Monday, December 31, 2012

Hello 2013!

From Berlin
Moscow
  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sydney, Australia
and London.


 Good riddance to 2012!  Welcome in 2013 :))

Saturday, December 22, 2012

2 quotes, 1 visual #13

     'Beyond Bizarre: Frightening Facts and Blood-Curdling True Tales' is Varla Venturas' second collection of trivia drawn together to amuse.  Like the first book, this one also includes a nice index of sources.

Quote #1:  "The circumstances behind each incident are pretty much the samr: a young woman has been able to hide her pregnancy, but when her child is born, she throws it over a bridge to fend for itself in the murky deep.  It is said that if you turn off your car engine on one of Ohio's crybabt bridges, you can hear the wails of a newborn child in the wind."  (page 83, paragraph 1)

Quote #2:  "As an adult, in 1563, (Francis de) Civille was buried ia a mass grave during his stint in the army, but his servant dug up his body and discovered he was still alive.  While recovering in his own home, enemy soldiers invaded and tossed his body into a heap of manure, where he remained buried for three more days.  He was once more rescued and revived.  He went on to live to the ripe age of 105 and was buried three days after his death, just to be sure."  (page 156, paragraph 1)

One Visual: "Squirming around somewhere beneath the Gobi desert is the Mongolian Death Worm, a truly gruesome creature named for its resemblance to a blood-filled intestine.  It has spiked protrusions on its' head and tail, but because it has no eyes or discernable mouth, it's hard to tell which end is which."  (page 185, paragraph 3)
        This little beauty is a cryptid.  While I interested in seeing any number of cryptids, up close & in person, I think that I might pass this one up!

        Being a lover of indexes, & being that both books have decent ones, this set has a place in my shelves.

2 Quotes, 1 visual #12

      This past All Hallows, I was lucky enough to win a set of Varla Venturas' Colections.  The first book is 'The Book of the Bizarre: Freaky Facts & Strange Stories'.  It is a collection trivia buffs would be most interested in having on their shelves.  Here, let the quotes & visual speak for themselves.  They brought a smile to my face :)

Quote #1: "Lacking ladylike poison, Lizzie (Borden) did what every over-civilized, understated Wasp is entirely capable of doing once we finally admit we're mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore: She went from Anglo to Saxon in a trice." ....Florence King     (page 129, paragraph 2)

Quote #2: "The Hinemoa's faithful crew knew why the ship was cursed.  They claimed that deadly forces entered the ship when it was being built and were stored up in the vessel's "heart".  How did these forces arrive and in what form?  The first ballast--heavy material used to give the ship stability--was gravel from a London graveyard.:"   (page 278, paragraph 4)

One Visual:  "American children's author Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952), who wrote many a tender kitty-and-bunny tale, including 'Goodnight Moon' and 'The Bunny's Birthday', loved to hunt rabbits.  She collected their severed feet as trophies."  (page 165,  paragraph 1)

Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday Kitties

Quick snap of Zim (white throat) & Ruby being sweet to each other.
What happens when I move to adjust the lighting: the two of them begin wailing the tar out of each other.

Also, I was lucky enough to win some lovely Yule postcards from Diandra which include her lovely kitty Greebo :)
Just so you can read the print:
And this:
And, hopefully, this:
Ugh!  In too much of a hurry, I think.  Might edit these later.





Thursday, December 20, 2012

Little bit more finished

A donkey, little bear, & a giraffe are finished.  Now working on the big teddy (who is holding a book).

Also. this was done on Wednesday:
Thanks to crappy lighting, these may not look like much, but they're 12 dozen Peppermint Meltaways.  Bumpy frosting is due to the fact that while many Starlight candies were slaughtered to add taste & colour, not enough of them were pulverized.


Saturday, December 15, 2012

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #11

Todays' opinion is on 'Shaded Vision', Yasmine Galenorns' eleventh book in the Otherworld series.  The Otherworld series features three sisters: Camille, Menolly, & Delilah. This book is from Delilahs' POV, & involves a wedding, coyote shifters, drugs, & a demon lord. This is one of my all-time favorite series, & I have all of the books.  Galelorn has not only created but maintained a world within our world, stocked with characters so well developed one could expect to see them walking down a street.

Quote #1: "She gave me a pensive look. "I trust her to do what she can.  But I learned the hard way that even she can't control the world, and can't always stop evil when it rises.  But she can comfort.  The gods are not omnipotent nor omniscient."   (page 156, paragraph 3)
     One of the things that make this book, as well as the series, ring true for me is all of the shades of grey found in the social mores of this world of words.  No rose-coloured glasses, there is bloodshed amid the smiles, & fighting amidst the sex.

Quote #2: "I do...I'm just..."He paused, then shrugged. "What the hell, I'm going to have a long life unless I get murdered or do something stupid.  I might as well learn how to be adventurous."   (page 264,paragraph 3)
     One hallmark of a long-lived series is the ongoing development the returning characters go through.  It is a personal enjoyment to read (& watch, for I can see the action as I read the words) the steps familiar characters walk, whether I agree with the direction or not.

1 Visual: "A wreath of burning maple encircled his head, and around his neck, he wore a golden cord from which hung a skull, small and human-looking.  His boots--dark leather with stacked heels, left a trail of frost in their wake with every step he took.  Hi'ran was seven feet tall, and the Elemental Lord's eyes glimmered, a whirl of stars against the blackness."   (page 61, paragraph 5)  
     For those who have read Delilahs' books (Otherworld is written in sets of three...alternating the three sisters' POVs), this description adds another layer to Hi'rans' appearance.  Never going overboard with endless adjectives, Galenorns' characters develop at their own pace.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Finished! & not so finished

Scarf begun.

