Yesterday, I was given the gift of true friendship.  It was unexpected, but more than welcome.  I have been under the weather most of the week.  Add on top another 10" of snow to an existing pile of four feet and my plans to go out last night were squashed.

I sat alone feeling sorry for myself when I heard a determine knock at my door.  I couldn't imagine anyone braving the dark cold night.  Temperatures already down to 8 degrees without the wind-chill.  I hadn't even got a chance to clear the walkway yet. 

I opened the door to a bright, partially frozen, smile of my best friend.  I rushed him inside grabbing a cup of hot chocolate I had just made for myself to warm his chilled bones.  He said he was thinking of me all week and instead of calling to check up, decided no one should be alone on Valentines Day.

His girlfriend works the night shift at the hospital, so they had celebrated their relationship earlier.  It was good to have his companionship and cheerfulness.  I quickly forgot about my ill health and the poor week I was having.  Instead, we shared a bond which had been forged many years earlier and that would continue into our old age. 

After a few hours, we said goodnight and he bravely trekked his way through the snow and wind to return home.  His gesture may seem insignificant to some, but for me, it would become one of those memories you can look back to when times get dark and things appear to be rough. 

With all the gratitude in my sole, I just wanted to say "Thanks Nick" for making our friendship important.  

Wow, I totally spaced on this site last fall.  I don't know what happen.  Resolution, 2008; be active on CovenSpace! or at least check in once in a while.

The holidays were wonderful.  I had a large number of friends and family join me in spreading the cheer to our community.  We voluteered at the homeless shelter for much of November and December.  I am always surprised at the number of less fortunate that live right here in my small town.  And even more at the lack of empathy for these people.  Sometimes, I get so upset, that I want to shake all the holiday shoppers.  Still, having my friends and family around made the experience even more special.

To add to my festivities, a few days before Yule, I met someone special.  We have enjoyed each others company throughout the holidays.  Now that the frenzy is over, we can spend time truly getting to know one another.  It is rare to find persons in this world whom we can share ourselves with.  Even more rare, finding our sole mate.  Though, we have only been together several weeks.  I am optimistically hopeful that we have indeed connected on a spiritual level.  I have spent much time in my circle seeking divine guidance. 

For many years, the increment of a yearly digit every January seemed to make little difference.  Each year was very much a repeat of the year before.  But 2008, seems to hold the expectation of change.  Changes in career, changes in my emotional life, changes in my desire to experience more of the outside world, and renewed commitment to achievement.  Something which has waned greatly as I have grown older.  I now "feel" the excitement for life that I only vaguely remembered from my youth.  For the first time in a long while, I am looking forward to a Happy New Year.  I wish you all the same.

Happy New Year, blessed be!

I've just added two baby ferrets to the family. My current two are getting older and I felt they needed the boundless energy only new blood can bring. However, I think my good intensions have been perceived as more of an annoyance than a blessing.

I guess even old ferrets can get crotchety.

I am spending the weekend redesigning their playroom to provide them more room to bounce around. They are not yet old enough to be "trusted" in the open house.

I also wanted to take a minute to express my gratitude, to the many wonderful individuals who have extended a "welcome" since joining this site. I have met more people with interest in the craft over the last few weeks, then in all the many years of my practice. Another downside to being a Solitary Wiccan, I guess.

BB, Wolfen

Interesting, I saw this quiz on another post and decided to enlighten myself, LOL.  Don't know if I totally agree, but I can see some similarities :)

You scored as Zoroastrian Pagan.

The Zoroastrian Pagan is a rare breed who follows the teachings of Zoroaster, the religious reformer. He believed that there were no gods, and it was naive to put faith in them and give them names. What one should focus on is merely serving one side of the cosmic duality; work on good or light deeds, and the world would become more good or light. Pagans of this variety are rare, but often feel like they get more done without the hassle and clutter of pantheons and gods. They're smart, analytical, and occationally cynical.
Zoroastrian Pagan

Zoroastrian Pagan 75%
Ecclectic Pagan 45%
Egyptian Pantheonic Pagan 30%
Celtic Pantheonic Pagan 25%
Shamanic Pagan 25%
Kabbalistic Pagan 15%
Eastern Pagan 10%
Greek Pantheonic Pagan 10%
Sumerian, Babylonian, and Mesopotamian Pagans 5%
Roman Pantheonic Pagan 0%
Catholic (Pagan?) 0%
Norse Pantheonic Pagan (Asatru) 0%

Yesterday was one of the warmest days on record here in NE Wisconsin. I took advantage of the weather by cleaning up the yard after work. I live in a fairly affluent neighborhood with supposedly intelligent professionals for accompanying residence.

I am also in the process of adopting a wonderful child as the newest member of my family. I have two older adopted children who are currently making there way in the world. My son and daughter are confident, intelligent individuals and will surely make the most of their lives. So, I feel I have a modicum of skill in the area of parenting.

As I was picking up the small twigs and limbs scattered by winter storms, my well-meaning Catholic neighbor came running over to me. She had heard about my adoption, an item I kept secret as long as I could, and wished to speak to me about the child's welfare. She presented me with a folder containing information on her parochial school system and, of course, the corresponding church services. I thanked her, though I never requested or wanted her information. She was soon joined by her oldest son of 12 (as an example, no doubt) and they proceeded to tell me how God would provide a wonderful moral educational upbringing for my new son.

Now, this lady knows that I am Wiccan from artifacts around my house during our neighborhood parties. I again thanked her but let her know that my new family member would have the choice of any religion or no-religion. He was definitely old enough to know what was in his heart.
At this time she became offensive. She actually threatened to tell the state adoption agency that I was a Witch and un-Godly. (What is un-Godly?) "The state already knows that I am a Wiccan and Gay! " I told her. A fact she didn't already know.

Before she could go into the descriptions of my interment into hell, I let her know that there is no "hell" in my religion but I could understand why she has one in hers. I left with my wheelbarrow knowing I would not be seeing her socially for a long while.

It continues to amaze me how "Good, well-meaning Christians" can so easily condemn others to a fate of eternal suffering, just because they don't believe the way they do. Obviously "love thy neighbor" is a selective commandment?

Anyway, I just wanted to vent, sorry about the long winded post. But if she thinks Witches are evil, just wait until she does something to hurt or confuse my new son. Though I respect the first creed "Harm None", I will not let an innocent suffer over ignorance and prejudice.

BB (even her)