School Is Still In Sessions

It's official Celestial Pines Sanctuary has become homeschool central. So far in our county school is closed till April 3rd and we are encouraged to stay at home. Surrounding counties and major metropolitan cities are on "shelter in place order." The Renaissance man works in one of these counties so we will see tonight if his job is considered essential.  Low tech and high tec options are available to my 3rd grader and highschool girls so we are staying on course with courses. I'm also continuing my hippie homestead schooling, skills will be gained and implemented.

~ POND LIFE STUDIES ~

The Bumper Book of Nature  by Stephan Moss is my favorite children's field guide we've explored since the kids were itty bitty. Let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude in the land we moved to. Sitting on our deck overlooking  our own pond to study is bliss, and we are blessed.

We have a variety of frogs and toads, both in the pond and in the woods. Some have huge red eyes and some emit a scared chirp then jump into the water when you walk upon them in surprise. The chorus at night is my sleep time lullaby.

This one's on trend with the camo. It's amazing how they coexsist with all the turtles and snakes swimming around. Imagine the ecosystem under the surface.

Spawn- Ob-La-Di  Ob-La-Da life goes own!

 Turtle families afloat. during the day they can be spotted on the banks basking in the sun. The dogs tend to scare them back into the water once they are quickly spotted.

RED EAR SLIDER  - ADULT

RED EAR SLIDER  - BABY




~ ART STUDIES ~

 {M} {L} & I created a few random clay pieces, keeping our hands and minds busy. Sculpting with clay is a calming therapeutic form of art I discovered I enjoy as well.

~ COOKING LESSONS ~

 {M} made chocolate cookies from scratch and found the recipe himself in a cookbook.


~ GARDENING ~

 Introduction to imperfect food grown at home. His expression is priceless.


~ HAMMOCK READING ~

 My hammock reading usually turns into hammock napping. I'm currently riding the Magic Bus with Paulo Coelho in his adventure Hippie.  Like my boots? It's a necessity because of snakes. Not one but two of my big dogs got bit because they wouldn't leave one alone. Glad the venom was non toxic, I never did get a look at the kind of snake that bite them.

 GYPSY'S bite site.

MANCHA's muzzle.

{M} enjoying Diary Of An Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney. Gypsy's on guard looking out for snakes and teenage sisters!

Those are some of the activities going on around here. The girls are less apt to being photographed these days, go figure it's no problem if it's their phones and media.  Side note : Speaking of books I discovered an awesomely beautiful and amazing new library. Stay tuned for that post!

Sending love and light to all as we navigate life during Coronavirus.

The Winds Of Change

{ Photo via the web }

 October sure has been a whirl wind so far. I yearn for the above image to escape to. This Mama needs to just sit and  let all the swirl settle in my heart {in a gentle kind warm fuzzy assurance}. So here is what has been going on at Casa Sol Y Luna. We put our house up for sale last Monday and last night we chose a buyer. Yes folks in one week! Once potential buyers hit the back door the yard spoke to many hearts. In early November the caravan will be rambling along to our next destination South East Texas. My wonderfully awesome sister in-law is letting us land there as we scout out our next home and transplant ourselves into our new Texas homestead.

 That my friends was the wonderful news, now for the stuff that pulls at my heart strings. We will be leaving my eldest son behind with the tribe elders to finish school and get together a life plan. Education laws very by state, and I'm blessed to even have the option for him to complete his senior year and graduate on time.  If we're amigas on Facebook you have some depth into what has been going on around here. So now onto Halloween bits.

 Truly sorry I haven't been making the rounds on the blogs and participating in all the ghoulish spooky events occurring. No decorating in the home going on either, but my boxes of hallow decor will go to my sister to use for her Halloween birthday party, who knows maybe she will ask me to help spook up the place. One last trick or treating around my old stomping grounds will occur before we head out to the new frontier. I'm a ball of happy-sad everyday but have been holding myself together pretty well lately and I'm actually surprised with strength I didn't know exsisted until recently.

I leave you with a Harvest Moon pic, may the magic of October continue to fill the air and our souls.

Our Rescue Rico

The search for a new fur baby was sparked by the kind heart of a local realtor paying for all adoption fees for the animals at the Front St. Animal Shelter. One rainy Saturday we piled everyone into the truck and headed Downtown. We were not the only family looking and did not find the right dog there. We tried three more shelters around town and still ended going home empty handed. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

A few weeks went by and another rain day came. The Renaissance man ended up staying home from work so we went  to the mall to do some shopping and decided over holiday coffee to give the Front St Shelter another look. Still no luck in finding a pooch. After picking up the little's from school we decided to go check out  Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

We looked at many dogs, and this is very hard because when you walk by them they give you sad eyes when you walk away. A curious dog looked out the window and his tail started wagging as my son pressed his face against the window. As my daughter walked by  he followed her gaze looking back and forth between the children. As a prospective match there is a room in which you go into  with the dog to bond and see his temperament.

Once out of his room the dog became timid and shy. Walking near him he was nervous around  shoes and fast movements, this guy had it rough before and his previous owner wasn't so kind. Was I willing to take a skittish stray with an unknown past home? I debated and even after finding out he was on meds for kennel cough we made the decision to open our hearts and home.

