Happy September!

Things have been hectic at Toadstool Condo. We are emptying a storage unit and getting rid of stuff we just don't need. It feels both good and sad. I was able to locate some missing books - the expensive two volumes about Sacred Geometry, which seems to have taken hold of me - but that will be another post. I also found some paintings I did from the late 1990s. I thought I'd share a few here.

Seed Mother

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Sheila-Na-Gig

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Serpent Lady

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Crone Crescent

(copyright 1997 E A Kaufman)

Between the needlework, the art work, and the photographs, there is very little wall space! I found this little needlework piece I had started some time ago and lost track of, Wife Into Thy Garden by The Goode Huswife. It is stitched on 36 count linen and the verse is over one thread. I have just added the bricks under the window and half of the third line of the verse. It is a wonderful little piece, I can't imagine why I put it down.

This next piece is from a freebie I found on line, it is called The Leaky Cauldron. No self-respecting witch would have a leaky cauldron so I fixed it up and changed a couple of other things. I am stitching a skeleton key under the witch. Will I go for a verse or some other little related design after that? Time will tell. 

So... now back to the kitchen. Tonight is Rosh Hashanah, and as my darling hubby is Jewish, this is a major event in our home. I made a wonderful brisket last night, brisket is much better when made a day ahead; we only need to slice and heat it. The veggies are just about ready to go, the candlesticks are polished, the challah sits majestically alongside a shiny red apple and some honey. We always have a slice of apple dipped in honey for a sweet New Year. And speaking of sweet, Manischewitz Cream White Concord wine is chilling in the fridge next to some apple cider. Oh, I love that wine.

The apple cider, if I can keep my darling hubby from drinking it all, is for the apple butter I will be making next week. Yes, it is that time again. I've not done much preserving this year, just some plum butter and some bread and butter pickles. The apple butter is the last item on my list for this year. Those preserves will make nice gifts during the winter holidays... and we have quite a few: Chanukah, the Winter Solstice, and Christmas. What can I say? It's good to celebrate everything! 

I am preparing for my Divine Feminine Discussion group next week; we will be learning to draw sacred mandalas taught by Vibrational artist and healer, Gina Orlando of Syner G Crystal Healing, www.sacredheart144.com or find her at her Facebook page, (click here). In addition, there is the Autumn Equinox, and I will be celebrating a version of the Eleusinian Mysteries with my apprentices and some of the gals from our occult studies group. September is a busy month and begins my most favorite time of year. Happy September!!!

Blessings nine!

The Witches' Compendium, Ostara Issue

This is a free publication, with some very nice ideas, including correspondences, recipes, decorating ideas, etc. for those celebrating Ostara or even Spring Renewal festivals, by The Witch of Howling Creek. Enjoy!

http://issuu.com/witchofhowlingcreek/docs/compendium_ostara?mode=window




Blessings nine at the Birthing of Spring!

Merry, Merry!!!

Merry, Merry!

Eat, drink sensibly, and

have a wonderful day doing

whatever gives you pleasure!

The holiday season continues at Toadstool Condo. I've been baking, candy making, gift making. I'm ready for some relaxation and lots of stitching. First, after an evening of friends coming to call, dinner with other friends, so I'll be in the kitchen cooking away.

Tomorrow... I begin a few days of peaceful, restful indulgence along with lots of stitching and plenty of reading. So many needlework projects and other creative endeavors. However, as I said, I plan to just relax and restore myself.

Have a wonderful holiday, however you celebrate!

Blessings nine!

Solstice Thoughts

I need some sprinklings of healing magick. Every year, after the big days - the Solstice, Christmas Eve and Christmas, I feel this let down. This year is a bit worse - the autumn and Yuletide season just flew by leaving me rushing along behind, never quite catching up.

I'm not alone in these feelings. I've spoken to many folks who feel the same and there are a lot of them out there - where did the time go? Is it that we are older? Is it the fear of 2012 that so many seem to have? I personally have no issues with 2012 because I know exactly what happened with that calendar!

 So... this can't be the problem. ; ) What's going on? Just weird energy swirling around us? I don't know, but what I do know is that this will pass and I will be back to my old, feisty, effervescent self in no time at all. And that's the name of that tune!!!