Hooded scarf finished. A light dusting of what little snow we've had is on my shoulders.

Not so finished birth record, which is due in, like, 11 weeks......(cue murmured chorus of ''shitshitshitshit')

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I miss Carol Duvalls' show

I adored her...the common sense approach, her Christmas specials were spectacular, the crafts easy enough to attempt. Carols' show went off the air in 2009, & I'm still waiting for some network to come up with the younger version of herself.  A website  isn't the same, even if it is Marthas'.  Pinterest is cool...quite the time waster in the guise of 'inspiration'.  Online sites, such as craft gossip , purl bee (except I substitute more affordable fiber & fabric.....), & awesomesauce & asshattery , are wonderful to read & dream through.  *But* none of them are the same as being able to watch Carol at work & listen to her Michigan accent.  I find it rather sad that handcrafts are held in such low esteem, that prime-time media doesn't find them worth the expense of broadcasting.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

2 Quotes, 1 Visual # 10

# 10 is 'This Brilliant Darkness' (Red Tash).  This was the first book I read of Reds, & it knocked me for a loop. Gorgeous plot, wonderful writing which took, & takes, me to a place within this world that I had never imagined. A dark tale told from several viewpoints, of a dark creature & the dark places it takes people.

Quote #1: "She thought of the elephant-headed god Ganesha, & she wondered what "crazy" might mean to God.  She snaked her arms through the air, & laughed."  (page 130, paragraph 1)
   So much crazy sht going on in this tale, but is it really?

Quote #2: "In the woods, on the brick-lined paths between Third Street & the office, the monster--Greachin was his name--had found Richard.  Tristan felt it.
                   He took his position, white silvery wings folded behind him, in a shady alcove of the round room.  She would be here soon.  The time was upon them."  (paragraph 2,3; page 196)
    As indeed it was. Such plain words, such simple turns, used to such great effect.  The entire book unfolded in my mind as I read, thanks to Reds' skill as a storyteller.

1 Visual: "Large black wings. A wisp of oily feathers & a beak as hard & smooth as steel.  A powerful chest, muscled like a man's, & leathery wings that would support such a body in flight. Over eight feet tall.
                  The woman shivered in her sleep."   (paragraph 10-1, pages 45-6)
   It doesn't take an over-abundance of adjectives to provide a vivid picture. *So* nice to read a writer who understands this.  This is a book to swallowed whole, in one setting, & then stroked, sweetly, one chapter at a time. Impatiently, it seems I must wait for the second installment.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

My CSiOD

     There are quite a few blogs running Holiday postings: Elisalex , Ms. Misantropia , Magaly , & Maureen ,  among others.  I'm not feeling the HoHoHo Spirit at the moment, so I am going with this less intensive post for the Holiday Season.  I title it my Christmas Special in One Dimension (henceforth known as CSiOd, pronounced 'sod' ).  Viewers will have to furnish their own hot chocolate & candy canes (the peppermint red & white ones, not the Life-Saver flavored ones which are an abomination).
      My CSiOD has cute little baby animals (not white fluffy Disney puppies scripted with inane dialogue), the best sort of falling snow (the sort seen on a TV screen while sitting in a warm apartment), the perfect tree (Martha Stewart), the perfect Christmas Dinner (Martha Stewart), the perfectly wrapped gifts (Martha Stewart), &, of course, holiday music (hymn , carol , & song ).
     I hope  you enjoyed this little CSiOD.  Regular programming shall now commence (after this *one* Holiday Cartoon ...which almost puts me in a Good Mood ;).

Saturday, December 1, 2012

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #9

The last volume in this series is "Traditional Witchcraft for Fields & Hedgerows"  (Melusine Draco).  Whereas the previous volume was organized by season, this volume is organized by month.  The difference between Woods & Forests & Fields & Hedgerows is that of time & domesticity.  Woods/Forests are ancient creatures, full of knowledge, sometimes hostile & unsettling. Fields/Hedgerows are recent (comparatively) innovations, with a tendency towards the domestic & homely.  Believing both necessary to understand, two volumes are included in the Traditional Witchcraft series.

Quote #1: "Everything is covered with a glittering film of hoare-frost that forms when moisture in the air freezes on cold surfaces ( usually overnight), producing ice crystals in the shape of scales, needles, feathers, & fans.  This heavy frost represents magic, mystery, & Otherworld----the spiritual life-blood of traditional British witchcraft."   (page 11, paragraph 1)
     A lovely image,which would have been enhanced with another sentence or two as to why hoare-frost so strikes Draco so deeply.  In the previous paragraph, Draco writes that "Snow represents tradition, custom,  & history---the ancestral life-blood of traditional  British witchcraft.".  Given how careful she is to provide succinct explanations of why Draco thinks what should be done, I am puzzled as to why Draco doesn't offer any explanation for these two statements which are so important to her (she wrote them in bold font).

Quote #2:  A simple recipe for toasting apple trees on 5 January/12th Night. Perfect for this time of year.   "Wassail:  6 cooking apples, soft brown sugar, 1/2 oz ground ginger, 1/2 grated nutmeg, pinch of powdered cinnamon, 8 oz Demerara sugar, 3 pints mild or brwn ale, 1/2 bottle raisin wine, 1/4 bottle of sherry, 1 lemon, lump sugar.    Core apples, fill with soft brown sugar. Roast in moderate oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Take care that they do not burst.  Mix in a saucepan the ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, & Demerara sugar.  Add one pint of the ale & bring to a boil.  Stir in the rest of the ale, the wine, & 10 lumps of sugar that have been rubbed on the rind of the lemon.  Heat the mixture, but do not let it boil this time.  Put the roasted apples in a large punch bowl & pour in the hot ale mixture with half the peeled & sliced lemon."  (Page 18-9, paragraph 4 & 1)
      Happy holidays! :)

Visual: "The tree sports some barbarous spikes & gives its name to the 'blackthorn winter'---a sudden, bitterly cold spell in the spring when the tree is in flower."  (Page 133, paragraph 1)
      The blackthorn is an important tree in older craft, & this description fits the more modern sinister reputation of this lovely wood.

