Wolf Song

I am sitting at a Starbucks in Ft. Myers, spent a fabulous morning with my wolves. *sigh* I was allowed to go into some of the pens alone this time, was treated to wolf kisses and hugs, swear they remember me from last month! Absolutely nothing compares to sitting in their den while one of them starts howling, watching them raise those majestic heads and join the whole sanctuary in an incredible wild chorus. There is such a sense of peace there..when the work was done I sat on the front bench and chatted with the owner, listened to soft instrumental music and just breathed. What a lovely, lovely start to my birthday weekend!

Nice Matters

I am so touched & honored to learn that my wonderful new blogger friend, Laura Stamps, just gifted me with the Nice Matters Award! Isn't that so sweet of her?! I researched and found this about the award:

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."

What a lovely thing to say about me. Thank you so much, Laura! Now it's my turn to recognize the "nice people" in my world. There are so many wonderful blogging friends out there, it is difficult to pick just a few but I'll give it my best shot!

Aisling from The Quiet Country House
Julie at Equus Villa
Kim at Daisy Cottage
JoJo at Are We There Yet?
Rose at Rose Cottage Lane
Nan at Letters from a Hill Farm
and last but certainly not least, The Domestic Minx.

An Interview with Rapunzel

I am absolutely delighted that the lovely Domestic Minx has agreed to interview me for this meme! I admit that, knowing her devilish ways, I was a bit nervous about what questions she might raise but she promised to be gentle. So, here we go!

1. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!!
You do enjoy this rather a lot, don't you? But do
tell, what would be your favourite way of 'letting
down your hair?'

My favorite way to let down my hair involves chardonnay, music, and a sexy man, not necessarily in that order. I truly love to go out to dive bars and listen to heart-pounding live music, it is so invigorating to me, wakes up all of my senses! A bit of wine loosens me up and sometimes gets me dancing, and then of course when I return home there are other physical activities I like to indulge in. *wink*

2. Fairytales contain much wisdom and truth within
their pages. What, dear girl, would be the moral of
your story?

Well, as we all know, Rapunzel suffered in that tower for years and years, alone and unloved. Then the poor thing was cast out and secluded in the barren desert until the blind Prince finally discovered her and they both were healed. If you know anything about the story of myself and Beren, it's rather a similar fairy tale, is it not? We met, were lost to each other for years, and now..a happy ending. The moral of the story for me is a simple one: Don't give up on love. (You know what a romantic I am!)


3. You are as luminous as a Goddess and, with so
many of these lovely women within your diary, who
would you say has been your Muse, and why?

Why thank you for the compliment, dear Minxy! *blush*
The Goddess Artemis has inspired and guided me for about 10 years now, and it is to her I feel the closest. Though she bears little resemblance to me (she is childless and celibate, for goodness' sakes!), I so admire her strength & independence, and I do share her affinity for all things wild & unencumbered. She is often depicted with my totem animal, the wolf. (By the way, Beren has promised that we will visit Artemis' temple in Greece one day, have you been there, my friend?)

4. There is a virtual feast on your hearth that
tantalizes my tastebuds! Pray tell, what is The
Perfect Menu?

The perfect menu to me consists of strong flavors & various textures, must delight the tastebuds as well as other senses. I would start the meal with endless amounts of wine, crusty good bread and cheese..Brie is my absolute favorite. Then would come lobster tail, perfectly prepared and dripping with butter. On the side, perhaps some roasted asparagus spears, dipped in olive oil, eaten with ones fingers of course. Dessert must be rich, dark chocolate...devil's food cake comes to mind, topped with real whipped cream, chocolate-covered strawberries on the side. Of course this meal must be enjoyed with a romantic companion, accompanied by soft music and flickering candlelight. Clothing is optional.

5. Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble!
I fear you have cast a spell on me! If you
were to cast another, what would it be?

Dearest Minx, it is surely you who have bewitched me with your lovely words and charming personality, not to mention your physical beauty! But, should I wish to return the enchantment, I would cast upon you a flying spell, conjure up a wickedly fast besom so that you could join me here at the castle whenever your heart desires! What delicious merriment we would make, no? Between shopping, dining, drinking, dancing, frolicking in the sunshine and surf...sigh...just where is that spellbook of mine?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, perhaps someone would like me to return the punishment..I mean, er..favor and interview them? If so, here are your instructions:

1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (Oh yes, I get to pick the questions.)
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment, asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Fun,fun!

On My Hearth: Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto and Seared Jumbo Shrimp

Lily made this for dinner last night..served with her now-famous fried ravioli...groan...how does Giada stay so damned skinny eating all of this stuff? I'm headed out the door to walk off my serious overindulgence....


Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto and Seared Jumbo Shrimp

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Show: Everyday Italian
Episode: Seafood Delights

2 cups fresh arugula
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound jumbo shrimp
1 pound spaghetti
Lemon zest, for garnish
10 parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish

Blend the arugula and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add 1/2 cup of oil, processing until well blended. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl. Stir in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Prepare the grill (high heat). Using a knife, cut the back of the shrimp. Brush the shrimp with oil. Sprinkle with salt. Grill the shrimp until just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

Toss the pasta with the pesto in the large bowl to coat, adding the reserved cooking liquid 1 tablespoon at a time to moisten. Top with the grilled shrimp. Garnish with the lemon zest and parsley.

Hot & Steamy Weekend

What a fun-filled weekend we had! Friday night started out with the mermaid show, of course, then a delicious waterside dinner afterward.





I haven't had ribs in years due to my former vegetarianism but let me tell you, these were fantastic! Apparently I am a carnivore at this point in my life. Back at home, Kali, Kevin and friends commandeered the monstrous tv in the living room, watched a movie and whipped up some Kahlua concoctions. We left the young folks to their own devices and hit the sack early.



Saturday was a baby shower for my workmate, followed by drinks & a few games of pool with Strider and pals. Bambi went to an Anime festival wearing a dress she made herself! My little girl is so talented! She barely let me take pictures of her, this truly doesn't show off her talent or beauty. Saturday night we did a bit of fun shopping and then headed out to see a new-to-us band perform. We got home relatively early, popped in a dvd and relaxed.

Sunday we took the waverunner out for a ride, had a fantastic time even though Beren got a ticket for speeding in a no-wake zone! It's the first time he ever got a speeding ticket on a boat, he was more amused than annoyed. A perfect slice of veggie pizza for dinner, then we headed back home for a quick dip before turning the pool area over to Lily & friends for the rest of the evening.

These are the times when you hate to see Monday morning arrive but at least you return to work satiated and satisfied that you enjoyed the weekend to the fullest!

Today's Inspiration: Fellowship

This is very timely for me as I am feeling compelled to join, if not form, a group of like-minded individuals. I am perhaps looking for a coven. It's not secret that I've been studying Paganism for 5 or 6 years now, that I am drawn toward the Goddess and earth-based belief systems. I have sought study groups before, have spoken with my local CUUPS at the UU Church, but there hasn't been a good fit there for me. At this point I really desire more formal training, and some fellowship with others who share my beliefs. I'm still searching, am sure that the Goddess will put the right people into my path, but if any of you out there have suggestions or can provide some direction, please let me know. Blessed Be.

August 10, 2007
Fellowship With A Purpose
Starting A Group
Human beings, by their very nature, love to gather. Yet as much as we crave community, the rigors of real life frequently interfere with our efforts to come together with likeminded individuals. For this reason, fellowship is crucial to humanity's wellbeing now more than ever. Most towns and cities play host to a variety of small groups that allow people to congregate purposefully, but that does not mean we should not consider founding our own. When people with similar interests, ideals, or aspirations come together as a group, a community is built that provides a new dimensionality to our earthly experiences.

The formation of a group is like an invitation welcoming all those desiring companionship and camaraderie into a circle of support. You may feel driven to found a group for women, healers, knitters, readers, writers, or political activists. Rules need only be a part of your communal experience if you find that level of organization appealing, and it matters little whether your group is large, goal-oriented, or structured. When you have a firm vision of the group you wish to bring into being, hang posters, reach out to acquaintances, and get in touch with similar groups to attract participants. Groups of likeminded individuals are to some extent inherently exclusionary, being that they serve as a supportive environment in which people who have something in common can gather. Yet such groups can also transcend the boundaries that might otherwise keep people apart, The group you create will likely attract people from many different ethnic, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds, a! nd if you make these individuals feel equally welcome, your group will grow and thrive as a result.

Try to ward off any discouragement you feel when those intrigued by your group's purpose are not ready to contribute actively. They are likely waiting to see how it evolves and whether you are truly committed to serving as its heart and soul. If the group you have founded is a positive influence in the life of even a single individual, it is well worth it. Your intention to bring people together will be the seed that develops into a source of nurturance and community that stays true to its purpose long after its initial inception.

Tempestuous Waves of Change

August 8, 2007
Daily Om

Clinging To The Core
When Our World Falls Apart

There are times when our whole world seems to be falling apart around us, and we are not sure what to hold onto anymore. Sometimes our relationships crumble and sometimes it’s our physical environment. At other times, we can’t put our finger on it, but we feel as if all the walls have fallen down around us and we are standing with nothing to lean on, exposed and vulnerable. These are the times in our lives when we are given an opportunity to see where we have established our sense of identity, safety, and well-being. And while it is perfectly natural and part of our process to locate our sense of self in externals, any time those external factors shift, we have an opportunity to rediscover and move closer to our core, which is the only truly safe place to call home.