We made the dangerous rainy drive home without incident and the dog fell asleep in my daughters arms. Once we got home it was time to see how Chico would receive another dog into the home. One of my fears of bringing a new dog home was the fact that we had presents around a tree inside. First thing that dog does is pee on the tree and a few packages had to be rewrapped. Thank goodness that was the one and only time. We named our new dog Rico. Yes that's Chico & Rico.

Now the story takes a twist and Rico almost goes back to the shelter the next day.

Being fresh out of the shelter Rico smelled foul. Giving the dog a full bath wasn't possible because he was recently neutered. So we purchased wipes and a coat spray. No matter what we did the dog smelled like skunk. That night there was barely any sleep and it was determined he needed to be returned because the smell wasn't bearable. I dreaded the next morning. It was hard for me to face the children and let them know we couldn't keep him. The shelter didn't open till 12:30 p.m which was probably his saving grace. A trot outside resulted in the dogs finally playing and Rico taking a pent up poo. 

After play and relieving himself he didn't smell as bad. Further research lead me to the knowledge that Cairn Terriers have oily coats and when it gets clogged and trapped in it's coarse hair it smells. I just couldn't go through returning him, we bonded that afternoon. When everybody came home from school  they were ecstatic that my heart wouldn't allow him to go back. It's been a week now since Rico is a part of the family and he's turned out to be a pretty awesome dog. Our Christmas wish was answered and I believe his was too.

Solstice Salutations

Season's Greetings from Casa Sol y Luna. Despite the many pin boards I made on Pinterest to find my decorating style this year I didn't end up needing them at all. Classic red, greens , and golds made the scene this year.

 

 We purchased our tree from a grocery store parking lot again this year, but I'm truly thinking of buying a faux one when they go on discount after the holidays. We got pretty lucky in picking a good one since we had no idea what it looked like until we cut the binding and the tree opened up like an umbrella.

After we trimmed the tree the stockings were hung with care.  I have four beautiful children but{E} being the teen girl she is requested I do not post her pic, that's why you will rarely see her here. Even Chico hangs his stocking!

A glimpse this may be into our festivities because I have truly been very busy with life in general.There has been plenty of baking , making, and planning for the new year that is quickly approaching. Today marks Winter Break for the whole tribe (except the Renaissance man) so hopefully I will post more often.  I wish you the Brightest Blessings on this Winter Solstice.

The Lush Life

After reading the title I realized there are many takes on the word lush and fortunately that type of lush living is behind me. I'm referring to the lushness that is brought on with days of equal sun and rain. The carpet of soft green grass under my feet feels so rejuvenating as I practice earthing. Mother nature is showing off  her underground wonders and providing a bounty for all of her creatures. In gratitude I take it all in and wish for the rest of November to be as luscious.

 The persimmons are ripe for the picking and this guy doesn't mind helping himself to the neighbors tree. Sometimes the branch that hangs into my yard has enough persimmons to make muffins and pudding. The birds have been pecking at the fruit lately and I find half eaten fruit on the ground going to waste.

A Wee bit of Mycology (because I'm a fungi)

Agaricus  Compestris also known as common field mushroom in it's blush stage.

 A few days passage and sun darken the gills and hardens the mushroom.

Another variety of field mushroom, more a button type. The mushrooms photographed are from my own backyard but I do not pick them just in case. 

What's blooming to the surface in your November?

All In The Name Of Hallow Fun

 October has been full of Halloween fun. Here is a re-cap of the past week celebratory fun. Every time we went into Walmart me went down the Halloween isles and played dress up.

 Pumpkins were carved on a day of rain and sun to spooky tunes of Pandora's Halloween Party station.

 Many theatrical song and dance were performed along the viewings of our favorite Halloween movies, and art was inspired.

Costumes and trick or treating at school to raise funds for my daughters 6th grade end of year trip was a hit.

My {M} turned the big 6 yesterday. We went to John's Incredible Pizza, the skating rink, and then cake and ice cream at home.

I hope this Halloween season was celebrated in many ways that brought you bliss! Today's celebrations will commence with taking the teens to see a scary movie since they have the day off (how lucky for them). Trick or treating will take place in the rain, but I'm equipped with a large black umbrella trimmed with red roses that can also serve as a method of protection in case any clowns get out of hand. Take time to reflect and renew, it is the Witches New Year after all.

~ Brightest Blessings to you all, and to all a good fright ~

Broken

The day after the first day of Fall was supposed to be about my Mabon celebrations but instead all you get is this. This is a reflection of how I currently am...broken. I usually don't put my depression or other state of affairs online but you my blogging family (yes I think of you as family) are brave enough to do so, so here I go. I feel unappreciated at the moment, actually I feel like that constantly.  My day starts off at 4:30 a.m. every weekday morning so I can get the husband off to work, the kids off to school and then I take care of home and everyday life in between. My head hits the pillow at 10:00 p.m. and I am out. I rise again the next day and do the same thing over and over, and yes I know it's called life.

