Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Sunday Sampler--My Hat, A Bat and The Moon

The Blog-o-sphere is so much fun!! I say this because I follow wonderful blogs and have made some terrific friends along the way. And a lot of bloggers host giveaways. I don't win too often, but I have won some lovely gifts.  I have just discovered that I have won two, yes, TWO giveaways!

Stacy, that darling Crow-loving artist from http://magiclovecrow.blogspot.com/  has gifted me with one of her fab artistic works. The painting is called "My Hat" and will be perfect for my Samhain (halloween) decorating. I will post a photo of it when it arrives. I can't wait! Thanks, Stacy!!

Sandy, my dear artist friend in New Jersey, the rescuer of  4 feral kittens (two of which now order me around, live with me), hosted a giveaway that was beyond delightful. She had several art works she wanted to pass along to her followers and I was one of the lucky winners of a fine Bat painting. When her painting flaps its way to my house I will post a photo of it as well. Here is the link to Sandy's blog: http://sandysandysweblog.blogspot.com/

Please visit the great blogs of these two artists; enjoyable, creative, fun! I am happy and proud to call them my dear friends!!

Are you enjoying the Full Moon? What a glorious sight to see on a clear night against the velvet black sky. Light a candle and sit quietly with the Moon. You will find yourself feeling peace, love and perhaps an answer to a question you have may find its way into your dreams.

image source



Friday, September 28, 2012

Cats, Cake, Crunch, Key

Happy Friday! Cool, cloudy, showery today. And I certainly don't mind. The leaves are changing and the geese are flying south. It's Autumn!!

Traipsing to the vet this morning. The kittens scheduled for their second distemper shot. The little rascals are growing like crazy. The cat carrier is going to be somewhat heavier this trip.


Drumming circle tonight. This is always a magickal and energizing evening. My son's work schedule will allow him to attend with us this time. That makes me really happy.

My husband and I are getting tickets for the Home Opener of the Syracuse Crunch game. Ice hockey. Minor team, of course.  The ole National Hockey League apparently won't be playing for a while, curse them! But a hometown hockey game is always a blast and I usually end up screaming myself hoarse, lol! And I love me some funnel cake!

Official Hockey Game snack!


Big thanks to my darling friend, Jeanne. She sent me, out of the blue, a lovely fairy key chain, which will bring good fortune and protection. And, if I should come across a fairy door, the key just might open that door. As Jeanne said, "imagine the magickal possibilities"! Indeed. There was also an hilarious Cat Book in the package, called "It's a Cat's Life." Funny drawings and words. Thanks so much, Jeanne for the surprise!

Gotta run. Have a great day! 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Glimpses

Going through a regular day, a day of routine, nothing special happening, there are still glimpses of wonder, mystery, beauty, melodrama and the occasional "huh?"

A phone call from a friend worried about a tiny hummingbird. This little ruby-throated female seems to be a straggler, left behind, lost or perhaps too young to follow its fellows on the southern migration. Winter is coming and if this little bird doesn't leave, it surely means death.

A mother waits for her kindergartner to return from school. She stands at the bus stop, texting continuously. The bus arrives, the child navigates the steep bus steps and hops off. Her mother is still texting as the little girl runs up.  The mother turns and starts walking home, texting, ignoring the child's excited voice trying to describe her day at school. Not once does the mom stop her texting.

A house across the way is in a constant state of upheaval. Loud, shrill voices float about the neighborhood on a daily basis. Family members in vicious tirades, cursing, name-calling.

At the grocery store, a woman assists her elderly parent with the weekly shopping. The parent is slow, confused and tires easily. The daughter is patient, loving and carefully explains things to the parent.

Teenagers on bicycles ride crazily across the main road, zigzagging back and forth, causing traffic to slow down. Fingers are thrust up here and there.

The most beautiful golden retriever is walked by its proud owner. A jaunty kerchief tied around the dog's neck.

Several large formations of Canada geese are flapping and honking across the sky. It seems some get out of line, and the honking increases. The wayward birds hastily return to the group and it is smooth sailing again.

The sky is a shade of blue only seen on an early fall day. A few white puffy clouds float dreamily along.

A funeral procession drives slowly to the cemetary, lights flashing, each car with its special flag. The gleaming silver hearse seems too fancy.

