Past Lives

As some of you know, not all of you, but a select few.... know that I'm a wizz at past life fortelling. I just sit with a person, think about them, and I can come up with at least one past life, if not more that they have experianced. And it's cool in a way, because it do sometimes answer questions about how they are in the present, but other times not so cool, because it gives glimpses into their phycie that I really don't want to know about!!!

And for thoes who were on the know, you know I gave up using most of my phycic ability. In public, that is.

First of all it scared people! I never like scaring people, and secondy, my hubby asked me to stop. So I did. Sometimes I can't help it though, and even though I keep my mouth shut, most of my friends past lives are no mystery to me at all.

What is a mystery to me is MY past life. OK, I know I was a nun. I see mountain rainges, big ones, with lots of snow. A stone tower, with me in it, and my nun out fit is gray.... and I think pink (but that could be the refection of the sunset thru the castle windows, so figure gray and white. With a large head dress. No, not like the flying nun, but close.

But one is a mystery to me. I see a town, built on hills and winding roads, (small house's... some of stone others wood, dark house's no colors.... and a road that ends at the sea. I see a beach, not sand or stones, but tiny gravel like, and a huge stone wall that holds the land back from the beach. I'm on the beach, and I see a HUGE WAVE heading for me. I close my eyes and hold my breath, but I know that the wave is too big, and it will kill me.... but I'm not scared. OK. Where is it?????? Any one have any ideas???????

Some new spells

SPELL TO CLEAR UP BAD LUCK AND ACCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE .

You will need:
Lots of....!
dried spearmint
rosemary
thyme
sea salt
epsom salts

In a big bucket, mix equal quantities of all of the above during the waxing moon. As you do you this chant:

"Herbs of luck sublime
cleanse this home of mine
Good fortune bless this place
so we dwell with happy face"

In the morning before you go to work sprinkle the mixture all over the floors of the house. When you get home sweep it all up (or if you vacuum use a brand new bag).

The herbs will have absorbed the negative energy so take the mixture outside and burn it and then turn earth over it. Burning is important, don't just bury or throw in the bin.


SIMPLE THINGS TO DO TO PURIFY A HOUSE

- Wind chimes by the front and back door will invoke the Guardians of Air to help breeze away bad energies

- Hang a mirror in the kitchen to cast light and reflect away darkness (saucepans and woks hanging can do the same thing)

- A little bowl of rose water with a rose quartz crystal in it by you as you sleep will ward off bad energies and dreams.

Some people have too much time on their hands!

I like my pumpkins round, firm, and uncut..... but some people have too much time on their hands!!!!!!!

Any one for a spanking?

Updates

OK, I did a few things this week. I gathered pine cone's for my ceremonies, made some mulled cider and fridged it. So I'm ready, the house is decorated, and I now feel fallie! Giggle


I also took the top off my swing, and the cushions and stored them for the winter. I took the plants that were off the ground, and put them on the ground.



Besides the fact, winters at the shore are very windy, so everything is more secure on the ground, and won't blow over.



See, it's better if they have full contact with the ground, keeps the roots warm. If you leave them up on a table or something, the cold can reach the roots and kill it.



Oh, and I got a room for Shore Leave. Yes, I know they said they were sold out, and they are.... but I have ways of handling that, and a few phone calls, and I got a room. GIGGLE. Even the Shore Leave discount, even though the reservations weren't for the con, since it's sold out.


Sometimes I'm just Damn good! Or pretty damn evil if you think about it.


Oh I got a DVR. That's like Teebow. Now I can record up to 2 shows at the same time while I'm up picking up Matt at school, and if I'm home, and watching one, I can record another to see it later on. Pretty cool!


But that's about it, still haven't bought the paint or painted. Just can't seem to get the energy up for that. I'll probably hold off till spring.

Baking for the Soul!

Soul cakes were traditionally baked as a gift for the spirits of the dead.


