'Puter sick

My computer is on it's way back to the manufacturer. Potential mother board issues. So, I will be without for about 10-14 days. *sigh*

Thanks to all of you who have sent me e-cards!

I'll miss you all during my brief but painful hiatus!

Tree

We decorated for Christmas today. We could easily have 2 LARGE trees and maybe get all the ornaments on them. Very productive day though. Cleaned, lauandry done, yard moved, all the chops grilled, and lucnh made.

Nativity

Frank's grandmother made this Nativity. It is ceramic, pale blue and ivory. Similar to Lladro. It was made in the 70's.

Sushi

OK, I have had so many comments on my sushi, I will answer a few questions that have been posed to me.
1) No fish. The orange are carrots. These are actually classified as California Rolls.

2) I have limited likes in my sushi. The eel was OK. The BBQ Chicken was AWESOME! You'd be surprised at all the different types. MANY without raw fish or fish at all.

3) Some of the fishy taste, I have found, comes from the Nori which is made of seaweed. Apparently, there is a kind that is not made out of seaweed, but I have yet to find any. (If any of you see it, snag me some pu-lease! I will repay you)

Added photos

under "Sushi" and "End of November"

Sushi

I made Sushi tonight. First try and they turned out not too bad looking. As soon as I can figure out why I can't get pictures sent from my phone, I'll post pictures.


Here is the Sushi

Today

Is our DD's birthday. It is also tha anniversary of the day, 2 years ago, that I sent an e-mail to my husband through reunion.com.

Your Score: 9 - the Peacemaker

Thanks for taking the test !

you chose BX - your Enneagram type is NINE (aka "The Mediator")

"I am at peace"

Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure.
  
• I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this.
  
• Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit.
  
• Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally.
  
• Ask me questions to help me get clear.
  
• Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery.
  
• Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings.
  
• I like a good discussion but not a confrontation.
  
• Let me know you like what I've done or said.
  
• Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life.

What I Like About Being a NINE

• being nonjudgmental and accepting
  
• caring for and being concerned about others
  
• being able to relax and have a good time
  
• knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
  
• my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
  
• my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
  
• being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being a NINE

• being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
  
• being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
  
• being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
  
• being confused about what I really want
  
• caring too much about what others will think of me
  
• not being listened to or taken seriously

NINEs as Children Often

• feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
  
• tune out a lot, especially when others argue
  
• are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

NINEs as Parents

• are supportive, kind, and warm
  
• are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele

The Enneagram Made Easy
Discover the 9 Types of People
Harper SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages

You liked the test?
so S P R E A D I T ! tell everyone!!! (use Quick-Paste below)

you wanna know MORE?
so check out, what Wikipedia says about your type...

...even more you'll find in Google

or do you prefer to

---

You are not completely happy with the result?!
You chose BX

Would you rather have chosen:

AX (SEVEN)

CX (TWO)

BY (FOUR)

BZ (FIVE)

Link: The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test written by felk on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

End of November

I just got back from a going away party for Riva's sister and mom. They are going back to Taiwan on Wednesday. I feel sad for Riva, I know she will miss them very much. The last time her mom was here, was 3 years ago.

There may be a verbal language barrier, but actions speak louder than words.

I will post pictures tomorrow.

Sayonara

Riva, me, Riva's mom, and her sister Tina


Well, I don't think I made it quite through posting every day, even with my extra posts on the same day.

Tonight

Hubby took me out for a nice dinner tonight. Not quite sure why I was so hungry. I am still on Thanksgiving overload, but it was SO yummy! Now to curl up with the newest issues of my favorite mags!

Vanity

Here is the vanity my husband refinished. It had blue antique paint which had been covered with black paint. Now it is back to it's original maple. It was my father's first bedroom set. He is now 75.

Normal work day

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Tarts

Today

It's been a day of "What Not to Wear" marathon. I love this show. Today they FINALLY showed someone with my figure (or lack thereof). Since gaining 30 lbs, I feel like a total frump woman.

I did find a cute shop in town that has some nice clothes at reasonable prices. It's hard transitioning from midwest weather to texas weather. I'm at a loss......

Thanksgiving Day Menu

Menu:
Turkey Breast
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Cornbread Stuffing
Homemade Noodles
Salad
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Dumplings
Nap

What are we thankful for?
Our daughter
Our parents
Each other
Our friends-face to face ones and blogging friends
Family
A safe place to live
A great job & co-workers

Our hopes?
World peace
Freedom
Self Sufficiency

Wishing everyone a WONDERFUL and safe Thanksgiving.

We are going solo. We have a small turkey breast, salad, mashed potatoes and cornbread stuffing. I will make a pumpkin pie and MAYBE some apple thingies for hubby.

Speaking of, I am so excited, as he is going with me to our book club tonight. He will get to meet all of my new friends.

If it is rerun again, watch the history of the first Tahnksgiving onthe History channel. very interesting.

Wine of the Week

OK, last week it was Smoking Loon, a California Merlot. This week it is Gato Negro, a Chiliean Merlot. Smokey and warm. Not bad for 7 bucks. The BIG bottle for us perimenopausal women.

Interesting nothingness

My JC Penney sheets (bought at the same time as my designer sheets, and used equally) have out lasted the designer sheets.

I have an ancestor who was a witch hunter. My husband has an ancestor who was a Scottish witch tried during the Scottish Witch trials.

Craft Show

So J and I went to the craft show yesterday and then a quilt shop and Goodwill then Salvation Army. I got a couple of things for me, 2 clay ornaments for a buck a piece. Got my mom a gift from another potter. Dad a little stocking stuffer and the same for hubby. And scored a couple of things for DD.

BEST things I got were at Goodwill and Salvation Army. Can't describe them because said DD reads Momma's blog, but I can say one of them is marked "Japan" in red and it may be from Occupied Japan (1940's). Waaaaay makes up for the Kimono I missed at my Goodwill Store.

Ugh!

Why oh Why did I go to the Anthropologie website? I found an awesome blazer I'd LOVE to have. *sigh*

Good news! My friend Donna and her BF are coming to see us in December. I haven't seen her in four years. It'll be a treat to catch up and go out to diiner.

So I went to the quilt store to see if they have the new Wizard of Oz fabric in yet. Late December. But I did snag a really cute purse kit with the sock monkey fabric I have been coveting. it'll be so cute!!!

Journal

Off to a craft show, but I wanted to show you all the new journal I got from Sublime Stitching (sublimestitching.com). It rocks!

Faery Mail

My friend Gemma has posted something to me. I can't wait to see what it is! I love it when the faeries drop gifties into my mailbox.

And now that I have my camera phone, I can start taking pictures of stuff.

Reading Group

I joined a book club so to speak here in town. So far we have been bringing poetry. It's at Formosa Art Tea house and it's a lovely place. Riva is an artist and she runs her own tea house. She serves traditional Kung Fu tea as well as many other yummy blends.

It's a great group and growing. It's so nice to have a wide variety of people there. Youngsters, teachers, singers.

It's so nice to have a place to get away and talk. Traditional Chinese music in the background and people to discuss things with.