Someone's burning trash in their yard and the smell rises, along with thick smoke. If the temperature was colder, it would be pleasant.

Running with an apple firmly clutched in its mouth, an unusual black squirrel negotiates the shrubs and trees and dangerous streets, making his way up a tall maple to enjoy his ill-gotten booty.

Frying fish. That is what that aroma is, drifting over fences into open windows. A good dinner for a family tonight.

Oh, the signs are popping up everywhere. Big signs, little signs, reproducing somehow overnight. Red, white and blue signs proclaiming the best, the brightest. Perfect promises. Vote, vote, vote. There will be many, many more signs before that Tuesday in November.

Looks to be a beautiful sunset tonight, already the clouds are becoming tinged with golds and pinks. And soon the stars will be twinkling as they do every night, when the sky is clear. There will be a half-moon tonight and then the day is done.


Friday, September 21, 2012

Autumn Equinox--Blessed Mabon

Everywhere you look here in my part of the world the signs of Autumn are a sight for sore eyes. Our trees are beginning their colorful changes, the gardens are dying down, chrysanthemums are blooming, pumpkins and gourds are overflowing bins at the stores. It's a glorious time of year in many ways. Every Wiccan sabbat is my favorite of course. Autumn, though has a special place in my heart.

Sedum, Autumn Joy

Twice a year we recognize the equal length of light and dark. In the Spring it is joyous to celebrate as the days begin to grow longer and brighter. In September, after the long, dry hot summer it is a relief to welcome the cooler, darker time. Though my preference is to have light in the evening, I know the earth and all upon it need the darkening days--to rest, replenish and for us to spend the darker months in contemplation and quiet, thoughtful pursuits.

Rowan berries

I am a Wiccan who practices a solitary path. I call the Autumn Equinox the name Mabon and celebrate this event in quiet ritual. Candles, music, incense. Thanking the Gods for the beauty and richness of Summer, and thinking about how the Summer was spent, what I learned, what I did....in other words, a  review of how life was led on the Wiccan path during the wonderful days of warmth and light.

Chrysanthemums

Now it is time to put the gardens to bed and let Nature begin its long sleep. I am fortunate to live in a region that has four distinct seasons, so tracking the Wheel of the Year's turning is as easy as looking out the window. As a Wiccan, though, the Turning of the Wheel has a more spiritual meaning for me and I embrace these next few months as a time to be introspective....writing, meditating, nesting, drawing the things to me that represent warmth, love, hearth and home.
image source

Here is a wonderful post by one of our favorite Wiccan internet writers, Patti Wigington from About.com's Wicca/Paganism site.. The post is called Ten Ways to Celebrate Mabon, and has such simple, wonderful and "autumny" ways to observe the Wiccan sabbat that occurs at the Autumn Equinox. Click on this link to read: Mabon celebration ideas

Baking apple desserts is on the agenda this weekend.  I shall save you a piece of Apple Cake.

Blessed Mabon to you and yours. 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sweet Autumn

Finally, the beautiful fall-blooming clematis has burst forth. Sweet Autumn is its name and it is just that. A delightful scent and little star-shaped blooms combined with a wonderful climbing habit. It is tumbling across the front porch in sheer joy of Autumn.






This morning we were greeted with crisp, chilly temperatures and the sunrise was glorious. Lots of trees are beginning to show color; Autumn is upon us.

Perfect, of course, as Saturday is the Autumn Equinox. We are now being rewarded for the long hot trip through summer.

Bring on the pumpkins, mums, gourds and all the other beauteous symbols of a witch's favorite season!!



And Happy Birthday today to my kid brother!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Ahoy Maties!

Yo ho ho, and a bottle of Rum for all me landlubbin' swabs!


If'n you was to be smart, you'd just sail off on that fine-looking ship of yours and not hang out with the likes of me today!

Oh, aye, we be talkin' like Pirates today!!


No bilge-rat scallawags allowed on board today, got that? We find one of those scurvy dogs anywhere around, and it's the Plank for you, me boy-o, and you too, girlie!


Now me fine matey here learned a lesson, and never tried to touch me booty again. Arghhhh! belay that, you fish bait eating swabbie. I'm talkin' about me pirate treasure!

Ole One-Leg here is headin' for Davey Jones' locker if he tries it again. And his Parrot, too.

