Under the Gypsy Moon

2012-02-08T04:22:00.001-08:00

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Talk health,

happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

Make all your friends

feel there is something in them.

Look at the sunny side of everything.

Think only of the best, work only for the best,

and expect only the best.

Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your won.

Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements

of the future.

Give everyone a smile.

Spend so much time improving yourself

that you have no time left to criticize others.

Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

Christian D. Larsen

"On the beach, you can live in bliss."

2012-02-06T04:47:00.001-08:00

Siesta Key Sunrise

2012-02-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

Iroquois Mid-Winter Ceremony

2012-02-06T03:51:00.000-08:00

The Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony begins in late January or early February, depending upon the moon cycle. To be more precise, it begins when the New Moon appears and when the Sun is in Aquarius. It is then that their spiritual year begins and five days later the Midwinter Ceremony begins. As with all Iroquois ceremonies, the Midwinter began and ended with a prayer giving thanks. The Iroquois did not ask the supreme being for anything, but expressed gratitude for what they had already been given. As with all Iroquois ceremonies, the Midwinter began and ended with a prayer giving thanks. The Iroquois did not ask the supreme being for anything, but expressed gratitude for what they had already been given. What a special way to live!

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.

We return thanks the rivers and streams which supply us with water.

We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and the squash, which give us life.

We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit.

We return thanks to the wind which, moving the air, has banished disease.

We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light, when the sun was gone.

We return thanks to our grandfather He-no...who has given to us his rain.

We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficient eye.

Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness,

and who directs all things for the good of his children.

This a time of purification and forgiveness is celebrated by burning the offenses and grudges of the old year in tobacco offerings. It was during the Midwinter Ceremony that the people should beg the Creator for the return of all the plants. The ceremonies were special times of feasts, dancing, and singing, celebrated with tobacco offerings, confession of offenses, singing, drumming, and dancing. Newly born children receive their names now, and the year ahead is forecast in dream telling, celebrated in music and dance.

An essential part of the Midwinter Festival was the practice of dream guessing. The Iroquois felt very strongly that dreams guided all aspects of their lives – hunting, fighting, even marriage because the dreamer had been in contact with the guidance and wisdom of the soul. For this reason, it was necessary that any instructions given in a dream be followed. Dreamers came to each festival and shared their dreams with the people there. The people would guess what these dreams meant.On the early northern frontier, it was not unusual for whole Iroquoian communities to base life-or-death decisions on the prophetic dreams. For example, if one person had a dream of failure before a battle, they would retreat, viewing the dream as an omen.

I have always been fascinated with Native American beliefs, lately especially with the Iroquois as I have found out I am a descendent of the tribe from Michigan. Traditionally, the Iroquois were very religious. As is true of most American Indians, the Iroquois believed that all things on Earth had a spirit. Gods called Creator, Our Grandmother the Moon, and Our Elder Brother the Sun all lived in the sky world. The chief influences directing the religious life of the Iroquois are given as mythology, belief in spirits greater and lesser, ghosts of the dead, gods, dreams, belief in a personal soul, witchcraft, shamans and taboos.

The story of the "No-Face dolls" for several years. The Dolls have no faces because they saw no evil, heard no evil, and saw no evil. The Iroquois offer the following explanation. Love this little story!!

The three sisters of the Iroquois, Corn, Beans and Squash are the three spirits that sustain life. In the beginning, the Corn spirit was so happy at being a sustainer of life that she asked the Creator for more ways to help her people. So the Creator began forming a doll from her husks, creating for it a beautiful face, and giving it to the children of the Iroquois. But the doll, as it passed from village to village and child to child, continually proclaimed her beauty, until she became so vain that the Creator disapproved of her and asked her to refrain from such narcissistic behavior. If she continued, the Creator warned, he would have to punish her.

The doll agreed, and attempted to be more humble. But one day, walking by a creek, she glanced into the water and stopped to admire the beauy of her reflection. The Creator, however was unseeing; he sent a giant screech owl down from the sky to snatch her reflection from the water. When she then glaned into the water again to admire her beauty, her reflection was gone. She could no longer see her face or glory in her superior beauty.

Ever since, when an Iroquois mother gives a doll to her child, she usually a doll with no face, and tells the legend of the Corn-Husk doll. The Iroquois want their children to value the unique gifts that the Creator has given to each of them, but not to view themselves as superior to another, or to overemphasize physical appearance at the expense of spiritual and community values.
Story from Mary over at Moontides!!

Witches

2011-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

An Old Man's Winter Prayer

2011-12-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

All out of doors looked darkly in at him
Through the thin frost, almost in separate stars,
... That gathers on the pane in empty rooms.
What kept his eyes from giving back the gaze
Was the lamp tilted near them in his hand.
What kept him from remembering what it was
That brought him to that creaking room was age.
He stood with barrels round him -- at a loss.
And having scared the cellar under him
In clomping there, he scared it once again
In clomping off; -- and scared the outer night,
Which has its sounds, familiar, like the roar
Of trees and crack of branches, common things,
But nothing so like beating on a box.
A light he was to no one but himself
Where now he sat, concerned with he knew what,
A quiet light, and then not even that.
He consigned to the moon, such as she was,
So late-arising, to the broken moon
As better than the sun in any case
For such a charge, his snow upon the roof,
His icicles along the wall to keep;
And slept. The log that shifted with a jolt
Once in the stove, disturbed him and he shifted,
And eased his heavy breathing, but still slept.
One aged man -- one man -- can't keep a house,
A farm, a countryside, or if he can,
It's thus he does it of a winter night. -Robert Frost

Prayers

2011-12-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

A Prayer to the Earth at Yule !

Cold and dark, this time of year,
... the earth lies dormant, awaiting the return
of the sun, and with it, life.
Far beneath the frozen surface,
a heartbeat waits,
until the moment is right,
to spring.

