The Northern Witch' s Blog

This week brought fantastic and incredible moments of joy in life and some annoying trouble with a bad neighbor as well.

My mood, however, is not as good as it could have been had it not been for my annoying neighbor, who deliberately cut down some of our plants in the garden from their side of the fence. So now, we will change the wall so that such vandalism won´t happen again.

And the police told us to call again if anything more should happen.

But I choose deliberately to focus solely on the many positive experiences I have had throughout the week, culminating yesterday with a visit to the place where a close friend of mine paid her late mother the final respect by releasing her ashes into the sea a couple of years ago.

Thursday was a memorable and beautiful day with a party for the people we help at the local social houses. Seeing physically and mentally handicapped people cut loose and sing and dance throughout the evening deeply touched my heart, mind, and soul.

Today, I´m more mentally tired than usual. Still, I decided to write this blog post nonetheless, as writing always helps me get back on my feet whenever life turns 180 degrees around itself and challenges my positive outlook on things.

Listening to beautiful music, at times a little louder than usual, as I need to release deepfelt anger and a lot of frustration.

That I´ll do quietly, without speaking or thinking anything but positive vibes.

Only positive vibes shall remain as this week comes full circle.

I have written to my counselor and asked for an extra phone call to discuss how to maintain my mental health when involved in an involuntary conflict. That way, it is easier for me to regain my strength and keep a good spirit.

My plans for next week include two visits to social houses and as much free time as possible. I need to relax and search for positive moments to grab a firm hold on my ongoing depressive state. It is here, but it won´t be as bad as usual because I have decided to fight back every inch of the way.

This week´s ladies´ luncheon was fun and thought-provoking at the same time. We are now so close with our dear friends that we share practically everything, including both the hearty laughter and the difficult moments in our lives.

And it was exciting and heartwarming to meet sweet new people connected to the social houses where I now work twice a week.

Right now, I´m waiting for my husband to serve us a delicious Sunday meal, for this week to end more peacefully than it began, and for my low mood to rise again.

It helps so much writing for you, dear readers and followers. And, believe me, my husband´s tenderloin pot with rice is good stuff. Being full and content with my life is a great privilege. I enjoy sharing it with you, as there already is too much bad news in today´s world.

This place has become an extended diary where I still prefer to write about my life as a writing witch rather than creating big plans for this blog that don´t agree with my time to manifest them in reality.

We are so lucky to be included in a rare and life-affirming social circle where we make a virtue of helping and taking good care of each other, no matter the challenge to conquer.

As of today, one of our dear friends called to let us know that she cares a lot about us, and it both warms our hearts and helps us focus solely on the positive aspects of life.

Only positive vibes shall remain, and from here on, I´m more than prepared to pick up where I left off before this weekend.

Tomorrow morning, I will get up at 05.10 o´clock to be ready for my early morning walk with my friend and my fitness class between seven and eight a.m.

The same thing will happen on Wednesday and Friday. I have lost about six pounds, and I´m ready to step it up a notch.

Tomorrow, I will also enjoy a meaningful conversation with my counselor.

Tuesday and Wedneday; well, it is time for my social work, which I love more than I have the words to describe after only a few months.

Thursday, it is a day off, filled with creativity and fun. Friday will be a day of hard work, as we plan to put up our new fence there. And Saturday and Sunday, again a time of relaxation and working with what I love most to do when at home.

Writing and witchcraft.

Oh yes, I´m a gray witch, knowing when to turn to witchcraft and when not. Today is not a good day for me to create magick, but I still defend myself and my loved ones.

Besides, I´m still standing and will remain standing long after my enemies have given themselves away and shown their true faces.

The central part of the week has been a major success for me, as it is the first time in an extended time that I have met many new people and visited unknown places.

I know from the bottom of my heart, the unseen depths of my soul, and every fiber in my body that this difficult passage in my life will pass.

And now, it is time to listen to great music again.

Only positive vibes shall remain; this spell is done.

May your week be joyful, full of life-changing moments of joy, love, and strong friendship. May the world come to its senses and begin to change for the better for us all. And may my depression only stay a little while so that my best mood can return and give me renewed stamina.

As I will it, so mote it be.

So it is.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

This week’s passing has been fast, awe-inspiring, and mentally enriching to the degree that I almost don’t have the words to describe.

Indeed, Old School rules here.

No matter time and place, the issue or challenge, or the situation, I am surrounded by good people. As of today alone, I met with a newfound friend who, besides making delicious pickled beets for us, has taken a tiny kitten, left screaming by its wild mother, into her loving care.

Yesterday, my husband and I met with other good friends whose house we cleaned Thursday, because these people always care more for others than themselves.

And throughout the week, there has been plenty of times of various length where we have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of true friendship.

All are ruled by simple yet inquestionable rules of behavior that are much needed in today’s crazy world.

You get what you see and what you hear. You are brutally honest. And you know by heart how to behave in the company of rare good people.

Old School; a word is a word, mutual respect and helpfulness are a must, and time to ourselves is necessary from time to time, too.

I am happy and content with my life in the present moment. Yesterday is only a memory now, and tomorrow is not granted in advance.

Living after Old School rules isn’t always a joyride in modern society. I got my new bank card the other day, and I expect nothing but trouble, as it the did last year. It is an unsolvable riddle to me why it is necessary to get a new one and go through the same dull procedure every year.

So, I wait a little longer to activate the darn thing, it is still Summer, and I intend to enjoy every split second of it, new bank card or not.

But working voluntarily with people with physical and mental handicaps like myself is a major mood-lifting experience.

Here, Old School rules bring you further than theoretical ideas from a snobby desk far, far away from people’s reality in the everyday.

It is like two worlds meet, and for once, at least for a while, the best of them wins the game of treating people like you want to be treated.

I have known for many years that I prefer one world to the other. This is because, in my kind of world, people are capable of thinking for themselves, behaving themselves, and working together.

Sadly, the other world seems to be allowed to dominate, especially in these odd years that change everything we believe we know.

Today, my ever-changing mood is set for the lower points, however much I fight back every inch of the way.

Somehow, I can control at least some overwhelming feelings of sadness, depression, and wanting to cry about anything and nothing simultaneously.

So, it ain’t so bad being me today; however much energy my bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders drain out of me.

Old School rules here, and throughout my life, this means that whatever happens, you’ll have to get up early in the morning and do what it takes to get through the day.

Now, I appreciate early mornings, preferring them rather than late morning and afternoon, when my internal and perpetual restlessness feels worst for the time being.

In the evenings, however, I can still not manage to get to bed earlier than relatively late. I have been a night owl for too many years to forget the joys of working through the night.

Today has been no exception to that.

Therefore, I need a late afternoon nap, preferably about an hour, to obtain my optimal amount of sleep.

But I, on the other hand, have the right setting for such a way of life.

And my voluntary work won’t change that. I can no longer work full time, and my ambition rests at ten hours weekly.

A critical Old School rule was once to be wise and maintain healthy boundaries toward other people. It has always been a difficult task for me, and it has only become a healthy habit in recent years, where I have grown as a human being, writer, and witch.

Now, it is not a problem saying no to someone or something. We all need time alone to reload our batteries.

Next week is pretty busy already before it has begun.

Tomorrow, I need to fold the laundry and order my prescription medicine before it is time for yet another ladies’ luncheon.

I meet with my counselor on Tuesday and will be introduced at another social house. Wednesday, it is my weekly voluntary work day. And Thursday, it will be time to participate in a major party with hog roast and many, many people.

Friday is my day off from everything and everybody in the outside world. I will probably sleep a lot, but I also plan to be at least a little creative with the much that I have.

Saturday, we are invited on a car trip to a particular place, where the late mother’s ashes of one of our dear friends were released a couple of years ago.

Leftover is then Sunday, my writing day.

So, you see, from my point of view, there is more than plenty to do here.

Being busy with something always is a must when living with bipolar disorder. The brain is always at work, but sometimes it is best to let go of all the thought streams that are impossible to control anyway.

