Cleaning out the Cauldron

I went to Wal-mart yesterday, and they had some Mums for sale. They had the big one's but also the smaller ones.... and that's what I wanted.... the small ones.

I had cleaned out my cauldron the day before. The Pansy's were way past their prime, and I decided, that no matter what the goddess wanted, I DID NOT WANT IRIS'S IN MY CAULDRON! When it comes to MY garden.... I have to assert control sometimes, don't I?

They are huge growers, and would fill the cauldron by spring, not giving me room for any other plants. And I wanted to have annuals in it!

So I dug them up, and replanted them somewhere else!!!! And for the fall, I planted the Mums in the cauldron. While small now.... by October they will be big and lush, and just the right touch for fall planting.




See, these are the replanted Iris. It's a really nice sunny spot where they can grow, and spread to their hearts content!!!!

What happens when.....

This is what happens when I am board.

I clean.


Most of the time this summer, because of the heat, I sit and mope about being board..... but this morning I woke up to a nice COOL day............ and the cleaning part of my brain clicked on.... and off I went..............


First I went in the garden and picked tomatoes, blueberry's, and jalapeno peppers, brought them inside and went back out, got the weed sprayer out, and walked around the whole yard... spraying weeds!


Then back in the house, to freeze the blueberry's, and the jalapeno peppers.


Then I opened a kitchen cabinet to get a glass ..... and thought YUCK.... and preceded to remove EVERYTHING from EVERY cabinet. Then I sprayed every inside cabinet with cleaner, and scrubbed..... removing the shelves, and scrubbing them separately in the sink..................


And you think I would be done.... but noooooooooo, not when I'm in the cleaning mode!!!

I also opened my huge spice cabinet, and cleaned and rearranged that too, then when the inside of the cabinets were dry, I cleaned the OUTSIDE of the cabinets...... then I had to put the shelves back in, and since I was at it...... I rearranged all the STUFF IN THE CABINETS!

It's after 2pm now.... I started at 6am, and I'm sitting for a while, thinking about what else needs cleaning..... PLEASE STOP ME!!!!!!!!

AHHHHHHH, but I think that may be all for today, since everything else is pretty clean.... now I'm going to relax, drink my coffe.... and NOT CLEAN!!!!!

10 baby steps

Ten Baby Steps Out Of The Broom Closet

Author: Willow Grove [a WitchVox Sponsor]
Posted: July 20th. 2008
Times Viewed: 3,548

Come out, come out, whenever you can!

The statistics regarding how many Pagans choose to keep their religion a secret are difficult to obtain and any numbers that are calculated are certain to be somewhat flawed. We do tend to be a secretive bunch and we have good reason to be. Pagans have lost jobs, housing, even custody of children all because they practice an earth-based religion. People stare and shake their heads sadly while telling us we are going to hell. Even though the laws of our country clearly protect our religious freedom and our government officially recognizes Paganism as a valid religion, we still remain something that society would rather not see, something sinister to be kept hidden away behind closed doors. It is human nature to be leery of what is unknown and mysterious.

So why do we hide? The easy answer is that so many of us keep our religious choice private for fear of the consequences. Would we be fired? Would we be forced to move? Would the neighbor stop waving at us in the driveway? It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of religion and the law is on our side, but only if we use it.

Those who came before us did not have it so easy. Countless brave souls have fought and died for our right to practice our faith, yet so many Pagans hide it away as if they have something to hide. Our secretiveness gives the appearance that we are hiding something dark and sinister that society would not accept, when in reality if most people understood the Pagan religion they would realize that it is not something to be feared at all. We have nothing to feel guilty for nor be ashamed of, and yet we keep it hidden. What honor do we give to those who have sacrificed for religious freedoms if we do not exercise our rights?

It is not easy to come out of the broom closet, and in many cases being totally open in all facets of your life is just not feasible. But every time we hide, we hurt the Pagan community at large because we only strengthen society's tendency to believe that we have something to hide, which in turn leads more Pagans to remain hidden. It is a nasty and vicious circle of prejudice that will not end until more of us are open about our faith. When more of us hold our heads up proudly and stop acting as if we have some dirty little secret, only then will society begin to accept us as a part of it.

