Saturday 1 May 2010

Summer Came Knocking At My Door And I Forgot To Answer...

It's Beltaine today. The first day of May. The first day of summer. And once more I am reminded that I am further out at sea then I was even a year ago...


It must be the stage that all the children are at right now, but I find myself feeling regret at all the things I did with the older two when they were little that I just don't seem to have the time or focus to do now with the younger two.

It's been too many years since we had a Maypole like this one. And last year we didn't even manage to leave out something for the fairies like the previous years. So this year I was organised, I was focused and determined, but then The Little One was on an unplanned sleepover, and being six he would be the driving force behind my desire to make sure we include this kind of magic in our year.

So it didn't happen again this year, and I am disappointed. But I reckon that the fairies that visit here are just like us, and their time-keeping leaves something to be desired. And maybe they might just be late.


So we will wait.

And I am hoping they come tonight. The Tardy Fairies. And I am hoping we get to a bonfire today, even though we won't get to the festival of the fires on the Hill of Uisneach.

And as a result of all this mental admonishing I have to decided I need to remind myself of how easy it is to include this sort of magical thinking in the everyday. And I have come up with a plan...

23 comments:

Jess said...

You have such wonderful celebrations, I'm sure when the time is right magic will be created once more! (What a cute photo btw!)xx

Mise said...

What lovely photos. And I say that the whole of May is for rituals and celebrations and flowers and fires and marches and creations and fairies. So there's heaps of time. And although you have less time for the younger ones now, I'm sure the older children are passing on what you showed them.

Charlie and Caroline said...

Great photos. Our view is that the main thing with children is that you are around for them, which you are. They remember things like Maypoles -which are great- but it is your presence that means most. You ARE around...so everything sounds great. X

Jayne said...

The Tardy faries are regular visitors around my house, and they appreciate being thought about no matter when. The whole of May can be magical. Happy Beltaine!

Amber said...

Wow some sensational photo's there. Happy summer that is coming to you..xx

Beck said...

Perhaps the celebations and traditions can change too, with more children, with a larger family. I notice too that my younger two haven't done some things or had the same experiences as our older three. Mainly because it's harder to do in a bigger group. But the younger ones have three extra people to live & play with every day, to learn from, to look up to, to annoy! The little rituals that the children form, that I don't control or think up, become part of their being, of who they are. I like the idea of including every day magic into their lives, into our lives too xo

Eugen Caitaz said...

Hi! Like very much to read your thought...

Martin said...

Those beautiful children are never going to be too short of magic, especially as you have come up with a plan.

MissKris said...

We spend too much of our time with regrets. The two younger ones may not share some of the older twos' earlier memories, but the ones they're all forging now together will last them a life time. Sometimes we're our own harshest critics, Ciara. And what a lovely start to my day, coming on and finding an update! I can't tell you how much I enjoy coming here and seeing your world thru your camera lens and mind! Happy Saturday to you....

Stephanie V said...

What a beautiful place to look for the fairies. I'm sure they are just behind that big rock..peeking out and giggling.

Tinkerbell said...

I hadn't even thought about Beltaine. The fairies will be with you always and give you those wonderful moments that children offer when you look through their eyes. I think the problem is that we sometimes grow up... and perhaps we shouldn't. Believe in those fairies and they will be with you always.

Ellen said...

I know the feeling of wanting a day to go the way you envision it in your mind and then it doesn't happen that way. So what is wrong with doing it later on another day? Sometimes the pressure to have it happen makes it not happen or stuff happens that are not expected!

The desire to want it will help ....surprise everyone and yourself!

I loved the photos....

Janie B said...

Happy Beltaine! I'm sure the magic is still fluttering around you and your family. Just take the time to breathe it in and enjoy those little ones whenever you can.

Elaine Prunty said...

that second photo of billy is just the cutest ..he looks like a minature grown up geologist,
i hate to hear of regret..it's a useless emotion...and if i had my way it just wouldn't be allowed.
Your first two may have got those things but they didn't have the older siblings that your little two now have ,that has incalculable immeasurable worth ( see last post ;0) )

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

In my experience, the fairies will meet you wherever you are. Whenever you wish. Happy May Day!

Sorrow said...

This made me weep. The photo looked so much like my son, almost a man now at 17, but once, he had the flaxen hair and was off hunting for gnomes and mermaids in the hills and shores of the sea.
Precious are these moments..
Precious

Unknown said...

Love your words and your pictures! The Tardy Fairies are wonderful.
xoxo

Elizabeth said...

Despite your regrets, your life sounds almost magical to me! And I think the younger siblings surely grow up with memories of richness -- a type richness that the older ones might not have!

Acornmoon said...

three cheers for the Tardy Fairies!

Erin said...

BEAUTIFUL pictures! I've always wished to know more about my Irish heritage, but have so far failed to do so. However, I learn SO MUCH about the Celtic year in your blog. It all sounds so magical and fun. I hope you get to celebrate these fun things with your young ones soon. I'm sure they appreciate your efforts nonetheless. :)

Gigi Thibodeau said...

I can't wait to hear your plan, and I think tardy fairies might be even more fun and a bit more mischievous than on-time fairies! xoxo

ps Did I tell you that I finished a draft of my novel? Who knows if it's any good. It may just be rubbish, but it's a draft. I did a tiny little dance, and now I'm revising . . .

prashant said...

Wow some sensational photo's there. Happy summer that is coming to you..xx
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ejacobson1213 said...

Hey! I Love your blog!!! you have a little fairy tale life it seems! I LOVE Ireland and i wish i was there right now! from my fathers side, im a bit irish! so i hope to visit there one day. Once again..... i love your blog!