I’ve been spending much of this week catching up with a great many tasks that were backing up around me…cork-tiling the bathroom floor and part of the Lodge floor, clearing the tunnel for the winter crops and all the usual stuff such as clearing and mowing the paths in the gardens!
I have got a lot done because I made the decision last week to come off Facebook…and have shared my thoughts with you on this…
I posted a number of pics on FB this morning, as so many people delight in seeing Bealtaine Cottage!
It is, however, almost impossible to respond to comments left on FB as I simply do not have the time and am resolved not to negate my commitment to this blog and the second website at bealtainecottage.org
Those of you who have followed this blog for any amount of time will be aware of the enormous workload I carry and will, therefore, totally understand this.
Recently I came across this quote by Joseph Campbell and was deeply moved to meditate upon it for a while.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come. –
Joseph Campbell
It has inspired me to “go with the flow” much more and to simply get on and do whatever tasks need doing, rather than planning and then becoming despondent at what I have not achieved…I can be my own hardest and most severe taskmaster!
I am determined to come away from this driven approach and relax into life more!
I could do with taking lessons from Sammy-bear, seen here by the Catnip in the tunnel, out of his mind!
Cats remind us all how we should relax…frequently and often!
On the other hand…looking at his spaced-out expression…maybe not!
There is another quote I wish to share with you. It is on a slightly different note, but one that you may find meaningful at this time…for I am aware of the events in our world recently…
This is a dark time, filled with suffering and uncertainty. Like living cells in a larger body, it is natural that we feel the trauma of our world. So don’t be afraid of the anguish you feel, or the anger or fear, because these responses arise from the depth of your caring and the truth of your interconnectedness with all beings.
Joanna Macy
I have found this to be comforting as I attempt to make sense of the chaos!
There is so much to rejoice in when out in Nature…
This is a bank holiday weekend here in Ireland, and also the great festival of Lughnasadh!
I will stride forth on Lughnasadh Eve to a high point on a nearby mountain to welcome in the new season and pay tribute to Mother Earth and in particular, Mother Ireland.
To celebrate the season is to turn one’s back on the machinations, arrogance and hubris of Man, seeking instead, the warmth and generosity of the Great Mother…Earth, in all her beauty!
Before I go, just to let you know, I am writing a blog on the Bealtaine Cottage Good Life website, all about using sheep wool in the tunnel as I prepare it for the Autumn/Winter sowing and planting.
I am still clearing, but once I begin using the wool I shall take lots of pics and post them in the blog, along with detailed explanations of how and why.
You can become a member of the site here…
https://bealtainecottage.com/bealtaine-cottage-good-life/
See you on the other site tomorrow!
Bealtaine Cottage Good Life membership is 12 euros per year and allows me a small income to continue to grow the Bealtaine Project both here in Ireland and in the hearts and minds of good people all over the world.
Please join…
I decided to “Go with the Flow” at the beginning of this year as last year I struggled with a few things. And boy, oh boy, have I needed to go with the flow in 2016 as quite a lot of my plans got changed by events and other people that were beyond my control and I decided, well, I must be meant to be at home doing my gardening. Tomorrow our family are celebrating my mother’s 87th birthday by taking her out to a local dam picnic area here in the Land of Oz. Have a lovely weekend Colette.
Have a lovely day with your Mother…cherish every moment! Pass on my very best wishes and blessings to your Mother…it’s a grand birthday and may she enjoy many more!
Thank you. I most certainly will Colette. 🌺
I love that Joseph Campbell quote, it’s a favourite!
Years ago when I first started a garden, I would go like a bull at an iron gate as my dad use to say, but I’ve ‘trained’ myself to go slowly, telling myself that it will all get done in good time. And it does.
It’s Candlemas time here and I can feel the changing, I can see it. The birds are gathering sticks and singing in a different tone. My own self is wakening too. Although still freezing temps, the days are warming. I’m ready!
