The dark Goddess has begun to rise. What I mean by this, is with the current state of the world, many of us are taking up the mantle of warriors of justice. After all, isn't that what the dark feminine archetype really is? Throughout history, women have brought about more change than we've been given credit.
I'm watching more and more women stand up and say enough. We aren't property. We aren't here for your amusement. We are flesh, blood and bone, just as men are. For too long, we've been victims of misogyny and, quite frankly, we're fucking sick of it. I've seen a push back happening for quite some time. In the last 2 months it's become almost a tidal wave. Which results in a whole lot of name calling.
If demanding to be an equal makes me a bitch, so be it. If saying no to you makes me a slut or a whore when you don't get your way (Yes, I've seen this, a LOT) then that's what I will be. If fighting back against rape culture makes me a Fem-Nazi, then I'll wear that label with pride. Generations before me may have been complacent, but that doesn't mean I have to be. Nor does it mean any other woman on the planet has to submit to your whims.
Many women are returning to their wild roots. Call it whatever you like, witchcraft, warrior, wild woman, ultimately it's all the same. There is a spirit inside women that can not be tamed. Or at least, it should never have been tamed. All over the world, women are waking to their power. We're standing beside our sisters and speaking out against the actions which harm us mentally, physically and emotionally. The beauty of it all? We're being heard by something much more profound than we ever imagined.
A dear sister of mine told me less than a month ago that she was feeling a huge disconnect with her spirituality. You can look around at the state of things and it becomes clear why she was feeling that way. For all the steps forward women have made, a large sect of our country wanted us to take a huge step back. To strip women of all the gains we've fought and died to win. I gave her some advice, because that's what I do. My calling is, and always has been, to help others heal. I know many of us have felt broken the last couple of months. Fighting a never ending battle. She informed me yesterday that during her nightly meditation (something I encourage all of us to practice) that Kali came to her. Kali doesn't just show up for shits and giggles. I know what *I* think it means, but as that interaction is between my friend and the Dark Mother, I won't dare attempt to explain her truths.
We call that darker archetype by many names. For me, she's The Morrigan. For others she may be Hecate, Freya, Persephone, Gaia, or a hundred other names. Don't think a "mother" deity can be of this archetype? Think again. Mother's will protect with a fierceness than can make even the strongest and bravest run away in terror. Some, don't call it anything at all. It's just an innate desire to fight for justice and equality for every human on the planet.
A definite shift is happening in the world. I have been pulled in a direction that I have fought against for quite some time. Yet, once I accepted that it's what I should be doing, I felt a calm come over me that I haven't felt in many years. It's time we all embrace the wild witch within us. Working with the light, the dark, and every shade in between, we can move mountains. This may be new, uncharted waters for you. It was for me over 2 decades ago. If you need help, recommendations, or just someone to hear you, come over to Raven Witchery. In times of great strife, we must pull together. The Dark Feminine is rising and we are legion.
I leave you with one of my favorite Therion tracks. Now go, embrace the dark feminine. Your sisters are waiting!
The musings of a solitary witch
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Monday, November 21, 2016
Black Friday at Notoriously Morbid (What you MUST buy and how to use it!) UPDATE! The Upside Down!
Edit: We've now seen all the colors in "The Upside Down" and I am in LOVE!!! Buy ALL the things!
It's that time of year again, when everyone is having a sale in hopes of getting some of your holiday dollars. I've had several PMs about NM since I began hyping her Black Friday sale. To be clear, I'm simply a fan of Carrie's because I feel she's a makeup GENIUS!
If you're new to the brand, it can be a little daunting. If you're new to loose eye shadows in general, it's absolutely overwhelming. What do I buy now and how do I use this stuff?!? Never fear, I can help you!
Good brushes and a good primer are essential. The best brushes I've found for applying her shadows are a flat brush. It allows you to really pack on the color. Tap it, don't swipe! If you swipe you'll lose all that lovely sparkle. For shadow primer, Urban Decay primer potion is my go-to, but Ulta's Nude Matte primer is also a good choice. Whatever works for you, go with it!
Before you do anything, go over and sign up for an account. Carrie has a rewards program and you'll get 50 points just for making said account. Use the same email you use for Facebook/Instagram then click on the "Rewards" tab at the bottom and do those things! Also, put your birth date there (it has to be at least a month before your birthday to get 250! points). Beyond that, you'll get a point for every dollar spent (except for the Vanishing Cabinet).
