Starcat's Favorites: August Craziness

August is often a very busy month for our family, and this year is no exception. We're busy with Dryst's soccer pre-season, birthday party preparations, working, getting ready for our autumn activities (yes, the planning process has begun), making fresh salsa, creating music, being present for some folks who need our help, grieving and healing, and of course, sneaking in a swim in the pond whenever we can.

I've still managed to keep up on my reading this week; much of it is inspirational, which helps keep me going when I start to feel overwhelmed or exhausted. Here are some links worth sharing.

This article addresses that feeling of getting overwhelmed, and offers ideas on how to create space for yourself within the chaos.

You can embody kindness by being more open, and letting go of fears that hold you back.

Sometimes we just need to go beyond our comfort zone, and seek out the types of adventures that wake us up to our passions.

Especially during a busy time, it's important to love what you do. Even when you don't.

For further help on living and loving life, check out these tips that keep you on your toes.

What can your body tell you that you might not be aware of consciously? This video has interesting information and an intriguing exercise on behavioral kinesiology.

And finally, if you can take a few moments to relax, even during a busy week, the stillness will help you recharge and restore your energy.

Starcat's Favorites: Life and Death

My husband Quester's Dad passed away this weekend. He'd been ill for much of the spring and summer, and so we got to visit him several times (he lived 3 hours away from us). Quester and his siblings had a chance to say their goodbyes, but of course it is still a hard thing. I'd known his Dad since I was a freshman in college, which was when Quester and I first started dating. I'm glad I got to say my fond farewells to him too, and to hold space for Quester and his older sister as they went through the process of letting go. Life is such a mixture of joys and sorrows, love and loss. I'm grateful for all of it, and for the words of wisdom that we humans share along the way. Here are a few for your perusal this week. Blessings!

The thing is, we really don't know exactly how things are going to turn out. And it's okay.

I agree with much of this sweet manifesto. Even if you don't resonate with everything on it, it might inspire you to create your own list.

Loved this wisdom on how to reframe when things aren't going your way.

This poem might bring a sigh, or even a tear. Truly lovely.

I've been doing a lot of drumming lately. This article about the healing powers of rhythm is excellent!

If you're an artist or creator in any way, check out this TED talk. Fantastic.

Maybe you're feeling ready to add some adventure to your life. Here are some new tools that can help! I love her website, too.

Starcat's Favorites: Preparing and Awaiting

This week I was awaiting the return of Quester and ElvenTiger. I was preparing for our annual Big Backyard Bash. I was meditating on my self-worth, friendship, nurturing, and lots of other ponderings. I was drumming and cleaning and polishing and reading and writing and lots of other ings. And lo and behold, it's the evening before the big party, and both of my dear ones are home safe. We celebrated with quesadillas and a game of Mexican Train Dominoes.

Here this week's gleanings:

You know those crazy things you'd like to do but are kind of afraid to, or just never quite get to? Do them! Go for it!

Supportive community is a wonderful thing.

Mercury is retrograde. I could kind of tell. Yes, I am indeed a Virgo and a writer.

I'm not really a photographer, but this sounds pretty fun. I might even play along.

After the party will come the quiet. I plan to revel in it.

I'm off to bed now, to dream the gathering into existence. I'll have a very special party post to share with you tomorrow or the next day. Blessings!

Starcat's Favorites: In the Heart of Summer

Here we are in the heart of summer! We've been having a heat wave here in Maine, which I always enjoy. I suspect I might be the only one, though. Most folks were huddled up miserably with air conditioners and fans. I'm strange, I know, but I love being very warm! Some of my other lives must be nearer to the equator.

Our family's summer is going pretty well. We've been having lots of fun swimming in the ponds and river. Dryst went to a day-long concert with his friends, and ElvenTiger is getting ready for summer camp. The super hot weather has passed for now, but it's still sunny and pleasant. I hope you're enjoying yourself this lovely July!

Here are some links for your weekend amusement.

If you're looking for a fantastic novel to read this summer, I very highly recommend this one. I couldn't put it down until I was done.

We're getting ready to host a big party next weekend, so I started thinking about some deep cleaning and organizing. This post brought a new level of thoughtfulness to the process.

BlackLion has been doing some transformation, and is seeking out some additional joyful community to enrich his experience.

While we're on the topic of community, here's a great article on why women (and men too, I suspect) thrive more in tribes.

