Pagan Families Marching into Spring!

[revolting]

ON WINTER'S MARGIN

by Mary Oliver

On winter's margin, see the small birds now
With half-forged memories come flocking home
To gardens famous for their charity.
The green globe's broken; vines like tangled veins
Hang at the entrance to the silent wood.

With half a loaf, I am the prince of crumbs;
By time snow's down, the birds amassed will sing
Like children for their sire to walk abroad!
But what I love, is the gray stubborn hawk
Who floats alone beyond the frozen vines;
And what I dream of are the patient deer
Who stand on legs like reeds and drink the wind;-

They are what saves the world: who choose to grow
Thin to a starting point beyond this squalor.

Welcome to the the Pagan Family Thread, March edition. In case starting the thread early doesn't betray my eagerness, I so so look forward to March and that transition from late winter to early spring: welcoming the return of the migratory birds (while continuing to enjoy the winter guests I've hosted at my bird feeder all year), starting my work on my garden, my skin feeling the sun instead of covered under so many layers just to keep warm, and end to the daily shoveling, a safer commute to work for my partner (who totaled his car last week in a weather-related accident; thank Goddess he's fine!), celebrating St. Patrick's day and Women's history month, dyeing eggs, looking for the first signs of spring...

What does March bring for you?

[amlikam]

March yummy mud!!!

[Fortune Teller]

I need March to begin so badly... It's been a long February and I am ready for spring!  

Yesterday I noticed my lilac bush is budding... 

Also noticed my hydrangea didn't survive the winter (or more likely my lack of attention in the late summer or early fall...

I have a lovely potted tulip in the window sill that has been enjoying some rare Oregon sunshine lately... It hasn't bloomed yet, but I was taken aback the other day when I realized how beautiful and elegant it looks all closed up and bending towards the sun... I can almost feel it vibrating in anticipation... so cool!

Spring means new altar items... I've been thinking a lot of what I want to bring into that sacred space

Easter eggs and an easter dinner for sure... planning on what handmade gifts to make the kiddies..

Oh, and the birds have been a lot more active in recent days... My son was delighted to hear a woodpecker on our walk home from school, and the cats are enjoying watching them through the window.. dreaming and fantasizing lol

Spring means we are one step closer to SUMMER!  Can't wait!

[Maiasaura]

I am subbing but not reading till tomorrow. So HA!

[Valerie.Qc]

Looks like I missed February...

With the amount of snow we already have, I'm not counting on feeling Spring till April... though I sure would appreciate it! 

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by revolting What does March bring for you?

 

I don't look forward much to March anymore, because we barely have winter here anymore. I like four equal seasons, which is what it was like when we moved here back in '03. Not anymore. We haven't had snow since the winter of '09-10 at all. And I can get by with wearing just a hoodie outside, most of the time. I have only worn scarf/hat/mittens a couple of times, this year. I NEED winter in order to appreciate the warmer months!

 

Though I do like all the Pagan holidays, and some of the high holy Christian ones. DS loves March/April cause often he gets TWO baskets full of junk

 

[Wolfcat]

March is busy... in a good way.

I am finishing up the new inventory procedure for the store.

On the 15th, we get to go to an open sumbel in Lincoln, and deliver product to the partner so he can vend his first solo event.

I am looking forward to working with the illustrator for my first toddler book: The Pagan Children's ABC Book of Goddesses. Once that is done, I'll work on illustrating the Book of Gods and writing the Book of the Norse.

Meanwhile, catching up on bills and spending too much money on camping gear for this year's Heartland.

Yay!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by Wolfcat 

March is busy... in a good way.

I am finishing up the new inventory procedure for the store.

On the 15th, we get to go to an open sumbel in Lincoln, and deliver product to the partner so he can vend his first solo event.

I am looking forward to working with the illustrator for my first toddler book: The Pagan Children's ABC Book of Goddesses. Once that is done, I'll work on illustrating the Book of Gods and writing the Book of the Norse.

