This past weekend Teacherman (my hubby) and I had the awesome pleasure of attending Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice concert at St. John the Divine’s Cathedral in New York City.  It was the 30th anniversary for the concert and construction on the cathedral was complete so the entire cathedral was open for the first time in many years.   We have wanted to attend the Winter Sosltice concert for over 20 years, ever since we first went to see Paul Winter in concert and heard about it, so even a winter blizzard that was rolling in wasn’t going to keep us from going.  It had already started to snow earlier in the morning, but by afternoon the snow had temporarily stopped. The weather channel was calling for 12 inches or more by later in the evening. We left early in the afternoon and arrived in New York by train with of plenty of time.  We then took a cab up to the cathedral and found a restaurant near by and had a lovely dinner.  On the way back to the cathedral we stopped in a bookstore to browse and warm up a bit and then made our way to the cathedral.  It was a truly wintry magical evening honoring the longest night and the sun’s return and a reminder to one and all to focus on the blessings in our lives and to always remember that even in darkest of night, the light continues to shine.

While there I picked up the Silver Solstice cd (music from the 25th Winter Solstice Celebration). I highly recommend it and all of Paul Winter’s cds, these are a few I have: Earthbeat, Wintersong,  Journey with the Sun (Summer Solstice), and Wolf Eyes- songs from the cds are also available for downloading and make a great addition to a magical musical collection.

It was truly a magical and awe inspiring event – the music floated through the cathedral, beating drums awakened the soul, the golden ship (symbol of the sun) sailed down the center aisle, the whales sang and the sounds of the night (owls, crickets) paid homage to the longest night and then the vibrating sounds of the sun gong were heard as it it was slowly raised 100 feet, all the way to the ceiling of the cathedral.  We howled with the wolves and honored the Mother Earth.  The beautiful voices of the Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble inspired joy and celebration in the heart.  The Forces of Nature Dance Theater performers were a delight to the eyes and ears.   A gigantic spiral Solstice Tree (inspired by the tradition of the Tree of Life and World Tree) graced the stage, adorned with a myriad of bells, gongs and chimes (to symbolize the diversity of beings in the life family).  At the conclusion of the concert, the Sosltice Tree was brought to the center of the stage and all the dancers and singers danced and sang around the tree in celebration, and everyone in the audience got to their feet, clapping along to the beat of magnificant drumming.  As everyone was leaving the cathedral  we were greeted by the blizzard.  Several inches of snow had arrived and a blanket of snowy sparkles covered everything.  Someone in the crowd began howling to the wolves and it echoed across the wintery wonderland, and a chorus of howls rose up from the crowd as we all stepped out into the night howling and laughing as we began our journey homeward.

Words truly can’t describe the experience.  Below are some links and youtube videos of some of the highlights from past concerts, there is even a link for a free download of 9 Paul Winter tracks.

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday filled with blessings, love and light, Lady Rose

Paul Winter Links and Videos:

FREE Downloads - 9 tracks from Paul Winter’s Solstice Journey (http://paulwinter.bandcamp.com/)

Links provide by Paul Winter’s Living Music from an email we recieved: “To give you a feel for music of the Pokrovsky Ensemble, we’ve collected a few videos from past solstices and performances given in Russia. We’ve also found a video of the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, our other special guest ensemble.”

2008 Winter Solstice – nice overview of varioius performers who have performed last year, begins with the Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble performing one of my favorites (they also performed this year)

2008 Finale – can see the Solstice Tree, but a different song then the one played this year

2004 Winter Solstice, 25th anniversay – nice overview, can see the Sun Gong ascending 100 feet

Forces of Nature Dance Theater - video of a performance they did at Central Park. Seeing them in person at the Paul Winter Concert was incredible.

Written by Lady RoseTags:concert, Paul Winter, Winter Solstice, Yule

We had a nice Thanksgiving at my sister’s house, along with my mom, my brother, and the kids.  My other sister, wanted to have Thanksgiving with just her immediate family – but we popped in to say hello for a few minutes since my two sisters live across the street from each other.  (Although until a couple of weeks ago they shared a house – but that is a looooong story and I won’t bore you all with the details).