Speaking of, just go ahead and sign up for the Vanishing Cabinet wait list. Right now it's about a month to go from wait list to active subscription. The VC is a monthly subscription and an incredibly affordable way ($13.25 with shipping) to try out products. It's a monthly themed release. 4 products, usually. Shadows and highlighters are usually monthly. But sometimes, she will include a Mystic Matte and there was a month where we got an exclusive Changeling top coat. I've only been signed up since September but the themes so far were: Death Becomes Her, Nightmare on "NM" Street, and this month was Charmed. There's also a cabinet card with info, a clue for next months cabinet and a code for 25% off. Sometimes she does monthly trials, but with Black Friday orders, I wouldn't count on one.
You're going to need a sticky base to get the most out of these shadows. Carrie sells Shadow Bind and it's absolutely amazing. She'll have it back in stock Tuesday, so it'll be there for Black Friday. The steps to getting that color pop and amazing color shift are as follows:
Eye Shadow Primer
A matte shade that's close to the color you're using (or you can use the same color, if you so choose)
Then get your tube of Shadow Bind and dab the tiniest little bit, using your ring finger, over it. This is going to make that color absolutely shine.
Finally, apply your NM shadows by tapping over the Shadow Bind with a short, flat brush. Play with this a little bit, because you can build the color as much as you want.
So what to buy during the big sale? EVERYTHING! OK, so maybe that's just me. ;) Her BF sale is 35% off, except for sets and BF LE's, cause they're already discounted. Every order will come with a free Slumber Salve in "Carl Poppa"which is Chocolate Pudding.
The must-haves are ANYTHING Limited Edition or COTM/CCCOTM. The CotM is formulated for any number of reasons by Carrie. The CCCOTM is chosen by one of Carrie's many customers. Ideas are submitted and then run through a randomizer to pick the winner. November's COTM was Sally's Song eye shadow and if you don't buy that, you're nuts! It's absolutely fucking gorgeous. The CCCOTM for Nov/Dec is Pleasant Nightmares Cosmic Gloss. This will be part of my BF order.
We're also getting at least a couple of new Mystic Matte lipsticks. "Awful Good Girl" is an AMAZING metallic purple. A purple that I've been dying for my whole life and Carrie did it! This one is LE, so yes, buy it for the love of all the Gods! There's also another releasing called "Night Divine", a color shifting blue! I'm not sure if it's an LE but you NEED it!
Then, there's "The Upside Down" LE collection, based on Stranger Things! All we know right now is it's 4 shadows and 1 Mystic Matte lippie. It will also come in two waves. The 1st wave will come with a % off coupon for the whole year. When Wave 1 sells out, the 2nd wave will come with a Gift Card. If you want one of the % off coupons, better be quick. I hear wave one sold out in 5 minutes last year.
Shadow Bind is a given, unless you already have a sticky base to use. Also, check out her Night Kiss Lip Balms. In the drying winter months they're a necessity and for the price, you can't go wrong! Krampus Kissers Lip Balms, which are holiday themed, will be up for purchase on BF! Another Slumber Salve in a different flavor wouldn't be a bad idea either. My 7 year old daughter just got over a sinus infection. After all the nose blowing her poor little nose was awful. Two days using the Slumber Salve on it and it was all healed up.
Druidess Mystic Matte is the only red I've ever been able to pull off (besides one other of Carrie's that was a LE for September). Everyone I've seen wearing it looks AMAZING in it. I adore it so much, I bought a FS in it on Halloween (I bought the entire Burnt Flowers Fallen collection in Duowands in September, cause Type O Negative!). If you aren't sure, buy duowands. It lets you pick 2 colors in a double ended applicator. At 8 bucks they're a steal, at 35% off I feel like I'm robbing her., Trust me on this, you are going to want a full size of Druidess for sure.
I've tried MANY of the lipsticks that claim 24 hour wear and in 30 minutes they're gone. Mystic Mattes last at least 6 hours on me and for many of the other girls they get much longer wear. While they are a Matte formula, they aren't terribly drying and feel good on. I usually forget I'm even wearing them. If you must reapply, they don't get that ball-y mess that other mattes do.