In many European countries, the idea of "Souling" became an acceptable alternative for Christians. The cakes took many different names and shapes -- in some areas, they were simple shortbread, and in others they were baked as fruit-filled tarts. Still other regions made them of rice flour. Generally, a soul cake was made with whatever grain the community had available. You can make your own with one of these four simple recipes.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1 hour
Here's How:



Pie Crust Soul Cakes


You'll need:

A refrigerated roll-out pie crust
2 Tbs. melted butter
1 C mixed dried fruit
2 Tbs honey
Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles. Use the circles to line a tin of muffin cups. Mix the butter, fruit and honey together. Scoop the fruit mixture into the pastry shells, and then bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Allow to cool for about ten minutes before eating.



Quickie Shortbread Soul Cakes

You'll need:

1 stick of butter, softened
4 Tbs sugar
1 1/2 C flour
Cream together the butter and sugar. Use a flour sifter to add the flour to the bowl, and mix until it's smooth. Divide the dough into two parts, and shape each half into a flat circle about half an inch thick. Put them on an ungreased baking sheet (baking stones are really nice for this) and poke lines with the tines of a fork, making eight separate wedges in each cake. Bake for 25 minutes or until light brown at 350 degrees.





Buttery Soul Cakes

You'll need:

Two sticks butter, softened
3 1/2 C flour, sifted
1 C sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg & saffron
1 tsp each cinnamon & allspice
2 eggs
2 tsp malt vinegar
Powdered sugar
Cut the butter into the flour with a large fork. Mix in the sugar, nutmeg, saffron, cinammon and allspice. Lightly beat eggs, and add to flour mixture. Add malt vinegar. Mix until you have a stiff dough. Knead for a while, then roll out until 1/4" thick. Use a floured glass to cut out 3" circles. Place on greased baking sheet and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while the cakes are still warm.



Mulled wines are a traditional favorite, no matter what the occasion, but Halloween presents a terrific opportunity to introduce others to its appeal. The Banshee Mulled Wine recipe is a warm wine punch sure to clutch the palate of all Halloween gouls.



INGREDIENTS:

One bottle of red wine (suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot or a Spanish red)
One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)
One peeled and sliced lemon (keep peel to add zest to taste in cooking pot)
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground ginger
5 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup sugar (or honey can be substituted)
2/3 cup brandy or cognac
1/2 cup water


PREPARATION:
Combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved.
When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have blended well it is ready to serve. Ladle into mugs (leaving seasonings behind), garnish with a blood orange segment and enjoy!



This butternut squash casserole includes apples and is topped with a buttery spiced crumb topping with brown sugar.

INGREDIENTS:

1 small butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
2 apples, cored, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
4 tablespoons butter, cold
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

PREPARATION:
Peel, seed, and cut squash into small slices. Place squash and apple slices in a baking dish, about 11- x 7-inches

Combine brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; cut in butter with fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over sliced squash and apples.

Bake at 375 till brown and bubbly

Ritural

Begin by casting a circle, if your tradition requires it.

Prior to starting the ceremony, place three sheaves of corn or wheat around the ritual space. You'll also need a statue or other image of the God and of the Goddess at the center of your altar. Around the statues, place five candles -- red and black to represent the dark aspect of the Goddess, green and brown to symbolize the wild God, and white for the hearth and home.


Place a plate of dark bread, enough for each person present, near the center of the altar, along with a cup of wine or cider. Circle the altar. The youngest person present will act as the Handmaiden, and the oldest as the High Priest (HP) or High Priestess (HPs). If you're performing this rite as a solitary, simply take on both parts. The HPs lights the red and black candles, and says:


A pair of candles is lit
in honor of the Goddess.
She is Maiden and Mother throughout the year
and tonight we honor her as Crone.

Next, the HPs lights the brown and green candles, saying:

A pair of candles is lit
in honor of the God.
He is wild and fertile and animal
and tonight we honor him as the Horned God.


The Handmaiden takes the bread and walks the circle with the plate, allowing each person to tear off a chunk. As they do so, she says:


May the blessings of the Goddess be upon you.


The cup of wine or cider is passed around, and each person takes a sip. As they do, the Handmaiden should say:

May the blessings of the God be upon you.



