I've been away....

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't posted.  The same day I posted on June 6th, my Mom went into the hospital.  I flew out Wednesday, arrived just in time for her to know that I was there.  She fell into a coma that night and passed away on June 9th.  I was there for two weeks, got sick, bronchitis then pneumonia.  Now going through Mom's stuff.  Every where I look I see 7 years of memories of her life with us.  So, I'm not the most upbeat person to be posting.  Slowly I can feel my spirituality coming back, glimmers of it.  I can choose to be depressed and go to a very dark place, but I won't go there.  When I'm sad, I cry.  Then I will play some Amy Winehouse or some old time Cuban conga music.  I am in the midst of packing up her things and ours since we are moving in August.  Posting may be intermittent, but I will be back sharing recipes and experiences.

Oh by the way when I was down there I went to a Spiritist center (not to be confused with Spiritualism).  My cousin is a Spiritist, and the week that we buried my Mom I went to a weekly Spiritist meeting my cousin attends.  Let's just say it was very cathartic.  Interesting to see the metaphysical/mystical side of Christianity.  Channeling takes place, spiritual healings.  Half of it I can't remember because I was in the center of the circle and my legs gave out, and I had to be held up by one of the female mediums.  I could feel the tears rolling down my face and sounds coming forth from deep inside of me.  My body moved to the sounds of the chants, Spirit spoke through the mediums.  I was aware of what was happening, never completely out of it, I know I could've stopped this at any time, but I felt this was good for me.  I felt that psychic blocks were being removed.  I was lead by the hand by one of mediums, Spirit spoke through him, he walked me around the entire circle and said this is your path, you must walk it.  It is the work of the soul, to grow, to heal yourself and others, all with the goal of enlightenment, acts of charity.  After things calmed down the female medium that was holding up said that I was a medium, and that I should try and develop my mediumistic skills.  Its as if you don't develop what your soul has come to do in this incarnation, you stunt your growth spiritually. I just know that I have never in my life have experienced anything like that.  I've visited this place before over 12 years ago, but I never participated. What I like about this place, they charage no money, everything is on a donation basis.  If you feel you have a bad spirit that has attached itself to you, they will channel that spirit and send it towards the light.  This is their act of kindness to you and to the soul that needs to move on. 

I was hoping my Mom would come through, but she didn't.  She has visited my cousin in a dream two days after she passed away.  In the dream she was laughing and happy.  She told her she didn't want us to suffer or cry.  She said she is fine, she already saw her mother and her sisters.  Then my sister had a dream with her last week, she was sitting in her living room, looking 20 years younger and again she was laughing.  She said look, I can walk, I don't need that walker anymore.  Visitations like this give me peace.  I know when I cross over she will be the first beautiful face I will see.

So, I'm going to end this for today, I'm getting sad and the happy music has ended on my Ipod.  Need to get that rockin' music going and cook something up for dinner.  Thank you for your patience.

Blessed Be.

Neighbors

Good morning everyone.  Didn't know what to post today, but after a stressful evening last night, I know what I have to post about.  We woke up last night at around midnight by someone yelling and pounding on our front door.  It was my neighbor's son.  His father was having some kind of seizure and they couldn't hold him down.  I just remember my husband jumping out of bed, I think that was what really woke me up.  Next thing I know we are across the street in our best friend's house and there is our neighbor is in the middle of seizure, eyes rolled back and foaming at the mouth.  His wife frantically calling 911, and his sons and my husband yelling at him to breathe and not fight.  They got him on his side and tried to keep him from hurting himself.  After what seemed like 20 minutes (I'm sure it wasn't that long) the ambulance arrived.  I followed to the hospital and the sons waited for their aunt to drive to take them there.  Our neighbor suffers from a brain injury, he fell off of a balcony 12 years ago, and is disabled, its amazing he is still alive.  So today I will be back at the hospital, and I am going to ask for something very personal.  Whichever way you pray, or to whom you pray, please send loving light and thoughts to my friend, his name is Joe.  I'm off to try and get in to the hospital before official visiting hours.  Thank you all.

Blessed Be.

Packing up Magickal Stuff

I've been packing my little heart out, finally had to pack up my blue room (magickal, mystical, meditation room).  I want to get as much packed as possible and just live with the minimum of stuff, so when it comes time to move I can pretty much pack everything in 3 days.

The hardest items to pack was my altar and my magickal "stuff".  First books, I packed them away.  I started to panic!  I can't live without my books.  So I decided to keep three and ended up with five.  Magickal Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurt, There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, Wayne W. Dyer, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham, Infinite Quest, John Edward, Utterly Wicked by Dorothy Morrison,  American Folk Magick, Silver Ravenwolf and All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew (how'd that get n there?) oh wait that makes six.  Six books to get me through the next three months.  Then I packed my candles, not too hard.  Kept out the ones I had made (which have been working divinely I might add).  I went back to the packed box ad pulled out some white candles and some red candles and added that to the green candles I hadn't packed.  Then I decided to keep a few spell kits I had purchased (you never know).  Herbs and oils, yes, yes I did, I packed them all.  Dolls, lace, string all packed for the move.  Put away my Runes and all my tarots cards, changed my mind and kept one set out (The Physchic Tarot).  Then came the moment of truth, the actual altar.  I decided to keep only my 7 day candles.  Oh but I need my smudge stick for my morning ritual.  Not bad, two 7 day candles and a smudge stick.  Hey what if  need to do a spell, so I kept my little box of tools in case I want to do a spell, which I probably will.  Oh, then I decided I needed my cauldron and my aura cleansing spray, my protection spray and peaceful house spray.  I did pack my feather and glass pentacle, I have a small one in my magick box.  So much for streamlining my altar!  I didn't realize I was so high maintenance.  I love accessories, magickal ones.  Well, guess I did make some strides and now lets see how the next few months pan out.  I miss my stuff already (heavy sigh).

