Enchanted Garden Studio

Amazon Associates & Blog Exchange

2011-08-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess because I live in California I can't be an Amazon Associate any more.. That's such a bummer! I really enjoy having the ability to recommend all sorts of books and products... but that's ok. I'll still be posting all my favorites... it was just so easy to use Amazon with Blogger.

I feel like I've been living on a different planet these past few months. So much has happened and I've been sick (i.e. resisting change) so the process of Life has been much slower than I'm used to. It's given me some time to think and (finally!!) reconnect with my Creative Muses. To me there are few things worse than being cut off from the Creative Voice of Spirit... but now that my Connection has been re-opened I'm feeling drawn to start doing some new things that I'm really excited about.

Right now I'm thinking I will keep my Enchanted Garden Studio blog (www.thewhimsicalwitch.net) open for all things Creative - Altered Art, Jewelry Making, Candle Pouring, Incense Making, Herbal Mixing... Everything I love to do all while savoring the Spiritual Connection I receive while Creating!

I will be using my Living Earth Reiki blog (http://livingearthreiki.blogspot.com/) for all things Healing. I am on this constant journey through healing - I have some chronic health conditions, as do my children. I don't think I'm the only one out there in this situation. I read a lot. My whole family is very willing to try new methods for healing. And right now I'm being given the 'green light' during my meditations to start sharing our journey by keeping an online journal about it.. so I will use the blog I currently have for my Living Earth Reiki Spiritual Healing Practice (www.livingearthreiki.com) and share my experience in the hopes that it might help even just one other person (although it is my intent for it to help more than that...)

I've noticed when we have chronic heath issues it makes us feel alone, but that's so not the case! And once we can find someone in a similar situation that is thriving and making it work, we have the opportunity to cultivate Hope within us... Once we have Hope we can really begin to start to heal... even if only on a small scale. It's all about taking 'baby steps' and being kind to ourselves. I don't want to get into too much here.. (I'll leave that for the other blog) I just wanted to share what I'll be focusing on and where. I do hope you'll join me.. I'm excited, for the first time in a very long time. I just hope my energy levels can keep up with everything I'd like to do... Guess I better go Energy Test my Green Drink to see if that's what's Healthiest for my Body right now (we'll talk lots more about Energy Testing, Supplements, Food... and all sorts of Great Stuff on the new blog!)

Thanks so much for your continued interest in my little blogs.. it means so much to me!

Until Next Time
Light, Love & Laughter...

Who's a Bad Dog?

2011-08-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but post this really funny 'Bad Dog' clip! Hopefully you'll enjoy it while I type up a few real posts and work on getting my blog rolling again. It's been so long since I've posted.. I feel like the poor 'bad dog' in the video... ha!!

What Do You Love Today?

2011-01-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I found this adorable photo online.. I just love it!

What do you wuv today?

New Goodies for my Studio

2011-01-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

I'm always excited to get new goodies for my studio, so it's not really a big surprise to me that I'm excited about my latest addition.. not only is my new Herb Scale very pretty, it is also very functional!

The new scale I just purchased is going to save me so much time on packing orders and creating new herbal mixes. I've been using it this past week and things have been moving so much smoother - I love it (and I'm sure my customers appreciate the quicker shipping as well!)

The old scale I had was a digital scale that I had lost the plug to, so I had to use batteries.. the problem was the scale would never turn off, so I was going through batteries like crazy. Plus the digital scale wasn't very cute, so I always put it away when I wasn't using it and there were a lot of days when I just couldn not find the scale no matter how badly I needed to pack and ship an order (I will not be missing those days.. ).

So my new scale, that is so pretty (and red, which you can't see from the picture) will be sitting on the file cabinet right next to my desk (for easy access) and of course, to make a lovely addition to my studio (I love how it's got an old vintage-style look to it!)

I love things that make me smile! What's making you smile today?

Until next time..

December Contest Winner

2010-12-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute and post the winner of this month's contest... it's Heather! Please email me your shipping info so I can send your prize!

Since we are on the subject of contests I thought I would post a few that I've been entering. If you have any contests running or know of anyone else that does please feel free to post the info in the comments section! I love contests.. they are so much fun. Hopefully, from now on I'll be posting a monthly contest with different ways to enter and all sorts of different types of prizes... so be sure to come back and visit to check 'em out!

Contests Around The Web:

Country Living Pay Off You Mortgage Sweepstakes (you don't have to purchase anything to enter!) www.paymymortgage.countryliving.com
Elle Magazine (you don't have to purchase anything to enter!) www.elle.com/dreams
Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Rainforest Retreat Sweepstakes http://burtsbees.promo.eprize.com/acai/

I'm sure there's tons more fun contests out there to enter, but those are just the top few I thought were really incredible! I would just like to mention as well that I don't get any thing for talking about these contests or posting their links on my blog..

Ok.. so I hope everyone is enjoying the last few days of the end of 2010. I'm so excited to see what 2011 brings (better blog content is on my list for sure.. it's time to really start blogging and see where it takes me!)

Until Next Time...

It's Monday.. How about a Contest!

2010-12-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

It's a Beautiful Monday!

The day has just gone by so fast.. I can't believe it's almost time for dinner! I got to sleep in a bit this morning, which was very nice. Usually I'm up and out of the house pretty early to drop off the kids, but since they are now officially on Holiday Break we get to take the mornings pretty slow... guess that's why the day is just flying by, there's no structure happening! Oh well.. it's good to just go with the flow sometimes and see where the day takes you.

I'm still on my cleansing and purging mission - today the focus is on my email inbox, which embarrassingly had over 20,000 emails in in. I easily get well over 100 emails a day and I've gotten very lazy and pretty much stopped deleting and organizing any of my emails. So in between bagging up things for donation and recycling I've been taking breaks at the computer and deleting old (very, very old) emails. So, now I'm down to about 12,000 - progress!

Since the kids had a day off today, and I needed a little break, I decided to put out some really big bowls and spoons along with a bunch of herbs, spices, flour and water, measuring cups and spoons and let the kids have fun making a potion! It's something I used to do when I was small and passing time in my Grandma's kitchen.. although when I would do it I would add ingredients and chant 'magic' words (think I was remembering a past life or what??) The kids had a blast making their potions and now that they're done I'm getting ready to clean and mop in the kitchen (this is also a perfect time for a special Full Moon Yule Floorwash too!)

Anyway.. while I was browsing online today I found this really cool contest from Vertical Response that I thought I'd share. There's some really amazing Apple Gift Card Prizes all just for entering a Template Design! If you decide to enter be sure to post a link, I'd love to see your design work! (I'm not getting anything for talking about the contest or the prizes, I just thought it was something fun to mention!)

So.. like I keep saying, lots of new changes are going to be up and coming.. they'll be happening slowly, but if you see things starting to look different don't say I didn't warn you!

Speaking of Change - have you decided on your 2011 Resolutions yet? Do you even do 'New Year' Resolutions? How about leaving a comment and letting me know (either here or on Facebook, I'll be posting the contest there as well) and I'll randomly choose a winner from everyone who left a comment!

Wanna know what the prize is?

The prize is going to be a Vintage Halloween Enchanted Art Curio... a large (5" long x 2 3/4" tall) Altered Art Tag that has been handcrafted (by me) using copies of Vintage Halloween Images, Ribbons, Glass & Pewter Beads and Spacers, Brads and String.

I can only ship the prize within the United States! Sorry.. next time I'll do a prize where everyone can participate! So.. to enter all you have to do is either leave a comment here or on Facebook talking about what your 2011 New Years Resolutions are. The cut off date for the contest is going to be Wed. Dec 29th. The winner will be announced on Thursday Dec 30th!

Have a Beautiful Day... and Thanks so much for Playing!

Odds and Ends

2010-12-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well this December has been really strange for me. It's the end of the calendar year and we're in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde. So, basically I'm organizing and creating for the upcoming Holiday and also purging what I won't be continuing on with during 2011. In the past letting go seemed like the hardest thing to do (for me), but now these things feel like the next step.. they feel so natural and easy to me.

So far this Holiday Season, the only time I feel the 'hectic' energy of the mass consciousness is when I allow myself to look too far ahead. If I stay in the moment and focus completely on what's in front of me - to be fully present and joyful at the same time, that's when everything works. Life flows effortlessly, activities are done easily... but, if I start trying to force things or do things coming from a place of fear or hesitation or obligation.. then I might as well just save myself all the effort and get into bed since nothing is going to work when starting from any place except for Love.

I've been learning so much over the past few months. I think I've grown more in awareness in the past few months than I probably have during the past few years... I'm so happy applying all the new tools I've been learning and doing so one step at a time. Isn't that really the trick - to not only learn, but actually use the tools and to incorporate them at a rate that actually integrates them into your life before moving on to the next thing.

So.. like I mentioned above there's lots of purging going on during this retrograde cycle, for me any way! I'm very happy to be making some much needed changes in my life. I can't wait to see how those changes play out going in to next year.. I do know that Only Good Comes to Me and that All is Well. So, no matter how my life shifts due to the new changes I know it will only be for my Best and Highest Good !

Something I'm very grateful for today...
I love Shutterfly! I did my Holiday Cards this afternoon in 20 minutes! Twenty Minutes! And Shutterfly is going to do all the mailing and envelope addressing for me - I love it! (and no, I wasn't paid to mention their website.. I just think they are terrific and so easy to use!) Check them out if you are looking for a great place to store pictures or order cards www.shutterfly.com - I've been using them for at least 8 years now and I'm so grateful for their wonderful service!

Until Next Time...

Increasing Intuition & Another Book Recommendation

2010-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time lately trying to strengthen and increase my intuition and psychic abilities. I've also been learning a lot about how to work with instead of against my empathic abilities - it becomes a bit of a challenge sometimes, but with the right tools all of a sudden things have started to fall into place.

I always have a stack of books somewhere close to me and the other day I was drawn to pick up and start reading Colette Baron-Reid's book Remembering the Future. I love spiritual books when the author talks about their own experiences and how they view things on a personal level. Sometimes, I could swear I'm going crazy and everything in my head is just my really-vivid-over-active-imagination, but when I read what other intuitives are going through, or have gone through, I feel better.. like maybe I'm not crazy. Colette had so many real experiences to share in her book and I really enjoyed reading about her process through the beginnings of her gift and how she came to accept it and herself. I liked the book so much it prompted me to purchase her other book Messages from Spirit as well as her Journey Through the Chakras CD.

I'm so excited to start working with her Chakra CD since I recently started a daily meditation practice which has opened the door for some really wonderfully magical things to start happening. I think the trick was to do the meditation on a daily basis, not just whenever I remembered - deciding and making the commitment to a daily practice lets the Universe know that you are serious about your desire for expansion and greater awareness.

Another thing I have noticed is that I really need to watch what I eat. I can get away with a few treats here and there, but I cannot have sugar on a daily basis.. it makes my intuition very fuzzy and sometimes (if I've really eaten too much of the stuff) I feel completely disconnected. So now I've started taking a probiotics. You can get probiotics in food (yogurt and keifer are great sources), but you can also purchase specific strains of probiotics that will help with symptoms you're having. Whenever I eat a little too much sugar (especially around the holidays) I always take a daily pack of ThreeLac Probiotics. The bacteria in ThreeLac helps with candida and related symptoms. It's very easy to use, it comes in single serving packs so you can toss them in your purse or travel bag for anytime use. I've heard the best way to take it is to allow the powder to dissolve in a glass for at least a few minutes prior to drinking, but you can pour the powder straight into your mouth and then take a drink after if that's the only way you can get it down (although it's really not that bad to begin with!)

I would love to hear tips & tricks from anyone who has experience in this area... What helps you tune in to your intuition? Have you found food to influence your abilities?

I have lots more to post, but it's getting late... so until next time..

Blessings & Light

Lots to Catch Up On...

2010-11-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, I really feel like I've been missing here from the Land of Blog. So, lots to catch up on.. I think I'll just break everything down into smaller posts over the next few days. That's one of the things I've been working on.. making lists and actually using them!

I've been working on so much lately. Doing a lot of body and energy work, really trying to expand my awareness and reading... never-endingly-reading. It's take quite a few months, since the kids have gone back to school, of almost non-stop working on myself, but I think I'm getting to a point where I feel like progress is being made. After the last 9 years I've just been through, I never thought this day would ever exist again.. I honestly felt I was destined to live a half-life that basically consisted of being a slave for the ones I love. And now, well.. things are changing at an incredible rate and I'm just so excited! So.. I feel like working a daily blog post into my routine shouldn't be a difficult thing, especially when I'm going to be blogging about all sorts of really incredible stuff that you are just going to love! Hopefully the information I share with you will help you on your path as much as it has helped me along mine...

Since I've been reading so many books I thought maybe posting some book reviews might be a good idea - I honestly worry sometimes that I won't have enough time to read (or listen) to all the books I need to hear before I'm gone from this reality. And then of course I remember that the answers to everything we need to know are already inside of us, so I calm down.. but having a book catapult you into the right direction sometimes sure does help! And then of course all the books just-for-fun that are out there.. well, don't get me started!

So.. The first book I really want to share with everyone is Path of Empowerment - Pleiadian Wisdom for a World in Chaos by Barbara Marciniak. I've got about a chapter and a half to go until I'm finished, but I just couldn't wait to post this one! Basically we can choose to live in any world we want to and our reality can and will shift when our beliefs do. This book can help to really expand your beliefs and help confirm a lot of the things you may be thinking or feeling, but maybe you're not sure about it.. "are you just making it up?" or "could it be real?" This book for me help to confirm a lot of what I was 'knowing' but didn't trust myself enough to just go with. I think I sat in awe just reading the first chapter.. I felt like I was taken to another time itself, a time when suddenly everything in my world made sense. A few of the Chapter Titles (just to get you excited):

Multidimensional Reality and the Design of Existence
Energy and Frequency - A New Playground of the Mind
Accelerated Energy and Stretching Your Mind in the Nanosecond of Time
The Intimate Dance of Beliefs and Emotions

I won't give anymore away, but I will just say the chapter on Sexuality (chapter six) is amazing! So either pick up a copy from Amazon.com or check out Barbara's website for more information!

Off to go read some of the blogs I've been missing these past few months! If you've got a good post you want some comment love on, just leave a message here and I'll come visit you and read what ya got!

Until Next Time...

The Other Magic Word

2010-08-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

My kids are young, both under the age of 10. Most of the time talking with them is either very cute, very funny, very frustrating or very enlightening. The other morning was pure Enlightenment.

I'm actually still amazed, and a little in awe, that it's so easy for the little ones to see things so simply and at the same time so perfectly.

I'm constantly reminding my kids of the 'magic words'. No, not mommy-the-witch magick words, but the magic words, you know please and thank you.

The other morning we were driving to school and my daughter asked me for something so I said, "What's the magic word?"

And she said, "Pleeeeeaaase."