Please send healing light and prayers (or whatever your spiritual path tends to do) to my friend KansasRose as her mother is having some health issues. Though we have never met face to face she has been with me through thick and thin for over 5 years. THAT is a friend!

Reading Group

Just got back. It's late so I will post more on this tomorrow.

Croning Ceremony

I am PROUD to say I was a part of my friend Robyn's croning ceremony. Even though we both live on separate ends of the earth, it was an honor to be a part of the ceremony. And an honor to have her as a friend. I hope to someday, hopefully in this lifetime, to meet her in person.

I lift my glass to Robyn!

Christmas Meme

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog-NO alcohol, I like mine nekked!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Both, when I was little. Now all of them.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored!!! I am old fashioned. No themes on the primary tree please!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I never have but my Aunt does.

5. When do you put up your decorations? AFTER Thanskgiving

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Mmmmm, my aunt's Salad with veggies and peas, mom's oyster dressing, Aunt P's green bean casserole

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Getting our family picture taken on the steps of my aunts house.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 8 from one of my uncles. HE LIES!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Depends on who's house I am at.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Every stinkin' ornament!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

12. Can you ice skate? Yes but I haven't in ages

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Age 8, my Mrs. Beasley doll

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with family

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pumpkin Pie and Aunt S's cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Watching It's a Wonderful Life. When I was little going caroling.

17. What tops your tree? Usually an angel that was my grandma, it was made inthe Philipenes

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? BOTH

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Hark the Hareld Angels

20. Candy Canes? On the tree

21. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? YES

22. Real tree or artificial? I prefer real, but can't bring myself to do that anymore.

23. Do you put lights up on the outside of your house? I did one year and it looked awesome, but I got grief about it.

24. Do you do a Christmas Dinner or Supper and who cooks? Supper, always at Aunt S's

25. Is your family the everyone unwraps gifts at once sort or do you do it one gift at a time as the others watch? All at once!

26. Do your pets share in the festivities? But of course, they are family!

Movies

I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Watching it now.

Wizard of Oz

is on tonight! YAY! I LOVE this movie....

Today

was a better day. Not normal but better. I felt I had been, I don't, "talked to" at work today. My boss was concerned about something I messed up. It's relatively new to me and I can see how it could concern him, but I also just learned it in my own self defense. I guess I am just still feeling sensative because of the BIG problem we had yesterday with the electricity and our landlord, blah, blah, blah. That's another HUGE story I won't go into right now.

So my boss talks about Pagan things kind of frequently. He's a hippie working for a big company. And I like him and his wife (artist). It's funny how people react to Pagan things.

To me we all came from a Pagan religious background, especially if we are decended from England, Scotland etc. (My opinion)He commented about my Stonehenge wallpaper on my computer. I told him I've seen every Druid ring in England. Not really, but at the time it felt like it! lol! My favorite was Meg and her Sisters.

Anyway, with my glass of Alice Whiter Merlot (not bad). I'm feeling better and have a couple of new magazines to look through.

Penny Lane is another good merlot, in case you are interested.

I am excited to receive the reading my friend has so generously said she will do.

Crappy day

enough said. Leftover sushi, yum!

Sushi

Went to Hakat Sushi and Asian Grill for dinner. YUM! hakatasushi.net

Quick post

and I am off to bed. Chloe has recovered and so have we! Thank heavens for the time chsnge!

And for you Harry Potter Fans

my daughters link for her Harry Potter inspired hats and scarves!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5209233

Here is a pic of Sis in law and our NEW Great Niece:



OK, I am over compensating for NaBloMoPo. What can I say!

Recent news: Hubby has agreed to new Sushi place in lil' ol' Pflugerville. They have other things to eat. Also agreed to go to book club meeting on Wed to meet my new friends. Very small group and I like it that way.

PS

Go to my frineds blog (at sidebar) Croning Ceremony and see the beautiful birthday wishes, my dear friend wrote in honor of my chosen Goddess-Nicneven.

Chloe update

Thank you to everyone who inquired about Chloe. She is doing very well. They think it was just an intestnal bug or she got into Fire Ant Killer. They say it is not toxic in the fact it could kill her, but enough to give her and upset stomach.

She's on 2 meds, got her ears MEGA cleaned, which we found out was a yeast infection AND a bacterial infection. Doggie good bugs for her food when everything is back to normal and some weight loss food which will help her lose weight, plus eat more. Chloe tidbit: her nicknames are Booger Bear, Ms. Beauregard, Butterbean, Chloer, and Stinky.

So we delayed our trip to Waco and instead went to Craft-O-Rama. Hubby is a good sport, but he thought it was like Hobby Lobby: ie. model cars, trains, etc. Nooooooooooooo. They have a large selection of Amy Butler Fabric and patterns, a Craft Lounge, among other things.

I got Amy Butler's In Stiches and 2 Sublime Stitching embroider patterns. Then we took a little tour through downtown Austin so hubby could see.

Went through a bunch of cllothes and I have decided to make a T-shirt quilt. I have a plastic bin and a 1/2 of t-shirts from places I have been and fromplaces friends have traveled to. I was going to send them off to Goodwill and Hubby said, but wait...? So, as they are all too small, I will make a toasty quilt for those cold Texas evenings (40's) LOL!

We were both able to sleep in after a long Thursday night/Friday morn.

I am thinking dinner at the Sushi place tomorrow to celebrate the ol' birthday, but unsure if Hubby will go for it!!

What a day!

The past 12 hours have not been the best. Fell asleep on the couch, as usual. Woke up at 1 am with DH saying that Chloe has been up chucking. Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad gas and diahrrea to boot. So I made a 2:30 am trip to Walgreens for some popsicles, Gaterade and Pepto Bismal. Gave her a PB tablet. After about a 1/2 how it started to help. Still yacking and dry heaving. Must more graphic but I will spare you the details.

So I was up from 1-4:3o am. DH up off and on. We all finally got to sleep around 4:3o only to have the alarm go off at 6 am. Thanks heavens I had a 1/2 day. Stopped at a vet's office my frined takes her puppers to and made an appointment. Probably just a case of the stomach flu. Got some meds for her, new dog food and doggie "good bacteria" to get her on the straight and narrow.

Weight loss food, new kind, she can eat more actually and lose weight. YAY for her!Ends up she has bateria andyeast in her ears so they treated that and cleaned 'em out REAL good and she back next Friday for follow up on her ears.

We ALL are tired, she stinks, like most do when they have been sick. Resting comfortably now and she has perked up quite a bit.

Like I said what a day!

ps: 2 new books for my birthday!! Treat to myself: Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing and The APron Book, by EllynAnne Geisel.

Giving

My friend Junie Moon has this posted on her blog. I think it's a great idea and there is a drop off place in my new town!


Here is the link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/default.asp

NaBloPoMo

According to my friend Sacred Suzie, it is National Blog Posting Month. Here is the link:
http://nablopomo.ning.com/

So I am up for the challenge! Especially, since I have a lot of things I'd like to accomplish in the next year.

As my birthday (OH! Noooooo!), I am taking a 1/2 day tomorrow. I plan on buying myself a couple of books on sewing crafts and useful items. I am gearing up for the challenge of making a new project every 1-2 months like my friend AfricanKelli.