The core of our being is not affected by the shifting winds of circumstance or subject to the cycles of change that govern physical reality. It is as steady and consistent as the sun, which is why the great mystics and mystical poets often reference the sun in their odes to the self. Like the sun, there are times when our core seems to be inaccessible to us, but this is just a misperception. We know that when the sun goes behind a cloud or sets for the night, it has not disappeared but is simply temporarily out of sight. In the same way, we can trust that our inner core is always shining brightly, even when we cannot quite see it.

We can cling to this core when things around us are falling apart, knowing that an inexhaustible light shines from within ourselves. Times of external darkness can be a great gift in that they provide an opportunity to remember this inner light that shines regardless of the circumstances of our lives. When our external lives begin to come back together, we are able to lean a bit more lightly on the structures we used to call home, knowing more clearly than ever that our true home is that bright sun shining in our core.


This really resonated with me today because although my world is far from "falling apart," it is certainly shifting and changing at an uncomfortable pace. I always say that I don't do well with change but that is probably selling myself short; I do just fine considering the amount of it I've had to deal with lately! When I think back to the past year, as I am wont to do around my birthday, I am stunned at the amount of transformation that has taken place! In one year I have gained a full-time mate, 2 part time children and a new job. I have seen one daughter through two car accidents. I have suffered through chronic emotional attacks by my 2nd ex-husband's wife, watched them separate and prepare for divorce, and attended my 1st ex-husband's wedding. I have held the hand and heart of my child as she suffered her first major break-up, and celebrated another as she proclaims the finding of her own soulmate. I had a life-changing surgery that affected me both physically and emotionally. I have lost two dear friends but gained several new ones. I have watched several other friendships change form, am hoping that they will survive my inevitable continual growth.

When I look at all of this, I realize I need to be more gentle with myself, realize that I have a lot on my plate and that I'm doing a helluva job managing it all. And when I become completely overwhelmed, when the waves of change are rocking me, threatening to knock me down, I will steady myself, seek the very core of my being and hold on with all of my might.

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

My baby's getting married!

Kali and Kevin came over Saturday afternoon to announce their engagement! I am so thrilled for both of them, couldn't ask for a nicer son-in-law, or one who loves Kali more. They are really an adorable couple and they get along so well, have been together over 3 years now and are just so happy together.

So, what's a Mom to do when this announcement is made? First, you cry, just a little. You reminisce about when she was born, bemoan the passing of time, shake your head at how much she's grown up..then you
throw a party!







Yesterday we invited both sets of Grandparents over, as well as both my exes, she shared her good news to each as they arrived. What a wonderful mixed-up family we have! There was Beren flipping burgers as Kali's father and stepfather shared some beers, Strider's new bride frolicking in the pool and sipping chardonnay with me, her son happily playing with Beren's girls..my parents greeting Strider's parents and planning another dinner out together..all of us just having a grand ol' time! We made wonderful memories yesterday, and I look forward to many more to come.



Welcome to the family, Kevin!

Happiness Is..

*a Friday evening out on the town, first to see my Mermaid friend and then to see one of my favorite bands perform.

*climbing into bed, slightly tipsy, at 2 am yet not getting to sleep until after 3:00...*wink* *wink*

*hot coffee on Saturday morning, uploading the pictures from the night before and reliving the fun all over again

*having a tiny slice of Lily's fabulous cake for breakfast..oh, my goddess, this is so heavenly! After the first nibble I stopped moaning long enough put in my request: this must be my birthday cake this year!

*tidying up the house just enough to make it livable then heading outside. I am sure that a Bloody Mary and the cool waters of the pool will cure this hangover headache..right?

Broken-Hearted

No, not me, but someone very close to me..her heart is just shattered in pieces and I don't know how to help her. I just stand by helplessly watching her cry, such a horrible feeling. How do you explain to someone that even though you feel as if you're going to die, that there is no way through this, you'll never feel better..you will. Each day your heart will heal just a bit more, you'll come out of the darkness step by step, and one day the only thing left from this experience will be a tiny little soreness, a tender spot that hurts when you think of him.

Really, honey, this is true. And on the other side I assure you that you'll find someone so much better, someone who loves & appreciates you for the amazing young woman that you are. Just wait, you'll see. I promise. In the meantime, I am here for whatever you need - I'll listen, I'll hug, I'll love. I hope through all of this you'll remember how many more people out there love you, how insignificant this one boy is..how blind he must be if he can't see the beauty in you. You will be ok, you will be better than ok...you will come out stronger and smarter and happier in the end.

Please don't forget how much you are cherished, adored, and treasured..you are the middle-of-my-heart.