A New YEAR!

Merry Meet, everyone!

What a beautiful evening last night for the first ritual of the new year. Hubby worked earlier in the day to help me set up the hard surfaces marking my area of the yard. As I prepared for the evening, I took mental notes of things that need to be included in the book. I also learned the importance of the book. I've spent time all week making sure I had the necessary supplies lacking in my cupboard. What I failed to do was pull existing items from the cabinet and gather everything together.

Lesson learned - Have a Basics Casket. This will include the candles necessary to mark the quarters as well as the God/ Goddess candles, salt/ water receptacles, bell, snuffer.  I'll actually have 2 sets of these items. One set will remain on my permanent altar in the house and the other set will be kept in a container to be for  outside rituals.

As we turn the wheel towards the Yule season, I have finally found Bayberry candles. They are called a Holiday Bayberry and available through Yankee Candle. Not the least expensive by any means but they are available. However, you're only going to find them during the holiday season, though you might be able to order them on-line throughout the year. The tealights/ votives cost about .99 each. So as we begin preparing for Yule, now is the time to check the Yule Casket.

Blessings on your new year!
~Rain

On-Line Workshop with author Deborah Blake

Last fall, Miss Deborah asked several of her blog followers the question 'if I over on-line classes, would any of you be interested in taking them?" She also wanted to know what areas would interest us and a price point we'd be willing to pay.  I was one of the first to soundly respond, YES! LOL Not because I think she knows everything (but close) but more in how she delivers the information. I knew her classes would have the same tone as her books. And if you've not read at least one of her books, why not? If for no other reason than to get acquainted with Magic the cat. He's a very important part of her teaching... a teacher's aide if you will.

As a solitary, I've especially appreciated Miss Deborah's time (and her partner, Heather) because it gives me a chance to network with other like-minds. To learn something from the participants and share any information I might be able to add.

I've taken all of her classes this year and wouldn't miss the last one of the season. I feel it's one of the most important for a witch at any level... Celebrating Samhain and Ritual Basics.  Our new year begins on Samhain. What better time to acquaint yourself with ritual basics then as part of your celebration?

The class begins on Monday, October 29th so fly over to the link and swipe your PayPal account for a great three days of networking.

Some of her postings will come from her recent book, Everyday Book of Rituals. Although the book is not a requirement for the class, it's the perfect addition to your library. Consider it a New Year's gift to yourself. ;-)

Many Blessings
~Rain

Coming up for Air

The autumn colors have been gorgeous the past few days. With the drought all summer, followed by periods of heavy rain, we really didn't expect Mother Nature to bless us with such a beautiful show. But then she loves to surprise us, doesn't she.

Aside from rain, the colors were the highlight of my weekend in Eureka Springs Ar last weekend. I struggled for days whether or I wanted to attend the OzarkCreativeWriters conference at all. Which, if you know me, you know that is soooo not like me. I look forward to the second weekend in Oct. For the past 19 years, it's been my get away. ES has such a cool vibe and it's a great place to recharge your soul before hibernation sets in. But this week I just wasn't feelin' it. Had I not arranged to share with a good friend whom I know couldn't have afforded to go otherwise, I'd have chucked my registration fee and stayed home.

It didn't get any better when I discovered someone else had decided to room with me... after I'd sent her an email (and gotten a reply which she claims never happened) to the contrary. If by chance by friend hadn't been able to attend, I was looking forward to 3 days in a hotel room by myself. Away from home bound responsibilities in a place I consider a 2nd home.

To say the least, the energy all weekend was just off-kilter. I did learn one valuable lesson. Always keep a travel magic casket for emergency cleansings! You just never know when someone is going to invade your much needed space, leaving their garbage all around.

On the upside, I did get a clearer picture of my book-in-progress from a marketing standpoint. And won $75 total for 2 contest entries... one for a story about my oldest granddaughter and one for a paranormal short about the Whipporwill's song.

On my way home I stopped at B & N for the current issue of Witches & Pagans and Deborah Blake's new book Everyday Witch Book of Rituals: All You Need for a Magickal Year  I'm hoping to get it read this week and post a review. Deborah wrote it so it has to be awesome and full of information.

Off to clean the house before hubby gets home.
Blessings
~Rain

The Green House

I know I promised you these pics a couple weeks ago. I spaced it. I apologize.

The bare bones were a gift from a local greenhouse owner/ friend.

Actually, I got the seed tables - 4 each 10' long and the PVC tubing about two years ago. That fall Bob leveled the ground, set in 8x8 timbers with large spikes (those ties aren't going anywhere!) then drilled holes evenly spaced apart to hold the PVC tubing. Then he cut the tubes in the top center, added shorter pieces with connectors. This created a solid frame across the top to stabilize the over-all frame.

For the past year and a half, the frame was covered with a tarp and used to house the wood splitter and the four wheeler while I kept my eyes open for used storm doors. Used ones are easy to find... it's finding them with the screens and windows still intact that created the problem. I finally found 2 complete doors this summer for $15 each!

So while my MIL was here visiting with her husband Dick, he and Bob spent two days creating the end caps. Yes, they're square for a Quonset-style shape. (don't ask lol) I lost track of how many tractor buckets of pea gravel we dumped into there. I do know the floor base is about 4"-5" thick and the overall area is 24'x10'.

We purchased a 100' roll of greenhouse grade plastic at Menards. We stretched out the length we needed, then DOUBLED it for extra durability.

That's a lot of plastic! But it created this lovely tunnel...