It's time to weigh anchor and set sail for parts unknown and piles of dubloons. Gold dubloons. If I's catch you following, arrrrrrr, you will be shark food, oh aye!

Avast now, and off with ya.

You heard me!  Heave ho!!   Arrrrrrr!!!




(click above)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Crow Friend, Stone Friend

First things first:  Today is the birthday of everyone's favorite Crow Painter, Stacy! Her blog http://magiclovecrow.blogspot.com/ is a fun place to visit to see these terrific paintings. She has a knack for capturing crows in all kinds of whimsical, serious, spiritual and lovely ways. Unfortunately, her computer just crashed, so she won't be able to post any of her art this week. If you get a chance, though, stop by her blog and leave a birthday message.

While visiting the Pagan Autumn Festival this past Saturday, I found a booth that was selling all kinds of plaques. Amongst these artistic creations was something I have been looking for. For a very long time. Though I want actual statuary, the plaque I found is a perfect substitute until I find my statue. Gargoyles are more than just a pretty face, you know. Empowered with energy and intent, they are significant factors in house protection. We will mount this plaque near our front steps to keep negativity at bay. Please say hello to my little friend, Greygore.

Isn't he beautiful?
Pouring down rain today with forecast of high winds. A good day to get a lot done inside, I'd say.  Have a terrific day whatever your weather might be!!


Saturday, September 15, 2012

Pagan Fall Festival

My husband and I attended Central New York's Pagan Pride Festival today. In honor of the upcoming Autumn Equinox this annual event brings together pagans and like-minded individuals, as well as the general public, to celebrate the season, attend workshops and other interesting talks. Along with these offerings, there are also vendors of metaphysical items, clothes, jewelry, candles, incense, stones and so on. Good food, drumming, belly dancing, chanting and plenty of activities for the kiddies abound.
(Be sure to click on the photos for a closer look)
Blue sky, puffy white clouds, wonderful tall trees
 It was a wonderful autumn-ish day, barely 68 degrees F, beautiful skies and some of the trees are starting to show some color. The Festival took place at Longbranch Park in Liverpool, NY.

We shopped a bit, chatted with people, enjoyed the sights and sounds. It was a pleasing environment, outside, under the trees, surrounded by friendly folk.

Sage bundles, candles, stones and incense

Herbs, incense and potions

Two belly dancers take a break to shop

A booth sponsored by a local Druid group

Handmade cloaks and gowns

Plaques and statuary (I found a gargoyle here!!)

Our friend Mary Hudson (she officiated our daughter's wedding last year)was here with her metaphysical shop goods

T-shirts with the Festival logo (I was wearing mine from two years ago)

Reiki was offered

A group ritual to celebrate Mabon (the autumn equinox sabat)

Ooops, my husband picks up a display of bookmarks that someone knocked over (I swear I have no idea who did that)

A perfect day to attend this Festival! I picked up a couple of things for a giveaway I am having soon. Not going to show them yet, it's a surprise!

All for now! Bright Blessings!!     Robin.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Happy Birthday to Nick

24!

A great number.

Today our son turns 24!

Happy Birthday Nick!

Cheers!


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Dog Day Afternoon

To Pet Smart today (the place to go to spend too much money get supplies for the kittens and the canary and a toy for the doggies. It's fun to see all the little dogs getting their "hair done" in the grooming parlor.


Well, not quite like the above photo or the photo below:

And definitely NOT like this next photo:

Oof, this poor dog gives me the creeps





But there are many happy dogs and their owners after a day at the groomers. Our Gwennie gets a nice bath and trim; she has a serious undercoat problem.

Gwennie after an "extreme" grooming (but with a very fluffy tail)

So a lot of errands done today and now for the dreaded house work...more like house shoveling! Ack!!

Enjoy the beautiful weather, if you are getting beautiful weather, because we sure are.

Not much longer until the Autumn Equinox!!!!


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Sunflowers



"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."
-   Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

Tuesday, September 11, 2012


Friday, September 7, 2012

Giveaways in the Blog-O-Sphere

The change of seasons is causing people to want to give stuff away!! And that's a good thing.

Just wanted to mention three that I know of at this moment, and I am sure there must be more.
Click on the links to visit these super blogs, and see what gives, so to speak!

