Forget About a Somber Solstice

Why not stir things up and get out of your winter rut before it begins? That's the way I'm feeling this year, folks. Life's too weird and short and unpredictable. After two unbearably long years of a pandemic with no end in sight, we should be looking for little bursts of laughter and light wherever we can find them. Be safe and caring for your loved ones, but still take surprise opportunities that come your way. A candlelit labyrinth walk at sunset in a nearby urban garden with a friend? Count me in. Share, give, reach out. Chances are good that everyone you know will be needing and appreciating it.

Laugh it Up

I don't know about all of you, but I still take a childlike delight in revisiting childhood Christmas classics this time of year on TV. There's a purity and wonder there that stand the test of time, not to mention catchy tunes and delightful artwork. My top five faves in this order would be: 1. "Scrooge," (musical 70s Albert Finney version), 2. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," (because puppets) 3. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (Boris Karloff, people), 4. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (that Vince Garibaldi Trio soundtrack is beautifully haunting), and 5. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (I dare you not to laugh at the squirrel in the tree). There are times we need to be reminded of things like innocence and giggling just for the heck of it. I would venture that these are those times.

Fun Times

This month's Winter Solstice podcast of "Women Who Howl at the Moon" is an absolute hoot! Alica G., Laura G., Cathy S., Doreen S., and Laura Y. all bring the fun wherever they go. I first introduced them in my October blog here, describing a small but lively October gathering we had together. It is a pleasure to know and always to hang out these lovely Milwaukee ladies. They spread positivity wherever they go, whether it's hula hooping in the parks in the summer, or dancing to live music all year-round. They've been fondly dubbed "The Fun Girls," here in town, and there's never a dull moment when they're around. Join us for a special Zoom conversation that covers everything from the sabbats, to "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," and the ecstatic magick of the dance. Even in seemingly solitary times, our witchy community can build strength with each other.