Woodland Bard

Events, Articles and Weather ... People in Ireland are starting to celebrate either or both Brighid's Day and Imbolc, Brighid's Day for most people being February 1st, which is on a Sunday this year, with preparations made on January 31st, Saturday. Imbolc is the cross quarter time between midwinter and spring equinox, which this year is 3:45 am on the early morning of 4th February.  As most people make these Celebrations weekend events, as they are committed to other things Monday to Friday and there is no national holiday at this time. This year, with 1st February being on a Sunday, meaning Brighid and Imbolc meet-ups are going to be very popular and busy, despite the uncertain wintery weather forecast. Events : Here are what seem to be the big 5 events around Ireland,  Kildare, Co.Galway, Co. Louth, Glendalough and Shannon Pot. Solas Bhride, Kildare Hosting Feile Bride from their new centre from January 31st until February 8th, with celebratio

Almanac ... Rooster Call : Its icy, windy and frequent blustery hail showers at Carrowcrory. Today in 'Almost Daily Blog' ... Grow more herbs, cry Ayurvedics College of Natural Medicine's plan includes permaculture Brighid's Eve, Day and Imbolc 2015 updates 4 Ways to Discover Inner and Outer Well Being via Music Seen from the sky, The Wild Atlantic Way Writing group today and I may be leading it, twisting and turning a Grimms fairy tale. Then time to sort out rushes for new Brighid crosses, maybe. Many are on water charge protest today. I have been metered for several year, local scheme, but I wish the marchers some warmth somewhere. Weather : Cold, hail stone and windy morning at Carrowcrory, and through Ireland. Reaching just 4C, 39F high this afternoon.    For Brighid's Day tomorrow, Sunday still looking ok, wind calmer, still cold, good sunny periods, probably staying dry, no snow, but icy evening, high around 4C high and

Almanac ... Rooster Call : Better morning at Carrowcrory, still, sunny, snow melted, though a shwery afternoon likely. Today in 'Almost Daily Blog' ... Brighid's Eve, Day and Imbolc 2015 updates About Snowdrops Ethical harvesting and Foraging as a spiritual practice Magh Slecht, human sacrifice or essential survival? Artist builds beautiful Labyrinths in the Sand on the Oregon Coast My writing hermitage continues What are you doing through the Brighid's Day weekend? I know many are on the water charge protest tomorrow. Weather : Sunny morning at Carrowcrory, and through Ireland, wind has dropped and most snow has melted, for now. Still cold, reaching just 5C, 41F this afternoon when it is likely to be showery, but with rain this time and not snow.    For Brighid's Day on Sunday still looking ok, cold, sunny periods, probably staying dry, no snow, but icy evening, high around 4C high and -1C low. Then Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3r

Almanac ... Rooster Call : More wintery weather at Carrowcrory, quite blizzardy but the fallen snow is slushy. Today in 'Almost Daily Blog' ... Brighid's Eve, Day and Imbolc 2015 updates St. Patrick series in 'the vein of Braveheart' ??? Champ, Its simple to make, and enjoyed by most people Markree Castle, Co. Sligo is up for sale Nature Nurture from a Cancer Survivor Morning writing and afternoon errands day for me Is this a day for fireside stories in the upper northern hemisphere?. Weather : Cold wintery day at Carrowcrory, and through Ireland, strong wind and blizzarding snow showers, though not much snow is settling. It is quite slushy. Temps reaching just 2C, 35F at best today. A bit better for tomorrow and Saturday, though still showery.    Brighid's Day on Sunday still looking ok, though, cold, good sunny periods, , probably staying dry, no snow, but icy evening, high around 5C high and 0C low.  Then Monda

Almanac ... Rooster Call : Back to wintery weather at Carrowcrory, with a slither of settled snow this morning. Today in 'Almost Daily Blog' ... Primroses Labyrinth Sanctuary in Flagstaff, AZ Did our ancient Celtic ancestors believe in Re-incarnation? Brighid's Eve, Day and Imbolc 2015 updates Celtic Connections Concert of Grit, now with videos and playlist 7 things you can do to stay sane I'm intensly writing still I hope you are all comfortable as many of us pass through this winter blast. Weather : Cold couple of days Carrowcrory, and through Ireland, reaching just 3C, 38F. Wintery snow and hail showers, a sprinkling of snow has settled here this morning, and its quite windy.      Next weekend for Brighid's Day on Sunday still looking ok, cold, sunny, probably staying dry, no snow, but icy evening, high around 4C high and 0C low. Then from Monday 2nd and Imbolc, which is the early morning of the 4th this year, there seems

Almanac ... Rooster Call : Was a sunny start at Carrowcrory, cloud moved in now, cold but dry Today in 'Almost Daily Blog' ... Brighid, A Bee Goddess? After Braveheart Part Two Sustainable Packaging made from Hay Fancy playing Pharrell Williams 'Happy' on harp? Stuck into writing still I trust Monday will be kind to you. Weather : Cooling a bit at Carrowcrory, and through Ireland, reaching 7C, 46F. Very cold from Wednesday onwards, with wintery snow showers and ice back in the forecast for a few days.      Next weekend for Brighid's Day on Sunday still looking ok, cool but no snow, but icy evening.  A mix of sun and light showers on Sunday, around 5C high and 0C low. Then from Monday 2nd and Imbolc, which is the 3rd this year, the forecast is back to some snow showers and ice that could continue for a week, even up to two weeks.  March is still currently looking good, warmer with good sun.     Moon : Moon