In other news - and there seems to be plenty - I continue working on my project, A Book of Artes and Charms. I have three gals that want to be students/apprentices and I've decided with my magickal partner that we shall take them on. This is something that we really hadn't been interested in before, but these gals are just the right ones. They have that excitement and enthusiasm, the "I just can't wait" energy, it's quite lovely. Multiple tarot readings have been encouraging this path over the last eight months, so here we go. In addition, my partner and I will continue our "inner court" workings.

Stitching wise, well, I have not two, but three large projects just starting: Sampler Sisters of the Thread as mentioned before and only one line done, Autumn At Hawk Run Hallow not yet started but being carried everywhere I go, just in case, and A Marriage by Lizzie Kate. A Marriage will be stitched in time for our 32nd wedding anniversary at the end of May. I saw this on line, called my local shop and found that they had it. I scooted right over there to pick up the chart which comes with all the threads. It calls for 32 count Lambswool linen which I just happen to have an abundance of. The DH drove over with me which was a good thing as I left my wallet at home!!! However, that curtailed my shopping spree a bit. This is very different from what I usually stitch. I prefer traditional or primitive type designs, reproductions of antique samplers - that sort of thing. This one is much more modern looking, to me, but the verse is exactly what my DH and I always say about our marriage. So.... onward stitches! Of course there are a few smalls thrown in for a break such as "Cake For Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl and a some others from various magazines and on-line freebies. I really plan to knuckle under and not buy anymore charts - well except the two whizzing there way from Europe, oh and Last Stitch Cemetery by Hinzeit - so adorable, I just couldn't resist, LOL, but it  isn't quite the New Year yet so it's all good. No comments from the peanut gallery, hehehe!

In any event, our Christmas Eve and Christmas day were both quiet, just the two of us and it was quite lovely. Christmas Eve dinner was spinach dip on crackers, pigs in a blanket and mini bagel pizzas along with homemade egg nog, shortbread and fudge for dessert. We then lit the fire and sat side by side, rocking, chatting and dozing a little, Sterling B at our feet. Christmas Day we slept in a bit, exchanged a couple of gifts, relaxed and chatted on the phone with relatives. Not a bad holiday although I did miss my Christmas Eve open house. Oh well, maybe next year, but we shall see. I really enjoyed just the three of us.

I hope much magick was had by all of you and you enjoyed yourselves. May the New Year be a wonderful one!

Blessings nine!

Pomona's Magick

Today is the Feast of Pomona, a Roman goddess of fruit trees, especially apples, and abundant fruitfulness. She was considered to be a guardian of people, homes, gardens and orchards. Her name is from the Latin "pomum" - apple.

Of course apples have long been a symbol of many goddesses and their worship. It is appropriate at this time of year that we honor Pomona and the magick of apples, therefore I offer the following magickal suggestions.

Take apples, peel a few strips only of the apple skin, remove core and split in half reserving the strips of peel and core.  Place in a baking pan, flat side up, add a bit of butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, cloves and/or a little maple syrup. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 - 45 minutes or until soft.  While cooking and eating, ask a blessing from Pomona for good health, protection and abundance. Be sure to save a slice to be presented as offering.

Take the reserved peel and wrap it around a sprig of thyme or oregano, perhaps even both, and a cinnamon stick. Using a knitting needle or awl, gently pierce the rolled peel in three places and stick cloves into each hole. Bake in a warm oven of 250 degrees for an hour or so to dry the peel and herb. Once dried, the peel can be added to an autumn pot pourri, used as offerings or in charms. Keep nearby when performing any divinatory or oracle workings.

Apples - sacred to many goddesses and a symbol of women's magick; enhances loving energies, love magick, wisdom and protection.
Thyme - cleanses and disperses stagnant energies while attracting new and positive energies. Also assists in opening the third eye.
Cinnamon - enhances magick, aids magickal focus and connecting to other realms.
Cloves - purifies, repels negativity and hostility, elevtes spiritual vibrations.
Oregano - brings joy, protective, good for wards.
Maple syrup - a sweetener - sweeteners sweeten people and situations; maple's magick brings protective, sheltering energy, as well as encourages good health, longevity and balance.

Don't forget to bury an apple or two outside your home, offerings for both Pomona and your ancestors.

copyright 2010 E A Kaufman - from the forthcoming, A Book of Artes & Charms.


Blessings nine!

Home Again!