A Prayer to the Winter Goddess !!

O! Mighty goddess, in silvery ice,
watching over us as we sleep,
a layer of shining white,
covering the earth each night,
frost on the world and in the soul,
we thank you for visiting us.
Because of you, we seek warmth
in the comfort of our homes and hearths

A Sunrise Prayer for Yule !

The sun returns! The light returns!
The earth begins to warm once more!
The time of darkness has passed,
and a path of light begins the new day.
Welcome, welcome, the heat of the sun,
blessing us all with its rays.

An Elemental Blessing for Yule !

As the earth grows colder,
the winds blow faster,
the fire dwindles smaller,
and the rains fall harder,
let the light of the sun
find its way home.

Author unknown.

2011-12-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

White Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Martini

2011-12-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

Marshmallow sundae topping

2 peppermint candies

crushed Ice

1/4 cup vanilla vodka

1 tablespoon peppermint schnapps

1/4 cup white chocolate liqueur

RUM CAKE

2011-11-25T06:11:00.001-08:00

2 cup chopped walnuts
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup spiced rum
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant french vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup butter
1cup white sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup yes.... More Rum!

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter Flavored Baking Spray one 10 inch Bundt pan. Thickly cover the bottom of the pan with walnuts.
Mix together the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup rum, eggs, 1/2 cup water, cooking oil and instant vanilla pudding. Pour batter over nuts.
Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 1 hour. Cool, invert on a serving plate.
To Make Glaze: Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup water and sugar. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove mixture from heat and stir in rum. Drizzle and smooth glaze evenly over the top and sides of cake. Enjoy!

2011-11-24T14:40:00.001-08:00

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring.
It means I can't do it for someone else.

To "let go" is not to cut myself off.
It's the realization that I can't control another.

To "let go" is to admit powerlessness,
which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another.
It's to make the most of myself.

To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about.

To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "let go" is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.

To "let go" is not to nag, scold, or argue,
but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To "let go" is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.

--Unknown--

Hail To The Holly King

2011-11-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

All across the virgin snow
And through the naked trees
On a cold winter's night
His song is on the breeze
Where the moonlight paints the frost
Upon the robin's song
He's come a-calling for us all
Now the summer's gone!

Hark! Hear the children sing
Glory to the Holly King

In the whisky and in the wine
He is here this Yule-tide time
A-dancing in the home-fire flames
A-dancing, singing, playing games
When the prayers are to the East
He is with us at the feast
His crown is nailed to the door
He's with us forevermore!

Hark! Hear the children sing
Glory to the Holly King
Let the jingle bells all ring
Hail, hail the Holly King

Underneath the mistletoe
He is in all lover's hearts
He fans the flames of desire
'Tis he who fires Cupid's darts
He is in all children's dreams
Dressed in red or dressed in green
Riding on the astral sleigh
He's the spririt of the day!

Hark! Hear the children sing
Glory to the Holly King
Let the jingle bells all ring
Hail, hail the Holly King

Hark! Hear the children sing
Glory to the Holly King
Let the jingle bells all ring
Hail, hail the Holly King

Hark! Now hear the children sing
Glory to the Holly King
Let the jingle bells all ring
Hail, hail the Holly King

2011-11-19T11:42:00.003-08:00

2011-11-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

Each night I stare at the sky
the thousands of twinkling stars
and I imagine you there
dancing among the Moonbeams.

And the tears flow like rain
as I think of the time we were together
I am broken now, lost without you
But I know, the thing that will always connect us
are our Heartstrings

Love Never Dies, Love Is Eternal.

2011-11-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

They are not dead,
Who leave us this
great heritage of
remembering joy.

They still live in our hearts,
In the happiness we knew,
in the dreams we shared.

They still breathe,
In the lingering fragrance,
windblown, from their
favourite flowers.

They still smile in the
moonlight’s silver,
And laugh in the sunlight’s
sparking gold.

They still speak in the
echoes of the words
we’ve heard them say
again and again.

They still move,
In the rhythm of waving
grasses, in the dance of
the tossing branches.

They are not dead;
Their memory is warm in
our hearts, comfort in
our sorrow.

They are not apart from us,
but part of us,

For love is eternal,
And those we love shall be
with us throughout all eternity.

Mary Kay Beauty Consultant

2011-11-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

I have rejoined the Mary Kay Girls again!! Check out my website!!

www.marykay.com/julieamiller

I hope to hear from you soon!!!

2011-11-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

What would life be like if we could see the soul of each person rather than what we wear on the outside?

2011-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

2011-10-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

“Stir the fire till it lowe
How like a queen comes forth the lonely Moon
From the slow opening curtains of the clouds
Walking in beauty to her midnight throne!”
~ George Croly ~

Evanescence - Solitude (Gothic pictures)

2011-10-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

2011-09-14T11:47:00.001-07:00

Are you a dork? by leeshaxgodsgirl on Polyvore.com

Beautiful Nerd iPhone Wallpaper | iDesign * iPhone
idesigniphone.com

2011-04-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Always throw Spilt Salt over Your Left Shoulder Keep Rosemary by Your Garden Gate Plant Lavender For Luck And Fall In LOVE Whenever You Can

Plans for New Orleans Trip

2011-03-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Making Plans for our New Orleans Trip in June:
We are for sure gonna do this tour!! Confederacy of Cruisers!!!

This photo of Confederacy of Cruisers Bike tours is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Chocolate Espresso Martini

2011-03-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

CocKtail mix:
1/2 cup Starbucks Coffee Liqueur
1/2 cup Irish Cream Liqueur
3 tablespoons chocolate sauce
1/2 cup vanilla vodka

Chocolate Cream:
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons chocolate sauce
chocolate covered espresso beans

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

2011-03-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Cupcakes
Makes 10 cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup canned pumpkin purée (8 ounces)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Maple Frosting (recipe follows)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath bars, for serving (2 1.4-ounce bars)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush or spray the top of 10 muffin tins with vegetable oil and line them with 10 paper liners.

2. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined.

3. Divide the batter among the prepared tins (I use a level 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

4. Spread the cupcakes with the Maple Frosting and sprinkle with the chopped toffee bits.

Maple Frosting

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon Boyajian Natural Maple Flavor

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring and vanilla extract. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth

I would like a little house like this

2011-03-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

A Mother In Law's Prayer

2011-03-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

O Goddess, Help me to be glad when my Son picks a mate.
If he brings home a girl with two heads, let me Love both of them equally,
And when my son says, "Mom, I want to get married," forbid that I should blurt out, "how far along is she?"
And Please, Goddess, help me to get through the wedding preparations without a squabble with the "other side." And drive from my mind the belief that had my son waited awhile he could have done better.
Dear Goddess, remind me daily that when I become a Grandmother, my Children do not want advice on how to raise their children any more than I did when I was raising mine.
If you will help me to do these things, perhaps my Children will find me a Joy to be around, and maybe I won't have to write a "Dear Abby" letter complaining about my children neglecting me!! Amen.

From Dear Abby 3/23/11 skyhidailynews

Home

2011-03-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Home is not the dwelling, building or place you live....
As much as it is the place where your soul finds Peace....Perhaps my soul will never find peace. I am so NOT Happy Now...The urge to leave is getting stronger and yet my responsible side keeps me here...WHY??? Changes must be made...Plans....I WANT, I NEED to live ALONE!!! I can't do the things I want to do living with someone. I want to Burn Candles and Chant and do Yoga at Midnight If I want.... I want to Dance and Sing at 5am.

Who I am...

2011-03-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am a Rebel and A Searcher, A Redneck Girl at Heart...I am a Mountain Babe and A City Girl. I like people with Open Minds...Those who are open to New Adventures and Experiences. I HATE Weak, Tired, Spiritless People....People with no get up and GO!!
Things I LOVE: Halloween, The Smell of Autumn, Cupcakes, Black Cats, All Animals, Boyds Bears, Wandering through Graveyards, Ghosts, Witches and all things Witchy, Pirates, Fairies, Vampires, Dragons, Trolls, Full Moons, Thunderstorms, High Heels and Funky Clothes, Shiney Sparkely Things, Lip Gloss.
New Orleans is my Favorite Place in the world.
Tarot Cards, Crystals, Candles.
Yoga, Hiking, Biking, Skiing Pretty Much Anything Outside, Cool Photography, Dancing, Music, Magick, Reading and Writing, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Baby Powder.

2011-03-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Finding your inner Witch is not a religion, but a journey of the Spirit...

2011-03-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 26, 2011 Earth Hour
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour,
and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries/territories participating. For more information, visit www.earthhour.org

2011-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well the House is officially on the Market...A BIG FOR SALE sign out front and Listed online!! Now the fun begins, really packing and purging!!

Blessings

2011-03-20T19:08:00.001-07:00

Earth Mother
Giver of life
Strengthen me during my life-long strife.
Teach me Your ways of perfect love,
peace, and wisdom true.
Spawn from my purest heart
These words to You
May this prayer help me to better
myself in word and deed,
To a higher plane I shall succeed.
Beautiful Light of Goodness Fair
Lore of old we both do share
A Witch's brew, I drink to You
My love for You, by day, by night
In thought and in sight
Will my soul learn
the meaning of this life again

MOVING

2011-03-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yes....I think could shop here and wear this!!

Mountain Diva is outta here!! Sick and Tired of Snow and Cold and Freezing my Ass off....40 and 50 below this winter did it for me and seems like all I do is work!! I am in need of some Heat and some Humidity....This dry mountain air is doing is doing me no favors!!! The house is up for sale and I am selling or donating pretty much everything I own and I am moving to Austin, Texas or somewHere there abouts!!

Twas the Night Before Yule

2010-12-10T05:43:00.001-08:00

'Twas that night before Yule, when all 'cross the heath,
Not a being was stirring; Pagan, Faerie, nor Beast,
Wassail was left out and the altar adorned,
To rejoice that the Sun King would soon be reborn.
The children lay sleeping by the warmth of the hearth,
Their dreams filled with visions of beloved Mother Earth,
M'lady and I beneath blankets piled deep, had just settled
down to our Solstice sleep.
Then a noise in the night that would leave us no peace,
Awakened us both to the honking of geese.
Eager to see such a boisterous flock,
When we raced to the window, our mouths dropped in shock!
On the West Wind flew a gaggle of geese, white and gray,
With Frau Holda behind them in Her gift-laiden dray.
The figure on Her broomstick to the North sky made it clear,
La Befana was approaching to bestow Yuletide cheer.
From the South came a comet more bright than the Moon,
And we knew Lucia would be with us soon.
As these Spirits sailed Earthward o'er hilltops and trees,
Frau Holda serenaded Her feathery steeds:
"Fly Isolde! Fly Tristan! Fly Odin and Freya! Fly Morgaine!
Fly Merlin! Fly Uranus and Gaea!
May the God and Goddess inside you soar,
From the clouds in the heavens to your cottage door."
As soft and silent as snowflakes they fell;
Their arrival announced by a faint chiming bell.
They landed like angels, their bodies aglow,
Their feet left no marks in the new fallen snow,
Before we could ponder what next lay in store,
There came a slow creeking from our threshold door.
We crept from our bedroom and were spellbound to see...
There in our parlor stood the Yule Trinity!
Lucia the Maiden, with Her head wreathed in flame,
Shown with the radiance for which she She was named,
The Lightbringers eyes held the joy of a child,
And she spoke with a voice that was gentle, yet wild:
"May the warmth of this household ne'er fade away."
Then she lit our Yule log which still burns to this day.
Frau Holda in Her down cloak stood regal and tall,
The Matron of Solstice, the Mother of all,
Under Her gaze we felt safe and secure.
Her voice was commanding, yet almost demure:
"May the love in this family enrich young and old."
And from the folds of Her cloak showered coins of pure gold,
LaBefana wore a kerchief on Her silvery hair;
The veil of the Crone who has secrets to share,
In Her eyes gleamed a wisdom only gained by spent youth.
Her voice was whisper, but Her words rung the truth:
"May health, glad tidings, and peace fill these rooms."
And she banished misfortune with a sweep of Her broom,
They then left a gift by each sleeping childs head,
Took a drink of our wassail, and away they all sped.
While we watched them fly off through the night sky we laughed,
At the wonderous magick we had found in the Craft.
As they departed, the Spirits decreed...