This does not mean that all Pagans need to run out into the street shouting the word of the Goddess. This does not mean we all should start wearing huge pentacles and engaging everyone we meet in a debate on theology. But every time one of us makes an effort to fit in with society without apology, without shame, and without a doubt that we are just as spiritually valid as anyone else, the whole Pagan community benefits. Those efforts do not have to be huge. Every one of us can take baby steps out of the closet to shine a little light on Paganism so that society can see us for what we really are.

10 Baby Steps Out Of The Broom Closet

1. Wear a pentacle in public. It need not be huge, just visible. If you need to be careful, wear it only when you will not see anyone who knows you. Even if you only wear it to the grocery store once a month, someone will see it. If you are asked what it means, smile warmly and explain simply. If someone glares at you, smile warmly anyway.

2. Next time you are asked for a poll/survey/census what religion you are, be honest. No one will hang you.

3. If you are raising your children Pagan, talk with someone at the school so that they understand what it means. For a great article about educating educators, visit the following site. http://www.religioustolerance.org/wic_essa.htm

4. If a co-worker asks what plans you have for the weekend, don't leave things out. You don't have to say "I am going to go frolic naked and chant under the full moon in the forest", but if you simply say, “Some friends and I are going camping to hold a special ceremony to honor the earth", no one will burn you at the stake, and you might be surprised at the dialogue it opens up.

5. Support Pagan businesses, especially those with an actual storefront. Pagan stores that operate only online can keep the identities of their employees a secret out in cyberland, but when a store has a building and a big sign on the street, they are very, very exposed to public scrutiny. These are brave folks who deserve the support of the Pagan community and when society sees these businesses thriving, it gives validation to Pagans everywhere. If you do not have a local Pagan store, at least try to shop with an online store that also operates a real physical shop somewhere.

6. Attend or donate to your local Pagan Pride Day. Chances are there is one within driving distance of anyone reading this. To find out when and where, visit www.paganpride.org.

7. Next time you are at a bookstore or library, march right up to the counter and ask where you can find books on Wicca and Paganism. Do not whisper.

8. Choose the most open-minded family member you can and tell them. Find out how they think other members of the family might react. For an excellent book that can help them understand, check out When Someone You Love Is Wiccan, available at the following website. http://www.willowgrovemagick.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD and ProdID=410

9. Read a Pagan book in public.

10. Attend local discussion groups to connect with other Pagans who struggle with hiding their faith. Can't find one? Start one. Chances are there are other Pagans in your midst wishing there was one they could join, too.

The important thing to remember is that when you take these steps, you may be the only Pagan someone has ever come into contact with. You are representing all of us. You must be friendly, non-confrontational, and you must be able to explain what Paganism is (and is not) in clear and simple terms without being defensive. Hold your head up and know that you are within your rights to have your beliefs and should not be forced to hide it.

While it is necessary in plenty of cases to remain secretive when you are Pagan for some very real reasons, all of us can look at this list and see at least one step we can take. Every time society sees us, really sees us, we not only honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms, we shine a light on every Pagan everywhere, and the whole Pagan community benefits.

Sorry about that folks

I got about 10 remarks that people couldn't see my blog good because of the new template.... so I decided to return to the basic one.

I'd rather you could read what I took so much time typing, then see pretty pictures! GIGGLE

HAPPIENESS

This morning I realized something. I was in the kitchen making toast, and the cat was sitting at the front door, watching the birds hop around outside. The house was cool with the early morning breeze...... the TV was on, my coffee pot was whistling..... I realized how HAPPY I WAS!


Don't get me wrong, there is and was a lot of bad things in my life. Losing my husband, family, friends. But, people die, and that's a fact of life you have to learn to live with.


My health, while not bad right now, has been really bad in the past.... and I know it's going to get steadily worse as I get older. My hair has gone totally gray, my teeth ache most of the time, but I have no dental plan. My fibromyalgia sucks!


But still I'm HAPPY. I've never been one to want the big house and tons of money.... I'm happy in my little home, and just making it by each month is a triumph!


So, I can't buy things I want to buy, and sometimes I run really short on food, and sometimes I get envious of people with nice clothing, and stuff..... but I'm still HAPPY!


I couldn't ask for more in my life..... (well, extra money would be nice... but that's not gonna happen. Giggle)


It's the peace, the quiet, the fact that I've gotten where I want to be, and while to most people it may seem inadequate... I LOVE IT!


