Last weekend I went to Indianapolis for the Commitment Ceremony of my dear muddyslush and J. It was my first visit to Indianapolis and my first time officiating a wedding, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had a pleasant ride up with tarirocks (TF) and G, who entertained us with a brilliant "1982" mix disc that made me feel somehow simultaneously old and...well...twelve. Why is it that I know every single word of a Journey song that is beyond cheesy and which serves to give me flashbacks of my second year of college (where my roommate and her boyfriend - who were VERY loud in bed - would only have sex to Journey's Greatest Hits.) That's right folks, when she took the midnight train, everyone in the apartment had to know about it.

But I digress...

Seeing muddyslush (TR) was a thrill and I'm not sure I even realized how much I've missed him until he was before me. It's one of those things that I try not to dwell on but there really is a hole in my world now that he's moved to Seattle. What matters though is that he's happy (and I am happy for him). That's what often happens in life with loved ones ~ we shift, we move, we change and we stay connected as best we can, carrying each other in our hearts. I will always think of TR as a Divine Twin and a spiritual partner.

Now TR was getting married, so I didn't get to have him all to myself (dang it!). We were all there to see he and J, who looked fabulous after their (almost) first full year out west. It was fun (and sometimes interesting) to meet family members and close friends of the couple and to get to see bits of their lives that were new to me.

The wedding was at TR's father's home, which was gorgeous. We arrived a bit late the first night (traffic, construction, ARG!) but the rehearsal was short and simple. We engaged in some napkin origami for a bit and then were treated to dinner at a nearby Italian spot. After a rich meal and even richer conversation, TF and I waddled off to find our hostel.

TF is one of those folks who makes travel easy. She's a research whiz/information junkie, so she arranged for a Zipcar, got directions to every location we would visit and scouted out a fabulous little hostel. I'll be honest, I would not have expected Indy to have a hostel (no offense to the Indy folks, but it's not on my list of glamorous vacation spots). Not only do they have a hostel - they have quite a sexy hostel which makes me wonder if there aren't more reasons to tour The Hoosier State. The hostel was a renovated home that was clean and comfortable (and much more to my preference than an industrial or corporate-feeling building). They noticeably prioritized eco-awareness/sustainability and supported the local arts scene (they displayed paintings by local artists and also appeared to offer house concerts with local bands). The staff member we met, Garth, was friendly and considerate. He had a delightful accent, was a charming panderer of tea and a fascinating model as to how you can use the word "right" to mean almost anything in conversation. I can't say enough nice things about the place - but I think you get my point.

The day of the event was a bit more stressful and I found that part of my role as officiant was to hold the energy of the whole day, reminding the grooms about delegation and self care. The yard (where the ceremony was held) was stunning. The flowers, autumnal roses and calla lilies, were strikingly lush against the as-yet-green of September around us. We worked together to get things in place and with so many hands it was light work. Before we parted, TR, TF, G and I cast a sphere to hold the blessings of the day. Many allies were invited in (after all, it was a special occasion) including the oh-so-dreaded mosquito (which was brilliant and which actually seemed to keep them from eating us alive that night).

TF and I rushed back to the hostel to get dressed (in less than half and hour, YIKES!) and arrived back just in time (or perhaps a bit late) for photos. I was given over half an hour of privacy to prepare so I was focused, present, aligned and purified when we started. I also had Freya holding my hand so I was not as nervous as I had been (or thought I would be).

The ceremony itself was lovely and moving. There was one hilarious moment when fate intervened with the musical choices, but otherwise, things went beautifully according to plan. During it all, I forgot about everyone watching and it very much became about something very intimate for TR and J which I had the good fortune to facilitate.

The reception after was great fun. I got wonderful feedback from many of the guests and got to relax with yet another amazing meal, tasty drinks (hello white peach sangria) and a delectable assortment of wedding cupcakes. After the sun had set the dancing began and I got to witness one of my favorite things in life: watching sexy TR shake his groove thang (wow, what a dancer that man is!). Later, as TF and I walked out into the dark to thank our allies and close the sphere, I was struck by the beauty of the stars above and of the candlelit dining tables with their glittering, Titian bouquets. I was euphoric on Freya-bliss, joyful for these two who had tied themselves into a nurturing knot within the fabric of love itself and just a wee bit sad that Seattle is so very far away.

Yesterday I went to Greenmaker Supply Company to get no VOC paint for our new apartment. I had not been to Greenmaker before. It's a fun little place to visit and the customer service was the best I've experienced in ages.

If you're looking for no VOC paint, Greenmaker is not the only place that you can find it - unless you're like me, and love deep, saturated color. Happily, many "non-green" paint shops will do low or no VOC paints in lighter hues...so if you're decorating, there are eco-options out there without going out of your way.

Because these paints were a bit more expensive, we did not buy all the colors we will ultimately need - but did get supplies to paint the kitchen, living room and the full bath. I also got a variety of colors which will help me to create an offering; an act of devotion of my bedroom.

I tried scanning in our color chips to give you an idea of what we're doing, but the colors have shifted a bit through the process (they're very washed out). Still...( this will give you hint, if you're interested.  )

I am back from Winter camp, safe and sound.

It was a wonderful week and once again, I was lucky to be working with an amazing team of talented folks for whom I hold deep respect. I have heard such horror stories about teaching teams at Reclaiming camps, yet I have experienced four "dream teams" in a row. Perhaps I should not brag, lest my hubris break the blessed pattern.

I had some wonderful moments of connection with many people and feel very loyal to Freya's clan. It is bittersweet for me to think on those bonds; to have fallen in love a bit with folk knowing that it is very difficult (given how busy we all seem to get) to stay connected once we part. Yet we will all be walking with Freya, walking in the work of this week, so perhaps we can maintain in part some of what is golden between us.

Despite very small annoyances, (food issues, time/scheduling stress and a twisted ankle), I look back over this week (year?) with joy. I got to do an amazing piece of personal work; core, essential work that is vibrating within me still. It will take a while to unpack it, this heavy stone whose ripples are moving outward, outward.



And so change comes, birthing expansion...vivid, wonderful and scary.

So I'm supposed to be cleaning my house because I'm hosting a Knitting Workshop this weekend - but true to form I am procrastinating the inevitable. As I type however, I am washing laundry (and did stop by the grocery to get healthy grub for the week), which brings some balance (and clean socks) into my unconventional universe.

I have been studying Norse myth a lot lately, and am trying to develop a relationship with the runes. I have been reading a book that Tari loaned me: "Gods and Myths of Northern Europe" by H. R. Ellis Davidson and am enjoying it in a dry way.

I am very captured by Freya, and her relationship to Inanna/Ishtar/Astarte/Aphrodite/Venus. I found an image of her today on the web (attached) which I quite like - though to me it only portrays her sex/love/attraction attributes and does not show her to be the bad ass that she is. I am especially curious about this image because it feels like a Pre-Raphaelite painting to me (which is one of my favorite genres of art) - but I cannot find any references to the painter.

If anyone recognizes this piece, I'd love to know more. It is hard to see here, but is quite lovely as she poses wearing Brisingamen.