Pine cone picking

This afternoon I went pine cone picking..... nice thing is that I live in the Pine Barrens... so pine cones are plentiful!!!!!


I HATE the ones they sell in the store.... with that horrible strong Cinnamon smell!!! Yuck!!!!

So, I gather my own.... along with my own acorns!

Now the pine cones I do lots of stuff with... decorate them with fake snow and glitter and put them on the tree..... put them in a bowl on the table for decoration.

I also have some "Evergreen Oil" that I sprinkle on them to give the whole house that Yule smell we all love so much!

I have to do that because I don't believe in putting a dying tree in my living room, decorating it and celebrating..... HOW GROSS!!!

(don't worry, I do understand those who like real tree's..... this is just MY personal preference!)


Tree's should be ALIVE!!! And there is no way in heck I'm going to cut, and kill one for my own pleasure!!!!!

I know people don't like artificial tree's.... but instead of killing a live one... I live with it.

I will put evergreen branches around the house... tree's don't mind losing a branch or two! But when I see the dead tree's all lined up at the curb for pickup, I just feel like crying!!!! All that green life, snuffed out for a few days of pleasure???

That's why I use the pine cones. They make the house smell great, and the tree's already dumped them.


When the holidays are over... I burn them LIGHTLY, and spread the seeds to grow again. Pine seeds don't germinate unless they have been exposed to high heat for a short time. Though some I have actualy kept for years and years!

Just some pictures

Presto chango

sleepless in New Jersey

Last night was wicked.

First I had trouble falling asleep cause my daughter called (morganna's mom) and told me she spent the whole day in the hospital (my daughter, NOT morganna) Seems she has a cyst, that's from this weird type of tumor that actually has teeth and hair and stuff!!!! Oh yuck!!!! She's going to get it removed, and my vision of it was...."No biggie" so I know she's going to be fine.

But then, my room still smells faintly of paint, and the moon was so bright that It was making the room to bright to sleep in..... and..........


what I usually do on nights like that is go on the computer.....BUT I MOVED THE COMPUTER ALL THE WAY AT THE OTHER END OF THE HOUSE!!!!


Needless to say, this morning I moved it back into my bedroom!!!!! Besides not having anything to do if I woke up in the middle of the night..... in the back room my cat DROVE ME BONKERS!!!! Rubbing, and purring, and sitting on my keyboard!!!!

Not good, in the mornings I need my coffee, and my computer first thing!!!!!! AND NO CAT BOTHERING ME!!!!

I HATE moving the computer... all those freaking wires and stuff.... but at last, I'm back in my bedroom... door closed (cause kitty isn't allowed in here) and I can type and browse in PEACE!!!!

I lost the fantastic view, but sometimes it's worth it!!!!

All the fun of halloween?

The Halloween Witch


Each year they parade her about, the traditional Halloween Witch. Misshapen green face, stringy scraps of hair, a toothless mouth beneath her deformed nose.

Gnarled knobby fingers twisted into a claw, protracting from a bent and twisted torso that lurches about on wobbly legs.



Most think this abject image to be the creation of a prejudiced mind or merely a Halloween caricature.

I disagree; I believe this to be how Witches were really seen.

Consider that most Witches: were women, were abducted in the night, and smuggled into dungeons or prisons under the secrecy of darkness to be presented by light of day as a confessed Witch.

Few if any saw a frightened normal looking woman being dragged into a secret room filled with instruments of torture, to be questioned until she confessed to anything suggested to her and to give names or what ever would stop the questions.

Crowds saw the aberration denounced to the world as a self-proclaimed Witch.

As the Witch was paraded through town en route to be burned, hanged, drowned, stoned or disposed of in various other forms of Christian love, all created to free and save her soul from her depraved body the jeering crowds viewed the results of hours of torture.

The face bruised and broken by countless blows bore a hue of sickly green. The once warm and loving smile gone, replaced by a grimace of broken teeth and torn gums that leers beneath a battered disfigured nose.

The disheveled hair conceals bleeding gaps of torn scalp from whence cruel hands had torn away the lovely tresses. Broken twisted hands clutched the wagon for support, fractured fingers with nails torn away locked like groping claws to steady her broken body.

All semblance of humanity gone this was truly a demon, a bride of Satan, a Witch.

I revere this Halloween Crone and hold her sacred above all. I honor her courage and listen to her warnings of the dark side of man. Each year I shed tears of respect when the mundane exhibit their symbol of Christian love.

angel © 6-26-99
Petals & Thorns

Snacking by your birth sign

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Fiery Aries wants a snack with a kick. Wasabi peas are right up the Ram's alley. And though this sign sometimes has difficulty finishing projects, Aries will have no trouble working their way through a bag of these babies. Best consumed with a hefty supply of water.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
The Bull likes snacks with substance. Peanut butter crackers take the edge off this sign's appetite, particularly in the late afternoon. Be warned that Taurus can get extremely irritable if their favorite treats aren't readily available. If you live, love or work with this sign, you'd be wise to always keep some of these nibbles on hand.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini likes a bit of variety in their snack foods. Perhaps that's why this sign is so fond of Chex Mix. This blend of cereal, pretzels, nuts, and bagel chips is enough to hold even The Twins' interest. Part of the fun for this sign is sorting through the mix to find exactly which treat they want at any given moment.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer is "old school" when it comes to snacks. Potato chips are this sign's favorite vice, especially when loaded with all kinds of gooey dips. Don't try sneaking the baked or low-fat varieties past the Crab, unless you want a nasty pinch. As far as Cancer is concerned, if you're going to have a snack, it had better taste great!



