I forgot to post about Candlemas yesterday

Groundhog Day - Mariä Lichtmess (2. Februar)

The American tradition of Groundhog Day has roots going back to Germany and other European countries. February 2 has long been the date of a religious observance known as Candlemas, or Mariä Lichtmess in German. The following Bauernregeln are also related to the second day in February:

When it storms and snows on Candlemas Day,
Spring is not far away;
if it's bright and clear,
Spring is not yet near).

In Germany, the day has also been known as Mariä Reinigung, das Fest der Darstellung des Herrn and Mariä Kerzenweihe. The latter name (Kerze = candle) is related to the English "Candlemas" name and the tradition of blessing both sacred and household candles on Feb. 2. Up until 1912, Mariä Lichtmess was an official holiday in Germany. The Roman Catholic church has celebrated the feast day of Candlemas since 1960.....................................................................

(My humble thoughts:) This day is also observed as Brigid and Imbolc. Many Catholic holidays have a parallel holiday in various mythologies and ancient religions. Since I consider myself a believer influenced by New Age and psychologists like Jung but raised in the Catholic tradition I don't have a problem with intertwining. There are many names and shapes of holiness, many ways to worship, which cannot be disputed, because how can you dispute faith? We can only be judged by our actions. Do they bring good or evil, love or hate into this world? The scale of our lives' meaning and how well we live our faith. ....................................................................................... Winter turns to Spring The holiday of Candlemas , also known as Imbolc, falls on February 2nd. The ancient Celtic goddess Brigid was honored on this day, and even after she was absorbed into the Church as St. Brigid , celebrations for her changed very little from their Pagan roots. The name "Imbolc" has it’s name derived from the Gaelic “oimele” which means “ewes milk.” This major Sabbat lies opposite Lammas, and represents the very beginning of spring. This festival is for the Maiden, her renewal and has strong roots with the festivals for the Irish goddess Brigid . The name “Candlemas” is from the adaptations of rites for the Virgin Mary that the European churches held at the same time of year. The plough is an integral part of Imbolc ritual, this being the earliest time of year in Europe to begin ground breaking or preparations for spring planting. Some cultural groups decorated ploughs or held processions around the fields. Seedlings for early spring planting can be started indoors at this time.

Winter storm is coming our way

Just a few words here.
We are prepared to stay warm and I have stocked up on food, but in case we lose power and be offline over the weekend, then you will know why you don't receive an answer to emails or orders.
Did I already say that I hate winter?

Jamaica -- part 2

Without many words...it was all the cliches you would expect, breath taking landscapes, the blue-turquoise ocean, the white beach and the sunsets. It was just so much sweeter to see and feel it with my own eyes and capture it with my own little camera.
It was a typical tourist vacation, but for me it was my first island trip ever. I am sure there is so much more to Jamaica...

Overcast sunset, a very surreal beautiful sight.



Beach fun -- what a way to relax in January



Not a post card, but a "point and shoot" snapshot...



Not really a "back-packer" place -- amazing resort in Montego Bay, I am not the luxury type girl, but I can enjoy a beautiful place:)
Wearing a crochet tam that I bought from a fellow Jamaican crocheter:)




Balcony with ocean view, the aqua blue water and white beach were literally only yards away. Sid is enjoying a reggae cd.

Hearts For Haiti, a way to help

Not sure where to donate or how?
Hearts for Haiti, a charity authorized etsy shop makes it easy, donate or buy one of the donated items and the proceeds will go to
"doctors without borders".
I purchased 2 art prints. Their selection of offered goods is huge and I am sure you will find something as well.

Jamaica vacation part 1

The most memorable event during our 5 day stay (mainly vacationing):
the tour to the Indigenous Rastafari village.
This eco village has their own website and one of the spiritual leaders was kind enough to pose in pictures with visiting tourists.
http://www.rastavillage.com/

The "lightness of being" was overshadowed by the earthquake catastrophe in Haiti on our 3rd day of enjoying a ressort in Montego Bay. The tropical beauty of the Caribbean comes with the price of forceful destructive nature forces. And nothing is ever granted.

The Power of Doing

I believe in it.
And even though the power of positive thinking seems to be the rage these days, my focus is on the following action. Think as you please, if you don't do it, it is not happening.

I had time to realize a lot of the projects that I have always wanted to do:
Reorganize the craft room (not finished yet but 50% is done, it's still ugly but getting functional)
Try new patterns and some of the YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArn (well, not all of it, but I have dug through my totes and found a lot of hidden treasures, the Colorways yarn in the pictures is one example, more to come)
I learned cable crochet
Joined 2 Etsy online teams
I ordered books on my list and I read them before sleepy time
Adding more teas to my collection and enjoying them every day
Finally cooking with Miso paste

Pretty much random, but very enjoyable to look back on "things done".
....................................
It's a start, a new beginning which looks very promising.

Fresh!

I have updated both my Etsy shop and website with new goodies!
Happy New Year from a nerd who chose to work on New Year's Day!
O well:)