The Handmaiden then lights the fifth candle, for the hearth, saying:

This candle is lit
in honor of hearth and home.
The mother and father, the Goddess and God,
watch over us tonight as we honor them.


The HPs then takes over, saying:

We light these five candles
for the powerful Goddess
and her mighty horned consort, the God,
and for the safety of home and hearth.
On this, the night of Samhain,
when the Goddess is a wise Crone,
and the God is a wild stag,
we honor them both.



The Handmaiden says:

This is a time between the worlds,
a time of life and a time of death.
This is a night unlike any other night.
Ancient ones, we ask your blessing.
Goddess, great Crone, mother of all life,
we thank you for your wisdom.
Horned God, master of the wild hunt, keeper of the forest,
we thank you for all that you provide.

At this time, the rest of the group may also say thanks. If you wish to make an offering to the God and Goddess, now is the time to place it upon the altar.


Once all offerings have been made, and thanks given, take a moment to meditate on the new beginnings of Samhain. Consider the gifts that the gods have given you over the past year, and think about how you might show them your gratitude in the coming twelve months.


As the old year dies, make room in the new year for new things in your life. You may not know yet what's coming, but you can certainly imagine, dream and hope. Tonight, this night between the worlds, is the perfect time to imagine what things may come.

End the ritual in the way called for by your tradition.



Tips:


Decorate your altar with symbols of the God -- antlers, acorns, pine cones, phallic symbols -- and representations of the Goddess, such as red flowers, cups, pomegranates, etc.



If your tradition honors a specific pair of male and female deities, feel free to substitute their names in this ritual wherever it says God or Goddess.



What You Need:
Five candles, in red, black, brown, green and white.
A loaf of dark bread
A cup of cider or wine

Pretty Picture

Driving in Toms River!!!

This is me on a normal day, driving the mean.... retirement villa..... roads of Toms River. OLD PEOPLE GO HOME!!!!

Goddess bless the U.S. Army!!!

Oh Goddess!!!! I surender!!!!!

HOLIDAY COOKING

APPLE FRITTERS

5 ounces Flour
5 fluid ounces Water
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 each Eggs (separated)
1 tablespoon Melted butter
2 each Large cooking apples
4 ounces Sugar
Lemon juice
Oil for deep frying

Make batter at least an hour before required, using following method.Sift together flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Add the cooled melted butter and some of the water and egg yolks. Work in the flour and beat until smooth. Add remaining water. Leave to stand. Just before using, beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter mix.Peel, core and slice apples (slices about 1/4-1/2 inch thick). Dip into batter and deep fry in very hot oil (175-180C) until golden. Drain and serve dredged with sugar and sprinkled with lemon juice.




STUFFED CABBAGE

1 Large head of cabbage
1 Tablespoon Margarine
2 Medium onions, sliced
1 Pound Lean ground meatloaf mix (thats pork, beef, and veal)
4 Tablespoons Grated onions
3 Tablespoons Uncooked rice (optional if you use meal loaf mix, don't add rice, if you use all beef, add rice)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
8 Ounces Can tomato sauce
1 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Seedless raisins (all of these are optional)
3 Tablespoons Honey (or brown sugar)
1 Tablespoon Lemon juice

Trim off thick parts of 18 cabbage leaves. Blanch in boiling Water. Melt margarine in deep heavy saucepan, Add onions and lightly brown, mix together beef, grated onions, uncooked rice, 3 Tablespoons water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper. Place some meat on each cabbage leaf, tuck in sides and roll cabbage. Add tomato sauce, 1 cup water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to sliced onions. Place cabbage rolls in saucepan, cover and cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours. Add raisins, honey or brown sugar and lemon juice. Cook uncovered 30 minutes. Serve in soup bowl.