I will also stop and get a gift for my daughters birthday in a month. I already got her an autographed copy of Laura Stamps recent book, but have a couple of other things in mind. This way they be all ready to wrap and send off in a timely manner to where she lives.

I joined a book club at Formosa Tea House (drinkarttea.com). Riva is delightful. We meet every Wednesday. This past Wednesday we brought some poetry to discuss and I enjoyed a lesson in a Kung Fu Tea Ceremony. It is very relaxing and I hope to by a complete set soon.

Saturday we are planning a day trip to Waco Texas to see the Texas rangers Museumand the Dr.Pepper Museum. If we can stay awake that night, we will head over to a local bar to see a band. One of the band members is a friend of my co-workwer and her husband. Jazzy-blues mix.

Much more to tell, but I will spread it out, so I can meet the challenge of a post a day!!

Blessed Samhain

Texas

So much has happened in the last 3 weeks! Where to begin. We left a day early. We left Illinois on October 3rd early afternoon. We drove straight through to Houston. Got there around 5-ish. We stayed with DH friend David. Had BBQ and good converation that night. Chloe LOVED having back yard she could just walk around in. Thanks Uncle David!

Got to Pflugerville around 2-3 pm. Finished the paperwork, did a walk through of our darling Manufactured Home. It's amazing. All our stuff already matches and we didn;t even know it! Sat. the movers came and uploaded everything. Sat and SUn did some unpacking, shopping and Monday off to work.

Everyone at my new place is so nice. I fit in perfectly with our dis-FUNctional departmet. They treat melike I have been there for years. Teasing right away, thank heavans. Feels like home!

My cousin and her husband have been so gracious, making sure we are invited to everything they do. Friends that have already relocated here have been inviting us places too.

I joined a book club here in town. Please go and visit Riva's website at drinkarttea.com. She is Chinese and has an awesome place. Game afternoon on Sat, Chinese lessons, art displays, tea ceremonies, etc. She makes designer t-shirts and has beautiful teas that are yummy as well as healing.

As mom said "We don't let the grass grow under our feet!" It helps that we already have friends and family here.

Been to Lucky Dogs, The Tilted Kilt and Chuey's. Plus, others. We live out side of town (16,500 apprx.) but close enough to every thing we need.

It's been a great move for us an we are very happy, though we do miss our friends.

Tonight we went to the local pub and had burgers and played pool. Met some great folks.

I'm here!! I'm back!! For real this time!!! YAY!!

AARRRGG!!

Down. Looking for a new internet service.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

I'm back, I'm back, I'm back! Texas is awesome and I now FINALLY have computer access. Soooo, over the nexet several days I will be catching up with everyon in blogland. Oh how I have missed you all!

Safe and Sound In Texas

But no internet at home yet. Supposed to have been hooked up yesterday, and it was, but not working.
I miss you all so much!!

We Said Hello Goodbye~Phil Collins

I heard this song on the radio today and it is kind of how I feel about the impending move. Hello to new places, goodbye to old.


We said goodbye to a dear old friend
And we packed our bags and left feeling sad
It's the only way
We said hello as we turned the key
A new roof over our heads
Gave a smile
It's the only way
Only way
Turn your head
And don't look back
Set your sails for a new horizon
Don't turn around don't look down
Oh there's life across the tracks
And you know it's really not surprising
It gets better when you get there oh
Well it really don't matter much where you are
Cos home is in your heart
It's a feeling that you wake with one day
Some people key p running all their life
And still find they haven't gone too far
They don't see it's the feeling inside - the feeling inside oh
Turn your head and don't look back
Just set your sails for a new horizon
Don't turn around don't look down
Oh there's life across the tracks
And you know it's really not surprising
It gets better when you get there
We said hello as we turned the key
A new roof over our heads
Gave a smile - it's the only way

chevy49girl

"There is no such thing as sin"

'What is your personal life motto?' at QuizGalaxy.com

kim

"If a real friend gets to Heaven before you do, they'll drill a hole and pull you in"

'What is your personal life motto?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Weird Dream

I just woke up after having the strangest dream. I was in a home with Hispanic friends. I went into a bathroom to check on some dogs (2) and there was a huge cottom mouth snake. The dogs got out but the kids that were there didn't. The snake ate the baby and then ate the arm off the small child ( about age 2). Then all I wanted to do was sleep in a high place.

Anxiety

*sigh* I am having an anxiety attack and feel really blue. I feel the weight of this move and what we have to do in the next two weeks pressing on my soul.

Home

I am home! Found a place for us. 3 bed, 2 bath, manufactured home with a 2 car garage. Has loads of fun with my cousin, her son, and my aunt and uncle (her parents). Her husband was in Croatia and didn't get back unitl Saturday evening.

On my way to Austin today. Will check in! I'll be home on Sunday.

How do you satisfy the muse in your heart?

By many things. My Muse has returned. Away for along time. But now she's back. I read, I draw I write poetry. And I study the faeries and Goddesses. I read about Wicca nd Pagan practices to enhance my life. I read about living a simpler life and nurturing my soul. Yoga. Life. Love. Happiness. Well Being. Bloggin! These are some of the things my Muse is bringing to my life. My cup overflows.

OK, a few posts ago, I had some thinking to do on this, from Mich's blog:

On this Full Moon it is important to recognize the fundamental relationship between gratefulness and non-attachment. Use this Full Moon to look at what you cling to and your fear of letting it go. Do you spend most of your time grabbing and craving for more things; trying to fill your inner emptiness with a multitude of possessions? We come here with nothing and leave with nothing. Why then do we hold so tight to things that will not last? This is a great time to ask, "What can I freely give away? What can I share?"

I do. I spend. Why do I feel the need to get things that are not needed but I love. Why do I feel the need, for example, to buy every back issue of some magazine I like?If a book interests me in the slightest, I buy it. I probably have enough books to read for the next 5 years without having to buy another one. Why do I crave more things?!?!?!? THIS HAS TO STOP. Fo awhile we will be living on my paycheck only. No big deal except that I am trying to pay off a debt. Why do I feel like my life would be better if I was richer? Especially, when I really want to get everything paid off and be more self sufficient. Live off the land.

I have been like this since high school. I did finally move away from the "catching up with the Jones'" Thanks to the prior relationship, who had to have the best of everything at my expense,,, literally $$$, and that is my fault. I worked two jobs to make sure I could pay all the bills so we could have and have and have, the lifestyle he liked. I paid all the household bills while he spent him money on a BRAND new Harley, a BRAND new boat, a second home, BRAND new cars.

I am seeking guidance by posting this and venting. Thanks for listening.

Wine is my friend

Wigging out

Today was the day. I found out how much the move will cost. AND it doesn't leave ANY money left over (other than what they are giving up front, after taxes) to expense anything. I have such a hard time believing that it'll cost that much to pack up and move my stuff from the APARTMENT. They are going to go over it with the estimator to see if it should be that high. *sigh*

THIS WILL BE A GOOD THING, THIS WILL BE A GOOD THING. WE WILL SURVIVE, WE WILL SURVIVE, WE WILL SURVIVE.

