my new birthday gift bonsai
had been blown over by the weather
broken out of its pot.
After Bryan carefully replanted it
in the rain mixed with my tears,
we went to put it on the old table
(gifted from neighbor Amy years ago when she moved away)
which then collapsed.
We saved all the plants and vases that were on it,
moved another table
which had been taking up too much space
inside to outside,
reset the pots,
moved the old table to the debris field
and washed our hands.
or others
for the fierce winds
and broken pieces.
But really things just happen.
And maybe we can prevent it,
or maybe not,
but we can react
with loving kindness
always
even if hurt
tries to find fault.
And maybe it works out better
in the end
anyway.
And what is the end anyway?
Circles and cycles of time
and people
coming and going
like the hummingbirds.
Shining our light
especially through the storms
is the essence of community. 
9/7/23- Suddenly a month exactly has gone by since
before.
Leaves are changing and falling, harvests being gathered,
days so much shorter of light.
How so fast?
I'm not sure I foresaw all the transformation
of this season
then,
but isn't it always thus?
Why is it always a surprise when Summer ends?
Rain and rain and rain,
then cool beautiful days
and now
the heat we thankfully did not endure these last months
hangs heavy in the air
as thunder rumbles
somewhere across the mountain.
Lughnasah showers us with that brightness
that is
the shining of our light
to the fullest.
And I am thinking
that perhaps
this slow darkening of the seasons change
allows us time
to turn
that light gently within
to withstand
the long and cold night.
Random notes and pics from then
maybe with comments from now
a fire of flowers
and barely visible flame
Bear visit in the morning
Hummingbirds a plenty
cool rushing waters-
may it always be so
at the appropriate times
and in moderation.
no two dishes alike
the young folks and the older folks
"and kiss kiss to everybody"
sun and shade
all the ladies so lovely and colorful
and the guys in white
unplanned synchronicity of design and gender
pre-fire start
stomping the pathways
forwards and backwards,
then the Nicci carload
(in switched cars after hers would not start)
Nicci & Colleen & Sophie & Charlie & Leah
and then
Mary Jane.
Everyone at home here
everybody helping
complicated balance.
food inside,
(cats put away after Max got in the way)
beverages outside.
great abundance.
Fun & Games
Beer & Mead
joyful heart/healthy body/lucid mind
easy & comfortable
prepped for family
Setting up Sacrifice
How can we share enough prayers
for all who need support?
How can we share enough gratitude?
counting/don't count
exactly enough
and never enough.
Mead bottled in a thunderstorm
words mean more
than we think they do.
Bryan gently beating his drum
tightening up in the sun
"I am a lucky plucky good-sucking genius!"
the heat of the sun
the cool of the shade.
Tlaitu- for the fostering and the mothering
Lugh- for shining, may we all shine
fire started with old wormwood
sticks from the trees in the circle
either fallen or pruned off.
Candy popcorn
in the directional fire pits
Yarrow growing in the West
Love & Luck!
going for the liquor sacrifice
(for Manannán mainly)
hot fire no flame
HOT ROCKS!
The Gazpacho of Goodness.
"spare change for the Well?"
magical Euro from Ireland!
an apple for the Tree
beef fat for the Outsiders
in to the woods.
first pour of Gin
sacrifice for Manannán
everyone said be careful!
and poof!
nothing
but flying ashes.
Flowers, Flowers, Flowers,
Crumbled Cookies for the Earth Mother,
first Tomatoes and Bear Apples,
Sage and Gin,
Gazpacho and Candied Corn,
Sprouts (for Tracey),
Old Vervian and Lemon Balm
and Rose Petals
our omens:
"Winter Water"
blowing on the fire
to flame
good gathering
gathering good
being polite and respectful
laying the welcoming ground
gathering flowers
releasing what is old
safely and peacefully
allowing positive change
mourning our loss & being ok
A yearning for our contact with these others.
moving forward
in an
overlapping spiral
Earth supporter of all Life
the magnolia blooms again
the wild lilac blooming again
the hyacinth blooming again
roses in their second flower
baby trees from originals
blooming and fruiting
lasting when sometimes
the parent is no more
crazy continuity spirit tree
community
Processional
to the five circle fire pit
with lots of laughter
Recessional
to the house and feast
with everyone carrying something
May our harvests be beneficial
and fully processed.
May our work be sustainable
and rewarding
and naturally energizing.
May our hearts shine
and illuminate our environment.
May those in need of healing,
clarity and support
receive all that and more
with ease and grace.
May laughter ring out
like birdsong at Dawn.
May our efforts be acknowledged
and of good service and appreciated.
May our gardens
and Good Will
grow in bounty
and peace.
