Today is Candlemas or Imbolc, as well as the 1st of February. It’s the day when people celebrated the very first signs of spring. Imbolc or Oilmelc means sheep’s milk and it is indeed at this time of year that the first lambs are born (some are already born!) and the flow of milk really starts. It’s also the time when we start to notice the return of the light; indeed Alfred the Great decreed that after this day no candles were to be used at milking either morning or evening. In theory there is now light enough for this twice daily task.
It’s one of those new beginning kind of days. About five years ago I went to a ceremony where one was supposed to set one’s intent for the year ahead and while I giggled through a lot of it, I in my turn marched to the centre with my lit candle and declared my intent for the year to be invincible. This provoked much comment later at coffee after the ceremony, but I’ve never changed from that intent and I’d like to reaffirm my decision to let nothing permanently discourage me!
So over the last few days, in preparation for today I wondered what to do. I’d had a thought for releasing some short stories and I decided to just go for it. All my other ebooks I have had my beloved at hand helping me get something sorted, and this time I decided I shall do it without assistance and maintain my invincible stance.
It turned out not to be as hard as I feared.
There are six stories in this little collection, some familar to long term readers of this blog and one completely new. All the tales are spun around a theme of ancient beings, whether deities, demi-gods, archetypes or others, somehow still interacting with the modern world, and with modern people.
I’ve had to classify it in fantasy and fairytales because I couldn’t think of anywhere better to list it! I’ve also priced it as low as it is possible to price it.
I should mention that if you don’t own an e-reader, you can download a Kindle app for free and then can read a Kindle book on any pc, tablet or even on your phone.
Anyway this is my wish for this Spring for myself: to be invincible still.
(If you are in another country that has Amazon, put my name into the search and you ought to find the book there. I don’t really expect to sell any in non-English speaking countries, though!)
Now out as a nifty paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Hunt-Other-Tales/dp/1493778897/ref=la_B00766135C_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385725229&sr=1-1
Zen and the Art of Tightrope Walking 
Invincible – inspiring! thx
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Hello Vivienne,
Here in Toronto, Canada, It is sunny and not quite spring warm, but there is a promise of warm days ahead. Got a reference to your blog, *(a rich, juicy one) because someone had found my Pilgrim Cards (pilgrimcards.com) from your blog. Wondered if you would like a set, or a copy of Last Rites.
Best wishes,
Austin Repath
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Hi, Vivienne,
Just finished a very brief memoir (12 pages) that captures the arc of my life. I found it a rich and satisfying exercise. thedoorwasopen.com
I tell you about it because of course I’d like you to look at. And also to suggest that you might find it worth while to consider your own memoir.
Austin
Canada
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