And so it goes

More weeding out, shredding, giving away. We should know soon the date the movers come to pack us up.

I am leaving on Wednesday to go to Austin and get us some new digs. If you'd like to check out where we will be landing, go to Chisholm Point or Boulder Ridge. They are manufactured housing communities. We decided this is our best bet right now. We don't know the areas near Austin very well, so we will hold off on buying.

I will be stating with my cousin in Austin. Her folks (my aunt and uncle) will be there too. Plus, I hope to hook up with a friend of mine from high school who lives nearby. And I will go into my new office to work. I will HAVE to get some stuff done work wise. *sigh*

Need to clean up the place as well. We need to have the landlord come in and fix the garbage disposal and 2 outlets. No rest for the wicca! lol!

Interesting happening

ABout a month or so ago I couldn't sleep. So I was on the couch, watching TV and fell asleep. I woke up FREEZING and kind of disoriented and startled. At first I brushed it off to the air being too high. So, I turned it down and turned the ceiling fan off. I laid back down and it happened again. Almost like something was passing over me. I mean ICE COLD. It made me think for a minute someone was in the apartment. Physically. I looked around to see if a person had come in, but of course there was no one. Human anyway. So I went to bed.

Any insight from anyone?

What the hell????

http://www.marryourdaughter.com/

Update:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/hoaxes/marryourdaughter.asp

Middle Name Meme

I have been tagged by Laura at "Magickal Novels and Empowering Thoughts for Women"
Here are the rules:
RULES: You have to post these rules before you give the facts. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and to read your blog.

C-creative, I come from an artistic family, it's in my blood
A-adventurous, I have to be to move to a state and city I have only been to once!
N-nosey, that's why I love blogs!!
D-dancing, I love to dance and I won 2 dance contests (college bar ones! lol!)
A-antiques, love 'em! Especially the 40's and 50's
C-crap, I have tons of it! Well, it's probably crap to other people, but it's my stuff and I love it
E eating, I love my food and love to try new things

OK, I tag:
Clare
Kansas Rose
Calamity Kim
Laura of 2LMZFarms
Robyn
AfricanKelli
Kellie

fresh vintage

Stop by Fresh Vintage and take a look at all her neat finds. If you love to look for vintage items at bargain prices, you love her site. She always finds awesome deals.

http://freshvintage.typepad.com/freshvintage/
or click on the link under my "Cool Places to Visit"

ps. she's having a give away!

Week end

We went to Indiana this past week end to see my parents. Of course, we forgot the key to the storage unit. We were able to get a hold of the guy and he made a duplicate for us. So DH went to Rochester Saturday to get the key.

Saturday night we had fresh lobster for dinner, YUM! Did a little shopping with the folks while DH was gone. Found him a pair of black Converse high tops which he has wanted sooo badly for his birthday (today). Don't fit. *sigh* And they didn't have his size. So I will return them here in Illinois, hopefully.

Sunday, we went back to Rochester to get stuff out of the storage unit and left the key at a relatives for DD. Got back and went out to dinner with folks, Aunt P and Uncle D. Came home and played Strategy until DD and her BF arrived. Had pie and ice cream and DH opened up his gifts.

Stayed up until 2 AM with the kids. Monday mom made us a yummy breakfast and we had fun visiting with the kids until we left for home. Busy but FUN week end!

Travel

Off to see my mom and step dad this weekend. And our DD on Sunday!!!

Dinner

Went to dinner last night with some of my friends. We used to all work together. Catching up and celebrating my new marriage for those who could not make it. Here is a photo (I am the blond with glasses):



Will post more later. I have some soul searching to do, thanks to Mich's blog:

On this Full Moon it is important to recognize the fundamental relationship between gratefulness and non-attachment. Use this Full Moon to look at what you cling to and your fear of letting it go. Do you spend most of your time grabbing and craving for more things; trying to fill your inner emptiness with a multitude of possessions? We come here with nothing and leave with nothing. Why then do we hold so tight to things that will not last? This is a great time to ask, "What can I freely give away? What can I share?"

Breakfast

We went out to breakfast today with current and former co-workers from my place of employment. The Princess brought the Pea with her. She is getting sooo big and so cute! The Republican was there with the news that his wife is pregnant! Due in March.
Pattycakes showed up, even though her dad is very ill. Bad Janet of course was there, SuzieQ, Mrs. Executive and us. This will probably be the last time Bad Janet and I will see The Republican, SuzieQ, and The Princess. Definitly me. Bad Janet is going to Austin too the middle of September. Mrs Executive and Pattycakes still work in the same place a we do.

It was fun and we took a bunch of photos of our little "family" as we like to call it. At Mrs. Executives wedding, 2 years ago, we had a "family" photo taken with her.

Finally, sun today and this afternoon a cloudless sky. Mrs. Executives brand new house was hit by a microburst this past week. She said the pressure was so great it sucked the attic door into the attic.! She was home and thank heavens is OK. One of their PLASTIC lawn chairs was blown into a neighbors house and it made a hole in the siding. Not too many other houses were affected, which is why they think it was a microburst.

Off to finish my wine, read my current issue of Circle Sanctuary and relax.

My Mommy

Almost forgot

Here is a pic I snitched of my DD from her blog:

And here is the WIP of turning her into a faerie:

Today

So, yesterday I worked from home. Storms. One.After.The.Other. Much flooding and dispair for many. We were very lucky.

I received a phone call from the movers on my answering machine at work yesterday. I tried all morning to get back with them. Finally, right before lunch I was able to get through to someone, who was able to connect me. I was able to leave a message for E who is coordinating our move.

We have also been approved for the are we want to live. A 3 bedroom 2 bath manufactured/mobile home. This will give ua an opportunity to save up for a better down payment and get to know the area. Not much more than the rent here, closer to work and the added benefit of a washer and dryer in the unit. Plus, it's more "house" like and a yard for Chloe. I go next month to check it all out. Staying with my cousin and her husband and son. We share the same birthday just 4 years apart.

I will also be able to see a friend of mine from high school. And have had the pleasure of reconnecting with my college room mate.

We already have plans for company in December too! Our first! My friend tha I helped move to Arizona 10 years ago will be going to San Atnonio with her boyfriend. They will come by for a visit. She is the kind of friend that, no matter how long it has been since you talked, you pickup right where you left off, like it was yesterday.

Long winded yes. It has been a few days since I have really put down words.

Having breakfast tomorrow with the gang. More on that tomorrow.

Daily OM

I subscribe to Daily OM and get an e-mail everyday. I thought today's was pretty nice. Enjoy!


August 24, 2007
Experiencing Nature By Night
Moon Gardens
In the height of summertime's heat, we drift outdoors at dusk to refresh ourselves in the temperate air of evening. Cricket song and the glow of fireflies come together with ever-lengthening shadows to create a natural symphony of overlapping sensations that invigorate the body and gladden the soul. As the sun sets, the vivid colors of most flowers and leaves fade, becoming a dull grey, but moon gardens provide us with a space to appreciate Mother Nature's bounty long after the light of day has retreated. Designed to be enjoyed from dusk until the coming of the darkness, these gardens serve as a perfect complement to silvery moonlight, mild summer nights, and the spirit of rejuvenation.