HALLOWMASS CAKES

1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
2 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioner's sugar


In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, chocolate, and granulated sugar. Blend in eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt into oil mixture. Chill for several hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Roll about a Tablespoon of dough into a ball. Drop balls into confectioners' sugar, and roll until coated. Place balls about 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.Bake for 10-12 min. The cakes should be a soft and the edges should be firm. Do not overbake; they burn easily. Makes about 3 doz




HOT APPLE CIDER

1 1/2 gallons Apple Cider
2 whole cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
1 large orange, sliced thin with peel left on
1/2 lemon, sliced thin with peel left on
1/2 cup sugar

Directions: In large pot, combine cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange and lemon slices, and sugar to taste. Serve hot.




COLCANNON

4 medium Potatoes, peeled and boiled
3 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 cup Milk
2 Tablespoons Sour Cream
8 ounces Kale, steamed and chopped (great with cabbage also)
1 Tablespoon Onion, grated

Mash potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, milk and sour cream until light and fluffy. Stir in kale and grated onion. Serve at once.




HOLIDAY POTATOES

12 medium potatoes, peeled, cooked & mashed
2 ounces Cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Butter
Pepper
1/2 cup Sour cream
1/4 slice Green onions
1/2 cup Milk

Mix potatoes with remaining ingredients. Mix well, but lightly; do not whip! Place in a greased 9~ round casserole and bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes.




PUMPKIN BREAD

2/3 cup Shortening
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
2 2/3 cups Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
4 large Eggs
2 teaspoons Baking soda
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
3 1/3 cups Flour
2/3 cup Water
1 can Pumpkin1
1/2 teaspoons Salt

Mix all the above ingredients together, pour into 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350~F for 50 - 60 minutes. You can add dates and nuts if you like.




PUMPKIN PIE ICE CREAM WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed Gingersnaps (approximately 30 cookies))
1/4 cup butter,

meltedFilling:
1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1 pint Vanilla ice cream, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger
1/2 tsp. ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground Cloves
1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream --

whippedSAUCE
1 cup Caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup chopped Pecans


In small bowl, combine crushed gingersnaps and butter; blend well. Press firmly in bottom and up sides of 9" pie plate. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into ice cream. Spoon into crust. Freeze.In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and pumpkin; blend well. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon over ice cream in crust. Freeze 3 hours until firm. Let stand at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving. In small saucepan, combine caramel topping and nuts. Stir constantly until heated through. Serve warm over pie.




HOT SPICED PUNCH

1 large can of unsweetened pineapple juice
1 quart of cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup brown sugar
3 - 2" sticks of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of whole cloves

Put the cloves in a cloth bag. Boil in 2 cups of water. Let cool. Pour clove water and juices into large container. Mix well. Pour into large kettle and bring to a boil. Serve hot in cups or mugs.




ROAST LOIN OF PORK (This is nothing at all like MY roast pork!!!!! I'll print that recipe later)

1 Pork Loin
1 small Onion, chopped
1 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 Bay leaf, crushed
1/2 teaspoon Celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon Dry thyme
4 Whole cloves
1 teaspoon Beef bouillon
salt & pepper to taste



Fold 2 large sheets of aluminum foil together with a double fold. There should be enough to enclose the roast. Place roast on foil. Stick cloves into loin and sprinkle other ingredients over top. Enclose roast tightly in foil and cook in 300 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes PER pound.




PICE BACH (Welsh Cakes)

1 LB Plain flour
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 teaspoon Mixed spice
4 oz Margarine
4 oz Shortening
6 oz Caster sugar
4 oz Currants
2 Eggs
Milk

Sift the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice; rub in the margarine and shortening; add the sugar, currants and beaten egg. Mix in milk to make a stiff dough and roll out 1/4" thick. Cut into 2" rounds and bake on a hot griddle until golden brown, after about 4 minutes on each side.

SAMHAIN

Samhain Lore (October 31st) Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. Don't worry about pronouncing it, lots of us just call it Halloween, having grown up with that lable.

The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat. It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st.

Remember, you can celebrated that day at home, alone, but with friends and family it can be on the weekend before of after the day.

It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Spirits can cross over that vail.

Hence the use of costumes. By costuming yourself it's said that the spirits think your one of them, and won't do any evil twards you.

Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort.

Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead".

Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition.

Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home.

The table is set with a centerpiece of fruit and gords, and hot cider is made for their enjoyment!

Also, traditionaly, cakes made of oatmeal and honey are eaten. The more honey the better, said to sweeten the holiday, and make the spirits nicer.

Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest.

Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them.

Turnips were hollowed out and carved, and candles placed within them, to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos.

The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised.

People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.

This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. Any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits.

Bonfires were built, (originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year)

Also stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning.

The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person's fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, (that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch's New Year.

Symbolism of Samhain: Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.

Symbols of Samhain: Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.

Herbs of Samhain: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.

Foods of Samhain: Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Mulled Cider, Beef, Pork, Poultry.

Incense of Samhain: Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg. Colors of Samhain:Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.

Stones of Samhain: All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.

One of the best things to do on this holiday, is pary. Set the table, cook a big meal of meats and fall foods, like pumpkin, and other squashes. Set a candle in the window, and wear a costume to fool the spirits.

They also say, that shopping for meats during the day, ensures that you have food all winter long.

Pondering tires

I don't understand something.


I went to get tires today. I, having no clue whatsoever about such things as tires......... and that's weird since I can gap and change spark plugs, air filters etc...... but tires .......... no clue.


Thought I need all new ones, but it turns out only the front two needed to be replaced. They were REALLY warn out, like wire mesh showing thru them. But the back tires, just fine.


So I got the front ones replaces. and as I was leaving, the guy said.........."you should get your tires rotated soon, so they wear out even"


OK, my thought, I never had my tires rotated, and the front ones wore down, so I bought 2 tires and replaced them.


If you rotate your tires, doesn't that mean that the next time I need tires, I would need 4 of them?????? Since rotating to the front wears them out??????


And if I DON'T rotate them, then I would only need another 2 front tires in the next 6 year, instead of 4.


Hummmm, well maybe I'm wrong, but rotating the tires seems just stupid to me. I'd rather replace 2 then 4............... then again, maybe I'm just a dumb girl, but logically it makes sense to me.

CHILLER

I finally made it up to see "Chiller" the horror con.


Didn't go on Friday with Eileen, because Matt doesn't get home from school till after 5 on Fridays.



So I bit the bullet and got up early (very early, since she said there wouldn't be any parking spaces if I came too late) The ride up was weird. Total, non seeing, thick fog!!!!!! All the way up till about 3 miles from the hotel............. then it cleared!!!!!!!


This hotel is WORSE THEN THE SHORE LEAVE HOTEL!!!!! IT'S A FUCKING WARREN OF HALLS AND TURNS!!!! Her room was on the second floor, and from the elevator it took me over 10 minutes to walk to it!!!!!!! And the hotel decided to CLOSE THE RESTAURANT!!!! Biggest convention in the world, and the close the only place to eat!!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!!!


So food was being served OUTSIDE! No, not that I mind, but the yellow jackets this time of year are horrible, so you eat and try to doge the bugs, not my idea of a good time!


That's my opinion of the hotel.


Now the con............ well, it was pretty cool. But very, very, very, very CROWDED!!!! You could bearly move thru the halls by 11 am, and it got worse as the day went on!!!!!!


Eileen works for the con, so they had set up a break room for the staff with food, coffee and tea etc.


While I was sitting in there alone, in walked Val Kilmer!!!! Nice man, made coffee for him, and talked for a while. Pretty cool. Especially since my face recognition is not that good, and I had no idea who he was till he told me. GIGGLE Besides, I only watched one Bat Man, and I don't think it was the one he was in.


I walked the dealers room, bought some really cool T shirts. Both Black, but one has the wiccian calender on the front, and the other has a big pentagram, and the words "out of the broom closet" on it. FANTASTIC!


I got the guy who makes them to give me his web site......... it's GOTHCENTRAL.com


You can order T's from it, and it has bunches of other stuff too!!!!


Now, I was going to spend the night, but around 4 pm I had seen it all.............. the crowds were getting horrible, so I scooted! Nice for a day trip, but I'll never spend the weekend there.