All four volumes are neatly tucked into my bookshelves.  Until January comes, & that long month will give me time to reread & plan & practice.

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #8

Next up is "Traditional Witchcraft for the Woods & Forests" (Melusine Draco).   This volume is set up seasonally, & has a sub-title of 'A Witchs' Guide to the Woodland with Guided Meditations & Pathworking'.  I have an affinity with trees (their presence grounds me & gives great joy), however, guided meditations can be difficult given the distractions within this current household.

Quote #1:  "It is said that the forest knows all & is able to teach all; that the forest listens & holds the secret of every mystery."   (Page 8, paragraph 4)
     This I well believe: that the older the forest, the more knowledge, & danger, within.  When I touch bark, I can feel the sap flowing within.  When the winds blow, if all is quiet within, I can hear their words (although the translation is more emotional than verbal!).  When I walk in a forest, I am never alone.

Quote #2: The list of Native Trees (U.K.) written of, is like a meditative chant for me when spoken:  Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Birch, Blackthorn, Box, Cherry, Crab Apple, Elder,  hornbeam, Juniper, Lime (Linden), Maple, Oak, Scots pine, Strawberry tree, White Beam, Wild Servbice tree, Willow, Wych Elm, Yew.  (Pages 16-37)


Visual: "...here in the chill, monochrome British woodland...Winter light has more variety than in summer, with its subtle shades of grey & green & brown....pale, liquid dawns, fiery sunsets; low rain-filled clouds in all shades of grey; gossamer-fine mists..."   (Page79, paragraph 2)
     Here writes a person who has taken many a walk.  I very much wish that I could join her.
     

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #7

"Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore" is the second book that I read in this series of four, written by Melusine Draco.  In the front, Draco lists the classical music pieces which inspired the chapter names.  This volume isn't as heavily underlined as the first, primarily because I live enough inland that this isn't as pertinent for me.  However, this may change in the future, so this volume also has a permanent place on my bookshelf.  Plus, a dedicated playlist on my YouTube channel.

Quote #1:  "Remember that retrieval could be extremely dangerous, so ensure that your reasons for casting the charm in the first place have sufficient justification, or there could be serious repercussions, & you'll only have yourself to blame."   (Page 9, paragraph 3)
     This references having to retrieve, & destroy, a charm rejected by the sea.  I greatly appreciate that Draco makes clear that the sea has a potential to be dangerous, & that one should remember this when working sea-magic.  No rose-coloured glassed here.

Quote #2: "It all depends on the shade of blue.  For example, a very dark blue sky against which the clouds are sharply defined is a forerunner of stormy weather, but a soft, light ble means settled weather."   (Page 13, paragraph 2)
       Again, a very practical book.  If a person is going to be engaged with the Sea, they need to be fully aware of all of its' colours.

Visual:  "...the discovery of hagstones.  Those found on the beaches are created naturally by the elements, or by a small, burrowing creature that works its way into the stone.  Small stones are pocket-sized, while others can be the size of small rocks.  Some are formed by the wear & friction of other rocks, the sea & weather, while in others a rock-boring creature called a piddock initiates the process."  (Page 44, paragraph 4)
     I love hagstones. I lost the one that suddenly appeared in my household to inattention, & I have been regretting it ever since. Also, I love the sound of the word 'piddock'.  Although the image of a Common Piddock is kind of eewwww. Perhaps because I am not used to sea creatures as much as I could be.
  

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #6

The first in a set of four, "Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living" (Melusine Draco) is a primer for the modern city-dweller.  Practical, written in a no-nonsense manner, albeit from the perspective of  the U.K., this book reassures as well as informs.  There are a great many underlined sentences & bent pages, in addition to the following.

Quote #1: "Not once, in all that time did I have the luxury of wild, open spaces--it was all concrete & asphalt. But not once, in all that time, did I stop being a real witch."  (Page3, paragraph 1)
     Quickly, Draco reassures & dismisses the notion, brought up by certain people, that Real Witches must needs be in close contact with Wild Nature.  Granted, it has been a while since I've heard such fluff.  Then again, I avoid such people.  Those young on their path may not be so lucky.

Quote #2:  "In fact, the psychic pressures on an urban witch far outweigh those of her country cousin because whereas in the country it is always possible to find a quiet corner, in the town there is that continuous tidal wave of negative psychic interference (albeit unintentional) from neighbors & our immediate surroundings."  (Page 25, paragraph 2)
       Draco aims to help the urban witch cope with this psychic barrage through the publication of this book.  It is certainly something that I need help with!

Visual:  "As the years go by, & the witch learns to hone those talents through repeated experience, the inner questioning of his or her own ability is no longer necessary....you'll know what you are.
          When one looks at it, one cannot see it;
          When one listens for it, one cannot hear it;    
          When one seeks it, one cannot find it;
          When one uses it, it is inexhaustible.   "         (Paragraph 140, page 3)

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #5

When I was a young girl, I devoured Conan Doyles' Sherlock Holmes. At one point, I could quote entire passages from my favorite stories.  Todays' book reminds me so much of these great short stories...the settings, language, pace, the flavor...but with that paranormal twist :)  "The Secrets of Doctor Taverner" (Dion Fortune) is a book I shall savor most particularly on stormy nights.