Most plant life worships the sun, but a select few shrubs and flowers come into their own in luna's glow. The silvery leaves of lamb's ears and artemisia reflect the radiance of the moon, while the bright-white flowers adorning yucca and evening primrose seem to shimmer brilliantly in dusk's gloom. Certain blossoms such as the moonflower and four o'clocks open only at night, releasing their sweet fragrances in spectacular displays of scent and beauty. While creating a moon garden, remember to take each human sense into account. We appreciate the ghostly beauty of nighttime nature best when we can sit comfortably until our eyes have adjusted to the surrounding darkness. Bamboo and thick grasses make a comforting sound when bandied about by gentle nighttime breezes.

Transforming a portion of your existing yard or patio into a moon garden is simple, and the pleasure you will derive from your nighttime retreat will become worth it once you start to enjoy it. Green spaces come alive at night when nocturnal blossoms release their perfume into the air and ethereally lovely and luminous foliage dances in the breeze. In a moon garden, relaxation is a simple matter of attuning yourself to the stillness of evening and seeing, for the first time, the myriad shades of beauty that can be found in the darkness.

I borrowed this from Mother Wintermoon at Romancing the Crone. It is very moving. I wish I had read this two years ago. It would have helped immensely.

Let It Go
by T.D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this!
When people can walk away from you
LET THEM WALK

I don’t want you to try to talk another person
into staying with you,
loving you, calling you, caring about you,
coming to see you, staying attached to you.
I mean hang up the phone!

When people walk away from you, let them walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

People leave you because they are not joined to you.
And if they are not joined to you,
you can’t make them stay.
LET THEM GO

And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person,
it just means that their part in the story is over.
And you’ve got to know when people’s
part in your story is over so
you don’t keep trying to raise the dead.
You’ve got to know when it’s dead

You’ve got to know when it’s over.
Let me tell you something.
I’ve got the gift of good-bye.
It’s the tenth spiritual gift.

I believe in good-bye.
It’s not that I’m hateful, it’s that I’m faithful
and I know
whatever God means for me to have He’ll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I don’t need it.
Stop begging people to stay.
LET THEM GO

If you are holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you
and was never intended for you in your life, then you need to
LET IT GO

If someone can’t treat you right, love you back
and see your worth
LET IT GO

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains
LET IT GO

If someone has angered you.
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and
revenge.
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction.
If you have a bad attitude.
LET IT GO

If you keep judging others to make you feel better
you are stuck in the past and God is trying
to take you to a new level in Him.
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.
If you keep trying to help someone
who won’t even try to help themselves.
LET IT GO

If you’re feeling depressed and stressed
LET IT GO

If there is a particular situation that you are so used
to handling yourself and God is saying
“take your hands off of it,” then you need to
LET IT GO

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for you!!!
LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left…think about it, and then….

LET IT GO

Some people live closely guarded lives, fearful of encountering someone or something that might shatter their insecure spiritual foundation. This attitude, however, is not the fault of religion but of their own limited understanding. True Dharma leads in exactly the opposite direction. It enables one to integrate all the many diverse experiences of life into a meaningful and coherent whole, thereby banishing fear and insecurity completely.

-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Wisdom Energy"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A, www.wisdompubs.org.

Rain, rain

It is pouring out. A good day to do NOTHING. But I am doing laundry and catching up on Mad Men. The apartment is a MESS. Boxes everywhere. No place to move. *sigh* Must try and get things a little more organized before I trip and seriously hurt myself.

Giveaway!

http://www.janesapron.typepad.com/
http://apronista.blogspot.com/

Home

from Autin. Back to work today.

What the?

I have Kansas Rose listed under my friends. But she's not there? I go to customize, she's there, go to my bloog, not there. ???

In Austin

Love it! I was up for 20 hours yesterday. Whee!
Tired.
Stomach Ache
BORED!!!

PLEASE E-MAIL ME

Trip

I am leaving for Austin tomorrow, at 6:35 A.M. GAH! I will check in with everyone tomorrow night from my hotel. If I'm awake that is!!

Pond

Our "pond" near our apartment held wonders today. As I walked Chloe early this morning I saw a huge Blue Heron take flight. Almost as if in slow motion, graceful.

This afternoon a frog skipped about 3-4 times across the water then took a dive in the, I'm sure, cool water.

Words

These two passages made me think of my friend Laura Stamps. She and I follow a similar path and each day I find the more similarities. I get automated e-mails from Beliefnet.com, daily Om and Hindu and Buddhist messages.

Enough of the pursuit of pleasure,
Enough of wealth and righteous deeds!

In the dark forest of the world
What peace of mind can they bring you?

-Ashtavakra Gita 10:7
From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita," by Thomas Byrom, 1990. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston. www.shambhala.com.

and

Seeing ourselves plainly, we can change, and as we do so, it brings a feeling of great relief, as if we had dropped a heavy load.

-Ayya Khema, "Who is My Self?"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001. Reprinted from "Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations," edited by Josh Bartok, with permission of Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm St., Somerville MA 02144 U.S.A, www.wisdompubs.org.

Blessed Be, Namaste, and Peace Be with You

Award-Nice Matters

My friend Laura at http://2lmzfarms.blogspot.com/, gave me this award. I am so honored! I am going to bestow this gift in return to:
KansasRose at http://meadowrosewines.blogspot.com/
Clare at http://farmstyle.blogspot.com/
Kelli at http://www.africankelli.com/
Kellie at http://myzooandme.blogspot.com/ (my BFF)
Kim at http://calamitykim.typepad.com/
Robyn at http://talesofinglewood.blogspot.com/
Georgann at http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
For now anyway! The others I had planned on giving it to, already have it.

Thank you my dear friend Laura! Love you girl!

Summer

The deep swell off to the side of our apartments is once again filled with rain water. the insects dapple in the water causing the sun to reflect upon them and glitter like diamonds. Purlple thistle and Queens Anne Lace surround the pond. Dragonflys flit about in the sunshine.

I saw an unusual dragonfly today while I was walking Chloe. Deep brown with soft blue wings. I haven ever seen on that color before.

To me, the unusual and the eclectic IS the norm.

Blessed Be

Daughters recent post

Many of you will find this interesting:

"In other news I had a dream where I tapped the planet's energy flow/elemental magicks and could make flowers and other plants grow. It made me very happy. I've been reading up on shape-shifting lore and the like again and thinking I want to get back into shamanic practices. So many things to learn so little time I say. Love you!"

Daughters recent post

Witch Child

This book is great! It was in the teen section but I am so glad I bought it. My curiosity got the better of me and read several pages of Harry Potter. Not sure about it yet. I am amused though.

Listening to Wayne Dyer talk about the Tao Te Ching. Interesting.

I am so glad

everyone likes what I snagged from Mich's blog. I reread it again just now and I think I am going to have to get that book.

Just finished a yummy skillet breakfast for dinner hubby made. Chloe chirping in the background for food. It's a good day.

I must confess, I have never read any of the Harry Potter books. So today I bought the first one. I'm utterly curious to open it and start it but I am trying to wait until Monday whilst I am on the plane to Texas. ****Word of warning****I will be gone for 4 days so you may not hear from me. Depends on internet access.