Leo (July 23 - August 22)
The Lion's affinity for felines is legendary. What better snack for this sign, then, than Cheetos? Even a few handfuls of this snack will make the Lion purr with pleasure. If the jaunty tiger on the bag doesn't get this sign, then the lure of cheesy deliciousness will. Leo also enjoys licking the orange residue from this snack off their paws.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
You won't find health-conscious Virgo tearing through a huge plate of nachos. This sign prefers a snack that is both wholesome and filling. Soy nuts are just the ticket for a hungry Virgin. Choose the kind with no artificial flavoring and preservatives, please. This sign treats their body like a temple, even when it comes to snacks!

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libra strives for balance in all things, including snacks. A bag of kettle corn is just the thing to keep this sign smiling. Coated with equal parts salt and sugar, this popcorn can satisfy Libra's desire for a treat that satisfies both sets of taste buds. Be warned, though --the only time a Libra won't share is when snacking on a favorite treat.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio likes salty snacks, because they harken back to this sign's watery origins. That's why black olives always make a big splash with this sign. Don't bother removing the pits -- Scorpio loves rooting out the stones from their favorite snack. Tapenade, or olive paste, is also a welcome treat for this sign, particularly when richly spread over thick slices of French bread.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
The Archer delights in snacks that have a foreign flavor. Is it any wonder, then, that this sign adores tortilla chips slathered with salsa? Add a dish of guacamole to the mix and Sagittarius is in seventh heaven. This sign's snack habits are legendary. If you're having a party, it's probably a good idea to prepare two plates -- one for Sagittarius, and another for the rest of your guests.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
The Goat prefers a snack with a touch of class. That's why you'll often find a bowl filled with pistachios on this sign's desk. Not only are these nuts expensive, but they're also delicious. There's the added benefit of having to shell these snacks before popping them into your mouth, too. Capricorn loves any treat that requires a bit of work.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Independent Aquarius likes a snack that's a bit off the beaten path. Pumpkin seeds fit the bill quite nicely. Not only do they fall outside the mainstream, they're healthy, too! Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids, which boosts brain activity. No wonder the Water-bearer prefers this snack above all others.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces is a mutable sign, which explains their affinity for chewy snacks. Treats that can't be easily chomped and swallowed prove a welcome diversion from bothersome concerns like work or household chores. Maybe that's why this sign enjoys gnawing their way through a piece of beef jerky. Vegetarians may prefer banana chips instead.

BIRTH TREE

*WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?*

I'm a Weeping Willow Tree




*Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and
amazingly accurate.
Dec 23 - Jan 01: Apple Tree
Jan 02 - Jan 11: Fir Tree
Jan 12 - Jan 24: Elm Tree
Jan 25 - Feb 03: Cypress Tree
Feb 04 - Feb 08: Poplar Tree
Feb 09 - Feb 18: Cedar Tree
Feb 19 - Feb 28: Pine Tree
Mar 01 - Mar 10: Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 - Mar 20: Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only): Oak Tree
Mar 22 - Mar 31: Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 - Apr 10: Rowan Tree
Apr 11 - Apr 20: Maple Tree
Apr 21 - Apr 30: Walnut Tree
May 01 - May 14: Poplar Tree
May 15 - May 24: Chestnut Tree
May 25 - Jun 03: Ash Tree
Jun 04 - Jun 13: Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 - Jun 23: Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only): Birch Tree*
*Jun 25 - Jul 04:** Apple Tree
Jul 05 - Jul 14: Fir Tree
Jul 15 - Jul 25: Elm Tree
Jul 26 - Aug 04: Cypress Tree
Aug 05 - Aug 13: Poplar Tree
Aug 14 - Aug 23: Cedar Tree
Aug 24 - Sep 02: Pine Tree
Sep 03 - Sep 12: Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 - Sep 22: Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only): Olive Tree
Sep 24 - Oct 03: Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 - Oct 13: Rowan Tree
Oct 14 - Oct 23: Maple Tree
Oct 24 - Nov 11: Walnut Tree
Nov 12 - Nov 21: Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 - Dec 01: Ash Tree
Dec 02 - Dec 11: Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 - Dec 21: Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only): Beech Tree
*

*HERE'S YOUR TREE *
*(in alphabetical order):*

*Apple Tree (Love)* -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal,
and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous,
sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and
tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs
affectionate partner.