Then she sort of paused for a minute and said, "You know mommy, that's not the only magic word."

I said, "Oh yeah, what's the other one?" thinking she was going to toss out the thank you magic word. But, to my surprise she says, "I Love You. That's a magic word too mommy, did you know that?"

Very quickly I said, "Yes Honey, you're right. I love you is a magic word" just sort of playing along with her. But, after I dropped the kids off at school and had the peace and quiet of an empty car I really started to think about I Love You as being one of the magic words.

The bible says, "God is Love." Almost every self-help or metaphysical book I read says you need to love yourself, you need to send love to others (even those who have hurt you). Some teachers will tell you to see things through the Eyes of God, which if I'm understanding correctly means seeing them with Love (as opposed to fear). So after contemplating this for the entire 20 minute drive home (and many more hours after that), I really do think my six year old daughter was correct in telling me that there is another magic word... and it's I Love You!

Until Next Time..

Another Beautiful Friday

2010-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's another Beautiful Friday. Well, sort of. This is the last Friday we will have to enjoy before school starts. Summer Break went by so fast, too fast. I'm preparing myself for the change to come - using lots of meditation and affirmations! I'm learning that endings don't have to be something terrible. They can actually be the beginning of something wonderful.

Today has been such a beautiful day and I expect it to stay that way, Mercury Retrograde and all! I started the morning giving Reiki Attunements and Treatments. The morning was so nice I decided to go out in the Garden to do my Energy Work today. It was such a nice way to start the day! I feel so Blessed that we've had the sun shining almost everyday this Summer. I know it hasn't been the case throughout the whole Bay Area. I appreciate the Sun so much while it's here; that's another ending I usually have a hard time with, but this year I'm going to really work on finding the something wonderful that comes with the change of the Seasons and the colder weather.

I've been listing new items in my little Etsy Boutique. I've had several requests for more Oracle Card Readings, so this morning I listed one from the Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Deck. While I was creating the listing I decided to pull a card, just to see what Power Animal had a message for me. The Zebra came to tell me to Let go of my Fear and Know that I am Safe and Protected at All Times - just the words I needed to hear and at exactly the right time!

I finally decided that I should have a Facebook page. If you Facebook and would like another friend, please feel free to send me a request!

Until Next Time...

Getting back into the Routine..

2010-08-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

The routine is changing... again!

In the past, change has been so difficult for me. I'm learning to go with the flow of things a little bit more, trying to be less resistant to things.. if I'm not it only makes things harder and sometimes painful.

So.. the kids are getting ready to go back to school in about a week. My babies are growing up! This will be the first year I have free time everyday (more than SIX HOURS of free time) in over 8 years. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous (sounds crazy, I know).

For the past 8 years I've had someone to look after, almost constantly. In some way someone has dictated how and what I could do for so long now.. I'm not exactly sure what to do with my time. I guess maybe cleaning up the past 8 years would be a good start... I was thinking of starting with one of the older closets first (ha, ha, ha!)

Oh well.. change is good.. just have to take a deep breath (ok, maybe several) and take the first step...

I use affirmations everyday. It's such an amazingly simple tool that helps create change (relatively effortlessly) in your life. Some of the affirmations I use include:

All is Well
Only Good Comes to Me
Everything is happening Perfectly and for my Highest Good

So, I know.. even though change is coming.. All is Well, because Only Good Comes to Me. Everything is Happening Perfectly for my Highest Good! Say that about 500 times (I'm not kidding) in your mind today and see what wonderful things begin to happen for you. One small example I'd love to share is a few weeks ago I actually found my diamond earring that I lost over 4 years ago... It was no where near where I even lost it! It was as if it just fell from the sky! So amazing.. and I'm so grateful that it came back to me after all this time.

Everyday really can be filled with Magic & Miracles... all you have to do is Believe!

Another wonderful thing to do (especially if you'd like what you are affirming to manifest quicker) is spend a bit of time cleaning up your diet. I'm sure there is something you can take away or add to help improve your nutrition a bit! And.. every little (even the tiniest) improvement you make helps.. I promise!

So, this week I've decided to start juicing again. Summer is such a beautiful time to eat, all the wonderful fruits and veggies that are in Season are just waiting for us to enjoy them. I try and juice in the morning and/or the afternoon (you always want to drink the fresh juice on an empty tummy). I have a Jack LaLanne juicer (which is on SALE at amazon.com right now for $89 - that's an awesome deal!) I've gone through several of the his juicers now (quick tip: don't ever put the parts in your dishwasher!) and they all work really great and are totally easy to clean (another quick tip: use a bottle brush instead of a sponge).

Over the years I've found a few different recipes that I like, it really depends on what you'd like to achieve through your diet as well (food is a wonderful healer and truly is the best medicine..). Right now I've been drinking my favorite recipe:

1 Green Apple - Good Source for Vit C, Fiber, Pectin, Lutein & Boron
1 Large Cucumber - Good Source for Vitamin K, Potassium, Manganese and Vit C
6-8 Celery Stalks - Good Source for Folate, Vit A & Vit K

Be sure to peel the apple and the cucumber if they're not organic. You just wash everything, cut it up and push it through the juicer... yummy! Nutritionally this drink can help with so many things.

I first started drinking it about 3 years ago. I was getting about 5-6 really bad bloody noses every year. I had tried everything I knew to do and still wasn't getting any results, so I turned and looked to food (vitamins & minerals) to see if I could figure something out. Eventually I (note: not the doctors) figured out that I was deficent in Vit K. We need to eat Vit K even though our bodies also make Vit K. If your digestion is 'off' or the balance between good and bad bugs is 'off' in your system, you may have a problem with bleeding. So, I started eating a handful of raw broccoli everyday, drinking my favorite juice and I also began taking probiotics. At night instead of using Vaseline I switched to Neosporin (which I only have to use maybe once or twice a month now instead of everyday).

And now.. no more bloody noses... ya!

It's amazing how we can really help to heal ourselves, if we can just quiet down enough to listen to what our bodies are trying to tell us. All the answers you'll ever need to know are inside of you... just ask and be open to hearing the answer, it will come to you. You know more about your own body than anyone else on the planet.. trust yourself, trust your intuition, and don't forget to go with the flow!

Have a Beautiful Day~

Monday.. Filled with Contests

2010-08-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today I've been having a fun time visiting all my favorite blogs and websites... lots of them are posting contests and giveaways. I thought some of you out there might be a little like me (and LOVE contests!) so I thought I would pass along the links and share.. feel free to leave a comment and post your own contest info too, if you have any to share.

Just Something I Made Today: Cathe visited the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco yesterday and has a few journals to giveaway!

Heal Your Life: Running low on Inspiration monthly contest! There will be 25 weekly winners all receiving an autographed copy of Inspiration Deficit Disorder by Jonathan H. Ellerby, Ph.D., Inspired Destiny by John Demartini, and Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life On Demand Lecture by Wayne Dyer.

Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom: Mrs. B always has some awesome contests running! Be sure to stop by her blog and enter the Beyond Magical Candle Contest!

Well, that's all I've got for you right now. I'll be sure to post more later!

I've been away.. and that's a big deal

2010-07-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last week, against my wishes, I put my eBay Shop and my little Etsy Boutique on Vacation Status and took a much needed break from life. It's very, very difficult to get me to leave my little nest here at home. I have all my things - my books, my computer, the energy grids I've built in and around my home. I surround myself with all of the things I resonate with most and I am very sensitive to energy.. it's very difficult for me to just up and move somewhere else and have it be easy.

The more I resist the change the harder it is and so the first few days away are always the most difficult. After a while, when I become energetically familiar with my surrounds and fall into a bit of a routine things get easier. It's at that point that I remember why it's important to 'get away' sometimes. For someone like me, who never leaves the house, it's very difficult to step-away and gain any new perspective.. but during times of stress that's exactly what needs to be done the most.

I am very thankful that my husband pushed me out of the house for the last 8 days. We're all back home now and things are starting to feel familiar, but now with the new perspective I've gained I can quickly see when things start to fall into their old way of being and it's easy to change the pattern before it becomes habit.

Enjoy this Beautiful Summer Day.. Go out a do something New!

Angels, 11:11, Reading and Energy Healings..

2010-06-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've posted.

I don't even know what to write anymore.

So, we're going to take this really slow and just ease back into the whole blog thing.

I've been reading quite a bit, as usual, but for some reason lately I've been drawn to Angels - which is a switch from my usual vampire reading addiction. Also for the past few months I've joined the thousand of other people who are graced with seeing 11:11 wherever they go. After I started seeing this number repeated on a daily basis I began to do some research to find out what it means - then, of course, I started seeing it more than once a day (that's the law of attraction for you!)

Now, not only do I see 11:11, but now I hear radio shows about the numbers (hayhouseradio.com). I just read the other day that Ellen DeGeneres is starting a record label called eleven-eleven - all of a sudden 11:11 (and even 1:11) is everywhere in my reality, so I take it that means the message I'm supposed to hear is an important one.

I feel so blessed to have been drawn to Doreen Virtue and all her wonderful books. I've read several of her books before, but found Goddesses and Angels to really be inspirational since it details several 'days' in Doreen's life and how she is connected to Divine Wisdom on a daily basis and how wonderfully It works for her (and how It can work for all of us, if we just invite It to).

After reading Goddesses and Angels and seeing 11:11 every time I turned my head, I felt compelled to read The Healing Miracles of Archangel Raphael, another wonderfully insightful book from Doreen (and all the other inspirational contributors).

Both books have really helped me to connect to the Angelic Realm on a much deeper level.. it is truly a Beautiful Journey that I feel I am on. I feel so blessed to have such amazing Divine Help in my life, every time I ask for Assistance, of any kind, I'm always amazed at the quick, compassionate help I receive. Slowly I'm learning to 'let go' and allow Divine Guidance to direct the path I'm on a bit more. So far I've found that it's so much easier to enjoy life when you ask Source for help and then follow the guidance.. all you have to do is go along for the ride, enjoying everything to the fullest extent possible.. (that's how you know you're on the right path..)

Since I've been working so closely with the Angels lately I felt compelled to purchase an Angel Therapy Oracle Card Deck and I've started giving readings to my friends and family. I would love to do an Angel Card Reading for you as well - now available for purchase in my Etsy Boutique.

I'd love to hear more 11:11 stories.. if anyone would like to share...

Have a Beautiful Day!

Green Flower Mini Canvas Tote

2010-04-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on and nothing even worth posting about! I will not perpetuate negativity and invite more of it into my life by typing about it and sharing it with all of my readers here..

One of the wonderful things that is worth posting about is that it's now Spring! There couldn't been a better time for the Light to return.. and I'm so thankful for the Warmer Weather and the Brighter Evenings..

And since I'm so happy I've decided to have a small Sping Sale in my Etsy Boutique - I'm offering my Green Flower Mini Canvas Tote (full of goodies) at the reduced prince of $8.95.

I've actually been putting some new sets together and creating some more Magical Treasures for my little shop.. hopefully I'll be able to post some new items over the next few days. My littlest one is sick now and so I've been up tending to her all day and during the night (why do these things always get worse at night?). Strangley enough, through all this, I've been more creative than usual.. who knew what sort of strange inspiration my mind needed to create!

Making Magic - Chamomile Flower Floor Sweep

2010-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

I love Herbal Magic - it's so simple and effective!

Using Flowers in Herbal Magic can be as simple as placing a few of the blossoms around your house or scattering a handful around the base of a candle.

Dried Flowers are so common in homes, most people have them and don't even know the Magical Energy they are creating around themselves.

Chamomile Flowers are used in most teas for relaxing and stress reduction. Magically, they are used for removing negative energy. To do this you may wish to sprinkle a few blossoms around the rooms of your home - window sills are always a good choice or you may decide to place a small dash in the corner of each room. I love to do floor sweeps, which are so simple and really help to clear the negative energy from a room.

To do a floor sweep all you need to do is first take a broom and sweep your floor.. you may only have tile or hardwood floors in the kitchen and bath and that's fine! Always remember to sweep in the direction of the front door - the point is to sweep the negativity out of your home, not to draw it back inside. When you are finished with the broom take your dried herbs and scatter them all over the floor you just swept all the while envisioning loving white and gold light surrounding your home and all those in it. You may wish to chant something or just repeat a short affirmation that will seal and protect your work. Let the herbs sit for a bit and then sweep them all up again and dispose of them (a small biodegradable bag works great!)

Chamomile Flowers not only clear negative energy from a home, but also attract money, wealth and prosperity which everyone can always use a bit of!

Such a versatile flower and useful for both magical and medicinal purposes. I offer fresh, dried, organic Chamomile Flowers in my Etsy Shoppe if you're in need of some, as well as other magical herbs for spells!

Have an Enchanted Day~

Change is Good and Psychic Kids...

2010-03-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes change feels so good!

I took some time this afternoon to update the look of my blog. I don't know why, but the look and feel of my blog is directly related to how often I post.. is anyone else like that?

Let's see if this new look helps me to produce more posts!

Right now the whole family is still coming out of hibernation.. we're Spring cleaning, organizing and purifying all the rooms in our house. Right now I'm sitting in the middle of the biggest pile of Legos I've ever seen... it's amazing that my son actually knows what set each lego piece goes to. If anyone has ideas on Lego organization I would love to hear them! So far I've tried small plastic bins and plastic bags - all by color. We're now upgrading to those really big plastic, stackable drawers.. I'm still going to stick to organizing by color (I think). We'll see how many drawers I'll need for that.. right now I'm thinking about 10-15... ugh! I guess it's got to be better than stepping on a Lego in the middle of the night on my way to the bathroom at three in the morning and jumping around with my foot in my hand until I trip over the dog....

We found a new psychic show to watch - Psychic Kids: Paranormal Children! I really liked the show a lot. I think it's so wonderful that a group of therapists and psychics would actually go out and try and help these kids expand their talent and teach them how to increase their skills! The only thing that I thought they could have touched on (just a little) was the fact that these kids don't have to always see negative spirits (that's what they called them on the show). I've been taught, and have read, that you can ask lower level spirits to leave.. and in fact you should always do so! If you have the ability to see the Otherworld, or parts of it, you can ask that only Spirits vibrating with pure Love and your Highest Interest come and show themselves to you. A lot of these kids had tallents that I am not familiar with, so I'm not sure what the policy is when you see ghosts... even so, if you can't ask them to leave, maybe you could ask for protection from your Higher Level Guides. I do know that if you go in expecting to see a three eyed, green face monster that's probably what you're going to see! Maybe they talked about that stuff on different episodes or when the cameras weren't rolling... at least the kids were not so scared by the time everyone left and they had a new psychic friend to share stuff with, I think that's so great!

Anyway.. I'm off to go make meatloaf and sort Legos!

