Nor'Easter Stew

We were hit with what they are calling a "Nor'Easter". It hasn't been cold at all. Just windy and rainy. My absolutely FAVORITE weather! But, just the sound of a "Nor Easter" makes you think it will be cold. The time of year I appreciate my crock pot the most!

I like making it chunky, almost bohemian, with full or half mushrooms, and large meat chunks.

I love the feeling of coming home from work, and the whole house smells like dinner already! There is no real "recipe" for this stew - it's just all your favorite veggies, and if you like meat, throw that in too. My husband likes spicy stuff, so just to perk it up, I add some spicy Itallian sausage bits too (I boil and drain the sausage ahead of time so the stew won't be full of grease). This "formula" also works great for chili, another winter dish that warms the tummy and soul ! Especially when combined with warm rolls or corn bread !

Altar-ations...

After some minor room re-arrainging my altar has a bit of a new look, so, with some prompting from Hibuscus Moon to share our altars, I thought I would post it. Since my photography leaves alot to be desired, I'll give you the "guided tour": My illuminated Hecate idol is the centerpiece, with two small candle holders on each side. I still have some Samhain oil left in the two small oil lamps on each side, in front of the candle holders. I have the crescent moon oil / incense burner on the far left, which I've had for about 15 years (in spite of my hyper kitty!). In front of the cresecent moon are my tarot cards, and a small journal I keep notes in from my readings. And on the far right is my rosemary sachet. This is the typical set up, except for some minor changes, if I am doing something specific. The absolutely blank wall in the background is just waiting patiently for the right piece that calls out to me. So far, the blank wall gets my attention, almost to the point of distraction. I just can't resist a "blank palate". For me, it's worse than money burning a hole in my pocket. But I want to take my time and be rather selective about what I mount there. So for now, it is just what it is. I may put a mirror up until the just right piece finds it's home there.

I would love to see other's altars too.

*Peace and Blessings*

Disapearing Smudgesticks !

I rolled all my sage into newspaper rolls a couple weeks ago to dry it out so I could make up some smudge bundles.
Next time I know that one week is plenty, since these seemed a little dry for wrapping tightly.
The funny part was, I would wrap a bundle or two, then check food on the stove, or do something else, and when I came back, it seemed like I wasn't any further along with my project. Once, when I was sure I had four bundles rolled, I came back to find two. So, it didn't take much detective work to find the culprit.

There was our old faithful boy, caught red handed, chewing on a smudge stick ! I didn't think dogs even liked sage !!! What amazed me, was that he's never really that sly. Ane he NEVER gets up on the table ! Hmm.... So, a small repremand, and back to my task. (Very small repremand, as I am a real sucker when he gives me those adorable eyes ! )

So, of course, I come back to the table to find another one missing ! This time, I bust the caper wide open. It was a well though out plan. Our jinxy kitty would get up on the table, snag one of the bundles.....

Then when he grew board with it, or was in jeopardy of getting caught, he would pass the thing on to the dog...

..making it the ideal crime! I know I didn't put catnip in these, but anything I am working on becomes of great interest to kitty, and since he rules the house (in his mind anyway) it was just the way things went.
The funnyest thing was to see the two of them "punking" me ! I guess in a world of dumb humans the animals have to stick together!

Mother Moons Giveaway!

Please check out the give away Mother Moon is sponsoring:

http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-giveaway-willow-moon-runes.html

These runes are made with fresh cut willow trees from her garden, and charged under the November moon. Check it out. It will be a wonderful treat for who ever wins!

Moonlit Sunrise

FULL MOON

One night as she lay fast asleep,

Into her drowsy eyes,

A great still light began to creep

From out of silent skies.

It was the lovely moon, for when

She raised her dreamy head,

The surge of light filled the room

And streamed across her bed.

So, for a while, each gazed at each-

She and the solemn moon-

Till, climbing slowly on it’s way,

It vanished, all too soon.

By Walter de la Mare

It has been such a beautiful moon. The best time is in the morning when the moon is still bright while the sun is rising! For those few moments, both are shinning at the same time in a very delicate balance. Watching the moon fade slowly while the sky grows brighter is like listening to fine music, while sipping champgne :)

Since so many of us are being romanced by the same moon, I thought I would share an old full moon ritual ~ the origin is uncertain as it's been around for some time, and has been edited by many. Please talor it to suit your likes.



FULL MOON MEDITATION FOR REFLECTION AND INSIGHT

Under a full Moon, use a silver alter cloth with a small mirror and your journal placed on top, both bound together with a silver cord.
After setting your space, calling the elements, and centering yourself, then in thoughts or words, reach out to the goddess of your intent;


Crone of the Moon and of the night
Crone of wisdom and guiding light
Grant me your clarity and insight
To see clearly through the words I write


Burn lavender and pepermint with your favorite herbs.
Keep your journal near your bed, to write your thoughts just before going to sleep, and in the morning if you remember your dreams.

*Peace and Blessings *

Crossing to a New Year !

I hope all had a blessed Samhain ~~

(for those who are not Philly's fans, I appologize for the jack 0 lantern. The blame falls to my daughters boyfriend )

We did not exactly have a Samhain feast. Dinner was pretty ordinary in itself, and we didn't have a seat at the table for loved ones who have passed over, as some would do, although we probably should have.

We did enjoy this pumpkin cake though:

You know it's a good sign when it is half gone before I get a chance to take a picture! The recipe is compliments of Tammy's Sweet Life ~ and it was the easiest cake I have ever made.

The ingrediants are : Canned pumpkin and spice cake mix. Thats it!

You mix the two, put in a greased bundt pan and bake 35 - 45 minutes at 350 (do the toothpick test).

I drizzled mine with a little sugar and cinamon glaze. It's a moist cake, like pumpkin pie in the middle, and really yummy.

We had wonderful weather for the holiday. (well, in MY opinion). It was windy, wet and with misty rain. My husband and I took a walk in the misty rain along the canal near our house ~ a short walk ~ but very nice just the same.

I have a feeling my husbands grandmothers who have both passed may have been a bit miffed at the snub of being left out of our Samhain celebration. At 2:30 AM a "prank" email went out to several random people, from my husbands email address. It was a link to a web site for various medications. No real meaning, just odd (espeacially since the first medication listed was Viagra!). It went to some family members, the girl scout troup leader, and my daughters history teacher..... ! My husband was asleep when it went out~ and it came from his email address. He has no clue about how it happened, and has not been to that web site. I think it was a prank from one of his grandmothers who had that kind of sense of humor when they were alive.

I don't know if it's a cold, flu, or just blue, but this old song has been on my mind ~ I just love the lyrics:

I see the moon
And the moon sees me
And the moon sees the one that I long to see
So God bless the moon
And God bless me
And God bless the one that I long to see
It seems to me that God above
Created you for me to love
I once had a heart called mine you see
But now it has gone from me to you
So take good care as I have done
For you have two and I have none
I see the moon
And the moon sees me
And the moon sees the one that I long to see
So God bless the moon
And God bless me
And God bless the one that I long to see