Jeanne, at Candy Corn Chronicles is giving away my favorite thing: books!! click HERE

Stacy, at Magic Love Crow is celebrating her birthday by giving us presents! What a nut!! click HERE

Kim, from the Wiccan Life is giddy about autumn and has conjured up a beautiful gift. click HERE

Update on my post of a couple a days ago:  The Odd Moment that I wrote about here, where there was sudden and complete silence.  Thank you for the wonderful comments; I loved them all, and each one gave me food for thought. I will admit that for a fraction of time the utter silence I was experiencing made me very nervous, and then I was very perplexed. Still it was such an unique and odd and wonderful sensation. I have not a clue if there was a message, or a reason, or something else all together. I am still thinking about it. Perhaps it was a fluke, and then again..perhaps not.

It seems you have had to do a lot of clicking in this post, so I will give you all a break and say farewell for now.   Have a super day!   Hugs, Robin.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

A Box of Witchy Goodness

A surprise in the mail yesterday! I am the happy recipient of an early Halloween Treat!!

Purrfect Card




I have talked about this lady before; cook, baker, crafter, decorator, gardener, antiquer, a wonderful witchy woman with an amazing home and the prettiest Chow Chow ever. Yes, I refer to Joyce from OctoberFarm blog  She and her son, The Blog Tech packed up a box and sent it on their fastest broom!

Look at these goodies

A witch can never have too many cauldrons. Now I have a good-sized one for those quick little spells one needs to do every now and then. The wrapping paper was pretty cool, too with crows scattered on it.

There is a deck of playing cards from Salem, MA, yes THAT Salem! A little book about palm reading, a tinier book about Witches by Kevin Osborne and then there's the Tarot Deck.




The small book comes with a tiny box of tarot cards attached by a black silk ribbon. This is the cutest thing I have seen in ages. The art work is rather stunning for such a small deck of cards!

This votive holder is a witch's head and look at these Witchy Boots....these will be a great addition to my witch collection. Awesome, right?



Thanks to Joyce for making my day. If you have never visited her blog, you really really should. So much great stuff every day. Totally serious about that, you will enjoy.

And here's a creepy sight to get you in the mood for the upcoming Halloween festivities in October. Spooky, eh?

Witch Cat eyes glowing in the dark of night

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

An Odd Moment in Time

This morning, as I folded laundry in the bedroom I suddenly sensed the oddest thing.

The windows were open to a soothing breeze with the curtains fluttering gently. Gwennie was curled up near me on the rug watching my every move; she is a fabulous guard dog. Sunshine filtered through the thick pine branches near my window making little patterns on the floor.

And then this unusual thing occurred.

Silence. Total, complete silence. Like being in a vacuum. As if time had stopped, with not a sound to be heard. Anywhere. Not a bird chirping, no insects buzzing, not a car or truck or plane. No dogs barking, no tv sounds or voices on the street. Sudden deafening silence.

I thought I had suddenly lost my hearing, dropped the towel I was folding to clap my hands. I said, "Oh!" loudly, making Gwennie jump up in a dither.

Relieved that I had not become deaf, I stood quite still and listened. How strange that this moment in time on this regular day, during a dull chore, made me feel....well, happy. Almost exhilarated.

For five or six minutes, perhaps a bit longer, I stood looking out the window at the quiet unmoving world.

And then everything started back up again. I heard crickets and sparrows, a car honked a few streets over and the neighbor's cat across the street meowed loudly.  The silent spell was broken; the earth began to turn again.

I began folding towels anew, and smiled and hummed to myself.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Showing and Telling

Took a little walk around the backyard early this morning. I want to show you what I saw:

Pink Glow climbing rose blooming

Tiny tiny crabapples

Beautiful "Veteran's Honor" rose I planted for my husband

Lexie staring at the back gate, hoping her boy will come through there

Gwennie waiting patiently

The moon in a gorgeous morning sky
I want to tell you about a giveaway on my friend, Sandy's blog. She and her kittens (brother and sister to our kittens) would like you to visit and see what she is giving away. I think you will definitely want to enter. This is Sandy's blog link Sandy's blog  On my other blog, PurrrrSnickitty I wrote a little more about Sandy's giveaway, and have a couple of photos of my kittens, Pixie and Pyewacket showing their photographic nature.

See how enthusiastic they are?
Have a super day!!!