Winter Hibernation

2010-02-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Well, no matter how much I try.. I always go into some sort of a hibernation during the Winter. Some years are better than others, this was one of the better years.. I think. I'm so ready for Spring to be here, it's so close. I can feel Nature changing, I can't wait for the date on the calendar to catch up! Beautiful birds surround my house, they chirp at night.. the sound of their song brings me such comfort - as long as they are singing, I feel safe.

I've started a new chapter in my life. I've decided to expand my knowledge of Reiki Healing and have begun working with Nicole Lanning from Healing Art Forms to move forward on my journey. Every week I am attuned to new Reiki Systems and then incorporate them into my daily life, use them to heal others and basically just let the energy flow through me and into all those around me. I have a blog that I started a while back for my Living Earth Reiki website.. I will be updating it on a more frequent basis, journaling my Reiki experiences and how things are changing because of it. I feel my life shifting a bit, a strong desire to assist others on their path to healing has manifested within me.. every time I turn around someone else I know is suffering, is in pain or is having a heath crisis. I've been studying holistic health and healing for the past 20 years and now I'm working on obtaining the certifications that I need to be able to help others in an official capacity.

People are getting sicker and at the same time they don't trust the medical system we have in place now to heal them.. very understandable to me, but usually when people reach that conclusion, they feel alone and don't know where to go next, so they settle for what's available which might not always be the best choice. I want to help empower people and let them know they have the power within themselves to heal anything that may come up in their life! You may be able to heal yourself, but you do need a good support system.. and a lot of chearleading along the way! It's all part of being One... we all need to learn to help each other, to give freely with Love instead of to fight and resist with fear.

I have been watching my family and friends suffer. It's hard to watch those you love suffer and not let it touch you, even though it's not your life being effected, it's not your lesson to learn. This is what has pushed me from 'maybe one day' to 'now is the time' with my my Holistic Health studies... I want to be able to help rather than just watch helplessly from the sidelines. I realize everyone has to go through their own journey, but if I could assist even just a little, it would make me feel like I was doing what I came here to do.

Blessings~

Prayer to the Goddess

2010-01-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

I know the Laws of Nature are you, Lady.
Keep me mindful that I step upon Your Body,
with your feet,
that my sorrows are Your sorrows,
and that a healthy priest makes all things sound.
I feel Your breath in the wind, and Your hand in mine.
Keep me sincere.
Give me Your work,
which is to be joyous,
and to tend all things, because all things live, of themselves,
and with Your spirit.
Your will through mine, so mote it be.

A Beautiful Poem, and opening Ritual Song written by Francesca De Grandis. I first heard her sing the words when I took a class at her house in San Francisco. It feels like a different time now.. so long ago, yet when I hear the words above, I feel like I'm there once again.. in the arms of the Goddess.

So many wonderful days I spent learning about our Mother through Francesca.. and it's during certain times that you need to feel Her arms around you once again....

I lost a dear friend this week... he had four legs and fur, but he was my friend. He could always put a smile on my face and when I was with him, my Spirit felt lighter... I'll miss him dearly.

I'm here... sort of

2009-10-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that's it's been over a month since my last post and thought I better let everyone know that I'm still here, things have just been a bit hectic... I can't believe it's been so long since I've been on blogger - where does the time go??

My Mom came for a visit which was nice since I haven't seen her in almost 10 months! The kids are still trying to adjust to school.. which has had it's ups-and-downs. My son has molars coming in and now my daughter has chicken pox (even though she's been vaccinated!)

I can't tell you how happy I am that the retrograde is over! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of me.. I'm finally getting into creative mode again. I really had no idea that the retrograde was going to act like an on/off button for my artistic mood.. but it did! I swear every time I tried to pick up any sort of craft medium all I could do is just sit there with it. So.. I spent a lot time cleansing, meditating and grounding and am happy to report that my inner Muse is well rested and ready to begin again (guess that's really what the retrograde is all about, huh?)

The kids and I did a cute (quick) ritual to say Good Bye to Summer.. I think for being 5 and 6 the little ones really connected with the day (and the reason) for the ritual. We all lit a candle and said what we wanted to work on during the Autumn Months (we all picked the same goal..) and then ran around the house saying "Good Bye, Good Bye Summer.. Come Back Again Soon!"

I honestly can not believe that it's October! The veil is thinning and it's time to get working on Samhain. The other day, during one of my meditation sessions, I had a visit from a family member that had crossed over many years before I was even born. It was a little strange for me since I don't usually pick up messages from those who have passed away, but I guess since I've been working with Hecate and Persephone so closely it's to be expected. So.. I'm very eager to begin creating tools and a ritual for helping to connect with loved ones during the Samhain Sabbat.. I have to admit, it will be a first for me.

Until Next Time..

The Magician

2009-08-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've purchased a new tarot deck, but I found the Paulina Tarot the other day while gallivanting online and it spoke to be right away (it said, "buy me"... lol)

With all the back-to-school craziness that's been going on here I haven't had a (quiet) chance to sit down and get to know my new deck yet, but today I found myself (in the middle of screaming kids and barking dogs) sitting down with my deck and doing a reading for myself. I did a very small, three card, spread (I didn't really have time, or room for any more) that actually turned into a five card spread with a bit of confirmation from my favorite pendulum (I honestly couldn't believe how clear the answers were coming through from the deck itself, but they were spot on!)

The last card I pulled was the Magician.. She arrived in all her Enchanted Glory to remind me of who and what I am - a Knowledgeable Witch with Friends in the Spirit Realm who are here to help me any time I so ask.

It's easy to forget that, and so today I've taken to placing reminders around myself - to finding a bit of quiet to ground and center myself, to connect once again with my Patron Goddess who shines the Light of Beauty and Grace upon me anytime I wish. Today is a day filled with Spirit for me and with this heat I swear I feel as if I'm in Hades... which is exactly where I want to be! Chatting with the Queen of the Underworld, Persephone, and Her Hand-maiden, Hecate... listening to the words of Ancient Wisdom.

Samhain is coming and it's time for my art to take a turn into the darkness of the macabre world. I have several projects I'm working on that are a bit darker in nature, but honestly all my Witch-crafts tend to come out on the Lighter Side.. Francesca once told me I was very much a Girly Fae and I guess that just comes out with everything I do - be it fashion, art or magic!

Until next time...

Magical Marketing...

2009-08-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

I found these enchanting pens that I was able to have engraved.. aren't they so sweet! I guess I might be a bit partial to them, since they have my website link running down the side... I really like them a lot though! They are actually pretty big.. measuring 7 1/2" long, you can even use them as a real beasom to clear negative energy - the perfect little altar tool for the office!

So.. since it's almost Harvest Season and I need constant reasons to celebrate during the darker months, I'll be giving away an engraved witches broom pen with each order placed at one of my web shoppes for $50.00 or over. You may mix and match and order from me at any of the online sites I sell on (the links are on the right side bar...).

I've been contemplating opening up my own online store again. I sell a majority of my Magical Treasures on Etsy. I've really started listing a lot there over the past few months. For the most part, I've met the most wonderful people on the Etsy site, but there have been a few bad apples.. and it's starting to make me re-think things.

I'd like to be able to offer all my products in one place and I think to do that I may need my own online web shoppe.. then maybe I'll only sell one of a kind items on places like Etsy and ArtFire. I have such a mix over at eBay.. it just feels like a perpetual garage sale, even though I've started adding little stories to each of my second-hand item listings; just trying to give a little personality to my item listings... other wise there's nothing to make them stand out - it's just a pair of used shoes or a second-hand snow jacket.

I guess, since the Mercury Retrograde is coming I really shouldn't do anything major until it's over. So, I'll just continue as things were until it's over. Maybe by the end of the retrograde I'll have some more insight about the whole situation and I won't feel so 'off' any more! I think this weekend might be the perfect time to do some protection spells around the house, maybe even do a full house cleansing too- you can't be too careful before the retrogrades! If I come up with something I really like I'll let you guys know...

Until next time..

The Last Rose of Summer

2009-08-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I have been spending lots of Mommy-and-Me time together since her brother started school on Monday. We've been making little projects everyday, little things to remember our last few days of Summer before they are all gone and Autumn arrives.

The last few days have been filled with soap. We bought some fun molds and since we don't have a microwave we're using a dedicated metal pot and clean wooden spoon. I found these Victorian Style Rose Soap Molds and knew I had to have them.. I love all things vintage, or all things that look vintage. We did a few different colors with a Shea Butter Soap base.. I have to admit, I didn't really 'get' that the white of the soap would effect the colors so much (talk about fibro-fog), but I think the lighter, pastel colors are very feminine and... I like them.

Finding a way to wrap the soaps presented a bit of a challenge. How do you wrap an oval soap? Well, so far we've tried regular plastic wrap and shrink wrap. The shrink wrap is great, but you really have to figure out the right amount of plastic to use before you start blowing heat at things - especially meltable things!

We wrapped up soap to send to Gramma and Great-Grammy and a few Aunties and a Nona too. We had a few bars left over, so those made it into our little Etsy Boutique.. I wonder how many mommies on there have their 5 year olds helping with production? My son actually told me he'd like to open his own store to earn money for more legos... wonder what sort of things he'll want to create?

Anyway.. I hope everyone is enjoying their last few days of Summer with or without your little ones~

Until Next Time...

Hubbard's Cupboard...

2009-08-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

I came up with the concept of Fairytale Enchantments several years ago. I haven't really added many items to the product lines in a while, but as of late I've been a busy, busy witch and so I've been creating new products and adding them to my little Etsy Boutique...

The latest addition to my Hubbard's Cupboard All Natural Line of Pet Care Products is some absolutely divine (and very useful) Rosemary Flea Wash! I actually just brewed up a batch since my little puppy dog Rex has been super itchy and unable to get a good nights sleep, which in turn was making it difficult for me to sleep. So yesterday my daughter and I gave Rex a good washing and finished his bath off with a bit of the Rosemary Flea Wash.

He was so happy! He was jumping up and down trying to kiss me on the nose (which is the usual spot for giving kissies.. ) I was very glad that the rinse helped bring him relief so quickly and that everyone was able to get a good nights sleep once again~ There's nothing like having a 120 pound dog in your face at 3 in the morning!

So.. Yesterday was a long day~ physically and emotionally. It was back to school day for my oldest, so we were all up early to drive him the 20 miles (one way) to his private school. He was really happy to go to school until he realized that his teacher from last year would not be back. She moved to Africa at the end of the last school year. We told him many times that she would not be coming back, but he has autism and sometimes I'm not sure how much he really understands from us... yesterday was a perfect example. I've told him about 20 times that his teacher wasn't coming back and yet he was in tears yesterday after he got to school and finally understood what my words could not prepare him for. Thankfully I know he's safe where he is and that the school is equipped to help him deal with his overwhelming emotions.. I'm so thankful for his private school and the wonderful caring staff that is there for all the exceptional children that attend there....

Today my daughter and I are taking it easy.. things will be difficult for the nest few weeks of adjusting to school. I'm trying to rest as much as I can to prepare myself for the evenings, when emotions run high and I have to keep my cool. We get a few weeks to adjust to one new schedule and then the other little one goes back to school... we'll just keep taking things one moment at a time and dealing with the situation that is at hand, not worrying about what's to come, but being happy and content with whatever we can now. Sure things won't always be wonderful 100% of the time, but I really feel not making a big deal out of things helps to diffuse the tough situations... 'cuz really they're not so tough, it's just a moment in time and it will pass just as quickly as it came.

The Creative Muse and Online Selling...

2009-08-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

I'm having so much fun putting together new items for my little Etsy Boutique!

I thought I'd take a little break and and post the latest product as well as a few updates...

I've been selling on eBay for a long time. At one point I was basically selling anything I could get my hands on - Bath & Body Products, Baby Clothes, Old Books & Movies. Then I started selling other people's stuff - jewelry, purses, clothes (one time I had someone bring me a pair of old fluffy bunny slippers.. used - can you say, 'ewwww, gross!')

Well, a few months ago I decided that I didn't want to do that any more. I didn't want to be at a perpetual online garage sale anymore. So, slowly I've been listing the last little bits of my former inventory as well as allowing some old listings to stay up until they sell.. but usually I've just been pulling all the old 'stuff' and donating it to places like the local library and woman's shelter. I feel good knowing that some of the things I had here will benefit someone else, or bring enjoyment to someone else... at no cost to them! My family is not in a place financially right now where we can donate money, but we can donate items.. and so that's what we've been doing, as often as well can... and it feels really good!

Not selling my old items, or even someone else's old items, has given me the free-time I desperately needed to start being creative again. One of my favorite parts of being a witch is all the stuff! All the tools and treasures, all the herbs and gemstones, all the oils and incense and all the... s p e l l s!

I love the stuff of Witchcraft.. although it is not necessary in the least, it is by far, my most favorite part.. and I've been having a wonderful time brewing and blending and.... bewitching these past few weeks. I've been really using the vibrant, radiant energy of Summer to be the creative person I love to be.. I feel a bit sad that soon it will be coming to an end (...but we've got a ritual all planned out for that and we're not going to dwell on the future right now... we're going to stay in the present!)

I love to find creative ways to present items in a aesthetically pleasing, and yet, still useful way... I love making magick pretty, when so many times it's not. I was never a real girly-girl, but I find that I am, at least when it comes to practicing magick. Sometimes I do use darker colors, but I still find most of my creations to be very lady like. My favorite design today has been these little Magick Herb 1oz. Spell Sacks - Just a little 'ol ounce of herbs, but dressed up in a bit of cute packaging to make you excited to use them when they show up at your door (well, you do have to place an order for them first..)

Speaking of orders... I got all my orders shipped out today! I had about 20 or so that needed to go out before noon. It took most of the morning, but I packed 'em all up and got them out in time to meet the Postman.. or I thought I was going to see the Postman, but when I went outside I found this instead....

Looks like Austin thinks the outgoing-mailbox is really a Kitty Bed.. He's so cute, I really don't care where he sits (which is probably a good attitude to have since he is always very curios

about something!)

Until Next Time...

Busy Witch

2009-08-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've posted...

I've been a really (really) busy witch.. brewing and blending non stop for the past few weeks. A few of the new items have made it into my little Etsy Boutique (which is growing at a pretty steady rate) but I have so many more items to put the finishing touches on, take photos of and get on the site.

I've been having a really fun time with the whole process (that's the most important part to me..) and I really don't mind that every flat surface in my house is covered with something (well, maybe a little.. lol)

This weekend I will be doing 'clean up' - not in the sense of putting things away, just in the sense of finishing up all the little odds-n-ends and getting at least one flat surface cleaned off!

I've listed a few items for Mabon so far, but still have a few more to get up. I'm also hoping to get started on crafting a few new things for Samhain (that always takes a while.. best to get started now!)