I have just recently returned from a trip to North Carolina and a wonderful visit to a couple of old friends. I spent long hours looking at buttons and antique sewing tools, talking and visiting various locations and events. I also had my other half take some playful, fun photos - such as above, I couldn't resist. The weather was chilly - mid thirties at night and only into the forties during the day. I was pretty comfortable though, participating in that time of a woman's life known as perpetual summer! In the above photo, which was taken on the road back from Hendersonville to Brevard after some antiquing, I wrapped up in my wool cape and posed appropriately - in my opinion! ; )

A too short meeting at the arboretum with my MoonMaid herbalist friend, Cynthia. We had a long, lovely chat, discussion of goddess and witchy issues and just generally caught up. She gifted me with a beautiful book of flower lore while I presented her with a Jim Shore Garden Fairy and a little silver pin of gardening tools. She lives on a mountain, growing a wild garden and preparing her products, mainly for women, but her ouch ointment in quite famous; my own husband is a great fan. We are hoping for a visit again in the late spring or early summer which will include a trek to the MoonMaid's mountain abode. (see moonmaidbotanicals.com for more info about her products.)

My other friend, with whom we stayed, is a close, close friend of many years. We met in the eighties when she and her husband owned an antique shop at Miami's historic Cauley Square. The four of us became very close and  spent a great deal of time together; we were partners in crime, so to speak. Bill passed away some years ago and we certainly miss him. They moved to North Carolina almost twenty years ago, got out the day Hurricane Andrew hit Miami-Dade County, but it always seems like no time has gone by and we pick up where we left off. We stayed up to too late talking, but it was a warm and wonderful visit.

I attended the Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival and have finally obtained a rigid heddle loom - yay and thanks be to Athena! I also picked up tips on my drop spindle spinning and hopefully, next year, will add a spinning wheel. Right now I will focus on my weaving. There were lots of wonderful like-minded folks at the festival, all friendly and willing to share information and tips. Needless to say the fibers and other goodies were gorgeous. My husband enjoyed himself tremendously and carried goods back and forth to the car. We found the soap maker we bought soap from a few years ago and laid in a good supply. Plenty of holiday gifts were purchased too. The following day we were off to the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in Asheville. Beautiful art! Added a few handmade wooden spoons to my collection including a very long, large spoon and ladle that will be very helpful to my apple butter making this week.

Sigh! I didn't want to leave North Carolina. Miss it and my buddies Helen and Cynthia already.

Well, life moves on and Hallows is a day away, followed by Pomona's Day when the apple butter making shall commence! I celebrate Hallows over a number of days - from the 31st through the 11th this year. Honoring the dead and spirit contact are a priority, readying myself for the introspective time of the winter and making certain charms only done at this time. There is a ritual to put together yet and getting my dear other half to drill hazelnuts, incense to make along with offerings and the libation brew.

Oh.. and of course I'm gearing up for a little give-away so keep in touch as it will be announced on Hallows with the drawing on November 11th!

Blessings nine!

All photos copyright E A Kaufman 2011

So September Arrives!

copyright 2010 E A Kaufman

... all things change and pass in the end,

and when they are past we must rest and forget.

That too is the law of the gods.

When the summer is over, the land must sleep,

root and stone and water and earth:

the seed in the furrow, the beast in the hole,

the leaf on the tree giving itself to the air,

lightly - lightly - no weight staying it

- to fall to the ground and to rest.

To rest and to rest, safe on the ground,

deep under the snow,

with nothing to trouble it, only to rest.

... Rest, rest and forget.

The seed to the furrow, the beast to the hole,

the leaf to the ground,

and all to rest and forget.

- from The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope -

Happy September! Ah... how I love the change from August to September. The great wheel of the seasons slowly, slowly moving. I  look forward to certain tasks - changing the quilt on our bed, mixing a new cinnamon and clove pot pourri. I also pull out my worn and spattered recipe for apple butter, waiting for new apples to arrive. And then... pomanders! Those clove studded oranges that leave my fingertips stained brown and scented with cloves and orange no matter how many times I wash them. Delish! They add that wonderful orange spice scent to my home along with the apple butter. Oh... and my favorite Fanny Farmer Apple Cake recipe - also spattered and worn - scrumptious, buttery and spicy. Casseroles, stews, soups - all the recipes come out and so what if it is still warm outside? Inside, Autumn is about to arrive! It all makes me feel so Septemberish. Ah, if only I could live in Autumn all year long!

And, of course, there are magicakal tasks too; brews, herbal blends to prepare; spells and rituals to review - all for the coming season - The Autumn Equinox and Hallows; dark moons and full moons. 

