I like books. I really like books. I seem constitutionally unable read only one thing at a time. This filters down to the kids, too. We’re reading some great stuff right now, so I thought I’d share. First up, the two-and-a-half-year-old. Here is her current obsession: She is in love with the Octonauts, a series of books and cartoons that we discovered thanks to the BBC in Wales. We read these several times every day (saints preserve me). The art... Read more
There is a Zen saying, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” I’m definitely in the ‘before enlightenment’ state of things, and most definitely lately. I feel further away from anything spiritually meaningful than I have in a while. I’m tired, getting over some sort of mild virus, and likely swinging on the swing set of hormones. While I usually have a strong container for dealing with news and the internet, the last few says... Read more
Last week my son had his 5 Year Old Rituals. What does that mean? Let’s start at the beginning. My son was born prematurely and spent the first month of his life in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). It was easily the worst month of my life. Son, B, was born healthy and strong, though very, very small. He has grown to inherit both his mother’s and his father’s emotional intensity, so while he’s a bright, healthy, empathetic little... Read more
This one is tricky. I don’t like to gossip, although sometimes it feels good. I want to speak well of everyone, but sometimes people make it so hard to do! Sometimes other people are awful. Instead of speaking ill of them, I’ve been learning to communicate how I feel and what my experience has been. This allows others to come to their own conclusions, expresses the truth my experience, but can allow me more space to be compassionate toward some... Read more
There’s a series of blog posts over at Patheos on passing along one’s faith to kids or a younger generation. I’ve really enjoyed reading the different perspectives. As I’ve got two kids of my own, ages 5 and 2.5, here are my two cents. My husband, Adam, and I are raising our kids in a Pagan household. I don’t say that we are raising the kids as Pagans, or to be Pagans, but Adam and I run our house in... Read more
Yes. While I don’t want to cultivate fear in general, deceit is a particularly pernicious form of dishonesty, and it is worthy of fear. This year I have been involved in or have been witness to several relationships destroyed by deceit. In one case I’m not sure there was out-right lying involved, but one of the definitions of deceit is acts of subterfuge designed to obscure the truth, and I certainly experienced that. In some ways this is more painful... Read more
Don’t worry, you’re all winners to me. Thanks to everyone for entering my first ‘contest.’ It was fun to do! I wrote out all the names and put them in my pretty silver salad bowl. My son drew names for two of the books and my daughter drew for one. Without further ado the winners are: Ambaa wins Make Magic of Your Life by T Thorn Coyle Jody Marx wins Seeking the Mystery by Christine Hoff Kraemer Rhiannon Mackey... Read more
Winsome books that can be won. I have three books to give away! Make Magic of Your Life by T. Thorn Coyle. If you are a student of Feri or of Thorn’s this book may be a bit rudimentary for you. You’ve probably already heard her say these things many times before. For those not familiar with Thorn’s work or for those looking for a fresh perspective on integrating their passions into their lives, regardless of their spiritual tradition, I... Read more
I don’t think this Maxim is like the admonition from Jesus to turn the other cheek, to give even your coat to the person who wants your shirt. I think this Maxim is encouraging us to share what we have. If I have only a cup of food and some one asks for some, I can spare a bite. I don’t think there is any virtue in starving one’s self so that others may eat, but I do believe there... Read more
Next Friday I’m going to give away THREE books! Be sure to check back midweek (or follow the Facebook page) for details on which books and how to be eligible. And now, my family is off to Portland for the weekend. Have a good weekend! Read more
A Witch's Ashram
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