Impermanence

The universe threw me some nasty curve balls the last few days, as if to tell me I had some more evolving to do. I also watched two movies on Tibet, one fiction and one a documentary. They talk about the concept of impermanence. We have to focus on the universe shifting constantly. We can't get too hung up on it staying the same because it won't. That is why I endeavor to live in the present and to get the most out of each day.

The aging process is very disturbing to me. I have to keep trying to love myself no matter what. Some days are better than others on this front.

I've also lost more relatives and friends to cancer. So yeah, live each day like it's your last because you could be right. 

Winter Solstice is Upon Us

Just wanted to stop by and wish all my lovely witches a happy Winter Solstice. Now get out there and do some magic.

Beautiful frost designs.

Frost Feathers

Happy First Day of Winter

Stay warm out there.

The Fairy Condo

I stepped out my backdoor and almost bumped into a roadrunner. But it didn't run away. We stared at each other for a bit, then it made its way to the water bowl to my left. Still keeping an eye on me, it took some drinks.  I got a load of firewood and came back in.  On the way out, I grabbed my camera, and the roadrunner was still by the water bowl. But this time I spooked it and it left before I got any photos.

Later I did see a cottontail jumping out of the neighbor's yard. I assume the chipmunks are hibernating. I haven't seen any since it started to freeze at night.

So I had in mind making a fairy condo. So I gathered bits from the woodpile and figured out a master plan. I got all the tools out. I started putting together a swing for one of the branches. I was waiting for my boyfriend to get out of the shower and help me get some power tools out. But when he came out he said we were going to town and I needed to shower. So I put the tools away, came in, took off my jacket, and he said I should wait for the water to heat up again. Face palm. I'm in my stay home and do stuff mode and he's in his 'spend the next four hours in town' mode. I have been waiting 3 days to go to town.  Why are we never on the same page? I need to put together a box for the post office if we are going to town. But I don't feel like doing that in the next 20 minutes, you know? I still need to eat breakfast. It takes me a good hour to get ready to go out, and I usually get 10 minutes notice.

signed...Miss Grumpy Pants

Sorry fairies. Your condo will have to wait.

Inspiration Jars

I was inspired by a photo on Facebook, only I am giving it a witchy twist.

I recommend following Zen to Zany on Facebook

On the left is my prosperity candle. It is almost out of wax so I got the new green candle above. The feathers on the right are for my witch's ladder project. The pink jar and turquoise jar are part of my inspiration jars project.

For my inspiration jars, I want to get a glass etching kit so I can decorate them. Then I will put a different colored glitter in each one. Like the red one might say love. Since some of the openings are too big for corks, I will just put an artificial flower in a matching color on top to cover the opening. Then when I need to work with that theme, I will sprinkle the glitter on myself or my friends. If you don't love glitter, you can fill them with colored beads or faux flower petals or whatever inspires you.

I priced jars on Ebay, and ended up getting all these at the discount dollar store. I also got matching ribbon there to decorate the jars after I etch them. So everything is on hold until I get the glass etching kit. Or I might just rubber stamp the labels. Sometimes it is good to let a project sit a while while your mind sorts out the details.

My new green prosperity candle

This morning I looked on Pinterest using the search term 'inspiration jar' and all kinds of neat ideas popped up. So if my version is too complicated for you, look to Pinterest for more ideas. I used both jars and vases.  Cute little bottles would have been nice too, but I couldn't find those at the store I was at. If you have saved bottles, clean them up and use those instead.

Knit a Poncho

The wind howled like a banshee last night. It kept knocking out my satellite Internet connection. Finally I took the hint and went to bed with a good book. I read for about thirty minutes and then it was off to dreamland. Once again I dreamed about a SCA event. At these events, I don't seem to have any friends.  Things are just happening all around me.

On another note, Jacqueline DuBois made a Youtube video about a poncho she had knitted from repurposed balls of yarn from an estate sale. So even though I didn't need another fiber arts project, I just had to make one. I found some great old wooden needles I inherited, and set to work with some pink yarn. I got 2 poncho books at the library yesterday to help me figure out what shape I need to make, which is basically 2 long rectangles. Rectangles are a symbol of stability, the same as squares, because they have 4 sides. A square is a rectangle with equilateral sides, right?