We provided the plates, napkins, cups, turkey, stuffing, a few veggies, two appetizers and two desserts for the Thanksgiving meal.   We even provided one of the tables – since my sister just moved in a couple of weeks ago she doesn’t have a kitchen table yet or have her kitchen stocked up yet.   She  made the potatoes, yams and green beans.  My brother brought a cherry pie.  All togther there were six adults and four kids, and everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable meal.  The next day my hubby, Teacherman, made a wonderful turkey and rice soup.  Friday and Saturday we spent home, getting a few chores done and a little shopping.

Sunday the weather was very nice so we headed up to New York on the train to visit Dylan’s Candy Bar.  We had been looking forward to it ever since we heard about the candy store on a tv show. It is located on the corner of 60th and Third.  It is three floors of sugery goodness with a huge variety, including nostalgic candies from decades past.  They had free samples of candies and candy cane milkshake to try.  The first floor (entrance) had many, many bins of candy sold by the pound and there were a variety of containers to chose from to scoop your selections in to, and a lot of holiday goodies.  On the bottom floor was a chocolate fountain with a varity of items to dip into it (for a small fee), a large variety of fudges and other items.  We didn’t make it to the top floor – but upstairs is the cafe and party rooms.

My daughter, Angelgirl, picked out a small gift for each of her friends for Christmas and filled a small container with a variety of candy from the many bins for herself. I picked out a nice tree ornament for us. Teacherman picked up a few candy bars for friend’s. I had fun picking up a few gifts too – for three friends at the office, Mama Kelly, and the most fun was putting together a container of goodies for my 2 Goddess-daughters (Mama Kelly’s girls). The container was $10 for all the candy you could stuff inside, so I picked up a wide selection and tried to get the most unusual items I could find from the bins. In one container I put all the gummy, sour, sugary treats and in the other I put a variety of chocolate items. Once the containers were full, I looked around for tiny candies that I scooped over the top and shook it down so the little bits filled in every bit of space. It was a bit of struggle to get the lids closed but I did it. When I got home I divided everything equally into zip lock bags. There was 20 or more different kinds of candy all together, and I can’t wait to share all the goodies with them. 

From there we strolled over to Central Park and took a horse and carriage ride around the park.  It was the first time for Angelgirl, and she really enjoyed it.  Then we  stopped in FAO Schwartz  (toy store) and saw the big piano just in time for the show where they perform a few songs and after wards they let in small groups of folks at a time to hop on the big piano keys.  I also picked out a small but fun Harry Potter gift for my two Goddess-daughters.  I resisted the urge to get anything for myself. 

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Xmas!   I have all my shopping done now and only a few  more items have to arrive in the mail, everything else is all ready.  I even picked up wrapping paper, gift boxes, etc. this weekend.   I’m looking forward to wrapping and putting the presents, gifts bags and baskets all together.  I can’t wait for the holidays!   **big grin**

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:candy, gifts, new york, Thanksgiving

I’m taking the day off Friday, October 30th, to relax and enjoy my 54th birthday. We will be celebrating on Sunday with a trip to Medieval Times (more about that later). I feel like I’ve been celebrating already for a few weeks with all the fun things I’ve been up too lately.

Late Sept. I went to a Native American Indian harvest festival with Angelgirl (my daughter) – it was small but nice, held at a farm about 15 minutes away. Angelgirl and I enjoyed a relaxing morning browsing the displays and a couple of demos, and listening to speakers, stories, and some music. When it came time for dancing and they asked folks to join – I, of course, jumped in – and Angelgirl pretended not to know me.  LOL   It was adorable.

Oct. started off with a date with Teacherman, my hubby, to see Billy Crystals’ one man show, 700 Sundays at a theater in Philadelphia. It was “truly maaaarvelous”. He is an outstanding performer and the show was very funny, as well as touching the heart and leaving a few tears in our eyes. He told stories about growing up, his parents, etc. – the title for the show comes from the 700 Sundays he had with his dad before his father passed away when Billy Crystal was a young teen.

