Yule Altar Additions

Remember that little 'Frosty Fern' from my previous post? Well, he's all potted up now and has found his place on the Yule altar. I have to tell you that I've never been quite so enthralled by a plant before. While they all have their special places and special meanings, this little guy has stolen my heart.

While reading about the traditions of Yule somewhere (I'm reading in so many places I can't quite remember where) I came across a lovely description of the 'Goddess cradling the newborn Sun-God in her arms'. That description stuck with me and while browsing the internet just the other day, I found this gorgeous statue that captured that description to beautifully for me. So rather than waiting for the bidding to end, I jumped all over the 'buy it now' button and now, just a few short days later, this gorgeous piece sits on my Yule altar.

Every time I gaze at this piece, my heart is warmed by the tenderness of the Goddesss cradling the newborn Sun. It's an image that will carry me through the holidays as I'm reminded what the season is really, truly all about . . .

Winter's First Snow

After snowing all night and most of yesterday we ended up with four inches of snow and a nice blanket of white covering the starkness of fall. Waking up this morning to a blue sky and sunshine, we couldn't resist the urge to go for a drive in the country. I also had an ulterior motive . . . I needed a pine log!

We had a beautiful drive and did manage to find a grove of pine trees that had been felled beside a cemetery. We looked around for a bit and found the perfect log.

After stopping off at our local nursery for some greens, holly and mistletoe, and getting settled back at home, I set to work putting together my Yule log. I also found some rafia, floral picks and pine cones in my stash.

While at the garden center, I also found this adorable little plant called a 'Frosty Fern'. Isn't it cute? Brian found the perfect weathered urn for it and it will make a great addition to my Yule altar.

All in all, a great day spent in and around nature . . . life doesn't get any better than that!