That I will do right after the writing for today is over. And the best way for me to do that is right on the couch.

May your week be blessed with meetings with good people, may the world of good peacefully conquer the world of eternal strife, and may my weeks keep up the Old School rules forever.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Today´s picture is from my husband´s beautiful garden. This week, good friends gave us a six-apartment starling box. Our newest friend suffers a lot from both ADHD and PTSD. Some nights he can´t sleep, and on such a night, he built this piece of art for us.

This Summer is different due to the many unrelenting heat waves. Pretty sure this is a direct result of human wrongdoing on poor Mother Earth; I felt terrible yesterday evening. I just couldn´t handle the heat.

But today, it´s somewhat more relaxed, which is why I am writing this while it is still morning. Listening to Bachman Turner Overdrive, it is easy to express my deepfelt gratitude toward both life´s days in the Sun and its many challenges.

Here, from my point of view, in the southern part of Denmark, Friday became essential for us all out of nowhere. Freedom in speech and writing is worth fighting for. My sincere wishes for a fast recovery go to Mr. Salman Rushdie.

With starling boxes in the garden during yet another unrelenting heat wave, it is impossible not to feel happy and content with life here at this paradisic spot on Mother Earth.

I will attend an important meeting with my counselor and my boss on Wednesday next week at the social house where I have been working voluntarily for about two months.

I have asked for more hours, as I find this kind of work so enlightening, so well-suited for my ever-changing moods, and so mentally refreshing that I would like to work more hours to practice the art of working part-time despite being early retired.

In my country, it is possible to work a little bit even though you can no longer work full-time and support yourself.

During more than twelve years of recovery from both physical and mental disabilities, I have received a lot of professional help. Now, I feel I have the capacity necessary to give something back to others who need empathy, respect, and recognition, too.

And if not now, then when (author still unknown, anyone?)?

This week, I have used fitness in the local gym as a tool for equal parts of a much-needed vent of frustration over humanity in general and a highly-needed weight loss campaign. For eight weeks, that is.

I feel that now, the present moment is the best time of my life so far.

Although my moods swing again-again to the lower point, I have somehow managed to short-circuit myself by engaging in as much work as possible.

Knowing that my bipolar mind always does precisely that, work is meditation to me. So this week, I did a lot of little, sometimes unseen and unheard, daily chores.

Being busy with the little things in life, we humans should be spending the majority of time given by the Universe.

Rather than fighting and over-spending, as seems to be the current tendency, even though some, including yours truly, long ago changed their ways.

Today, fourteen years ago, my husband and I met. At a bar. And feel in love instantly.

Many I love you´s and equally many quarrels later, we are still in love, care for each other, and have been married for thirteen years.

It is a unique joyride, something that only happens once in a lifetime, and a complete game-changer to me. He makes me want to become the best possible version of myself, no matter the challenge or circumstance.

And today, we will be celebrating with an entrecote, salad, and home-grown potatoes. Topped with some ice cream, it will be a relaxed day, as the temperature from early morning on has cried “Hot!”

And now, as the morning has changed into early afternoon, my husband, the three philosophical cats, and the little wise, old dog enjoy their recuperation time.

I sit with a fan on, trying to let go of the feeling of yet another of the hot flashes that menopause and living like a Crone bring along.

In my living room, with old-school music in my ears, having the time of my life as everything feels fine right here and right now.

It began as a fun and not-so-busy week. And now, a new one is right before me, as if a time machine has just passed without anybody noticing.

Fourteen years, where have they gone???

Now, we are here, and our sole goal is to make the most of everything, using every split second to work for the common good of ourselves and others.

It will be with an even stricter budget, beginning as soon as possible. In the news, they reported a new rise in the heating costs that will probably affect us. Therefore, I will save some extra money on my budget account just in case we have to pay more than we already do.

But although we live in troubled times, staying positive helps remaining sane in the chaos that the world seems to be caught up with these years.

So, here we get up every morning, intending only to do our best no matter what and to never give up, but instead learn and grow time and time again.

It is my only answer to the ongoing change of moods in my mind, my osteoarthritis, and every challenge that life throws at me.

Because I know it works and that hard work pays off eventually.

Life´s too short for whining and complaining; besides, being reprimanded by a calm person is much worse than being constantly cried at by anger.

These were the words for today; now, let us online pray together for world peace.

May your week be blessed with happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness, dear readers and followers. May the peoples of Mother Earth reconcile and cooperate about freedom and working for the common good. And may my moods stay stable and reliable for a long time.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Yesterday, many weeks of careful preparations culminated in a beautiful, fun, and heartwarming garden party.

Present were my eighty-four-year-old father, our old neighbor who drove him here and back home, and four friends for life.

BBQ under the open sky, twisted by the typical Danish Summer weather, changing between sunny and warm to windy and wet, lots of laughter yet also those special moments of peaceful happiness, and all the way through the afternoon to early evening happened here.

And time went on relentlessly, although we inside wished for it to never stop.

In my husband’s beautiful, wild, and welcoming garden, we created magick together in those happy hours, where a mix of well-being and emotional joy of life was the only agenda.

Now, my husband and one of the philosophical cats powernap, and the little wise, old dog lies under a blanket, refreshed by his morning routines in the garden, and enjoys the peaceful and quiet atmosphere here.

Afterparty reflections on a rainy Sunday afternoon include my current state of ever-changing moods. Today is a well-known yet uncanny sensation of the first frosty mental touches from depression, the backstage to my preferred manic episodes.

During the course of a year, I have tried to track my changing mood to get to know each one properly.

My tendency is long periods of controlled mania and short states of equally controlled depression.

This garden party was the ultimate test of my mental capacities and level of inner balance and outer stability. It was a significant success.

And this morning, I walked 5 km/app. 3.1 miles, with my dear friend who wanted to show me a route around our little town.

Topping that with what???

A slight weight loss helps bring balance and extra mental energy.

So, it has been a great week with lots of work but plenty of time to enjoy it with good people, the rarest kind.

Next week doesn’t look busy at all, except for next Sunday. My husband and I will have known each other for fourteen years. When we met so many years ago, we didn’t dare to dream about life in its current version.

What we will do to celebrate, we don’t yet know, as we at the same time need to rest and reload our mental batteries. Perhaps go out for dinner, or even better, prepare something delicious together and set a beautiful table for two at home.

Afterparty reflections on a rainy Sunday do, however, not include any words about how crazy people behave on Mother Earth, as my words will only point out the obvious conclusion that we all really need to shape up and do what life’s all about in my point of view:

To live it fully every second we are so lucky to get.

In a peaceful and tolerant approach to other people, with a positive outlook on both sweet and sour moments on our paths, and out of respect for Mother Nature.

I try to become the best possible example of that every day. I’m so certainly not perfect at all, but I try to only use what I really need. Rather than craving what I want, or I’ll feel wronged and act as a spoiled rotten brat.

We live in both dangerous and forever-changing eras. There are many, many people out there who do need, as in MUST, to change behavior and stop consuming without a second thought about tomorrow.

We have changed our ways and found a much better path to travel through life together.

A long time ago, it sometimes seems.

Yet, on the other hand, fourteen years can change life for the better.

It has been a joyride on a rollercoaster on the loose, but most of all, it is the ultimate ride for me. I have found the love of my life, my knight in shining armor.

The white horse and the princess’s dreams may not look the same as when I listened to fairy tales as a child.

But he is here in my life, and it happens right now in every present moment we are lucky enough to be gifted with.

Afterparty reflections on a rainy Sunday contain, however, my deepest gratitude, all my love, and best thoughts of a better future for the peoples of Mother Earth.

Make love not war.

Do good things, educate people to become good people.

Don’t brag, don’t whine, and don’t pretend.

We can accomplish such things here because we have decided to do it. But, yes, it takes patience, hard work for the rest of our lives, and the iron will to live well even on a strict budget.

It is a sacrifice, and I’m willing to surrender to the Universe. But it is worth it every inch of the way.

