Social Media Break

Facebook. I hate to admit my addiction to the site. I have absentmindedly wasted many hours staring at my phone screen keeping up with posts of all those in my close and outer circles. It can be a wonderful tool to stay in touch and even to network with other pagans far and near.

However, with a small one to care for, this form of social media has become an issue. My son, now 6 months, has learned that his mother enjoys staring at her device and that it therefore interests him. One of my parenting goals is to avoid the technology dependence that is becoming more and more of a problem in society. I want my boy to play outside and know the joy of fishing in the backyard creek.

This is something I must show by example. So for now, Facebook has been deleted from my devices. Then each day, I must learn to go back to the times before smart phoned and apps...I must be more present and enjoy activities that don't involve technology. This is my best life change yet.

Distasteful Funeral Service

Two days ago, I attended a funeral for a baby whom was born stillborn from a premature birth. I did not know the parents personally but the mother was a good friend of my ex husband. I could only imagine the emotional turmoil she was facing and after the sermon at the graveside service, I could only imagine it made it far worse....

I've never particularly liked Christian funerals. They have often times seemed too much like a church sermon and in no way related to the life of the individual that had passed on. I've only known two services that ever did so. One my mother went to where she raved about a live band and everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. The other was a dinner for my Uncle Robert where the point was to talk about him in good light and to tell the funny stories that made his life memorable. These have been my favorite forms for remembering those who have crossed the veil. However, both involved someone who had lived many years and led a good life. So what does one do for a baby that didn't even live a day? 

It seems the situation called for the telling the family, including both parents, that if you do not live your life well and accept Jesus that you will never meet this beautiful baby in heaven. I was shocked that anyone would say to a grieving mother who just lost her precious baby, who never once even got to see him smile or coo, that they may never see their child in heaven. Being Wiccan, I do not have to dread the idea of that feeling of pressure to do right by "God" so to see my baby in heaven. However, it is still a very insensitive thing to ever hear at any funeral I have attended or heard of. I know in the Christian views that it makes sense that one might not be reunited with loved ones, but to actually hear this at a funeral for a baby? I was appalled.

I guess this is the downside to living within the bible belt. *sigh*

EO Shopping

My mother and I decided we wanted to attempt making a natural mosquito repellant today but lacked the required oils needed for many of the recipes we had viewed. Therefore, a trip to the local health food store was in order.

As with all purchases at the health food store, we managed to wind up with more than what we came in for. While looking at the oils, we noticed a recipe taped to the shelves for thieves blend. My mother couldn't resist and before long our buggy had ever essential oil to create it. Then I remembered a fantastic blend for edema, which I suffer from due to a knee injury. I got oils for it as well. We ended up with quite the set of oils by the time we left.

Looks like tomorrow is going to be another day of essential oil alchemy and I can't wait!