The following week (Oct. 8th) we went, along with another couple, to see Bruce Springstein playing his next to last concert at the “old” Giants stadium. He wrote a new song in honor of the stadium, “wrecking ball,” since the old stadium will be torn down soon. He is always at his best when in he plays in New Jersey, and the concert was great. This tour he plays a different album each night – our night he did the Born to Run album, which of course is awesome. The show even had fireworks at the finale.

For my birthday we are going to Medieval Times (on Nov. 1) – it has been over 15 years since we’ve been. I’m very very excited; plus we have the royalty package so we have FRONT row seats which is just going be soooo very cool (included is a dvd of the show and a cheering banner so we can wave it as we cheer our knight during the joust). Teacherman surprised me by getting a limo to take us all – which adds a big WOW factor to the day. There will be six of us, Teacherman and Angelgirl, my mom and two good friends from work (my friends and I are getting dressed in medieval costume which is going to add even more fun). Doors open 90 minutes before the show so there is plenty of time to mingle in the big room with the bar, where the characters from the show (the knights!) come out and mingle and photos can be taken. For the limo ride up we have a bottle of sparkling white wine and bottle of red wine chilling, and we are also packing some shrimp, cheese and crackers and for the ride home we are bring strawberries and chocolate dip along with a tin of the fancy cookies shaped like a straw. (I won’t be indulging, of course, but I can at least sip my ice water from a chilled glass in the limo and for a huge splurge I can have a strawberry on way home.)

I am so very thankful to have this time with my family and friends.

Wishing every one a happy and safe Halloween.   Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:birthday, concert, events, outings

As I mentioned previously, I was planning to attend the 6th Annual South Jersey Pagan Pride Day Event, well I did! And it was a very enjoyable day and I am so glad I went.

I left early in the morning, but the directions that I printed out from google were wrong (they said to take 70W, but I should have gotten off at 70E), and I ended up about 2 hours out of my way traveling back and forth on route 70 determined to find the street I was suppose to turn down to find the park where the event of was being held.   I had planned on arriving when it started by 9 a.m., but ended up arriving just before noon.

I stayed calm, played my Celtic Woman cd, and eventually called hubby and had him look up the directions again using a different online source. After a few more calls, a few more wrong turns, eventually I arrived at the lovely Cooper River Park in Pennsauken.  There were small Pagan Pride Day signs along the road near the park, and off in the distance I could see a large open area where lots of tables were set up, a play area for kids, lots of trees along the water, and sail boats on the lake.  The weather was perfect – not too hot, not too cold.

I found the welcome table easily, located right at the end of the parking area and before the very large grassy area where tables\booths were set up in a semi circle, with a small stage area in the center (labeled Mt. Olympus stage on the event map).  I introduced myself to the friendly folks behind the welcome table and picked up a booklet with the schedule and a map outlining where classes would be held, and brief bios for all the presentors.    On the right were stone bleachers all along one side of the grassy area with signs designating different class areas (labeled Athena, and Apollo).   There was also Pan’s Playground – an area set up for the kids to work on craft projects.   They also set up a collection bin near the welcome table for collecting nonperishable food items for donations.

I was just in time to take a class on crystals so headed over to the Apollo area of the bleachers.  The instructor, Nancy Tursi, gave everyone a few small crystals of rose quartz, peridot, and amethyst along with a nice printed out informative card for each.  She led a mediation first without the crystals and than again using each of the crystals one at time so we could feel the difference.  She encouraged each member of the class to discuss what they sensed and which stone they preferred.  We were than put into pairs and worked on each other sending healing energy to our partner using the crystal of their choice. 

After the class I made a tour of the various booths and tables - there were lots of vendors with a variety of  witchy wares (oh the temptations!), artists and green cleaning products, one for reiki and another for massage, two doing readings, and a few representing wiccan\pagan groups.  Not everyone had a business card or flyer, but I did pick up as many as I could and will list them below.

After I made a full circle of all the booths, I stopped at the last one and bought some raffle tickets (lots of various donated prizes from the various vendors) and you picked which one’s to drop your ticket(s) into for a chance to win including a handmade hooded cloak, books, tarot cards, items for children and much more.  After that I decided to eat my lunch which I had packed with me.  I found a picnic table near the parking area and read over the pamphlets and various handouts I had picked up while I enjoyed the sunshine, the music, and the relaxing atmosphere.  