Good thing the kids are so happy with their legos! I'm so proud of my son.. he's still only 6 and is putting together huge lego sets, with 700 pieces, all by himself in less than 2 days! I guess we'll be buying another set this weekend.. (now you know where all my Etsy money goes.. lol)

I'm so out of the blog loop.. hopefully I'll have some time tonight to catch up a bit more!

Freaky Friday...

2009-08-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to let everyone know about my blog name change - from Hocus Pocus to Enchanted Garden Studio. Hopefully after this months newsletter goes out there will be less confusion.

So.. this weekend started off a little unusual. Our little baby-puppy- dog (he's a 125 pound black lab who thinks he's a 4 pound cat) got out on Friday. We rescued him almost a year ago now and he's never tried to get out before.. but we have (what I thought) was a small hole in the fence, so Rex decided to go poking around to check things out - he's gotta keep the house safe, right? (so he was only trying to do his job!) He was only out front for about 3 minutes, until I noticed my shadow was missing (he follows me every where), but apparently that was long enough! I guess he got bit or stung by something and his poor ears swelled up.. I swear he looked like dumbo! He wouldn't let me take any pictures while holding his ears back (I think he knew he was going to make it on the blog!! LOL) but I did get a few (with his face hidden) where you can see the swelling.. poor baby! So he got lots of Benadryl and a visit from our Mobile Vet (which is such a cool service!!) and finally today his ears are looking back to normal again...

(you can sort of see the swelling in the picture below..)

So.. on to other things! I've been trying to add some items to my Etsy Boutique, if not everyday, then every few days. This month I actually had a new item to enter into my Street Team's Challenge... I was hoping I could bribe everyone to vote for me at the Roots & Shoots, Buds & Blooms Challenge for the Pagan's of Etsy Street Team Challenge this month. Please feel free to forward the link on to anyone you think you might be able to talk into voting for me (or just anyone really, I'm on the volunteer committee for the Street Team, so I just like to see participation for the group).

We watched the Nicolas Cage movie, Knowing, last night... I'm still not sure what to make of that whole thing. I'm the type of person that has to watch a movie at least 3 times before I start really getting into it and I just don't think I can watch that movie again.. it sort of gave me the creeps. I had to watch Tinker Bell just to go to sleep after Knowing was over!! Now Tinker Bell is a movie I can watch over-and-over-and-over.. It's so cute! I just checked Amazon this morning and found out they have a new Tinker Bell movie The Lost Treasure, so I'll be picking up a copy of that soon to check out and maybe I'll even let the kids watch it too.. lol.

Anyway.. I hope everyone had a Blessed Lughnasadh.. It's really a celebration that used to last all month and we'll be very happy to accommodate that in this house! We have many things to appreciate and be thankful for.. our harvest is much this year, so we have lots to honor the Gods for!

Off to see the Wizard...

2009-07-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well.. You may have noticed that I'm doing some re-decorating on the blog - I've even changed the name!

Deb over at Paradise Web Design is just best web designer anyone could ask for! I was looking for a vintage inspired change for my blog and she had the perfect thing for me! I love it and I hope you guys love it too! I'm still moving things around, so if things seem out of place or if you see a picture one day and the next its gone.. it's just me tinkering around with things.

I'm really enjoying my new blog name too.. Enchanted Garden Studio just reflected what I do here a bit more than the old name. Most of my products are herbs or herb related and my Art Studio is tucked away in our little garden (I promise to post pictures one day..) Overall, just a better fit.. I'm starting to feel more at home here already (maybe I'll actually post more than 3 times per month)!

So.. tonight my husband found a babysitter for the kids (ahhh! the timing couldn't be better...) and he's taking me to go see the new Harry Potter movie. It's funny, this year I'm not nearly as excited.. I really wish I was off to go see the New Moon movie instead.. but since that would mean Winter was almost here, I guess I can wait a few more months for my beloved Edward!

Mmmm.. what else is going on... well, I'm ready for the kids to go back to school. We are starting to run out of things to do and I'm just tired.. I need a break! We've been staring at the i can has cheezeburger website for the last 5 days.. the kids think the kitties are all very funny. We started some clay projects as well yesterday.. I made my very first Sponge Bob character (Plankton) out of polymer clay.. my husband actually thought I bought it at the store (that made my night!)

I've been listing more trinkets and treasures on Etsy.. My latest are these 1 oz. jars filled with dried herbs for spells. I have close to 100 different herbs here, so if you're looking for something and you don't see it in my little boutique please feel free to ask me (I can always do custom orders as well...)

I think I love my new signature the most.. I've been working a lot lately with Hecate & Psyche... there's a bit of both their symbols in my new siggy line.. I think I'll be posting more just so I can see it!

Ok.. I'm off to make a quick dinner for the kiddos and straighten my hair before my date.. oooo la la!!

Have a Wonderful Night!

Heart-O-Matic... Fun Tools for Etsy!

2009-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

I was just introduced to the funnest little tool for Etsy Sellers called the Heart-O-Matic from Craftcult.com

I've been (sort of) selling on Etsy for the last year or so.. I actually registered on the site in 2006 and then didn't do anything with my account until last year. I've only really had a few things listed, until just recently. I've been on a Witch-crafting extravaganza - having fun brewing up magical goodies, taking pictures and sharing them in my little online boutique. Not that I need more stuff in my little Garden Studio, but I come up with ideas and then end up having to buy something to finish up the project. Everyone has been having lots of fun, including Austin, the Dog and the Kids... our new little Bird, Hedwig (pictures and story to come soon), has even escaped the cage a few times to try and join in the excitement!

I'd love to know if there are more Etsy Tools for Sellers out there, so if you know of anything fun (and useful) please post and let me know! Also, for all you other Etsians out there, post a link to your shop or your favorite seller so I can check 'em out... I love shopping probably as much as I love selling!

Herbal Adornments...

2009-07-25T16:16:00.001-07:00

I've finally made a few new things for my Etsy Shoppe!

I collect books and love to read and learn new things. One of my favorite things to read about is magic... there's something about it that just fascinates me, it's so interesting. I've come across several old spells and folk charms that call for you to carry or wear an herb. I've been wanting to try out one of these herbal charms, so off I went into my Garden Art Studio the other day to finally find the supplies (I'm also a collector of stuff)... I was rummaging around my shelves, drawers and boxes and actually found some miniature vials I had purchased a while back (there's a funny story that goes with this) and this is what I came up with...

I made the one I was wanting for myself, it's filled with Cinquefoil - Love, Money, Health, Power and Wisdom is what Cinquefoil Leaves can offer and when worn are the gifts that are granted! I've had this one on for almost a week now. I also made several others and decided that it might be right to list some in my Etsy Shoppe.... I have about 10 different ones made as of today - lavender, rosemary, chamomile, poppy seed, red rose, witches black salt, sea salt, cinquefoil, catnip and white sage. But each day I'm finding more and more magical herbs that are perfect to enclose in these tiny talismans.

I can do custom adornments - those who are interested can pick the herb (or herbs) they would like included in their vials. Oil can be added, to preserve the herbs (at no additional cost). I can make the chain length custom as well. The first adornments I listed were with a 26" oxidized metal chain, but I like a 21" length (it just works well for the clothes I wear...)

For now I'm wrapping the necklaces in black tissue and stowing them in purple organza drawstring bags, but I'm looking into some really cute boxes to present them in instead... these little magical enchantments just seem to require something more special!

I've already started making adornments for my family... my kiddos got lavender ones, which worked out to be the herb they needed the most anyway. My husband decided he would carry his adornment on his key ring, and depending on the day sometimes he's carried more than one. We even tried one on the dog for a bit... but the cat thought it was a built in toy made just for him, so decided it might be best to take it off him.

I've been selling online for almost 10 years and I've never felt this much excitement over one of my items before.. I really feel like even though they are something so small, they really are something very special.

.... before I go I have to tell you the funny story about the vials - which comes with a bit of a lesson for all you other online shoppers! I purchased these little vials months ago. I was shopping online, we had family staying here from out of town, I was in a hurry, the kids were running around making too much noise (as usual) and all I needed were some vials to put herbal spell powders in. So, I found these great vials and just bought them really quick.. I figured, "they'll do." Well, when the package arrived I thought it was a bit small for 50 vials, but what did I know and after I got through all the bubble wrap.. I couldn't stop laughing! They were so tiny, I had no clue what on earth I would ever do with them. I would have been upset, but the seller really did list their size... I just didn't get my ruler out to see how big (or should I say small) they really were. And now, I'm really glad I didn't... because they are exactly what I needed, it just took a few months for me to figure it out!

So.. to quote Master Shifu (from Kung Fu Panda...), "There are no accidents...."

Have a Great Night!

Just a little update...

2009-07-24T09:06:00.001-07:00

I was checking out some of the blogs I follow this morning and came across this really upsetting news. If you have a few minutes why not read 48-hours-for-Larry's Story and bid on a few items, if you are financially able - it's always nice to try and help out others any way you can.

I also found out during my perusing this morning that Mrs. B is going to be running her contest 31 Days of Halloween again this year! If you are a seller or an artisan you may want to donate something to her giveaways, or if you are a blogger you may want to add an article or just swing by for some of the FUN.. cuz it is FUN!!

I know I haven't been posting much.. In my defense I have been buzy creating some new magical treasures for my Etsy Shoppe.. fly by and take a peek if you get a chance! For me, selling on Etsy has never really felt like a business.. it just feels like sharing. I make things at home that I like, and that I use, and sometimes I share things online with the other members of the Etsy Community. Ebay, to me, has always felt a little bit more like a business, but Etsy has always just felt like sharing.. lol. I guess I'm still not used to selling things I create myself yet.. one day I'll get it!

I've also been very busy entertaining the neighbor's cat for the last few weeks. He is just the cutest thing. His name is Austin and one day he just showed up on our door-step. My son, who is almost 7, had just started getting into Garfield books and one day while we were on our way to school he wished out loud, "that we had an orange cat just like Garfield." Well, by the time we got home that night, Austin was sitting on our front door! (pretty good manifesting for a six year old - a little scary, huh??? LOL) Anyway.. once the neighbors figured out Austin moves in here every time they let him out, they stopped letting him out for a while... but he's back now (we're all very happy about it - including the 120 pound dog and the two birds!) He's been here for a little over a month now.. I've got some really cute pictures that I'll post in a bit!

Not much else has been going on. I really want to get a blog make-over. I used Lauren over a Restored 316 Designs before, but she's all booked up. So.. if you know anyone who does blog designs be sure to let me know!! I'm looking more into the gothic-victorian style. I could probably do the graphics myself, but I just don't know how to upload the design without loosing all my followers... maybe I'll have to do some reading and figure out how it's done... that way I can save the money to feed the neighbor's cat! LOL...

A New Attitude... CONTEST!

2009-07-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

For all those who aren't regular readers here you may not know how much I talk about The Law of Attraction...

Right now my life is just inundated with Law of Attraction information. I'm studying the concept at school, I listed to Jerry & Ester Hicks & Abraham every night before bed and I've been watching Abraham DVDs everyday now too.

For anyone who has autistic children I really recommend Abraham's DVD - The Autistic Revolution, Children in the Time of the Awakening. I purchased this DVD a few weeks ago and it has some wonderful information and insights for parents and/or families with children who have autism. It really opened my eyes (and my mind!!)

So.. with all this talking about The Law of Attraction all the time I started looking back at my blog posts and JEEEZE do I complain!! Well, that's no good.. I don't want more of that! So, my posts here I going to be a bit different from here on out... I'm going to be talking a lot more about what I'm grateful for, not what I'm not happy with.

I'll start today and just say how thankful I am for Summer! I love the Sun, I love being able to sit outside in the fresh air everyday and enjoy the warmth. I love that my neighbors cat comes over to entertain us, I love that my 120 pound beast of a dog thinks he's a 4 pound cat too, I love having a comfortable home that I don't have to leave each day, I love, I love, I love.... why don't you post a few things you love on your blog too and then post the link here! Let's make it a contest (spur of the moment idea).

I'll run the contest for a week. So post what you're thankful for on your blogs and comment here with the link back. The contest will end on the 15th and I'll post the winner on the 16th. The name will be chosen out of my Witchy Contest Pail by random.. maybe I'll let the neighbor's cat do it! And here's what the winner will receive - a mini kit for a heart chakra mediation (I can only ship within the U.S.)

Have a Wonderful Day!

A Witch Is She.....

2009-07-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

A Witch is she, yet how can this be so?
She is neither old, nor ugly. She is young. Beautiful. Innocent.
Yet she can cast magic. Many would shun her for her ways.
Would you? I certainly wouldn't.
She has never sinned, yet to some,she has.
Her only sin is being who she is. Nothing more.
How can you cast away this pagan lass? She has done no harm!
It is not her way. Yet she will do as she will.
The moon is her comforting mother. The sun is her protective father.
Nature is her best friend.
Witch means wisewoman.
She is wise. Is she wiser than we?
Yes. I hope she'll cast a spell for me.
by Kris Mancuso

There is something so upsetting to have someone you love shun you. Not to your face. No, to your face they are your friend, your family. And yet to others they say horrible things about you. Not because of anything you've done to them. Not because you try and help others. Not because you try and help them. But, because of what you're called. The label society has put upon you for the Energy you connect with on a Spiritual level....

Ok.. just my little rant for the day! Plus I really liked the poem...

THE MAN COLD...

2009-06-22T11:19:00.001-07:00

Hahahahahah

HA!

Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli)... on Twitter

2009-06-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hey.. We gotta help Carlisle!! If we can help him get to 500,000 followers he's giving away his Twilight Chair Back...

You may also want to follow (if you are a crazy obsessed Twilight Fan like myself...)

Gil Birmingham (Billy Black) - http://twitter.com/gilbirmingham
Billy Burke (Charlie Swan) - http://twitter.com/billy_burke

It’s a Lazy Sunday..

2009-06-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Friday was my 10 year wedding anniversary. My husband and I have been together for almost 14 years, but only married for 10. So we did something we never (and I mean never) get to do.. we went away over night, just the two of us! We stayed up in Healdsburg for the night at a cute little hotel. Our room had a Jacuzzi tub and a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the courtyard. We enjoyed some wonderful meals and walked around the adorable town of Healdsburg. If my son wasn’t so content at his new school, I would move our whole family up to Healdsburg in a heartbeat.. Ever since my first trip there I just feel like I belong there. It’s such a hard thing to explain, but I know in my heart it’s meant to be my home.

Today.. I really meant to get something done. I’m not exactly sure what (and I guess that’s my problem right there, lack of a plan), but instead I’ve just been relaxing.. trying to keep my mood in check, since it’s emotionally taxing for me to leave the house. I’ve been eating lots of fresh raw organic foods and drinking my green foods detox drink… hopefully it won’t take me long to readjust.