If you watch to the end of her video, she also shows her knitted curtains.

I'm debating making my poncho all pink or striped with many colors, which is my usual style.

Stay warm and blessed and we'll talk soon.

Making My Spirit Pouch

Today I'm working on my spirit pouch. I was going to make a pouch out of green fabric, but then I found an beautiful green organza pouch I already owned. Then the search was on to decide what to put into it.
And now it's too heavy. Yes, I got carried away.  So I think I'll keep a box of items that could go into the pouch, and swap them out as I need them.

Yellow Jasper: I've had this piece of yellow jasper for years. I was drawn to put it in the pouch. Here is a site that tells the metaphysical meanings of yellow jasper. If this helps me work next to my boyfriend and respect each other, it's something I really need.

Turquoise: I've always been drawn to turquoise.  And when I found this piece that used to belong to my mother, I had to use it. In fact it was the first thing I put in the pouch.

Amethyst Egg: This crystal in my favorite color is a must have for me. Once I walked into a store full of giant amethyst crystal geodes and I literally felt like I was walking 3" off the ground.

Copper Thunderbird Ring
Large black button to absorb negativity.
Three wooden cut-outs (poppets) to represent my 3 grandchildren. I have 3 sizes that match their ages.
A tiny clear glass sphere that reminds me of a crystal ball.
A green ceramic circle with a goddess figurine on one side and the word 'luck' on the side. Also stamped with tiny stars on the back.
A blue ceramic circle with a hamsa hand and a spiral on the palm. Spirals will always represent being a hypnotist to me.
A tiny bag with allspice
A tiny bag with a cinnamon stick
A heart shaped seashell to represent my love for the ocean
A circular carved bone bead
A piece of barely pink glass shaped like a star with streaks of gold and blue
A small gold cross with pearls and rubies
A tiny brown feather that was a top peacock feather to represent air and clairvoyance
I also want to add a dollar coin
I might replace the button with a piece of obsidian or an Apache tear if one comes my way.
A green lampwork glass bead to attract money.
A tiny white jingle bell to banish evil spirits

My three grandchildren are represented by these little wood people.

Allspice and Cinnamon for protection, prosperity and healing

A cross, a bone circle, and polished turquoise

Goddess medallion

Green glass bead and polished amethyst

Spiral hand, copper thunderbird ring and clear sphere.

Yellow Jasper and Glass Star

Seashell heart and black button

Finished spirit pouch

Holding my spirit pouch. I hung it on an eyeglass chain.

Tiny white jingle bell.

On The Passing of Psychic Sylvia Browne

Today I am mourning the passing of Sylvia Browne, who was at the top of her field as a psychic, a best selling author and a hypnotist who specialized in past life regressions. She was also an amazing business woman. I'm really sad that I didn't get to meet her before she passed. She often did local events (in Southern CA).

I watched her regularly on the Montel Williams show. News stories report that she was 77 and passed away with family around her. The cause of death wasn't listed.

Happy Mabon One And All

Time to celebrate the harvest.
Lovely Mabon. It truly felt like fall out in the yard. The snake gourds are drying on the vine. Ravens were wheeling in the sky. Spent the day sewing beads and sequins on a dance costume. Now there is a chicken in the rotisserie, and a hypnosis session planned for midnight. #grateful #happymabon #harvest

 

Celebrate nature.

Enjoying the first days of fall.

All things shiny.

Beautiful pear.

Abundance Affirmations

I am a Money Magnet
Love comes to me always
I am open to opportunities
Income flows in from everywhere
Every time I blink more money comes my way
I am generous to others and the universe is generous to me
Money is paper energy
I am surrounded by abundance
My bank account magically refills
Even now money is coming my way
I surround myself with green to attract wealth
I am strong
I love to work smart and not hard
I carry coins to attract more coins
I fold my paper money towards me to attract more money
I give freely because I receive freely
I let go of all roadblocks to my success
I forgive everybody
I focus on the things I want and call them to me
I can always improve
Even if I failed once, that doesn't mean I'll fail again
I let my baggage go so I can carry new things
I have room for abundance in my life now
I get out of my own way
I celebrate the happiness and prosperity of others
My ship just came in
I have more than I need
My cup runneth over
I attract what is best for me
Now is the time all things come to me
I am celebrating life

Moonset

I got a nice surprise when I woke up in the middle of the night last night, and saw the beautiful golden full moon shining in the window. I stood there in awe as it set behind the mountain.