Meanwhile, catching up on bills and spending too much money on camping gear for this year's Heartland.

Yay!

Congrats on the books! That's awesome! I can't wait to see. Too bad my ds is way aged out of those kinds of books

But...isn't it fun buying camping gear?

5 days till I see M
 

[siddal]

Happy meteorological spring! I'm so happy.  Although we are actually having the most wintery weather we have had all season :-P  Still, I'm glad to see the light increasing, hear the birds, and that fresh, green scent on the wind.  Also happy that I'll be able to get out more with my girls without the bundling and swathing and what not.  I can't wait until it is warm enough to just pop them in their stroller and go!

Wonderful poem, Revolting. Thank you!  I love the line about the deer.

Enjoy your time with M, Maia <3

Wolfcat, congrats on your books!!

We had our 4 month dr. visit yesterday (a bit late, because our pedi moved), and my girls are up to 12 lb 5 oz and 13 lb 10 oz.  I'm so pleased.  I try to be as positive as I can, but sometimes it is hard not to worry about Rosamund, since she was a full pound smaller than Guinevere.  They are doing great, though.  We are going to try to take our first visit with them home to Louisville at Easter.  I'm excited, but also a tad nervous.  I'm sure it will be fine and they will just sleep the three hours away.  

Stumbled across a nice blog the other day that may be of interest:

http://motheringwithsoul.com/

:-)

[Wolfcat]

I got the contract for the book from the publisher yesterday! I've read through it; it's a basic, straightforward contract,so I'll be signing and scanning it back tomorrow. I'm so excited!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by Wolfcat 

I got the contract for the book from the publisher yesterday! I've read through it; it's a basic, straightforward contract,so I'll be signing and scanning it back tomorrow. I'm so excited!

YAY!!! Happy dance for you!

I have a really upset tum today. I took Laxa-Tea two days ago because, well, I needed to, and it did nothing, so I took some yesterday, too, and it hit me in spades I was up at midnight, 2am, and had cramps on and off the rest of the night, and today I was hungry so I ate a substantial breakfast, and then got immediately not-so-feeling-well. It's 2:30pm and I am still feeling a little low, ew.

4 days till I go see M

My best friend is coming over in a few minutes. Just wanted to check in and say hi!

[Kaydove]

Subbing.

[amlikam]

Originally Posted by siddal 

We had our 4 month dr. visit yesterday (a bit late, because our pedi moved), and my girls are up to 12 lb 5 oz and 13 lb 10 oz.  I'm so pleased.  I try to be as positive as I can, but sometimes it is hard not to worry about Rosamund, since she was a full pound smaller than Guinevere.  They are doing great, though.  We are going to try to take our first visit with them home to Louisville at Easter.  I'm excited, but also a tad nervous.  I'm sure it will be fine and they will just sleep the three hours away.  

Stumbled across a nice blog the other day that may be of interest:

http://motheringwithsoul.com/

:-)

siddal- WOW you're doing an amazing job with the girls!!! my little peanut didn't turn 7 lbs until 4 months old (she was a slow gainer, just like her daddy!) It is sooo unnervine though worrying about growth. I just say WOW it sounds like you are doing well and moving on a curve!! Also thanks for that blog!!!

Originally Posted by Wolfcat 

I am looking forward to working with the illustrator for my first toddler book: The Pagan Children's ABC Book of Goddesses. Once that is done, I'll work on illustrating the Book of Gods and writing the Book of the Norse.

Ummm I am soooooo excited for you (and me!!!) please please please let us know when you publish? I have a little one coming in june... I would love to have something like this!!!

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

I don't look forward much to March anymore, because we barely have winter here anymore. I like four equal seasons, which is what it was like when we moved here back in '03. Not anymore. We haven't had snow since the winter of '09-10 at all. And I can get by with wearing just a hoodie outside, most of the time. I have only worn scarf/hat/mittens a couple of times, this year. I NEED winter in order to appreciate the warmer months!