If you had to pack up your altar, what items would you absolutely have to keep?  How attached are you to your magickal accessories?  I'd appreciate any ideas.  Any multi-purpose uses?   I want to keep it simple, which is not working.....

Blessed Be.

Buddy my dog.

Hope everyone had a lovely Holiday weekend.  I feel like I'm stepping out of a fog.  It was actually very relaxing this weekend.  Didn't plan on posting today, but I have to share this picture with you.  We can learn a lot from animals, you got it...stop and smell the roses.  Look at his face, I'm not sure if he is smelling the roses or scoping out a bee to eat.  You never know with Buddy (everyone this is Buddy.).  I'm just thankful that he grew tired of eating the siding on my house, oh and he is no longer digging holes, and he ceased licking Goliath (my 4 lb. Yorkie) until he looks like he stepped out of a bath.  Besides those things there are some life lessons.  For instance: bark if you have to, sometimes its necessary.  If you stay outside long enough you get used to the wet dog smell, just don't come in the house!  If you've got an itch, scratch it, no matter where it is.  If a bird flies by....watch it intently..... until another bird happens by.  Grab a ball and run with it, if anyone tries to take it from you...snarl. Don't pick on smaller dogs.  Mark your territory, just don't mark it on the Chihuahua's head.  Appreciate everything you eat, drool over it, savor it.  Yes Buddy has taught me many things, such as marking my territory (in a different way of course), bark sometimes, stand my ground,  try different foods (just no aluminum siding).  Run because I can, sit and watch the wildlife in my backyard, and love unconditionally. So with these happy little thoughts I leave you for now.  I'm off to buy boxes for packing.  I figure if I pack up everything, I won't have to clean the house and I can focus on blogging, crafts, art journaling and playing with my dogs along with whatever little critters the Goddess puts in my path.  Have a great day.

Blessed Be.

I'm Addicted....to YouTube!

Last week I wrote that I was getting my art on. Well, I am, I'm doing art journals.  Since starting this blog, its all been about expressing myself.  I express myself through food, crafts and words.  I'm not a writer and I'm not an artist, but I have a pretty good imagination (I hope).  I know you do, or else you wouldn't have found my blog.  This path that we are on puts us in touch with the creativity inside of us.  Visualizing a circlem, doing a guided meditation, creating a ritual from scratch requires us to focus within and let our inner vision create for us.  Sounds pretty imaginative to me.  What has inspired me....YouTube.  All these talented artists out there sharing their work, their techniques and teaching us!  It gives us permission to play.  The child inside of us who used to like to play with crayons and clay peeks out from behind our grown-up eyes and asks "Is the coast clear, are the grown-ups gone? YAY!"  That is what I've experienced watching YouTube.......endlessly.  One who stands out for me is Suzi Blu .  She is quirky funny, magical and talented.  Her videos will make you laugh and inspire you at the same time.  I've already signed up for one of her classes at her website Suzi Blu's Les Petit Academy.  I like her style and her attitude.  Another person JournalArtista (just type in her name when you get to YouTube because I'm having issues again with blogger).  If you happen to get inspired like I did, check our her video on supplies.   I was actually able to make an art journal entry that I love.  I love to touch it, if I were a dog I'd probably lick it (LOL! I crack myself up sometimes), its got all these great cool textures and sexy colors.  Why am I doing this? I don't know.  I sure am enjoying it though.  I know it will work its way into my rituals, my worship and my life. Check these two ladies out.  Let me know what you think.

Christian blogger picking on Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom!

Really, no really.  Are you serious?  It really is disgusting to see women knocking other women.  I know it happens, I don't like it.  Now what makes this evil to me, Mrs. B. is being criticized for her faith.  I'm not even going to quote the article her blog is Time Warp Wife.  All I am going to do is ask nicely if you would please go over to Confessions of A Pagan Soccer Mom and vote through her link for top 25 faith based blogs by women.  Share this with your friends, they don't even have to be pagans, just have an open mind and despise prejudice.  I know I don't have a huge following, but let's get together, forward this to as many people as we can and keep Mrs. B in the top 25, better yet let's make her #1.  I would love to see Mrs. B beat her at this.  That would probably really irritate her, which would make me smile : )

Blessed Be.

Vote for Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom!

OK, so I'm a few days late, but better late than never.  I just saw this this morning.   I just reposted Mrs. B's post of a few days ago.  Circle of Moms website is looking to find the top 25 faith based blogs by moms.  Someone very kindly nominated Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom.  The post below will take you to Mrs. B's website where you can follow the link and vote for her!  Let's vote for this very smart funny lady, great mom and good friend!  Oh and you can vote every day!

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom: Vote for Me!

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom: Vote for Me!: "I try to keep my self-promotions to a minimum (I said I tried , not that I was successful...), but today I have to post to request your vot..."