"Merry Yule To You All, And May All Blessed Be!"

Samhain Invocation

2010-11-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Samhain; Invocation to the Dead

Unto this world I shall not morn
Thought I miss her of human form.
Beckoning as the Autumns leaves fall.
Upon this magickal Samhain night we call.

We await the ending of our mystical year,
When the veils again return so sheer.
Spirits will walk among us on this eve,
Hearkening just beyond the sunset breeze.

We may hear their voices if we dare,
Like prickly sparks dancing upon the air.
In the glowing of our candles light,
Faces once past come in the night.

As the shadows move across the walls,
We hear your footsteps in the hall.
We watch for you and seek you near,
You are our loved ones, we hold no fear.

As the portals now open wide,
We beckon thee from the other side.
Ancestral dead, we bid you come in,
Be you stranger, family or friend.

When you come we sense you near,
Those now dead that we hold so dear.
We feel your presents drifting on icy air,
Souls in truth within this circle are bare.

Our circle of love is awaiting you here,
We bid you welcome on this dawning new year.
The curtains are drawn that you my enter in,
As you are walking the veils of the Summerland.

We shall not miss you upon this Samhain night,
When the boundary turns and the veils open to light,
Ancestors come and join in our feast
A celebration of life, a celebration of peace.

Let us share these hours until the dawning calls,
When the sheerest of veils, becomes a thickening wall.
Then we shall bid thee farewell again,
As you return in peace to thy Summerland.

By Lady Abigail
High Priestess Ravensgrove Coven
Copyright © 10312007

ARCANA - Angel of Sorrow

2010-10-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Do Not Weep

2010-10-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

The Native American View on Life and Death

2010-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

"You live on earth only for a few short years
which you call an incarnation,
and then you leave your body as an outworn dress
and go for refreshment to your true home in the spirit."

~ White Eagle ~

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home"

~ Chief Tecumseh (Crouching Tiger) Shawnee Nation 1768-1813 ~

Samhain Eve Spell ---A Spirit Connection Spell

2010-10-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

Samhain Eve Spell

A spirit connection spell

Needs:

1- white candle

Matches

Mirror

Sage for cleaning

At dusk, go to area or a place you feel spirits inhabit.

Make contact by walking about and allowing your mind to roam.

Light the white candle and start saying the chant:

Clear as midnight, Thy spirits are bright.

Ghostly curiosities, Brings you to my site.

Spirit from across the veil,

Come that I might hear your tales.

I ask thee to let me see,

Thy forms as you truly be.

The more the candle flicker‘s around you the more spirit energy is around.

Glance into the mirror and look past your shoulder.

Do you see mists or lighted balls in the reflection? This is how many spirits will appear to you.

Return to the area on the next three nights. Take some pictures.

At home, place your mirror face down. Mirrors can trap spirits so be careful and respectful.

*(Placeing the mirror face down allows the energy to return back to the soul of life and then move on.)

Some spirits will follow you as you search for their reflections. If you want your those to leave, just say so. (Respectfully)

Cleans your home or the area with your broom, if you thing a spirit might be following you home, block the doorway by putting a broom across the doorstep. Then burn some sage to cleans your home.

*Please note; I have unfortunately had this spell (and many others) used over the years by others without credit being given. I share my spells, writings and stories here with our members freely but ask you give credit accordingly; especially if you desire to share it on your pages or sites. Last month I had someone accuse me of using someone’s else’s work, (which was mine to begin with) and had been posted under another person. So please just let whom ever you share with know who did the work, be it mine or another persons…

In blessings and peace, Lady Abigail

High Priestess Ravensgrove Coven

Copyright © 10312000

A Halloween Quote

2010-10-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween! It's Halloween! The moon is full and bright And we shall see what can't be seen On any other night.
Skeletons and Ghosts and Ghouls, Grinning Goblins fighting duels
Werewolves rising from their Tombs, Witches on their Magic Brooms
In masks and gown we haunt the street, And knock on doors for Trick or Treat Tonight we are the King and Queen, For Oh Tonight it is Halloween

Vampire Martini

2010-10-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

First add the perfect garnish with HWTM's hard candy blood drip, and then mix as follows:

* 1 1/2 oz Finlandia Vodka
* 1 1/2 oz Korbel Champagne
* 3/4 oz Chambord

1. Pour vodka and half of the Chambord in a martini glass.
2. Top with Champagne.
3. Pour the remaining Chambord over the back of a spoon to make it float.

Halloween Pretties

2010-10-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Demons danced at my Door,
Ghosts escaped the Walls,
and the Spirits of Halloween
Adorned my Alter for Fall.

Bald Mountain Cemetery

2010-10-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

In Light of the Halloween Season and Upcoming Cemetery Field Trip to Central City...Just a Little Preview...

2010-10-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

No pointy Hats, No fat black Cats,
No mystical or flying Bats.
Yet if and when you look to see....
A Witch you will see...
Blessed Be!!

