The Haven

The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year.  After the Solstice the nights gradually begin to grow longer again.  Litha is a fire festival and a classic time for magic of all types. Customs and Activities: spend the day outside wear the colors of the Sun lighting a blaze (or candles) on Midsummer's Eve and maintaining it until midnight brings luck and blessings to the home Colors: red, orange, yellow, green, and white Decorations: sunflowers bees lanterns or twinkle lights wreath of ivy with yellow & red flowers or ribbon intertwined Foods:  due to the Summer heat in FL, I like to serve a light meal that doesn't require the oven. summer veggies grilled meat, poultry, or fish Sangria anything lemony or citrus Spellworkings: love divination protection inspiration any fairy magic

We all know about the horrible economy and we're all feeling it's effects on our wallets.  For a lot of us, this means skipping the traditional Summer vacation.  So instead of leaving home, try taking a vacation from something you normally do.  Things like television, your computer, the news, or driving.  Sound too hard?  What about taking a vacation from the things you don't really like such as complaining, whining, demanding, or judging.  Don't get defensive, we all do these things. Or... take a vacation from work but stay local and pretend to be a tourist.  Do all the things someone visiting your town would do on vacation!  A lot of times you can even get discounts on the "touristy" things if you're a local, it never hurts to check. The point is, don't skip your vacation...we all need them.  But you don't have to spend a fortune or uproot the family to do it.  Enjoy your Summer Vacation! ~ Heathen Living Life Seasonally

June brings the beginning of Summer.  The weather is warming towards hot and the kids are home from school.  It's the perfect time for outdoor fun!  Not only will you enjoy the healing rays of the sun (don't forget the sunscreen!), but the fresh air and sunshine will help burn off the extra energy kids seem to have in the summer. Make a Summer playlist for your music player and take it with you. Head to the beach, lake, or pool for some water fun. Spend the day at the park and have a picnic lunch. Create sidewalk art with chalk on your driveway or porch. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Go to a baseball game. Plant a vegetable garden. Visit a local street fair or farmer's market. Chase butterflies, frogs, lizards, and fireflies (please don't try to keep them). If your town still has one, go to a drive-in movie. Go camping and sleep outside; even if it's only in your own back yard. Even if you don't have small children, you can still enjoy the ...

Okay, I know spring cleaning season is over (for most of us).  But if, like me, you've left a few things undone, now is the time.  The Summer Solstice is nearly upon us!  It's time to finish the spring cleaning and get your house ready for the summer months.  Here are a few ideas to get you started: Spruce up your porch, deck, or patio for outdoor lounging and entertaining. Get your grill ready for evening and weekend barbecues. Start saving your empty jars to use as luminaries. If you live in the north, remove the storm windows/doors and replace the screens. Air out the house before it gets too hot and sticky. Change the filter for your air conditioner and make sure it's working properly. Clean your fans. Pack away any remaining cold weather clothes and blankets; donate those you no longer want or need. Bring out the shorts, skirts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and lightweight blankets. I know, it seems like a lot of work.  But trust me, you'll appreciate...

Just last week I was saying how nice the weather was, you could actually feel Summer leaving and Autumn creeping in.  Somewhere between then and now, Summer has found it's way back!  Temperatures are back in the 90's with well over 50% humidity.  Ugh.  Hopefully we'll see some more cool weather here in Florida soon.  We don't get the changing leaves here, so cooler temperatures and lower humidity are the best we can hope for.  I do hope all you northeners are enjoying this beautiful time of year.  Please, post some pics so we southerners can at least feel like we're a part of it too!