Super Simple Carrot Salad with Home made Balsamic Dressing

This is so simple, but so delish! (OK, I'm sounding like Rachel Ray)

2 big fat juicy carrots (I shred them myself they taste better than the pre-shredded ones)
1/2 cup of red onions or whatever type of onion you have at home (chopped finely or thin slivers)

I used 3 carrots 'cause they weren't fat and juicy also used regular onions because I didn't have red ones



Nicely shredded (fresh, fresh, fresh. yum) (Stop it, Rachel Ray is in my head)



Combine your onion with your shredded carrots (looks good already)

Now...

The Dressing:

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (At least I didn't say EVOO)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon honey mustard

That's it.  Super simple, but so yummy.  You'll have a lot of dressing left over since you only need to drizzle this on top of the carrots, it tastes great on regular salad as well.

 Ta Daaaaaa......



That's it, super simple but almost decadent, if carrots can be decadent



Mugwort Picking

Happy Monday everyone!  Well,  went mugwort picking with Mrs. B this past Saturday.  There was a nice size group and we had a very enlightening time.  Here I am thinking mugwort is this exotic herb that I can only get at the metaphysical store. WRONG!  Its a weed!  It's all over New Jersey.  We picked this up by the beach, the city is chopping it down left and right.  Mrs. B mentioned that the stalks get very thick and grow up to 6 ft. tall.  Hmmmmm....that sounds familiar, and when I got a look at it, it even LOOKS familiar.  Why?  Because I've trying to chop it down for the last five years!  The minute I got home I walked over to a corner on my property and sure enough there it is.  Hubby mowed it last week.  Actually, he weed wacked it.  Wait until I tell him not to mow it anymore so I can harvest it!  He thinks I'm nuts anyway, he'll think I went over the edge on this one.  Thank you Mrs. B for showing me what mugwort really looks like, now I can get creative with my very own patch of mugwort.

Harvested Mugwort

Mugwort we chopped down last week

Jeez it hard being a witch sometimes.  Candlemaking, art, cooking, spirituality, spells, soltices, esbats now I have to worry about weed wacking really cool weeds!

The Lord and Lady Like their Space

I've been packing, scanning pictures on to my computer and catching up since I was away last week.  I wanted to share with you an experience.  I have a spare room, I call it the blue room.  This is a guest room, but it also has my altar, my magickal books, tarot cards, etc.  This is also the room where I meditate in.  Well, last week I was going to focus on learning more about blogging.  Did I do that? Nope, I got my ART on!  I went nuts with paints, stamps, crayons, mixed media journal books!  My husband is asking me where his wife went? LMAO!  All my purchases ended up in the blue room.  Brushes, art kits, paints were on top of the bed, stuff was spilling out of my craft basket and spreading to a laundry basket as well, I couldn't find anything!  I couldn't focus in the room, something did not feel right.  I have noticed (before my sojourn into the art world) when I greet the Lord and Lady, my guides and my house spirits in the morning, the minute I approach my altar there is palpable energy!  I know now what sacred space feels like.  It feels like my altar.  I was not feeling this energy the last few days.  Yesterday I went to one of my favorite places, the dollar store, and bought a bunch of bins.  I sorted all my arts and crafts stuff (too much for someone who has no artistic talent) and moved everything into the computer/office room.  This morning I went into my blue room and the energy was totally different.  I actually felt the spirits were happy!  As I walked out of the room I got it (intuitively) they didn't like sharing their room with all that stuff!  This is how they like their sacred space, they kicked that clutter OUT! They would not let me rest until they had their space back.  Am I crazy?  Has anyone out there had something like this happen to them? 

Herb Crazy

I know I said I wouldn't be posting today but found a little extra time and thought I would pop in.  While in Connecticut this past weekend I attended a psychic fair, I've already mentioned this in my post for yesterday.  Now let me tell you about my shopping.  As I was visiting the vendors, lo and behold HERBS!
What do witches love? Candles and Herbs one and the other.  Want to know what I picked up? Ok, I'll tell you: 

Dittany of Crete (Astral Projection, Manifestations)
Balm of Gilead (Protection, Love, Healing)
Tonka Bean (Love, Money, Courage, Wishes)
Rue (Healing, Love, Mental Powers)
Dragon's Blood (Protection, Love, Exorcism)
Cinquefoil (Money, Protection, Sleep)
Mandrake (Masculine, Mercury, Fire, Hecate, Hathor, Protection, Health, Money, Love)
Devil's Shoestring (Protection, Luck, Employment)
Benzoin Gum Powder (Purification, Prosperity)
Agrimony (Protection, Sleep)
Smudge Stick

I probably didn't need to get all of these, but many of these herbs I have just read about and never even seen before, so I am looking forward to incorporating them into spells, candles, mojo bags, incense....you know our little bag of tricks.  I was very surprised to find such an ecclectic collection of herbs.

All these herbs I purchased from Gayle's Thyme, LLC, Gayle's Thyme carries organic herbs and spices, herbal teas, essential oils, aromatherapy, soaps, salts, candles incense and spiritual supplies.  On my next trip to Connecticut I think I'm going to visit the actual store, from what Gayle told me she carries over 500 herbs and spices.  Herb mecca!  One of the things I really like is that all of the herbs were labeled with their majickal uses, I didn't have to try to remember what I could use them for.  I'm really looking forward to experimenting, and I mean SOON!  Gayle's Time is located at 316 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT 06082.  If you happen to stop by the store tell me about it. 