I am very much the same- but mostly because I love winter and slushy snow, boots... call me crazy I know. I love the summer too I promise.


Lots of ritual being planned this spring, I am thankful to welcome the turn of the wheel and embrace the rebirth. Especially so after my weekend away with DH at a couples retreat/ritual container. I feel like a newlywed all over again.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by amlikam call me crazy I know. I love the summer too I promise.

Especially so after my weekend away with DH at a couples retreat/ritual container. I feel like a newlywed all over again.

Woohoo! I am so hoping for lots of nik this weekend M had lots of sexual issues growing up, and I keep forgetting that that is going to impact us. He thinks it was all in the past and why would it bother him now, but, hey, things always do. Always. They follow us until they get resolved, kwim? It's hard for me knowing that for a guy, he's not panting around me like a hound dog all the time Cross fingers. He's really working hard to overcome this instinct to say NO or NOT NOW.

See, this is the weird part for me....you said "I love the summer too I promise"-- as if it's weird NOT to love summer. I hate summer. Am I the weird one?

[amlikam]

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Woohoo! I am so hoping for lots of nik this weekend M had lots of sexual issues growing up, and I keep forgetting that that is going to impact us. He thinks it was all in the past and why would it bother him now, but, hey, things always do. Always. They follow us until they get resolved, kwim? It's hard for me knowing that for a guy, he's not panting around me like a hound dog all the time Cross fingers. He's really working hard to overcome this instinct to say NO or NOT NOW.

See, this is the weird part for me....you said "I love the summer too I promise"-- as if it's weird NOT to love summer. I hate summer. Am I the weird one?

It is hard to not love the summer where I live... It is stunning. :-) but I can understand the not lovign it too!

DH and I haven't DTD in several months because of placenta issues. It was nice to just cuddle and be with him, fully present to each other. I know what you mean about issues comign forward, I certainly carry mine..... *sigh* which is challenging. I don't say mine have resolved themselves, but I do feel like I am more aware of them and working with them better. So nice you will get to go see M though ever soooo soon!!!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by amlikam 

It is hard to not love the summer where I live... It is stunning. :-) but I can understand the not lovign it too!

DH and I haven't DTD in several months because of placenta issues. It was nice to just cuddle and be with him, fully present to each other. I know what you mean about issues comign forward, I certainly carry mine..... *sigh* which is challenging. I don't say mine have resolved themselves, but I do feel like I am more aware of them and working with them better. So nice you will get to go see M though ever soooo soon!!!

Where is Birkshire in MA? I will end up in Worcester or Ashland or Grafton or Charlton or Dudley or Spencer, or somewhere thereabouts. I'm excited to hear it's that pretty up there in the summer.

Several months?? Yikes, how can you guys live together and stay apart? Are you having desire issues because of your placenta thing? We broke M's hoodly-hoo a year ago. I mean broke it. We were in the middle of hot-n-heavy and were just about to...um...get done, and it broke. It musta bent in there somehow. He went OW, big OW, and in short order it got purple. And in the next week it bent to the side (when standing to attention) and stayed that way for a good long time. We looked it up and it happens more frequently than you'd think, but OW. I think it's finally back to nearly normal after a whole year, but needless to say, that didn't help any, with his self-esteem issues.

So yeah-- we're hoping things are back to hot'n'heavy again!

[amlikam]

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Where is Birkshire in MA? I will end up in Worcester or Ashland or Grafton or Charlton or Dudley or Spencer, or somewhere thereabouts. I'm excited to hear it's that pretty up there in the summer.  I am right on the NY boarder but lived practically in Charlton growing up. I also lived in Worcester and lots of my famil is there... SOOOO I know the area well. It is really nice there too!!!

Several months?? Yikes, how can you guys live together and stay apart? Are you having desire issues because of your placenta thing?  I was on restriction because if the placenta was jostled the baby could die... it wasn't worth it... and bc I had so much spotting I was advised not to orgasim either. And to be honest, DH and I have been working on things so we weren't present emotionally to connect that way. We didn't want to confuse what was really present with the whole block it out by sex thing.  