After lunch, I strolled leisurely back to the booths and make a final decision on what to buy but also to see if I could find Karen – who I had only spoken with online through Facebook.  It was a posting on facebook by Karen that alerted me to the event in the first place and she said she was planning on having a booth (Karen does Angel Essence Massage and is a Bach Flower consultant).   I managed to find her and we shared a warm hug and smiles.  Her friend at the table with her turned out to be the instructor from the crystal’s class I had just taken.   Her friend is the founder of Double Visions – paranormal investigations.

After visiting with Karen a bit, I made a final round of the booths, selected a vendor to make a small purchase from (a young woman who was just starting out and was so new she didn’t even have a website yet), and for a little bit watched from the bleachers the ritual that had started in the area near the stage in the center.  It was about mid-afternoon and I was getting tired from my very long winding driving adventure to get there, so I decided to head on home a  bit early rather then stay until 5 pm when the event ended.  Fortunately, finding my way home only took about 45 minutes since I now knew which direction I should be heading

I had a very good time, and it was a great way to relax and spend the day outside with fellow wiccans and pagans.  I really enjoyed meeting new folks and passing out our business cards for 2 Witches Blog.   I also invited a couple of folks to contact us if they were interested in doing a guest post.   Some of the booths were very busy so I didn’t get a chance to speak with everyone.   I was impressed by how organized the event was and the park itself is a great space for holding such an event.   Lots of folks were there with their families and children.   The weather was perfect  so the turn out was good.  I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this event next year and hope to attend in 2010.

Other classes\workshops offered:  Past Lives, Goddess & the Grail, Pagan Podcasting, History of Wicca, Feri Tradition, Dance & Movement in Magick, Runes, Interfaith Families, Druid, Drum Circle, Asatru Blot.

Crafts for the kids:  Shake n Paint Swirly Abstact Art, beaded necklaces-bracelets,zip-per fobs and bookmarks, felt pumpkins-acorns-medicine pouches; foamy frames-leaf men-wrath of thanks.

Sampling of some of the tables\booths:

Red Oak Grove - a Neopagan Welsh Druidic group.
Sacred Wind Sanctuary - community of Earth-based faiths.  Note:  they have having a Samhain Festival, Nov. 1, 4:30 – 10:00 pm in Howell, NJ, $10 donation or $5 with potluck donation – festive drum circle, handmade crafts, and fun.  (I already have reservations for a big birthday event that day so I can’t make it – otherwise I would be planning to attend.)
Witches Unite.com (The Black Hat Society) – worldwide lauch Oct. 31, 2010
Pagan Veterans of the USA (no website listed on their handouts)
Karen Bianco – Angel Essence Massage
Nancy Tursi - medium, psychic
Raven Lilies – spiritually inspired creations, woodburning designs.  Just starting out no website yet, email:  raven.lilies@gmail.com
Sun & Moon Metaphsyical Shoppe.
A World Apart – jewelry, gifts, new age items.
Wee Witches – handmade items (soaps, herbal teas, magical tools, wooden witches and more)
Water Gap Hiking Sticks – walking sticks, solar and green products
Wizards Towers – beads and gifts, special orders welcome
Miracles by Angel (no website) – portraits, muruals, custom designs (from photos), 856-669-8773
Thistlefish Studio (no website) – jewelry, 3D art, paintings, cards, 856-785-2727

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:pagan event, pagan vendors, review, wicca, wiccan vendors

I just read about a wonderful festival taking place next weekend right here in New Jersey, and I am planning on attending.  If all goes well, I’ll be sure to take lots of photos and post about it  It is a free event, so if any one who lives close enough to attend, perhaps I’ll see you there - it should be a wonderful pagan filled day. 