I also got the new copy of Adorn and the new issue of New Witch. I have already perused Adorn and will settle down in a few to read New Witch. I also received a back issue of my all time fave decorating mag, Atomic Ranch, today from an E-Bay purchase. You see I was Donna Reed in another life. And a 40's farmwife and a pioneer woman. I am truely in conflict with myself and my tastes. lol!

To my friends who are taking a blogging hiatus. You have my blog and you have my e-mail. Keep in touch PLEASE! I will continue to check in on you and your blogs as well, just in case your baaaack!

Love you all

My friend Mich posted this:

In The Spirit of Findhorn, Eileen Caddy wrote:

"The key to your happiness and contentment lies within you, within your own heart and mind.

The way you start each day is very important; you can start off on the right foot or on the wrong one.

You can wake up with a song of joy and gratitude in your heart for the new day, for being alive, for the very wonder of living, and for being in tune and harmony with the rhythm of all life. You can expect the very best from the coming day and therefore draw it to you.

Or you can start the day with a chip on your shoulder, disgruntled and out of rhythm.

You are responsible for what today will bring, and knowing it gives you an even greater responsibility than those souls who are not aware of it and therefore know no better. You cannot blame your state of mind on anyone else. It all rests with you."

It rings so true to me right now. I need to take this more to heart and I am going to.
Blogging makes me feel good and reading my friends blogs makes me feel good too. I have many friends who are taking a hiatus from blogging and sometimes I don't blame them. People can be cruel, hurtful, and sneaky in the blogger world. For the most part I have been unscathed by this.

I am going to try and blog more. It's a release. It's a learning experience. I have met great people online and my world is better for it.

I am going to wake up each day happy. Because you know what? Deep down I am! No more "Woe is me". This is my life and I am going to take control of it. These are my feelings and I am going to take control of them.

I've always known my happiness is in my control, but I have not always taken it to heart. NO MORE!

Week end

We had quite the week end! We TOTALLY forgot friends of DH's were coming through town. We thought they would be here around 6-7. So I rushed hom eafter work, TRIED to do a little cleaning (I was going to do this over the week end because DH was going to be in Indiana), changed sheets, cleaned bathrooms and waited. They got lost a couple of times and didn;t arrive until 11:30 pm.

So we ran up to Cababa Charleys to eat, but they had stopped serving at midnight. So we went back home and made pizza's and stayed up until 3 am. UGH!

Saturday, everyone got around and we got to the Harley store an hour before it closed so they could get some shirts. Then to PJ's Courthouse for late lunch/early dinner, and to the Dollar Store and Wal Mart. Got back home, I took a nap and DH made Rice Krispie Treats, Corn Muffins and Donuts. I fell asleep again. I am NOT used to staying up so late and partying. lol!

It rained yesterday, so they couldn't continue on to Sturgis for the bike ralley. It was nice because we don't have many overnight visitors. They left today around noon. We just had a storm pass through, hopefully they didn't come across any of it.

DH went to Indiana to get some stuff out of the storage unit and to check on it, as it was broken into. The owner said it didn't look like anything was disturbed. 4 were affected. So he won't be back until later tonight.

Trying to get motivated. Finishing up the laundry. But oh so tired! Plus, I tried to be good in my eating habits. I have been trying to eat lots of fruit and veggies and healthy stuff. Was doing good until this week end. Oh, well. You fall and just get back up again!!

Must see website

http://www.amma.org/amma/

Visit

my BFF at http://myzooandme.blogspot.com/
She's new to blogging!
Please add her link to your list!!!

Friends

You all are soooo great! What can I say. I have been so encouraged and uplifted by all your great comments and e-mails.

I am feeling better about things. It comes and goes, but I read in my horoscope yesterday to "just focus" so that is what I'll be doing....in between the squirrely periods! lol!

I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I forgot

Happy Lammas!

Fun-High School Memories

1. Who was your best friend? Beth, Diane, Annie
2. Did you play any sports? Swim, Track, Cheerleader (yes, I know).

3. What kind of car did you drive? 1976 Pea Green Delta 88

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Working or out with friends

5. Were you a party animal? You betcha!

6. Were you considered a flirt? Of course

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? No

8. Were you a nerd? Not really

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? Nope

10. Can you sing the fight song? Yes and now it will be in my head all night!

11. Who was your favorite teacher? My art teacher, Tina

12. What was your school mascot? Troopers

13. Did you go to the Prom? Yes

14. If you could go back, would you? I don't think so

15. What do you remember most about graduation? Going to a party with my boyfriend, losing track of my friends, and getting home earlier than I planned on, due to fight with said boyfriend (now husband)

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? At a party

17. Did you have a job your senior year? Fayva Shoes

18. Where did you go most often for lunch? McDonalds

19. Have you gained weight since then? UGH, yes

20. What did you do after graduation? Went to a party. (Then college in the fall, depending on what you mean by after graduation)

21. What year did you graduate? 1980

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? The brother of one of my friends. My boyfriend had already promised to take a friend. Go figure.

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? Yes and my 20 year

Where have I been

Here but in a glitch. I don't know what is wrong with me. I see to start things and not finish them. Example, Gayla Maxwell's course. I am sooo far behind. I am currently on Day 3 and I am stuck. Craft projects ready to go, not started. I feel stuck for lack of a better word.

I just posted to Rainbow Dreams. It was a good one for me today. Maybe that will help. Thank you Mich for posting to my blog and giving me the nudge I needed. I have been reading, reading, reading blogs but not posting on my own.

And I worry. About everything. Money mostly. I am so tired of being in debt. I feel like all I ever do is pay. I need to get over this instant gratification thing. I have enough books and crafts to keep me going for awhile but I want more. I can't figure out why.

And I am sure part of of my *stuckness* is our up and coming move to Austin Texas. We are very excited about it. But again I worry. I am already a state away from a majority of my family. But I have a cousin in Austin (same birthday too!) and my mom and stepdad winter in Texas.

But I can't move forward yet. I need to wait for the final approval and then the relocation company to call. Then I need to find us a place to live. Most rentals will not talk about places until a month before hand. Our move date is October 1st. Rent or buy? How do I buy long distance? Will both of us need to be there for the closing? I am reimbursed for the trip down but hubby is a temp employee. So that would be a week of no pay.

So I think we should rent for a year, get settled and find an area we love. Save then buy.

I should get out my:
Chakra Balancing Kit: A Guide to Healing and Awakening Your Energy Body by Anodea Judith
maybe this will help. I started it and go figure, stopped. Mich has the same book.

UGH! I come home and sit and stare at the TV. Motionless. And sleep.

*sigh*

Lost in blogland and Decole. Must have Decole!

And

I use a percolator insteadof a coffee maker and filters

Recycle, reuse

So my friend, http://www.africankelli.com/, challenged everyone to use less, recycle more and I had to think about this for a few days. As I live in an apartment, I am lazy (admitedly) about recycling things. I have been too used to living in a house where the trash company picks up your recyle bins every week. That said, this is my small contribution:
I have a Brita Water (big) tank in my fridge, so no more bottles of water.
I use fabric menstrual pads, wash, reuse. (Believe me the ones I get do not stain)
7th Generation Dish soap in Lavender.
Home made soap.
Reuse grocery bags.
Not a whole lot but every bit helps!