The Power of Thought

Our new neighbor drove by for about the hundredth time.  This time I was sitting on the porch. And I thought, "You know you really should put your sewing down and go meet the guy." And before I could even set it down, he stopped just past my house, threw it in reverse, and backed up to my driveway.

Yep.

Magnificent Sunset

Crescent Moon

Last night my lover and I watched the crescent moon set behind the hills. It was peeking in and out of the clouds as it set. There was a bright planet near it. I need to remember that it sets pretty early and get out there sooner.

After it set I was alone so I lit two candles. One is sentimental to me because my daughter painted a red dragon on it a few years ago so burning it reminds me of her. Then I danced around until the candles blew out.

Then around 11 PM we had an exciting thunderstorm with some wicked cool lightning. One flash was so bright I was blinded for a few seconds. Then the rain hit. It made me drowsy listening to it so I went to bed early and fell asleep during the last few flashes. Lovely.

We also planted a mulberry seedling that the neighbor gave us. I waited until the moon was waning to plant it. It will shade the parking area someday and provide fruit for the tanagers and for us. I also wanted to block out the dead tree in the neighbor's yard.

New Mulberry Tree
 

Three views of the sunset.

Rainy Day Mushrooms

This afternoon I was outside belly dancing between rainclouds when I noticed something.  Big fluffy mushrooms were sprouting up in my witches circle. It was like a fairy ring come true. They are shaped like rockets as they push through the sand. Then they open up rather like a beach umbrella. It is one of the things I never expected to see in the Mojave desert.

Today I also saw quail. My friend was over and he saw a chipmunk. It poured a few times today and then the sun would come out. So I grabbed a veil and did some low impact dancing. My ankle is getting better but I sure don't want to re-injure it so easy does it.

If you'd like to read more about belly dancing, I have a blog for that here: http://bellydancetips.blogspot.com/2013/08/rainy-day-dance-practice.html

See you soon. Thanks for following.

I love my blue veil.

Good arm exercise.

Loving myself just the way I am.

Surprise! Mushrooms!

Pushing through the soft sand.

Fairy door?

Like a fairy garden in the sand.

Rain clouds over the desert.

Starry Skyclad Summer Night

Lately I've just wanted to go outside at night skyclad and look at the stars.  Tonight I saw 3 shooting stars. There is a cricket singing his little heart out somewhere out there. The moon is dark so I could see the milky way sprawling across the sky.

Today I worked on an original embroidery of 3 owls overlooking a village. It made me think of how special owls are and how rarely I see them. I also had a roadrunner in my yard today. He was frantically darting around. I wonder if he was catching bugs

It is late my darlings so off to bed I go.

4th of July Is Just Around the Corner

I want to wish my American friends a blessed 4th of July. Go out and affirm your independence.

Quail and Sparrows and Other Critters

I am watching the sparrows and finches peck away at a pile of birdseed on the porch. The ants are also trying to carry off the seeds. The birds try to avoid the ants.

There is a chipmunk in the yard too. I keep hoping he will come up to the porch and eat something. Or maybe its a girl. I don't know why I always think of chipmunks as boys.

I have to go to a funeral next Sat. may he rest in peace. He was 86 and his body and mind were just worn out.

I just found out my newest friend has brain cancer.

It has been a stressful week. My tarot reading says 'Just Let Go' and I also keep getting the death card.

I just saw a joshua tree fruit fall to the ground. Then I realized the chipmunk is up in the tree, pulling off the fruit.

The papa and baby quail are drinking from the water bowl. I put out more chicken wire to protect the gourds and beans from rabbits. I also saw a baby cottontail in the yard earlier today. Nature is my refuse and my strength. The portulaca I planted from seed are blooming their heads off. I hope my mom's spirit can see them, since they always remind me of her.