It's summer, traditionally a time to relax, yet often we still push ourselves to be productive. How do you find a balance?

Here's one for my fellow introverts, and those who love them.

Have a super fabulous fun week!

Starcat's Favorites: Digging In

Well, hello there! I guess I haven't written anything here since last week's favorites. I've been digging in deep this week, working on a few projects that kept me busy. This Wednesday was the kids' end-of-year portfolio review, so I got to look over all the things they did this past year, and see how things are going on our unschooling journey. The short answer is, very well indeed! In the process of creating portfolios, talking with the kids, and meeting with our certified teacher, I also got lots of ideas for things they'd each like to pursue beginning this fall. Which brings more work to do, but it's fun putting together resources and ideas.

Also, BlackLion and I were immersed in our first week of the twelve-week course The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I'm loving it! I did even more journal-writing than usual, and I plan to share some of it here on the blog. And of course, I've been working on my book, Starcat's Corner: Essays on Pagan Living. I received the copy edited manuscript and have been reviewing it and answering some of the publisher's questions. All of that, plus lots of swimming during the heat spell we've been having. Fun!

I did have time to find some lovely tidbits to share with you this weekend, though. Happy clicking!

Found this great new blog to check out - and I love her post on imaginal cells and surrender. Mmmm.....

There are benefits to being shy. Who knew? Well, I guess I did, but not back when I was younger and at the peak of my shyness and anxiety.

Three little words that will uplift your spirits...they might not be the ones you're thinking of, either.

I love this yummy post about making your life into an abundant garden. Tasty and nutritious!

Here's a rather intense, but excellent, article about the deep need for poets, dreamers, artists, and thinkers. We truly need the power of the imagination.

And in case you're feeling a bit overwhelmed this month, check out this energy report for July. Big doings!

Have a relaxing weekend...

Starcat's Favorites: Encouragement and Rest

How is your July going so far? What types of fun things have you been up to? This week, I've been taking some extra time for rest, as I let my body heal and recover. I've also been swimming quite a bit, with the kids (we've been to the lake, river, and ocean, all in this one week!). I love to swim, and to spend relaxing time outdoors.

I've also been giving myself some encouragement, as this week's links will show. Sometimes you just need a little boost, to realize that you really are on the right path. Enjoy this week's findings, and have a blissful weekend!

Why is it that we so often think about how far we have to go, rather than celebrating where we've been? Here are some wise ways to recognize your progress.

Are you following your calling in some way? Are you sharing your talents with the world? Whether you are or not, here are some key questions to ask yourself.

We often think of education as something done in a classroom. Truly, you are learning in each moment, and from the things you choose to focus on. And so is everyone else.

Here are some seemingly simple, yet profound, ways to improve your life and have more fun in the process.

Do you love inspired quotes? You can probably tell that I do. Here's a collection of some awesome quotes to fire you up!

I love metta (loving-kindness) meditation, and I incorporate it into my regular spiritual practice. Here's a lovely guided metta meditation that will take you less than ten minutes. Try it and see what happens!

Blessings to you and yours, always.

Starcat's Favorites: Slowing Down

I'm sitting in a comfy chair, hot water bottle on my lower back, laptop on my lap, summer breezes caressing me through the open windows. It's a very slowed-down version of the Friday I had planned. Yesterday I hurt my lower back. This is a new one for me. I know lots of people who have back troubles, but mine has been blessedly healthy until now. I'm not even sure what happened. I went strawberry picking, but I sat down in the rows to pick, rather than bending over, so why would that do something to these core muscles? I think perhaps my body is just enforcing the message it has been giving me recently: it's time to freaking slow down. Seriously. So now I'm informed, in a very emphatic way. I'm listening.

Here are my favorites from this week. Despite a fairly busy week (up until today), there are quite a few to share. I hope you can take the time to slow down, receive, and be inspired, in whatever way you please. Have a peaceful weekend!

Love this treatise on how to actively adore yourself. Go you!

The title and opening lines of this one cracked me up, and then its deeper message sank in.

Being you. That's what it's all about.

You're doing your best. And yes, that is marvelously enough.

When you're in an especially busy patch, that's when you need even more nurturing. Here are some suggestions.

Ooh, I totally want to declare a Dream Day! Anyone else drawn to this?

For my fellow writers and artists, here's an article about the new way of getting the word out.

