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June 18 (morning): I’m so giddy today. My application to assist the greater Goddesses as they prepare for the summer Solstice was approved, and it is only a few days away. Today, I have to find lodging close enough to the ceremonial events so I don’t have to worry about travel time. I’m told that some trees provide suitable accommodations, which means I might have to try out my flying technique.
(Evening): I spent hours trying to find a place to sleep and change clothes, which is all I will need. I found this massive Oak tree a short distance from the ceremonial grounds that is just perfect for my needs. High in the canopy, the branches fit together almost like a bed. The tough part was how I would get up there. It had been quite a long time since I had a reason to fly. I had some difficulty unfolding my wings at first, and my initial attempts to use them were beyond distressing, to put it mildly. But I was determined, and though it took a few hours, I finally got them working well and was able to reach those uppermost branches. I must say I arranged a very cushy nest for myself where I would be invisible to passers-by. And now, I’m completely exhausted and will take advantage of my unique temporary home.
June 19 (morning): I had a great night’s rest and found a fountain in a nearby park where I could clean up this morning. There are only today and tomorrow before the Solstice begins; tomorrow evening is the start of the longest day of the year. I’m pretty excited as I will be helping the greater Goddesses to get ready, though I’m not sure what chores I will be given. I hope I get to assist with wardrobe or maybe table decoration. The pictures I’ve seen made everything look so glorious. Today, I will mostly hang around and observe as they are having a big meeting at lunchtime. I hear the food at these meetings is, umm, fit for the Gods (tee hee). I hope I will be asked to join, or at least be in the room. It will be interesting to see if the Greek and Roman Goddesses get along.
(Evening): Gosh, that was exhausting; I was on my feet for the entire day, but I did get to help a little with decorating the table for the fancy lunch. I had to run all over the place to find the particular flowers and goblets they wanted. I must admit I was surprised at how well all the Goddesses got along. It seems that Auxo and Aestas, the Greek and Roman Goddesses of Summer, have been friends since childhood; they made sure everyone enjoyed each other. The wonderful wine probably helped a little. Oh, well, bedtime for me and I’m so ready; big day tomorrow.
June 20 (morning): Oh, no, no. no, I’m still up in my tree home. It’s cloudy today and I overslept. I’ll freshen up quickly in the park and then join the Goddesses. I hope they will be too busy to notice my tardiness.
(Evening): It’s been a very long, busy day, but I made it with no reprimands for having been late this morning. I got to help a few of the ladies fit the fabulous dresses they wore for the opening ceremony tonight. It was magnificent—the food (which I didn’t get to eat), looked so delicious, and the wine (which I did get to taste), was divine. The Goddesses were breathtaking in their flowy, colorful gossamer gowns and floral headdresses. And the way they danced was so beautiful; I hope I will one day learn to dance with such graceful movement. Oh, and some of the Gods had been hanging around snooping, hiding in the trees and hunky Mercury kept flirting with with me all afternoon every time I passed, looking for the flowers. I couldn’t stop giggling, but of course, not so he could see. After all, I may not be a full Goddess yet, but I’m not a child.
Now, I’m pretty tired, but all in all, it was a lovely day. I wonder if I’ll ever see Mercury again.
Solstice Morning – June 21: Sparkling rays of sunlight through clusters of leaves teased my eyes open this morning as I lay curled in the pocket of a triad of branches high in this tree that has been my home during these preparation days. I had a long, luxurious stretch as I tried to memorize my routine for this beautiful summer day when I saw, in the distance, what appeared to be a shadow heading in my direction. I watched as a flock of bright red finches came close, circled, then landed on limbs all around me to deliver a sweet sparkling serenade in nature’s own surround sound. What a great wake-up call.
Anyway, they reminded me (not that I needed reminding) that today is the big day, the summer solstice, which started last night, and it is I who must go to greet the Goddesses. There is so much to do if we are to mitigate the mess mortals have made of humanity and of this beautiful planet. Some of them, the humans, claim it is their Gods who direct them—their all-knowing, compassionate, benevolent, and loving gods.
Honestly, I know of no gods (and I’ve known many) who would deign to destroy such perfection, but I am not mortal. I may not judge.
Of course, everyone knows that the great Olympian Zeus sometimes brings thunder, but then his cute son, Apollo, brings back the sun. Even that hunky Roman, Mercury, who, by the way, I spent hours with last night, is, well, mercurial, to say the least, but he is no destroyer. He’s tough and tender and oh so . . . sexy. I have no idea how he found me. Ahh, but that’s a story for another day.
Now I must go, lest the greater Goddesses grow impatient.
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