I’ve been listening to The Secret CD every night for the past few weeks. I’m getting ready to make some major life changes and listening to The Secret helps remind me of what I’ll need to do once I make my final decision on which path I’m going to be taking. I whole-heartedly recommend using The Secret to assist in all sorts of manifesting.. I find using it for even the smallest of desires is excellent practice and helps to build your manifesting confidence (which really helps when you get to the bigger stuff!)

Anyway.. I just thought I’d take a few minutes to check in.. see what everyone else is up to this weekend. Has anyone read any good vampire books lately?

Rob Pattinson....

2009-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

He's just such a cutie...

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Special Education... Heartbreaking

2009-06-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

The little girl in the above picture is named Angie - a 7 year old Wisconsin girl with special needs who was killed while being physically restrained and secluded at her school.

Recently my six year old son, who has autism, was restrained at the public school that he attended before we moved him to a private school for children with mild disabilities. The school district we are dealing with is now denying the incident ever happened. The lawyer we have, who is helping us to obtain a Free and Appropriate Eduction (FAPE), is telling us that eventually we're going to have to sign a paper that releases the district of any liability.

It's complete Bull Shit.

Over the weekend I was doing some research.. because we can't be the only family in this situation, my son can't be the only one that's ever been restrained at school. What I found was horrifying. It actually made me sick to my stomach to read the report I found..

School is Not Supposed to Hurt:

Investigative Report on Abusive

Restraint and Seclusion in Schools

http://www.ndrn.org/sr/SR-Report.pdf

If you decide to read the report.. please be forewarned, it's very heartbreaking. I cried through reading most of it.

So.. earlier this week I spent most of my time doing Internet searches, trying to find out what to do, who to tell, about what happened to my son. He's showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He's been back to the campus twice since the incident happened and both times he tells us, "This is where they held me down. This is where they were mean to me." And now the district is offering us a FAPE in a classroom at the same location the incident happened.

Are they insane?

I've sent complaint letters to the California Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. Will they even care? I've been calling agencies and advocates trying to find someone who can help, someone who even cares.

I can't believe that this is the best the government can do. One poor set of parents from the School Shouldn't Hurt Report... they got a million dollars for their pain and suffering and the teacher that killed their child STILL GOT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND TEACH AGAIN, the death was reported as accidental.

It makes me sick.

Johanna Parker Design ~ Halloween Art Giveaway Contest!

2009-06-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love Halloween Art!

I just stumbled across this wonderful contest to enter on Johanna Parker Designs Blog.

So, if you'd like to enter.. there are many ways.. go take a peek at her blog or follow her on Twitter (have I mentioned how much I love Twitter??)

Have a Great Night~
Sage

Art Fire.... CONTEST!!

2009-05-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone ~

Ok... I just found this totally AWESOME online market place to sell on. I'd love for you to come and join me at Art Fire!!

Now.. they are running a referral promotion that can help me and one lucky person of my choice to have a free verified account with their site FOR LIFE! Right now their verified accounts are $12 per month - I have signed up for a verified account and if you use the following link and sign up for a verified account your name will be added to the list of people I choose from to have a FREE verified account for life with Art Fire.com!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=power_up&refuid=12687

If you sell online I think you'll really like Art Fire. Their system is very user friendly, with tons of promotional goodies (which as you know, is very important!!), they have a great community area and all sorts of resources that can help keep you in the know about handcrafted online sales!

So.. come check it out.. be sure to let me know if you do decide to sign up for a verified account.. that way I can add your name to the drawing list for a free account for LIFE!!

Have an enchanting day!

I'm back.. I think..

2009-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

It feels like forever.

I've been gone, again.. stuck in this horrible place I go when the stress of my life over-whelms me. I think a lot of you know I have a son with autism. Up until recently we thought his diagnosis was PDD-NOS, but at the end of 2008 the doctors changed it to... a u t i s m.

The last year has really been like a horrible roller coaster that won't stop. I just want to get off the ride or throw up already.. if that makes any sense. We've had to re-live the diagnosis process all over again and be given a new label for our son that we now have to adjust to.

The public school system has not been kind. We brought our son to school at one of their 'offerings' for 4 days. The teacher told me, "he had to be restrained" on the first day. And by the time she told me, "we had to restrain him again" that was the fourth day and I never sent him back. Now the school is calling me a liar. Saying they told me, "we had to hug your son, not restrain him."

Yes, that's why I'm so upset.. because you hugged him.

FOOLS.

So.. I've been emotionally trying to come to terms with everything that has been going on. My son has to start therapy, since he ~~doesn't~~ can't trust anyone at school. We have a lawyer now, she's really good.. i like her. However much I would love to be spending my money on something fun.. if she can help my son stay at a more appropriate school then I'll give her everything I have.

The problem is now.. I'm not just mad a the public school system for me and my family. I'm mad for all the other families that can't afford a lawyer or to pay for private school until their court hearing. I'm mad because this type of crap is happening all over the country, to little children every where. I'm mad because the public school system is willing to pay 8-10 people to re-do assessments that I've already paid out of pocket for and then pay those 8-10 people to sit in 2-4 hour meetings several times before reaching a decision about what sort of therapy they think is best for my son...

With all that money they just wasted it could have been a few months of tuition at my son's private school. Why are public agencies set on wasting time and money?

The kids are suffering... while all the assholes are sitting in meetings eating cookies playing gods.

Well.. two can play that way.

The Dark Side...

2009-05-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well, that's it.. I've crossed over to the Dark Side.

I picked up the perfect book just in the nick-of-time...

Days of Rest & Apple Pie

2009-04-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well.. the huge 17 people dinner is over... whew!

I've been in bed for the last two days--resting, trying to recharge. It's a slow process. The picture I took (posted above) is from these really cute salt and pepper shakers I picked up a few days before the party. Too cute, huh?

I haven't had that many people in my house for a long time. Ever since I've been sick (I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain), I've really tried to stay away from doing huge events like that. But, I miss my family and so it was worth it to me to give it a try. I always love seeing everyone, but really I love how much having guests over can motivate me into change! I love how clean my house is. My husband moved all the furniture around and hung pictures. I feel like we made a huge amount of progress last week and now the little bit I can do each day, on a normal basis, will mean that much more. We still have all the stuff that was causing the clutter, it's just all in one area (the garage) instead of scattered all over the house. So, (little) bit by bit, (small) box by box we will go through the clutter and toss it, give it away or sell it on eBay!

Since there were so many people on Sunday, and since my condition tends to get worse with too much activity, each guest decided to bring a main dish to the party. We had so much food, I felt really blessed! Plus, I haven't had to cook all week which is really helping my stay-in-bed-cause! My husband did BBQ all the meat and I did make a pot of Minestrone soup and an Apple Pie. Everyone loved the Apple Pie, so I thought I'd share the recipe here...

Sage's Deep Dish Apple Pie

6 organic Apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
3/4 cups of Sugar
2 tablespoons of un-bleached Flour
3/4 teaspoons ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of Salt

1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
1 box refrigerated Pie Crust

You'll need to take the pie crust out of the fridge and let it soften (I took it out about an hour before). Wash, peel and thinly slice all the apples. Add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Follow the directions for placing the pie crust in the pan and bake in a pre-heated oven at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes. Let it cool for about 2 hours and enjoy!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Rosemary and... Procrastination

2009-04-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

I’m supposed to be cleaning my house getting ready for a family dinner tomorrow night.. so instead I’m blogging. Wonder what’s wrong with me.. I just can’t get motivated, guess I really don’t want to be doing this dinner. Ahh well…. Everything will get done.. eventually!

I thought I’d post on some of the finer uses of Rosemary for you this morning.. I’m considering using some myself to get into action before I’m up all night preparing for tomorrow! Rosemary is associated with improving and stimulating the mind. It’s an excellent tonic if you’re feeling physically, mentally and/or emotionally worn out. Rosemary is also useful as an antiseptic and antibacterial-it can be burned in rooms where people are, or have been, ill. Rosemary stimulates the adrenal glands and makes a good remedy for long-term depression and chronic illness by helping increase your energy levels.

Some of the best ways to use Essential Oils are to open the bottle and inhale the scent, you can also place a drop or two on a tissue or cotton pad and keep it with you to inhale throughout the day. You may want to add a few drops to your favorite oil burner, add to your massage or bath oil.

Enjoy!

Rock of Love Bus...

2009-04-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.. it's sad. But, my guilty indulgence is watching Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michael's... the finale is this Sunday Night! Ya!!

I'm seriously considering buying Rock of Love: Season 1 and Rock of Love Season 2. Amazon makes it really easy since you can buy them on demand.. either the whole season or each episode one by one!

I just read on Yahoo TV that they are considering cancelling Bret's show... so I hope he finds love this time!!!

VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

Enchanted Revelry ~ Contest

2009-04-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

I know, I know.. I haven't posted a new contest in a while!

But, I've found a pretty cool contest to enter... if you get a few moments why not stop by Enchanted Revelry and enter for a chance to win some free goodies!! All you need to do is post a comment or post about the contest on your blog for THREE additional chances to win!

Have an Enchanted Evening...

Pagan Blog Prompts - What Makes Me a Pagan?

2009-04-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Pagan Blog Prompts (http://paganprompts.blogspot.com) is a new blog that is, hopefully, going to give our magickal writings a boost with insightful weekly questions!

My friend Sunfire decided to start the Pagan Prompts blog just this week.. so if you have a few minutes swing on by and add your two cents -- suggest a topic, answer a question or just say HI and leave a comment!

Now, to answer this weeks question.. What makes me a Pagan?

I think of myself as a Pagan mainly because of the deep respect and reverence I have for our Mother Earth. I honor and celebrate the Cycles of Nature. I find Wisdom in the Trees that surround my home and Spirit in the small Animal Creatures that live in my yard. I believe in Magick to the smallest degree… Spirit surrounds us and shows us strength in its Beauty.

Charts & Readings from Astrology.com

2009-04-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Astrology.com is having an awesome Blowout Sale! Enjoy 10 of their most popular readings for $29.95. The readings include the following:

The Medicine Wheel: Native American Astrology
Based on Native American traditions, this unique reading will show you the realms and interactions of your symbolic animal.

Go Green Reading
Learn about your inner nature while appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds you. Interact with your environment.

Parental Influence Profile
Starting to sound like your parents? Let the stars shed some light on how they've influenced your ideas and personality.

Revelations Reading
Your Astrological affirmation: Take control and find strength with the revelation of your skills, talents and potential.

Inner Healing Reading
Relax, rejuvenate, refresh! Uncover the healing powers of essential elements, gemstones, flowers and your unique self.

Destiny Reading
Are you pursuing your perfect path? Reveal your destined road with a portrait of your soul's intention for this lifetime.

Love Meter
Take a look at your Love Meter to discover what kind of people you attract, your potential for love and what makes you sexy.

One Month Day-by-Day Future Forecast
Sign up for your personalized calendar of planetary events! This forecast offers you a daily outline of the planetary events that influence your life.

Personal Astrology Profile
Go beyond your Sun Sign to reveal your astrological portrait based on the planetary positions at the time of your birth.

Enjoy!

The Secret Riches Visualization Tool

2009-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Friday Freakout..

2009-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well.. things are changing...

Change is never easy for me. I get into a comfortable little groove and off I go. When things change, even when I know it's for the best, I always go through this mourning period and it takes me a while to get the hang of the new routine. Of course, the more right the change is for me the easier it is to adjust.. but it's still difficult.

So.. like I said in the first line... things are changing. The problem is I'm not sure which way I'm supposed to go! Sometimes change just happens; things can no longer go on the way the are. It's almost like change by default. You have no choice in the matter, things are just happening to you. Since I've been studying and working with the law of attraction and manifestation I've been trying to be a little more defined in what it is I'm wanting. And right now I'm stuck. I'm not exactly sure what it is I am wanting, so I have no clear picture in my mind's eye as to where it is I am going.

Today my post is all about my little Friday Freakout... by the end of the weekend my goal is to have a clear idea about the path I want to be on right now, and then I'm going to start moving forward on it. I'm freaking-out since I know whatever I decide, I will manifest (it's such a huge responsibility) and I'm a little un-easy about letting some things go... that's always the hard part... Letting Go. But, it is very necessary.

If you've made it through this much of the post I'd love to hear about some of the projects you're working on now. Have you been doing art or writing or cooking or decorating your home? Making scrapbooks? Starting a blog? Reading books? Watching movies? Going to school? How did you decide which project was more important to you than the rest? Do you do more than one project at a time? How do you balance them all?

I'd love to know.

Anyway.. Thanks for letting me rant! Hopefully my next post will be full of what projects I'm letting go of and what projects I plan to do next!

Have a Wonderful Afternoon....

forCRYeye ~ PLO

2009-03-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

I know there's a lot of us out there in blogger land and we all sort of get to know each other online or recognize someones name from 'seeing' them around.. well, maybe some of you might recognize PLO. She's got a few different blogs.. the one I follow is: http://forcryeye.blogspot.com/

Well.. I was doing my reading rounds this morning and happened to stop by Plo's blog first... She's had a horrible fire at her families home, they've lost everything (http://forcryeye.blogspot.com/2009/03/all-is-not-lost.html). There is a blog going to help them with donations, if you'd like to check it out: http://helpthelongfamily.blogspot.com/

I was just really moved by what happened to them. I know we're all going through rough-patches, but I felt the need to pass along their news.. there's always someone out there that can help, there's always hope.

Have a Blessed Day and Be Safe~
Sage

Twilight on DVD

2009-03-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

I just picked up my copy of the Twilight DVD and I'm getting ready to go watch it... but I thought I'd post with a quick check in.

I hope everyone had a Blessed Ostara yesterday! We had a wonderful day, all of us very thankful for the nice (but small) changes in the weather! I'm so happy I can sleep with my windows open again now, I love hearing the birds chirping in the night.. it's one of my favorite things about the warmer months.

I'm still not feeling all the way like myself yet. My Fibromyalsia is taking a while to calm down this time and I think it's because I haven't been to get any body work done in a while. I'll be calling my massage therapist for sure next week to see if she can help me at all with this linger flare.

Like I don't have enough going on with the pain and exhaustion right now

Wise Witch Herbals.. On eBay!

2009-03-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been missing.. The kids got sick. I got sick. The husband got sick. Not all in that order.. I'm feeling better, but still running slow. Since I have fibromyalgia (among other things) whenever I get sick it takes a while to recover.. not fun.

But.. while laying around, taking it easy, I did have the chance to finish up the Vampire Academy series (what's published so far that is). I gotta say, I never thought it could happen, but I am now no longer (as) obsessed with Twilight! I'm so thankful to Richelle Mead.. she doesn't even know! I wonder if I should send her flowers??

Naaaa, I guess that would be a bit too stalker, huh? Oh well.. I'll think of some way to say Thanks!

