A Solstice-y Post.

This is the post I write when I'm not reeeally blogging at the moment. In fact, I'm in the thick of exams,  and it's all head down, bum up et al, so the fact that I'm here at all has probably got something to do with the yerba mate* I drank earlier in the day, and an excess of manic mental energy. 

Also, I don't think my brain can possibly contemplate any more stipules, placentation, gametophytes, alternation of generation, chloroplasts, and reticulated venation at this point, (er, Botany exam looming). And I need to remember that there was once a time in my life when I read, wrote, and spoke a language that is recognisably english. 

So...happy Solstice! Whether it be Winter, (as we're currently in the throes of here in't Southern hem), or Summer days in your hood. If it's the latter you're enjoying I wish you dozy hammock time with a big floppy hat and a demned fine novel. Possibly a glass of prosecco, or whatever grabs yer fancy. Here, I'm looking forward to a mulled wine, a hot curry, and possibly some stolen moments with my neglected knitting. And more study. Oh.

I had a picture for you here, but blogger is determined to be bloody-minded. So just imagine Solstice-y things, with accompanying music break...

The Moon is gearing up for her school's Winter Festival tomorrow night. She's made a wonderful lantern for the occasion, and she's going to be in the school play. She was supposed to perform bare-footed, (outside. In the icy night I might add), because she is going to be an "indigenous person", (yes, just anonymously indigenous in the background, and apparently indigenous people must be barefooted). As it's proving to be a particularly Antarctic, (Arctic sounds better doesn't it?), winter we're having here, I had to say to the woman organising the play that although I don't wish to blight the authenticity of the venture, my child is to wear shoes. But apparently it just won't be the same...I confess I am the killer of theatrical dreams.

Somehow, I think my skinny, pale little ginger-ish kid may just not be all that authentically indigenous in the first place, and I suspect that some sense of belief/reality may have to be suspended at some point when viewing the performance in question. Well, it is a play non? But, then, maybe it is all about the shoes, (many, many women believe that it is all about the shoes), and I am a big Wet Blanket, and this poor teacher who has to basically herd cats for living, is possibly feeling much the same way as Blackadder did when he said, "fortune vomits on my eiderdown once more". Fortune being yet another precious parent. 

But onto Other Things. 

Musically speaking, right now, I'm very much enjoying Amiina's Puzzle, (Amiina are the string section who play with Sigur Ros on their albums), as well as the truly fabulous Late Night Tales as mixed by Trentemøller. Love. It. 

Am looking forward to redeeming a delightful gift in the form of this 'ere...post exams. Indulgence.

There may also be the odd leisurely lunch to be had at this old favourite, a celebratory dinner, and a couple of long overdue creative projects to be embarked upon. 

This Solstice sees me at a transitional point. Big shifts happening, and the next stage of life is opening up before me. So many wild opportunities, (I mean, really), and some serious questions regarding motherhood and what I can feasibly take on, or not. I'm finding this a good time to release and consolidate in general. 

Many Solstice blessings to you dear reader, whether you are embracing the light, or moving towards the Winter dark. 

*which has basically got caffeine in it, whatever its delightfully hippy pr says. And from the studies I've been reading, it may not be altogether a good idea. Um in general.