Quote #1: 'Then that German we all saw---'
                 'Was merely a corpse who was insufficiently dead.' (Page 18, paragraph 4)
   'Insufficiently dead' is better than a zombie any day!  Even better is the use of the word 'merely'.  
As if running into the insufficiently dead is a common occurrence.  An interesting life, indeed, does the good Doctor have.

Quote #2: 'Rhodes,' he said, 'would you prefer to die & be done with, or to spend all your life in fear of death?'   'I would sooner die 10 times over,' I replied.    'So would I', said Taverner.  'A life sentence is worse than a death sentence.'         (Page 83, paragraph 9)
     A very good point. Death is the easy way out.

Visual: "Then I saw the form of a woman at the window.  Shining with its own luminosity, it was clearly visable in the green gloom that was like the bottom of the sea.  The hair floated out like seaweed, the shoulders gleamed like marble, the face was that of a Beata Beatrix awakened from her dream, & the eyes were like sea-water seen  from a rock...."   (Page 170, paragraph 5)
      A lovely image of a mermaid, or a selky, perhaps.  The phrasing is a little old-fashioned, but all the more pleasing to my ear.  A comfort when faced with the nonsense of modern stresses, such as Black Friday ;)
         
      

    

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

It's cookie time!

One thing that I enjoy about Yuletide is baking cookies.  Cranberry-orange slices have already come & gone (lovely little butter cookie, but needs a stronger orange taste.  Think that next year I will add a little orange juice.)  Next up is my altered Lebuchen recipe.  Can't remember where I got the original recipe from, but this is what I use. You can add ground nuts &/or 1/4 cup finely chopped citron, but as the grandchildren are appalled at the thought, I don't. I will cut stars & trees out of the dough tomorrow.
     My Lebuchen:   1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup honey;  4 1/2 cups flour., 2 teaspoons orange or lemon rind, 1 tsp. cinnamon, rounded 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, rounded 1/2 tsp. ginger, scant 1/2 tsp. ground cloves, 1/2 tsp. salt; 2 tsps. baking soda dissolved in hot water; 4 eggs.
      Melt sugar, butter, honey together until warmed.  Remove from heat. Combine all dry ingredients & add honey mixture.  Add eggs & baking soda. Mix well.  Chill well overnight.
      350F oven for 10-15 minutes.  Once cool, may frost with confectioners'/icing sugar glaze.
  
For 'gingys' (grandchild speak for gingerbread people) I prefer Marthas' gingerbread cookie recipe. It makes 10 large gingys for me.  It has a wonderful ginger bite :)   This is what Santa will find waiting for him Christmas Eve. Likely minus being dipped in white chocolate.
 
My daughter complains every year that I bake too many cookies, but that's only because it isn't her idea! The grands don't complain one bit ;)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

2 quotes, 1 visual #3

I was lucky enough to win a copy of one of Magalys' favorite books: The Thirteenth Tale (Diane Setterfield). An engrossing story of an older woman telling a younger woman her lifes' story, in bits & pieces, as the younger woman searches for what is real & what imaginary.

Quote #1: "It never failed. A good story is always more dazzling than a broken piece of truth." (page 6, paragraph 2)
     How many politicians have practiced this bit of truth found within a work of fiction?

Quote #2: "(People disappear when they die....Yet for some there is an exception....) For in the books they write they continue to exist."  (page 17, paragraph 3)
     Not only do writers continue to exist, but lovingly crafted characters live on as well. In this brightly crafted story Vida Winter (awesome name), the twins, & Lea will continue dancing long after Setterfield has moved on.

Visual: "And off he went.  His feet danced delicately in & out of the jagged edges of wood, then skipped swiftly up the stairs, while the upper half of his body sailed serenely above, as if unconnected to the elaborate footwork going on below." (page 133, paragraph 7)
     Just wonderful! Setterfield kept me guessing until the last 2 chapters. She brought satisfaction to a tragedy, the sweetest of potentials for a main character, & rewrote  a fairy tale into tears. I hope that Diane Setterfield will craft another such novel in the near future.

2 Quotes, 1 Visual #2

"Troll or Derby" (Red Tash) is the next book up. A visit to the darker side of Fae & Troll-folk, with drug dealing, roller derby, and  a (maybe) human girl in the middle of it all.

Quote #1: "I mean, you've seen movies, you've read Rowling & Tolkein.  I'm telling you that the real-live working-class trolls of the Midwest are nothing like you've been told." (page 9, paragraph 5)
     Not to give anything away, but Tash has blended Trolls & Amish seamlessly.

Quote #2: "Humans are suckers for drama. Trolls aren't.  That's more of a fairy thing--they're quite good at it."  (page 42, paragraph 1)
      This tale is a sweet blend of fiction set in our reality.  The logic of Tashs' world of Trolls & Fairies hangs together neatly enough to give the unwary reader a twinge of maybe-there's-a-bit-of-nonfiction within the story of Deb & Harlow.

(Couldn't resist this one)
Quote #3: "She saw so many truths flash in front of her eyes that she sometimes forgot what she had told to whom, & free will has a way of cancelling them out."  (page 43, paragraph 7)
     Said of one of my favorite characters.  It isn't, you know, that Zelda lies......

1 visual: "Most pixies are as considerate as a horde of fleas, as lighthearted as an angry hornet, & unless you've got them under a spell or well-bribed, they don't give a moments' pause for anyone elses' well-being but their own."  (page 163, paragraph 3)
      Sounds rather like my daughter......