Thanks for the Joanna Macy quote too. I like it!
You’re welcome Robyn…have a great Candlemas!
What a wonder-filled post today Colette. I was in awe at the beauty portrayed in your pictures. And I laughed out loud at your comments about Sammy-Bear. Your sense of humor was like a healing balm for me today. I also found touching, beautiful and comforting quotes and comments about what we are experiencing in the greater World around us. Especially here in the US, we are in the midst of the most depressing fearfilled Presidential campaign that I have ever experienced. My heart feels broken. I have had to limit my exposure to events and the people who often comment on them. Too much. Your posts are a blessed reprieve second only the my small home and surrounding garden, to which I cling. Blessings to you for all that you do, all that you are, and your willingness to share that with others. In light and love. Linda
Lena, don’t be too upset at the turmoil in your country…politicians come and politicians go and all the shenanigans they get up to are never too much of a surprise. Keep your feet firmly planted on Mother Earth, smile, be kind and live in joy for the beauty you find. Blessings for a gorgeous weekend XXX Colette
Love todays post Collette – especially the quote on dark times – good to know we do all feel much the same 🙂
You do work too hard and you are right to ‘go with the flow’ – good to be busy but you really have to enjoy life too. Has Sammy come down yet 🙂 that really made me laugh.
Love Tina x
On Fri, Jul 29, 2016 at 2:55 PM, Bealtaine Cottage wrote:
> Bealtaine Cottage posted: “I’ve been spending much of this week catching > up with a great many tasks that were backing up around me…cork-tiling the > bathroom floor and part of the Lodge floor, clearing the tunnel for the > winter crops and all the usual stuff such as clearing and mow” >
He’s fast asleep!
All the best for Lughnasadh, Colette, and Thank You for this lovely post!….Val.
Blessings on this special weekend!
I am reminded of a line from one of my favourite films, Easy Rider : “You do your own thing in your own time man, you should be proud.”
As others have said, you are an inspiration and I am acting on that inspiration.
Love,
Paul Howard
Thanks Paul…we are flying under the radar towards a better world!
Beautiful and uplifting photos, as ever! Thank you! I have been re-reading some of Michael J. Roads’ books because they always stretch and challenge me. I was reminded of a quote I read the other day in one of these books – often attributed to Lao Tsu although the legendary progenitor of Taoism left no known writings: “The mark of our ignorance is the depth of our belief in violence, injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the Master calls a butterfly.” Unconscious (as opposed to conscious) choice and evolution seems to produce these periods of darkness and upheaval as new possibilities are birthed. A conviction I draw strength from is that Life – in the larger sense – is self-healing. I remind myself of this when faced with the insupportable. In the darkness and unknowingness of the chrysalis there also seems to be no way forward.
A wonderful saying…thanks for sharing that! As I sit here with the laptop balanced on my knees and the back door open, I am assured that Mother Earth heals rapidly and then flourishes better than ever!
Reblogged this on Laura Bruno's Blog and commented:
So lovely! Happy Lughnasa Weekend, Colette and all who celebrate this first harvest festival. I stopped FaceBook in December 2011 and Twitter in 2009 and still have a beautiful online community of my own choosing and loving. However you feel led to engage with the world and its news, do remember that Nature is the great healer. Enjoy the bounty and the beauty — offered to all of us from the Heart of the Mother, the Strength of the Water, and the Light of the Sun. Big blessings!
Special blessings from you Laura, a special friend who has supported Bealtaine Cottage from the beginning…so appreciated! Bless you XXX
I have also learned of late to accept life as it is, to do my best without worrying about the things I don’t get done and to be patient. I tend to be impatient by nature, so patience has been about the hardest to cultivate.
I’m laughing because I’m the same impatient woman and continue to learn the way of patience!
Sammybear <3 <3 <3
Happy Lughnasadh Colette !! Wish I could be there to attend those marvelous festivals. Many blessings to you and your loved ones.
Thanks Lynne!