The gifts that may follow our alternate lifestyle are unpretentious, they are the real deal, and they are moments of pure joy to be forever cherished.

It took us more than eight years to accept the harsh fact that neither my husband nor I had any abilities left to work and support ourselves. And it took me over five years to recover to my current state of mind.

Life’ has been a rough player at times.

But it taught me early on to fight for what I believe in, those I love, and even the most minor place in the Sun.

And today, after a successful garden party, my mind feels like a ten-tracked expressway, going in all directions at a speed out of my control.

But I’m happy and content. Twenty-five words left to wish you a beautiful day with equal parts of comfortable rest and exciting adventures.

May your week be equally joyful, dear readers and followers. May we all meet in silent online prayer for world peace. And may my transition to my low mood continue so peacefully as now.

So let it be, thank you, dear Universe, goddesses and gods.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Living with bipolar disorder, mixed episodes; play the music and carry on.

It is rather scary, demanding, and awkwardly fun. It is a mysterious yet magickal involuntary ride on a roller coaster on the loose. And it is a never-ending story of irresistible highs and dreaded lows.

And have you been around in life´s many corners like I have; also, welcome to no less than four anxiety disorders, a touch of the quiet ADHD, and probably something to top that, too.

Not forgetting my osteoarthritis, I have a fair amount of challenges to learn to cope with through my joyride in this wonderful, at times thrilling down the spine, fairy-tale-life of mine.

But nothing in this physical and mental backpack may ever serve as an excuse for not taking my part in life´s everyday chores and social gatherings.

Besides, I was raised to never give up no matter the obstacles on my paths in life´s endless possible destinations.

So, therefore, play the music and carry on.

I do that today, listening to great orchestral music well-suited for writing and movies. The little old, wise dog rests right beside me, waiting for me to take him outside in the garden to do his stuff, especially sniffing in the winds of Summer.

While my husband roams the many cozy spots in his beloved and beautiful garden, the three philosophical cats enjoy their outdoor cat den´s cooling, shady hiding places, and my fingers dance across the keyboard to the beat of the music; I focus solely on trying every day to become the best possible version of me.

By being attentive to aches and pains, whether physical or mental, fighting hard to keep a positive outlook on life, and living like where today my very last on Mother Earth, I´m able to metaphorically short-circuit myself to stay a little longer in my preferred manic mood.

Oh yes, I know by heart and expensive tuition in the ruthless yet fantastic School of Life every prejudice to anything but picture perfect.

It takes a living person with bipolar disorder to create understanding and tolerance and an empathic to make a meaningful conversation.

Well, here I am; for my part, I believe in brutal honesty, a direct attitude, and good manners.

Beginning with my own example, somebody must start to address an issue if the goal is to create meaning between people rather than strife, conflict, and bad feelings.

Yes, there is plenty of possible trouble on the other side of the coin. Yes, it takes its toll on me and my surroundings. And yes, the only way ahead is forward, so play the music and carry on.

Writing openly about it helps me to think more than twice, yet I´m capable of acting in a split second if need be someday.

At the moment, right before the last month of Summer, I´m in and out between moods, with a tendency toward the more quiet side of me.

The upcoming Saturday holds many challenges for me, so I use every piece of leftover energy to meditate and focus on enjoying every moment of our garden party, celebrating the love between my husband and me.

On August 14, 2022, we will have known each other for fourteen years. Tempo fugit, time flies.

And the only thing to obey is to follow along as good as it gets.

One more week, it is time to meet with my counselor and resume my charity work. I look forward to learning and benefiting from like-minded good people, knowing by mind and heart that they get what they experience.

I simply can´t engage in something without using everything I have got at hand to serve the common good.

And still, play the music and carry on.

Awkwardly fun, oh, believe me, the inside, the close-up, and the real-life version of bipolar disorder, you better be prepared for a hell of a ride.

Every day is a new challenge, but most of all, the greatest gift to be allowed.

Today, I have perfect surroundings, and my backing is invaluable. But I have hit rock bottom a couple of times in my life so far, so I´m used to fighting for what I believe and need.

The wants are formed by life experience and are modest but in reach, even on a strict budget.

How and when? If not now, then when (author unknown to me, anyone?)?

No, lots and lots of hard work, patience, and iron will. Also, being willing to sacrifice extravagant and, most times, utterly unnecessary shop-till-you-drop excursions.

Sprinkle that with chance and light at the end of every tunnel.

Once in a lifetime, that´s my life´s vision. And knowing, too, that everything comes full circle at some point in the web of time.

Therefore, I grab a chance when I meet it.

Play the music and carry on; today, I´m celebrating the simple pleasures in life. Being alive on a beautiful Summer Sunday, living the life of my dreams, and fully accepting myself and my many flaws and quirks, is a true gift.

A short break in the garden with my dear husband and our little wise, old dog; that became the best spice in my writing today. Sassy as hell, calm as an angel, and alert as a terrier.

Summing up my life so far, it is a fun and thrilling adventure, always with the best to come.

Forty-three words left to finish what I began a little more than an hour ago; I thank you, dear Universe, dear goddesses and gods, and dear backing.

I can´t wish for more; may my doings inspire others to try the same positive outlook.

May your week be beautiful, fun, and life-enriching, dear readers and followers. May people worldwide come together rather than apart. And may my music and inner manic drive keep supporting my creativity and my mood swings at an absolute minimum.

As we all will it, let it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

The last three weeks of professional cycling culminated today. Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark won the Tour de France 2022. Congratulations, let our beautiful red and white flag show how proud every Dane is on this special day.

Last week, I couldn’t write my weekly blog post as usual. Then, somehow, life took its own course, and suddenly there was neither time nor motivation to write last Sunday.

Now, however, it is celebration time, and the music is loud and full of irresistible drum beats and howling bass guitar riffs.

Five hours of hard work on my laptop disappeared in the air as my Word editor decided to play rough and, without warning, deleted my work.

But I will make it through tomorrow, though. So tonight, I prefer to leave work for now and celebrate life at this beautiful Mother Earth spot.

This week has been extremely busy concerning visits to and from dear friends. However, there have been many happy laughing moments, just because we really like each other’s company. At the same time, there is always room for serious matters.

A dear friend became sixty-five years old today. When she returns from her holiday with her husband next week, it will be time to celebrate her with a beautiful gift. She likes angels, so I have bought her an angel pendant with a silver necklace.

To me, she is indeed an angel herself. She is kind, loving, and direct. With her, you never doubt a split second; and you always know that she means well, however frank she might address you.

For another equally true friend, I have begun a creative project about creating yet another beautiful wind chime. I make butterflies from clothespins; they will decorate the wind chime whenever I get a couple of bamboo sticks, pieces of wood, and a couple of meters of steel wire.

Celebration time includes my gratitude pledge for the many blessings in my life. For every new day, a new adventure, fresh impressions, and heartwarming experiences with the rarest kind of people; those who stand up with you, those who always try to be helpful when it is most needed, and those who never let you down, no matter the circumstances.

I will show gratitude daily, as things seem to happen spontaneously every day. Of course, it is more obvious some days, but there is something to be grateful for every day in my current life.

My husband’s hard work in the garden pays off big time right now. Beautiful flowers are everywhere, and last week’s heatwave didn’t do as much damage as we feared it would. His equally hard work keeping this fairy tale life running smoothly deserves praise, too.

For all that, I’m more than grateful.

My own contribution consists of three different strategies for the best possible life living with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and too many pounds on me.

I expose myself to out-of-the-house activities, including places with many people, I lay extra mental pressure on myself to shortcircuit my mood swings, and I have now completed six weeks in the local gym.

So, yes, indeed, it is celebration time. Finally, I can now control my anxiety disorders. I may change slightly toward the depressive mood, but it is much more balanced and slow than usual. And I can see and feel my body’s first little signs of weight loss.

Tomorrow, my former counselor will call me for a weekly talk about life with both physical and mental ailments. My current counselor is on vacation, but we arranged weekly calls. Three weeks without this invaluable help would have been risky business concerning my ongoing mood transformation.

