It's nice to think that the winter is half over and the light is starting to come back already, because I've been feeling a bit stir-crazy recently. I found this old Candlemas rhyme that says "If Candlemas day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight; If on Candlemas day be shower and rain, winter is gone and will not come again." Kinda like the groundhog... Unfortunately, it was a beautiful day.
Anway, we had fun hiking in the snow, making candles, cutting paper, and eating a lot. I especially liked doing the dip candles, which I'd never done before -- they went surprisingly quickly and were no trouble at all. James made a delicious dinner, with turkey bacon-wrapped chicken breasts, sheep cheese, asparagus and mushrooms, and an apple white chocolate streusel cake. Yumm, holidays.
what great pictures. River looks so big...I'd like to try and get together some time soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by the candle making. Sorry if I ask stupid questions - I'm newish to your blog. Where did you get the wax, do you have your own bees?
ReplyDeleteIt's 2 yeas this Imbolc from when I first discovered paganism, but I don't actually feel this time of year comes to a point, that feels right to mark. It's just a little too early for me. Even 2 weeks later, when the snowdrops are out, feels more of a milestone...
it makes me a little sad that the goddess brid has been replaced by a groundhog! ha!
ReplyDeleteMichele - yeah, let's get together! Although I hear Elijah's having trouble with kids who can walk but not talk, so we'll have to be sneaky...what do you suggest?
ReplyDeleteEB - no problem, lots of times I haven't mentioned these things on my blog anyway. I would love to keep bees, but don't currently; we bought the wax in bulk at a natural food store. I see what you mean about the time of year, although personally it's a tough time for me so I'm eager to have anything to do! I guess traditionally, besides being halfway between the solstice and the equinox, it marked when the ewes started to give milk, which would be the first new food supply of the season -- but if you don't know any sheep (I don't) and shop at supermarkets, it's not that exciting.
Bridget - yeah, I know! but, I think it's cool that there are still such visible traditions continued from earlier times, even if people don't know where they came from.