As a celebrant, I encourage the couples I work with to fully be themselves and to enjoy their ceremony.  Catie and Pete listened very carefully to this tip when, after they processed down the aisle, immediately went directly to the KISS!  They were so excited to be getting married, they were absolutely themselves!  We all laughed and any nervousness disappeared into a wisp of air. 

Their ceremony was an intimate one, filled with family and friends offering their intentions and blessings which were written on stones and included in a lovely water ceremony.  The first reading was perfect for them as it was actually an analogy of marriage and bicycle riding..leading to much laughter.  Catie's brother and sister shared a special song, and I wrote a personal and special reflection for them, which I must admit I shed a few tears through! 

Throughout the ceremony, Catie, Pete, their family and their friends laughed, cried, and enjoyed themselves as they witnessed, celebrated and honored the joining of their lives in marriage. 

I have loved working with them and know that we will forever remain in each others hearts!  Congratulations Catie & Pete may you continue to be fully yourself and enjoy each day of your lives.

Today is a day that even though cloudy and rainy is a celebration for me...and while I don't often share such things on my blog,  I am daring to publicly celebrate the entry into my 55th year! 

This is indeed momentous for  a) I never thought I would live this long (when you are in your teens or early twenties this feels ancient!)  and b) I could not have imagined feeling more alive than in my younger years. 

Yet here I am...hitting the double nickel and so excited to be "in life", healthy, in love and looking forward to continued growth and learning as I stretch myself beyond what I think possible. 

Aging is what happens to us all, every minute, hour and day.  While we might try to fight the outer signs of it...or resist letting anyone know we are really "that age", the fact is the alternative to aging is not something I wish to embrace!   Instead I embrace this glorious process with awe and amusement as I celebrate and honor all the years I have lived, the lessons I have learned, and hope for many years to follow.

A tidbit..for those who do not know, from a mystical perspective the number 5 (a prime number) is about balance, perseverance and transformation.  The doubling of this is a twofold blessing for when doubled...5+5 = 10, distilled down to the number 1, which is representative of my core essence...and given the double 5's...the transformation and balance that will emerge is sure to be profound! 

So I offer the possibility that each of us can shed the resistance to aging, embracing our blessings as we celebrate and honor our lives with each entry into a new year.

As a Celebrant, I have the honor of welcoming babies and children into our families and lives.  A few months ago this was especially spectacular as I created and officiated at a triple baby blessing for this loving family ( I will call them the "C" family to protect their privacy).

The baby blessing ceremony was designed to welcome each of the three triplets into their parents lives, their home, and their extended families lives.  Everyone was able to participate...the parents, godparents (holding the babies) grandparents and the community of family and friends that were present for the ceremony.  Everyone's role in the babies lives were spoken about and honored.   The ceremony concluded with a water ritual in which each baby was dedicated to their own unique path and Spirit's intention for them.  Congratulations to the "C" family whose lovely children grace our lives.  I have loved being part of this with you!

I relocated here 7 years ago, and during this time, I have lived near one of the most beautiful venues in the area.   While I have created and officiated at several ceremonies at the Longfellow Wayside Inn and the Martha-Mary Chapel, I noticed a significant change was beginning to occur about two years ago.  While always a hospitable venue, with a fine restaurant, what I began to feel was that the staff had become friendlier and more caring, and small improvements began to appear, allowing for a "home-away-from home" feel. 

As I began to investigate (yes I am always curious!)  I discovered that a new Inn-Keeper had arrived.  He brought with him a passion for ideas, community and team building and this is precisely what would transform this historic site and restaurant into the premier venue it is today. 

This location has the capacity to serve almost any size occasion or function, from a small meeting or workshop to baby blessings, memorial tributes, weddings, retirement parties etc. 

Today, this non-profit, historic site continues to be home to a lovely restaurant that will tailor their menu to meet your dietary needs, lovely grounds with gardens, a working grist mill, carriage rides, the infamous Martha Mary Chapel, an Inn and a lovely new Carriage House Inn that has just been brought under the inn's management (for a total of 58 rooms).

What truly makes this a home-away-from-home however is the staff that goes above and beyond mere customer service.  Each person I have met at the Wayside is invested in the organization, proud of it's history and considers it their own home.  They are passionate about customer service and community outreach and are brimming with idea's and ways to continually exceed expectations.

As an officiant who creates custom ceremonies that honor and celebrate life, The Longfellow Wayside Inn is now a standard that I judge other venues and sites against.  Thank-you to the staff and all your efforts to deliver premier services with heart and soul!