Happy Hallowe'en

Hee hee hee. I know I used this last year, but it's too good to waste. (My author photo always reminds me of the wicked witch of the west.) I'm all set for the night. The porch has candles lit, a ghost hanging in the window, and a scary figure sitting in the chair holding the chocolate bars, lollipops, and bowl of coins that I throw into bags. Already got two customers. Later my friend Jenny is popping over and we are heading out to view the bonfires and the fireworks that mark Oíche Shamhna (The Eve of Samhain) over here. More on my Book Blog as this is a very special Celtic Festival. In fact, it's New Year's Eve and a time when the world of Faerie (also the Land of the Dead) crosses with our world.

Findhorn Now

Here's my dream. I want to end up living in this community. I'll garden, meditate, do workshops, maybe put on writing workshops if they want me to, and also write my books and films. I can't go right away as the time isn't right, but I see it shining like a beacon in my future.

US Elections

I rarely make political comments on my blog which is strange as I am actually a strong politico. Always have been. One of the reasons I don't is that I am quite cynical about politicians and political parties. It's so obvious that there are good and bad people in every camp. Also, quite frankly, any major established party is heavily backed by business and other monied and powerful interests, so ultimately that is who they serve, not the people who elect them. That said, I would love to see Barack Obama as President of the United States; but whether he can or will bring real change remains to be seen. One thing's certain though, McCain and that crazy woman won't.

Hobbity House

Here are some pics I took of the eco-friendly house my friends Marcus and Kate live in with their kids Tíroin, Roisín, and Caspar. I love going to visit them. If I go in the right season, I get to pick berries in the wild berry garden and eat Kate's famous seasonal fruits bread pudding (which I can make, too).

For Cat Lovers

I have a toy cat that sits on the back of my car seat in place of a noddy dog. (Though, I confess, I really want a noddy dog.) Every time my cat, Emma, gets into the car she jumps up on the back of the seat and wreaks revenge on her rival. Sometimes she bats it to the seat or the floor and other times she pushes it aside and takes over the central position, emphasizing how superior she is. Isn't that hilarious?

For My Daughter Who Has Left Home

Remember. Home is where you come when it all gets too much, when you are feeling overwhelmed or defeated or unhappy or alone. Here you will be hugged and fed and wrapped in a soft blanket. And as soon as you are feeling strong and confident again, off you may go, without a backward glance, knowing that you are loved. For this is how it should be and always will be for as long as I am here. But remember this also. Years and years from now, when I have passed beyond, and you are feeling overwhelmed or defeated or unhappy or alone; just go inside yourself and I will be there. And you will be hugged and fed and wrapped in a soft blanket. And as soon as you are feeling strong and confident again, off you may go, without a backward glance, knowing that you are loved. For this is how it should be and always will be for as long as you are here.