Blinded By The Light

I haven't bloged much lately, but there have been good reasons. The first is that I have been very busy with work (happily the recession does not seem to be affecting me at all), with more work than there are hours to complete it, thank the Goddess.

The second, and more important, is that I have been subscribing to RSS feeds from other blogs and it has been rather depressing. There are some blogs, like Somerset Seasons and Bee-Leaf, that are filled with delights, gentle humour and kindness that I just thrive on, but they stand in stark contrast to many.

On some, the writers are so blinded by the bright lights shining from their own bottoms, that it begars belief. It's amusing to read the self-absorbed ramblings of these people, though I get little time to indulge myself in this entertainment lately. I suppose, on a purely selfish level, it makes me realise that I have a life and friends, when I read the adolescent-sounding, angsty ramblings on their deep and wise insights, etc., - though I suspect that's because they don't have much else to focus upon.

Less amusing are the people who take swipes, claws fully extended, at whatever attempt one makes to say a kind word, editing and re-working their cruel words day-by-day until they sound fair and reasonable; sadly though, unkind words cannot be unsaid or edited down to something less vitriolic than the initial outburst. These are the people that it is time to walk away from. Many years ago I resolved not to allow toxic people into my sphere and it is time for a Spring clean. There isn't one good reason for wasting time when there are so many good, thoughtful and gentle people with whom I can spend my time.

Today I celebrate and salute Ravensky, a woman of considerable resolve and humour, but more than anything, a woman who has a stout heart, bravery and compassion. People like Ravensky make the world a better place, not least because of her down-to-earth and unpretentious attitude; rather than gazing at her own navel, she went out to the wild fires in Victoria, Australia and rescued people and animals because... because that's the sort of person she is. It's humbling knowing people like that and it suffuses me with optimism and joy. We need more people like Ravensky, with a sense of community and compassion, and much less of the egregious behaviour that seems to be so attractive to some lately.

Imbolc

At last! I got the snow I have wanted for so long. How wonderful.