Three times one hour in the local gym await me tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday. Then, it is relaxation and restoration time on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Sunday is dedicated to writing a blog post worth reading by you, dear readers and followers.

And, looking back at the year 2022 so far, I’m pretty sure that it won’t be long before we hear from at least one good person in this little well-integrated group of people that we have been lucky enough to get to know.

With less than 250 words left today, it is rather difficult not to be awe-inspired by all the blessings happening daily in my current life.

For that, I thank you sincerely, dear Universe, dear goddesses and gods, dear family and friends worldwide.

Life is precious, so live it with care, with intent, and as if today was the very last day in your life. Don’t waste time on conflict, worries, and ego.

We may disagree on some issues here, but we have no dreadful arguments. We may live on an even stricter budget than usual, but we have paid our dues and goodbye to debt. And we may have chosen a different approach to life, but we know happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness.

Tomorrow, a new week awaits me, probably busy as always these months, these years. But, I’m happier than ever before in my life so far.

So, yes, it is celebration time. Tonight, we are proud Danes, proud husband and wife, and proud as the people we have become.

It has, at times, been a pretty rough ride. Challenges have been plenty demanding. But, all things considered, the rewards have been the merrier.

For that, I’m forever grateful.

Thank you, dear Universe.

44 words to find meaning in life; life’s purpose is to live it to its fullest and make the most of every situation. Nothing else matters more than the present moment.

Let’s meet in a silent online prayer for world peace; let it be.

May your week be blissful, happy, and filled with moments to cherish later on in life, dear readers and followers. May the world finally find peace within herself. And may my mood swings stay reasonable and easy to handle.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

First, let me apologize to you, dear readers and followers.

Friday, I weighed myself, and from now on and well into the future, the recipe is exercise and significant changes in diet. However, a realistic time frame is necessary and something serious to contemplate.

It hit me hard this weekend, and I have to admit; frankly, I was absolutely in no good writing mood.

Therefore, I decided to postpone my post until today, after my morning walk, one hour of challenging exercise, and a relaxing bath.

Summer exercises are a constant battle in my mind, as I hate anything connected with gyms and working out.

I know that it is healthy and much needed in my case. But, I for sure don´t exactly love doing it, even though I feel a lot better after an exercise session.

Well, there is only one way forward: to conquer my Self three times a week, rising to five times a week after about six months or so.

Today, I began my second month in the local gym, now with extra weight on the machines. However, I know it will come back to me later today, as I expect to become more than tired after the exercises.

Summer exercises include mental attitude adjustment as well. So, for the next twelve to eighteen months, it is all about the fight to lose weight without the risk of gaining it all again.

Last Sunday, shortly after my blog post filled with positive vibes and Tour de France ecstacy, well, Denmark and the world witnessed a tragic shooting at the big mall Fields in Copenhagen. Three innocent people were brutally killed, and several others were seriously injured.

A mentally ill young man, only twenty-two years old, went crazy shortly after he tried to call the psychiatric system for help. Unfortunately, no one answered the phone at that moment.

Our psychiatric system has been left outside in the rain for many decades now, and all of a sudden, all the responsible politicians are so busy promising the Moon and the stars.

Where have they been, however, for so many years??? It is nothing but major mismanagement of an area in a society where a country indeed will be known for the way it treats disadvantaged citizens.

It is a big shame, and at the social house where I work voluntarily, we will be the first to find out how cutdowns and mismanagement hurt the citizens in their often difficult everyday.

The sad incident stopped a folk festival and made it clear that there really is something rotten in the state of Denmark, as Shakespeare wrote so many years ago.

There will soon be an election for parliament, but already, I don´t know who to vote for. I would not even buy a used car from any of those in parliament today, so it will be a tough choice when election day shows up.

On the more positive front, there is busy here as always this year. Tuesday, it is ladies´ luncheon time again. Wednesday is my last visit to the social house before the Summer holidays; Thursday is my birthday with morning coffee for my closest friends.

Friday throughout the weekend, however, it is time to just relax and enjoy some of my many creative projects, which I´m planning in a flexible list, so that there is always something to do, no matter my mood on any given day.

Concerning my mood, yes, I can feel a slight change to the quieter side. However, it is way too soon, as we have many more plans for this Summer, and I´m definitely not ready to change moods right now.

Therefore, I short-circuit myself on purpose, meaning that I trigger a mini-mania that can keep the depression at bay for a few more weeks, preferably into the last weeks of August.

The price I pay is that I´m drained, especially mentally. But nevertheless, I get up happy every morning, as I have chosen to live each day as were it my last on Mother Earth.

Today´s picture is from my husband´s beautiful garden, the yard, to be more specific. Flowers are thriving everywhere, and for the next couple of weeks, I will go out daily on a photo safari to document all his hard work there.

Later this morning, it is time for some serious work with my digital Book of Shadows. The prioritized list of creative projects and necessary chores will have to wait for the afternoon to be processed.

My Summer exercises were challenging for me this morning, and a power nap later will be much appreciated.

When this is written, it is outside in the garden with the little wise old dog, who on July 3 became twelve years old. Where have all the years gone, my sweet little friend for life???

He waits patiently for me to finish writing so he can come out to enjoy a beautiful Summer morning on the deck chair in the yard.

And, with only eighty words left to write, that will be soon.

I feel both energized and tired to the bone, my body thrumming with the aftermath of today´s Summer exercises.

I will try to work out a mental plan to learn to love my exercises. They will, after all, be a significant part of my life for an extended period.

And, I know that I will be happy and much more comfortable losing weight and becoming more toned.

May your week be peaceful, happy, and filled with those moments you later cherish, dear readers and followers. May the people of this world soon begin working together rather than pushing for strife and meaningless, crazy acts of violence.

And may my mood swings stabilize as soon as possible. I don´t have time for anything but a positive outlook on life in general, particularly on my annoying friends, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

… the absence of negativity in the form of trouble stemming from the outside world. Today, the weather is beautiful Danish Summer at its absolute best performance.

The third stage of the Tour de France 2022 on TV, in the southern part of Denmark, with a Dane leading the race as I write this weekly post for you, dear readers and followers.

May the good spirits from the equally beautiful behavior of the Danish bicycle fans inspire people worldwide today and forever.

Happiness is …

… the presence of a positive outlook on life in general, a humble approach toward life´s many and diverse challenges, and an iron will behind all the hard work in the settings of my life.

My eighty-four-year-old father tried bicycle racing as a young man, so I know by heart that he is in awe over the number of happy and smiling people who greet the riders. I am, too.

It´s not the sport itself, not the excellent quality pictures, and not the proud feeling of being a Dane myself right now, pretty close to the real thing, less than app. 100 kph/62.2 mph from where I live.

It is a public folk festival; people behave more than well. And they are doing so on the third day in a row.

It may well be a bicycle race only. But right now, in this writing moment in a free country, it is a fine symbol of something good, something positive, and something that brings people together instead of apart.

Happiness is …

… my simple yet complicated life here in the southern parts of my country, Denmark. I have seen so many flags and banners on the TV screen. Still, it is nice and quiet at my spot of Paradise on Mother Earth.

For the much that I already have, I am more than grateful.

Wednesday, I meet another person with bipolar like me. Now, I understand my loved ones, as it ain´t always a bed of roses dealing with people like us.

But it was life-enriching, too.

The week has been busy and tough on my body, mind, and soul. My physical exercises make me relaxed and very tired. My morning walks and talks teach me about many new aspects of life as a Crone. And my creative issues have been the work with my digital Book of Shadows.

My creative den needs a thorough clean-up, and my witch´s den is dusty and needs a good cleaning. But the weather gods suggest a change next week, so, maybe, this week, my many plans may very well come to fulfillment.

The Summer heat is terrific, but with my hot flashes due to my transition in the realms of menopause, last week didn´t yield a witchcraft ritual as planned.

And next week, there is more than enough on my plate already. But in the week of my birthday, there may be spare time to go ahead and perform a relevant and beautiful ritual about love and happiness.

