Samhain

Though my mother was not a wiccan, or a pagan, nor particularly Christian in her spiritual affiliation, she often would send quotes, blessings, and reflections based upon the equinox, solstice, and for a time, she would send out thoughts around Samhain (pronounce Sow-ain) - The celtic new year. This, in their tradition, was the time of year at which the veils between this world and the next were the thinnest - so to speak.  She always encouraged me to send extra prayers, thoughts, and wishes out to my ancestors and elders who had passed, to ask them for guidance, wisdom, to express gratitude, and to walk in a quiet reverence for all that had come before me...
The trees here in London are just starting to give into their fall boldness just before the shedding of leaves.  NH just received the mother load of snow to give an upbrupt end to fall.  Em has been working at fever pace to get all things out of our apartment which we loved so, in preparation for the full beginning of our life here.

I keep getting news of friends, loved ones, and colleagues that are being dealt life-changing hands - not in the good sense.  And tomorrow will mark the passage of the second year without my dear friend and brother Burg.  I am trying to remain steadfast and hold the light for all those who are in various shades of darkness, yet I find myself tender and frustrated that I am at a distance from so many - having a new awakening here when it seems most of those I know are in shadow.  This is a tough one...

So, as the veils are thin, I ask for the guidance, wisdom, humor, and heart of my mother, grandfather, great grand parents, and my dear Burg to help me hold the candle and all the love, hope, perseverance, determination, and soul that can exist in that tiny flame - for all of those I love struggling.

Blessings and love to you all!
J

Home... And then Home....

This will be a short one...  It was a whirlwind trip home.  I slept more on the flight out than I have ever slept on a plane.  I didn't even make it through one movie.  The weekend was wonderful!  I felt so embraced by my dear friends and will have to carry that with me until my next trip back, which will likely be a while.  I was quickly reminded by the state of disarray things were in, at how much I had left undone in Manchester as Emily had been working furiously to pack, sort through things, etc. - how much stuff I left and didn't really realise.  I am so grateful to our dear friends and family for their help in packing, cleaning, their allowing us to store things, and for allowing Em and the boys to shack up with them for their last weeks in the states!  We are very very lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.

The week was spent with more moving of things, sorting, purging. And we started the paperwork for Em and the dogs - I think I had blocked out how complex and stressful that process was for me - the return of this anxiety is not welcome - but it's part of the journey.

I adored seeing as many of those I love as I did, and regret not having more time to see more of you... I had wondered whether I would get a bigger dose of longing for home in returning so quickly (I've only been gone for two months).  Though I have longed for and missed friends and family and enjoyed a good dose of NH foliage, I found that I did not long for NH.  I guess in that sense, I have really landed here.  

Still holding a candle for all those I love who are struggling - it literally seems to be everywhere, and I find myself heart heavy that holding a candle is all I can do.  Not to be a total proponent of escapism, but I hear that the UK is a great place to vacation :).

More later, with additional pics - until later.  Much much love!!!

A Strange Week

I celebrated last weekends summer like heat here by spending as much time as possible outside.  I went on an evening walk to Mayfair, which is probably the ritziest part of London.  I got to see the American Embassy, found it warming that there is also a memorial for 9/11 there.  I woke up on Sunday with a tickle in my throat that didn't go away, and woke Monday to a full blown cold.  The massive amounts of raw garlic and vitamin C has made the cold cycle through in a few days, but as there was a heavy  duty school inspection this week, followed by parent-teacher conferences, it still made for a long week.

Prior to and during this week, I have bore witness to several friends and family struggling with things that are beyond my influence, and wish in vain I could take away or remedy.  I hate seeing amazing people, who live decent, authentic lives have to deal with things they shouldn't.  At the same time, their strength, will, and perseverance is truly amazing.  It has made me enjoy the magic I do see here even more.  Deep breaths help too :).   

I am so excited to go home in a week.  I am excited to hug those I love, and have one last long drink of that time, place, and those I love, before what will likely be a long absence. I am grateful to those of our friends that are helping make this transition easier on Em and the dogs.

Tomorrow's agenda: shopping and the market in Notting Hill, lunch with colleagues, then a symphony performance in Ealing.  Again, I feel fortunate!

J 

   

Finally, some pictures