Jun 20, 2013

Grateful Solstice

Mint about to become a mojito. 

The early summer heat has given way to rains and cooler weather.  Today was nothing but on and off torrents of water.  It's leaving the gardens, grass and wilds greener than normal for this time of year.  But then "normal" isn't really something you can gauge anymore.  I live in an area that is considered semi-desert, but it has not lived up to its name for quite some time.

My plans for the solstice tonight included a midnight mugwort harvest in the garden as well as a simple ritual by candlelight in the darkness of the yard, but the soggy weather has thwarted those appointments.  I made a nice dinner for my parents last night with some lovely solar-themed food and mojitos with mint from the garden - so that little delight will have to count as my Litha celebration.

The rains do bring a respite from the flurry of activity of the past two weeks.  Trying to keep up with the herbs that need harvesting and either drying, infusing or tincturing and the veggie gardens that need weeding and thinning and staking, has been an adventure.  If it were my only project, I'd revel in the gardens up to my neck in dirt.  But there are nieces to taxi around to jobs and final exams, a day-job that is knee-deep in our busy season, and a kitty that has decided to start over-grooming herself due to...stress...a bug bite from the garden...a run-in with one of the other cats...I'm not sure - and I'm a worrier when it comes to sick kitties.  (I see more mojitos in my future.)

For the moment, I am watching the sky darken early under the cloud cover and listing the things I'm grateful for.  Reminding myself of the amazingness among the insanity is key to a restful sleep and the will to get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

For now, I will think of:

~ the wild, rapid-fire laugh of my niece.

~ the scores of sugar-snap peas ripening daily on the vine.

~ having a day job that allows me to make up whatever hours I like as long as the work gets done.

~ chai tea in my favourite mug.

~ the smell of rain in the morning.

~ the crazy-beautiful, Tim Burton-esque mini foxglove that bloomed for the first time.


I hope you have a delightful Summer Solstice and find more than enough to be grateful for!


16 comments:

Magaly Guerrero said...

"wild, rapid-fire laugh" always makes my day, so I'll shoot, too!

Enjoy your Solstice ;-)

jaz@octoberfarm said...

a great way for mint to find it's end!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Summer solstice blessings to you and your kitty too -- I hope the over-grooming stops soon. Too bad kitties don't like mojitos.

mxtodis123 said...

I feel so excited about this summer. It will be my first in retirement, and I've so many plans. Wishing you a summer filled with joy.
Mary

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

I adore your list.....all things that are positive and lovely. Wishing you Solstice blessings, Oma Linda

Rue said...

Perhaps a catnip mojito?

Rue said...

Oh my gosh - I've not been keeping up! Retirement?! I am SO happy to hear that word from you - it's time!! Congratulations!!

Luisa Holistic Massage & Healing said...


My Summer has started with a few changes, so I am kind of busy but I am gonna find some time to celebrate the solstice :)

Happy summer solstice!!

Lluisa x

Rue said...

Change is good - at least that's what I keep telling myself... I've had a few big ones lately too. Adjusting is always an adventure. Good luck!

Laurie said...

Happy Summer Solstice! We've had lots of rain here too and my garden has become a bit overgrown, but I rather like it!
Summer Blessings))

Anonymous said...

Love the mini foxglove !!!
Happy Summer Solstice to you.

MandaBurms FarmStay for Cats. said...

Solstice blessing to you and yours.
Your foxglove is a darling!
Love Leanne

Anonymous said...

Oh that foxglove is adorable! Enjoy a beautiful summer.

Jennifer said...

What a lovely summer you seem to be having! And your foxglove is beautiful. And mojitos...mmm...!

Best wishes for continued happiness in the coming months!

peppylady (Dora) said...

At the end of each month. I take a little adventure out and visit a group of new blogs. This month I decided to stop by some hodge podge of Pagan blogs.
Sure sound like your first day of summer was beautiful. The garden is doing great were I am, North Idaho. Harvest a few items and even put up a little for the up coming winter.
I found your blog list as recommended reading at Witch and Wicann penpals on facebook.
I like other to stop on by at my blog...Coffee is on

Coach Z said...

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Hugs!