Happiness is …

… the many opportunities in life with my current living conditions on a strict budget. I don´t need to buy to become creative with what I already have. But, if I make a buy, it is either a necessity or a small supplement to my current stock.

But, as I have to admit, my mood swings are increasing. Therefore, I have more plans than the personal resources to execute.

It doesn´t matter, however, as I consciously choose to live in the present moment and enjoy each day at my own pace.

Especially in so odd years as the ones we experience now, I believe it is imperative to seek happiness in the little moments, the little things, and the little life-changing split seconds where life unfolds, raw and direct.

And here I am; I´m happy and content, my health is fair, my inner peace is restored, and I try to find new ways to be kind toward other people.

Still, with a Dane still leading the third stage of the Tour de France in Denmark, I´m proud to be Danish for the first time in a long time.

I know the other riders will probably catch him soon again, but at least it is fun as long as it lasts.

Happiness is …

… listening to old-school music, trying to write in tune. Today, it is happy music, a mixture of genres and eras, and, of course, as loud as possible without damaging my ears too much.

I prefer listening to loud music when writing here, on social media, or on my novel project. I now have app. sixty-five pages of material strong enough to be edited for the final draft sometime next year.

But there is yet a long path to walk before I have something like a complete first draft. At the end of Summer, it is time to dig in and write all my thoughts, ideas, and snippets of dialogue that I have contemplated for more than two years.

Happiness is …

… being alive, being released from the past day-by-day, and being able to express my opinions without censorship from society.

Today, my thoughts go to the Ukrainian people, who right now fight for their right to exist and live in peace. May they achieve those goals soon.

Today, I greet my loved ones near and far away with my never-ending love, respect, and friendship.

And today, I´m grateful and happy for my life right here, right now. So now, it is time for a cup of coffee and rest.

May your week be happy and beautiful, dear readers and followers.

May the spirit of my Danish countrymen celebrating the Tour out in the land inspire all the peoples of this one world.

And may my mood swings stabilize and wait until the end of Summer, preferably well into the Fall.

As we all will it, dear Universe, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Today, counting my blessings, I dedicate myself to being grateful and content with my life. Throughout this week, everything has come full circle.

Playing old-school music from before the world took a wrong turn 360 degrees around itself. A fresh cup of calming chai tea, the little wise, old dog, and still freedom of speech and room for a life lived in the present moment only.

Deep gratitude because my life has changed from a haunted mind to deep inner peace in only one year.

Physically, I’m in the first weeks of exercise at the local gym after close to four months and two weeks with morning walks and talks.

Mentally, I’m undergoing a strange yet irresistible transformation from being so much an introvert to an entirely new extrovert.

And spiritually, I’m educating myself in my new Tarot cards. They present me with a whole new outlook on methods to interpret a Tarot reading. And, as my husband is a keen gardener, they fit perfectly here in our sacred spot on Mother Earth.

I’m forever grateful for all that with more to come tomorrow if tomorrow comes.

Counting my blessings with deep gratitude, yesterday’s garden party with yatzy, lots of laughter, and hot, oh so hot. Today, with temperatures continuing to climb, we are at the app. 27degrees Celsius (app. 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and staying inside is the best choice to make.

When it gets so hot in the southern parts of Denmark, it is pretty muggy, and combining this with hot flashes due to my current menopause transition to becoming a Crone, is way too much for me.

So, I have retreated to indoor activities only, at least as long as the Sunday afternoon rest for my husband, the little wise, old dog, and our three philosophical cats last.

It will be time for my conversation with my eighty-four-year-old father for a couple of hours more. As of this writing, he is enjoying the excellent company of some good people. They help him in the everyday; they like him genuinely.

Counting my blessings with deep gratitude, this week has been educating, festive, and memorable. Special bonds have been made, and they grow and thrive every time we meet with this incredible group of good people.

They have overcome life’s hardships without complaining; they seek durable and practical solutions no matter the size of the challenge, and they genuinely care about us.

Like it at the same time has been the first full week of exercise sessions at the local gym for me, I’m more physically tired than usual. After all, it is twenty-two years since my last attempt to become and remain fit.

However, my mental strength has the upper hand, and I feel happy and content that I “conquered” the machines and, thereby, my body, mind, and soul.

I now look into a busy schedule for preferably a long time ahead.

Escaping and surviving toxic relationships takes time. Both hurt and heal when you decide not to accept having your boundaries challenged beyond justification. But, believing in my life’s experiences, it is necessary to remain firm and stand up for who you are.

It is, at times, a subtle distinction between being fierce, upholding your inner beliefs and values, and moving on to something so much better that the toxic relationship soon fades in importance; however, the main priority remains to show no mercy whatsoever toward the toxic person.

Besides, as a witch, I feel Karma is more suited than me to deal directly with toxic people.

Counting my blessings in deep gratitude, I feel relieved that I don’t lie, that I don’t break the trust of others, and that I don’t take anything or anybody for granted.

I will seek the shadows for the remains of this extremely muggy day. I will also try to enjoy a small bonfire in the garden later, close to nightfall. Balancing the no-man’s-land between the active high mood and the low passive version, today is a fine time to let go and relax as much as possible.

If I find the inner drive to work with my digital version of a Book of Shadows, I might work on a New Moon Ritual next Wednesday. However, it will probably not happen before tomorrow, and my new Tarot deck is more likely to be of interest.

This round three with the deck deals with getting to know in detail 78 different plants. One at a time, until every plant and card feels familiar.

Suppose the heat, however, continues to trigger my hot flashes, well. In that case, I turn to read my many emails from you, dear readers and followers. I admit it. Frankly, I’m behind with that, as my life has improved in so many ways that my only problem is not having enough time around the clock.

Instead, I read in bulks, one week at a time. And one day, I will have catched up on it all sooner or later.

Counting my blessings in deep gratitude, dear Craft, thank you for all the magick happening here and now in my and my husband’s lives.

To me, the best magick happens when you least expect it, and more often with other people. So a New Moon in Cancer ritual, my Sun sign in the Western Zodiac with Leo rising, seems appropriate to begin a new Moon cycle with the best intentions for an even better future.

My husband, my soulmate, and the love of my life, will attend the ritual, the theme being love and the beauty of life’s ups and downs.

May your week be beautiful, happy, and full of special moments to remember for life, dear readers and followers.

May this crazy world come to its senses as soon as possible, dear Universe.

And may my life continue to be worth every effort, every tough time, and every experience, dear Mother Earth.

As I will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Busy bees buzzing in my husband’s beautiful garden, the warming Sun and a blue sky, and engaged we are here, too.

Preparing for Midsummer celebrations takes time; there is so much to do. So today, I focus solely on this blog post and my witchcraft rituals for next Tuesday.

Wednesday will be celebrating my husband’s 49th birthday, which we also highlight with a garden party on Saturday.

Then there is Monday, Thursday, and Friday left to get the house cleaned, the garden polished, and our minds set for good times with good people.

Tomorrow, I begin my new project of getting more fit for life’s many challenges. I have started at a local gym, and yes, oh yes, I feel it in every bone and nerve in my body, mind, and soul. I will attend the gym three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tomorrow, we will clean the house as well. And tomorrow, I will finish creating two beautiful rituals celebrating Litha or the Summer Solstice morning on Tuesday,

Thursday, I will need to relax after my husband’s birthday breakfast gathering on Wednesday. I also have time off from my social work, so there is time and resources to celebrate him properly.

Friday will be very busy, as we will gather nine people with us on Saturday to celebrate both my husband’s birthday and a ladies’ luncheon. Therefore, there must be prepared food and drinks, we need to borrow an extra table and chairs, and it is necessary to go to sleep early on Friday evening, as we will get up equally early on Saturday morning to fix everything before our guests arrive at noon.

Regarding my two witchcraft rituals celebrating the Summer Solstice, one of them will be for my counselor, as she has expressed a wish to experience a little bit of what goes on when my husband and I create magick together in my Witch’s Den.