So tomorrow, upon rising, the September tasks begin! A delightful day ahead.

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it.

If I were a bird

I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

- George Eliot -

Blessings nine!

Rough Week!

Whoa! What a week I have had!!! Woke up Monday morning to a note that a friend's mom had passed after a struggle with cancer. I posted a small tribute to her previously. The next email was from another friend who had moved to Texas. She had, we thought, successfully battled breast cancer a few years ago. She was in the hospital and had been told that there was cancer in her liver, lungs and bones. I immediately sent out a call to all the Reiki practitioners, healers and witches to send healing and energy. Latest note, she is home and the prognosis, with chemo, etc. looks good. X! Monday evening Mike received a call; his mother's cousin, whom he had seen the week before, had passed away! He was quite elderly, but still getting around and seemed to be well. Good grief, I think I've had enough.

I have suffered from anxiety since childhood and these sorts of events - normal life, I know - always knock me down. Luckily for me, being the big girl I am, I bounce pretty easily! Still, it has been a difficult week and thanks to close friends, my darling Mike (the man has the patience of a saint!) and Reiki, meditation, etc., I'm  hanging in there. Still, I'm feeling a bit like I want to run away to some magical place where I don't have to deal with my feelings. Oh ho, you say - me too! Not a good idea. But... life goes on, anxiety passes. After all, I'm a mermaid - I ride that wave and get along.

In other news, happier news, I have been keeping busy - stitching, reading, cooking, working at the crystal shop. Those crystals certainly take care of me! The energy of the shop is soothing, peaceful, healing. And, of course, there is my friend and boss, Sandy, and co-worker, Lucky, who can talk one through anything. Thank goodness for friends and a great husband. 

A couple of weeks ago Mike and I drove upstate to visit a friend who was visiting her boyfriend - they are both 81 and had dated in high school, but married others, lost them and found each other again! We had a great visit and they took us to a strawberry farm where I bought a mess of berries - strawberry time in Florida - and made some jam.

Now, for me, jam making has become a sort of Zen-like meditative experience, I love doing it and it leaves me with this wonderful feeling. I mean, just looking at the beautifully colored jars - ahhhh!  And, of course, the results are always good, but this batch - DELICIOUS! I'm not sure there will be any left for Christmas gifts!

Stitching bits:

One of the Small Fancies from Practical Blackwork, Acorns, along with Quaker Samplings III by Ellen Chester. I've also been stitching on, but no photo, Witch and Salem Remembered by The Primitive Needle among other bits. 


I  participated in the River of Stones project during January. I sent in five stones and one was accepted and posted to the Handful of Stones blog on February 8th. One of the five not accepted, actually my favorite, was about stitching:

Silver needle, threads soft, bright

My hand dances gently this way then that

Jewels appear on ivory linen

A task of infinite pleasure

copyright E A Kaufman 2011

Read and reading some books, as usual: Recommended by one of the Austen blogs I follow, Syrie James' Nocturne, which was good but not as good as her other two books, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and Dracula, My Love, which I recently read. I very much enjoyed India Black by Carol Karr, a mystery about a Victorian madam (yes, that kind of madam!) blackmailed into assisting Her Majesty's government in retrieving some important diplomatic documents from the French. Mystery writer Vicki Lane (a very favorite author) describes the novel as... "a kind of Fanny Hill meets Nancy Drew - through a world Dickens would have known." I agree and am hoping to read more adventures of India and her handsome spy sidekick. 

I also discovered, at my local library, The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle. Holiday Grind was a light and enjoyable mystery. I'm going to read the others in this series. Cleo is the pen name for Alice Kimberly and her husband. Alice writes the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, which are fun to read - if murder and mayhem can be fun and Alice achieves that!

So, right now I am embroiled in the antics of caterers Bernie & Libby Simmons as they try to solve the murder of Anabel Cobert in A Catered Birthday Party by Isis Crawford. This is another series I will be reading. Both of these series include lots of recipes, and I'm talking really good recipes, just like the Hannah Swenson Mysteries - recently read Cream Puff Murder and was as fascinated by the recipes as the story! For chocoholics, the Chocoholic Mysteries by JoAnna Carl, packed with chocolate trivia as well as a good mystery - most recent read, the Chocolate Pirate Plot. This mystery reading goes on while working on my Elizabeth Gaskell challenge.