As far as eye shadows go, she has a whole range of mattes (Slay Me collection). Just because you think you can only wear certain colors, doesn't mean that's true! If you like the color on your screen, buy it. Chances are you'll find it more wearable than you thought. They can be incredibly multi-purpose too. She has listed on each product page if a shadow is lip safe or not. If it is, combine it with the Mystic Matte of the day and see what happens! If you use primer they're incredibly long wearing. And the new Semi-loose formula some shadows now come in, I've found, don't always need a primer. If I'm in a rush and grab the semi-loose shadows I have, I still get incredible payoff even without priming. When I use primer and shadow bind, this stuff doesn't budge.
I also own several of her Highlighters and Blushes. The formula is so comfortable to wear. Changeling topcoats are worn over your chosen Mystic Matte shade and totally change the look by adding a sheer coat of a different color.
She has some gift sets that are coming too. We don't know much about them yet but if you're new to the brand, they're definitely worth checking out!
Also, Carrie allows combining of orders with code "combineme". So if you order and then forget to add something to it, you can go back, buy it and use that code at checkout Then you aren't charged double shipping. We know that some past LE MM and shadows are making an appearance and there'll be flash sales all weekend long!
Whew! I think I covered everything. If you have any questions, send 'em my way and I'll help all I can. :)
I hope you have a safe holiday season. Filled with the love of those you adore and plenty of laughter. Oh, and lots and LOTS of sparkle!! I'm going to leave you with my daughters wish she put on a wishing tree the other night. May we all be as loving and selfless as this little girl.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Beauty Routine
I'm posting this for a friend who called today, asking about my makeup and routine. Keep in mind, I don't do all of this EVERY day. However, it's a comprehensive list for a reason. The ones that are *'d are the ones I do pretty much every day. Some days I don't wear any makeup at all so eyeliner/mascara don't get worn.
Indie Makeup companies I mention: Notriously Morbid or NM and Aromaleigh
*Wash your face. Please, please do this, even if you did it as part of your nightly routine. Your skin will thank you. I use a handmade soap from Ashes and Alchemy.
*Micellar Water. This stuff is a holy grail for me. I absolutely adore it!
*Moisturizer - I use Andalou Naturals Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream I know, it says night repair but I use it in the morning as well.
Then I use Garnier Naturals 5 Second Blur
Next, a face primer. Right now I'm using Sephora Collection Ultra Smoothing Primer Just a word about primers, I know that some companies have color correcting primers. Just like with all make-up, there is no one size fits all. Many of them are going to have too much correcting color, in my experience. Too much green = jaundiced. If you MUST use a color correcter, buy a loose powder and apply with a very light hand. A fiber optic brush is a better option and again a light hand.
Concealer - I know it's going to sound cheesy, but Hard Candy's Glamoflauge has worked amazingly well for me. Squeeze a tiny bit onto the back of your hand and use a concealer brush. It's not going to take much and it stays in place after blending.
Foundation - Kat Von D's Lock-It Foundation This is a heavy coverage foundation and can be used to cover up tattoos if the need arises. Please, for the love of all you hold sacred, use a foundation brush! I kept hearing, "One pump will cover your whole face", it was taking me 3!! Bought a foundation brush, one pump on the back of the hand and voila! If you don't have a Sephora close by to find your match, and taking a gamble at $35 isn't advisable, there are sellers on ebay who sell samples.
Next, you need to set your foundation, especially if you have oily skin. Right now, depending on the day, I'm either using a barely there loose face powder, or a Mattifying Balm from Elf. I am dying to try this High Definition Pressed Powder from Lunatik Labs.
I mean, c'mon, do you SEE that packaging?
Highlight, Contour, Blush - Right now, my go-to for all 3 are from Notoriously Morbid
I do have a highlighter stick, palette, and eyebrow highlight stick from Hard Candy. They are cream based so are a little tricky to work with until you get used to them.
Brushes are incredibly important in this regard. So please, go check out Phyrra's Pale Girls Guide to Contouring
Next up, eyes! They are, after all, the windows to the soul.