I think I will show her some prayers, an easy and cozy spell, and a small Tarot reading with her picking the cards.

When this blog post has been written and posted, it is time to call my eighty-five-year-old father and talk about this busy week where I have learned the hard way what it means to begin working at the local gym after more than twenty-two years without exercise in the everyday.

Preparing for Midsummer celebrations includes my silent thank you to the Sun for its life-giving warm rays that have been, if not abundant, more than fair this Summer.

Over a little more than a year, I have changed. A lot for the better, thank you, dear Universe. It was challenging and, at times, nearly heartbreaking, to release and say goodbye forever to a toxic relationship.

It was, however, revigorating, life-enriching, and forever so sweet a change to get the unforeseen opportunity to get to know a few good people.

For once, we won in life’s lottery of chance meetings.

We also celebrate such meetings next week. This is because we like each other’s company and keep finding good reasons to meet, eat some delicious food, toast our friendship, and laugh together. A lot, actually.

Preparing for Midsummer celebrations takes its toll on me, however, so I have turned to a day filled with rest and relaxation. Sitting here in my living room with the little wise, old dog, turning twelve years old on July 3rd, I’m sharply dressed in old but comfortable clothes; a bathrobe, slippers, and my hair undone purposedly.

This week has been mentally hectic, physically challenging, and spiritually demanding. But I have enjoyed it all the way, especially in my early mornings with close encounters with Mother Earth on my morning walk-and-talks with my dear friend, a true storyteller by heart.

At the social house, I was praised and appreciated for my empathy and work with peer handicapped people. Mixing mental and physical handicaps is a great initiative, which both parties can use to keep on the excellent work creating a mindful life despite severe challenges in the everyday.

My plans include a late Summer pig roast party, creating string art with an almost blind woman, and challenging myself to become a better listener.

It feels good to try to achieve a positive difference for other people. Seeing them change from despair to hope and joy is heartwarming. But I also know that there will be tough days as well, where the only thing I can do to help is listen.

Preparing for Midsummer celebrations, feeling happy and content, becoming the best possible version of me.

I’m proud to announce that my current news level is at the absolute minimum. I simply don’t have either time or mental room for negativity from the outside world. It is crazier than ever before in my life so far. And there is so little we can do to push it back into normal mode.

But here, we try to do whatever possible to remain sane and keep a positive outlook on life’s many twists and turns.

We have consciously chosen to live our lives as if today were the last day for us on Mother Earth. We don’t know tomorrow before we are lucky to wake up and experience it. And we should leave the past behind, as it can never be changed anyway.

Only in the present moment is it possible for us to live life and be happy.

Now, it is time to relax before an early dinner with my husband and the phone call to my father.

May your week be blessed with a happy Summer Solstice, lots of warming Sun energy in your lives, and deep inner peace, dear readers and followers.

May next week be as joyful as this one has been, preferably worldwide; thank you, dear Universe.

And may my mood swings be as mild as they have been throughout this week.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

In the first part of this blog post, I write on a beautiful Summer Saturday. I’m worn down after a hectic morning working old school, helping a dear friend receive 12 cubic meters of firewood for heating.

We were seven people, and we worked hard for about two hours. Teamwork all the way, and we enjoy helping one another.

No matter how tired I am or how much my body aches after countless rounds with heavy wheelbarrows, I’m happy and content.

Because it happened with the good people in my life. And there is much more to come, as another friend and I will go on a day trip tomorrow.

We will visit a church and learn its long history, attend a Sunday mass, and eat lunch at a beautiful roadhouse.

Last but certainly not least, we will meet a local group in our little town, a group of people who, every year in Spring, host the day where the cows are allowed to come out after a long Winter.

I will write more about that in the second part of this blog post that will be written right after my trip.

For today, I save my thoughts about living in the present moment while working old school.

It just feels great knowing good people. We complement each other with a span of lived years from somewhere in the forties to the late sixties.

We know what we want and need in our lives and how to stand up for ourselves and say no, too. We like doing things together while, at the same time, respecting the basic unwritten rules of treating others the same way we want to be treated by others. And we genuinely like each other’s company.

The music in my ears today, well, let’s listen to some thundering drums, some crying bass guitars, and preferably old-school style.

At last, my life feels complete. The best possible living conditions, even on a stringent budget. A backing I have always wished for in my everyday. And freedom of speech to write about it in the hope of inspiring other people around the world.

Working old school with good people is challenging and takes its toll on the physical body. But it is also fun, life-enriching, and memorable. And from the day we met, everything has changed for the better.

For that, I’m grateful, and thank you, dear Universe, for the gift of opportunity and sheer luck.

Let me conclude this part of the post by welcoming new followers and readers. Thank you for being here, staying put, and reading me.

It is often because I do not have a Gravatar profile if I don’t follow you. Therefore, please send me a link to where you write; I would like to read you, too.

May your Saturday be merry and filled with happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness. I will return tomorrow evening, the theme being my day trip.

Welcome back to this early Sunday evening. Returning home after a long and exciting day with the local church group feels good. First, we went to a modern church where we witnessed the Christening of the two beautiful little girls, Marie and Luna.

Second, we had a delicious lunch at a fine roadhouse with a long history. And last but definitely not least, we meet with a local cattle farmer in our hometown. There was coffee, biscuits, and cake, too. During our short stay, he told us about the guild of cattle lovers, which is open for membership for less than 8 US dollars a year.

They have their annual general meeting in a few days. I will apply for membership for my husband and myself tomorrow because it will be fun and good for us to get to know these people.

They are fiery souls like us. And I simply adore the Galloway cows, with their mixed colors and wild temper.

Now, I’m pretty tired after a long and exciting weekend. So, the remains of the evening, I dedicate equally to relaxation and working the second round with my new Tarot cards.

Next week, Wednesday, to be specific, I begin my next challenge of attending a gym to try to be a little more fit and to make my weight loss last this time.

And I will try to work at the social house for a few more hours, for I’m happy to experience what it really means to make a difference that matters to somebody else.

Other than that, I expect another busy week with many positive encounters with the good people in my life. One of my many creative plans includes sewing a curtain of beautifully laced handkerchiefs for my bathroom window.

There is a kitchen to clean thoroughly, laundry to attend to, and countless other things that must be taken care of. In addition, we have a garden birthday party to plan this month; my birthday comes next month, and the big Summer party in the garden also takes a lot of planning and preparations.

So, you see, there are always busy times here. I must also find the time to work with my upcoming Litha Sabbath celebrations next week.

But, for now, I need a more extended break, just listening to old-school music. I’m happy and content with my life; I’m living in the present moment as if today was my last on Mother Earth. And everything feels good, except for my aching body after the hard work yesterday. Therefore, it is time to relax.

May your week be full of joy, happiness, and memorable moments, dear readers and followers. May people of this world learn to behave better than they do now, especially our politicians, who think they can act like spoiled brats at the expense of everybody else. And may my life stay busy now that my mood has stabilized for the better again.

As we all will it, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Their kind is rare. They have fought every inch of the way to stay true to their nature. And they make a world of difference to me.

This blog post I at this moment dedicate to them, including you, dear readers and followers.

The Good People in my life; make me want to become the best possible version of myself every morning throughout the day.

Today, I will address what life with Good People feels like.

For that, I´m grateful.

This week, we went to the central city of the county to withdraw cash and shop for necessities and a birthday gift for a dear friend. That trip included visiting a local second-hand shop, where I found a little sweet witch doll for my collection in the ceiling in my Witch´s Den.

And on Friday, we went to the local market, where you can buy practically everything, also the stuff that you absolutely don´t need.

My husband got his beloved flowers, and he got me a new purse.

And then there has been my daily early morning walks with my friend. In addition, we are invited to a birthday brunch party in August, celebrating two of our dear friends and their 65th birthdays.

Later this month, it is our turn to host the monthly ladies´ luncheon and, at the same time, celebrate my husband´s 49th birthday.

And, once a week, I work as a volunteer at a social house, where people with physical and mental handicaps meet and help each other cope with life and its challenges.

