Got A Match ?

I spent far more time than I bargained for rolling fresh sage leaves in newspaper to dry it out. I'm getting a stock supply so I can make up some smudging bundles. A few hours later, I realized I had something that looked like alien cigars. I have never dried my sage this way before, and I don't remember now how long it takes this way, but I understand the newspapers help with absorbing the moisture and limits the chance for mold. I know there will be some "shrinkage", but I hope to end up with a good stock until my little cuttings have grown into something more substantial.

Walking on Water!

I'm really fortunate in these days of economic disaster and hybrid cars, that I can walk to and from work. The real perk is the beautiful surroundings of my walk. I cross the Delaware river daily (I know, most locals would not consider the Delaware "scenic", but I find beauty and magic almost every day in my travels).
*Please forgive my "rustic" photography skills ~ Ansel Adams has no threat from me... :)

I get to see my regular group of friends each day..... :)

The majority of my travel is along the elevated foot path that runs along the river.

On the right side of the river is the city where my office is........

And on the left side is the little town where I live.....

Crossing over is the best part....

From the middle of the bridge it is so wonderful~ when all the elements are in place. My favorite time is when there is a bit of wind, a light rain, and the river current is heavy. The energy coming off that large body of moving water is pure magic!

By the time I get to work, or home in the evening, my head is clear, and I feel so charged.

The view from my house is serene, whether the water is still as glass, or rough and energized!

I can't imagine why I ever spent years sitting in my car, battling traffic jams and angry drivers trying to wrangle our cars through thick traffic to get into the city. I used to be so tense by the time I got to my office, the negative energy was palpable. I can't help but gigle as I walk over the bridge, passing the traffic jams. I have my Ipod with my favorite music, and get home faster than it used to take just to get out of the city parking garage !! Go figure!

Wonderful Pendulum from Hibiscus Moon

I have to say I am just so tickled with the amethyst pendulum I ordered from Hibiscus Moon!

It's really a beauty ~ and I'm not just saying that because I love Amethyst!

There was also the added special treat of a botle of Samhain ritual oil ~ as a gift. The oil is infused with Obsidian and Hematite, and smells just amazing! I love it!

The oil came in the pretty tan sparkle bag, and the pendulum has it's own pouch, as well as information about it.

Really couldn't be more pleased. I'm so glad I stumbled onto her site!!!!

I'm still new to pendulum practice, but I find my "learning" sessions to be very relaxing, and now I am really excited to begin practice with the amethyst. I really am still finding my way tho. I have to cleanse, and charge it first.

So Excited !

BUTTONS BUTTONS !!

I was so lucky to get some technical support from Michelle at Pumpkins and Toadstools - and now ......... (drumroll...) I finally have a button !
Thank you so much Michelle - your such a dear!
And with the tip from Rue about using Citrine, and with the great prospertity spell that Charity emailed to me, theres just no stopping things now ! : )
I guess it's true, we really do get by with a little help from our friends
Aside from all the creative energy I have been riding buckshot with, I have been seeking ways to deepen my daily practice. I sometimes find I get so busy with my craft, that I have no time for my craft... if that makes any sense. I plan to bring in some of my wicker yard furniture this weekend since the frost setting in, and my hopes are to paint one of the pieces, and set up a nice alter area for some daily rituals and meditations. There was a nice idea on Vintage Sage's site about how she pulls one tarot card a day and lights candles as part of her daily rituals. This would work even with my crazy schedule. But, I do have the Oktoberfest this weekend as well, so I am already "double booking" myself : /
How do others find ways to work regular devotions and rituals into their day to day schedules ?
Rue recently wrote about a near "coming out" experience she had at work. It made me think, wouldn't it be a hoot for me to just pull out my cards, my pendulum, crystals, etc, even cast a circle, right there in my little office cubicle !!! : )
With the level of drama that flows in my office on any normal day - somehing like that would cause a major riot !!! Hmmm - tempting.... ; - )

Oktoberfest~apalooza~o'rama

Our town is having it's anual Oktoberfest ~ and I am doing a vendor table to peddle my wares :)

I did a few speacial Halloween candle holders since it is a favorite holiday for so many people!

I should have done a good fortune spell the night before - but I was working all night getting my stuff ready.

I am doing a table again next weekend - and I have plenty of inventory on hand ~ so next week I plan on spending my Friday night breaking in the new cauldron I got from Judith at Merlin's Mistress for a good fortune spell just to give things a little push. If anyone knows any good fortune spells they favor - I would love to hear about them !

MAGICAL GIFTS FROM MERLIN !

It was such a JOY to come home from work tonight to find a package waiting for me !! :)
And with so many goodies ! It was like my Birthday !
Judith at Merlin's Magical Mistress hosted a "trade away" - just like a give away, but with a swap, just for fun and good Karma ! :)
I was the most fortunate recipient of a whole bunch of good stuff. OOOooo such treasures!

The little copper cauldron is perfect for burning herbs indoors ! And hanging from it you can see the great charm bracelet that has a crystal (have to find out more about the crystal). The bracelet came in a beautiful little red silk purse that is a little hard to make out in my pic :/

There was also this great candle snuffer, black steel, all decked out for season as you can see !

And a collection of adorable refrigerator magnets - including a couple jinxy looking fairies ! My photography skills leave something to be desired..... but this says " the last person that pissed me off got turned into a frog, you however won't be that lucky"

Many Many thanks Judith !!!! It is all just wonderful ! :))

APPLE PICKING TIME !!!

The Season of Content.

One of my favorite things on a chilly fall morning is warm bread with apple butter, and since I saw my breath the other morning as I let the dog out - it would seem the time is right! I decided this year to try making my own apple butter ! Since I know how to make apple sauce, it only seems right to take the next step. The butter takes more patience though - it's one of those things that should stew in the crock pot most of the day, making your house smell wonderful.

First - start with your own applesauce:

1 quart Apples (peeled and sliced)
1 cup Water
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Lemon Juice
Cinnamon to suite taste

1/4 tsp vanilla

slight pinch of nutmeg to suit taste

Preparation:
Put all the ingredients in a pot for about 30 minutes and cook until tender. Mash the mixture with a mixer or potato masher to the consistancy that suits you. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator till cool. Enjoy !

Now - For the APPLE BUTTER: :)

You need a 5 quart crock pot!

4 quarts of applesauce
1 C. apple cider
1 Tbs. ground cinnamon
1 Tbs, ground cloves
2 Tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 C. sugar (more if you like really sweet apple butter)

Fill the crock pot (to 1 inch from the top) with the applesauce.

Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Cover, and cook in the crock pot on low for 8-10 hours.

Check after about 8 hours - the amount will have cooked down considerably -

Stir well. Simmer a few more hours until the applesauce has reduced down to a nice thich brown butter, and your entire neighborhood smells like apple pie! If desired, use a mixer to blend the apple butter into a smooth creamy texture - although some people like it a bit chunky - so go with your own taste. It makes a lovely fall gift in a pretty jar, and of course it is just yummy on warm bread!

I'll try this recipe out - and let you know how it goes!

Enjoy !!!