Living on the Edge

2010-10-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

“I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over... Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.”
~ Kurt Vonnegut~

Halloween Cards

2010-10-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.

October

2010-10-13T06:12:00.001-07:00

There is something in October that sets my gypsy blood astir, we must rise and follow her. When from every hill of flame, she calls and calls each vagabond by name....
~ William Bliss Carman ~

2010-10-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Goddess keeps us within Her heart at all times; within life and death. Let us give honor unto Her by remembering those who have crossed the veils into the hollow of the spirit world… and perhaps shall be remembered as more that a worn name on stone. Blessed Be

2010-10-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

hey

Enlightened Warrior

2010-08-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

2010-06-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

THERE IS NO PART OF US THAT CANNOT BE HEALED...

THERE IS NO PART OF US THAT CANNOT BE LOVED!

There is no part of me that cannot be
healed, transformed or changed
when I embrace all aspects of me.
I know there is no part of others
that cannot be healed
through the power of love.
I shake off all labels, judgments
so that I can set myself
and others free.
THERE is no part of us
that cannot be healed
if it needs healing.
There is no part of us
that cannot be changed
if it needs changing.
There is no part of us
that we cannot shower with love...
because love is always the answer.
So too, let us see clearly
that there is no part of another
that cannot be healed.
So too, let us see so clearly too
that there is no part of another
that cannot be changed or transformed.
And there is also no part of another
that cannot be showered with love...
because love will change everything.
So nobody, least of all ourselves,
need carry a label.
So nobody, least of all ourselves,
needs to keep a judgment.
So nobody, least of all ourselves,
needs to feel shame or despair
or saddled with something
they cannot shake off.
Because it is only a matter of time...
only a matter of knowing...
and only a matter of seeing and feeling
the truth of who we really are.
We are not our personality...
although we have chosen this persona
to learn about love.
We are not our words and actions...
although we have indulged in them,
again to learn how not to be love
and how, indeed, to be love.
We are not our past...
the best thing about the past
is that it is over.
Because the present
is where the divine
which gave us birth
is able to express
purely and precisely.
Whatever, we have done in the past
and wherever we might be
or in what circumstances we might be
because of it we are not it.
Not any more.
We are the truth
of who we are in the present.
We are able to forgive ourselves
for all perceived wrong doing,
all words and actions
whereby we showed up
as less than who we truly are.
We are able to step into the present
connected to our divine essence...
and in that truth and harmony
we can clearly be...
Only our thinking
might take us back
to recrimination, self judgment,
self harm and self loathing.
Our heart,
where the soul lives,
does not do this.
It merely sets us free
from all label,
all conditioning,
all past that ties us
into what is not love...
that separates us
from the divine core
which we share..
that isolates us
and causes our feelings of loneliness.
Our soul is in heaven.
It is blossoming...
but only at the rate
we allow it to blossom...
We feed our soul
when we deeply love ourselves
for who we really are...
and bestow upon ourselves
the same gentleness, compassion
and care that we would advocate
is delivered onto others.
There is no part of us
that cannot be transformed.
There is no part of us
that cannot be healed.
And there is no part of us
that need suffer...
We hold our own magic wand.
We hold our own key.
So it is true for all.
So dear and beautiful friend...
do open your heart
and share what is going on for you
on this subject
or any subject

I love you

Mountain Diva....

Native American ~ Spiritual Music ~

2010-06-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Enigma 's Metamorphosis

2010-06-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

ENIGMA - SITTING ON THE MOON

2010-06-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

☾ Almost Full Moon ☆☆Enigma☾

2010-06-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

New Age-Merlins Magic-Chakra Meditation Music-Heart Of Reiki

2010-06-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Vibrant Health

2010-06-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

I Create Everything - Visualize Self Healing

2010-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Work of Byron Katie - Katieisms

2010-06-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Book Protection Charm

2010-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Fan a bit of your favorite incense smoke
over your books and bookshelves
and repeat the charm three times.

Sheshat, Mistress of the House of Books, hear my call,
Guard and protect these magickal tomes, one and all.
If borrowed, may the book always return safely to me,
I bind this charm with the powers of earth, air, flame and

Ski time

2010-02-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

A photo taken of a garage in Winter Park...Isn't that cool??

Belle Of The Boulevard...

2009-11-25T05:36:00.000-08:00

Belle Of The Boulevard

Dashboard Confessional | MySpace Music Videos
Video filmed in New Orleans...

Our First Samhain With Out Her

2009-10-17T06:44:00.001-07:00

Mom and Tristan
April 23, 1947 - October 22, 2008
Coming Upon Samhain...
I will miss you the most upon each Samhain
When the boundary turns to sheer
I will wait until the veil is parted
At the ending of the year.
Sweet spirit, as you walk among us
At the tolling of this eve
I see your face beyond the sunset
And hear your voice upon the breeze.
In the glowing of the candle,
From the shadow on the wall
I watch for you in every movement
And hear your footsteps in the hall.
Can you sit and spend the evening
As the portal opens wide?
Ancestral dead, I bid you welcome
Most recent dead, I pray, abide.
When you come I sense your presence
I put my hand out in the air
A moment, then, we stand united
Palm to palm while waiting there.
I miss you most upon each Samhain
When the boundary turns to sheer
We share these hours until the dawning
Then bid farewell until next year.