*Ash Tree (Ambition)** *-- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive,
demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, restless
lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs
love and much emotional support.

*Beech Tree (Creative)* -- has good taste, concerned about its looks,
materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good
leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime
companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

*Birch Tree (Inspiration)* -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly,
unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the
vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of
imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

*Cedar Tree (Confidence)* -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes
unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look
down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often
impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious,
healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick
decisions.

*Chestnut Tree (Honesty)* -- of unusual stature, impressive,
well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born
diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard
worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely
family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

*Cypress Tree (Faithfulness)* -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what
life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content,
optimistic wants to be financially independent, wants love and
affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied,
faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to
gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

*Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness)** *-- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes,
modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead
but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for
others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

*Fig Tree (Sensibility)* -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed,
honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard
worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and
animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic
talent and great intelligence.

*Fir tree (Mysterious)** *-- extraordinary taste, handles stress well,
loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to
them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and
laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented,
unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

*Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary)** *-- charming, sense of humor, very
demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a
lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics,
popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a
precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

*Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) *-- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and
condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as
possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness
and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is
seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, and is never sure
of its decisions, very conscientious.

*Lime Tree (Doubt)* - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life
dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good
ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear
tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make
sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always
enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership
qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

*Maple Tree (Independence of Mind)* -- no ordinary person, full of
imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious; proud,
self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many
complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants
to impress.

*Oak Tree (Brave)** *-- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting,
independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the
ground, person of action.

*Olive Tree (Wisdom)** *-- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings,
reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant,
cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic,
free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

*Pine Tree (Peacemaker)** *-- loves agreeable company, craves peace and
harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, and likes to write
poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls
strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally
soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

*Poplar Tree (Uncertainty)* -- looks very decorative, talented, not very
self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and
pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great
artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy,
reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

*Rowan Tree **(Sensitivity)** *-- full of charm, cheerful, gifted
without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and
even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste,
extremely generous, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does
not forgive.

*Walnut Tree (Passion)* -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts,
often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions,
spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon
partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very
jealous and passionate, no compromise.

*Weeping Willow (Melancholy)** *- likes to be stress free, loves family
life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves
anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic
places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy
to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition,
suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

Bad broom, punishment ended

I took my broom out of the corner today. She's been there since July.... you see, Zelda (yes, I've named my broom! haven't you?) has a bad temper!!! When I ignore her, or don't go flying for a few weeks.... she tends to bushwhack me, and bop me on the head!!

So I put her in the corner, as punishment.... and she SAYS she repentant... but I don't quite believe her... would you?

I decorated her for the holidays.... that always makes her feel better, but I made sure she (see, she can't read) has a sign on her showing her true nature.

Just beware, if you visit... she more then likely to bop you on the head too....sigh... I just can't seem to teach her manners.

Haunted Mind

ONE need not be a chamber to be haunted,
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.

Far safer, of a midnight meeting
External ghost,
Than an interior confronting
That whiter host.

Far safer through an Abbey gallop,
The stones achase,
Than, moonless, one’s own self encounter
In lonesome place.

Ourself, behind ourself concealed,
Should startle most;
Assassin, hid in our apartment
Be horror’s least.

The prudent carries a revolver,
He bolts the door,
O’erlooking a superior spectre
More near.

Emily Dickinson (1830–86).

UGH!

I went and got the paint this morning.... but I wasn't going to start painting my bedroom till tomorrow..... best laid plans....

I thought to myself "I should just go in and paint the one wall, where the dressers are, so that I can get them out of my dinning room and BACK in the bedroom".

So I started.... now this wall is at the peak of the house, so It's super tall, so I painted the wall..... standing on a shaky ladder, scared shitless... but what the hell, it had to be done.

But just like potato chips..."you can't just paint one"! So I continued around the room.

Now all the walls....EXCEPT FOR THE ONE THE BED IS ON.... are painted. I just couldn't do any more... and decided that one night on the sofa was well worth finishing the last wall tomorrow.

So that's what I'm going to do.

I LOVE the color!!!! I wanted something that made the Oak in my room fade into the background. I have oak doors, oak trim, and oak crown molding... and I'm SICK OF OAK!!!

I got a deep rich color called "kenya" it's sort of a dark yellow undertone beige. Makes the oak blend into the background, rather then stand out. PERFECT!!!


This morning, I got up early, and finished painting the room. It's mostly dry now, and I have a fan in the window facing out.... getting rid of all that nasty paint smell!!


Here's the picture.... the room is not all put together yet, but I at least moved the bed back in place. As you can see the paint makes all that OAK shit just fade from view... in my opinion... GIGGLE


Yes, it will make my room darker.... but hay! Here's a tip for all you ladies in your "elder years" Light is our ENEMY!!! The darker the room, the more fun you can have.

I rather him practice his Braille in the dark... then reel from SHOCK in the light!!!! GIGGLE