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