Here is a quick pic of my shopping extravaganza.

Blessed Be

Mystical Connecticut

Hi there, I'm baaaack.  I'm writing from the lovely state of Connecticut.  I came up here to spend some time with family as well as visit a new age fair my niece has told me about.  I met some lovely people which I will be writing about in the near future. 

This fair is put on by the Astrological Society of Connecticut, Inc.. I had heard really nice things about this fair and I was not disappointed.  Had a wonderful reading (more about that in future posts), wonderful craftsmen and craftswomen, and interesting lectures (of course more about these in future posts as well).  Picked up tons of herbs and jewelry so today I am a happy woman!  I will be travelling on Tuesday so I won't be posting, but I've got my arsenal of posts coming up.  Hope you had a lovely, magickal weekend and will chat with you later on in the week!

Happy Monday!

Hope your Mother's Day was wonderful and happy!  I will be taking this week off from blogging.  I've been ignoring my more mundane duties, and I sorely need to learn more about blogging.  This week I will be focusing on packing, donating and planning for a garage sale.  I won't be blogging but I will be reading my favorite blogs out there.  See you next week!

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the Moms out there, thank you! Here's a little link to Mother's Day trivia and traditions.  .http://www.mothersdayworld.com/mothers-day-trivia.html

Blessed Be

The Circle Within - By Diane Sylvan

Well here it is my very first ever review - The Circle Within. I’ve had this book for over 2 years now and just recently reread it. I was looking for something to help me add to my morning time alone with the Divine. I light my candles, close my eyes and grond myself,  but sometimes its turns into something like this: “Thanks for everything, take care of everyone, Blessed Be”.  Now that is not quality time with the All That Is.  Then I rediscovered this book. Through the first part of this book Ms. Sylvan leads you down a path of self-discovery. Each chapter has a series of questions which delves into how you see God and Goddess, what makes you feel spiritually fulfilled, have you ever felt Divine presence, etc.  She accomplishes this without being preachy or pushy, she makes you put your thinking cap on like a good litle doobie. One of her suggestions is to start each morning  connecting with God and Goddess through this little prayer to open your heart:

“Blessed Mother, Radiant Father

I open my heart to Your love and Your wisdom

Help me to see You, hear Your voice, take Your hands.

Help me to find You in myself,

Help me to find You all around me.

Blessed be.”

She suggests you do this for a few weeks and look out for any signs the Gods may send you. I fell in love with this short little prayer. I typed it up, printed it out and decided to put it on my altar. I guess I have problems with memorizing prayers (rebellion against my upbringing) or it could be menopause brain or both! Anyway, I made it look pretty....take a peak….

Now when I enter my blue room, where my altar is, I look at this pretty little plaque light my candles, focus on the God and Goddess and say my prayer.

The second part of the book is called The Book of Moonlight. Here Ms. Sylvan includes book blessings, morning and evening devotionals, offering rites and celebration rituals. These can be incorporated or serve as a guide to build your own rituals. I love this book. It makes you think and makes you look within.  If you are looking for suggestions for creating your own spiritual practice, let's say your own spiritual road map, this book will start you on your journey.

Illegal to Take Pictures on Farms?

I received an email this morning from Slow Food USA.  Slow Food USA is an organization that supports good, clean and fair food. They stand for truth and transperacy in the production of our food.  Below is the email which was written by Joshua Klemperer, which I copied and pasted into this posting. At the end of the email I'm also adding a another link to similar article.  I hope you will excuse my lack of expertise in linking skills, but I felt this was important enough to get this out there, to do whatever I can, in whatever small way.  Please share this on Facebook, Twitter wherever.  Blessed Be.

"Imagine if taking photos of farms were illegal — and the photographer was subject to fines and possibly jail time. If Big Ag got its way, that’s exactly what would happen. Right now they’re pushing legislators in Minnesota, Florida, and Iowa to criminalize taking photos or videos of their facilities.[1]
I guess industrial agriculture has something to hide. Maybe it’s the way factory farms mistreat workers, animals, and the environment.
The clock is ticking — Iowa's legislation could pass an important hurdle as soon as next week. If we can raise a big enough stink, we can stop this state-based legislation from spreading nationwide.
Sign our petition and stand up for transparency and the right to take pictures of farms. »
Link to Petition
But that’s not all. We don't just want to stop Big Ag's attempt to restrict consumers' right to know — we also want to use this as an opportunity to lift up the good, clean and fair farmers who like consumers to come and see exactly how their food is produced.
So Join the farmarazzi! In the next few days we'll be calling on you for help. Plan a visit to a nearby farm (or just step outside, farmers) because we'll be holding a contest for the best farm photos, and sending a flipbook of the winning photos to the legislators in question. Can't wait to get started? Share your favorite farm photos by uploading and posting them on our Facebook wall here: http/www.facebook.com/SlowFoodUSA

Thanks,
Jerusha Klemperer
Slow Food USA"

http://www.yearofplenty.org/2011/03/ag-community-paranoia-in-florida-leads-to-new-law-that-would-criminalize-farm-photos.html