     Red Tash is a favorite author of mine.  I adore fairy tales, & Red has written a brand-new one!This book has a permanent place beside my Grimms' tales, & I look forward to the sequel.

     





2 quotes, 1 visual. #4

These snatches of words come from "Runemarks" (Joanne Harris).  500 years after Ragnarok, it's Order vs. the old gods & dreams.  The Word vs. runes & cantrips.  A wonderful read.

"Maddy shook her head, still puzzled. "So what you're saying is....I shouldn't play with fire," she said at last.
  "Of course you should," said One-Eye gently. "But don't be surprised if the fire plays back."
(page 35, paragraph 5)
    This conversation gave me a laugh. A wonderful piece of advice for Maddy as well as anyone who dances with flames.

"Loki waved his hand dismissively. "Gods? Don't let that impress you.  Anyone can be a god if they have enough worshipers.  You don't even have to have powers anymore......you peope see gods everywhere. Gives you an excuse for not thinking for yourselves."  (page 102, paragraph 5)
     The Northern pantheon have such twists & turns, such complexities.  Much more enjoyable to read about than the Greeks/Romans. I have an innate aversion to ancient Rome, to begin with. Plus, the Northern gods are much closer to my heart than any other.

    Even though Harris' writing drew me in within the first chapter, letting me see the world that I was reading, it took me a good few pages to find a visual I felt strong enough to share.  Here it is:

"But the icicles were the least of a thousand wonders that filled the cavernous hall. There were strands of filigree no thicker than a spiders' web; there were flowers of glass with leaves of frozen gauze; there were sapphires & emeralds growing out of the walls; there were acres of floor smoother than marble, fit for a million dancing princesses."  (page 164, paragraph 5)

     This book has a permanent place on my bookshelves, with space given for the sequel "Runelight" (hopefully a purchase I can make for my birthday :).

2 quotes, 1 visual...

Not so much a book review, as an opinion.  My logic doesn't stretch long enough for most to easily comprehend my leaps & links from one book to random bits of information ;)  However, inspired by the ever lovely Magaly, I can share two quotes & one visual in the hopes of sharing what I find interesting reading.

These snatches of words are from "The Travellers' Guide to The Duat" (Kiya Nicoll).  This book is for those planning a trip to the Egyptian spirit world, a guidebook for tourists. Nicoll writes in a lighthearted manner, with no disrespect. She has taken her time, researched well, & has taken the effort to translate ancient spells in modern poetry forms as a method of making them more accessible to modern readers.

"You may wish to consider the possibility of using a pseudonym in at least the more public portions of the presentation of your name......Certainly, if you have many enemies, use an alias!"  (page 37, paragraph 2)
     Quite practical, as any good guidebook is!

"The ba will want to be able to recognize its original inhabitation when it sojourns in the daylit lands, & it can be greatly distressed if the features of the khat are damaged."  (page 44-45, paragraph 7 & 1)
     Here, then, is my wondering begun.  From what I have read, the ancient Egyptians put great store in the preservation of the body in it's whole, perfect form.  I wonder, how they would modify..or, if they would modify this view...presented with the modern day problem of soldiers returning from active duty maimed in body, if not mind.

A visual.....from the poem 'Feasting'
       "So hail to food, & hail also to grain,
         To flour, hail, & all abundance laud,
          And all the ones who Ra's meal do obtain,
          All on the Great Flood, everyone a god."    (page 114, paragraph 1)

     The poems are my favorite part of this book. I read them all, but stopped halfway reading the text. Not from poor writing or editing, but from an admitted lack of interest in the Egyptian pantheon.  I chose this excerpt because Thursday is Thanksgiving, & this reminded me of that.

I will be keeping this book as I enjoyed the poetry so much.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Ear Worms!

They most especially strike when I am tired or stressed....or both :/
    #1 Dream
    #2 Gitchi Gitchi Goo
    #3 Gravity Falls theme
    #4 Dear Mom & Dad
    #5 Addams family
    #6 Pinky & the Brain
    #7 Randy Cunningham

Yea, these are all 'cartoons' songs.  I tried to find catchy adult or prime time ear worms, but I could only come up with a few.
     #8 Midsomer Murders
     #9 Inspector Lewis
     #10 CSI

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Heksebua

Linda Ursin runs/owns one of my favorite blogs: Heksebua.  Loads of lovely photos, herbs, tarot, & runes ...plus a monthly contest.  A simple contest...you just have to look for something or at something. I'm much better at looking for something, as this months' contest has me befuddled!

I've won twice, & both times have been graced with a painting Linda has done.
 A sweet watercolour of the sea dancing is my latest.
The first was this lovely study of summer waters :)

Sorry about the glare. I really wanted to show the brush strokes!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Almost......

I haven't really decided if I like the gingerbread people or not.
Either way, they will end up in the Grandchildrens' Yule stockings.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

It was kind of Yule-y.....

In the morning, all red & white, kind of Yule-y & cute & such....
By mid-afternoon, not so much the 'cute & such', but still Yule-y....


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I did it!

