There were no shadows in the winds that day… Mom had diabetes. Turns out intermittent refrigeration wasn’t the only hazard awaiting the insulin-dependent. No, in the end it was a few years of consecutive losses for Eli Lily. Granted, this was largely because of the increased cost of refrigerated shipping, but still. The problem wasn’t… Continue reading Candlemas Augury
Author: Eliza Daley
I'm an inveterate book-slinger, gardener, baker, geologist & writer. This blog is a collection of book talk, recipes, gardening tips, observations & essays on nature & culture — with a healthy dose of armchair philosophy & sociology — my attempt to muddle through all the mess and feel the wonder of this world.
Sunny Day Forecast
And he saw his shadow… The barn door knocks against its frame, sending staccato signals into the night. Nobody out there to interpret the message. All these ghost ranchitos. Only me in here, and I know the message: that barn door needs to be rehung. If I can find the hardware. I watch as the… Continue reading Sunny Day Forecast
Of Candles and Divinatory Beasts
If Candlemas be bright and clear there'll be two winters in the year. — traditional adage from Scotland There are many weather marking days throughout the year. Candlemas, falling on 2 February, was the day that our ancestors began to get nervous about the spring. A fine Candlemas portends a bad harvest and winter dearth;… Continue reading Of Candles and Divinatory Beasts
The Meaning of Imbolg
So what is the true meaning of this holiday? Is it all about the sheep? Is it a more general quickening of life in a more generalized belly? Do sheep have anything to do with it? Or is it maybe all about cleaning?
Brigid: Saint of Ireland, Once and Future Goddess
The Feast of St Brigid, or Imbolg, is an ancient and somewhat forgotten holiday that falls on 1 February, midway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. Brigid’s Feast Day is said to be set to this date at her request so that her day would precede the Marian Feast of the Purification of… Continue reading Brigid: Saint of Ireland, Once and Future Goddess
Moons and Seasons: A Trip Through the Solar Year
You probably have a calendar that shows the annual year of 12 months and 4 seasons. You probably have given little thought to why we have those divisions. But once you begin to shift to a loca-vore life, you’re going to notice that the traditional calendar is a bit arbitrary, too generalized for practical planning. I have created a different system.
The Wolf Moon
This is the time of the Wolf Moon, the time of year when food stores in traditional cultures are dwindling. This is when cold is probing its sharp fingers through iced windows. The nights are still long, but usually by the Wolf Moon the lengthening of daylight is perceivable.
Making Yogurt for Imbolg
Making Yogurt: In anticipation of Imbolg, we’re going to make yogurt, a fermented dairy product that extends the shelf life of fresh milk — and adds quite a bit of nutrition and delicious flavor.
Many Happy Returns
A bit of poetry for today.
World of Wonders: Review
Go out with your childlike wonder and experience the firefly. Keep that experience in your heart. And when it is time to make decisions remember that firefly. How does what you do each moment affect the wonder of the world?
By My Solitary Hearth 