The yellow pear tomato is covered with blossoms. Soon I will have some fruit from it I hope. Gardening is an act of faith after all.

Yesterday I saw two roadrunners in the yard in a courtship ritual. I wonder what baby roadrunners look like.

Take care of yourself.
Blessed be.

Sizzling Summer Solstice

It's not very pagan I suppose, but I spent the solstice shopping at a Solstice sale at Michael's and Joanne's. So now I have painting and calligraphy supplies again. It was definitely a sizzling Solstice.  I thought I'd melt driving to Victorville and back.

I wanted to check out a Mexican market called Vallara's to pick up some olive oil. The produce section is amazing. But even more surprising was they have a food court inside featuring a bakery, a tortilla area, a Mexican food restaurant and a juice/ice cream bar. I had the most amazing  pineapple drink there with shreds of pineapple in the bottom. Fabulous! I also had 2 large carnitas tacos! I was stuffed. I waddled into Michael's after that amazing lunch. Now I know, so the next time I'll just do 1 taco and the small drink. The medium drink was as big as a large at most eateries.

I needed to spend  a day alone. It was wonderful to do what I wanted without having to get others to agree to the plan.

Well, Now What

As a hypnotist and a witch, I believe in the mind and body connection. In other words, what happens to you on the spiritual and mental plane will manifest sooner or later on or in your body.

And also that there are no coincidences. Even so, after a spiritually devastating day yesterday, I hadn't expected damage to appear so quickly.  As I was typing away I looked down at my right hand. You know that saying, "I know him like the back of my hand?"  Well on the back of my hand is a big angry looking mole the color of blood.  And I swear it wasn't there yesterday.

I've been worrying about the damage the desert sun is doing to my arms and hands and I've been thinking of wearing gloves even though it's 100 degrees out. I think I waited too long, because I think I'm stuck with this mole for life. (Frowny face). It looks like a blood blister, but if I had hurt myself in that way I would have felt it. It is like the exclamation point on the day and night I had yesterday.

Earlier today I got a crochet book at the library that has some cute patterns for fingerless gloves. And a vintage book I got at a thrift store has a pattern for full gloves. So yes, I'm going to do gloves. At least I can hide the stupid thing.

Well, WTF?

A sunflower to cheer me up.

Monday Is That Really You?

Grabbing some quick library time since my connection is down again. I feel like I have a hangover but I don't drink. So I'm going to focus on beauty, like roses, and my friend's smiles, and fresh apricots, and the morning breeze in my hair. I study the shadows on the hills wondering if I can capture that look in a quilt or a painting. I think of different ways to wear my hair to keep it off my neck in hot weather. Sorely tempted to cut it all an inch long. I think about eating anything I want, only in tiny portions. It can't be Monday forever, right?

Pink Silk Avatar

One of the many things you can do with a self-portrait or any favorite photo. I made this with Paint Shop Pro 7.

Magical Needlework

Today's project was inspired by this lovely book that shares how to put magickal intent into everything you make. I'm making some crazy quilt style pouches today. I'm also making a pouch for my Faery Wicca Tarot deck that says "Faery" on it in cross stitch.

And I want to make a healing poppet for a friend that is going through surgery today. But as is proper, I need to ask him first. He is having weight issues (over 600 lbs.) and is having a gastric bypass today. Not my personal choice, but that is why we have free will. This book shows how to make poppets too.

This book would be a great gift for someone into 'witchcraft' and 'witch crafts'.

Hypnotist Avatar

Since our Goddess is also known as the Creatrix and Mother Nature, and Gaia, it only follows that as her child I radiate creativity. Sometimes it gets the better of me because I just can't stop creating. I stayed up until 1:30 AM last night creating an avatar for my hypnosis sites. It combines a spiral that I made using the 'twirl' feature on Paint Shop Pro 7 with a self portrait I took. Then I played with it until I could get the spiral to wrap around me.  I wish I knew how to make transparencies, so this isn't quite  what I wanted but I needed to wrap it up and get some sleep.