All of this reading, cooking and stitching was squeezed in with the usual potion brewing, spell casting, tarot reading and ritual work of a witch. As you can read, I've been busy and all that busyness makes dealing with the other stuff a bit easier. The pleasures of needle and thread, books, cooking and home... 

Blessings nine!  

Merry, Merry!!!

 

So merry, merry, happy Christmas - actually it is now the day after! Last night was our annual Christmas Eve open house and we had a wonderful time, as usual. Good friends gathering to celebrate and just be together - it's the best! And... we ate!!! Antipasto - ham, mortedalla, salami, pepperoni, chicken, provolone, spinach dip, black olive and garlic dip with crackers & veggies sticks, lasagna, pumpkin tiramisu, rum cake, pizzelles, mulled cider, wine, coffee. We ate, laughed, drank, laughed, talked and laughed again, all night.


I also made eggnog from scratch - oooooh! Good stuff when homemade. Simmered eggs, milk and a small amount of sugar to about 165 degrees, then added a mixture of more milk and cream as well as a touch of vanilla extract and freshly grated nutmeg. Since it didn't make enough for the whole gang, I fed it to my friend who just had gastric bypass surgery a month ago - nutritious with all those eggs and milk. The rest I selfishly kept for Mike and myself!!! It is not difficult to make, a little time consuming and well worth it. I found the recipe at one of the Jane Austen blogs I follow.


No one could locate the pickle ornament on the tree so I had to show them where it was. They all tried, I'll give them that, but no one found it. I gave them little goodies as prizes anyway.


Mike and I ate yule log after midnight, then looked in our stockings to find those little toys that you play catch with, a little basket with a popper in it to shoot a small plastic ball across the room or up in the air and catch it in the basket again. We played catch, laughing and making more noise than we should have until three AM!!! He still woke me by seven, asking if it was Christmas yet and we then proceeded to open gifts.
He gave me a wonderful set of apothecary jars for my herbs and potions, two needlework books, Connecticut Needlework, Women, Art & Family, 1740-1840 by Susan Schoelwer and Jane Bostocke, The Rest of the Story by Eileen Bennett,  along with a few other goodies. He got new boxers, soft and flannel, some cologne, DVDs, a very nice copy of Gulliver's Travels, among a few other things. A good haul of fun stuff considering we really have everything we need most in life, but... it wouldn't be Christmas without a few little presents to unwrap.


Today was a quiet day, reading my new needlework books - which I have to make mention about and Mike watching movies - including A Christmas Story, one of our favorites. I knew I was getting those books because I ordered them myself. Mike asked me what I would like and I mentioned them,  so we went on line together and ordered them from The Scarlet Letter (www.scarlet_letter.com) on the 21st - nothing like waiting until the last minute. Well... the books arrived on Christmas Eve!!!!!! I couldn't believe it and, of course, sent off a little note of thanks to Marsha. I had to wait until today to look at them though, but that was alright, I was so busy yesterday. This evening I have been stitching one of the little motifs from the Bostocke sampler; Eileen includes a little chart in the back of her book. I also have some other charts from the sampler that I found on line. That sampler is the first and, I believe, oldest signed and dated piece ever found. Lots of blackwork, which I love, as well as a section of motifs.


Last night, I also celebrated all the Mother Goddesses, but especially Asherah, who seems to be making Herself known to me lately, tapping me on the shoulder and sending me information from various places. We will see where that leads. Tonight, I found some information about Her in a place I have looked many times before, but never noticed these particular bits.


So, here it is, the witching hour and I have a little fire in the fireplace, candles glowing, the scent of bayberry and evergreen in the air. Tomorrow the temperature will only rise to about the mid 60s - I know, it's probably much colder where you are, but this is South Florida!!! Tomorrow night 32-36 degrees . A good thing I have flannel nighties, quilts and afghans to cover us! (Too many exclamation points??? I can't help it, I'm still in a state of excitement!)


Well, we have friends joining us tomorrow night to finish the holiday leftovers, so more fun. I hope your past couple of days were as delightful as mine. Here's to many joyful moments for you and yours!


Blessings nine!

The Latke Incident of 2010

So... in my post yesterday, last paragraph, I made the statement that I would NOT grate any part of my fingers while preparing the potatoes for latkes - and... I did not. No, instead, while peeling the last potato, I sliced into my right index finger in two places. One slice was so deep, I ended up in the emergency room for stitches. The second slice only required a butterfly. I was sent home with a splint (because the big slice is across the joint), pain meds and an antibiotic. Thank the goddesses it was my right hand, I can still stitch!