So, since I've gotten sucked into Succubus Blues (also by Richelle Mead) the book reviews for Frostbite & Shadow Kiss are taking me a bit of time to finish up, but hopefully I'll have them posted over the weekend sometime. I'm very much anticipating the next book in the VA Series, Blood Promise. And honestly, I have to wonder why someone hasn't started Team Dimitri or Team Adrian shirts yet?? (Mmmmm... that gives me an idea!!)

Anyway.. I really wanted to post because I've started a new line of Healing Products called Wise Witch Herbals. I just got the first item listed in my eBay Shoppe today and thought I'd share the link with all of my Super Fabulous Blog Readers!

Wise Witch Herbal Bewitching Baths Lavender Detox Kit includes:

1oz. Lavender Room Spray
3 x 3 bag of Dead Sea Salts
Two white Tea Light Candles

All for the low price of $6.95 plus shipping!

If you decide you'd like to purchase a kit with a special discount, please just add HOCUS POCUS BLOG READER in the comment/notes area when checking out and I will deduct $1.50 off the price for you (better buy fast though I only have three of these ready to ship!)

I still am so behind. I have the contest prize pictures already taken and I'm thinking Friday the 13th is a perfect day to start a contest... so until then....

Have a Wonderful Night..

Sage Recommends :: Vampire Academy

2009-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

Well, for the past four (yes four!) months I have been absolutely obsessed with The Twilight Saga books. I haven’t been this obsessed since The Lost Boys movie came out (maybe it’s just a vampire thing.. lol). I mentioned earlier this week how I picked up a copy of the Twilight Movie Companion and I just pre-ordered my copy of The Official Guide.. now all there’s left to do is sit and wait to see if Stephenie will ever decide to finish up the series and write Midnight Sun!

I’m so depressed.

I swear, this is silly! How can I be totally out of my mind about a book series??

After reading all four of the Twilight books about 5 times I’ve been desperately trying to find another book to fill the void. I’ve been reading and reading and reading and still haven’t found anything that’s captured my heart quite the way Edward & Bella have…. until today!!

Vampire Academy started off just like any other book I’ve purchased within the last few months.. intriguing cover (check), scan the synopsis for the proper amount of fantasy (check), long sigh and mediocre hopes for a good read (check). Of course I started reading the second I got home (I had to see how my day with this book was going to go..) and I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised, I actually couldn’t put the thing down! It looks like Richelle Mead has a new fan.. thankfully she’s decided to write five of these Vampire Academy
books (I’m already obsessing about Rose & Dimitri to the point of mild-stalker level).

I’ve been drawn to the whole fantasy genre for so long (witches, wizards, faeries, vampires, goddesses.. you get the idea) and lately my primary focus has been vampires—after falling in love with the Cullen’s I really didn’t know if I could be so easily won over by another vampire family, but Richelle has really created an incredibly interesting world inside the gates of St. Vladimir’s Academy! I was so intrigued by the characters and their mysterious and seductive backgrounds—the royal vampire court sounds so alluring! Honestly, I don’t know what I’d like to be more—Moroi, Dhampir or Strigoi (gasp!)

I instantly fell in love with Rose and Lissa—they are both stunningly strong, beautiful girls that are easy to relate to. All the character plots are exceptionally alluring, leaving you wanting more (thank the Gods there are four more books in this series!) The book is a little over 300 pages, which took me about six hours or so to finish… it was really hard to put down and I instantly regretted not purchasing all the books in the series before coming home. I did however order the rest of the books on Amazon, along with a few others from Richelle (and other authors.. which I’ll post reviews about soon!)

I did check out Richelle’s website.. she’s got a cute, simple site with a blog that she personally updates on a regular basis. I was very pleased to find out she not only has other fantasy fiction books, but she also writes an adult series (the Vampire Academy books are young adult).

So, now I’m off to go obsess about vampires some more.. at least I have more than just the Cullen’s to think about now!

More Twilight

2009-02-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

It's been months and I'm still obsessed with Twilight and anything and everything related to it!

I just picked up a copy of Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion. I sat and read through the whole thing this morning, I really love learning about how the whole movie came together the way it did (and the pictures of Rob playing Edward Cullen aren't so bad either!)

Anyway.. just thought I'd post a little update. The weather has been really over-cast and raining so my Fibromyalgia has been acting up (I'm not on the computer much when that happens...)

I've got some more goodies to post later (as well as a contest!), so maybe after the kids are off to bed I'll try and post again!

Happy Valentine's Day...

2009-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

In honor of St. Valentine's Day (which is really a front for the Old Pagan Holiday - Lupercalia) I'd like to offer a special on my Love & Romance Powder Incense... if you purchase this item from my eBay Store just let me know that you are one of Blog Readers and I will give you free shipping on this item to any where within the U.S.

I hope everyone has a Wonderfully Romantic Day... filled with blessings of Health & Fertility in the forth-coming months of Spring!

Enjoy!

Full Moon Blessings & Reiki Healing Giveaway

2009-02-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

I've been working a lot on personal healing over the past few months--Incorporating into my day healthy eating, herbal teas, vitamins and aromatherapy. Meditating at least once a day (sometimes more) has been a huge part of my spiritual process as well as doing Yoga every night. I have also welcomed Reiki into my life again.. and it feels absolutely divine!

I had some healing help from my wonderful friend Joanna at Earth & Sky Spirit Reiki. She spent a great deal of time with me putting together a fabulous healing session that really helped me to feel like myself again. I now feel whole, complete, grounded and ready to help others on their Spiritual Path again!

I'm so excited about my new Energy Work & Natural Healing Practice that I would like to offer all my wonderful Readers, in honor of the Full Moon, a Lunar Light Healing Session free of charge! All you have to do to receive your healing session is follow me on twitter (Better send me a Direct Message there after signing up to Follow Me, so I know who you are!)

Lunar Light Reiki is a highly vibrant, loving energy that is very beneficial in healing sessions. Lunar light has many excellent properties-the most important being emotional healing. Its energies help with all feminine aspects of life and promotes peace of mind, calmness and balance. It cleanses and protects from negative energies as well. It's wonderful for use in Meditation.

I offer this energy as a gift in Honor of this Month's Full Moon.. I hope it brings you much peace!

In Light..

Wise Witch : Herbal Hangover Remedies

2009-02-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Well, after my husband thoroughly celebrated this past Super Bowl Weekend I had to dig through my bag of tricks and come up with some Wise Witch Wisdom for banishing Hangovers! Since I had the information handy, I thought it might be useful to post the tips here as well. I probably should have thought about posting before all the Super Bowl Parties, but I'm absolutely sure you will be able to use this information again in the future (no crystal ball needed for that one!)

Usually, after we indulge in too much in alcohol, we are feeling poorly due to dehydration - which can cause headaches, insomnia, irritability and depression. Of course, we need to do the obvious and drink more water, but we also need to replenish the lost body salts to help with absorption.

A few quick and easy things to start the morning off with...

Dandelion Tea: Not only is it a wonderful diuretic (which means it helps rid your body of toxins faster) it also adds potassium back into your body. You can pick up Dandelion Root, Tea Bags at Drugstore.com for a pretty reasonable price too!
Bananas: Another high Potassium food.
Saltine Crackers: Helps replenish the lost Body Salts.

Along with the symptoms of dehydration that can occur, we can also experience a host of other not-so-pleasant-morning-after-feelings that a little Wise Witch Wisdom can help dissipate! The following Herbs, Flowers and Fruits are very useful to keep on hand, especially during times of too much Celebration...

Chamomile: A wonderful way to ease irritability and help yourself relax is with a soothing cup of Chamomile Tea. Other useful benefits include reducing headaches and indigestion.
Dandelion: Already mentioned above, Dandelion Tea is a natural detoxifier and diuretic. You may wish to drink it as a tea or add it to a salad (well, maybe, if you feel up to eating that is...)
Fennel: A cup of Fennel Tea can be extremely helpful in reducing nausea and indigestion as well as other effects of alcohol on the body.
Juniper: If you're one of those people that believe in drinking the next day to help chase away a hangover you may wish to try a Gin & Tonic with a twist of Lemon and a bit of Honey. Gin is made from Juniper and is a great Reviving Agent!
Lime: A great way to increase your energy is by adding a few slices of lime to all that extra water you're drinking today (you are drinking extra water, right??) Lime is also a natural refresher and can aid with your digestion!
Lemon: If you're feeling a little out of sorts mentally be sure to add some lemon wedges to your water or tea as well! Lemon is an all purpose restorative and natural stimulant that can help refresh, purify, strengthen and sooth your mind and your body!
Milk Thistle: A wonderful herb that can protect the liver from damage caused by too much alcohol, you might want to look into taking Milk Thistle on a regular basis (just check in with your doctor).
Peppermint: An all around useful herb, peppermint can ease headaches, indigestion and nausea. You can drink Peppermint Tea or chew on a fresh leaf (they can be purchased from your local grocery store).
Rosemary: To get the best hangover-related help from Rosemary you'll probably want to toss a few sprigs into a Salt Bath and soak for no more than 10 minutes in hot water. The rosemary will help increase your energy and relieve your upset stomach, the Sea Salt will help replenish what your body has lost through dehydration.

If you like to use Essential Oils you can try bath oils, vaporizer blends or massage oils. You can also put several drops on a tissue and inhale throughout the day/night. A good reviving blend includes Fennel, Juniper & Rosemary!

Hope some of these tips help!

Witchcraft... Etsy Treasury

2009-01-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Nancy over at White Magick I'm in a Most Magickal 'Witchcraft' Treasury Listing on Etsy this morning...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=35681

I really need to list some more magickal goodies on Etsy.. I've just been so busy trying to list the mundane stuff on eBay... I need a better balance!

I'm off to go do the laundry and ponder better balance... we'll see where it takes me.

Have a Magickal Day!

National Hug Day : January 21, 2009

2009-01-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

National Hug Day

This IS an actual holiday. no joke. so on this day hug
as many people/animals as you can! It's the best day ever! You don't have to
have the day off or be completely free. You can hug people at work, school, and
at home. don't be afraid to hug a stranger. i can't control the price of hugs.
Only you can! Hug everyone you meet/see on January 21 and maybe you'll even be
hugged back. OK so really this should be called INTERnational hug day because it
is celebrated everywhere but when i created this event i didn't realize that.
Don't believe what other groups are saying national hug day is really on the
21st not the 16th or the 1st or any other day. Don't believe me? look it
up.SPREAD AWARENESS!!!
1. Accept the invite
2. Invite all your friends! SPREAD
AWARENESS!!
3. Upload pictures of you and your friends hugging!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=45438207493

Happy National Hug Day!

Spirit Journeys with Little Faerie Tales

2009-01-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Joanna is doing some really fun creative classes over at her blog Little Faerie Tales. The beautiful thing about her classes is that she shows you ALL the supplies you're going to need and then helps walk you through the parts you may not be so familiar with (in case you're some what of a closet-artist).

So.. I started the Spirit Journey's Workshop #2 last night and put the finishing touches on it this morning. I was really proud of myself for starting a project and finishing it in less than 24 hours!

If you have a bit of extra time over the next few days feel free to join in on the Spirit Journey and be sure to send your picture to Joanna before the 23rd!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Sage Recommends :: Dirty Dishes

2009-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to write a little something about this terrific Etsy Shop since I bought a few cups a while back. If you have a sick sense of humor, like I do, you're going to love these mugs.. they almost make me wish I worked in an office again, just to show them off (... almost!!)

So.. if you get a chance go check out Dirty Dishes on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5317562 and be sure to tell her The Whimsical Witch sent ya!

Have a Great Day!

The Beauty of the Full Moon..

2009-01-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Life has still had it's moments over the past few weeks, but I feel like the dark cloud that was over my home and my family has been lifted... and I am very lovingly grateful to this month's bright, beautiful Full Moon.

My husband and I created a beautiful Full Moon Ritual to Celebrate the Need for Change in our lives.. to show how grateful we are for everything that's going well in our lives, to show how grateful we are for each other.

The next day I did my own private Ritual and just spent time talking with the Goddess.

Life is so strage sometimes, so simple and yet so complex. Just a slight shifting in perception is the only thing that needs to happen to make everything right again.. it's just finding the right 'trigger' to help the shift happen that can be a challenge.

I'm so happy that I've found my trigger and I've shown my husband (who is not pagan) a way to explore his own triggers. My house feels like a different place this past week. Everyone is so happy and playful. It already feels like Spring outside, which is like a personal gift to me from the Goddess Herself - allowing the Dark to be lifted from my daily life earlier than expected has helped me tremendously in making a positive shift.

I've still been spending time de-cluttering and cleaning, but have actually shifted to organizing.. which, to me, makes all the difference in the world! Decluttering only works when you have lots of things to throw away, I love my things and don't want to get rid of them. I do, however, want some organization to things, which slowly I'm achieving. Everyday I try to clean-out and organize another area in my home.. it feels Wonderful! I feel so much happier, lighter and (the best part) able to allow the new things I need into my life.

Perfecting the Art of Allowing is really what my focus is going to be for the New Year. It feels wonderful to decide I'd like something and then have it manifest in my life, sometimes overnight. Everyday has become an adventure.. what can I do next?

It makes life very fun....

CONTEST WINNER!

2009-01-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

A while back I bought this really cool bucket.. the handle is broken, but I figure I can make a new one if the need arises. I really like the witch on it -- flying through the midnight air, something I'd love to be doing right now! I never knew what I was going to do with the bucket, but as I was collecting the names for the contest drawing tonight I saw the bucket and knew it had a new purpose. My Midnight Witch will now and forever be known as the Official Contest Cauldron (it is sort of shaped like a cauldron.. well sort of).

So, tonight I added all the names to the Bucket and had my Daughter pull out a name.... the Winner is:

Annie Keleher

Annie, if you could email me your mailing address I'll get your Prize out for you first thing in the morning.. my email is: sagemoonste at yahoo dot com

Congrats on the Win!!

Sacred Space ~ C O N T E S T

2008-12-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

My husband and I were flicking through the stations last night on the TV and got sucked into watching one of those ghost hunter shows... this one was based some where in Europe. I was sort of confused about what everyone was 'seeing' I guess it was more about what they were 'feeling' - but that's hard to translate to TV.

I always like to see how they help the Spirit move on, or cleanse the area or help the occupants of the house feel better about what's been going on (usually by figuring out the back-story about how it all got started to begin with...). The whole show was just a great reminder about how important it is to cleanse and purify your house!

Your whole house is really Sacred Space, not just the area where your Altar is (although that's really the most important because that's where you're calling up energies in a more concentrated space...), but really wherever you are, you're calling up energies, all the time, at every moment of your existence. So, it's so important to cleanse your space on a regular basis - sort of like Spring Cleaning (but don't wait for spring to do it!!).

So.. for this contest I'm offering a Mini Herbal Purification Kit. It comes with two white tapers (they're about 7-inches in length) and a 2 x 3 bag of White Sage (the perfect herb for cleansing!).