I no longer used pressed shadows. I haven't used pressed shadows in about 8 years. For a very, very long time I used Aromaleigh Well, no, let me rephrase that, I still do! Until today, when I bought some contouring and highlighting shades I hadn't bought from her in many, many years. I just recently began shopping with Carrie, over at Notoriously Morbid. Her colors are absolutely breath-taking and in themes/color schemes that I adore. I am, however, getting ahead of myself a bit. There is a step before shadows.
PRIMER! Yes, we prime the face and we prime the eyes. Primer gives loose shadows something to adhere to.UD Primer Potion I've tried many, many primers and this one is my favorite.
Then I'll use a Matte shadow that's close to the color I intend to wear, or I'll use the color I am wearing as a bit of a base. I do this because we have another step when using glittery/duo chrome shadows.
Many of NM's shadows are glittery or duo chrome. So they need a sticky base to adhere to in order to see all that sparkle or color-shifting goodness. And NM has you covered with Shadow Bind Just a tiny dab (and I do mean tiny) tapped over the shadow layer you just put on (do one eye at a time) then use a short, flat brush and tap it onto the lid. Don't swipe or you'll lose all the sparkly you're trying to bring out.
*Eyeliner - Oh the bane of my existence. I have discovered, as I've gotten older, that my eyes are entirely too wet for lining the waterline. However, I do line the lid at the lashline and for that I use Nyx Slide on Pencil I will sometimes use it to line the lower lashline. Most of the time now, though, I use a dark eyeshadow.
*I finish the eyes off with Maybelline's Falsies Push up drama
The lashes in this pic are not actual falsies.
Exfoliate the lips using a toothbrush and then I use NM's Mystic Mattes. Some days it's just that. Other days I apply lip liner and NM's Changeling topcoat. Those topcoats are AMAZING.
I have many finishing powders to choose from to swipe lightly over my face before setting it all in place. It depends on the look I'm going for that day.
To finish the look and make sure it stays where I put it, I use Urban Decay's All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
I tried several drugstore brands and my main complaint was when I went to take it all off at night I had to scrub. It was almost like having a light film of spray glue on my skin.
So now I've worn some or all of this on my face, what do I do to get it off?
Ashes & Alchemy soap to remove the bulk of the foundation.
Micellar Water to get any residue off.
NIght Repair Cream
*And just before bed I use Slumber Salve from NM.
3 times a week I use Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and if I'm having a horrible skin day there are essential oils that get used as well.
I know, it seems like a LOT, but many days foundation and eyeliner/mascara is all I actually manage in the makeup department. However, I clean and prep my face every morning and evening.
Hope this helps!
Indie Makeup companies I mention: Notriously Morbid or NM and Aromaleigh
*Wash your face. Please, please do this, even if you did it as part of your nightly routine. Your skin will thank you. I use a handmade soap from Ashes and Alchemy.
*Micellar Water. This stuff is a holy grail for me. I absolutely adore it!
*Moisturizer - I use Andalou Naturals Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream I know, it says night repair but I use it in the morning as well.
Then I use Garnier Naturals 5 Second Blur
Next, a face primer. Right now I'm using Sephora Collection Ultra Smoothing Primer Just a word about primers, I know that some companies have color correcting primers. Just like with all make-up, there is no one size fits all. Many of them are going to have too much correcting color, in my experience. Too much green = jaundiced. If you MUST use a color correcter, buy a loose powder and apply with a very light hand. A fiber optic brush is a better option and again a light hand.
Concealer - I know it's going to sound cheesy, but Hard Candy's Glamoflauge has worked amazingly well for me. Squeeze a tiny bit onto the back of your hand and use a concealer brush. It's not going to take much and it stays in place after blending.
Foundation - Kat Von D's Lock-It Foundation This is a heavy coverage foundation and can be used to cover up tattoos if the need arises. Please, for the love of all you hold sacred, use a foundation brush! I kept hearing, "One pump will cover your whole face", it was taking me 3!! Bought a foundation brush, one pump on the back of the hand and voila! If you don't have a Sephora close by to find your match, and taking a gamble at $35 isn't advisable, there are sellers on ebay who sell samples.
Next, you need to set your foundation, especially if you have oily skin. Right now, depending on the day, I'm either using a barely there loose face powder, or a Mattifying Balm from Elf. I am dying to try this High Definition Pressed Powder from Lunatik Labs.