Author:1988 David O. Norris

Halloween Truffles and Nutter Butter Ghosts

2009-10-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN TRUFFLES

Give your guests a sweet send-off. Nestle homemade truffles decorated with sprinkles in little wooden boxes. These are lined with glassine -- trimmed with scallop scissors -- then wrapped in narrow ribbon and sealed with pumpkin stickers. Forming truffles is easiest with a 1-inch ice cream scoop; two teaspoons will also work.
Ingredients:
Makes about 4 dozen
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup orange and black sprinkles, for decorating
1/2 cup orange and black sanding sugar, for decorating

Directions:
Bring cream, butter, and corn syrup to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate, and gently swirl pan to cover chocolate with cream.
Slowly whisk until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover, and refrigerate. Stir mixture every 15 minutes. After 45 minutes, mixture will thicken quickly, so stir every 3 to 5 minutes until set but still pliable, 10 to 20 minutes more (total chilling time is 55 to 65 minutes.)
Refrigerate until firm but not hard, about 10 minutes. Remove from refrigerator, and roll balls in palms to smooth. Refrigerate, in an airtight container, layered between pieces of parchment or waxed paper, until ready to decorate.
Remove balls from refrigerator. Place sprinkles and sanding sugar in separate small bowls. Dip balls into sprinkles or sanding sugar to coat, pressing sprinkles to adhere. Truffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Ingredients:

Nutter Butter brand peanut butter cookies
White chocolate or dark chocolate
Decorative tube frosting in white or chocolate
mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Melt the white chocolate or dark chocolate (which ever you prefer and I prefer both!) over a double broiler. Dip the nutter butter cookies into the chocolate. Place on wax paper or drying rack. Once cooled, use the mini chocolate chips for the eyes and/or tube frosting!

Enjoy!!

Thank You Martha Stewart!!

2009-10-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind, Run on the top of the disheveled tide, And dance upon the mountains like a flame!!
~William Butler Yeats ~
"The Land of Heart's Desire"

My Graveyard

2009-10-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

A View of the Day

2009-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Old Man Winter has left us with a blanket of fresh snow
The Leaves are Beautiful orange, red and gold
The Wind blows cold upon our faces

Swamp Water Halloween Coctail

2009-09-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

This Halloween cocktail is so much fun! It looks just like a scoop from your favorite Louisiana swamp... but tastes wonderful. Why? Because it's actually just a mojito that's made just a little differently, and with a few special ingredients.
In my version here, I've used blueberries to look like little stones. But you can skip that if you like-- it looks great either way.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Spiced rum (like Captain Morgan)
10-12 Fresh mint leaves
1 tbsp. Brown sugar
1/2 of a Lime, juice of
2 oz. Club soda
Splash of Cola
10-15 Fresh blueberries (optional)

Instructions: 1. In a cocktail glass, combine the brown sugar, lime juice, and mint. Pound together to break up the mint and bring out its flavor.

2. Fill the glass up about three-quarters of the way with crushed ice. Pour the rum over.

3. Add club soda, and a splash of cola to give it a swampy color

The Pine Lady

2009-09-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

O have you seen The Pine Lady
Or heard her how she sings?
Have you heard her play
Your soul away?
On a harp with Moonbeam strings?
In a palace all the night-black pine
She hides like a Queen all day
Till a Moonbeam knocks on her secret tree
And she opens her door with a Silver Key
While the Village clocks
Are striking bed
Nine times sleepily

O come and hear The Pine Lady
Up in the Haunted Wood
The stars are rising, the moths are flitting
The Owls are calling
The dew is falling
And high in the boughs
of her Haunted House
The moon and she are sitting

Out on the moor the night-jar drones
Rough throated love
The beetle comes
With his sudden drums
And many a silent unseen thing
Frightens your cheek with it's ghostly wing
While there above
In a palace builded of needles and cones
The Pine is telling the Moon her love
Telling her Love on the Moonbeam strings
O have you seen The Pine Lady?
Or heard how she sings?
____Richard Lagallienne

2009-09-22T05:56:00.001-07:00

Vampire Diaries

2009-09-10T17:21:00.000-07:00

Finally something to watch on Thursday nights instead of ridiculous reruns!!! I have not read this series...but I will!!

Now this is a Delicious Vampire!!

Alone...

2009-09-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration.

Someday I will be an Old Woman....

2009-09-10T06:24:00.001-07:00

Bette Davis and Lillian Gish.

Trick or Treat

2009-08-22T07:19:00.001-07:00

Back from Utah...had a good time. Today I am going to put up some Halloween decorations!! I wish it could be Halloween all year long!!

Central City Cemeteries...

2009-08-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to these Cemeteries last June while she was here.

6/08

Full Moon!!

2009-08-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Full Moon tonight!! Last night it was so bright it was like daylight all night...So Cool!! A Friend and I are meeting up on Trailridge Road this evening to watch the Moon Come up!! It had better clear off cause it is cloudy, cool and a bit drizzly... I will try to get some good photos!! I can't believe it's already August! As usual here in the mountain summers passes by quickly! But...on a happy note Halloween is just around the corner!1 I've aready started getting out my boxes of stuff!

2009-08-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

Alice in Wonderland

2009-08-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for this movie to come out!! Love Johnny Depp and Magical Movies!!

Friendship Day

2009-08-02T07:06:00.001-07:00

In 1935 The United States Congress proclaimed the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day. Since then,the celebration of National Friendship Day has become an annual event.
For Friendship Day..A friend and I are going to go shopping and out for a few beverages and a snack!! Always a good time!!

New Orleans..

2009-08-02T06:44:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I had not put any of my pictures from my trip to New Orleans on here...so here they are!!

>

Random Mountain Diva

2009-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Obsessed With...
Anything Twilight, Vampires, Ghosts, Witches, Cemeteries.... Sandalwood and Vanilla Scent..

Happy I Bought...
The Twilight Saga collection in Hardback, My new Dodge Durango...Victorias Secret Sandalwood and Vanilla Lotion and Mist.

Necessary Extravagance...
Lots and Lots of Books....Mary Kay Skincare, Victoras Secret Sandalwood and Vanilla Lotion and Mist.. Yup I Love it!!

Looking Forward To...
Watching the Full Moon rise Up on Trailridge with Friend S and J......Fall and some Fall Hikes...

Dreaming Of...
The Halloween Trip to New Orleans My Brother, Mr T and New Daughter In Law. ..

