Meditation with stars

Yesterday was a busy day.


 Later on, when all the children were in bed, and Edward was on the computer I realized that I was tense. Tense and agitated, and that I really needed to do something about it.

It was a bit cold last night, so I put on my mittens, my hat, and my coat and went outside.

It was a dark, clear night and the sky was peppered with the stars. One of the good things about living in the middle of nowhere is the lack of light pollution. The milky way is just wonderful.

Had it been a bit dryer I'd have lain down to stare, But last night I was content with just looking up.

I stayed there a while, quietly looking, quietly meditating.

It felt good. I felt good.

Then I went in and did a bit of knitting on Edward's jumper. Happy.

Rain dance for Frogs

Today I thought I'd have a go at putting a little video on here.

Its the first time I've tried to do this, and so its not the best ever. But I thought I'd start small with a short piece on my harp called rain dance for frogs.

It has been raining a lot recently, and today there were a few hours of sun. The birds outside were all singing, and there was a gentle breeze, so I thought I'd just aim the camera at a chia flower, and capture just the sound this time.

Unfortunately, the first time through I was really distracted by a car going past, and worried that it would be really loud, so then stalled a bit. But the second time through sounds really ok from about 41 seconds in.

I love this tiny piece. My right hand is playing quietly, and my left hand has the main melody, so is slightly louder.

My right hand is playing the drips of rain perhaps as they fall from leaves to a stone or fallen branch where a frog might be hiding, and my left hand (to me) sounds like a curious little frog peeking out, then going back, then having another look, and eventually hopping off, or maybe drops falling in a pond.. What do you think?

Short and atmospheric, and hopefully it will work!

Oh my! That took a long time!!

Hope you enjoy it

Gratitude Sunday

Today I'm joining in with Taryn for a gratitude list ....

*Mandarins - they are so sweet and juicy, and the ones I buy from gardens, and road side stalls are always the nicest, which is just right!

*My daughter wanting to join me on my trip to market, and her smiles, and her pride in being asked to help carry some cheese in her own bag. Really magical.

*Simplicity. Here we have to drive to be able to walk through a wood, or wild space, as although there is lots of farming, and grass, it is all electrified. So today we were going to drive for about an hour to go for a family walk in some trees. Then we thought why not go looking for mushrooms in our landlord's fields? So we did. It was great fun, and although we didn't find any mushrooms, we had a brilliant yet simple time.

*The first frost! Strange to some, but we so love the different seasons that a sign of winter just has to be good!

*Edward, for helping me sort out the pantry when I got stuck.

A trip to Saturday Market

Today I went to the Saturday farmers' market in town. It's fairly small, and availability is variable, but I still try to get most veg that I can't grow, and fruit from it. Also there is a man who sells meat, another who sells cheese, and another honey, all of which I can't do at the moment.

It was a very special trip today as I took my little girl with me. I gave her a market bag too, and off we went. We held hands some of the way in the car - I haven't held her hand in the car for ages, as when all of us are in the car she sits in the back. It was very nice indeed.

When we got there she carried her own bag and had the biggest smile you can imagine!

We bought mandarins, meat, carrots (goodness knows where mine are in the garden), and today I thought I'd try some bee pollen.

The man said it was very good for you but tastes a bit horrid, but I thought I'd try it anyway, as I've read so many wonderful things about it.

Here is some on yogurt I made earlier in the week. It actually tastes quite good!

I think it tastes a bit like honey, and some bits like tea. Very pleasant really.

Sadly, potatoes were out for the season, and garlic, and the mushroom man wasn't there either. Oh well!

I really enjoyed being in such good company this morning! Hopefully we'll do it again some time.

Around the garden, and some very special gifts...

Today I'm joining Sara again for a look at my little patch, but first I have to share a picture of one of the nicest gifts to receive....

Here is my tree necklace I bought for my birthday. Its from Mystic Orb on etsy, and it is just lovely! Do check out their shop.

I have received so many compliments about the carving, and my children really love it too! Most of the time I find children just don't notice people's jewelry, but this is totally different. They too say it is beautiful, and just want to touch it, and of course they want one too!! Something to consider for future birthdays.....

I also really liked another one, and my husband said to get it too! So I have one from him, and one from the children. I'll try to get someone to take a picture of me wearing the other one. I'm wearing it today and feel a bit special!

This morning I took my harp into school, and I'm so glad I did! I explained the history of the harp, how it is made, and how to play it, then played a few short pieces too.

Then I asked all the children to have a turn, they were so thrilled!

There was some beautiful music this morning, and hopefully it will inspire some to play an instrument themselves.

Everyone I meet seems to have wanted to play the harp at some point, and it's an instrument hardly anyone gets to play, so I think they were really grateful.

Anyway, here's what's happening in my garden.....

Some strawberry flowers...

Some peas....

Gentle music as the breeze blows through the wind chime....

Not much is happening really! Everything is trying its best to grow forward, or is lying dormant, and soon we'll have some gifts from the garden I'm sure.

Bye for now!

Solstice. Planets before dawn

Sunset, about 5pm.

This morning I was up early, pottering about getting breakfasts ready, when I had to go outside for something. It was still dark, but turning the deep indigo before dawn.

I couldn't help but notice a really bright star ahead, and as I watched I saw that it wasn't flickering, so it must have been a planet. Perhaps venus.

I called to the children to come and see its brilliance, then checked online to see what it was.

The star map showed us that it was Venus, and another really bright one further up was Jupiter. The map also said there should also be Mars in between them in a perfect straight line. We stared and stared, and then we saw it! A small orange dot in line with Jupiter and Venus.

We also saw a few stars, and the moon, then went in to get dressed.

As I was clearing the condensation from the windows I looked out again, but they were all invisible now. I know they're still there though. It felt very special to see such huge and timeless reminders that whatever is happening in our little lives, it really doesn't matter.

Felt good to realise that.

Peace on this solstice morn....

Gratitude Sunday

Joining in with Taryn today for a gratitude list!

*My family, my wonderful husband, and our three magical children. I love seeing the world through their eyes and thinking about every small wonder.

*Having such a lovely birthday. My children always seem so shocked to hear that I have a birthday! I don't know why!

*My harp. I had it made just for me, and it's made from Maple, with walnut inlay, and a poplar sound board (more eco friendly than spruce). I still delight in it, and the beautiful sound it makes after all these years!! The children go to bed and I play as they fall asleep during that quiet time before cleaning up the kitchen.

*Worms. I love the way our children always look for worms under any stone they find, or while I'm digging in the garden. They are great friends of ours.

* A bit of sun in between the rain...

*Bread yeast - fantastic stuff!

* Morning dew. I love taking the children outside in the morning and just looking. Today we saw lots of slug pathways on the tiles by the front door. Other days we find webs.

*My health. Just got to be grateful for that!

Thanks for the idea for a list Taryn. Such a good idea!