I mean, c'mon, do you SEE that packaging?
Highlight, Contour, Blush - Right now, my go-to for all 3 are from Notoriously Morbid
I do have a highlighter stick, palette, and eyebrow highlight stick from Hard Candy. They are cream based so are a little tricky to work with until you get used to them.
Brushes are incredibly important in this regard. So please, go check out Phyrra's Pale Girls Guide to Contouring
Next up, eyes! They are, after all, the windows to the soul.
I no longer used pressed shadows. I haven't used pressed shadows in about 8 years. For a very, very long time I used Aromaleigh Well, no, let me rephrase that, I still do! Until today, when I bought some contouring and highlighting shades I hadn't bought from her in many, many years. I just recently began shopping with Carrie, over at Notoriously Morbid. Her colors are absolutely breath-taking and in themes/color schemes that I adore. I am, however, getting ahead of myself a bit. There is a step before shadows.
PRIMER! Yes, we prime the face and we prime the eyes. Primer gives loose shadows something to adhere to.UD Primer Potion I've tried many, many primers and this one is my favorite.
Then I'll use a Matte shadow that's close to the color I intend to wear, or I'll use the color I am wearing as a bit of a base. I do this because we have another step when using glittery/duo chrome shadows.
Many of NM's shadows are glittery or duo chrome. So they need a sticky base to adhere to in order to see all that sparkle or color-shifting goodness. And NM has you covered with Shadow Bind Just a tiny dab (and I do mean tiny) tapped over the shadow layer you just put on (do one eye at a time) then use a short, flat brush and tap it onto the lid. Don't swipe or you'll lose all the sparkly you're trying to bring out.
*Eyeliner - Oh the bane of my existence. I have discovered, as I've gotten older, that my eyes are entirely too wet for lining the waterline. However, I do line the lid at the lashline and for that I use Nyx Slide on Pencil I will sometimes use it to line the lower lashline. Most of the time now, though, I use a dark eyeshadow.
*I finish the eyes off with Maybelline's Falsies Push up drama
The lashes in this pic are not actual falsies.
Exfoliate the lips using a toothbrush and then I use NM's Mystic Mattes. Some days it's just that. Other days I apply lip liner and NM's Changeling topcoat. Those topcoats are AMAZING.
I have many finishing powders to choose from to swipe lightly over my face before setting it all in place. It depends on the look I'm going for that day.
To finish the look and make sure it stays where I put it, I use Urban Decay's All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
I tried several drugstore brands and my main complaint was when I went to take it all off at night I had to scrub. It was almost like having a light film of spray glue on my skin.
So now I've worn some or all of this on my face, what do I do to get it off?
Ashes & Alchemy soap to remove the bulk of the foundation.
Micellar Water to get any residue off.
NIght Repair Cream
*And just before bed I use Slumber Salve from NM.
3 times a week I use Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and if I'm having a horrible skin day there are essential oils that get used as well.
I know, it seems like a LOT, but many days foundation and eyeliner/mascara is all I actually manage in the makeup department. However, I clean and prep my face every morning and evening.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Autumn, the closing of chapters and Samhain!!
Be spiderwebbed and glazed in frost
She wears death beautifully
More stunning now than in her life
On a bed of autumn leaves
She wears death beautifully
More stunning now than in her life
On a bed of autumn leaves
So something has happened more than once that I feel the need to address. I make no secret of the fact I'm a witch. Pretty much everyone that knows me knows this about me. I don't expect everyone to understand it, however, if I don't send you witchy messages personally I expect you to afford me the same courtesy. If I show you that much respect then you should show me the same, right? Right. So consider this, the next time you send out Jesus chain letters and you send it directly to my inbox, I'm going to call you out on it. Don't say you respect/understand and then show me how much you actually DON'T by sending me preachy chain letters. It does nothing for your cause (not that chain letters achieve anything, anyway) and only serves to make me question your motives. I don't proselytize at you, don't do it to me. If you do, then our friendship means absolutely zilch to you. Also, if I spend hours doing something you've asked of me and you then disregard it, don't expect me to do further things for you. My time is better spent watching paint dry or grass grow.