Listening To...
80's afternoon on 100.5

Dropping By...
Rocky Mountain Roastery for an Iced Vanilla Latte Yes, I am addicted...

Wishing For...
Some cool Halloween Costumes....

Driving...
To Utah in about a week...gonna have a Huge yardsale and do some Halloween shopping and sewing...

Speed Dialing...
Mr T....I haven't talked to him in about a week.

Addicted To...
Twilight, Graveyards,Iced Lattes, Pop Culture and other Fun Things, Lays Potato Chips, Mary Kay Lip Glosses, MySpace, Reading...

Carrying...
Nothing Right Now But when I leave the house, A Big Red Tote Bag that Holds My Life.. My Camera, Wallet, Cell, Day Planner, Gum, Mary Kay Hand Cream, and about 10 different Lip Glosses and Balms---Yes I need that many!!

Can't Stop Watching...
Nothing...I had the TV turned off!! Missing the Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill and NCIS.... Sniff--Sniff.

OK, your turn...share a bit...what are you obsessed with? Dreaming of? Listening to? Wishing for? Can't stop watching?

Site Blessing

2009-06-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

Site Blessing
Hearken as the Witch's word
Calls the Lady and the Lord
Moon above and earth below
Sky's cool blue and sun's hot glow,
In this right and ready hour,
Fill these pages with thy wisdom.
May those in need eye to see
The secrets which entrusted be.
To those who walk the hidden road
To find the hearthstone's calm abode.
Guardians from the four directions,
Hear us and lend Thy protection:
May these truths of Earth and Skies
Shielded be from darker times.
But to the witches whose map this be
May the way be plain to see;
And through all the coming ages,
May we find home in these pages

Cemetery Field Trip

2009-04-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

While I was in Utah at the beginning of the month, My Brother, My Son and I went to The Mount Olive Cemetery in Salt Lake. This place will be fabulous in the Fall!! Can't wait!!

Beautiful Angel stone

Good Night...Pretty Much says it all!

For the Twilight Fans, I found the Cullen Grave Stone!!

Another Angel...

Just a few Old Graves...

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-04-24T04:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom!!! I hope you are happy wherever you are!! I will Love You Always!!

2 of Moms Favorite things...A Latte and a Big Fat Piece of Cake!! She would have preferred Chocolate but I couldn't find a good picture of one. The white one looks most Yummy don't you think??

The Witch in You

2009-04-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

As a child, did you ever make mud pies, but knew that your concoction wasn't quite right until you added that special blade of grass or flower or berry on top?

"Then you know the care a witch puts into his/her brew and the painstaking importance of every last magickal ingredient in his/her spell".

As an adult, have you ever prepared a meal for others and paid careful attention to the ingredients that you were using because you wanted it taste scrumptious along with being healthy?

"Then you have practiced a bit of kitchen witchery".

Have you ever looked up into the sky and seen clouds that resembled an animal or a person's face or some other object?

"Then you have divined like a witch".

Have you ever as a child (or even as an adult ..) attempted to make one of those clouds disappear through the sheer power of your mind?

"Then you have practiced a little weather magick".

Have you ever spoken to your pet as if they were human, or known what they wanted by simply observing their actions or the look in their eyes?

"Then you have begun to communicate as a witch does with a familiar".

Have you ever felt sad and cried when something or someone you didn't even know got hurt or died?

"Then you have experienced one of the many feelings of the empathic witch".

Have you ever had a fortunate "coincidence" happen to you, or a project that seems to have flowed flawlessly, or written a book that feels as if it wrote itself?

"Then you've been introduced to synchronicity and the witch's secret of aligning with the Universe".

Have you ever had everything go wrong, or struggled to write even a simple sentence, or felt strangely down and out-of-sorts for no reason?

"Then you know the first step of the witch's secret of how s/he knows s/he is *not* aligned with the Universe".

Have you ever spoken a quick prayer for your safety or the safety of others?

"Then you have practiced one part of a witch's protection spell".

Have you ever wished it would stop raining and then the sun made a sudden appearance, or ever wished someone would just go away...and they did?

"Then you have touched on the powers of a witch".

Have you ever been attracted to or studied ancient mythology and become familiar with names such as Zeus, Artemis, Aphrodite... Diana, Jupiter, Venus... Isis, Horus, Bast... Freya, Odin, Thor... Brigid, Cerridwen, or Lugh?

"Then you know something of a witch's pantheon and who s/he might be consorting with".

Have you ever woken up refreshed and said "hello" or "good morning" to the sun?

"Then you have hailed and honored one of the many witch's Gods".

Have you ever gotten so angry that unwittingly whatever you were holding in your hand broke... felt your pulse quicken during a scary movie... found something so funny that you couldn't stop laughing at until your sides hurt... or been on the tail-end of a "whip" at the roller skating rink?

"Then you have experienced a wee dose of raised energy".

Have you ever planted a garden and firmly patted the rich dark soil around a seedling, sat by the heat of a fire and wondered what fire actually was, gone swimming in the ocean and felt its undertow grab at your feet, or listened to the howls of the wind before a storm?

"Then you have played with aspects of the Elements a witch works with".

Have you ever "wow"ed at a sunset or sunrise, the largeness of the moon as it crests the horizon, the wrath of the ocean waves during a storm, or.. (insert your own "wow" moment here)..?

"Then you have felt what a witch feels all the time".

Have you ever daydreamed of making love in the grass under a full moon, or in a field of lavender under a blazing sun, or in the water of a pristine lake under a canopy of twinkling stars, or on the beach in the rain during a thunderstorm?

"Then you have dreamed of what a witch does".

Have you ever sunk your teeth into a ripe peach or melon, savored the flavor of mint or butter pecan ice cream, or enjoyed a slice of freshly-baked apple cinnamon pie?