Event Listing:  SOUTH JERSEY PAGAN PRIDE DAY
Sunday, Oct 11 9:00a to 6:00p at Cooper River Park Stadium, Pennsauken, NJ

Written by Lady RoseTags:pagan, pagan event, pagan pride day, wicca

Greetings one and all.  I know it has been awhile since I’ve posted here, so let me catch you up on what’s been going on and some of the fun things I’ve been up too lately and other fun things planned for the future. 

Since my gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 6th, I’ve been focusing on creating a healthy eating plan that works with the “pouch” (the 2 oz stomach created by the surgery), constructively dealing with emotional and mental obstacles and overall generally putting all my energy into getting healthy, enjoying life and taking one step at time to achieve my goals.  It’s been a time where I feel I needed to withdraw a bit and just focus on my top priorites – my health, my family and the day to day challenges as well as the daily surprises and the general ups and downs.  I have also been reflecting on what in life brings me joy and contentment, and focusing my energy, not just on physical health, but on spiritual well being as well, which for me includes spending quality time with family and good friends.  

The first few weeks after the surgery were a roller coaster at first, with a bit of weight gaining for a few days followed by struggling to lose, then gaining a few pounds again and ending up frustrated because I wasn’t making any progress.  Not exactly what I had expected.  However, my body seems to have calmed down a bit and healing well, and finally I’ve seen some weight loss  (I’ve lost 25 lbs in the past two weeks, and overall since I started with the pre-op process on March 3, 2009, I’ve lost a total now of 79.5 lbs).  If any one is interested in more details about gastric bypass and\or my journey to get healthy, feel free to stop over at my blog Diet Pulpit.

Overall life is going along very well. Angelgirl is enjoying the 8th grade. Teacherman’s leg injury, from the fall he had on Aug. 6th, is healing well.

Last weekend Angelgirl and I attended a small Native American Indian Event at a local farm about 15 minutes away. We spent the morning listening to stories and music, browsing booths, looking over artifacts, and admiring beadwork, especially a bead project the woman was working on a bead loom (oooooh I so want one – but will resist the urge for now - I have too many crafts around already that I don’t have time for). The Lenapi Indian reservation is not far and they hold larger events there on a regular basis. I hope to be able to attend more often and learn more about their culture. Native American traditions are very close to a wiccan way of life and it is always spiritually renewing to be around others who also respect and honor the Earth. 

We have a lot of fun events to attend coming up this month and through to December and beyond. Hubby and I will be enjoying with friends the comedian Billy Crystal and a Bruce Springsteen concert. I am also planning to go Medieval Times (medieval dinner and show) some time around my birthday which is Oct. 30th. I’ve invited a couple of my girlfriends from work and my mom to come along, but we haven’t set the date yet (most likely early November).

In December we are going  with another couple to see the Paul Winter concert held at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine In New York. It is an awesome Winter Solstice performance and this year is their 30th anniversary so it’s just going to be stunning.  I have wanted to attend this Annual Pilgrimage from Darkness into Light for over 17 years ever since I first heard Paul Winter in concert. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the solstice than with good friends, awesome music and watching the huge sun disk floating across the ceiling of the cathedral.  We are going to make a day of it in New York to see the holidays lights, the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and a nice dinner.

Teacherman is looking forward to it and he thinks it will be a grand idea if we can round out the experience to balance out the year by attending the Summer Solstice Sunrise Drumming Event in Philadelpia in June, it is held on the roof top of the theater and everyone brings a drum (link for the 2009 event).

I am looking forward to enjoying these awesome events with family and close friends.  It is a double bonus for me for many of these events because they are closely related to wiccan themes and they are renewing to my spirit as well.

Some long term possible future plans include attending Womon Gathering next June and possibly taking a Qi Gong class or two (if I can find one locally, so far I haven’t been able to find one, but I’m still looking).  

Mama Kelly and I had such an awesome time when we attended Womon Gathering  in 2008 (one of many posts about our experience:  Friday at Womon Gathering 2008), that I definitely want to go again, and hopefully every year or every other year if need be.   Plans didn’t work out to attend this year, Womon Gathering 2009, so I’m not taking any chances for next year and planning early.  Teacherman and I discussed it and  I decided that I am going to go in June 2010.   I know it’s a bit early to be thinking about next June, but registration is in December so it doesn’t hurt to plan early. 