The contest will run until Jan 1st and I will post the winner here on the 2nd. All you need to do to enter the contest is Post a Comment here and I'll add your name to the Drawing!

Best of Luck!!

Doom and Gloom... Sorry!

2008-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

I really hate writing about sad news, but I guess it's a part of life and since it's been such a BIG part of my life the last few weeks.. I guess I'll share a bit of what's been going on here.

My husband's grandmother died early this week. It is very sad news and yet very good news as well - she was sick and suffering and now I know she's in a better place, not in pain any more.

My mother-in-law is still very sick with pneumonia. She's home now, but can't leave the house. I most likely I will not be able to see her for the Holiday Dinner we were going to have this week since I woke up with a cold yesterday and we can't take the risk of her getting any sicker.. so once again, Thanksgiving was the first, the Holiday's this year will be strange for us.

I guess fate didn't want to leave my side of the family out of things, so there has been some sad news there as well. My father found out he had a staph infection earlier this week. Thank the Gods he knows himself and trusts his own judgement! He was admitted into the hospital ER and had surgery the same night to stop the spread of the infection (the original doctor he saw there told him to go home and come back when he could get an appointment, but my father said no). The surgeon who worked on his hand told him if he would have gone home, like was suggested to him, he would have died that night. But almost all is well now, he's home and recovering and I can't see him either due to my illness.. but hearing his voice on the phone, the new strength in it and the laughter, I know he's going to heal well and be up and about soon.

Ahhh.... there is more, if you can believe it. My little sister (she's 17) got into a lot of trouble and almost died over the weekend. Thankfully my mother had admitted her into the hospital, so she was being monitored and helped when her breathing stopped... several times. She mixed drinking and drugs and was out of control, didn't know who anyone was, was seeing things. It was very sad. And now she's too far away for me to go and see her, so I just have to sit and wait for news to come.. I still don't know if she's home yet, but I'm hoping to hear soon.

The last little bit of stress came yesterday.. my new puppy (he's four) had some head tremors that lasted about 5 minutes. We're bringing him to the vet after the holiday (or to the animal emergency room if it happens again!), but I hope it's just something simple. We just lost our other dog about a month ago, our 10 year old Lasso Apso Tucker and if something happened to Rex right now.. I think I would take to the bed and not get up again... for a while.

Sorry for all the doom-and-gloom. It's all out of my system now.. and the next post I make will be a CONTEST! I gotta make some Holiday Cheer around Here! SO.. give me a bit to make pancakes for the Family and I'll be back soon to post the new Contest Info!!

I miss all my Blogging Friends.. and will be around to visit blogs later tonight after I'm done wrapping up the last of the presents..

Many Blessings to Everyone!

MUSE in Twilight - CONTEST

2008-12-11T22:06:00.001-08:00

You know how I love contests.. and a Twilight related contest is just too much for me!

Enjoy!

Here's the info on how to enter the contest

1. Click “get & share” on the bar underneath the widget. Select the place where you want to put it, like Myspace, etc. (If you want to put it on your Facebook, go here: http://apps.facebook.com/musetwilight)

2. Place the widget on your page and make sure that it plays and works.

3. Take a screenshot of the widget on your page. Don’t know how? Instructions
for PC (http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Screenshot-in-Microsoft-Windows)
and Mac (http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Screenshot-in-Mac-OS-X)

4. Email your screenshot to musetwilight@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it along with your first and last name, the Twilight site you found this contest on and your mailing address.

The contest ends on Friday, December 19th, so get started now! We’ll be
checking the winners page too, so make sure the widget is there for at least a
week.

It’s that easy! Then you’re in the running for a MUSE Twilight prize pack just
in time for the Holidays.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Also make sure to test the embedded code and if you have any problems please
tell me immediately!

Thanks again!!!

What do you do When You're Overwhelmed?

2008-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

I’m learning that when I’m stressed and overwhelmed with doubt and frustration that I need to start applying what I’m learning at school (I’m studying metaphysics, for those who don’t already know..) So, what is it that I know?

Well, if I let the uncertainty and the concerns overtake me then that is the outcome I will have. So, what do I do when I feel like giving in and succumbing to the dark emotions of worry, doubt and fear??

I start to take in deep breaths and relax.

I close my eyes.

I let myself……… F E E L. I turn myself over to my senses. And slowly, I turn all my focus on my heart chakra, glowing green—maybe it’s not too bright or spinning the correct way or cluttered with dark spots. But, I continue to focus until the light there is bright, until it’s all I can feel, until it surrounds my whole body and extends out into my aura. Until everything I can see is touched with Bright Green Light.. and then Pink.

I surround myself with loving, compassionate energy and listen to where the pull of my heart is taking me. Sometimes, it’s not in the direction I’d always think…

And then I slowly open my eyes and take a minute (a FULL MINUTE, for real!) and feel overwhelming gratitude for the things I have in my life that make me happy, that bring me joy, contentment, and peace.

After that… I smile.

And then the rest seems easy.

Bachelor of Metaphysics

2008-12-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

In the Spring I signed up to start taking classes to study Metaphysical Sciences.. I’m working on my Bachelor of Metaphysical Sciences right now, but will be continuing on for my Master of Metaphysics and possibly my Doctorate Degree.

I love all the classes I’ve been taking. There’s just so much information, all on subjects that are completely fascinating to me – Mediation Skills, Gods & Goddesses, Herbs & Natural Medicines, Colors & Symbols, Manifesting Skills, Crystals & Gemstones, Divination Systems, Nutrition, Aura Viewing, Yoga, Reiki, Dreams, Astral Projection… I could really go on and on (there’s over 70 classes!)

So, although I’ve been reading and reading and reading.. I finally took my first test last night! I got a 98% (which means I passed!!!). So now I’m trying to figure out some reasonable goals for myself so I can graduate in a fair amount of time. I’m having so much fun with the classes, I’m really not in a big rush.. Sometimes it’s good to set up a goal to work toward though, make sure I don’t get off track! PLUS, it might help me to:

PUT DOWN THE TWILIGHT BOOKS AND SLOWLY BACK AWAY!!!

I’ve read the The Twilight Saga twice now in less than a month and already I want to start over again with all 2400 pages.. it’s becoming a monthly EVENT! To me, it's just like watching a movie over and over again (and, as someone of you may remember, I love to do that as well!) I think my favorite in the four book series is Breaking Dawn... I keep going back and reading the last half of the book, it's just the best (I won't say anything beyond that since I don't want to spoil it for anyone that hasn't read the books yet).

Ok.. I'm off to go finish up my Manifestations Skills Class (yay, wish me luck!)

Hope you guys have a Great Weekend!

Witch Crafting ~ Make Your Own Yule Log

2008-12-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

I thought it might be fun to make my own Yule Log this year. It's a fun thing to do with the kids, the tricky part (well, depending on where you live) is finding a good piece of Oak Wood for the base!

If anyone decides to make a Yule Log and post pictures on your Blog.. I'd love it if you'd leave a link for me to stop by and see!

Making a Yule Log:

You'll need a piece of Oak Wood - approx 4" thick and 10" long
Drill three holes in the top of the Log (for placing candles, aluminum foil can be used around the bottom of the candles to help with the fit)
Decorate your Yule Log with Foliage to reflect the Season -- Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe are some good starting places.

When you're ready to Celebrate the Winter Solstice light your Candles and Welcome the rebirth of the Sun King!

Enjoy!

Welcome to December...

2008-12-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already December!

Time is just moving so quickly now.. I feel like there's so many things I want (or wanted) to do--to start. to finish. And now it's almost Holiday time, so I will have to put things off even more.

My son finally went back to school today. He just turned 6 in October. We had enrolled him in a Private Catholic School at the beginning of the year, but he has Autism (which wasn't really much of a problem in pre-school) and so it was sort of unexpected that he would have such a difficult time with the program at a private school, but I guess with no extra help (like an aid, or sensory breaks and good stuff like that...) what were we really thinking?? So.. he's been out of school, home with me since the end of September sometime (i think, it all feels like one really LONG day to me).

Anyway.. today was the first day BOTH the kids went to school and I had THREE GLORIOUS HOURS to M Y S E L F!

WOW.. I had no idea three hours could make such a difference. Life is starting to seem like it's going to be OK again.. lol. I say that lightly since we're still fighting with the school district over my son's IEP and even over what Public School Placement is the most appropriate for him (free and appropriate education and all that, ya know??), but we have a Lawyer who's working on most of the fighting for us.. so at least I can't screw it up that bad, guess we'll see how good she is at the meeting later this week!

I also wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who sent me well-wishes for my Mother-in-Law (who was in the Hospital the week of Thanksgiving..) She was released on Saturday, but told not to leave the house for two more weeks. She's still recovering, but she's getting better everyday.. and I'm so thankful for that! This Thanksgiving was just very strange without her. And then we found out on the way to dinner that night that our Auntie was also in the Hospital (same hospital) with some intestinal problems. So.. at least they were together (in a sense), but all of us at the house really felt the impact of their absence.. it was strangely eerie and none of us really wanted to think about it too much, because one day, not that far off someone will be missing.. and it will be heartbreaking.

The last thing I wanted to mention (if you haven't bailed already on this more than depressing post...) is that my Mom and my sister moved out of the state today. They are on their way to Illinois as I type this... Leaving, on a Jet Plane. Ya, it was really disappointing that they couldn't find enough time for more of a goodbye. They stopped in this morning from 8:05 am -8:20 am while I was flying through the house trying to get everyone ready for school, while attempting to hold it together enough to still drop everyone off (and not have the teachers think I'm more nuts than I am...)

So far December is not ranking high up on my favorite month's list for 2008... but I believe in Magick more than anything and so I'm hoping I'll be able to change all that by the Next Full Moon. After the whirl-wind that was November, it's time to regain control of my life and start intending and allowing rather than just sitting back and watching.. nothing good ever comes from that!

Hope everyone has a Peaceful Day!

Giving Thanks...

2008-11-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

Since it's that Time of Year Again.. I was just wondering What You're Thankful For???

I'm Thankful for...

The Comfort of my Home...
The Love of my Family....
Kisses from my new Puppy.... (who's 4 years old and 120 pounds!)
Being able to Enjoy the Rain with the Windows Open

Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day for my family. My mother-in-law was admitted into the hospital Sunday night and she won't be out in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. We have a very close family. We celebrate every Holiday together. This is the first time we'll be apart for one. It's not the Holiday so much that I'm upset about, we can make a Holiday out of any day. It's just that.. well, people don't live forever. My only wish today is that she continues to get better, continues to regain her strength and continues to fight off the infection....

Hope everyone Enjoys their Day Tomorrow... Don't Forget to Give Thanks!

The Body Shop ~ Beauty Bag Offer!

2008-11-25T19:28:00.001-08:00

I love The Body Shop! I use all their make up (which they just came out with some new mineral make up that ROCKS!), I use their skin care items (especially their Kinetin)

Right now they've got this Awesome Beauty Bag either, on sale for $29 bucks or FREE when you buy $70 worth of goodies (it's never hard for me to spend that much!!)

So.. I thought I'd share this as a Daily Deal.. all my Blog Reader's can enjoy FREE SHIPPING within the U.S. if you order from the following link AND put SAGE in the line that says For party orders please enter Host Name!!

Feel free to contact me with any questions... you want to make sure you get the FREE SHIPPING!!

Have a Great Night!

Obstacle Courses...

2008-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

I'm working on setting up an obstacle course (yes, in our home) for my kids today.

We just finished up getting a new evaluation done at Children's Health Council. They are basically the Best facility in the Bay Area to have your child evaluated at, if you think there are any problems. You need an evaluation from them if you're ever going to get the services your child needs, otherwise your local Regional Center and School District will have fun taking advantage of your trust and lack of knowledge regarding California's Special Education Laws.

We haven't got the full report back from CHC yet, but we're already working on implementing some of their recommendations (why the heck else did we pay all that money???). Since my No. #1 Son has a lot of Sensory Issues (along with autism) they think a trampoline and an obstacle course for him first thing in the morning would be best!

So today I'm trying to set this thing up... and then I have to talk him into using it (he gets tired really quick... )

Evil Mommy...

2008-11-25T11:31:00.001-08:00

Well, I had started a new blog.. EVIL MOMMY (yes, that' s me.. muhahahaha!!!)

I was going to write all about my Adventures of being a Stay-at-Home Mom to kids with Special Needs... but, well.. I just can't keep up with another blog. Plus, I think my kids sort of fit well into my Daily Life as a Work at Home Witch... it is all me (and my life) any way and right now I'd like to keep me in one place as much as possible (it's getting really hard to spread myself thin.. like I have in the past).

So... You're stuck with hearing my rants (and raves!) of being a Mommy to kiddos with Special Needs... (the rants are mostly about the school district and other evil outsiders, the raves are all about my kids and how unique they make my life!)

Hope you don't mind the detour too much!

Twilight ~ Today

2008-11-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

People are either Lovin' it or Hatin' it (what else is new???)

I loved it... Can't wait to see it again!

There are some places online to leave your reviews, once you've seen the movie that is:

Yahoo Movies
Rotten Tomatoes
Amazon - Plus you can sign up for when the DVD becomes available!

I'll leave more links as I come across them.. I'm still sick, so I'm gonna go take it easy now.

Be sure to check out the movie if you get a chance.. or, if movies aren't your thing, the book Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
is a must read and don't pass up the Twilight Soundtrack
.. too many excellent songs!!!

More Twilight Favorites

2008-11-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

More Twilight Favorites:

Paramore Music Video (MySpace)

Let the Obsession B E G I N !!!

2008-11-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite clip for the new Twilight Movie:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

AND.. I'm STILL sick... AHHHHH! I better be feeling ok before FRIDAY!!

Still sick...

2008-11-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

I've been sick, stuck in bed.... y u c k!

I found the Twilight movie trailer today online and remember that I had picked up a copy of the book a while back, but hadn't started reading it yet.

So today, my obsession has been Bella & Edward... I've only got about 100 pages left to read and then I'll be off to buy the other books in the series -- unless of course someone could be nice enough to just bring the books to me, since I can't really get out of bed for very long at the present moment (hunny, are you reading this???)

I can't wait to see the Movie! If there's a midnight showing, I'll be there for sure.. just seems too perfect not to go at that time...

I've been Tagged

2008-11-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

I’ve been tagged by Beverly at So This is Wonderland!

Once again, the rules:
· Link to the person or persons who tagged you.
· Post the rules on your blog.
· Write 6 random things about yourself.
· Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
· Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
· Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here are the 6 random things about me:
1. I had my first out of body experience before the age of 5.
2. Sarah McLachlan is my favorite Female Singer.
3. My favorite card game to play is Hearts.
4. I used to work for Francesca DeGrandis.
5. I watch old Charmed episodes everyday (doesn't everyone love Cole as much as me???)
6. I love all things Vintage Halloween!

