.
It means I live my life MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as a bitch.
The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.
It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I "should" be.
I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch , so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman

B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle anything

Come By the Hills

Come by the hills to the land
where fancy is free.
And stand where the peaks meet the sky
and the rocks reach the sea.
Where the rivers run clear and the bracken
is gold in the sun.
And cares of tomorrow must wait
till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land
where life is a song
And sing while the birds fill the air
with their joy all day long.
Where the trees sway in time, and even
the wind sings in tune.
And cares of tomorrow must wait
till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land
where legend remains
Where stories of old stir the heart
and may yet come again.
Where the past has been lost and the future
is still to be won.
And cares of tomorrow must wait
till this day is done.

Come by the hills to the land
where fancy is free.
And stand where the peaks meet the sky
and the rocks reach the sea.
Where the rivers run clear and the bracken
is gold in the sun.
And cares of tomorrow must wait
till this day is done.
And cares of tomorrow must wait

till this day is done.

Traditional Gaelic

...and those cares, they must wait their turn, for todays' sun is not yet set.

Namaste

Dear Blogger,

You "up-graded" my account to a Beta-Blogger.
Now I can't comment on anyone's blog because I'm beta and they're not.
This is not an improvement...
Thanks ever so much. <= was the sarcasm clear enough?? huh? was it?

signed,
a disgruntled blogger

the moors are calling...

Autumn is fast approaching...I love this time of year. I love absolutely everything about it.

Too many people think of this time of year in melancholy terms, the leaves dying, and everything ending, not me I see it as a beginning...I become alive, awake.
They used to tell me that this is because the veil is thin at this time of year...I don't know what it is, but I know I love it.

...the changing colours, the blustery winds, the blowing leaves, the first frost, and the smells. Nothing, nothing in this world smells as good as the autumn; a Vermont farm stand, the fragrant mix of apples, cider, pine trees, and crisp clear mountain air), frost, brisk mornings, and snow in the mountains - yes they all have a smell.
throw in a leaf burning fire, and the thrill of biting into a crisp sour Northern Spy or Spartan, and it's pure heaven.

There is something about the crisp autumn air, bonfires, fireplaces, and the comforting feeling of pulling on a snugly sweatshirt, or snuggling down into warm blankets that is exciting to me.

I love the mists that swirl in around now and will find almost any excuse to go out and walk in them - the thicker the better! I love losing my self in the stillness and mystery the mist brings with it...and let's face it pumpkins are just so pretty.

Traditionally, Samhain was the Celtic new year and to me this time of year really does signify the new year; not January 1.
the big changes happen now...we make all sorts of new years's resolutions in January and but nothing really changes from Dec 31 to the morning after...with the possible exception of the hang over.

It's autumn that signals change, new schools, new school years, university kids leaving home for the first time, new adventures, new harvests, new plans, life gears back up and yet quiets down...

There is a sense of excitement and anticipation, and it comes something other than visiting stationary stores and fondling new school supplies.

There is a growing quiet in the woods.

Alys (from MySpace, aka REEPT from Blather) said that she heard the geese calling early one morning and hearing that call made her want to go home...a feeling that she couldn't pinpoint or explain anymore than that.

I understand completely, although I doubt I can describe it any better.

In the autumn, When I'm standing alone in the woods, or in the mountains, or anywhere and I get a whiff of something in the air, a hint of an indescribable scent that triggers a feeling and need to be somewhere, to be home. I hear an inaudible voice summoning me to something somewhere and I sense an impulsive need to follow that call to meet whatever is beckoning.

Who knows, maybe someday I will...

Win, Lose, or Draw

A handful of patience is worth its weight in gold, but as the Latin Proverb says: If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.

The trick is to know when to start rowing; too soon and you do not leave the Universe room to play its hand, too late and you lose your chance.

Namaste

Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses.

Perhaps we would accomplish more if we listened.

I am sorry!

Miracles: You do not have to look for them. They are there, 24-7, beaming like radio waves all around you. Put up the antenna, turn up the volume - snap... crackle... this just in, every person you talk to is a chance to change the world
Hugh Elliot

'tis true my lovelies...turn on the news tonight and listen; all that is a result of what each and every one of us chose to do, or chose not to do.

They say that the beat of a butterfly wing can cause a ripple effect large enough to cause a tsunami...think what we can accomplish if we'd only try.
Stop whining, stop expecting others to fix things, stop expecting others to be as smart, or smarter than you...
You think the world is stupid, and it is, but remember this my love, you are part of this same world (if only a small part); you are the wings of a butterfly....

Just One

a thought...gleened from a Mirthful Mystic via The Quotations Page

If you haven't found something strange during the day, it hasn't been much of a day.
John A. Wheeler

Today was 'much of a day'

Mama, we're all crazy now...

‘Abused patience turns to fury’

J'ai un nerf qui me reste et tu saute là-dessus; And to quote The Hulk “You're making me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.”

I have a right to this anger.
I don't want anybody telling me I shouldn't be angry, that it's not nice to be angry, and that something's wrong with me because I get angry.

But it’s all lost in the wind, yes?

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss

As the Yiddish Proverb says: I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.


I suppose we must all learn to embrace and endure our pain; burning it as fuel for the journey, but not allowing it to make us bitter.

Beannachd Dia dhuit

It's a small comfort...