This years Raqs Synister is in the books and I'm still not sure exactly how I feel. Make no mistake, Classic Horror was the best RS to date. Everyone was phenomenal, from what I saw through the little curtain crack in the corner. For me personally, it was a big night. It was my final performance on stage. I think I did Baba Yaga proud, for she has now stopped being so insistent. So here's to the closing of chapters and writing of new ones! There are never any candid pictures of me at any event, so that our ticket taker took the time to snap one of my beloved and I was really awesome. Thanks B!
Samhain is on the horizon and I have already witnessed the thinning of the veil. Which is rather exciting for me. I'll be performing a small ritual the night of the 31st as we head into the new year. It's more about reflection and symbolism for me but it's such an important day in my practice. I shed the last vestiges of the old and usher in the new. November 1st will see many, many things begin for me and mine.
House stuff is still coming along. They came and did the survey on Thursday. Then yesterday the new maps were drawn. So we're moving steadily forward! My little one also had her 1st day at the brand new school buildings yesterday. Last year and the 1st month of this year, SRCA was in a temporary location. Now we have a beautiful new school and we're all so incredibly proud of where we are. I'm also in the process of discovery for implementing a meditation program at our school!
Anyway, some targeted blog posts are coming. Chaos has died down so I can now focus on some projects that had to sit by the wayside for a while. I hope October brings you as much joy as it always brings me!
Till next time,
M
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Chaos! Raqs Synister & Halloween weddings!
Right now, my life can be summed up in one word, chaos. My better half just went back to work after 4 days of PTO time to de-stress. Next Friday begins more PTO time as we head to Concord for Raqs Synister: Classic Horror! I'm so excited to see my Concord family. It's been a whole year since I've been with my people. That's about 8 months too long.
I'm in the throes of doing playlists for my girlfriends Halloween wedding. She gave me a list of songs for the ceremony and I'm putting together the music for the reception. She decided the other night that she wants a dark love song played in the middle of the ceremony. Now, what *I* would personally use is probably not appropriate. I see love where others just don't if they don't listen to the music I do all.the.time. This was really my first choice.
How fucking sexy is that? It was only when I listened that I realized the lyrics: "And no fucking mortal lover will take you from my waiting arms". So that one probably needs to wait for reception and not be in the actual ceremony.
So I sent her a couple of links to others that will work, I think. If they don't make it into the ceremony then to the reception they go!
This one has long been a favorite of mine. I'm just not sure how she'll feel about it.
And this one is one that has a lot more meaning to me than most realize. However, I'm willing to share it with her if she wants!
Anyway, she has several requests for the reception and I have a bunch of ideas for songs, too. I absolutely LOVE doing these sorts of things.Were it my wedding I'd probably toss in some My Dying Bride and some Cradle of Filth.
I've also got to get Raqs Synister pre-show music done. And I'm achieving nothing by typing this so I'll post at you guys later!!!
I'm in the throes of doing playlists for my girlfriends Halloween wedding. She gave me a list of songs for the ceremony and I'm putting together the music for the reception. She decided the other night that she wants a dark love song played in the middle of the ceremony. Now, what *I* would personally use is probably not appropriate. I see love where others just don't if they don't listen to the music I do all.the.time. This was really my first choice.
How fucking sexy is that? It was only when I listened that I realized the lyrics: "And no fucking mortal lover will take you from my waiting arms". So that one probably needs to wait for reception and not be in the actual ceremony.
So I sent her a couple of links to others that will work, I think. If they don't make it into the ceremony then to the reception they go!
This one has long been a favorite of mine. I'm just not sure how she'll feel about it.
And this one is one that has a lot more meaning to me than most realize. However, I'm willing to share it with her if she wants!
Anyway, she has several requests for the reception and I have a bunch of ideas for songs, too. I absolutely LOVE doing these sorts of things.Were it my wedding I'd probably toss in some My Dying Bride and some Cradle of Filth.
I've also got to get Raqs Synister pre-show music done. And I'm achieving nothing by typing this so I'll post at you guys later!!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
1st day back to school
Our summer vacation is officially over. :( My little girl had her 1st day of 2nd grade today. She was so excited to actually get there this morning that we had to leave even earlier than we'd planned! We did get the customary 1st day of school picture.