How to follow through on a meaningful goal. Keep on keeping on!

And last but not least, 100 Things to Do Instead of Procrastinating on the Internet. Ironic, eh? Heh heh.

Starcat's Favorites: Summer is Here!

Happy summer to you! This week has been one of sun and performances and work and trying to fit in regular life stuff, like housework and healthy meals. Saturday brings two more Dark Follies shows, and then, most likely, a bit of a crash as I reset back to normal mode. No worries, though, it's just part of the cycle of a creative life. Here are a few links to brighten your weekend.

One of my favorite Pagan authors (and my namesake), Starhawk, posted about the arrival of the Summer Solstice this week.

I just discovered this online magazine, Pagan Living, and am loving their summer issue. A lot of the photos are from the charming hostess of the delightful fae blog A Fanciful Twist. Enjoy!

Last weekend I did some barefoot hiking. I was reminded in part by running across this very cool (and free!) barefoot manifesto recently.

In the summer you might be feeling the urge to go a bit wild. Here's your very own permission slip!

Love that wild self of yours! Embrace who you really are.

Last but not least, here are a couple of different takes on how to be yourself with grace, yet without apology.

Have an enchanting day!

Starcat's Favorites: Being Gentle With Your Self

I'm a bit late with the favorites post this week, as I've been away. A break from computers and other responsibilities was lovely, and I soaked up the refreshing energies of nature as I hiked with Quester. Now I'm back and getting caught up with my online reading and correspondence, plus some writing. I'm also doing a lot of prep for the Dark Follies show coming up later this week!

One of the themes I've noticed recently, especially since I'm so busy, is being vigilant about taking time for self-care. It's important to keep yourself replenished; otherwise you won't have anything to share with others! Here are some links to inspire you to be gentle with your lovely self as you start the week.

I just had to share this quote. It speaks for itself.

Seeing yourself in the mirror of how others treat you can be startling. It's worth exploring.

Here's a great article on what kindness means, especially in terms of being kind to yourself.

What does self-care mean to you? Here are the thoughts of a couple of cool women who have been diving into this subject recently.

If you'd like to go deeper and discover more about where you are on your path right now, check out this Tarot spread.

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy the Summer Solstice!

Starcat's Favorites: Rising to the Challenge

So you'd think I'd be riding high on the waves of having submitted my book manuscript, feeling uplifted and happy - and part of me is. And yet the end of this week, after the Venus transit, proved to be pretty challenging. My thoughts and feelings have been all jumbled, and I feel out of place (and even invisible) in my daily life. I'm finding the energies emerging from the recent astrological events to be kind of a bumpy ride. I'm working on smoothing it out.

Meanwhile, here are some of my favorites from the week, things that helped me get through. If you're having a bit of an internal crisis, too, perhaps some of them will inspire you.

You can deal with conflict compassionately, even when you're feeling awful. Slow down and try these tips.

Getting overwhelmed? Walk away from the to-do list. Even if only for a while.

The Law of Attraction works. But it might not always feel that way - it takes practice.

If you're not in the mood for tips or tools, how about some poetry that speaks to the heart full of longing?

I'm very excited for another blogger and author whose new book is now out! Check out her amazing story (just follow the links in her post).

I guess that's it for now. Let me know how you liked the links, and whether you have some of your own to share, in the comments. Have a lovely day!

Starcat's Favorites: An Experiment

I've noticed that several of my favorite blogs post a weekly (or so) post with links to things that they've been enjoying. It gives you further reading on topics that might resonate with you, and allows the blogger (me) to share some cool things I've encountered over the past week. So as an experiment, I'm going to try it. Here goes!

Saying yes! to the things that really matter. Mm-hmmm.

Living life as a spiritual practice. I'm saying yes! to this one, for certain.

If you consider yourself a life-long learner, check out how to design your own curriculum. I love this idea!

This coming week's Full Moon also includes a rare transit of the planet Venus across the sun. What does it mean? Here is an astrologer's perspective. Teri at Starsdance Astrology is also writing about the celestial events of the coming week.

I drum for a Vaudeville troupe called Dark Follies. We're doing our our own Kickstarter campaign. Help make it a success! You can get cool free stuff, including tickets to our stage show. Check out the adorable video, too.

Hope you enjoy the links. Post your own in the comments if you like, or give me some feedback on this new feature.