I'm down the shore. (yes, my freaking sister says 8 miles away from the water is NOT down the shore.... but to me It's perfect)


I have a small house, easy to take care of, I have almost enough money to pay my bills each month, I've got my small garden (again, easy to take care of) I've got friends and family (though my family isn't much to talk about.... they are selfish, and vain, and not really family... my friends are more of a family then they are)


I've got my books to read, my telly to watch.


But most of all I have comfort. The knowledge that I made the right decision years ago, and it's taken me on the path to love, children, comfort.... that's good enough for me any day of the week. Problems come and go, depression does the same, but in between.... I'M HAPPY!


Maybe it's because I don't have grand expectations.... a good book to read is like buying a million dollar home to me. A few hours working in the garden is like going to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. And sitting on the couch, stroking my cat, is like wearing a mink coat!


When you know your where your supposed to be, peace comes naturally.

Continuing old people story

So, this morning I HAD to hit the grocery store, or Merlin would be starving..... and that's a bad thing....GIGGLE

I left the house at 7am, figuring it was too early for most of them, and I was right!!! The store was almost empty, I ran, grabbed the stuff I needed and then ran up to the "10 item or less" register.


Only 2 old men in front of me!!!!!! YIPPPPPPIE The first had a few things, but the guy in front of me had only a box of muffins.


Well the nice, patient cashier rang up the first guy...... and when he was done, the old guy proceeded to pull out of 4 DIFFERENT POCKETS.... tons and tons of change!!!!!!! Then he stepped back, and made the cashier hunt thru all that change and add it all up .......... to pay his bill!!!!!!!!


20 MINUTES OF COUNTING CHANGE!!!!!!


Now I've been there before, where it's the end of the month and all I have is some change to buy stuff, but this was a LOT of stuff, over $30 dollars that the poor cashier had to hunt for and find!!!!!!


If you have that much change.... take it to the bank, and get the paper money!!!!!


FINALLY, he was done, and proceeded to walk out... WITHOUT HIS GROCERY'S!!!! The Cashier had to run out of the store with the bags and grab him!!!! SIGH


Down to the last guy..... just a box of muffins...... Already on line for almost 45 minutes... with just the two of them in front of me........


AND PRESTO, the guy with the muffins, proceeded to go thru his pockets, pulling out change, by the hand full. ARRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Needless to say, by then I wanted to reach out and strangle that asshole.... and the bad thing was that when I got on line, I did the NICE thing, and let him go before me.... because he had only one item!!!!!


I NEED A NEW GROCERY STORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a women really means

Words Women Use on Men

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying up yours!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to 3.

I HATE grocery stores!!!

Right now I'm measuring out Merlin's cat food, by dribs and drabs...... yes, he's running out, and that means I have to go to SHOP RITE to get some more.


Why SHOP RITE? It's the closest. To go to Shop and Stop I have to go almost to the bridge, and Food town, just plain sucks.



But going to SHOP RITE, is even WORSE!!!! It's always filled to the brim with old people!!!! Masses, and masses of them. Walking R E A L SLOW! Stopping in the middle of isles, and not moving!


Blocking the whole store with their carts and walkers..... and then when you finally get to check out........... Oh GODDESS ARE THEY FUCKING SLOW!!!! And they argue that coupons 20 years old are still good, and they count out change one tiny penny at a time!!!!


IT'S FIGGING AGGRAVATING!!!!!


All I need is ONE BAG OF CAT FOOD!!!! And I can guarantee, with the bus loads of senors that are dropped off there, that I'll take me at least an hour or two..... just to get that one bag of cat food!!!!!


So, I'm putting it off, and hoping Merlin eats slow! Sigh, but I'm going to have to do it sooner or later...... maybe later..... much later..... sorry Merlin.

Isn't it PRETTY!!!!

My old friend Mary made this for me...... I looooove sparkles!!!!!

The beauty within

Now this is a real Ball Joint Doll. She's much bigger then Jinx, and made of resin, not plastic. She is a STAR!!!! Steph brought her along, and she loved my garden, and posing with all the pretty green things!

Someday I'll get one like her, but that's a long way away, since she's expensive.... but for now.... I love my Jinxie. GIGGLE









But someday........ sigh