My birthday has passed.
It was a wonderful day and here I am in a new year of my life, another journey around the sun!
It’s been an extraordinary journey so far and, as usual, it’s been a wonderful time for casting the occasional, cursory glance over my shoulder to the past.
To this end, I have recalled many aspects of my relationship with my parents, especially in my younger years, realising more and more just how wonderful they both were!
When one is in the thick of it all it’s sometimes very hard to see the people behind the parent mask.
As a parent it became obvious to me how much of a mask one had to don, at times…from the tough to the understanding and sometimes with little in-between!
However, I recall much of my memories of my parents with enduring humour, for I now am fully cognisant of what I put them through!
And so my birthday was a time to celebrate with both my parents in mind, especially my Mother! 
Her permanent optimism must have been difficult to carry at times, especially when faced with loss, grief, unhappiness and the all-permeating poverty.
I admire her more than ever with each passing year of wisdom and reflection.
Love endures.
I am fortunate to have reached a point in my journey where it is possible for me to understand the woman who was my Mother and the man behind the mask of fatherhood…one he rarely let slip, but I was lucky enough to see the interesting and caring man behind that mask.
The celebrations continue into Samhain, the 31st of October.
Tomorrow the fire will be lit and the ancestors invited into the midst of the family and friends who will gather.
The following day will herald in the first day of the Celtic New Year…a great time of renewal, wishes and hopes for the journey ahead.
On another note, I am aware that Thursday will be the first day of November and I have several boxes of calendars here in the study, waiting to be re-homed!
So if you want to think about possible Yuletide gifts, then look no further!
I am happy to post on your behalf to anywhere in the world!
There is also a wonderful selection of Bealtaine Cottage books and a magical, mythical map…here are the links:
Magical Mythical Map of Bealtaine Cottage and Gardens
Beautiful map created by the artist David Gascoigne, especially for Bealtaine Cottage. The picture shows one side of the map…it is printed on both sides, see the photos on this page. The price includes all Postage and Packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€15.00
Bealtaine Cottage Guide to the Deep Midwinter
A little Yuletide book filled with colour photographs, recipes, reflections, lore, poetry and mirth to guide you through the wonderful days ahead. Fifty pages of sheer delight from Bealtaine Cottage to you. The book is fully bound and can be posted direct as a gift. Price includes P&P worldwide. Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€18.00
In Search of The Goddess Rising
This is the second book in the Goddess Permaculture series from Colette O’Neill at Bealtaine Cottage, Ireland. In this book I explore the ancient landscape, mythology, literature and life around Bealtaine Cottage… in search of the Great Goddess. The price of the book includes all postage and packing to wherever you live in the world! Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€27.00
A Cottage and Three Acres
Please email Colette if you would like a particular inscription in your book. From a desolate cottage set in 3 acres of monoculture sadness, to a vibrant, thriving food forest of life…the journey back to Eden over 13 years… Bealtaine Books and Maps are printed in Ireland and posted from Ireland to support the people of Ireland.
€29.00
The moment of realisation, when we realise the love of those wearing optimism in the face of it. Those that offer mundane distractions “Someone needs to wash up!” to those suffering from the loop of anguish.
Belated ~ All Joy to you on all your special days. The images of new kitchen shelves and green gingham curtains the most cheerful image makes my heart smile! And challenged me to pull out the gingham smocking I started as therapy last winter. Thank you as always for your powerful and heartfilled images (and words of course).
Thank you for this…very validating. I’m finding that recently becoming a mother has really changed my perspective on my own parents. Happy belated birthday and Samhain. Love, love, love everything you put out. 🙏
It’s been an extraordinary journey so far
LOVE that!
inspired as ever, and wishing you another extra ordinary journey around the sun
May Samhain bring you a year filled with wonder, laughter, and your heart’s desire. 🙂
Happy Samhain Colette! Here is to a new year of renewal and regeneration, of hope and peace. Blessings to you and to the dear memory of your sweet Mom and Dad and all those who preceded them in time.
Lovely post with beautiful images as always… I hope you had a lovely birthday. Samhain Blessings 🙂
Hello Colette, hope you had a great birthday yesterday. For myself i’m beginning a new life in West Cork in an old farmhouse and 3.5 acres of mixed rough ground, so you have inspired some of our plans and for that I thank you.
cheers Keven X
Thank you for your sharing about your parents. After my parents died, i have been able to communicate with them without fear. They were wonderful people, and I was so fortunate to be their child. They participate more in my life now than they did when they were “in the body.” I attribute this to their new freedom to be themselves, and not to have to fill the parental role. i have passed this freedom on to my relationship with my adult son. Truly we grow and unfold every moment….
Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
…and a very Happy Birthday from me too ! I just ordered one of your lovely Calendars for my kitchen . Colette please will you sign it for me ? 🙂 Thankyou Daisy Debs 🙂 x I wish you a happy and healthy New Year full of creative inspiration and love xxx
Happy Belated Birthday to you. Michael and I both celebrate birthdays in November. If all goes well, I’ll be ordering at least one of your books for birthday/Hanukkah gift for myself.
In a recent YouTube post, you ailed against those who have “certainty.” Our rabbi has often said something similar. She also calls it the sin of certainty and says no one has all of the truth. Different people have different bits of the truth.
Lovely, as always. May tomorrow, Samhain, bring you joy and the abundant love of your family on both sides of the veil. May all the accomplishments of this year be equaled and surpassed in the coming year. By seed and root, by leaf and stem, by bud and flower and fruit – may your woodland sanctuary thrive and all the desires of your heart come true. )O( Elderberry
BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU COLETTE, FOR MUCH JOY AND LAUGHTER, AND NEW DISCOVERIES IN THE COMING YEAR!
KATE MURPHY
Happy Birthday! Your photos are so cosy and inviting.
Happy Birthday Colette! Thank you for all you share with us. Blessings on this new year for you!
Maria
Wonderful! Love every image you posted here my friend. Bealtaine is such a cozy wonderful home and it’s all because of you. Hope you have a beautiful celebration with friends and family.
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.