sandraplace

I awoke the other night with a start from a dream that shook me to my bones. I dreamt an old friend visited me and asked me to remember him. He needn’t have worried, as he was a man I could never forget. His name was Lee. He was a gay man in a time of isolation and at least 30 years older than me.

As the old year of 2025 wound down and the new one was on the horizon, I imagine many us turned our thoughts to the way we will greet, meet and initiate the upcoming year. Perhaps many also decided to resolve to change a behavior or set a goal using New Year’s Resolutions. Not to be pessimistic, but most resolutions fail, and fail rather quickly.

The holiday season holds the magic of meaning for all of us celebrating holidays around the world in the month of December. Each holiday is held sacred and defined by the culture in which it grew.

First Harvest and the Festival of Loaf Mass, Lammas, Lammastide, and also called Lughnasadh!

Walking outdoors in the month of July in any northern hemisphere locale, olfactory nerves are tickled with the flowery smells, blossoming trees, grasses, and the sweet aroma of herbs growing in our gardens.  Our optic nerves are stimulated with a flood of color and taste buds await the first harvest of herbs to spice our food, adding beauty, flavor and good medicine to our plates. 

When I was a child, we celebrated May Day with the traditional Maypole, May baskets and community gatherings for these events. Sadly, those things have gone away in most communities, but it does not lessen the joy the month of May brings.

When I was a child, we celebrated May Day with the traditional Maypole, May baskets and community gatherings for these events. Sadly, those things have gone away in most communities, but it does not lessen the joy the month of May brings.

I was a young adult (probably more accurate to say that I was an older child) when I started my first day and first round of college at Northern Michigan University.  For years prior I had listened to an odd assortment of music that can best be described as carrying social justice messaging.

We were so excited for our Christmas celebration this year. We lit up our Yule log, decorated the house and enjoyed the celebration of Winter Solstice preceding Christmas. Yes, I celebrate both! And I do not believe I am an enigma. I have authored several poems about this season that is full of light and grace.