Corn Moon

"Last night was the full moon. It was a beautiful, clear evening. My partner build a fire in our fire pit, we took our evening cups of green tea and I brought my drum and we went down to watch Her rise in the night sky. It was so peaceful sitting there among the trees, watching the fire, with just a gentle breeze blowing. It was a lovely warm night. The wind played in the trees, I beat my drum and watched the flames dance in the fire. As the hour past and the moon rose, I heard an owl call. It is the first time in over a year of waiting on the full moon, that I have heard an owl. Chills ran up my spine. It made the night perfect. We walked down the path to where we could see Her in all her glory. I greeted Her and thanked Her for being there. A few wisps of clouds past over Her face, we turned and went back to the house, where one light shone, leading us home. Blessed Be", I whisper.

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Signs of Autumn

"Sarah, Riley and I have started going for a morning walk each day. We walk around the subdivision just down the road from us. Sarah doesn't like to walk in a straight line, down our road. So we wander through the various roads that make up the subdivision. Riley loves to look at things and hates when we have to cover the stroller to keep the sun out of her eyes. She cries then. But she also cries when the bright sun is in her eyes. Her mother votes in favour of tears from the shade rather than the sun. Everyday we see something new. Yesterday it was a little lizard squashed on the road. It was only about 2 inches long, a beautiful red. Today, it was the first of the ferns turning color. They are a beautiful golden yellow. Our first signs of autumn out here in the country. My favourite time of year approaches. I love the crisp mornings, the warm afternoons, the early evenings. I like the food of autumn and later winter, the stews, lasagnas, roasts and chilis. Good hardy food that makes one glad to settle down for dinner. I like the darkness of the evenings, the candles lit, the incense burning. I like curling up with a good book, looking around my beautiful home and feeling safe and secure. Autumn gives me this and I am grateful," I whisper.

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Saying Goodbye 2

"Well I need to grovel, it appears. Marilyn's son did his best, trying to fit the funeral together the way his mother wanted it. But with all the strict Baptists in his family, it just wasn't going to work. While talking to his mom's native friends, they suggested holding a memorial for her a few days later. He was so happy. They held it last night. I really wasn't feeling well and so couldn't go, but I talked to him today and he said it was a great experience and went really well. I am learning a lot through this whole experience of loosing a friend. First, don't put off doing things for a later date. It sometimes just doesn't come. Secondly, wait; take a deep breath and wait before jumping to conclusions. Things sometimes turn out better than planned and I have the feeling this did. Marilyn's son gave me a beautiful piece of his mother's pottery to remember her by. She was a wonderful potter, I was always going to buy a piece, sometime soon. Soon never had the opportunity to come, but thanks to his generosity I know have something besides my memories to remember her by. Although I wasn't expecting her death so soon, I did know it was coming and I guess I had come to terms with it, because now, unlike 3 years ago when I lost another friend, my heart is at peace. I know Marilyn would want me to remember her with happiness not sadness." I whisper.

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Saying Goodbye

"Yesterday was Marilyn's funeral. Last Sunday when I visited her, she talked about what she wanted for her funeral. She and her son had discussed it and she said that he had agreed to what she wanted. She didn't get it. She got what her family wanted and I think she would have been very angry and hurt by what happened. It makes me wonder about funerals. Who are they for, the dead or the living? Should they reflect the life of the deceased or the beliefs of the living? I am not christian, when I die I don't want a christian funeral service. What if my children do, whose wishes should be respected? Maybe I'll tie their inheritance to fullfilling my wishes. I get the funeral service I want, they collect; I don't they don't. Or does it even matter?" I whisper.

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Marilyn Farrell

"My friend Marilyn died on Wednesday. She was a warm, wonderful woman who wanted so much to live so that she could continue to give to those around her. I will miss her. Every time I see a crow I will think of her. They were an important part of her spiritual beliefs and will be a permanent link for me to my memories of her. I love you and will miss you my dear friend." I whisper.

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