We broke M's hoodly-hoo a year ago. I mean broke it. We were in the middle of hot-n-heavy and were just about to...um...get done, and it broke. It musta bent in there somehow. He went OW, big OW, and in short order it got purple. And in the next week it bent to the side (when standing to attention) and stayed that way for a good long time. We looked it up and it happens more frequently than you'd think, but OW. I think it's finally back to nearly normal after a whole year, but needless to say, that didn't help any, with his self-esteem issues. WOAH  ummmmmm wow  I would have freaked OUT!!! 

So yeah-- we're hoping things are back to hot'n'heavy again!  I hope it is a good time!!! distance always makes for the best reconnecting...

[Kaydove]

We're staying with DHs grandma cosleeping with DD so loving is few and far between. We need out of here!!!

[Kaydove]

We're staying with DHs grandma cosleeping with DD so loving is few and far between. We need out of here!!!

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by amlikam I am right on the NY boarder but lived practically in Charlton growing up. I also lived in Worcester and lots of my famil is there... SOOOO I know the area well. It is really nice there too!!!

I was on restriction because if the placenta was jostled the baby could die... it wasn't worth it... and bc I had so much spotting I was advised not to orgasim either. And to be honest, DH and I have been working on things so we weren't present emotionally to connect that way. We didn't want to confuse what was really present with the whole block it out by sex thing.  

ummmmmm wow  I would have freaked OUT!!! 

I hope it is a good time!!! distance always makes for the best reconnecting...
 

Yeah, I do see how sex can be a distractor for more important issues, so that makes sense. Too bad about no orgasms, though...when M's hoodly-hoo broke, that was our first intimacy of the whole vacay So we couldn't have any more. The Universe was surely testing us. We did try the next day, but it hurt too badly and he knew instinctively that it was a no-go. He could stand up, but not perform because of the pain. What it turned out to be was a tear in the fascia (or something...the next lining in from skin). That had to heal and it took a good long time. We managed to play a little in other ways (kissing and mutual self-stimulation, if that's not too graphic) but not too much. I didn't freak out as much as him-- after all, I don't own one. But HE really freaked out. I mean, far as I know, most men only get ONE of those, and he didn't want his broken-- can't blame him. And the problem is that we researched things like surgery, but since that deals with scar tissue, the probability of it getting worse as a result was large. So, we had to just leave it alone. But M's already lousy self-esteem really took a hit. Despite all my reassurance to the contrary, he was sure I would leave him over a broken hoodly-hoo. Um, nope. You are more than your parts, love. I wouldn't leave you for an amputated limb. I would not leave you for cancer (which he has-- CML in remission, and I'm not going anywhere). I would not leave you for this.

It WOULD make for the best reconnecting, except that like I said, he has issues, deep seated ones from his past, and sometimes I go up there and he finds all manner of things to do to put me off, like "We will, we will" and then (I think) builds up this huge performance anxiety, and when the doody hits the fan, he can't (or finds reasons not to, or gets mad at ME in deflection). So, last time I was up there, I got all kinds of serious and said unless you work on this, I am not coming up there. I don't see you for two or three months and you find reasons NOT to??? That's a deal breaker. I mean really

When the time comes, you can tell me all about that area, yay! Charlton/Dudley area appears to have the best schools...but man, it's not on the train line

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaydove We're staying with DHs grandma cosleeping with DD so loving is few and far between. We need out of here!!!

There's no room for creativity? Dang. How long are you going to be there? How old is DD again? I remember just....hmm, working *around* ds sometimes. Gah. I didn't like it, but you have to work with what you have, kwim?

I'm all packed and ready to go All I have to do is get gas. Since I have extra time, I'm going to unmake ds's bed tomorrow and wash his sheets. Which is a HUGE pain because he has a loft. Ugh. But he's pubertal and it really needs to get done more often. Meh.