My Saturday at the Library with Sophie and Nat (And Robin)

 I have a great family that I am related to by blood (waves at parents and sisters). I also have my "adopted" family: pal Robin and hubby George, and my goddess-children, Sophia and Nat.

To say that we are close would be an understatement. I officiated at Robin and George's wedding, and was present at the birth of both children. When the kids were younger, I would go to their house after work a couple times a week to see them and hang out talking writing, spirituality, and everything else under the sun with Robin.

A couple of years ago, they moved about 45 minutes away, to be closer to George's then job. It was a great move for them, but we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we used to. I miss them. Which is why it was such a great treat to spend an hour and a half hanging out together yesterday, after Robin and the kids came into town for a workshop.

We knew the kids would be tired and wired after a long morning, so we decided to meet at the library, where Robin and I could talk while the kids read and played. Also, Robin used to work there, so she could see her old pals. And, well, there were BOOKS.

As you can see from the pictures, we had a great time. Library + wonderful kids + Robin + Aunt Debbie = a Great Day. I hope we can do it again soon.

Six Years Ago Today: Robin & George

On this day six years ago, I officiated at the wedding of two of my favorite people: Robin and George Wright. Performing that particular ceremony was an honor and a joy, because they were good friends, a lovely couple and very much in love. Six years, two children, and many changes later, they still are. And I still hold the memories of this day among my most precious. Happy anniversary, Robin and George! I'm so glad to be a part of this enduring love story. You make me believe in magic.

How I spent my Memorial Day or The Cutest Kids on the Planet

I had planned to spend Memorial Day weekend doing the usual--writing, working in the garden, making jewelry...in other words, working. But a last-minute invite from my pal Robin and her hubby George prompted me to say, "The heck with it!" and drive (well, get in the car with Ellen, who drove) the 45 minutes to their house for in impromptu BBQ with friends instead. As a bonus, I got to spend time with two of my favorite kids in the world.

Okay--it's not like I am prejudiced or biased in any way...but I believe that my goddess-children, Nate and Sophie, are possibly the cutest children on the planet.

Seriously; you be the judge.

Final birthday report and Beltane pics

Last Saturday I had the final installment of my extended (and amazing) 50th birthday celebration. Blue Moon Circle (minus some folks who had other obligations) met at Robin's house near Binghamton and went from there to share the collected local covens' Beltane celebration. We try to go every year, although we don't always make it. Although we love our small group, sometimes it is nice to share a holiday ritual with a larger gathering. And these folks are a great bunch of people.

I got to help chop down the tree for the maypole (usually the guys do this, but part of the ritual had to do with role reversal--very enlightening and empowering) and then we all did the Maypole dance.

Beltane celebrate fertility and sacred sexuality, for those of you who didn't know--it is always a riot to dig a hole and put the pole in it...much smutty merriment always ensues...

Here is a picture of the beginning of the dance:


Afterwards, we returned to Robin's house for Blue Moon Circle's feast, Beltane bonfire, and part 3 of my birthday celebration (combined at this point with circle member Bobbie's birthday, which was the following day). My adorable goddess-children Sophia and Nate joined us, as did Robin's wonderful hubby George. [I married Robin and George and was there for the birth of both kids, so as you might guess, we are pretty darned close.)

Robin made an amazing cake, which tasted even better than it looked:


Sophie was very excited by my mystery present, which was a huge heavy box...



The box turned out to be a CARTON of printer paper...for printing out my prospective best-sellers. Apparently, she Robin and George expect me to write very fast! No pressure...

At the end of the evening, we relaxed by the bonfire and talked about those things in our lives that had already come to fruition, and that we were grateful for. I was grateful for my new agent, of course! But also for all the people who had been so wonderful, and gone out of their way to make my 50th birthday so memorable. You know who you are, and you all rock :-)