So, we are pretty busy at the moment, socially, mentally, and physically.

I have lost almost 2.5 kg/5 lb since I began my morning walks just before the world became very different.

The Good People in my life are the main contributing factors to that. My goal is 10-15 kg/22-33 lb within a year.

It helps me cope with osteoarthritis, and it is here to stay for the rest of my life. And mentally, I feel enriched on an almost indescribable level.

We can talk with these people about everything, including the tough stuff that hurts deeply.

We can share a work project without arguing or quitting. And we can enjoy each other´s company, whether it is for a morning talk-and-walk including a couple of cups of coffee right after, or a social gathering sharing a delicious meal and listening to old school storytellers.

Whenever I feel a bad vibe in my mental stamina, I tell my loved ones about it, especially the Good People. But now, after a little more than a year of knowing each other more and more closely, they know just by reading the look on my face when we meet.

I´m extremely careful about meeting new people. I have been hurt before, a lot. And the Good People in my life today know exactly what it means to be lied to, used, and taken for granted.

Because they have been there, done that.

But we share our life´s stories, often around a bonfire in the gardens, inside on bad weather days, and always when we want to. Nobody should feel obliged to visit or host visitors.

We like to help and be around each other in the everyday, particularly when it makes a significant difference in our lives, and only when both parties feel fit for it.

And we care deeply for one another, to the degree that I have never actually experienced it so genuine in practice before.

It is all about hanging on and staying there for as long as possible this time.

And so we do, my sweet husband and I, and sharing my life with you, dear readers and followers, is a true privilege in my current life.

I, therefore, send you the best possible wishes for a happy Whitsunday/Pentecost, wherever you may be in the present moment.

You are also Good People. And I try to read you as much as I can; I like what I see and read, thank you.

The Good People in my life; make me happy, keep me busy, and help me cope with four anxiety diagnoses, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and a couple of physical ailments.

It is not hard to write positively about such people when you have first met them and lived your lives together.

I feel lucky, I am content and pleased with my current living conditions, and I know it doesn´t come without a price.

That being the bad days where I can only watch TV or sleep on the couch.

But I don´t count them anymore.

I know also that the trees don´t grow into the sky for a reason.

I use the bad days to reflect on my life; I do my most personal shadow work here.

But with Good People in my life, the bad days seem to fade out more and more, replaced by laughter, happy and thoughtful moments, and exciting times.

It is rare, fun, and the feeling of being rich with everything that life´s about. There is a major gap between leaving a toxic relationship and being received the way we have been by Good people. And it is worth so much more than winning any lottery to me.

Right after posting this, I will be talking to my eighty-four-year-old father. It is Father´s Day today, so I have written him an email. Then there is something to enjoy when the conversation is over.

And tonight, it is right back to my new Tarot deck, which by now, I love dearly.

May your week be joyful, sunny, and beautiful, dear readers and followers. May the wounds of the world heal soon. And may my coming transformation into the lower mood this time be just a little easier to handle.

So, let´s meet online in a joint prayer for world peace, together with happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness to all beings on Mother Earth.

So mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

Next Wednesday, it is Summer again, according to the human-made calendar. But the weather gods seem to have a mind of their own, and for long now, the weather has been more than fair. So, with the occasional showers, everything grows and shows beauty in my husband’s beloved garden.

But he has to take extra good care of himself today due to an old occupational injury in his shoulder. Therefore, he is in the living room, enjoying a binge-worthy series and trying to cope with chronic pain.

So, I have migrated to my creative desk next room (we have three living rooms en suite, one for television, one for creative pursuits, and one for ladies´ luncheons and dinners with family and friends).

Here, I currently keep my laptop and notes for my digital version of a Book of Shadows. I enjoy my birthday present in the evenings, which I received a little earlier than expected. Before my birthday, I plan to get to know my new Tarot deck (The Herbcrafter’s Tarot). Then, on July 14, 2022, I want to consecrate and use the deck for the very first time.

It is only my second deck of Tarot cards. The first is a traditional Rider-Waite deck that I bought in an esoteric store many years ago in my youth. It has been through Hell and back and needs restoration and only occasional use.

So I wished for a new deck; thank you, dear Universe, for granting me the opportunity to hopelessly fall in deep love with the Herbcrafter’s Tarot. It is beautifully designed. It requires some contemplation, as it is considerably different from the traditional deck I have used for so long. And it immediately caught my attention when I first spotted it at my favorite Danish online esoteric store.

When I have learned it thoroughly, I will write an entire blog post about it, spiced with my own experiences. And, just for the record, I receive nothing in return to speak positively about it.

As this blog has developed, I no longer plan to make money here. It is way too precious for me to write here at all to risk losing you, dear readers and followers, for the sake of money.

I’m annoyed at bloggers who always seek the money line at the expense of something actually worth reading. But, of course, it is their right to do so; I just don’t find myself in that category of bloggers.

Where this blog is next year at this time, I genuinely don’t know. For the moment, I feel content simply writing here about my life and my three beloved hobbies: writing, witchcraft, and creative pursuits.

Summertime is near now; soon, we will enjoy the few long summer evenings only with a slight breeze to cool off a day’s warmth from the life-giving Sun.

It will be time to celebrate Litha, or the Summer Solstice, in only twenty-three days. From then on, the long journey to the land of King Winter begins.

But, for now, let’s celebrate life in all its aspects and meet in a silent prayer for humankind and Mother Earth.

It is so badly needed, although it feels completely incomprehensible why humans always seem to seek out trouble and warfare as the sole means to justify their actions.

Instead, we should keep the peace between us; we should care for Mother Earth and all her creations, and we should behave like grown-ups rather than spoiled brats.

That we try to do here at this beautiful spot on the planet. Brutal honesty, common decency, and genuine interest in sharing the beauty of life and helping one another.

There may not be room for people who lie, cheat, and show disrespect. But, in return, there is love, friendship, and kindness in our little group of good people.

Soon, there will be lots of things to do. We need to go shopping, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy ladies´ luncheons. At the same time, I have my new social house to attend to. It is a source of indescribable joy when you lift somebody’s mood just by listening to them and great concern when their life turns 360 degrees around itself.

But I turned a suggestion down this weekend. I’m not yet ready to face everything independently, without support and transportation options. They can use my knowledge and experience when I feel I can give what is needed among the people who come to the house.

And today is not such a day, as I don’t know who would show up today. So I need a more extended and slower introduction to use my energy wisely and have enough, both for that and for my private life here.

Summertime is near now; I can feel it in every cell of my body, mind, and spirit. I have chosen not to include any pictures this time, as my words are enough today. But next time, I will catch the best of motives from my husband’s beautiful garden.

The music behind the writing today is a tossed salad of different styles and times. My mood switches between high and low this afternoon. But I’m used to that by now, and I write nevertheless, as I believe that keeping my mind busy helps keep the wandering thoughts at bay.

It is time to wrap this up and wish you a beautiful, sunny Sunday. My endeavors for the day’s remains are to shift between working on my digital Book of Shadows and getting to know my new Tarot deck.

Summertime is near now; the week is almost gone, and I feel even more content than usual. Life is beautiful and rich.

May your week be filled with moments of joy and happiness, dear readers and followers. May world peace be the new cool. And may my current strong mental stamina stay faithfully with me throughout Summer well into Fall.

As we will it together, so mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

A better expression about this week is impossible.

My energy levels are growing, my morning walks pay off big time, and my new community work is heartwarming, mindful, and worth every second.

Monday, I passed 11,000 steps a day. Tuesday, my meeting with my counselor went faster than ever before, and Wednesday simply created an appreciable difference for both a handicapped fellow citizen and me.

Thursday, I was tired deep down in my bones, and I spent a fun happy hour in my creative den building a wind chime from scrap wood, bamboo sticks, wire, and a fierce stapler.

That continued throughout Friday, too, but I was nowhere near the finishing touch. To finish, I need my husband’s hands and mind. He is the handyman and gardener of my life, and everything he touches becomes magickal.

