Juggling, Balancing, Living…

www.bealtainecottage.com 005The woollen blanket dries on the hedge.

The hedge being the perfect spot to hang a woolly blanket that would stretch asunder on a clothes line, or shrivel to dolly size in a drier…not that I have a drier or want to have a drier!

www.bealtainecottage.com 009I agree with Dr Helen Caldicott, in drying clothes in the air and saving the planet from an excessive use of electricity! We need to lessen our daily impact on Mother earth in whatever way we can.

And it’s not just any woolly blanket…it has a pumpkin colour to it…yes, you’ve guessed right, for it belongs to the Pumpkin Mouser, AKA Missy!

Sad to add that she is a sick little peach and is not yet in recovery…we soldier on!

www.bealtainecottage.com 011To balance any hint of sadness, the sun shines and the day is fine.

The trees are beginning to look more mature, since they’ve had a haircut…more a crowning really, as I’ve cut off the lowest branches and thinned out the crowns a little!

www.bealtainecottage.com 015Mind you, it’s just some of the trees…for as you know there are over 900 of them!

I love my trees!

www.bealtainecottage.com 012I have a totally, crazy love for my trees…they are like children, for I talk to them and often times hear their response, in the most sublime ways.

It’s hard to explain, but, I imagine, that as you have chosen to follow this blog, then you understand perfectly!

www.bealtainecottage.com 017I suppose you’re wondering where the title of this blog fits into the overall picture?

Well, for most of the past fortnight, Missy has been quite unwell.

www.bealtainecottage.com 018For some of the time it can be depressing, but then I am mindful of Che-Mousey and Sammy-Bear, as well as Jack, so have to force myself to be a pragmatist…something we women are really quite good at!

Juggling what has to be done, with spending time with Missy, really lightens the burden of a failing animal.

This is something that faces us all, whether it be a feline loved one, a canine loved one or a human loved one…the emotional response is a mighty one!

Juggling keeps our focus wide and not tunnelled.

www.bealtainecottage.com 019The work in the gardens still has to be done…no real burden there as it is a delight to be outdoors!

www.bealtainecottage.com 020And then there’s balancing and that means finding time to ensure love is spread out…not forgetting to include oneself.

We must always be kind to ourselves, as this helps us be kind to others!

www.bealtainecottage.com 026We are better human beings for practising kindness as much as we can, for it is highly contagious!

www.bealtainecottage.com 038Living each day, with joy, is the best way we have to channel kindness…well, have you ever seen a happy person be unkind?

 

17 comments

  1. Colette
    I am so very sorry about Missy, You have given her such a wonderful life, with lots of love and kindness. That is all we can do for little ones who come to us. I believe that our loved animals will be waiting for us, it still doesn’t make the loss easier. My thoughts are with you and Missy.
    Carole

  2. Missy goes in peace to become a presence that can now be everywhere. I feel I came to know her a bit through your video diary..It seemed she shared an enchanted life at Bealtaine Cottage. A wonderful gift. It may be around the time of your birthday, I hope it is full of peace.
    You have helped a being live and leave this life with grace, love and peace.
    It is the most important thing we can do. Bless you.

  3. Colette – I was sorry to learn that your beloved Missy had passed away. Like many of your correspondents I came to know of Missy, and indeed to have a fondness for her through reading your daily blog. No doubt you will be feeling a great sadness at the loss of your dear companion, but hopefully time, and the support of your friends and family will help to heal your heart. I admire your decision to accord Missy the honour and respect of being waked at Bealtaine – as you said it was her home. It was also the place where she was loved and cared for, as indeed are all the small creatures who are fortunate to share your life. May you now, at this sad time, receive all the Blessings you kindly extend to others.

  4. Living simply and lightly on the land is the “norm” for me and I was reminded yesterday rather rudely that not all people share the love of nature. A good friend and his wife of three years are divorcing because she can no longer tolerate his simple and kind way of living. Where he loves critters, plants, recycling, composting, home made food and spirits, his wife dismisses it all as “dirty.” Hers is a world of WalMart, SUVs (she has two of them), processed food and shopping. She lives to consume. She stands as a stark example of a toxic mindset promulgated by mega-corporations and their media lackeys.
    ….[takes deep breath] So, Collette, thank you for your continued presence and kind reminders of a different way, the old/new way. Many blessings to you and my thoughts are with you and Missy. Eric in Oregon

    • A sad story indeed and there are many who, like your friend’s wife, are in despair, for that is what it is…desperation drives people into whatever comfort zones they are familiar with. We are all living with a sick and ailing planet and many cannot cope with that reality. I hope your friend’s wife finds the courage and inspiration to change…for perhaps I see myself in her too, from a long time ago. Eric, we all struggle to make the best of life and see the bigger picture of need, not greed. Sometimes that can be frightening too. I hope she finds peace with herself and Mother Earth.
      My darling Missy passed on earlier today. I am so very content that Sue the Vet came out to the cottage, especially for Missy. She is being waked tonight here at Bealtaine, her home.
      Blessings to you, your friend and his wife, for we are all on a sacred journey XXX
      Colette

  5. Hi Colette,
    Hope Missy will improve. I completely understand your love of the trees you planted. I don’t think I ever met anyone who loves nature in the same way as I do until I met you. We are surely cut from the same cloth! Good wishes to you, Mary

  6. Well-wishes to your pet. I hope she is feeling frisky again soon. I understand what you mean about speaking and being spoken to by trees 🙂

    Your woolen blanket imagery after being in the drier reminded me of a sweater I once had. My ex-husband washed it (nice of him, I know) and then dried it, and being alpaca, by the time I found it I could scarcely recognize it as mine! Oh the tears!

Your comments are welcome!