The lack of appreciation, unacknowledgement, and mental disfunction has got me flying on broken wings. If I stopped doing what I do my family's world would come crashing down and this house would lose it's magic. Mercury retrograde sure isn't over because I have to adjust my situations according to peoples lack of doing there job correctly and making mistakes. Last week I received a letter saying my home owners insurance was cancelled (I got that fixed) and today I found out a new secretary at my husband's job sent out paychecks by mail. I live in the ghetto and mail sometimes gets put into the wrong box. The list goes on and on. If your one to send out thoughts and vibes please keep me in mind so I can start to heal. I do hope everyone's weekend is filled with things that bring them joy.

Breathe

There is all the space I need in my personal bubble now that all four of the kids are back in school, and my brain can breathe. Chico just stares at me and follows me around the house, I think he loves the attention because now theres no one to talk out loud to but him. The Summer was go on a whim non scheduled stretch of months. I'm pretty proud of myself that I let the perfectionist orderly in me take a vacation. Oh yes there is quite a few sides to me that I'm surprised my parents didn't  name me Sybil. Maybe I should let all of my personas take over this blog and suck you into the vortex of my everyday.

With this extra space and time to breathe freely, I think I will start this week off by doing around the house paint repairs. Fall is on my mind and I hope to get the house in order and cleaned out to start the season off fresh and inspired. Less chores means........more craft time.......and maybe a "Gypsy Spirit Goods" grand opening on Etsy. Truth is I created an account but do not have one single item to finish the set up process. I'm scared and unsure about this endevour but if you wait for the right time it nevers comes. There is technically no right time anyways, if you are pulled to something over and over most the time all you need is the euphoric jump off the cliff and revel in what the uncertian waters hold for you.

So with a deep breathe and a long exhale I'm opening the door to my full reality to all of you!

47 Years Ago

Be still my hippie heart, I'm 36 and was born in the wrong generation.  I'm a proud down the line and generations hippie, raising a new era of hippies (not to be confused with hipsters, that really is offensive) So today to commemorate that blast from the past celebrate peace, love, and music played louder than usual. A little early morning tribute to celebrate the 47th Anniversary of 1969's Woodstock Festival.

Happy 47th Anniversary Woodstock ✌#woodstock #hippievibes #hippie #1969 #jimihendrix #janisjoplin #michaelang #santana #47yrsago

A video posted by Holly (@gypsyspirit916) on Aug 15, 2016 at 8:51am PDT

Hello Summer

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE !

 Time to find ways to stay cool in the sizzling sun.

Time to play and have adventures.

Time to enjoy nights outdoors.

Time to look up in amazement and be thankful that we are thriving and surviving.

Summer had officially started at Casa Sol y Luna when all four children were finally on Summer break from school last week. There is no consistent routine yet just go with the flow, and maybe it will stay that way this Summer, even though I'm a scheduled O.C.D. type of Mom. Summer Solstice was spent cleaning, swimming, and  first bee sting for {M}. Instead of having a celebratory  fire we ended the day with a trip to urgent care for {S}. Of all the dangerous stunts he does on his skateboard a simple miss landing ended  with a sprain and crutches. This could not have come at a worse time because tomorrow the kids and I are headed on a road trip to Santa Cruz for a 3 day vacation. We are still going because Mama needs a vacation. You can join our adventure by following my Instagram. I'm super excited because we will be experiencing two Summer Bucket List events The Lost Boys Movie on the beach & Blue Oyster Cult Concert at the Boardwalk.  I hope your summer holds some adventures!

Flight of the Bumblebees

My next door neighbor's has taken up beekeeping on their homestead, and our fountain has become the local watering hole. I love watching the bees buzz around the fountain in droves , they emit a peaceful hum.  I'm glad we get to enjoy the benefits of these pollinators, as bee populations are in decline due to climate change. Now if only there wasn't a language barrier between us and the neighbors because I would gladly barter goods for fresh extremely local honey.          

Have a sweet weekend !                   

Well, I made It to Friday

What a title for a post, sorry if it comes off drastic, it's not. I just want to drop a quick note to let you  know I'm sorry for not making my rounds and participating. This week has been racked with unbalance and I'm just now reaching my equilibrium. I'm homeschooling my son the rest of his sophomore year so my daily schedule has some adjusting to it.  For two days I was laid out due to some random illness. Laying in bed except for being bus driver to and from school drove me crazy, but not as crazy as the chaos the house was in when I felt better and realized "I am the only one who does anything around here". Okay end of rant. I snuck in some time to compose this to let you know I hope to catch up with everyone and everything this weekend.

Chico & I wish you an awesome weekend.

Spring Has Arrived

Spring has arrived in 2016 as it had 13 years ago on the day that I gave birth to my first daughter.

 Inside our cozy home we had a humble birthday celebration for {E}. 

 What young woman doesn't love a rose ..... or a dozen.

 German Chocolate cake with rainbow candles to wish on.

 The sunset on a new season was amazing with it's hues of lavender, blush, and sherbet. 

May the seeds of intention planted in the colder months start to sprout and bloom.

Winter In California

 From sunrise to sunset I'm surrounded by natures beauty in my own backyard. This world is full of wonder to absorb if we only but sit and let our senses rule the day.