Nature's Bounty

Everytime I go out side, I count my blessing. This crop of sweet dark tomatoes were grown in an half whiskey barrel. I've never did container planting before, but since my yard is now gravel and cement, I figured I would try it. I've learned, and next year the crop should be much better. These are just from the last few days.

Easy Stuffed tomato recipe

As many tomatoes as you like, size DOESN'T matter.
Cut off the tops, and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
Place scooped out tomatoes in a baking pan.
Mash up the insides, and add breadcrumbs, butter, lots and lots of chopped garlic. (fresh or in the jar)
And mush it all together.
Then put it back inside the tomatoes and bake at 350 till the tops are browned. Yummy

Getting up early

You know, being an early bird sucks big time!!!!! I get up at 5:30 - 6:00 am every morning. I have my coffee, then I clean. Yep clean!!! What else is there to do that early in the morning?????

This morning I tackled the refrigerator!!! Ohhhhhhh YUCK!!!! When's the last time I cleaned that thing???? I have no memory of doing it in the last year (but then again my memory is getting worse as I age, so who knows) But, needless to say, it was super UCKEY!!!!

Took me a good hour to clean it out, wipe it down, and then put it all back together again. Now it's pretty! GIGGLE Smells nice, looks nice, and no little dried mystery items in the corner. LOL

But it funny how when you clean a Frige, all the food is gone!!!!! It was crowded with stuff when I started, Now it's empty! I didn't chuck that much out, so where did it go??? Hummmmm

Getting up early makes me do other things too. Sometimes I find myself cleaning windows at 6 am, sometimes I'm outside weeding the gardern, sometimes I'm cleaning out the cushions on the sofa!!!!! It's bad, bad, bad. And no one is awake to stop me!!!!!

I vote that all stores should start opening at 5am!!!!!! If I'm Up, everyone should be up!!!!!!!!!

My Circle

My circle isn't round, you see
with a pentagram deep inside.
My circle is the house I keep
My pretties at my side.
does it matter if it be square or round?
or made of chalk, or wood?
your circle is where bow your head
worship and do good.

Judith Oliveri

Sometime I wake up and wonder.....Is this the move that will stick? Has my wanderlust been sated? Then I step outside my front door, raise my camera to the sky's......... And this is what awaits me. How could anyone be happier any where else?

In the winter, the salt air burns as you inhale, but feels good deep within your lungs.
The summer brings sunsets that match any painting, and the smell of salt, sea, fish, and life into your lungs.

The only thing I could ask for is to be even closer to the sea, but where I am, I'm happy. When I die, I wish my ashes to be put into the waves and washed out to sea. For deep with in every one of us, born to the sign of the fish..... Is a Mermaid, or Merman curled up in a little ball.... And smiling in their sleep.

Someday the sea will reclaim us, and till then, happiness is the smell of salt, sun, waves, and the smell of the bay....Ripe with fish and seaweed.

I look outside at sunset, to this glorious, rich sunset. And I know deep inside, that my matra, "The Goddess will Provide" is the right one. For though the road was long, very sad, and rough in patches, but in the end, she has lead me to the sea once again. And for this, out of all the good she has done me, I am most grateful for.

OCEAN'S END

I wish my love could stand beside me
on the warm and salty sand,
and breath the oceans air with me
in life, and living on this land.
The ocean waves will call me
the life within the sea
And soon my love with join me
in the swim towards eternity

Nobody's perfect - all signs have their vices. Fortunately, astrology provides valuable clues for breaking bad habits. Ending these patterns will help you realize your full potential. Here are some tips for conquering those negative behaviors that get in the way of your ultimate happiness.

• Aries Out in Front
Rams have a habit of pushing to the front of the line, both literally and figuratively. And while this quality has helped Aries get ahead, it can also compromise their relationships. Putting an animal, child or plant in their care can correct the problem. As soon as this sign's nurturing qualities are cultivated, their selfishness will diminish.

• Taurean Trash
Bulls love clutter. Being surrounded by all their possessions gives them a sense of security. It also creates headaches, confusion, and chaos. Storage systems that keep their stuff on display will prevent this sign from strewing their stuff all over the house. Stacking baskets, glass jars, and open shelving can promote organization.

• Nerve-Wracking Twins
Geminis are the nail-biters of the zodiac. Twins are self-conscious about their hands, and need to keep them busy at all times. Activities like knitting, carving, or bead work provide welcome distractions. Weekly manicures will also keep temptation at bay. Twins are less likely to gnaw their cuticles when they've just paid for their upkeep!

• Cancers and the Candyman
If you've ever wondered how Cancers stay so sweet, take a look at their sugar intake. This sign loves cookies, candy, and ice cream. An occasional indulgence is fine, but too much dessert can take a toll on waist lines and energy levels. What Crabs are really seeking is oral gratification. Sugar-free gum or dried fruit provides a healthy distraction from candy crunching.

• Lavish Leos
The guy who's sitting next to you in the elegant restaurant, shouting to his personal assistant on his cell phone? Probably a Leo. It's only natural that a sign that is blessed with creativity, charm and wit feels tempted to show off. Actually, this desire to brag is rooted in insecurity. The sooner Lions learn to compliment others, the quicker they'll receive the praise they crave.