Sweatpants - Friend or Foe

I know this is a blog about witchery and stuff, but come on I have to deal with the mundane world too.  Soooo, looking for something to wear on this dreary NJ day and my closet is still stuffed with winter clothes.  I'm looking for something that will hide all my imperfections, and what do I come across....a turquise blue velour sweatpant set courtesy of Hanes.  I love these they are so yummy and I found turqoise socks to match too.  I usually don't match my socks to my oufit, that would take too much planning.  Actually my socks NEVER match what I wear, I usually find a contrasting color.  Anyway, I digress, today sweatpants are my friends.  Other times sweats play tricks on me.  That wonderful elastic band fails to alert me when I've gained weight, and with no full length mirrors in the house I tell myself I'm fine,still looking hot.  Inevitably the day comes that I have to wear real clothing and nothing fits!  That's the day I'm pissed of at sweatpants.  The trickster!  Well I guess I will  have to come to terms with summer clothing eventually, that's when I fall in love with maxi dresses, the only part of me that shows are my muscular arms.  Well they are not really muscular, but they sure are big!  These are the silly things I think of as I drive around in the rain.  Can't wait to get home and put on my HUSBAND'S sweat pants.  They are even bigger and thicker, extra yum!

Death of Osama Bin Ladin

I was delighted yesterday when I heard the news.  At the same time how could I delight in the death of a another?  I couldn't come to terms with both feelings.  Then I think of the terror, pain and evil of that day and I don't feel so bad.  When I commuted everyday in and out of Manhattan for the last 7 years the thought of a terrorist attack ran through my head each and every morning and afternoon.  Each time my commuter bus rode through the Lincoln Tunnel each time I boarded the #5 train, I looked at everyone yet made no eye contact.  I know they target these places.  On my bus into NYC I watched everyone with a backpack the same thing while on the train.  I listened for conversations for anything anti-American.  Nah, I don't feel so bad for feeling relieved and a sense of vindication.  I moved back to NY in 2003 after 9/11.  The first time I attended a Disaster Preparedness meeting given by my company I felt real fear!  I remember getting choked up.  I didn't remember working in NYC like this.  We even had special disaster preparedness kits issued to each employee or should I say work station.  These were kept on your desk at all times.  In it was water, blanket, flashlight and protein bars.  MY DH and I had discussed that if anything happened we would not look for each other...we would try to head home.  I made the same pact with a few of my fellow commuters.  We planned where to meet in the event of an attack.  Our plan was to work our way to 11th Avenue, try and get on one of the Ferry there and head over to NJ, there we would meet and then try and find a way home in Central NJ.  The massacre of 9/11, the innocent lives that were taken makes me ill.  I'm not naive and think that our problems are over, do I think there will be another terrorist attack?  Yes I do.  Am I glad I no longer work in NYC, yes, I am.  Do I worry about DH when he leaves every morning? You betcha.  Can it happen anywhere? Yeap.  No, I'm not sad this man is dead, its just a shame that there will be someone in line fillling his spot. 

Moon Phases

A very big thank you to Mrs. B from Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom for posting the moon phases for May.  Saved me a bit of time.  Blessed B.  : )

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom: Quick Roundup for May

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom: Quick Roundup for May: "May 1: Beltane in the Northern Hemisphere, Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere May 3: New Moon May 5: Cinco de Mayo May 6: Waxing Moon; Pe..." Thank you Mrs. B for posting this. I'm printing it out as well!

Beltane Blessings

Growing up I didn't realize what the song Lusty Month of May from Camelot was all about.  This song was running through my head this morning when I woke up.  I watched this movie every summer on Channel 7  in the morning, long before morning talk shows.  Maybe this is where I fell  in love with mid-evil dresses and so many things English.  Enjoy the song.  Please see below.

Lusty Month of May

Yellow Rice & Sausage

Ingredients:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 turns of the pan)
2. 2 tsps Garlic (chopped)
3. 1./2 green pepper (chopped)
4. 1/2 orange pepper (chopped)
5. 1/2 yellow pepper (chopped)
6. 1 yellow onion (chopped)
7. 1 huge sausage (Kielbasa this is what I’m using today)
8. 2 Cups Rice
9. 4 Cups Water
10. 1 bottle of beer
11. 1 tsp Bijol (or paprika or saffron) (this will give you yellow rice)
12. 1  1/2 tsp salt
13. 1 tsp Oregano
14. 1 Tbsp Cumin
15. 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
16. 1 Tbsp Complete Seasoning
17. Olives Optional


This recipe is very similar to Cuban Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with rice) or maybe even a Paella which I’ve never made. I came up with this a few weeks ago because I had ingredients on hand and didn’t want them to go to waste. DH loved it so I make it every other week. Chicken can be substituted for the sausage. Haven’t tried seafood yet but I bet it would be delicious although instead of adding water I would add shrimp stock. I used different colored peppers because I had them in my freezer, I hate to waste food. I didn’t forget the green peppers either, I had chopped them up and frozen them and just added it in when I was sautéing everything.
I’m using Polish Kielbasa this week because my wonderful Polish neighbors brought over two huge sausages. The other one is going on the BBQ on Friday YUM YUM!  Start out with the olive oil, heat up over medium high heat, add ingredients 2 through 6 and sauté.



Olive oil/onions and garlic



peppers have been added

After 2 minutes add the Kielbasa this is your 7^th ingredient.


Add your two cups of rice to your vegetables and Kielbasa in pan.