The potatoes, for some reason of their own, kept slipping out of my hand, flying across the counter. Being left handed, I have an odd way of peeling - more scraping away from my hand, but the one, more serious cut, was toward me, a nice long slice with a deep hole. The other was at the tip,  can't figure out how I did it. Needless to say, we did not have latkes last night. My darling husband did what all good Jews do when their wives can't cook - he went for Chinese take-out. Ah, you may ask, didn't you go out for Chinese the night before? Yes, indeed we did - we love Chinese food. I will leave you with this little joke, a favorite of ours:


A Chinese man and a Jewish man are sitting and chatting. The Chinese man makes the statement that his culture has existed for five thousand years. The Jewish man says, well, the Jewish culture has existed for six thousand years. The Chinese man ponders this for a moment and then says, "So, what did you guys eat for a thousand years?"


And that my friends is the end of my story. Tonight, latkes, grated in the food processor. I'll just leave it at that and make no promises about anything!

A photo of the victim, culprit and supporting cast!

Blessings nine!

Thanksgiving, Catching Up With the Truth & Some Stitching!

Well, back to business here, I need to get caught up on my Thirty Days of Truth. But before I do that, I have a few words to say about Thanksgiving. It seems there are folks among us who think we shouldn't celebrate such a day - Angelina Jolie, being the most famous, she thinks it's a day of murder. Even in the Pagan community there are many who believe that because the people who came here hundreds of years ago were invaders (I thought they were looking for freedom) we shouldn't celebrate this day. There are others who say that because of what was done to the indigenous American Indians, we shouldn't celebrate. Well, folks, I celebrate Thanksgiving because I am grateful to live in this wonderful country, I am grateful for all I have, my wonderful life and all the people who love me and are part of that life. I can't undo what was done hundreds of years ago - hell, my people weren't even in this country, but that is neither here nor there. No one alive now did any of what happened then. Yes, you have the right to speak out, voice your opinion and  there is still prejudice and horror in the world; yes, we should certainly work for peace and healing, but if you have a problem with a day of giving thanks, too bad, we need that day of thanks, we need our holidays. Celebration is good for us all, it's a day to be thankful people! Focus on the good, the generosity of our country and its people and put away your politics for at least of day. Make blessings and give thanks instead of spreading negativity, criticism and, yes, grumpiness! As for Angelina Jolie - that girl can just stay in France as far as I'm concerned, although she ought to consider that she should be thankful that she has the right to say what she feels, at least in America! OK, rant over.


I spent Thanksgiving with my husband's cousin and his wife and Aunt at Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach. Magnificent buffet, very traditional, turkey and all the fixings as well as prime rib and fish. The dessert table was also fabulous and the company, of course, was wonderful. We had a great day. I really love my husband's Aunt Harriet, she's a darling. I did miss cooking though, even as much work as it is.


On to my thirty days, for which I am also thankful because it has been such a healing, searching process!!! I am going to catch up with a few here today - rather easy ones.


12.  Something you never seem to get compliments about.


I can't answer this. Everything I've ever thought I ought to be complimented on - and those I never thought to be - I am. I don't think about not receiving compliments, to be honest. A compliment is a gift, I take them as they come and if they don't, well, it doesn't occur to me to give it a second thought. The other issue might be that, for me, I have an abundance of self-worth -  most of the time, so don't worry about this. I honestly can't think of anything.


13. A band or artist that has gotten you through touch times.


Oh, easy peasey!!! Carly Simon, hands down! That lady has seen me through it all, I adore her and her music. I've been listening to her music since she started out, when I was a teenager. I've been singing and playing her music on guitar for years. I well remember sitting on the grass on our front lawn, friends gathered around me, all of us with our guitars, singing her music. I have an old book of her music with lots of her family photos from the 70s that is just falling apart, held together with a rubber band!  My wedding song was Forever My Love. I can't tell you how often she's gotten me through tough times - and... good times too.


14. A hero that has let you down.


I don't know that she was a hero really, but Anne Sexton's poetry was very inspiring to me as a poet myself. I learned a great deal from her work. Then... she committed suicide and I just couldn't believe it. How I felt she wasted her talent and betrayed me! Of course, I was very young then, I didn't understand mental illness, nor were some of the things she did known then. Now, of course, I have compassion for such a tormented woman. Of course, I didn't have to grow up with her in my home, still, I regret her loss


15. Someone or something you couldn't live without.


Again, easy peasey  - my husband, I love him madly, and my freedom.


