The Evolution of Bealtaine Cottage…a Fifteen Year Odyssey

Categories: Collapse · Goddess-PermacultureTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 14 Comments

I shall begin with Bealtaine Cottage… The plan in the beginning was to create a garden with hundreds of trees interspersed with paths that would become a symbol of regeneration and hope in a landscape that represented one of the poorest and therefore cheapest places to create. North-facing, thin, poor soil- my first book, ‘A Cottage and Three Acres,’ details the story well. (And, by the way, the tunnel is fifteen years old with the original plastic covering…nothing special, 6mm and middle price range in case you are interested!) The plan evolved into a full Permaculture design in the first…

Re-Setting My Life

Categories: Bealtaine CottageTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · 21 Comments

The virtual world of social media appears to be taking over much of what people refer to as “life!” I challenge this assertion, for having spent the past few years on the most virulent form of social media, FaceBook, I have concluded that much of what passes for interaction is little more than soapbox spouting, increasingly dictatorial shouting at others and re-posting stuff! That is not to say that there are many friends there, but I have made the decision to walk away from it. To this end I’m no longer posting on the FB platform. However I have to…

Renewal

Categories: Bealtaine CottageTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 35 Comments

Every now and then I feel the need to recharge my batteries. This is one of those times. I have, once again, over-stretched myself across social media platforms, as well as working every day in the gardens and continuing to refresh and update the interior of Bealtaine Cottage…and all my own work, unaided. My main work should be focused on writing, as this is my income, but, more often than not, I allow my energies to flow in too many directions. So, for the next month, I am away from social media, concentrating my efforts on this website and YouTube…

Times of Insanity…Seeking Reality

Categories: Collapse · Culture · Current Affairs · GardensTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 36 Comments

I rarely dip into the outside world in terms of mainstream media, for it unnerves me! I keep myself occupied in the world as I know it…the one where I weave wreathes from Willow and Dogwood… The one where cruelty and chaos are not allowed entry! You’ll understand my terror, for that’s why you’re here…to touch base with reality! Yes, this is reality…as it was meant to be and in the world most inhabit, is not! I have always chosen this reality, both as a child living in poverty and as a mother creating sanctuary for her children in London….

FaceBook

Categories: Country Living · Gardens · homesteading · Inspiration · Ireland · Lifestyle · PermacultureTags: · · · · · · · · 77 Comments

There comes a point when choices are forced upon one. I have considered leaving FaceBook ,as my time seems to be getting less and less for this website and indeed did not post for some time on there. However, I am endeavouring to continue with the site that is hugely popular…Bealtaine Cottage Magical Gardens. I must also remember…the integrity of the original has to be preserved. The original being Bealtaine Cottage and this website. I began writing, photographing and sharing Bealtaine Cottage back in 2006. I did so in good faith with the magazine, “Country Living,” only to have all…

Letter From Christine…

Categories: Earth · Ecology · Gaia · Gardens · Ireland · Permaculture · TreesTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 13 Comments

I often receive letters and emails from those who have visited Bealtaine Cottage and Gardens. I treasure them as the words therein inspire me to keep on this busy path of sharing Bealtaine and caring for the Earth. This evening I have taken more photographs to share with you, as I share the words penned by Christine, who visited Bealtaine some days ago. “Thank you dear Colette for the wonderful time with you in Bealtaine Cottage yesterday. We felt so nourished and inspired, your inspirational company, wise words and delightful home so full of beauty, vitality, and a healing presence.  Almost…

In a Time of Uncertainty…

Categories: Bealtaine Cottage · Cats · Cottage · Country Living · Garden · Inspiration · Permaculture · Sustainable LivingTags: · · · · · · · · · · 30 Comments

Much has happened recently…to disturb the senses and worry the mind. It is as though we have entered dark times. I will not invoke any sense of what has been happening in the world, for social media and the media in general will furnish you with all that is going on. I refuse to be a pessimist and throw my hands to the heavens in despair or anger, for my life experiences have taught me the uselessness of that. Throughout life, we do best to respond to the darkness shed by others, by being creative in whatever small way is…

The Collective Consciousness of Hope

Categories: Celtic Mythology · Celts · Dogs · Imbolc · Inspiration · Life · Permaculture · Saint Bridget Cross · Spirituality · Thoughts · UncategorizedTags: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 13 Comments

February the 1st is the feast of Saint Brigid. Brigid was also a Celtic Goddess, who was venerated for protection of the home from fire. Ireland is full of spring wells named after the Goddess Brigid, who held sway over them. The Spring Wells are often seen as a portal to the Otherworld and a source of wisdom and healing. There is a Brigid in all who nurture compassion, hope, love and life. These are aspects of the Divine Feminine and this is the Age of the Awakening of the Divine Feminine in all of humanity. Governments are the trustees…