When we were walking back to the car, one of her classmates and his mom were coming down the hill. I hadn't seen her in a little over 4 weeks, at another classmates birthday party. The first words out of her mouth were, "Girl, you're looking good! You're wasting away to nothin'!" Now while that is a little bit of an exaggeration, it did sort of make my day a little bit. We're 2/3rds of the way done with the Couch to 5K program and we've all been working hard at it. Today I tried on a pair of jeans that just 2 weeks ago wouldn't even come close to fitting. Now they do, but they don't stretch at all. So they give me a muffin top. BUT I suspect in a couple more weeks that won't be the case. I can see in my face that it's significantly slimmer, too.
After we dropped her off, we went for some breakfast then to the bank to get paperwork the loan company needed. We went to drop it off with our agent but she wasn't scheduled to be in until 10. So, we grabbed the keys and went to check out our new home again. The other half didn't think we'd stay long enough to wait for her. I proved him wrong! We did insane things we hadn't done before. Like counting all the outlets in the kitchen (there are 7!). About 5 minutes before the agent was due in, we heard a knock on the door and then the key in the lock. It was her walking over to see us. Which gave me the opportunity to show her the 3 tiny dings that need fixed. She told us to expect more by the time it's set up and they'd get them all fixed. They don't get paid until we do a final walk through and sign off on everything.
I'm hoping tomorrow to make a huge dent in the packing. Since I'll have the house to myself from the time LA's dropped off until I have to leave to pick her up. I'll tell you though, I'm missing my books and witchy stuff pretty badly. It was some of the first to be packed and now I'm regretting that decision. I know it had to be done but just, ugh!
Anyway, it's getting late and I'm tired. The 6 a.m. wake up this morning was a rude one. I'll be back in the swing of things in a week or so. I do have some ideas brewing for the blog. I just need time to implement them. I need a clone...or 24 more hours in a day, whichever, I'm not picky. No? Well then this witchy's off to bed!
When we were walking back to the car, one of her classmates and his mom were coming down the hill. I hadn't seen her in a little over 4 weeks, at another classmates birthday party. The first words out of her mouth were, "Girl, you're looking good! You're wasting away to nothin'!" Now while that is a little bit of an exaggeration, it did sort of make my day a little bit. We're 2/3rds of the way done with the Couch to 5K program and we've all been working hard at it. Today I tried on a pair of jeans that just 2 weeks ago wouldn't even come close to fitting. Now they do, but they don't stretch at all. So they give me a muffin top. BUT I suspect in a couple more weeks that won't be the case. I can see in my face that it's significantly slimmer, too.
After we dropped her off, we went for some breakfast then to the bank to get paperwork the loan company needed. We went to drop it off with our agent but she wasn't scheduled to be in until 10. So, we grabbed the keys and went to check out our new home again. The other half didn't think we'd stay long enough to wait for her. I proved him wrong! We did insane things we hadn't done before. Like counting all the outlets in the kitchen (there are 7!). About 5 minutes before the agent was due in, we heard a knock on the door and then the key in the lock. It was her walking over to see us. Which gave me the opportunity to show her the 3 tiny dings that need fixed. She told us to expect more by the time it's set up and they'd get them all fixed. They don't get paid until we do a final walk through and sign off on everything.
I'm hoping tomorrow to make a huge dent in the packing. Since I'll have the house to myself from the time LA's dropped off until I have to leave to pick her up. I'll tell you though, I'm missing my books and witchy stuff pretty badly. It was some of the first to be packed and now I'm regretting that decision. I know it had to be done but just, ugh!
Anyway, it's getting late and I'm tired. The 6 a.m. wake up this morning was a rude one. I'll be back in the swing of things in a week or so. I do have some ideas brewing for the blog. I just need time to implement them. I need a clone...or 24 more hours in a day, whichever, I'm not picky. No? Well then this witchy's off to bed!
Sunday, August 21, 2016
The journey ahead
I'll admit it, I'm the worlds worst to want to plan everything down to the last detail. That leads to a lot of things I WANT to achieve falling by the wayside. Most of the time, I don't ask for help/bounce ideas off of people, since the few times I have absolutely nothing happened. I was met with enthusiasm at the time, then crickets. Which has led to me becoming more and more solitary. I have vowed to myself that I'll continue the journey, because it's what I'm meant to do. I'll stop trying to plan everything to the last detail and step outside the comfort zone a little.
