Been awhile since I wrote anything here.
I am no longer in Sturgis SD, Rebecca and I have traveled down to Peyton CO to visit with my Father, Step-mother and my brother and sisters.
Peyton is just outside of Colorado Springs and you can see Pikes Peak from my fathers front porch.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Peyton CO
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Green Goblet
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Handfasting (me and Becc)
"Handfasting" was the word used by the ancient Celts to describe their traditional trial-marriage ceremony, during which couples were literally bound together. The handfasting was a temporary agreement, that expired after a year and a day..... The date may be chosen to be near a full moon. Handfastings during the month of May are rare because that is the month of the union of the Goddess and God. (Most Wiccans are duotheistic: they believe in two deities, one female and the other male.)
The ceremony is often held outdoors; preferably in a wooded area; ideally at a crossroads. A backup location is selected in the case of rain.
The bride will not be dressed in a traditional wedding gown. The couple will wear attractive clothes for the ceremony. The bride often wears red.
A circle is formed on the ground with rocks, crystals or some other marker. It is large enough to handle then entire wedding party, and guests, with plenty of empty space. Candles will mark the four cardinal directions. An altar is located near the center of the circle. It is large enough to support the marriage documents; a knife; chalice; a cloth, rope or ribbon; a small silver box and a trowel! A broomstick is laid beside the altar. Wildflowers may be spread inside the circle. The bridal couple stands to the east of the circle. They wear circlets of flowers. Friends and family are gathered around the circle.
The presider rings a bell three times to indicate the start of the ritual and to demarcate divisions within the handfasting ceremony.
The couple approaches the circle from the east -- the direction of sunrise; this symbolizes growth in their relationship. They walk once around the circle and enter from the east.
The presider explains to the guests the significance of the ritual to be performed.
The circle is then cast. This usually involves a Wiccan priestess or priest walking around the periphery of the circle four times, with elements representing earth, air, fire and water. They will recite a statement at each of the four directions.
Answering a challenge from the presider, the couple each declares their intent to join with the other so that they are one in the eyes of the God and Goddess, and of family and friends present.
The presider asks the traditional question whether anyone present is aware of any reason why the couple should not be handfasted. Hopefully, nobody objects.
The couple recites a statement, saying that they have come of their own free will "in perfect love and perfect trust" to seek the partnership of their future spouse. They exchange rings. Each recites a prepared statement, such as: "I, [name], commit myself to be with [name] in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with him/her faithfully for a year and a day. May the Gods give me the strength to keep these vows. So be it." 10
The presider challenges them to drink from the same cup. Each drinks separately. Then each holds the cup so that the other may drink. This symbolizes the need for a balance between apartness and togetherness in their future life together.
The couple will face each other, joining both their left and right hands together. Their arms and bodies form a figure 8 when viewed from above The a double circle is both the mathematical infinity symbol and an ancient religious symbol for the union of a man and woman.
The presider will place a cord, ribbon, or strip of cloth over the couple's hands. It may be loosely tied; it might be red in color, symbolizing life. This symbolizes that the handfasting is a commitment, but one that is not an onerous one. One year and a day after being handfasted, the couple may return to the presider and repeat their vows with the cord or cloth tightly knotted. This symbolizes the intent to have a permanent relationship. This ritual is the source of the expression "to tie the knot."
The couple each reads a statement to the other, expressing their love and their hopes for their future together. Since their hands are bound, the texts are held by their assistants. The bonds are removed.
The couple uses a knife to cut off a lock of each other's hair. This is put in a silver box. This symbolizes their future relationship, one as intimate as the mixing of their hairs.
The presider offers advise to the couple, perhaps saying: "Be understanding and patient, each with the other. Be free in he giving of affection and warmth. Be sensuous with one another. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the Gods are with you now and always." 10 The presider asks the assembled guests whether they will support the couple in their new relationship together. Hopefully, they answer "I do." The presider then pronounces the couple to be handfasted as husband and wife.
The couple kiss each other -- their first gift to each other as a handfasted couple. They then perform their first task together: they pick up the trowel from the altar, and bury the silver box at the center of the circle.
The presider, married couple, and witnesses sign the marriage documents.
At the end of the ceremony, the handfasted couple join hands and jump over a broomstick. This symbolizes the effort required to make a committed relationship work.
The priest or priestess who originally cast the circle now banishes it.
The presider states the the handfasting is concluded: "The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Old Ones go in our hearts. Blessed be."
The bell is rung three times. The married couple then go clockwise around the circle, greeting friends and family.
A feast traditionally follows
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial day
Well it's Memorial Day...The day we remember all the men and women who have fought for the freedoms that we have.
Enjoyed a great cook out at Bob Yorks today, Burgers, anti-pasta, and some very funny conversations, I look forward to attending more of these.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Type-O-Negative
Everything Dies
Well I loved my aunt
But she died
And my uncle Lou
Then he died
I'm searching for
Something which can't
Be found but I'm hoping
I still dream of dad
Though he died
Everything dies
My ma's so sick
She might die
Though my girl's quite fit
she will die
Still looking for someone
Who was around
Barely coping
Now I hate myself
Wish I'd die
No why? Oh God I miss you
No, why? Oh God I miss you
I really miss you
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Peter Steele ~ Dead at 48
Type-O-Negative's lead singer
Peter Steele has packed his bags and went on the next great adventure. I think this is affecting me so much because I love the music and the deep effect it has on me. There is also another reason and it's a simple one...the age at which he died...I am currently 40 soon to be 41 and I am wondering about my own mortality, when I was younger I didn't care if I lived or died, most people didn't think I would make it to 20....lol...neither did I for that matter.
As the years passed and I experienced more of life....the extreme joy and happiness of a first born child and the soul wrenching sorrow of people close to me leaving or dying I came to appreciate my life and all the ups and downs that go along with it...for years I have gotten out of bed and wondered "What will happen today?" it is my own little mantra that helps me to coupe with the ups and downs that life has to offer.
I am not sure where I am going or how long I have left till I go on my last great adventure but I hope that I have at least 20 - 40 years left but I'm not sure...I have abused this body I live in and now that I sound like a bowl of rice crispies when I get out of bed and say my little mantra I hope that today is not my last day....
Heres a link to the posting on Peter Steele
"every encounter in life, good or bad, could be just the encounter needed for cosmic enlightenment."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ticket to ride
Ive got my ticket to Sturgis
I leave Oahu on the 19th of April and arrive in Rapid City on the 20th. I have a 6 hour layover in Seattle, guh....I guess I'll make sure to have lots of beads and hemp with me so I'll have something to do.
I've been trying to get a location to stay at in either Rapid City or Sturgis itself, got a couple of nibbles but nothing concrete yet. I'm also trying to acquire a vehicle preferably a truck or van.
I love Hawaii but if you don't have a lot of money to start with it is really difficult to stay here. The beaches are full of ramshackle shacks and people with broken dreams with empty wallets.
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