And this is what I have to work with:

The 4 seed tables are secured to sawbucks... with 2 seed tables down either long side. I have about 2' of clearance for a center isle. At the far end there is space on one side for my garment rack which will hold a over the door shoe organizer for my herbs and hopefully a small cabinet on the other side. The back door steps out to within feet of the compost bins. The front door is just a few steps away from a vintage mechanic's garage cabinet

and the garden shed I've always wanted. (Picture coming soon)

And yes, that is my real life Hero. He is just the sweetest man you could ask to be married to. I thank the God and Goddess every day for bringing us together almost thirty years ago.

Deborah Blake's New Book!

Okay... I don't get here as often as I'd like. Life just gets crazy, ya know. But when great things come along I have to share.

Deborah Blake's new book, Everyday Witch Book of Rituals is the absolute best follow-up to her Witchcraft on a Shoestring you could ever ask for. Have I read it yet? No. Deborah just received her copies this week and although they won't be available until Oct. 8th, I am seeing the book listed on Llewllyn Publishing. That doesn't mean they're shipping yet, but wouldn't it be cool to be one of the first in your coven to have it?

I have been working on some things in the background. I've joined a Yahoo Group of very creative ladies and we're already working on our first Tag swap with a Samhain theme. I can't wait to play.

Blessings!
~Rain 

Going Green and Sustainability

There's a lot to be discussed within the title of today's post. With the help of my father-in-law, Bob finally got the greenhouse finished. What's left are the touches I'll add to the inside. I'll have pics to show tomorrow.

Along with my desire to grow as much of our own food as possible, I'm gradually getting Bob into the 'stock up' and 'animal keeping' frame of mind. While we were at Lowes last weekend I found this really cool book: 'Building Projects for Backyard Farmers and Home Gardeners'  21 fabulous ideas. I doubt I'll use them all, but they do have my wheels turning. Even though fall is just around the corner, now is the time to be thinking ahead to next spring.

And if you're in the mood to add a water feature for enjoyment, check this book out: Outdoor Water Features

I had intended this post to be a bit more in depth but Mother Nature has other plans. Storms are brewing which means I'm pushing to touch base with everyone before I must unplug the modem.

Safe Blessings!
~ Rain

The Creative Journey

Merry Meet, everyone!

Wow, it’s been awhile. I keep allowing other things to take over my life. Not ‘bad’ things, I just get tunnel vision on something and everything else seems to fall off a cliff. Over the past few months I’ve been doing better about ‘living the path’, I just haven’t been blogging about it. I’m starting to finally find a balance and still continue on the journey to be better in a lot of areas of my life… to get out of the tunnel and into the light

One of the things that I’ve been focused on lately is mixed-media art. Because we’ve talked about the journal on here before, I’ve really felt the pull towards paint and papers and revamping things… mostly books. I’ve ordered DVD tutorials from Interweave, posting pieces other than cards to my creative blog and just allowing myself the freedom to PLAY! It’s been an amazing experience.

Through the journey, I’ve met some really cool people… a group of creative Pagans who also love paper, paint, rubberstamps, mixed media and all that other awesome stuff that helps channel the creative energy into works of art. I feel so blessed to have been invited to be a part of this yahoogroup. I spent two hours last night checking out their blogs… and blogs linked from theirs. I feel as if the forest has opened up to a wonderful clearing surrounded by cottages. Each cottage houses a creative spirit, enjoying what they do and willing to share it with others.

One of the projects I’ve wanted to do for a very long time is a Book of Shadows. Not just any BOS but a mixed-media book that reflects ME. A true BOS not only contains incantations, charms, quotes, etc, but also the energy of the person who puts the book together. Right now, my creative energy is flowing like crazy. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to jump right in. It’s that ‘focus’ thing.

First off, I want to finish up UFP (unfinished projects) that have been sitting for way longer than they should have. My hope is to continue to think, sketch, dream about where my BOS wants to lead me. As soon as it’s in progress, I’ll begin showing it here.

So, how have you put together your BOS? Do you use a 3-ring binder? Computer generated or handwritten notes? Is it ‘artsy’ or more traditional? Please share your thoughts.

One lucky comment will be drawn to receive an envelope of ephemera to use on your creative journey.

Many Blessings
~ Rain

Getting back on track

I always seem to be doing that, don't I?

My pledge for 2012 is to be better on a lot of things.

My organization system was all set up to kick off the new year smoothly. Then somewhere out of the darkness came a sinus infection. I fought it - and won - over the course of 14 days. Now I'm healthy and working tirelessly to get caught up and on track.

One of the things I'm hoping will help keep me on the Spiritual path is to take some classes. My first one in a series begins next week with Deborah Blake. You can read her blog post about it HERE The cost is affordable and being taught by someone I trust.

The first class, Introduction to Modern Witchcraft (and all subsequent classes) will be taught through a Yahoo Group Loop. You can check out the HomePage for all the info and how to sign up. I like classes taught in this format. I've taken a lot of writing courses this way. You can back-read if you miss a day, converse with other classmates on the material and ask questions of the instructor.

As a side note: The above mentioned Yahoo Group is totally separate from the Cauldron Writers Group I've talked about before. The class group is strictly for her workshops.

I'm not taking this particular course because I feel I need it, but because it's the first in what we hope will be a series of classes Deborah will offer over the coming months.

Having taught courses in this venue, I know first-hand how time consuming this is for her. It takes away from her personal life, coven life and business. (Did you know she has some of the most beautiful jewelry you'll ever want to wear?) So I encourage my friends to take the course and get to know this awesome lady. Who knows... there may be a gem of something you didn't know hidden in those magical posts.

Many Blessings

Rain