Follow with your 4 cups of water



Rice and Water added

Your seasonings 11 through 16 can now be added. Stir.

 b

I took one sip
Beer please!

Cover and bring to a boil. Don’t stray too far from the stove. You have to keep an eye on the rice. Once you can see some of the rice peeking through the liquid then you know its time to lower the heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.


Can you see some of the rice poking through?
While I had the timer set I found a less than half full bottle of salad olives with pimentos in the fridge. I threw that in there as well. I’m a sucker for olives. This can be added when you bring everything to a boil but since I found it kind of late, I added it anyway, what’s it going to do….sue me?

Lonely bottle of olives that wanted to be added to this dish


Better late than ever olives added to dish
  

Finished Product after 15 minutes of simmering






Good Morning

OK, it is late morning.  Having one of those days that all I want to do is sit and read.  Did I mention I love books?  What Witch doesn't?  Well that's what I did.  I started Lovely Bones last night and finished it this morning.  I will do a review on it as soon as I stop CRYING!  That's all I'm saying until I can sit down and write a review.  Not that I have ever done reviews before but this must be the Spring of my folly, writing a blog, crafting, reviewing books and posting my recipes online.  What has happened to me? 

I've bolstered my lack of energy with a nice cup of Bustelo Instant Cappucino (Vanilla) pretty soon I'll be dancing around the kitchen.

 I am working on a recipe to post, I don't know what to call it because I kind of made it up.  Hopefully I will come up with a name for it by the time I share it with you. 

So this is just a brief post, letting you know I'm here and planning my little heart out.

It's Spring...I'm Scared!

Gorgeous day here in NJ, and that brings me to the knot of fear down in the pit of my stomach.  No more wearing my husband's sweatpants!  I actually have to wear something of mine, say it isn't so.  I can no longer hide under baggy layers of warm comforting fleece and sweatshirts.  I have to lose 40 lbs in six weeks, nah, won't happen.  I have a wedding in June, I'm thinking long flowing mumu, dark glasses and bright red lipstick.  That's the ticket!

Organizing your Cupboard of Magickal Stuff

Hi there, sorry I’ve been MIA for the last few days. Finally got the computer up, my contacts back on my cell phone and Netflix! Still struggling with my crafts, mainly because I don’t have an artistic bone in my body! I’m not giving up EVER!
One thing I am pretty good at is organizing stuff. I look at things and want to put it away, make a list of what I have and then tell people about my list. That’s what happens when you are a secretary for 30 years!
As a Wanna-B-Witch I have a lot of stuff! Herbs, candles, craft projects, all these things take up room and after awhile I forget what I have. I made this handy little chart for myself. I found this has cut down on purchasing items I already have and makes the task of substituting one ingredient for another if they have the same magickal purpose simple. Pulling together items for a spell is almost as easy as twitching your nose and presto you have magick. Well not really, but it sure helps. It’s not rocket science, but hopefully it will make your magickal life a little easier. Here is a sample of what it can look like.
　

Herbs	Health	Love	Money/Luck
Allspice	X		x
Basil		x	x
Chamomile		X	X
Clove	X	x	x

　
My actual list is much longer with categories for exorcism, lust, courage, peace and psychic development. Then I have the same chart for oils and purchased incense. This can be adapted as you like. I keep it in a clear plastic folder inside my BOS. This isn't perfect, the sample chart isn't showing up as I had hoped, but at 6:30 a.m. and awake since 3 a.m. it will have to do.  This is why I am no longer a secretary Aghhhh!  Still working though Blogging for Dummies! I think you get the idea though.  Hope you like and enjoy.

Happy Earth Day!

Good Morning Everyone!  What a gorgeous day for Earth Day here in the New Jersey!  Still cool but sunny!
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, major issues with computer and cell phone so I have been out of contact with everyone online and on phone!  Just hot wired my computer to send out this quick message.  Go out enjoy Mother Earth, thank her for her beauty, wisdom, balance and fertility. 

Trying out some new crafts that have certainly put me in my place.  Now I know why I'm not an artist, but I'm not giving up!  If you see it here next week that means it worked out.  I leave you now to start on my many phone calls with my cable carrier, my cell phone coverage provider and modem and router experts!

Blessed Be.

What Makes a Witch

I have to admit my first attraction to the Craft was the magic, so empowering!  In my experience the magic is fun and often times necessary.  Preparing for the magic is an eye opener.  The magic begins when you start your research and search for your materials.  Its like an excavation of yourself.  Questions I ask myself, why am I doing this, is it going to hurt anyone (including me)?  I must choose my words wisely, I need to focus my energy, have quiet time.  Remember to thank and not take for granted the deities that assist me. 

I'm not always making magic, so what do I do when I'm not working on a spell?  I've always been a spiritual person, and been part of and participated in other religions.  Study was important, fellowship and prayer where major parts of my life.  I drifted away from this when I started down this path.  It was spiritually lonely.  I liked the magic part, but I needed the daily connection to God/Goddess.  Without this, to me magic can get a little stale.  Slowly I started my own rituals, taken from other religions and this one.  I light my 7 day candle every morning and I thank the Lord and Lady for another day, for safety, for blessings.  I call in my guides and angels and ask for their assistance and blessings for me and my family and those in need.  As I stand in front of my altar I can feel the energy run down my spine.  I don't even have to light the candle, the minute I approach that altar I know I'm in church or temple, its sacred ground to me. 