It was pointed out to me a week or so back that it seemed I had been replaced. Not seeing the forest for the trees, I hadn't even realized. Once it was said SO much then made perfect sense.
That leads me to the journey I'm on now. In Witchcraft/Paganism I've watched it ebb and flow many times. I've also noticed when the ebb happens is when the calling is strongest for me. My intention is to not let that calling fade when the resurgence begins anew. The only time I ever recall staying active during the boom in Paganism was about 16 years ago. Back then, there were 3 well-known Pagan auction houses, in addition to Ebay. Anything you wanted could be found among the 4 and the pricing was incredibly reasonable. Over the 24+ years as a practicing Pagan, I've owned my own online esoteric shop, written a 52 week year and a day program, read Tarot for hundreds of people (recently I've begun offering Tarot readings for others again), and seen Paganism gain incredible ground.
When I came to the path, learning materials were scarce. A lot of the books and resources I used are either no longer available or severely outdated. Now? There's almost too much to choose from. Sifting through it can be a daunting task. I look at the offerings from Amazon and it's overwhelming to me. I can only imagine what it's like for a new practitioner.
Know that people, even those that walk the path of Paganism, won't understand completely your particular spirituality. The old adage of 'Ask a dozen witches & you'll get a dozen answers.' is more factual than you realize. Do what feels right for you. Believe what feels right. Practice the way you see fit. This is your journey, with your heart and soul. It's up to you if you tell others. There is no hard and fast rule. In some places, even today, revealing yourself can be dangerous. Be smart.
In the future, I intend to do reviews, vlogs, in depth articles, poetry and prose, recipes, and anything else my brain thinks up. If I feel it's of benefit to others then I'll place it here.
Ultimately, if you don't know where to start, Google is your friend. If something you read raises questions, research it further. Paganism has no "one book" but that need not be a barrier. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, just like me who are willing to help you on the path. I'm not a teacher, I'm a guide. This process is about learning. If you walk this path, you'll spend the rest of your life discovering new knowledge.
Now it's time for me to get away from the PC and on to a play date. Wednesday school starts and a whole new set of adventures awaits!
It was pointed out to me a week or so back that it seemed I had been replaced. Not seeing the forest for the trees, I hadn't even realized. Once it was said SO much then made perfect sense.
That leads me to the journey I'm on now. In Witchcraft/Paganism I've watched it ebb and flow many times. I've also noticed when the ebb happens is when the calling is strongest for me. My intention is to not let that calling fade when the resurgence begins anew. The only time I ever recall staying active during the boom in Paganism was about 16 years ago. Back then, there were 3 well-known Pagan auction houses, in addition to Ebay. Anything you wanted could be found among the 4 and the pricing was incredibly reasonable. Over the 24+ years as a practicing Pagan, I've owned my own online esoteric shop, written a 52 week year and a day program, read Tarot for hundreds of people (recently I've begun offering Tarot readings for others again), and seen Paganism gain incredible ground.
When I came to the path, learning materials were scarce. A lot of the books and resources I used are either no longer available or severely outdated. Now? There's almost too much to choose from. Sifting through it can be a daunting task. I look at the offerings from Amazon and it's overwhelming to me. I can only imagine what it's like for a new practitioner.
Know that people, even those that walk the path of Paganism, won't understand completely your particular spirituality. The old adage of 'Ask a dozen witches & you'll get a dozen answers.' is more factual than you realize. Do what feels right for you. Believe what feels right. Practice the way you see fit. This is your journey, with your heart and soul. It's up to you if you tell others. There is no hard and fast rule. In some places, even today, revealing yourself can be dangerous. Be smart.
In the future, I intend to do reviews, vlogs, in depth articles, poetry and prose, recipes, and anything else my brain thinks up. If I feel it's of benefit to others then I'll place it here.
Ultimately, if you don't know where to start, Google is your friend. If something you read raises questions, research it further. Paganism has no "one book" but that need not be a barrier. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, just like me who are willing to help you on the path. I'm not a teacher, I'm a guide. This process is about learning. If you walk this path, you'll spend the rest of your life discovering new knowledge.
Now it's time for me to get away from the PC and on to a play date. Wednesday school starts and a whole new set of adventures awaits!
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