"Then you have tasted the sweetness of a witch's Goddess".

Have you ever marveled over how the crystals grew inside that geode, or over the intricacies of a seashell's form, or over the infinite pattern of a fractal, or over the face that looks back at you in the mirror?

"Then you have glimpsed the Goddess/God in you".

Blessed Be

the secret

2009-03-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Words To Live By

2009-03-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Old Man Winter is Back!!

2009-03-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

View of the Front of the house..Yes, I leave my lights up all year long...and I turn them on all the time!!

Out the Back door..

Out the Front door...

2009-03-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Early!

2009-03-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I got the Twilight DVD yesterday at 3pm!! 4 days earlier than expected! I finished cleaning the house I was at, went home put on my jammies and watched it. Not as good as the book, which they never are! But, it was good. I am going to plug it in again in a bit cause my hubby is not home...you know dudes and chick flicks. Oh to be a high school girl again...Not! He is a cutie, thought I am more of the Cowboy, Redneck type I certainly wouldn't kick him out!!
I am however An Official Twilight Junkie!! Haven't had a decent Vampire since Lestat.

Spring is on the Way

2009-03-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Aaahhhh...nothing like a mud season here in Colorado! Took the dogs out for a walk today, needless to say I LOVE MUD SEASON!!
Buddy hates mud and mud puddles...If he could tip toe he would..I think he does!!

Buddy has finally met someone who likes to run as much as he does...she was a little quicker than he!! Meet Miley..she is a 6 month old Lab. Isn't she cute??

Just a Walk

2009-03-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful View from the top of the Hill..

Here comes Rocky!! He is old and very slow...But, darnit He absolutely refuse to stay at home on the porch!

Buddy is waiting patiently for us...

Well...Are you coming or just gonna stand around and take my picture??

advice

2009-03-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Go placidly
amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace
there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms
with all persons.
Speak your truth
quietly and clearly; and listen
to others
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself
with others,
you may become
vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons
than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements
as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career,
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution
in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere
life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity
and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering
the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not not distress yourself
with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of
fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not
it is clear to you,
no doubt
the universe is unfolding
as it should.
Therefore
be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery
and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy

March

2009-03-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

March is a month
of considerable frustration.
It is so near Spring
and yet across a great deal
of the country
the weather is still so violent
and changeable that outdoor
activity in our yards
seems light years away.

~Thalassa Cruso

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Twilight

2009-03-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

2 posts in one day!! Wow!! Looks like I have a little spare time, caught up on paper work, etc...Just surfing around the web catching up on emails and reading my fav blogs.
9 days till Twilight comes out on DVD!! I can't wait!!! Ordered my copy from Singin' Dog yesterday!! I did not go see it at the theater, I wanted to wait for the Dvd so I could sit at home in my PJ's and savor it at my leisure over and over!!!
Yes...I am a Vampire Freak!! Have always Loved them!! So, of course I had to read this series. This one is a very easy read and not much reality to me. I would however LOVE to live in Forks, Washington! My kind of place!! Rainy and Drizzly!! LOVE the Rain, I can't help it.

So...
If You Could Live Forever....What Would You Live For?

To My Mom...

2009-02-22T01:35:00.000-08:00

In Memory of my Mom who passed away 4 months ago today October 22nd, 2008, to return home.

A daughter's love is as strong as the sea,

A daughter's love is as solid as the earth beneath her feet,

A daughter's love is as strong as the winds that allows our spirits and souls to soar and be free,

A daughter's love burns like the courage that rages through the fires' flames,

A daughter's love is forever eternal and it forever glows in the light that shines through her heart, so to her love always flows.

As the pentagram of life guides us on our journeys in life and death it too connects us to all things both living and dead.

Dearest Mom, may the journey which you are to travel upon take you to places where you have desired to go for so very long.

May you now know the truth of life after death in that death is life and all things beautiful be now in your life.

Be Free my Mom's Spirit to dance and soar and I shall see you between the realms where I regularly travel.

My Love to you forever,

Your Daughter

Why?

2009-02-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

The truth is....I have been trying to make this journal as upbeat as possible, working on being happy and positive...
The truth is....I can't, I am so sad, heartbroken and mad most days I have a hard time just breathing let alone doing anything else. I just want to go to bed and never have to get up or take another breath, just can't seem to get a hold on myself.
I was looking throught all of my pictures this morning, for one of my Mom...I don't have anything recent. Know what makes me mad? I spent more than a month with her this summer going places, doing things...just hanging out, and I did not take one single picture of her or her and I ....Damnit...why, why,why?? Oh...I am so Mad at myself. I have pictures of my son, my brothers, my dogs, scenery...nothing of her...What if I forget her? She would never let us take her picture, always hid her face or turn away. No need to be happy and positive she's not coming back this time.
The truth is.... I just don't give a shit anymore...I give up..What is the whole point anyway? I still think it may be a bad dream and I will wake up soon. Why did she have to go so soon?? So many thing left to say and so many places we were going to go.

2009-02-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

When People Start to Meditate...

2009-02-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

When people start to meditate or to work with any kind of spiritual discipline, they often think that somehow they're going to improve, which is a sort of subtle aggression against who they really are. It's a bit like saying, “If I jog, I'll be a much better person.” “If I could only get a nicer house, I'd be a better person.” If I could meditate and calm down, I'd be a better person.”… But loving-kindness–maitri–toward ourselves doesn't mean getting rid of anything. Maitri means that we can still be crazy after all these years. We can still be angry after all these years. We can still be timid or jealous or full of feelings of unworthiness. The point is not to try to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already. The ground of practice is you or me or whoever we are right now, just as we are. That's the ground, that's what we study, that's what we come to know with tremendous curiosity and interest. ~Pema Chodron

No, I don't meditate...I don't have the time nor can I sit still long enought to still my mind.