Having driven there once before, I feel comfortable with the idea of going by myself if I needed to, but I’d be happy to have friends or family come along if they wanted to attend also.   I’ve been getting the word out, so folks can start thinking about it and let me know what their plans are in case any one wants to  corrdinate registration and cabin accommodations (need to put on the form names of those you want to share a cabin with), and later on driving arrangements (I can only fit one other person in my car, but if more then that end up coming along, could always split the cost of renting a bigger car or just forming a train of cars).  

So if any one is planning to attend Womon Gathering 2010, let me know in case you want to corrdinate cabin arrangements or travel plans together or arrange to get meet and get together at the event.

As my 54th birthday approaches, Oct. 30th, and as part of my overall journey to wellness in all aspects of my life, I am making sure that I put time and energy into taking care of me and not letting the bumps in the road of life  or the negativity of others drain away my energy or focus.    A big treat I gave myself was getting a new car (a 2009 Ford Focus, it is a cute little 2-door silver coupe).  My old car was a 14-year-old Prism, that needed repairs, the air conditioner no longer worked and it really needed to be replaced.   Teacherman said he would get me Vanity Plates as a birthday gift if I wanted them - I am hoping that LDYROSE is available – if it’s not, I’m not sure what else I would chose.  I don’t want something too witchy, since in a few years Angelgirl will mostly likely be also driving this car.     I also treated myself to a trip to the hair salon – for a wash and very small trim (only about an inch or two).  The ladies at the shop down the street were very nice and amazed that I hadn’t been to a salon since my wedding in 1991 and that I never, ever plan on getting my hair cut.   The woman who washed my hair said it was the longest she had ever washed.  For me, it was definitely a luxuary indulgence but one I gave myself as a treat to celebrate the weeks of recovering from surgery being over and feeling good.  Who knows, maybe I’ll even get my nails done one of these days in the not too distant future.  It would be a first, since I’ve never had manicure.

I am also enjoying the sense of empowerment and appreciation for life that comes from the wisdom of the Crone.  Fall is my favorite time of year, even though it is a mixture of sadness over some past events, it is also for me a time of year that fills me a renewed sense of spiritual awareness, reflection, and connetion with the Goddess.

At this time of year, the Crone’s energy is all around us, the cool breezes, the blazing colors of the leaves, reminding us that there is light and there is darkness, but we are capable of wisdom, strength, and love; our spirits can endure and thrive if we open ourselves to being in harmony with nature, staying grounded and balanced, and sharing the warmth of love and friendship with others.

May the blessings of the Crone heal your spirit and fill your life with wisdom, 

Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:concert, family, gastric bypass surgery, health, life in general

Despite the work situation, the lost hours, the lack of paid time off, the threat of a paycut looming overhead … despite all of it I am going off to Atlantic City for an overnight with my friend “M2″. This was planned months ago as we both hit the big 4-0 this summer and with her free room and a b-day gift card providing dinner it should be a relatively inexpensive outing.

While I was forbidden to procure a gift for my friend who is finally joining me on the other side of the hill I have been naughty, disobeyed her outright, and filled a gift bag with chocolaty goodness and a copy of the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

I will be laughing a lot, and drinking free watered down drinks, and playing penny machines (nickel machines if I really go crazy). The bulk of my gambling fund is coming thanks to the generosity of family when they gave me monetary gifts for my birthday – though I’ll be pulling out just a little bit extra I am sure.

The laptop is staying home, I will be (gasp!) offline from the time I go to bed later tonight (I may get a few minutes on Thurs morning before I leave) and will not be home until Friday.  I may be working both Friday night and Saturday morning to make up for the time I will otherwise miss this week and so I may not get a full update up until late Saturday.

This is it though, the final birthday outing.  It is the last time I will in any way be celebrating turning forty.  It has been a wonderful ride filled with a trip to an Herb Farm, too many presents, too many birthday cakes, and an amazing concert. But, I am glad to get back to life as normal with the knowledge that there is no need to make a big deal out of any future birthdays until, at least, I turn 50 (ack!).