OK, so what about the rest of the day?  I can't go around feeling all Whoo Whoo all the time, holy and such!
A real eye opener for me is the connection of nature and becoming a Witch.  Yes, it is politically correct nowadays to care about the environment, and a lot of people do so without being witches.  I have experienced a personal responsibility for every action I make in my home reflects my belief system.  Am I walking the walk?  This brings me to awareness.  Awareness in the most mundane things.  Here is a silly example, when I open a can of dog food, I recycle that can.  I hate washing out that can.  I'm not going to throw it out without washing it because it will attract flies.  I have often debated just throwing it in the garbage.  That is my lazy self talking.  Then all of a sudden I'm picturing that can (my can) languishing in a landfill inside of a plastic garbage for the next 100 years or more.  I can't do it!  I wash out the stupid can and recycle it.  It may sound silly, but that's what I think about.  Every time I throw out food and don't compost it I feel like I'm not appreciating what Mother Earth has given me.  How can I approach her everyday knowing that I have spit in her face and not respected her creation?  I'm not saying I'm the most evnviornmentally correct person out there, I screw up.  Yet she answers me when I need her, the loving mother listens to my requests and lends her energy to magickal works.  Yes, these are the thoughts that run through my brain.

All these things have been taught to me by the books I've read and the time I've taken to look within, but does this make me a Witch?  I'll be posting more on this topic, there is more to write but I've run out of words for now.  Blessed Be.

Beautiful Monday!

So nice to see the Sun!  So nice to see you too!  We had horrible weather up here this past weekend.  Flooding in New Jersey.  The highway right by my house was closed on Saturday night.  The rain put a bit of a damper on full moon ritual, but we still got together and worked a little somethin' somethin'.  Nice to get together with like-minded folk.

Well my mind is running in 17 different directions this morning.  Feel the need to get crafty.  Can't share it yet in case I totally bomb at what I'm thinking of doing. If it turns out nicely you will see pics!  So with my 40% Michael's coupon in my hot little hands I will venture forth to craft heaven (although AC Moore had more stuff).  I am so fighting to urge to go to Union City, I think I need a Botanica fix!

Rereading my witchy books.  You never realize how many books you have until you can't afford to buy anymore! LOL!  I'm also taking advantage of the local library.  I actually almost bought Blogging for Dummies!  $26.00 are they kidding me?  I requested it at the library.  $26.00 to be called a dummy, why pay for that when I can get insulted for free!

Working on list of books that I'm rereading and offering up my  humble opinion.  I know, I know, opinions are like....never mind this is a G rated blog!

Still figuring out this blogging stuff.  I added a little widget at the bottom of the page in case you need help rhyming!  Is that cool or what?  I figure it would come in handy when working on a spell?

I'm kind of curious to know how other witchy folk celebrate the full moon?  What did you do this past weekend or are you doing something this evening?  

Have a great weekend!

Well, its Friday, for me this means clean the house, which I didn't!  Ghost Adventures tonight which I won't miss.  Clean house tomorrow before full moon ritual.  Now that I am looking forward to!  Catch you on Monday.

To Cast or not To Cast

I have a dilemma.  When it comes to casting circles, I love them, but don't love the time for the set up.  I've discussed this with friends and they are quite comfortable casting a quick spell and moving on.  I'm not an expert so I want to do what is best.  I find that my spells work much better in a circle, but really don't want to depend on the circle when I want to do a quick spell.  Other magickal systems don't cast spells.  Kitchen witches, hedge witches etc. don't always cast spells.  Would a white light of protection do as well.  What about all that energy that is raised during a spell?  What I do love about a cast circle is the energy you feel at the perimeter of the cast circle and calling quarters.  Whatever I do in the circle seems so reverant.  So please offer up your opinion, advice and or experiences.  Share your knowledge.  Blessed Be.

Finally! Picadillo (Cuban Ground Beef)

Good morning fellow wictches! Here is my picadillo recipe.  I had a bunch of really good pictures, but let's say I have issues with my picture taking and downloading skills.  So you will have to use your imagination for some of this, but since I'm sure you have all cooked at some point in your lives you don't need to have pictures of onions and garlic and such.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs of ground beef (I purchase whatever is on sale)
3 cloves of garlic (minced),
1 medium onion diced
1 small green pepper (diced)
1 small can of tomato sauce.
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin powder
1 tsp. Complete Seasoning (Badia brand) this is found in the latin section of your food market
 if you can't find that use Adobo.  Adobo has a more salt though.
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Green olives
1 Bay leaf
Salt to taste
You don't have to dice everything if you don't want to, I just throw everything into a chopper and let it become mush.  Kids can't pick out stuff they don't like if they can't see it! 
Saute oinions, garlic, green peppers in olive oil over medium high heat.
Add your ground beef and brown, towards the end of browning add your oregano, cumin, salt, and Complete Seasoning or Adobo.  Once beef is browned add your tomato sauce, olives and bay leaf.  Stir and cover, cook for 30 minutes over low heat.  It should look like this.  Taste, and add whatever seasonings you want more of.  Addint more of the seasonings will not hurt it, just go easy on the salt.  Now don't freak out about the grease and oil in the pan.  I strain the sauce out and let cool.