I think I'm outgrowing the cons, or just getting plain board with them. Even Shore Leave, I don't think I'll bother going next year.

At least not a convention that I have to spend the weekend. I think day trips are all that they are worth now. So if It's close, I'll go, but far.... it's not worth it!

big house's

I was watching "house hunters" and I started to get aggravated.

Here were two older people, in the late 50's and early 60's, looking to buy a house.


Now, I would assume, cozy cottage just for two......... but NOPE, they were looking at this HUMONGOUS HOUSE!!!!!!!

I'm talking walk in closet so big that you could park 2 cars in it........... and the bitch was complaining that It might not be big enough!!!!!! And 5 bedrooms....... for 2 people??????????

Plus it was huge, empty and had vaulted ceilings!

I think what you look for in a house is what you were raised in.


My family had a Cape Cod. Nice, but small. bedroom, living room, dinning room, kitchen and den (the den used to be our bedroom till they finished the attic).... and our bedrooms were in the finished attic. It was a HUGE space, and you know, I never felt comfortable up there.

There was so much room, that everything seemed to echo!


I love small house's. I feel comfortable, safe, and warm in them


The last house I had while my Hubby was still alive.... was a freaking MONSTER! 5 bedroom, family room, living room, den, dinning room, kitchen, laundry room, and 3 bathrooms! I was never comfortable in that house.


It seemed like I spent all my life cleaning room after room after room after room.... and so on, forever. Plus we had 3 kids........ why would we need 5 bedrooms??????


I think being raised in a small house, makes you need the same thing to be comfortable.

Suble winter changes

With winter coming, one of the baddest things is the lack of sunlight.


I hate the shorter days, and so I try to do everything I can to increase the sunlight in the house during the day.

In my mothers time, that was a no no. Too much sunlight faded the carpets and furniture, but now a days, who cares? furniture is so inexpensive that changing it every once in a while is fun, and easy.


Now my living room and dinning room curtins are usually swagged.


What that means is that I pin them, at the top, in the middle of the window, and the curtains swag over the window. This cuts down on light, and keeps the room dimmer in the summer.


A total country look. But now that winter is here, I unpinned them and pushed them to the side. So now they frame the window on either side, but leave the main window wide open for the sun to get in.


On top of that, I got rid of the dreaded venation blinds!!!


I hate those things!!!!! They get so dirty and yucky, and are a royal pain to try to clean! But shades weren't a good idea, since they block the top of the windows and kill the sunshine.


So at K-mart I found these really nice "bamboo" blinds. They cover the whole window, and give you lots of privacy from the outside, but are open enough to let all the sun in during the day. Now I found them at Wall-mart also, but they were a Blondie color, and 3 times as expensive!!!!!


K-Mart had then natural bamboo colored ones, and cheap, cheap, cheap!


And since I needed 7 of them, cost was a major concern. They fit out side the windows, and hoop on to the top molding with just a few nails. No hardware to install.


I couldn't find one big enough for my dinning room window, but I'll keep going back till they get it, but for now, all my kitchen windows, and the two living room windows have them. Soft filtered light, and from inside almost seem to disappear.


Winter lack of sunlight won't effect me this year!!!


I'd also like to remind all my witchy friends, that our major holiday is fast approaching! What are you planning to do for it??????


I'm doing my usual spells and incantations, I'll get them together and post them in the next few days, in case anyone wants to try them out!


I tried to organise a party for Halloween, as you all call it, but I just didn't seem to click. Everyone is too busy. A shame, because I had some major spell casting ready for it.


I think sometimes, people get so busy in their mundane lives, they forget that WE ARE NOT MUNDANE!!! And we should celebrate as a family, not by going to every other persons party's!!!! It's NOT about costumes and food!!!!


I for one, will do it the right way. maybe my other friends should re-think their priority's, and start being the witches they were meant to be!!!!!


Sometimes you just HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME! Or stop calling yourself a true witch, and go back to church!!!!!!!