Here are the 6 people I've tagged (which was really, really fun for me since I love to check out new blogs!):
1. Wiccan Happiness Project
2. forCRYeye
3. Mrs. B - Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom
4. Miss R - Tales of Ingelwood
5. The Frugal Pagan
6. Magickal Enchantments ( she's got the cutest stuff on Etsy!)

Soul Coaching - The Beginning

2008-11-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

I know our Soul Coaching Journey was to begin on Nov. 1st, but I feel as if mine started with October's New Moon in Scorpio (which was Oct. 28th). It was my Birthday on the 29th and with the Samhain Holiday not far ahead, the combination made for a Beautiful Entry into my new pattern of Life.

I need change. I feel, more than ever that I am stuck. Repeating the same mistakes over and over and over again. The loop never ends, not even when I learn the lesson. I am stuck and I need change.

How much can I change one thing at a time? Will the baby-steps really prevent me from staying out of the ~~security~~ imprisonment of my bed for the next 4 months? Only time will tell..

I have decided to start with small changes. Keeping my kitchen sink clean has been the main focus of the last 5 days--that and getting dressed everyday. Sounds silly, but with having Fibromyalgia (as well as other health concerns) they are two things I don't normally do everyday... and so far I feel a little better. I have hope... and with hope you can do almost anything.

Sooth the Soul, Enlighten the Spirit

2008-11-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

I've started listing some of my Reiki Classes on eBay. I was really nervous to start this up, but after giving it some thought I think it's going to be an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

I have a Magickal Empowerment that I've just listed, at a discounted rate that I'd like to share with my Blog Readers:

Cerridwen's Empowerment on eBay!

I love doing these Empowerments because Cerridwen is my Patron Goddess. Her Power is very Strong--full of Knowledge, Wisdom and Experience. She can help with Change and Transformation in your Life--helping you to find the right path and to stay on it. She is the Dark Mother and some times that might put people off, but I assure you that she is filled with Love and Empathy. To me, this transitional time between Autumn and Winter is the Perfect time to be Empowered with her Energy and I would Love to be the liaison that helps facilitate that for you!

To qualify this as an Item of the Day Special for my Blog Readers only.. I would like to offer anyone who purchases this Empowerment (and mentions my blog while doing so) my Reiki e-Book; which is a Guidebook all about Usui Reiki I (I'll be sure to post more information about it first thing in the morning for those who are interested!)

New Blog Design!!

2008-10-30T14:58:00.001-07:00

As a Birthday present for myself.. I bought my Blog a new Design!!

I love it!

Lauren at Restored 316 Designs did a Beautiful Job for me (don't you think?!?) and she did it all in less than 24 hours!

She also did my Reiki Website & Blog for me - Living Earth Reiki; which I'm slowly adding classes and workshops to as time allows.

Now that I have a new Blog Design... I think I feel a CONTEST coming ON!!!! You'll just have to wait and see!

Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite!

2008-10-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Birthday.

I had a very nice, relaxing (which is good!) day.

I chopped off ALL of my Hair.

I shopped online... all day long.

And my husband took me to a fun dinner at Benihana!

After dinner we both couldn't sleep and decided to watch our shows (Pushing Daisies & Dirty, Sexy, Money) well, all of a sudden my neck starts itching like crazy!!! Of course, I think I'm having a (very delayed) allergic reaction to the hair dye and that my throat will soon start to swell closed and I'll stop breathing.

But.. the sane part of me remembered that I had some very fabulous calendula herbal salve right in my bed side table! I put some of the salve on and in about 15 minutes the hive was gone and I wasn't itchy any more... what more could you ask for? (besides a no bugs allowed in the bed sign??)

My little story is actually an introduction to a new section of my blog - Wise Witch Wisdom.

Woman have been Wise One's through most of history. Using the plants and herbs around them to heal (...and possibly to harm). So, with my new section I'm hoping to pass along some useful herbal information that might help you with find relief after being bit by a spider.. or one of the other 100 things that make us uncomfortable throughout the day!

Nature is just waiting to help us, we just have to know how to listen to her...

Item of the Day - FREE SHIPPING

2008-10-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'd like to start something new here on my Blog, which will mean more great benefits for being a member here at Hocus Pocus!

I sell at various places online (which you can track most of them at Plum Drop) and I'm going to start posting an Item of the Day that will include a special discount offer for all of my Blog Readers!

Sound like fun?

Sort of?

Come on.. at least a little, right?

Ok!

Today's Item of the Day is a 4 oz bottle of SIMPLE PLEASURES Pomegranate Body Lotion. I thought Pomegranate would be fitting for the Season considering it's the Fruit of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld and Samhain (aka Halloween) is this week!

Now for the Fun Part! The Special Deal will be FREE SHIPPING if you mention that you're one of my Hocus Pocus Blog Readers! So, you'll be saving $3.50 just for reading the first Item of the Day Post!

If Body Lotion isn't your thing, be sure to check back tomorrow to see what the Item of the Day is going to be (I'm open to suggestions... just in case you have your eye on something from one of my shops!)

Blessings~
Sage

Wordle ~ October 28th

2008-10-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was reading the New Age Bitch's Blog and found this really cool site called wordle that can generate these fun tag cloud images. Here's mine from October 28th, I want to see how much I can get it to change over time...

Do one for your site too and post so I can see!

Have a Wonderful Day~
Sage

Pushing Daisies!

2008-10-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite shows and I just found out it might be cancelled due to lack of viewers!

So.. if you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check out Pushing Daisies this week! It's such a unique show.. I think you'll really like it!

Blessings~
Sage

Stuck in the Web!

2008-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days where you still just get absolutely lost in the world wide web?

I’m having one of those days today. It’s proving very fulfilling yet very overwhelming all at the same time.

I’ve found some totally fantastic new blogs like MagPie Girl and Dreamer Girl and some fun new blog networking sites like Biznik and BlogHer.

Have any fun sites you'd like to share??? Feel free to post them here so I can check them out!

Hope you're enjoying the Day!
Blessings~
Sage

C O N T E S T ~ Mine & Martha's ~ W I N N E R

2008-10-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks ~

Sorry it's taken me SO long to post the Mine & Martha's Contest Winner (I'll post all about the reason for the delay later..)

So.. Without any more delay... the W I N N E R is...........

Oseaana
From The MoonlitSea!!!
http://themoonlitsea.blogspot.com/

Congrats Lady! I'll be contacting you to get your address!!

Bright Blessings~
Sage

One of Thoses Days...

2008-10-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you just need to watch the same movie about 15 times??

{ i know, i'm weird }

Today was one of those days for me. As you may have guessed, I love Fairytales and right now I just can't get enough of Penelope! It's one of my favorite movies.. so I watched it on repeat all day. I did manage to get some work done, updated some of my social networking pages, fixed the tomato plants (they needed a little help standing up) and took the kids out to play... but mostly I just watched this movie...

{ i love rainy saturdays }

The Next Chapter

2008-10-03T23:19:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited (yes, again!)

While I was out-and-about last night browsing Blogger-land, I found Suzie's Sacred Space. What an incredible blog! Suzie, at this point, probably thinks I'm stalking her since I posted a few comments and signed up for a class she's taking part in starting in November (i swear, i'm not a stalker!)

The wonderful class I found is called The Next Chapter: Soul Coaching. Here's a bit about the group for more info:

The concept behind a book-blogging group is that a community of bloggers work
their way through a book, sharing their experiences by posting on their own blog
and by reading what other participants are sharing. You can choose to share as
much or as little as you like.

We're starting out with Soul Coaching and my hope is that we will [have] such a magnificent time full of connection and growth that The Next Chapter will become a regular place to blog through books on various creative and self-development topics.

I don't always do very well once the cold weather comes and the class is going to be on-going through the month of November. I figured it would be a perfect time to do some digging around my soul--maybe I can figure out why I hate the dark half of the year so much (among other things!)

I'm posting a link to the book, in case any one is interested in checking it out. I just ordered my copy today and starting in November I'll be posting relating to it and my journey.. if anyone would like to join me please visit The Next Chapter and sign up too!

Everyone is in bed already.. I should probably get there too....

See ya in the morning!
Blessings~
Sage

F R I D A Y F U N !

2008-10-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ok.. October is just FULL OF FUN!!

There are CONTESTS to enter ALL OVER THE PLACE.. and I'm going to post a few of them here for you!

1. Celtic Goddess - Indie Reviews is giving away lots of goodies from Divapixie of Fools & Jewels!

2. Mrs. B's 31 Days of Halloween - New giveaways are happening EVERYDAY!! Be sure to join in the FUN!!

3. Joanna from An Altered Fairytale is hosting her First Ever All Hallow's Eve Fairyland Carnival Contest - she makes the BEST goodies, so don't miss out on this one!

4. Black Box Reviews is hosting another FUN contest -- This time you have to tell a story though, so get creative and post, post, post!

5. Shelle at Blok Thoughts is getting ready to host her Don't You Hate It When Contest, so get your stories ready!!

Ok.. If I missed any contests (I'm sure I did) please leave a comment here and ADD YOUR OWN!!

{ i love contests }

Hope everyone has a BLAST joining in the FUN!

Blessings~
Sage

Take a Deep Breath and Get Back in the Boat

2008-10-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

For most of my life I’ve known that I was a little different—a little more sensitive than the average person, a little more aware of my surroundings and the people in them.

It’s strange to me, with my knowledge of my heightened awareness (notice how I didn’t say understanding!), that astrology has just recently become a part of my life (well, within the last year or so). It never occurred to me before then that I should be paying attention to the sun, the moon, the stars and the planets because if the weather affects me that the heavens probably do too!

I’ve signed up for this wonderful email service that sends me updates whenever there are changes going on in the sky along with little summaries of how those changes might affect us here on Earth. So far the email warnings have been great.. I don’t know what I’ve done without them my whole life! Well, I take that back, I do know what I’ve done without them… SUFFERED! It’s so much better going into the day being a little more prepared with the knowledge that yes, Mercury is in Retrograde (until the 15th), that the moon will be in Sagittarius for the next two days (good for goal setting and completing) and that for the next six weeks Mars will be in Scorpio (so watch out for being over emotional and letting your ego get the best of things).

See… I feel more prepared already! And now, when my emotions try to get the better of me I can take a step back, take a deep breath and know that it’s not ME that is having the problem.. that I can just get back in my boat and float on downstream (Abraham would be SO proud!)

Have a Great Day!
Blessings~
Sage

Stress Management

2008-10-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

I got this in my email box today and figured it would be something good to remember since we're in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde (and I mean REALLY in the middle, it won't be over until the 15 -- Goddess Help Us!!)

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to
an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, 'How heavy is this glass of
water?'

Answers called out ranged from 8oz. To 20oz.

The
lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long
you try to hold it.'

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If
I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it
for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.'

In each case it's the same
weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'

He continued,
'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all
the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be
able to carry on.'

'As with the glass of water, you have to put it
down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can
carry on
with the burden. '

'So, before you return home tonight, put
the burden of work/life down.
Don't carry it home. You can pick it up
tomorrow.'

'Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a
moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

Life
is short. Enjoy it!

And then he shared some ways of dealing with the
burdens of life:

1. Accept the fact that some days you're the bug,
and some days you're the windshield.

2. Always keep your words soft and
sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3. Always read stuff that will
make you look good if you die in the middle of reading it.

4. Drive
carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5. If
you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6. If you lend
someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a
warning to others.

8. Never buy a car you can't push.

9. Never
put both feet in your mouth at the same time,because then you won't have a leg
to stand on.

10. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and
dance.

11. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep
til late

12. The second mouse gets the cheese.

13. When
everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14. Birthdays
are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15. You may be
only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

16. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

17. We
could learn a lo t from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are
dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to
live in the same box.

18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the
scenery on a detour

New ~ Witch Hats

2008-10-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited!!

I just finished a new project that I've been thinking about for a while now... Witch Hats! This is the first one, I'm not quite finished yet (I still have to paint the bottom), but I was SO excited I wanted to take some pictures and post them to share.

They are a BLAST to make, my son even made one with me yesterday (a Sponge Bob one.. lol).

I'll be posting more pictures and adding the finished hats to my Etsy Shoppe over the weekend (plus I have to finish my Gritty Jane Doll!)

Hope everyone has a Great Day.. and don't forget to Check out Mrs. B and her 31 Days of Halloween -- she's got tons of fun going on over on her Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom's Blog, be sure to visit and tell her Sage set Ya!

Blessings~
Sage

C O N T E S T ~ Mine & Martha's ~ U P D A T E

2008-10-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

I've got a mini update for this weeks contest...

You can still earn an entry for EVERY COMMENT you make on my blog (from posts starting on 9/28 through 10/5), but NOW you can earn an extra TWO entries for F O L L O W I N G my blog as well!

Just so my current F O L L O W E R S don't feel left out they will automatically be entered into the contest drawing (just one of the PERKS for being a Follower of Mine -- more perks to come later!!)

Hope you're enjoying the FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER!!

Hugs
Sage

What's on my Wish List??

2008-09-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've got A LOT of things on my wish list, but one of them is The Teachings of AbrahamÂ®: The Master Course Video. I love Esther & Jerry Hicks.. I've been listening to a bunch of their cds every night as I drift off to sleep (and even sometimes in the middle of the night, when I wake up and can't get back to sleep..)

Abraham is just the best! He doesn't walk around telling you just BE HAPPY, he helps you figure out a way to reach for the best emotion you can at that moment.. and maybe it's a loooong way away form HAPPY, but it's a heck of a lot better than the black hole of depression you could fall into if you let yourself keep thinking negative thoughts!

So.. I'm excited to see this new video! I love buying ones like this and then watching them over-and-over-and-over again (i've done it so much in the past that i've had to go out a re-buy dvds that i've worn out!)

So... that's one of the things on my Wish List!

What's something on yours??

New Moon Esbat

2008-09-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

I don't always perform a New Moon Esbat, but with Mercury in retrograde and Mabon just a week past.. I think this month I will.

For those of you who don't know, the New Moon is a good time to perform spells and rituals for growth, healing and blessings. If I get real elaborate and creative with my ritual, maybe I'll take some pictures and post them tomorrow!

On another note.. I have a new family member to bestow blessings upon, a black Labrador Retriever named Rex (he came with the name). He's just the cutest thing and the perfect dog for our family (we're all very lazy and he fits in just fine!)

Enjoy The New Moon!
Blessings ~

Sage

Same Blog, New Name...

2008-09-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm changing things around a little.

I've started blogging more and all of a sudden my blog has taken on a life of it's own and gone off in some direction I didn't foresee. So.. I've re-named my blog and decided to add a description to my title so anyone who visits can actually know what to expect when they start reading... (even though on most days I don't know what to expect!)

I'm working on installing a new template, since black is black.. but I need some pizzazz!

And hopefully a signature too (we'll see how much I can get done before hubby gets home and wants to eat...)

;P