The Uses of Sorrow

Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. 


It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift. 


- Mary Oliver, "The Uses of Sorrow"

Wishing Moon

What a difficult time we've had lately. 

So much has happened and we are all still spinning a little from the experiences.

A little friend of mine has been gently prompting me to come back to my 99 Dreams and Wishes and find the magic and inspiration within again. 

So, dipping my toes back in I am reminded of my list and the excitement and thrill it brings.

Yesterday was a Full Wishing Moon. We wrote wishes for ourselves, each other, and our friends and hung them on our Wishing Tree. The children whispered some of their more private wishes into the ear of our magical stone pixie. 

The moon hung behind the clouds for most of the evening, and although it was very wet and raining when we hung our wishes, the photos seem to show a beautiful sunny afternoon. 

It must be a sign.

Who's the fairest of them all?

I am a beautiful and unique being. I have a wonderful smile

Today I am grateful for my body and the way it can move so gracefully with power and strength - thanks Nia and friends

I am grateful for the presence and communication of friends

I am grateful for the sweet voices of my children who have been singing to me for hours

When I Am An Old Woman

WARNING

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

by Jenny Joseph

Blessed are those

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Matthew 5:4


Beautiful memories, Silently kept, of a baby we loved, And will never forget

Little Snowdrop

The world may never notice

If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,

Or even pause to wonder

If the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,

Or ever comes to be,

Touches the world in some small way

For all eternity.

The little one we long for

Was swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was then planted

Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do.

Every beating of our hearts

Says that we love you.

Author Unknown

If    the    eyes    had    no tears   ,tthehe soulsoul would     have     no     rainbow.
Native American Proverb

In memory of our tiny Sara Snowflake x

Dreams and Wishes Visual Inspiration

I created a beautiful visual board to remind myself at a glance of all the promises I have made to myself.

Why not have a go at making one for yourself at wordle ....

Autumn Full Moon Blessings

Autumn has truly arrived and today is again the day of the Full Moon.


Autumn is a most beautiful season. The colours of the trees and leaves remind me of the riches of our land and the warmth of our home. The apple trees have been heavy with fruit, inspiring lots of home baking and autumnal cooking. The darker light and drop in temperature has requested candles, dimmed lighting and slippers at home, hats and scarves outside. I love this time of year!


It's been a funny few weeks since the full moon of October. A lot of changes are taking place within me and around me. Some have been difficult to face, yet others have been a joy. It has been especially sad to hear a friend's mournful news. You know how much a person means to you when you can feel their pain and your heart aches for them. Special wishes and thoughts go to my beautiful friend today who hurts so much. I wish I could do more to help.


The children have been getting in to the swing of the routines and rituals of the school year. They broke up yesterday for the half term break and are in high spirits today. Our Autumn nature table is looking beautiful and the pumpkins are waiting to be carved. It's going to be a happy and busy week.