My heart

My love, my daughter

Petition

Susie Flynn is a school child who's running for president of the United States. The entire focus of her campaign is to raise awareness of the plight of uninsured children, and towards this goal she's trying to collect 9 million signatures on a petition demanding that politicians do something about this crisis facing our children. She plans on presenting the petition to all of the (other) presidential candidates to show them the widespread support for this issue.

So go to Susie's website and sign the petition http://www.electsusie.com/index.html. Also, let anyone else who might be interested, but who isn't likely to read this particular blog, know about this brave young girl's campaign

giggle

My Fortune Cookie told me: Playing with a small plastic pizza will reward you greatly on Friday. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Help

Anyone have suggestions for a good software package to make art and manipulate photos?

2007 GREEN SPIRIT FESTIVAL
Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
near Barneveld, Wisconsin, west of Madison

The full schedule has been released:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit/

Stay tuned for more schedule additions and updates!

We invite you for a weekend of rituals, workshops and merchants - - and
evenings of drum and song and dance around the bonfire!

This year, we welcome Edain McCoy as our guest author. Best-selling
author
of twenty-six books, Edain will present several workshops, including
one on
the Healing Power of Faery, that includes material from her forthcoming
book of the same name.

Other activities include a Moon Magick workshop, Labyrinth, Mugwort
Harvest, Children's activities, Nature Walk, Magical Merchant Faire, &
much more!

On Saturday afternoon, Selena Fox will be doing a presentation and
facilitating a community discussion on Witching Worlds: Wiccan Ways and
Harry Potter Witchcraft. Bring your ideas to share.

This year, Marshall will be facilitating an expanded children's
program,
with workshops by a variety of presenters.

Interested in vending? Please contact Vic Wright for more merchanting
details: rainbowdragonenterprises@yahoo.com

Pre-registration required. Register at our secure on-line site:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit/registeronline.html


Circle Times: Wednesday, July 11, 2007
_______________________________________________

2007 GREEN SPIRIT FESTIVAL
Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29

Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
near Barneveld, Wisconsin, west of Madison

The full schedule has been released:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit/

Stay tuned for more schedule additions and updates!

We invite you for a weekend of rituals, workshops and merchants - - and
evenings of drum and song and dance around the bonfire!

This year, we welcome Edain McCoy as our guest author. Best-selling
author
of twenty-six books, Edain will present several workshops, including
one on
the Healing Power of Faery, that includes material from her forthcoming
book of the same name.

Other activities include a Moon Magick workshop, Labyrinth, Mugwort
Harvest, Children's activities, Nature Walk, Magical Merchant Faire, &
much more!

On Saturday afternoon, Selena Fox will be doing a presentation and
facilitating a community discussion on Witching Worlds: Wiccan Ways and
Harry Potter Witchcraft. Bring your ideas to share.

This year, Marshall will be facilitating an expanded children's
program,
with workshops by a variety of presenters.

Interested in vending? Please contact Vic Wright for more merchanting
details: rainbowdragonenterprises@yahoo.com

Pre-registration required. Register at our secure on-line site:
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/greenspirit/registeronline.html


Circle Times: Wednesday, July 11, 2007
_______________________________________________

Pet Psychic

Are any of my blogging friends psychic? I need a reading for my prior dog. She is still alive. If any of you are, let me know and I will tell you the whole story. I just need her to know some things.

Please, please, please

visit the blog and website for he Center for Rural Affairs. We need to unite for small farmers.

Uh oh!

You Are a Bad Girl

You are 30% Good and 70% Bad You're a total bad girl, from your wild hair to tattooed toes. But you're too badass to even care if you're labeled "bad"!

Are You a Good Girl or a Bad Girl?

Awesome purchase at Barnes and Noble today, The Book of Witches: A Spellbinding Guide. It has fantastic illustrations. I can't wait to read it. It looks like a journal/Book fo Shadows. And only 6 bucks!!!

You Are A Walnut Tree

You are strange and full of contrasts... the oddball of your group. You are unrelenting and you have unlimited ambition. Not always liked but always admired, you are more infamous than famous. You are aggressive and spontaneous, and your reactions are often unexpected. A jealous and passionate person, you are difficult in romantic relationships.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people. Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others. You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others. You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Autumn, this one's for you! I took the pic at the Wizard of Oz Museum in Kansas.

Virginia

Leaving tomorrow for Virginia. *sigh* It will be busy. Business trip. Flight home is at 6 AM on Friday. Ugh.

So, I will take a soy candle, pictures of my husband, daughter and dog, a book, my Circle Sanctuary Magazine and the current Fit Yoga. Oh, and my sketch pad and notebook, in case something inspires me I can jot it down.

This makes me weary.

Oh, more awesome gifts today. A Precious Moments " Just Married" and some gift cards from SIL in California. Sears, Home Depot and a SPA CARD!!!!! YAY!

Fireflies

Tons of them!! To ME this is the beginning of summer, truely. I caught one, one of the few bugs I'll touch. It took me about 5 tries to catch one but I finally did! it was much easier when I was younger! lol!

I truely believe these are the Fae of the Midwest.

Goddess Name

Nicneven Scottish Mother
Her Direction is Center.

Call on her to manage Winter, Witchcraft, Divination, Ghosts, Magic, Peace and Protection .

Her symbols are Gourds and Pumpkin.

She has no Totem Animal.

I have chosen this name to represent myself on a friends blog. I feel most closely related to her because of Winter, Witchcraft, ghosts, peace and of course pumpkins. I was born in November in a pumpkin patch.

Some of me

5 snacks I love:

cheese-any

corn on the cob

shit on a shingle

krunchers Hawaiian potato chips

pizza

a good Merlot or Syrah

5 songs I know all the lyrics to:

all on the Born to Run Album


5 bad habits

not flossing

too much stuff

smoking

not eating well

not exercising

5 things I'd do if I was a millionaire

start an antique/art store

go back to Europe

pay off everything

by F a Charger Hemi

buy a farm

5 things I like doing
laundry

photography

reading

sex-sorry! *giggle*

watching trash TV

5 things I'll never wear again

a bikini

stirrup pants

anything in a size 4 or 6

anything remotely snug

my Miller Beach Bum Bash t-shirts

5 favorite toys

my new Faerie dolls

my books and magazines

my Nikon F150

my computer

my friends blogs

Cottingley Faeries

I saw this on the History Channel this morning. Decided to do a search and see what came up. I still believe.

fairy
A fairy is a mythical being of folklore and romance. Fairies are often depicted as diminutive winged humans with magical powers. The tooth fairy exchanges presents, usually coins, for teeth left out or under one's pillow at night. Fairy godmothers are protective beings, like guardian angels.

Fairies should not be confused with gnomes, which are also mythical diminutive humans but are deformed and live underground. Pixies, on the other hand, might be considered a type of fairy known for their cheerful nature and playful mischievousness. An elf might be thought of as a big pixie, often depicted as a mischievous dwarf, such as the Irish leprechaun known for his pranks but also believed to know where treasure is hidden. Elves are sometimes depicted as helpers of magicians, e.g., Santa's helpers.