   The daughter & I were at our polling station by 7.30 a.m., & it was nice to see that it was humming steadily along :)  Grandchildren #1 & #2 went with us. The voting is done did.  Lazy soninlaw can't be bothered, although he likes to talk a great deal of junk about doing so.
  In the spirit of things, here are a few comics with their views on the state of American politics:
          Kevin and Kell
                 Safe Havens
                         Doonesbury
                               Arlo and Janis
                                        Curtis
                                             The Duplex
   & finally, just because I think that everyone should listen to the music....Girls withSlingshots.
                                           

Saturday, November 3, 2012

A friend in New Jersey.......

could use a little help.  They made it through Sandy relatively unscathed, but, given the damage done elsewhere, employment is a little shaky.  Deb, however has two etsy shops, the Glamoury ApothecaryLa Sirene et Le Corbeau .  Speaking from first hand experience, her oils are wonderful & her spun yarn beautiful! The yarns knit up beautifully, & are brilliant in colour! So, if you're in mind of a little yarn hoarding or starting Yuletide shopping, please stop in & support Deb.  Thank you!

Friday, November 2, 2012

It's Autumn now

One of my favorite shades of grey. A pity the sun setting doesn't show her glow on the leaves.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Wow....*lucky* we are!

Surrounding towns lost trees, power, etc. , but we were very lucky to only have flickering lights & rattling windows.  This is the worst of our damage:  
The front steps. Sorry for the fuzziness!  There is also a lot of wind high up.
As well as a grey colour...


 

Monday, October 29, 2012

All Hallows approaches....

...as does Hurricane (Tropical Storm? Major Storm Surge?) Sandy.  Have Hermit & Oatmeal Lace cookies bakes, reading/knitting materials, candles/matches, &
this lovely selection of dried rose buds & lavender, plus a hand-cast candle in a truly gorgeous black colour  (I am so incredibly pleased with this colour ), courtesy of Ms. Lilypads (yea! for contests, which also included a sweet soap & lotion).  Along with a slice of strong gingerbread, honey, & milk, these lovelies will be put to Great Use tomorrow night. Now all I have to do is find a container that I won't mind losing in the winds of Sandy.....

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Straight to Hel ( A visit to the Dark Side of Faery)

   There are two things that I have a major skeevy attack when forced to endure their presence: Barbie pink & glittery/shimmery/Disneyed fairies (Tinkerbell & her troop = gag reflex).  I am ever so much more comfortable with the complexities of the Elder Fae.  Somewhere close to being a second cousin thrice removed of the Dark/Elder Fae I find one of my favorite Complexities...the wondrous Hel.

(This poor quality image of a wonderful print of Hel.  Original painting created by the wonderful Linda of Heksebua)
   Daughter of Angerboda (witch & probable giantess) & Loki (now there's someone that I wouldn't want to meet up with in a dark alley).  Sister of the Midgard Serpent & the Fenris Wolf.  In appearance half dead, half alive...half beautiful woman, half corpse, which leads to her sacred colours of black & white.  Hel rides a black mare, accompanied by a pack of black dogs.
   Or, she did ride, before Odin had Hel & Her siblings seized & 'contained'.  Odin took to heart the prophecy that the three siblings would rise up & lead the Rebellion against him. Odin threw Hel as far as he could & so She landed in the Realm of the Dead (exceptions being those who died at sea or in battle. They go elsewhere), becoming its' Queen.
   There Hel seems content to spend her time, waiting for the moment of Rebellion to arrive. In the meantime, She has plenty to do.  Hel, you see, knows *everything* about *every* soul which passes her way.  It is Her judgement upon each souls' living which determined where it will spend eternity: in pleasant sun or damp gloom. Hels' decision is final.  No court of appeals in Her Realm!
   This is where I find Hel walking in the Darker Side, providing balance. 
   Modern Halloween is full of bright colours, luscious apples & pumpkins, lively games, gaily wrapped candies & treats, fantastic costumes, & childrens' laughter.  Halloween is a lovely round of Party & Spooky Story, where nothing can *really* hurt us.
   Then comes All-Saints/Hallows quickly, quickly on the heels of Halloween.  Here is the reminder that seasons change from warm-bright SummerHarvest to cold-bright WinterSleeping. A reminder of the frailities of living, where we can be hurt.  The thinned Veil allows us a brief time to once again visit, & honor, our Ancestral Dead, Glorious Dead, & Holy Dead.  Many of whom Hel is well acquainted with, as She has passed Judgement on all.
  For in Hel resides that Dark Reminder that, for all of our getting lost in the insanity of a sugar-induced live-in-the-second Halloween rush, there will, one day, be a Reckoning.  One day we will stand before Hel, waiting the Judgement of One who does not forget what we have done.....even if all we remember are the cavities the candies gave us.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The 'I Want's

Anyone who has been around young children knows the chorus reverberating throughout the household as October rounds into November is ' I Want That!'.   Finally. Grandchild #1 is now most selective about such pronunciations &  Grandchild #2 still gets easily distracted by what he already has.  However, Grandchild #3 has started the war-cry much earlier than the other two did.  She doesn't particularly know what 'it' is, but she wants 'it' nonetheless. Once #3 starts in, #1 chimes in with her desires, just in case the war-cry actually works with #3.  #2 starts up shortly thereafter because #3 & #1 are at it.  In the spirit of the game, I have decided to chime in...as soon as this has a commercial on when they're watching T.V., I get to add my own 'I Wants' !  This 'I Want' beats #2s' pair all hollow :)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Just so you know....

My dragon glistens with all the colours of flame & water-flowing. Her eyes sparkle diamond-hard. Her voice is as fathomless as the galaxy is deep. Her voice is like that of the winds, blowing up storms so that they may speak to each other. It is her Choice that she came, her Choice that she stays. She is my Companion as I am hers.

