May Revel 2012

This year's May Revel was one of the best parties we have hosted at Dragonwood.  The day arrived warm and cloudy, but by afternoon the skies cleared.  Our guests arrived in waves, with the first group briefly landing like hummingbirds only to flit off again.  It was a great treat to see them, and supply them with the traditional May wine, herbal lemonade, and cheese tasting.  We hope the rest of their day was as beautiful as they were!  When the next wave of friends rolled in, we celebrated the season with a romp around the maypole.  I think this year's dance was our best ever, with kisses all around once the ribbons were braided.  Faerygirl's posse joined her for giggles and fun, and Squirrelboy made a new friend.  We also caught three snakes with Squirrelboy's new herpetological mentor.  Someone brought a cornhole game and kites, which delighted young and old alike.  Then the Lord of Dragonwood fired up the grill and made his luscious burgers.  We also served weenies and marshmallows toasted over the firepit.  To cap off the evening, our friends drummed as the Supermoon rose over Dragonwood, full and rosy.  We drummed and danced until the stars came out.  Later on, in the night, the Lord and Lady held hands in the moonlight, reflecting on a perfect, most beautiful day.

Irises and Strawberries

Tonight, the Lord of Dragonwood took us on a walk to see the secret irises in bloom. Although we knew they existed, for three years or so we have never seen their flowers. Delicate they are, and lovely. Pale, pale blue-purple with soft yellow throats, much more subtle than their showy cultivated sisters. They have that pure beauty of an innocent woman, simple in her garments but irresistible in her loveliness.

In the gardens, the strawberry harvest is heavy. We picked as a family in the evening, and after the children are abed, the grownups hull and wash and put them up. The Lord is a master of strawberry jam and other sweet delights. The full Strawberry Moon rose red this evening, perfectly matching the hue of the fat berries in our bowl.

Squirrelboy found out why we don't keep petting spiders (I did warn him). Mamma Wolf Spider did not appreciate the harassment, and bit him on the finger. After a bout of howling, Squirrelboy seems to be absolutely fine. We hope he has learned his lesson. "But I can still pet daddy long-legs," he says, having learned that they do not bite people. And there was the time earlier this spring when he found out why you don't want to pet a bee...

Outside the front door of the Manor, the Lord is building a fine strong deck. And last night, the Lady held a soiree with intimate friends to honor this growing time of year. Soft music under the moon and stars, with good food and good conversation, is a perfect way to spend an evening.

The Nightsingers

O the Nightsingers, they celebrate
the June moon
friendly and warm and full
like a mother's face beaming at her
children.

You were there with me, you know
the harmony
'tween crickets and starlight and we
around the fire with our guitars and
drumming.

Sweet voices, raised in song,
us and they
not so different after all,
our living, dying, believing,
and joy.

Tasting the First Weed of Spring

I ate my first weed of the season yesterday! With the warmth and wetness, all the green things are springing from the earth. As I unloaded the groceries I saw the vibrant weeds thrusting up along the concrete pad. I greeted the dandelions with joy. I just could not resist taking a brand new leaf for a little taste. It was delightful! Soon I will be making weed salads again. In the yard, the grass and clover are greening. Little sprouts hide under the leaf mulch. And the insects are out! Our bees are doing well, and the fly family is also buzzing about. Even though I know cold weather can still visit from time to time, I believe that Spring has come at last. And did you see that Full Moon? My, she was gorgeous! It has been so exciting to watch the green returning to Dragonwood, first in the moss and lichen, now the grass...and soon it will be fresh new leaves. I know that flowers are open somewhere, probably high atop the maples, because the bees are bringing in creamy pollen in their leg baskets. If you see an insect in your own back yard, greet her for me!