That being said it would be great if this whole birthday thing went out with a bang.  In other words, this would be a good time for a windfall.  If you want to light a candle and send a little luck my way I will accept any and all of it happily and I will of course fill you all in when I arrive back home.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:gambling

Today I am grateful for all the work I did, preparing side salads and par-cooking and marinating various meats so that meal time was quick and easy all weekend long.  It allowed us a nice variety of foods and little time spent cooking, which led to happy tummies and more time to spend with a visiting friend.

Today I am grateful for my friend “E”, who’s visits always lift my spirits and make me smile.  Work keeps her very busy and she is not close (about 4 hours away), but we are planning to go down and visit her in the Fall (and visit the MD Renn Faire)  and she is planning on coming back up in advance of Xmas/Yule to share the holidays and once again bake too many cookies.

Today I am grateful for a weekend full of bright blue skies and white puffy clouds.  I am grateful for an uncrowded community pool that we were able to spend time in Friday, Saturday, and today.  We floated, and swam, and sat reading in the sun.  We even had a picnic lunch there on the 4th!!

Today I am grateful for the local fireworks display and for convenient seating on the lawn of a local eating establishment right next to where everything was being set off.  I am grateful to running into acquaintances from the kids’ Taekwondo class which made their evening just a little bit more special as the four kids all sat enthralled on my old woolen cloak as the sky was lit up overhead.

I am almost grateful that the weekend is over, as I am tired from too much sun and too much fun.  But it was one of the best holiday weekends that we’ve had in a long time and I think it was good for all of our souls.

The Fourth of July is a day to be with family and friends.  It is a day to eat too much and get sunburned.  It is a day to light sparklers and lick Popsicles, but it is also a day to remember the origins of our nation, the birth of our country.  And while it, like any other country, has its flaws and failings, today I am also grateful to live in a land where I am free, and for all of those who have given their lives, who have made sacrifices in body, mind, and spirit, to allow it to be so.  I am also grateful to those fine men and women who are willing every day to make that sacrifice themselves that it may continue to be thus.

Blessings to you

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:Fourth of July, Independence Day

Well the birthday and graduation celebrations are all finally done.  What began with a lovely outing to the Well Sweep Herb Farm at the beginning of the month (and way too many presents) ended* with the Celtic Woman concert on this past Monday.  Now Lady Rose already shared her own thoughts on that evening, but let me tell you that we all had a fabulous time.

Seeing a concert in a suite setting is a truly once in a lifetime experience, especially if you are someone (like me) who detests crowds and loud noise with a passion.  I got to be a part of this wonderful group experience, enjoy the energy of a live concert while feeling as secure as if I was in my own living room.  Additionally, being able to sit in a lounge and eat dinner while chatting with friends (old and new) before the show and during intermission was simply delightful.

The show itself was simply wonderful.  The women’s voices (Chloe, Lisa, Lynn, & Alex) were truly angelic.  The drummers stirred my blood and the Celtic violinist, Mairead (who btw has her own solo album Raining Up), was simply amazing.  The show was not fully appreciated by Princess Nibbles (give her time to grow into it) but Miss Artistic loved it.  Now, granted, I don’t expect her to ask for the CD for Yule or anything, but it was great to see her give a different genre of music a fair try and groove on it enough to clap her hands and sway a bit.

While I will say that I enjoyed the more traditional tunes (Danny Boy for one) to the covers they performed (though their rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors was quite lovely) I enjoyed each and every song they performed. I only wish I had jotted down notes during the show (I was too busy having fun) or at least had purchased a program so I could remember the names of some of the pieces they sang that I wasn’t previously familiar with …. but the one that stuck with me the longest (that took a bit of work to find since I only remembered the theme and not a scrap of the lyrics) was “At The Céili”

“And me I made my choice as well
And in no way was it easy
But I’d rather have a man for love
Than be a rich man’s lady”

Graduation (which we attended in the hours preceding the concert) went off without a hitch and I can’t believe Miss Artistic will be attending high school in the fall (and will be working a real job over the summer). I am proud of her, for all she overcame in the past year and a half, and all I can see her achieving throughout the rest of her life as I know she can truly go far as she is so bright and talented. We gave her a mix of smaller gifts instead of one larger one (art stuff and a disposable cell phone) and took her out to eat at a local Japanese Buffet restaurant with plentiful and varied sushi which was just what she wanted and was really very very good (even Mr. Grumpy enjoyed himself and he can generally always find something to complain about).