Belief in such mythical beings seems common in rural peoples around the world. Occasionally, a city slicker who should know better is duped into believing in fairies. An infamous example of such a dupe is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was conned by a couple of schoolgirls and their amateur photographs of paper fairies (known as the "Cottingley Fairies") taken in their Yorkshire garden. The faked photos are reminiscent of the most famous Loch Ness Monster picture, faked in a similar fashion by Ian Wetherell, as are many UFO photos, e.g., those of Billy Meier. Doyle even published a book on the fairies: The Coming of the Fairies. He and a theosophist named Edward Gardner published the photos taken by 16-year old Elsie Wright of her 10-year old cousin, Frances Griffiths, with Elsie's cutouts of fairies. Doyle and Gardner proclaimed that the photos were not fakes, but the real thing. The real howler, though, was the debate which ensued over whether these were photos of real fairies or psychic photographs which recorded the thoughts of the girls projected onto the film! Doyle, like many who have come before and after him, longed for any proof of a world beyond the material world. His desire to find support for spiritualism led him to a number of delusions. Even so, he wrote great detective stories and in Sherlock Holmes created a mythical being much more interesting than any fairy, even if he didn't know the difference between induction and deduction.

Paramount Pictures has made a movie about Griffiths and Wright called Fairytale: A True Story. Harvey Keitel plays Houdini and Peter O'Toole plays Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

See also Aztec UFO hoax, Carlos hoax, Arthur Ford hoax, Mary Toft hoax, Piltdown hoax, Pufedorf hoax, Steve Terbot, hoax, and the Sokal hoax.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

further reading

reader comments

The Case of the Cottingley Fairies by James Randi
The case of the Cottingley fairies by Joe Cooper
The Tooth Fairy by Adrian Barnett
The Debunking of Three Hoaxes by James Opie
Bourke, Angela. The Burning of Bridget Cleary (Pimlico, 1999).

Carroll, Robert (2004). "Pranks, Frauds, and Hoaxes from Around the World." Skeptical Inquirer. volume 28, No. 4. July/August, pp. 41-46.

Cooper, Joe. "Cottingley: At Last the Truth," The Unexplained, No. 117, pp. 2338-40, 1982.

Crawley, Geoffrey. 1982. The astonishing affair of the Cottingley fairies. (Part 1 of a 10-part series). The British Journal of Photography. December 24, 1982 pp. 1375-1380.

Gardner, Martin. Science: Good, Bad and Bogus (Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1981), ch. 9.

Randi, James. An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural (St. Martin's Press, 1995).

Randi, James. Flim-Flam! (Buffalo, New York: Prometheus Books,1982).

©copyright 2007
Robert Todd Carroll
facilitated communication
Last updated 03/13/07

http://www.blessthischick.com/

Goddess Farmeress'

Hey all you gals who like to far or wish you could farm, or heck just' like to talk about farmin', check out the link to a NEW, AWESOME space. I hvvae called it "Hittin the hay and havin' fun". It's really called "Womenr Who Farm" and here is the link.
http://womenwhofarm.proboards78.com/index.cgi

Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice to all my friends (Pagan or not!).

Blessed Be

Here you go!

Daisy

This has been a sad week for many of my friends. Daisy past away while I was in Indiana. Daisy was a new blog friend for me. I was just beginning to get to know her. From what I have read it was sudden and unexpected.

I have lit a candle for healing light to her family and all of her friends.

Take the Quiz here!

And

You scored as faerie, You are a faerie! You love the woods and flying around with your friends. You often wish you could fly around for hours on glittery faerie wings. faerie 80% fallen angel 60% angel 50% mermaid 50% vampire 20% Which mythological creature is most like you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Earth, Your pentacle point is Earth, you are a grounded and centered person, strong and firm, steadfast in your ideals and uneasily swayed! You are the the friend everyone calls when they need sound advice and are generally well liked by everyone you meet. Earth 100% Water 85% Air 85% Spirit 55% Fire 55% (Pagan) What point of the pentacle are you? created with QuizFarm.com

For Daisy

OK, I can't necessarly say this is my favorite, but when I was little my mom taught me this poem and would have me recite it for people!

Bobby Shafto's gone to sea,
Silver buckles on his knee;
He'll come back and marry me,
Bonny Bobby Shafto!
Bobby Shafto's bright and fair,
Combing down his yellow hair;
He's my love for evermair,
Bonny Bobby Shafto

Excellent Summer Soltice Article

The Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG) is among the celebrations mentioned in
a
recent article about Summer Solstice around the world:

Summer Solstice fests have deep roots
Celebrate the Sun
June 3, 2007
Orange County Register, California
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/travel/newsandnotes/article_1713297.php



PSG 2007 will be held June 17-24 at Wisteria in southeastern Ohio.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 6 -- register right away if you
want
to come!

To register & for more info: http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg


PSG NEWS: Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Today

was a great day. After the storm, my luv and I went to the Arts & Crafts Show in town. Quite a few artists with some nice stuff with a few crafters thrown in. We gathered business cards of the ones we like to save our pennies for future artwork. Hopefully before they get too famous and then we REALLY won't be able to afford them. Tons of Harley Riders today too.

One of my friends sent me an e-mail saying she and her daughters washed their hair in the rain (with environmentally safe soap) and rinsed off in the gulley fully clothed! I was so enchanted and envious! How I wished I was with them to enjoy the fun. It brought back memories of all the baths I took in the lake gorwing up.

I finished recovering the scrapbook I made for a friend today. I hope she is pleased. I still need to get pages together for the reception and I have some great fabric scraps to start either an altered journal or my BoS.

My muse is beginning to peak in at me. I need to see if I still have a sketch pad floating around here. I have an idea of a sketch I want to do using a self portrait my DD took of herself. As she reads my blogs, this is all I can say!

The current issue of Faeries Magazine is awesome. I may have to keep this one for myself and get another copy for DD. I should get one for miss*R, too as there is an article on Cornwall.

Been doing some research on Ancestry.com. Found a little info on Ezra, the great of mine that served in the Revolutionary War. This enabled me to become a member fo the Daughters of the American Revolution. Found some info on hubby's family, but will need to due some deep digging and document ordering as the last name is very common. I have my lineage on my poppa's side back to the 1600's. momma has hers somewhere and there is a European plaid involved. I bet I could really make a statement the the family plaid and hubby's plaid!!

Quiz Crazee

What Kind of Goddess Are you?

You are the Goddess of Hope. You are the one with faith when things seem hopeless. For you, hopeless is a word that does not exist. You are sweet, caring, and always have a glimmer of hope in you no matter how bad things are. You never give up and love the wind. To you, the wind guides you towards your destiny. You have many friends that never lose trust in you and will believe you no matter what. You are very wise and extremely friendly. When ever someones in need you are there. Please rate and message. ^-^
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Uncanny how true this is!!

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

How exciting!

Someone is visiting from Tokyo!!!! I wish my visitors would say hi or post.