Elijah

Thursday my little man turned 5! (i forgot where i put my camera, so couldn't post yesterday) We are combining his & Isas' birthday party so no pics until 4 Nov.  However, he got to open up the family gifts...from me & his sisters, from Great G'ma & G'pa in Nebraska, & from Mom/Dad. 
His Batcave Trio-block set.  It only looks like sister Isa is taking over ;)
Really!  Eli is playing with his new blocks! (just to make sure he had me pack them up to take with for his week-end with Oma)
Elijah was very pleased with his Birthday Crown he got at school. :)  Five years already, my sweet Sunshine, with many more to come!


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I get obsessed

I can pick up & put down a sewing project, a book, and/or an embroidery project.  I can't stop thinking about a knitting project, thought. It's all that I want to do...housework & letters be damned!  Only 10 more pattern repeats until I can do the final 6 rows & bind off....& so I'm off~~~

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Halloween cartoons...yea!

From the twists & turns of one of my favorite minds in online comics, Randy Millholland.  :))
One
Two
Three
Four
Five

Friday, October 5, 2012

Before & After

Before.....
And after...
While 3 little Imps add to a Whaling ships' Cauldron....


Thursday, October 4, 2012

See any difference?

From one week to the next. 
I am still left wondering how people manage to knit entire adult sweaters in one month.

Also, a little video 'cause it's October :)


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

It's October Contest time!

Some online friends are having wonderful Halloween themed giveaways. The  Laughing Vixen has started her yearly extravaganza.  Samhains Sirens have started singing in chorus, with giveaways, recipes, & more.  Spooky tales rule at the Pagan Culture Grims giveaway. Over at Heksebua , Linda has blog-hunt contest running.  When I won on of her competitions I received a beautiful painting that she created. :)  Lyns' witches are flying in for the month. The ever-amazing Red Tash is hosting the Hoosier Horror.  Plus, Jen Rue has a sweet book giveaway.  Check them out :)

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Knitting & etc.

The weather is becoming more Autumnal.  Which lends itself nicely to knitting
Lion Brand yarn pattern 'Red Riding Hoods' Hooded Scarf' worked in Forest Green Wool-Ease.

The weather gets interesting in early Autumn, as well.
It doesn't show up near as bright as the sun was, when it rose Monday.  The colour was such an intense red that I thought a spotlight was on.
Just to the left of the bright red sunrise was this lovely rainbow.  10 minutes later, we got the shower that produced it.




Tuesday, September 25, 2012

That time of year

No longer late summer, but 'officially' Autumn. That means it's almost time for the Vixens'  October giveaway!   It's also that much closer to candy time :)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Stormy weather (Tuesday)

The storm clouds were moving quickly earlier this week.

And Sofi danced in my shoes :) 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Finally, it's beginning to feel like Autumn!

Which gives me thoughts of blackberries , plums , apples , & dulce de leche  (granted, *all* seasons are good seasons for dulce de leche).  So load up the supplies & make your kitchen smell all sorts of Autumn-y!

For those of us who enjoy our darker side & want to give her a reason to send out a darkest pox, might I suggest those who sell fake honey as the real thing? Be aware of what you buy......

Friday, September 14, 2012

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Almost-wordless Wednesday on Wednesday!

My first attempts to knit in the round & add a buttonhole. One in blue, one in purple ('Gothic').  Just getting ready to start the edging & buttonhole.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Just a few

From 9/11...just a few.....Sirius            Porkchop             Apollo              Bear          Cowboy .
Of all those who worked the site, I've read that only Abby still lives.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

What's on my mind

1)  language

2) blues & violets

3) The low pressure system moving in combined with grandchildrens' first colds of the season.....ugh!

4) The humidity is still at late summer levels & it's already 4 September.  This summer has been the most horrendous & I want it gone! A strong nor'easter blowing through would exorcise the stench of this summer quite nicely.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A sad day needed brightening

This morning I received confirmation that a treasured voice, whom I've only met online, is beyond ill with small cell cancer of the lung, which has spread to an ovary & the brain. While she is receiving treatment (radiation done, chemo ongoing), I honestly do not expect her to heal from this.  She is at home now, surrounded by her partner & companions. She is far too young for this.......

I needed cheering up. So I found this:  it will do  .  Thank you, Martha.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wordless Wednesday ;)

Three long-term projects... ;) 

#3, who knows, as every 2 yr. old does, that the proper way to wear a tiara is as a super-hero mask.

#2, armed with his plastic stretchy lizard,making certain that he gets as much camera time as #2.

#1, who didn't want her photo taken as she hadn't finished brushing her hair (but you can see her in the background with #2).

Yea, yea, yea....wordless Wednesday on Thursday got wordy. Can't help that where my grandchildren are concerned.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Beginning to think it's Autumn :)

We've had a nice, cool, low humidity week, in *August*, & it has me thinking that it just might be cool enough to sit at the sewing machine once again!  Curtains, nightgowns in odd pattern choices, a robe, a few blouses & skirts.....the stray daydreams of possible projects slinking into mind.  Such as these, this is such a cute blouse, a quickie project here, a quick project there, gifts to give (grandson will require one in reds/oranges),  & sparkly trims to buy!



Friday, August 17, 2012

Friday Cat Shot

 This photo is of my youngest cat, Zim.  She is by far the plumpest in the house & is rather peeved that I have started to pick up the food not eaten within half an hour ;)  

  A better view of her white stockings.


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Something I'm working on

Stocking face for Grandchild #3.

Almost-wordless Wednesday, a day late ;)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Why is it I can't find football when I want it?

A small cold front is moving through my area, bringing with it drier air at a much more comfortable temperature. This, naturally, brought up thoughts of Autumn ( that blessed reward for surviving another season of evil summer weather). Autumn brings up fairs (didn't find any articles that I liked that weren't two years old) & football (mostly the tight slacks & the occasional shot of fall-coloured skies).  Only...while I was looking for articles on Autumn & football (as opposed to words about training camp), I came across this wonderful, awesome article, shared by the equally wonderful & awesome Kallan.

