My birthday passed with almost no comment, beyond an enthusiastic ‘Happy Birthday’ from Jack and a little birthday cupcake he made for me with a single purple candle aflame on top. Perfect way to spend my birthday and leagues above the last five, where my ex-husband always found something to whine and tantrum about.

Lupercalia was a fun little feast us four held in honor of the day, and also stood in for my birthday dinner we didn’t do the night before. I can live with that. Sharing a holiday with a birthday is terrible, most of the time. This year’s was nice and quiet, my preferred state.

The month of the Ash Tree starts tonight though, and I feel a calling to hold a vigil for it. I’m not much in tune with the Ash, we don’t mesh well since I’m more of a Rowan kind of girl, but maybe it’s time to change that. After I finish here, I’ve got to go set up my space and circle. And hang a damned note on the door telling people to go away. Mom and Angie have been randomly poking their noses in my room. They won’t just come out and tell me they’re worried about me. Oh no. They have to invade until I get annoyed enough to snap at them first.

Joke’s on them. I’ve got a ten year old who’s taught me a whole new meaning to the word ‘patience’. I can outlast their prying.

Speaking of Jack, I think I’ll invite him into the circle tonight and begin on his instruction to the Trees. I think he’ll like it. That’s the kind of esoteric knowledge he loves to collect, just because.

Blessed Be.