16. Someone or something you could definitely live without.


Again, easy - negativity in the world. What's the problem with live and let live? I'm going to leave it at that because otherwise, I'll be here all night!!!


OK, that's that for now. The next one, a book that changed my view about something, is going to be tough; so many books have inspired, gifted me with wisdom and provoked thought .


And now for some needlework!!! Over the past week and a half I've finished stitching two little ornament and very pretty they are, if I do say so myself! I also had finished a little witch stitch over the summer which I hadn't posted, so here they all are!


This one is from, I believe, Raise The Roof designs, although I left off the right side which said, Screech and  you screech alone. There was a major meeting about this, LOL, and it was decided that it was a more positive message without the other side!!!

This little beauty is from the December, 2010 issue of The Gift of Stitching e-zine, a really terrific stitching magazine (www.thegiftofstitching.com) which you should take a look at if you stitch and haven't seen it. I ADORE blackwork and just fell in love with this. I thought this design would look wonderful on this new linen, called Cognac, which I found at my LNS, Cross Stitch Cupboard in Fort Lauderdale. Those women who work there really know how to twist arms, LOL, I was looking for some orange linen for a Halloween ornament (from the September/October 2010 issue of Just CrossStitch) which they also managed to find, but I couldn't live without this - the photo doesn't do the color justice. I see more blackwork designs on this linen even if it isn't traditional!

Now, this little ornament is from the 2010 Christmas Ornament issue of Just CrossStitch, designed by Louise Henderson of Cherished Stitches, my favorite design of all in this issue. I have to stitch it together this weekend so it will be ready for my Solstice tree!

Oh... and speaking of blackwork, I follow a blog, http://practicalblackwork.blogspot.com, where I discovered at her website, www.practicalblackwork.com that she has released ten designs called Small Fancies - I AM beside myself!!!!!!!!!!!! They are gorgeous and this is what I will be stitching this weekend. I was given permission to share her photo of the smalls from the website so you can take a look. Gorgeous! I will have my own basket of smalls soon too!

Here are some photos of my stitching basket, which was made by someone whose name I can't remember. A few of us went to a stitching retreat, I think in the late 80s, in Gainesville, Florida at Sally Cresswell's shop, where these were being sold, minus all the buttons, ribbons, pins, etc. The embellishment work is all mine, mostly done the year I purchased the basket, but updated every so often as a new button or pin is found, over the years. The little crazy quilt block was made by my friend, Zoritza, an incredibly talented seamstress, quilter, beader - you name it. She had a fabric store in Miami for many years, where I learned to sew and gained a lifelong friend whom I love dearly. She is 80 now and partially blind from her diabetes, yet she still sews her quilts. This basket is one of those things I receive many compliments on and, believe it or not, I have to be very careful with it - it is coveted by many, LOL!!! 

So there I am, all caught up! This weekend will be spent stitching, reading and decorating the Toadstool for the Solstice!!! I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine.


Blessings nine!

Halloween Stitch!

A little stitch for Halloween - very cute, if I say so myself! The design is from the September/October 2010 issue of Just Cross Stitch, By the Full Moon designed by Tracy Horner of Ink Circles. I used DMC floss instead of the recommended Gentle Arts threads. Along with it are a few of the witches from my collection. The witch on the motorcycle is actually a salt and pepper shaker! The two on the opposite side are reproductions of vintage pieces, the witch on the pumpkin is a candy holder. Most of the witches are part of my every day decor and not just for Halloween. I like having them around and they are everywhere ;-).


Preparing for the big day, ritual at Rhiannon's with Raven and myself. It is also Rhiannon's birthday so we will have a little birthday celebration as well. Honoring the ancestors of both our blood and our path is an important part of our ritual, reconnecting with those who have moved on, sweet sadness and celebration.


I just finished making a huge bowl of guacamole as one of Mike's customers gave us a bucketful of Florida avocados from his trees. They are at just-perfect ripeness for eating, so the next few days will include plenty of salads with slices as well as the guac! Nutty, buttery, delicious! Tonight, turkey burgers with, yes you guessed it, guacamole!!! If you're in the area, do stop by for a snack - if you can get Mike to share - he's very greedy with my guacamole!


Alright, that's enough of that, the house needs tidying, there's stitching to do and I have a few potions to brew, so back to the cauldron!