• Virgos Fear Filth
These nit-pickers sometimes compromise their own pleasure for the sake of perfection. Deep down inside, these folks are really sensualists at heart. They need to learn that it is better to feel good than to look good. Allocating a few minutes each day for fun but messy activities like baking, painting, or sculpting can cure Virgos of their fear of filth.

• Libras Love to Shop
Librans gave birth to the term "shopaholic". These folks have every credit card known to man. And while their taste is undeniably impeccable, it can get them in trouble at bankruptcy court. What's really at stake here is a quest for beauty. Enjoying simple but inexpensive pleasures like nature walks and museums can quell the urge to splurge.

• Strictly Scorpios
Nobody carries a grudge better than this sign. Unfortunately, hanging on to resentments has a way of crowding out love, happiness, and trust. In order for a Scorpio to let go of anger, they must first practice self-care. Getting a massage every month or writing in a journal each day will soften this sign's heart and enable forgiveness.

• Brutally Honest Sagittarius
Archers have a bad habit of telling the truth. And while these folks have the best intentions, that doesn't take the sting out of comments like, "Gee, those pants make you look fat!" or "Were you drunk when you wrote this report?" The best way for Archers to cultivate tact is through prodigious study. Etiquette books will definitely help!

• Capricorns Can't Quit
This sign is the original workaholic. Many Capricorns fear that poverty will set in the moment they stop toiling. Keeping a gratitude journal can break this terrible habit. The more Capricorn becomes aware of their non-material blessings, the healthier their behavior will become. No more cutting vacations short for the sake of work!

• Antisocial Aquarius
Water-bearers get into the habit of creating completely self-sufficient lives. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for them to achieve intimacy. Basically, Aquarians are afraid that relationships will compromise their independence. Fortunately, these folks love to experiment. By treating intimacy as an exercise, this sign can relinquish control for the sake of loving relationships.

• Pickled Pisces
As a water sign, it's only natural that Pisceans find comfort in liquids. When those liquids have a high alcohol content, problems can ensue. Naturally, a twelve-step program can be of enormous benefit here. Meditation and yoga can help, too, as they allow Pisces to achieve a healthy sense of nirvana. That's all these Fish are really seeking.

WARNING!!

If your going to write a spell, recite it, then burn the paper afterward .................. TURN OFF YOUR SMOKE ALARMS!!!! Yepper, did a mighty good spell, and then all of a sudden ....Shrieking alarms going off!!!!! Almost stopped my heart with that one. Giggle Not a good thing to happen. Must remember to disable smoke alarms or to keep a window open.

I've decided that it's time I went a few steps further with my religion. I've been a good person, always obeyed the rules and never did anything that would be considered "bad".

But I think maybe it's time that I stopped following the rules so strictly. No, I will not stray from my Goddess, or turn into some kind of Satan worshiper. Giggle
Just not in my make up to do that. Besides, we all know that Satan does not exist.

But I think maybe it's time to do a WHOLE LOT of personal gain spells. I know we aren't supposed to do that, but with much thinking, and getting an understanding of the gods and goddess, I think those rules were written by people, not the goddess. After all, in most stories the gods and goddess were all about personal gain, grand gestures, and excess in everything!!!! Wine, women, men, song, food....They had it all and enjoyed it all.

So why are we so restricted? Probably because with the craft, comes power, and the need to express that power. And the elders saw that and put a few simple rules to control us.

Now we all know, most people need some type of rules to controls themselves. But I've been over 50 years, practicing to be "Glenda the Good Witch of the West" and let me tell you..... Even though I've built up some sweet Karma, I get screwed out of everything!!

And what do I do???? Yep, you got it, I turn my cheek, and forget and forgive. Even though the bile sometimes makes it a real hard thing to do.

What's wrong with looking out for yourself??? Nothing! What's wrong with teaching someone a life lesson (without turning them into a toad) Nothing! So many wrongs against me. And I haven't once tried to get some sort of revenge!!!!

Now all I'm going to do is change the wording of one rule. Yep, to suit me. Because I want to. So there!

1. If it harms none, do as you will

That's the rule. I'm not actually changing it, just interpreting it as something else. I will not HARM ANYONE.

No Killing or maiming or giant pumpkin knife wielding scarecrow creeping up on them at night. But I'm taking the word "Harm" as meaning killing. And I won't do that.... Promise. Cross my heart, hope to die! Besides, it's too hard to hide the body's anymore.... Not enough woods. Giggle

I no longer consider "revenge" as "harm". I no longer consider Love spells that binds a man as "harm". I no longer consider spells for personal gain as "harm" I should have enough good Karma built up from years of being "good" that I can get away with some things with out major kickbacks.

But if there be kickbacks, then so be it. Glenda is dead, and this old Crone is going to get some for herself. But it's too much work to do that........ So I'll just Giggle.

Tell me, am I wrong????? Feel free to express your opinion........ Not that it will change my mind, but still feel free. LOL

Merlin Keeping Kitchen Watch