Beltane Celebrations

I feel I owe it to myself and the season to at least mention this past Beltane. I have meant to write a blog detailing Beltane and its importance within the wheel of the year holidays, however, as they say, life has just taken over.

But I did end up doing more than I expected this Beltane. I really didn't expect to do more than spare a passing thought to the holiday. Instead I ended up in my garden amongst the few plants I have growing from last year. So far I have thyme, sage, and beebalm growing and what I think is parsley or oregano. The thyme is a perennial I've had for years, but the beebalm and sage are dropped seedlings from last year. Or rather let me rephrase that..somehow I messed up last year and no sage grew at all, but this year some seeds germinated and I have the beginnings of 2 or 3 sage bushes. I am quite pleased. The mystery parsely/oregano concoction is a mix of seeds I threw down about a month ago with little hope they'd germinate, that I just wanted out of the way.

Unfortunately with the mass of flooding and persistent rains, I haven't been able to tend to my garden quite so well, so it is overcome with weeds, however the water seems to be good for the plants. Maybe to make up for what is sure to be a sweltering summer.

I also felt it was important to change my altar to a spring/summer theme. I was lagging a little behind. So with a little dusting, I began to set some summery themed items. It should last me until August or September at least. It may not, I enjoy getting an early start on autumn decorating every year.

I am particularly proud of the autumn vase filled with thyme and beebalm. It adds a nice touch to the altar, I think, to have a seasonal bouquet..something I've never done before.

I also spent all day with my family and we had a feast of wonderful Chinese cuisine served by one of my best friends and her family. I guess thats a fancy way of saying we all went car shopping and ate at my friend's family owned Chinese buffet.

Later that night my dad and brother came home with a turkey, one I plan to never eat, but the symbolism is nice nonetheless.

And later that night we received word that Osama Bin Laden was shot and killed. I'm still contemplating how to say and what to feel, but I have at least decided that I need to wait until I am less emotionally raw to write it. My feelings are controversial and bloody, and I lose all eloquence when discussing it. Maybe soon, but tonight I must find solace in sleep.