Yesterday, we should have been at our dear friends’ s place to watch the local speedway group on TV. Still, my husband was tired after a long and industrious week. I fought my osteoarthritis and mental clutter in my mind.

So, we stayed at home, he binge-watched a binge-worthy series, and I wrote in my digital Book of Shadows.

Today, we went to the oldest town in Denmark, Ribe, to experience the Festival of Tulips with marching bands, a funfair, and a parade.

It was almost overwhelming when people gathered in downtown Ribe out of nowhere. I need to go back to the week before the first lockdown in Denmark in March 2020 to remember being in the middle of a crowd of people.

The best week so far in 2022, we now relax in our living room together with the little wise, old dog and the three philosophical cats.

Their den got a thorough Spring cleaning yesterday, and our almost twelve-year-old dog got his walks and sniffs in beautiful May weather.

Contemplating my current life conditions, I count my blessings and bow my head humbly. For my family, my friends, and my familiar companions, I am more than grateful. And thank you, dear Universe, for every challenge, every mistake that later became a life experience, and every split second of my time on Mother Earth.

We may live on a small but strong budget. We may carry along ailments and mental disorders. And we may seem so apart from whatever is regarded as “normal,” whatever that may or may not be.

But we are happy. We are blessed with deep inner peace. We continue to stay reasonably healthy. And we practice kindness and have learned the art of giving without expecting to receive in return.

All things considered, my current life feels good.

The best week so far in 2022; perhaps I should top that with a cup of chai tea, combining the art of writing with witchcraft and my creative projects.

How to do that quickly and with only little effort?

I will end this week working with my digital Book of Shadows creatively. Tonight, I will work with the graphic expression that needs to be amongst thousands and more thousands of words.

I need some online time searching for beautiful ideas for illustrating a Book of Shadows. Typically, I will begin at a place like Pinterest, continue creating my own designs, and then grab drawing paper and pencils.

It is calming, relaxing, and liberating to get inspired and create one’s own material. And it will be an appropriate way to leave this week as happy as it began on Monday.

Today’s blog picture is of my husband’s new garden bed for me. The plan is to buy medicinal plants next Spring to use both in the kitchen and in my witchcraft rituals. There are non-perennial plants, so there is already something beautiful to look at.

I have been consistent and steadfast and have only watched the essential news. This world is way too crazy for me these odd years, and I try to shield myself as much as possible.

Next week begins as busy as the previous ones this year. And on Wednesday, I will visit the social center twice; the first time being creative with a fellow citizen, and the second time eating dinner with some of the people who attend the place.

I feel deep in my body, mind, and soul that community work holds great rewards. Not to toot my own horn, but to create meaning in an often meaningless world.

Actually, it is pretty difficult to describe the feelings I come home with after a visit there. It simply just makes meaning to me.

It is a rich mixture of emotional happiness, mental clarity, and deep inner peace. I have always wanted to try it. So now I grab the chance and see what happens along the path.

The best week so far in 2022; getting closer to beginning wrapping up this blog post. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to live in a free county being able to write freely and without censorship.

I feel happy and free whenever I write something. I feel calmed and assured when I practice the art of witchcraft. And I feel deeply content when I’m in a creative mood.

For that and for my creative talents, I feel grateful.

Sharing my life with you, dear readers and followers, reading your stuff, and from time to time commenting on some of it, too, thank you for taking part in this beautiful journey of a lifetime.

With twenty-five words left to sum up, well, the best week so far in 2022, I have seldom felt so good, so content, so happy.

May your week be blessed with happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness, dear readers and followers.

May the leaders of this world come to their senses and remember that they are here to serve the people, not vice versa.

And may my current life stay on track for as long as possible.

Thanking you in advance, dear Universe.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.

This week is one of a kind concerning positive human behavior. Wednesday, I had the fantastic privilege and honor of meeting one of the fiery souls. They help handicapped people cope in the everyday.

I also met a woman with less than ten percent of her eyesight left due to complications with diabetes. We agreed to meet again next Wednesday, each with some of their creative projects.

The idea is that I will become her eyes while her hands will work together with mine. And we will create something beautiful.

I have asked to get acquainted with the expectations of a peer-to-peer social worker.

And the plan is to travel the county and meet with people where they actually are physically, mentally, and spiritually.

When I returned from my first session, two hours had passed without the feeling of time whatsoever. A sad and troubled fellow citizen shape-shifted into a happy, smiling, and waving new person.

That feeling that hit me is almost indescribable as I’m still contemplating the utter sense of happiness and true meaning.

The fiery soul happens to be the new leader of all the drop-in centers of the county.

The feeling of deep inner peace has stuck with me throughout the week after a beautiful and educative life lesson in treating people the way I want to be treated myself.

I have been extremely tired, too. That I ascribe to all the new impressions and subtle moments this week has brought me.

Deep inner peace and community work is worth every second of the experience. I have always wanted to try something like this, and I’m happy and proud that others think I can do it well.

Now, my life experiences and everything I have learned genuinely come into their own.

This week brought a wonderful gathering of friends, too. Yesterday, we shared a BBQ dinner with good friends in their new home.

It felt like had Summer asked Spring to hurry, for it was sunny and cozy in their greenhouse with an old vine climbing all over the place.

It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes each way to get to our friends. But I love to walk, and I already walk at least half an hour in the early morning, just to clear my mind and try to get a little more fit for my general health.

My emergency box for Ukrainians is growing day by day. Now, I’m halfway through and the next goal is to gather bandages, diapers, canned food, and hygiene products. The plan so far is to ship it for free with the Danish postal service in the middle of June.

They offer to bring packets of a maximum of  25 kg for free to their Ukrainian counterpart, who will then pass it to those in dire need of help.

I know that my work is only a tiny drop in the ocean, but this way, I feel that I at least have tried doing something to make this hideous war just a little less wrong.

Tuesday, my husband and I shared a witchcraft ritual, slightly behind schedule, the Sabbath of Beltane.

Today’s picture shows my altar set up. It was shorter than usual; however still beautiful, soothing, and mindful.

Deep inner peace and community work, well, who can wish for more? I may have some physical and mental challenges to overcome. Still, I feel in the depth of my heart and deep within my body, mind, and soul that I better late than never have reached the best part of my life so far.

At my interview last week, I was asked why I wanted to live this dream out. I answered directly, honestly, and promptly: to make other people happy.

To reach somebody where they actually are in the present moment, to help change tears into smiles, and to learn to love me as well as other people; these goals I have already reached, so what comes hereafter is my reward for being me, not to toot my own horn, but to assist others in acknowledging their very own strengths despite severe challenges in their everyday.

Today’s tasks are to write in my digital version of a Book of Shadows, bask in the sun with my husband and the little wise, old dog, and call my eighty-four-year-old father tonight.

Today’s writing music is the good old stuff, the protest songs, old school rock’n’roll, and, all things considered, anything where you can’t help yourself toe-tapping the rhythm.  

And today’s feelings are happiness, inner peace, good health, and kindness.

Soon, it’s time to go out in my husband’s beautiful, blooming Spring garden with the little wise, old dog. He loves to lie on the sunbed and sniffle happily in the air.

But first, I need to meditate on life’s twists and turns. This recent year has been strange, yet so enlivening, so full of joy, and so life-affirming. We left a toxic relationship for something so much better.

We have found the rarest kind of friends you want to keep in your life forever. We like to help each other, we want to meet often, and we quickly pick up on yesterday’s conversation.

This week, I also had the great pleasure of talking with my bonus little sister, the daughter of the eldest friends of my parents. We spoke for more than an hour and a half, and her plan is to visit us this Summer with her husband and two daughters.

This tells me that something wonderful and great is coming, a Summer party in the garden with dear friends.

May your week be filled with inner peace and positive experiences, dear readers and followers. May many more people learn to work together instead of fighting for no reason whatsoever. And may my current mood remain strong throughout Summer well into Fall.

If we care enough to pray for this, it might happen to us all.

So mote it be.

Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.