Monday 1 February 2010

Imbolc Blessings

Last Friday, 29th January 2010, Troy and I took the dogs for a walk through farmlands near off New Dover Road, Canterbury. These were once my old playground, I would scrump fruit from the trees and ground during the summer holidays as a child. Now they have been split up with only apples and pears, from what I could tell. It was a lovely walk which took us out to Bekesbourne Lane, which is on the other side of Canterbury going out towards Sandwich. We then had to walk up the lane and cut back into the farmland. I was lucky that I grew up in the area, as I would have been totally lost and had to tuen back. Troy had taken his bike with him, so he rode most of the way, but had to push it up Bekesbourne Lane till we reached the farmland again.
We were all throughly refreshed when we returned to the van, and ready for a cup of tea and something to eat. As we sat drinking our tea the heavens opened and both Troy and I thanked our lucky stars we had got back when we did. Not only would we have had muddy dogs, but they would have been soaked to the skin. It did not last for very long and was replaced with beautiful sunshine and blueish skies. It shone brightly helping to warm us in our van, giving more heat to the fire already up to full heat. Then the skies darkened and the sun disappeared behind a big dark cloud. Troy was spell bound by the rapid changing weather, he could not believe how quickly it had changed from one extreme to the other. More was to come, as I looked out and saw approaching us from the north east a blanket of white clouds. Then it hailed, very small balls of hard ice which bounced on the road and the van making quiet a din. We watched out of the window as the wind blew the icing sugar around in swirls. It was a bit like watching sand dance across a beach. As well as the hail it started to snow, big clumps of snow which quickly began to give things a white covering. I looked back out towards the north east and saw patches of blue sky. Troy could not believe it, here it was snowing yet in the distance he could see blue skies. The little flurry did not last long at all, being hurried along by the wind, but it had been enough to give a sugar frosting to the ground and settle in clumps on our step outside. The wonders of the weather as they zip across the skies is the most amazing sight I have ever seen, and am now fortunate to have witnessed two such events.



However, I digress as I am apt to do. As we walked along the hedgerows and orchards I noticed very tiny buds starting to appear on the bare branches. I am sorry for the quality of the pictures but I had my tweenies gloves on, these are nice thick thermal swede gloves so my dexterity is a bit cumbersome to say the least. I was gladdened to see such a magical sight, as this gives us a hint that spring is beginning to awaken from the depths of her slumber.





I imagine the beautiful colours that will spread like wildfire, lighting the way and giving a lift to everyone's heart. This does not mean that winter is over, far from it as my pre-ramble noted. He still walks the Earth spreading his white blankets here and there, making the landscape glisten and sparking with the hard frosts in the morning and sending biting winds from way up in the north.




Every day we have more daylight, which is becoming stronger and brighter filling us with his warmth. These are the things I have been noticing recently, and have delighted in the scences as they unfold before my eyes.


The last three nights have been bright with the moon in all her glory. She has shone radiantly across the night sky, giving light to the dark areas. The skies have been clear, so the stars have twinkled just that little bit more in her wake, looking more like gemstones than ever. It is so serene being out with the dogs after midnight, listening to the sounds of animals going about their business in the woods and fields. I am ever thankful for the life I now lead, which allows me to live close to nature and enjoy all she has to offer.
So this Imbolc I am sowing my seeds so that I may enjoy a bountiful harvest come the summer months.
Bright Blessings to all

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