Don't stand beside my grave and weep,
For I'm not there, I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circle flight,
I am soft stars that shine at night,
Don't stand beside my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.

Poem: Mary E. Frye
Photo credit: Michael Haydon (photo.net)


You are free. May you be blessed.

We say that the hour of death cannot be forecast, but when we say this we imagine that hour as placed in an obscure and distant future. It never occurs to us that it has any connection with the day already begun or that death could arrive this same afternoon, this afternoon which is so certain and which has every hour filled in advance. (Marcel Proust)

Give those you love an extra hug and don't hesitate to tell them how much you love them. Death often comes suddenly and we may never get another chance.

The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine. (Mignon McLaughlin, 1960)

After the tears we shall remember that we're alive.

A bountiful Lammas to all

John Barleycorn

There was three kings into the east,

Three kings both great and high,

And they hae sworn a solemn oath

John Barleycorn should die.

They took a plough and plough'd him down,

Put clods upon his head,

And they hae sworn a solemn oath

John Barleycorn was dead.

But the cheerful Spring came kindly on,

And show'rs began to fall;

John Barleycorn got up again,

And sore surpris'd them all.

The sultry suns of Summer came,

And he grew thick and strong,

His head weel arm'd wi' pointed spears,

That no one should him wrong.

The sober Autumn enter'd mild,

When he grew wan and pale;

His bending joints and drooping head

Show'd he began to fail.

His coulour sicken'd more and more,

He faded into age;

And then his enemies began

To show their deadly rage.

They've taen a weapon, long and sharp,

And cut him by the knee;

Then ty'd him fast upon a cart,

Like a rogue for forgerie.

They laid him down upon his back,

And cudgell'd him full sore;

They hung him up before the storm,

And turn'd him o'er and o'er.

They filled up a darksome pit

With water to the brim,

They heaved in John Barleycorn,

There let him sink or swim.

They laid him out upon the floor,

To work him farther woe,

And still, as signs of life appear'd,

They toss'd him to and fro.

They wasted, o'er a scorching flame,

The marrow of his bones;

But a Miller us'd him worst of all,

For he crush'd him between two stones.

And they hae taen his very heart's blood,

And drank it round and round;

And still the more and more they drank,

Their joy did more abound.

John Barleycorn was a hero bold,

Of noble enterprise,

For if you do but taste his blood,

'Twill make your courage rise.

'Twill make a man forget his woe;

'Twill heighten all his joy:

'Twill make the widow's heart to sing,

Tho' the tear were in her eye.

Then let us toast John Barleycorn,

Each man a glass in hand;

And may his great posterity

Ne'er fail in old Scotland!

Robert Burns

for seekers: Lammas, or Lughnasadh, is the fifth sabbat on the Wheel of the Year. With Lammas, we celebrate the first stirrings of autumn and the harvests. Summer, with its light and warmth, will be gone soon. Even though it doesn't quite feel like Fall yet, the coming of the dark times of the year is inevitable.

There is some debate as to the exact date of Lammas / Lughnasadh. Agriculturally speaking, this is the time when the harvests would begin and depending on the weather the celebration dates can vary (generally August 1 -6).

In many agrarian societies, the last harvested sheaf of grain was treated with special honour, for they believed that with the cutting of the last sheaf, the corn spirit retreated into the ground. There the corn spirit slept through the Winter. In the Spring that last sheaf was returned to the fields when new seed was being sown, so that its spirit would awaken both seed and land.

One traditional Lammas custom was the construction of the kern-baby, corn doll, or corn maiden. This figure, braided into a woman's form from the last harvested sheaf of grain, represented the Harvest Spirit. (In America, the tradition is continued in the making of corn husk dolls.) The doll would be saved until Spring, when it was ploughed into the field to consecrate the new planting and insure a good harvest. In other traditions, the corn dolly was fed and watered throughout the Winter, then burned in the fires at Beltane to insure a continuation of good growth.

Another custom drawn from Lammas relates to fire. Lammas was, to the Celts, one of four Great Fire Festivals, held on the cross-quarter days. During Lammas, the custom of lighting bonfires was intended to add strength to the powers of the waning sun. Afterward, the fire brands were kept in the home through the Winter as protection against storms, lightning and fires caused by lightning

MythingLinks

who's going to pick up these pieces?

I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose, but that a PART of hell will break loose... it'll be much harder to detect. (George Carlin)


Dear George,
You have only to listen to the news…the pieces of hell are in evidence everywhere.
There are pieces in the Middle East. There are pieces in Africa. There are pieces anywhere a child is harmed, and anywhere Gaia is irrevocably damaged. They are everywhere where people choose to hate rather than find a way to co-exist, and everywhere people turn their backs and do nothing to help those in need and those who suffer (not just those in war torn areas, but all those who are alone and forgotten)
…Chaos has indeed come again.
Kindest Regards,
Me


I pray for all of humanity to one day feel the pulse of the Mother Earth in their feet as they tread.
I pray for mankind to find the faith to believe in the messages carried by their dreams and to see beyond the visible world.
I pray that everyone I come in contact with can walk away with much, or at least some, of the happiness that lives within me.
I pray for peace, acceptance, and tolerance for all who express their love for the higher power (whatever that name may be).
Most of all,
I pray for an end to the violence and depravity that darkens many souls.
Peace be with us all!

photo credit: unknown