Things are still busier than usual here in Mama Kelly’s household. Work has been trying, Saturday is belt testing for the girls in their Taekwondo class, there is cleaning to do for my friend “E” coming in from out of state for July 4th and tomorrow night will find me attending a Mary Kay party.  I am not one generally speaking for the make-up, tupperware, lingerie, or other type of parties.  I am not one for social gatherings with people I don’t know to be perfectly honest.  But, I am going because I was invited by the step-mom of one of Miss Artistic’s best friends and as they host a number of sleepovers (more than we manage) it seemed like the right thing to do.

So anon my dear readers. A little more time for things to calm down and we should be back to your regularly scheduled Pagan programming soon.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

PS links to youtube “videos” that share the audio of the songs from the same performance we attended:

Goodnight My Angel
Dulaman
When You Believe
Fields of Gold
Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears

* I have one more birthday outing coming.  In the latter half of July I will be going to Atlantic City for an overnight with my friend “M2.”  This one is to celebrate her birthday as much as mine as she will have finally caught up and hit the big 4-0 as well.  I am looking forward to it as an opportunity to spend an evening being just Kelly … not wife, not mom, just me.

Written by Mama KellyTags:birthday, concert, music

Monday evening was part two of Mama Kelly’s 40th birthday celebration – the Celtic Woman Isle of Hope concert.  The music and performance were breathtaking, joyful to the spirit, and a delight for all the senses.  It was truly an awesome experience from start to finish.  They are on tour for June and July and if you get the chance I definitely recommend seeing them live.

I’ll just give you a brief overview of the evening and let Mama Kelly fill you in on more details.

Teacherman and I rented a suite and ordered catering for the event.  It was a combination 40th birthday for Mama Kelly (June 10th), 70th birthday for my mom (July 13th), and celebrating Mama Kelly’s daughter, Miss Artistic’s graduation from 8th grade (that very day June 22nd). 

It was the first time for everyone attending to be in a suite for any event – so the joke of the evening was we were all “suite virgins.”  

The food was good and plentiful.  I even shared some with the folks in the suite next to us.  Everyone got to take some leftovers home (I had ziplock bags in my purse) and the rest of the food the arena staff quickly and efficiently boxed up for us to bring home.

The catering package I ordered included a cheesecake, which was perfect for mom’s birthday since it is her favorite.  I picked up a small strawberry shortcake and small brown derby chocolate cake for Mama Kelly’s birthday and her daughter’s graduation.  I also included cards for our guests of honor  (with a bonus $20 for the gradate), a few simple decorations – some  40th and 70th candles and a congratulations graduate center piece to highlight the occasions.

We clapped and danced in our seats through the concert.  An unexpected  bonus for hubby and I was one of the songs they performed was our “wedding” song – Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.  The awesome music, good food, and gathering of  great friends and family combined to create one of those magical moments in time that will be remembered with a smile and cherished for years to come.

I highly recommend taking a listen to the music by Celtic Woman.  You may also be able to catch them on tv.  They appear on the PBS channel. I’m looking forward to their new live show for PBS Television and DVD at Powerscourt House and Gardens. It is scheduled for filming  in County Wicklow, Ireland on Wednesday July 29th and Thursday July 30th 2009.

I have one Celtic Woman cd (The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection) and they performed several of the songs at the concert.  Two of my favorites from this cd are Butterfly and The Voice.  I hope to get a couple others later on, such as this delux package - A New Journey (cd w/bonus tracks + Irish charm).

If you want to know more about them or are already a fan, this dvd is fantastic. It includes music and a behind-the-scenes documentary about the women and some lovely scenes of Ireland – Celtic Woman – The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (DVD).

Wishing everyone bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:concert, family, friends, outing