Here is all the sauce and fat that was in the beef.  Fat has flavor but you really don't need all that gunk clogging your arteries, let chocolate cake do that for you.  I get a good deal on the beef, lots of flavor and I remove a lot of the fat.  Its a win win situation.

 This is the sauce and fat in the fridge hanging out being the star of the show.  I'm too sexy for this refrigerator (does anybody remember Right Said Fred?)  Again I digress, next.....

 This is when its finally done and I remove the fat from the top of the sauce.  I add the defatted (is that a word?) sauce to my cooked picadillo and reheat.

  Serve over white rice and Ta-DAAAAAAA!
It was really yummy!  Now if you double your beef increase your seasonings because this meal freezes beautifully.  Cook once eat twice.  Less effort, less electricity.

You can use this dish for tacos, just remove the olives and stuff beef into the taco or maybe a burrito, add your salsa and cheese whatever you like.  You didn't have to buy the seasoning packet with all that junk in it.  You can also serve this over spaghetti and pour your favorite sauce on top!  Ah...Cuban style spaghetti!  Oh and remember to remove the bay leaf!

Update on Recipe

Good morning ya'll.  I'm practicing my southern accent, I will be moving down south at the end of the summer!  Can anyone say "almost year round gardening!"   I digress...I promised you a recipe for picadillo (ground beef).  I made it yesterday, but we didn't eat it, so don't have the nice final picture of the ground beef served over the white rice.  We will eat this tonight then I'll post the pics.  Had an interesting time with my camera taking the pictures.  I use my little Sanyo which is handy and easy.  So here I am in the kitchen taking pictures of ingredients, garlic and onions sizzling in the skillet, then all of a sudden I get a memory full message!  Oh my, well what I actually said was "crap!"  Then I figured I'd use the more complicated camera and took my pictures.  I start to download my pictures from the fancy camera and I couldn't get the memory card in the slot in the computer.  Turns out I had left the other memory card in the computer from earlier in the day!  That's why my camera was telling me memory full, it didn't  have a memory card in the camera!  This is typical of me.  Is this typical of you?  I mean as women we are alway multi-tasking.  Between cooking, taking care of animals, housework and surfing the net what's a girl to do?

Thank you

Hey thank you new followers!  I thought I was all alone out here!  Stay tuned for tomorrow.  I'm making Cuban Picadillo (ground beef).  I'll post the recipe and pics tomorrow!  Have a great day!  Blessed Be!

Candlemaking at Home

Doubles Boiler $6.95 + candlemaking kit (don't ask how much)

 As promised, yesterday I attempted to make my own candles.  Now all you witchy folk out there that are used to doing this won't be impressed, but since I am new to this I thought this was going to be a pain in the you know what.  It wasn't!  I purchased a double boiler at the Junkologist (thrift shop) and a candle making kit from Michaels.  I purchased the kit to give me some help and then if I really enjoy making my candles I can move on from here.

Supplies contained in kit

The kit came with some decent supplies: Dye, wax, thermometer, molds, wicks and fragrance (which I didn't use), I used my own essential oils.

1/4 of wax block

 Since I didn't want to make a ton of candles, I just eyeballed it.  I used a quarter of the wax from one of the blocks of wax provided.

13 minutes to melt time!

 It took approximately 13 minutes for the wax to melt (interesting number).  Pretty easy so far.  I followed instructions, which helps a lot.  I usually don't follow instructions but I kind of did.  Except for the part of using their fragrance which came in a block form, I used my oils.  Bergamot, lavendar and sweet orange.

Shavings of blue and yellow dye

 Had to run to the computer to figure out how to make the color green.  I know, I should know this, but honestly I can't remember where my glasses are most of the time.  The computer is a magickal friend!  Blue + Yellow = Green.  I wanted green becaused I decided to make prosperity candles.


A lovely green color

  Here is the green wax, bubbling away.  I must get a witchy hat, next time I make my candles I have to wear it!


Add caption

  After the wax temperature is between 185 and 200 degrees I poured out the wax into the molds.  Don't forget the newspaper to protect your work surface, I almost did, and after I splashed some wax around I was very happy for the newspaper.

 These are my little dogs wondering what the heck Mami was up to in the kitchen that didn't involve cooking.

 Five minutes after pouring the wax into the molds, I added the wicks.

 Fifteen minutes after I added the wicks, I inserted a pencil on either side of the wicks to let pockets of air out.  I did this according to the instructions.  They do come in handy.










Again, according to instructions, I added more melted wax to the top of the mold.













Here are my candles!  I waited 2 hours then pulled them free of the molds.  Not perfect but I'm impressed with myself.

Here is one of my candles on my altar.  I charged them this morning and did a spell.  I'll let you know if I hit the lottery!

Would I do this again?  Yes indeed I would!

B-Witching Life

Welcome fellow Wanna-B-Witches!  I hope you will enjoy my search for the perfect fit of witchyness!  Along the way I will be posting thoughts, remarks, recipes, pictures, book reviews, spells etc.  You will come to see that I pretty much give anything a try.  This is my first blog, I am not a writer (duh), so be kind!

This week I will attempt to make my own candles.  Why?  Because I always think that I can make things better than store bought!  Cocky huh?  I am often wrong, but what the heck it makes life messy but interesting.  As soon as I can figure out to get cool pictures on the blog you'll get some.