Any other thoughts I was going to write on(such as returning to school, is university worth it anymore, open courseware, online classes) have been effectively postponed by Grandchild #3 crawling into my lap & falling asleep.  Her dead weight is claiming half of my extremities.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Garnet died this morning...

...around 7.30 a.m. Surrounded by the warm comforting thoughts of so many, it was very peaceful.  Like her half-sister, Jasmine, Garnet was susceptible to the 'cold' virus that affects felines. She just couldn't fight off this last virus, even though, at 11 years, she wasn't *that* old.
     So now Garnet is over the Rainbow Bridge & making friends with Lena, Tegan, Duke, Mica, Cassi, ChinaRose, Dieter, & Jasmine. Mine Host wait for my eventual arrival, all expecting me to bring roast turkey treats...
      Just before she took such a bad turn, Garnet was so much more affectionate than usual.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

August is the hardest month

At least, it seems that way to me.  Winter was, at one time, the harshest time to survive. Now, with our advances in heating & food storage it isn't such a dire problem for many of us.  August, with its' heat & high humidity, with its' potential for sever storms, is the worst. So hard to breathe in this humidity!
My littlest cat, Garnet, is having a very difficult time.  She isn't all that old, only 11, but she has a tendency towards colds.  For cats, colds have a tendency to be viral so antibiotics aren't that effective. Poor girl, she has such a severe cold this time.  So hard to breathe & rest in this weather. She is very lethargic & refuses all treats or food, but accepts water. :(
Also, my laptop has fried itself out, so I am borrowing my daughters' on occasion.
It is hard for me to be enthusiastic about sewing in this nasty weather as well.  Very frustrating, but hope to get *something* done this weekend.
This made me happy, though.
And I need one of their catalogues to daydream through.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Kreativ Blogger

So, I was most flattered & very surprised that Magaly gifted me with a Kreativ Blogger award. As accepting this award, I am to post 7 random 'facts' about myself (which truly goes against the grain).
    1) The only nickname I've ever had is 'freak of nature'.  A nod to an ability to read widely, synthesize, & replay appropriate parts as needed.
     2) I learned how to milk a dairy goat when I was just out of high school.
     3)While I don't need a dustfree environment, I do require an orderly one.
     4)Counted cross-stitch calms me down quicker than anything else.
     5)Catnip is my Valium.
     6)I'm a natural light blonde who spent many of my younger years wishing that I was a natural           auburn.
     7)My favorite escapist tv programming is 'Midsomer Murders' & live coverage of natural disasters.

Love, to tide us over :)

Love , puppy love , mama loveLullaby love  , dance love , high school love , parents love , play-it-loud love , sing-it-loud love .  Plus some health love , because there is some important info here.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

While we're waiting....

While I'm waiting around until daughter gets home to help me with downloading photos (one would think this would be easy ), here is a little something from Jason to think about. His latest book, Financial Sorcery, is an excellent read & most useful!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Articles just made for speculation & fantasy :)

Archeology is an amazing science.  It amazes me when I read of ancient remains, ruins, & roads & think upon how *old* they are, but still, in some cases, in use!  In other instances, digs provide clues to our histories, other times they lead to speculation & daydreaming of the possibilities.  Such as this absolutely fascinating article. Why ever would a people be so bent on mummifying a complete skeleton?  Another article to ponder: what was life like so long ago?  Did the people settling here get any warning that the ocean was coming?

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Too hot to think....

Still working on getting photos to upload properly.  Hopefully, later tonight! In the meantime, one of my all-time favorite authors is blog-hopping in support of her newest book 'Troll or Derby'.  Great read, & I'm not the only one to think so!  

Day 3                      Day 2 (I think)     Day 1    

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sometimes it's the little things

Reading the odd, just-by-chance article can make the biggest difference, sometimes.  That little article has inspired me to re-work this little blog.  To settle it in to a more definite form, as it were.  The next 2 weeks will see photos on Wednesday (nothing earth shattering to begin with, just projects that I am working on), sharing others words of wisdom on Tuesdays,  & the occasional cat photo on Fridays.  Thursday is still to be reserved for growing things, but is on hiatus (see earlier post) :/

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

June sucks.

Although May was a little iffy, this month of June is horrendous.  Nothing else can describe it.   The one think that I was looking forward to this year was a garden, & the chances to work with new herbs & cookery.  However, the weather was so muggy & hot where I have space to start seeds (have the past 2 years successfully)  that 1/3 of the seeds molded to start.  Then,  when I did have extra cash to add a fence to keep out soninlaws' large dog, I was told not to as said dog was going to be re-homed with an owner who had the energy to match Rileys'.      Which didn't happen. So now I needed containers, packing peanuts (for drainage), soil, etc.  It looked like this would happen, but, the person who was helping me with this process decided that, as gardens aren't her thing, she would rather save for a vacation.  By the time I found this out, the other seedlings had died from (I'm not sure).

Nor have I had time to sew.  At all.  A nasty creepy fog of stagnation is taking hold. The sadness & frustration is giving over to anger.  Time to get myself shaken out of the doldrums: time to make myself road worthy.   I am starting by going in just the opposite direction.  I'm giving my mind & heart a break by reading 'Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch' (Sally Bedell Smith) & watching 'Queen Victorias' England'.   The next step is to dust off my exercise room, & then get my compass out for Penna. Dutch sigils, alongside the usual....