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!!

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And Happy Birthday today to my kid brother!

Ahoy Maties!

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

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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!!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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

International Talk Like a Pirate Day official website

(click above)

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!!

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.

Happy Birthday to Nick

24!

A great number.

Today our son turns 24!

Happy Birthday Nick!

Cheers!

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.

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

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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!!!!

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