Blessings nine!

Home Again, Hot Peppers, Bugs, Eel and Such

I have returned from my mother's and am settling back into life at the Toadstool. The Schmoodle was beside himself to see me when I arrived and has not left my side - to be honest, I was just as delighted to see him - oh how I missed my little furball! My favorite man was off with his bonsai group and their show at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami, but returned home by midnight and appropriately greeted me etc., etc. after a three week separation!

I immediately unpacked upon returning with the exception of books and needlework. I am exhausted. I don't know about anyone else (well, actually I do, but never mind) I just never sleep well away from home. I was SO sad to leave my mother - we had a great time, but at the same time just wanted my own little Toadstool Condo and all its lovely things that make my life so pleasant. Oh well, I will go back up in November - Enchanted Earth is hosting a concert featuring Kellianna - I'll kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

The last two evenings at my mother's were spent playing bingo - which... I LOVE!!! Who knew??? I'm really surprised, but I'm going to have to find a local group, I do love it! Oh, did I mention that between the two of us we won $75.00 over the two nights? A great team. 

And now a little something I found whilst reading Jane Austen blogs!  You may (or not) find it interesting, peculiar or a combination of both - which I did and therefore decided to display those things I have eaten from this list - which includes those I will NEVER eat! This isn't really a Janeite thing, but I did get the link from a Jane blog so hence the bit of Jane-speak!


From Andrew Wheeler:
Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers. (Note by W of S: some things just didn't sound as if I needed to know what they are!) 



Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.


1. Venison

2. Nettle tea (regularly)

3. Huevos rancheros

4. Steak tartare

5. Crocodile

6. Black pudding

7. Cheese fondue

8. Carp

9. Borscht

10. Baba ghanoush (ah, love it!)

11. Calamari (fried, I love this too!)

12. Pho

13. PB&J sandwich (nothing like it!)

14. Aloo gobi

15. Hot dog from a street cart (another nothing like it!)

16. Epoisses

17. Black truffle

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes

19. Steamed pork buns

20. Pistachio ice cream
 (oh, oh, delish!)
21. Heirloom tomatoes (have I mentioned that I am addicted to tomatoes?)
 
22. Fresh wild berries

23. Foie gras
 (AHHHHH)
24. Rice and beans

25. Brawn, or head cheese

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper

27. Dulce de leche

28. Oysters

29. Baklava

30. Bagna cauda

31. Wasabi peas (tried them and won't eat them again! Why would anyone?)

32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl

33. Salted lassi

34. Sauerkraut

35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar

37. Clotted cream tea (another AHHHHHH)

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O

39. Gumbo

40. Oxtail

41. Curried goat

42. Whole insects (ok, one flew in my mouth and down my throat, no choice but to swallow!)

43. Phaal

44. Goat’s milk

45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more

46. Fugu

47. Chicken tikka masala

48. Eel

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut

50. Sea urchin

51. Prickly pear

52. Umeboshi

53. Abalone

54. Paneer

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal

56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini

58. Beer above 8% ABV

59. Poutine

60. Carob chips

61. S’mores

62. Sweetbreads

63. Kaolin

64. Currywurst

65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake

68. Haggis

69. Fried plantain

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette

71. Gazpacho

72. Caviar and blini
 (another AHHHHHHH!)
73. Louche absinthe

74. Gjetost, or brunost
 (no clue, but it doesn't sound whilesome!)
75. Roadkill

76. Baijiu (???)

77. Hostess Fruit Pie

78. Snail
 (haven't yet, won't say never, but unlikely - the slime!!!)
79. Lapsang souchong (most delightful blended with a nice Assam, 1 part LS, 3 parts A)

80. Bellini

81. Tom yum

82. Eggs Benedict
 (yummy!)
83. Pocky
 (what? I don't think I can eat something named Pocky!!)
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.

85. Kobe beef

86. Hare

87. Goulash

88. Flowers

89. Horse

90. Criollo chocolate

91. Spam

92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa (I have to find out what this is - anything rose is delightful!)

94. Catfish

95. Mole poblano (isn't poblano something to do with hot peppers?)

96. Bagel and lox

97. Lobster Thermidor

98. Polenta

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee

100. Snake 


61 out of 100 - I think, it's almost 3:30 AM, I'm bleary eyed. Now that I've finished that,  I can sleep!


Blessings nine!