Freaky Friday



It's Friday!!  What's Freaky?

 

 

 

This!!  Zulily is calling today (July 31st) July-O-Ween and it is almost too much for me!!

Halloween in July??  YESSSS!!!  When I woke up this morning, I had no idea I would be able to celebrate Halloween today.  What a pleasant surprise for me!

 

All the Zulily Halloween deals are about too much for me, though.  I really can't shop today, but I want absolutely everything!!  I guess I'll just have to dream.

 

Zulily July O'Ween  Click on this link, sign up or sign in, and find the "Host a Monster Mash" deals of the day. There are also some great Halloween costume deals, too.  With our first ever Silent Supper coming up this year, I want to get all sorts of great Halloween hosting items for the event!

 

The other deals that looks great are under "Whimsically Witchy Décor".  Such cute décor items!  Here are a few of my personal faves.  I'm not actually buying any of them today, but it sure is fun to look at them and dream of Halloween.  Happy freaky dreaming, everyone!

 

 



Witchy Wednesday

Hey there!  It's Wednesday!  Are you wearing black?












Occasionally I like to look at what zulily.com has on sale.
If you have never checked out zulily, you should.  You can get some really great deals there.  Essentially you subscribe to their service and every day they send you an e mail with their daily deals.  The deals are available for a few days.  I ordered this fabulous skull tee-shirt from their site.  It arrived yesterday and I love it!!  It actually came from a company called kidteez.com.  While they have a lot of tee-shirts for kids, just like the name would imply, they have a lot of other products as well. This tee-shirt is an adult medium.  Fits great!








Speaking of sales and cute tee-shirts, Hot Topic is having a great sale on their "Skelanimals" line.  Check it out here:
http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/PopCulture/ShopByPopCulture/License/Skelanimals.jsp?cm_sp=Homepage-_-Hero-_-SkelanimalsGWP

I love this cute unicorn tee-shirt.  I think I especially like the collar.  Perfect for a witchy Wednesday!




Well, that's it for Witchy Wednesday today.  I'm very excited to watch auditions for "Dream Within a Dream", our devised play based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe tonight.  I am going to be the assistant director for this production, which makes me even more excited.  Can't wait to watch it come to life.  Enjoy what's left of your Witchy Wednesday!

Tarot Tuesday, July 28

On Wednesday, when I was at Kristin's watching the Ragbrai riders ride by, we were discussing the last couple of tarot cards I had drawn and how they applied to her life.  She suddenly turned to me and said, "Crystal, what will do you if you draw the Death card?"  I replied that the Death card simply referred to life changes and new beginnings.  So, what card did I draw for today?  Of course.  The Death card.  Kristin, are you psychic?

So, first let me just say, don't panic!  This card does not mean that you or anyone is going to die soon.  It can actually be one of the most positive cards in the deck.

There are a few things the appearance of this card can mean.  First of all,  it indicates a time of change.  A situation that has been a part of your life might be ending and new circumstances will be beginning.  Do not fear change, as this generally points to positive change for the better.

It also means to let go of those things in your past that might be holding you back or preventing you to move forward.  If you are unable to let the past go, then you will make the new beginnings more difficult.  The past is just that.  It's gone, it's over, there is nothing you can do to change it, so let it go.  Move forward with a positive attitude and don't let past experiences hold you back.

The third thing this card can mean is that it's time to let go of unhealthy habits.  This is a good time to start exercising or looking at a more healthy diet.  Still smoking?  It's a good time to stop.  Any unhealthy elements in your life need to go.  Let them go.

The Death card can hold elements of a sudden change.  You might feel that you are caught up in the path of change and that you cannot escape its effects.  It could be a series of unexpected surprises that bring an end to a period of bad luck and problems.  Many changes are going to take place to enable a new direction to emerge.

I had four Monarch caterpillars which I found in our backyard.  To keep them safe, I bring the ones I find inside to keep them from meeting an untimely end and help insure they will become butterflies.  Those caterpillars are now in their chrysalis form and will remain that way for a couple of weeks.  They epitomize letting go of the past and moving forward with new beginnings for me.  When they have finished this stage, they will no longer be what they were, but will be something more beautiful and wonderful to take wing and start the whole life cycle all over again.  If you are afraid to change, you might not ever know what you could become.

Monday Musings

 

After a weekend like I've had, Monday seems like a nice holiday!  I took Angelle on the road to do 3 Bill Riley talent shows in a row.  One in Des Moines on Friday night, one in Webster City on Saturday and one in Monticello yesterday.  These three shows resulted in one 2nd place win for her and a lot of great judges comments.  I'm so proud of that girl for doing the song that she wanted to do.  I know that she is really enjoying performing it and she always gets some fantastic audience compliments at every show she does.  I have to say that three shows in as many days is a bit exhausting!  It's nice to have a day off.

Going back further in the week, Wednesday saw the Ragbrai riders coming through our town.  Our friend, Kristin, invited us to her house as the bicyclists rode right by her house and she was giving  free tours of her exceptionally beautiful garden to any bicyclist who stopped.  While we were there, we recognized KD's viola teacher on her bike and called her name.  She pulled in and stopped to chat and to get a nice photo with the girls.

Kristin's gardens are truly spectacular.  While standing on her front porch, I took a good, long look at this tree.  It stands right in the middle of her beautiful garden, so I had to get a picture.  I love the color of the sky and the greenery setting up a nice frame for it.  I have no visual artistic talent, but really would love to see someone recreate this photo in a painting.  

While we were there, Kristin's husband, Scot, caught a very nice young fox snake and let the girls hold it.  They were both very brave and very willing to hold it.  It obviously realized they were no threat, and it was fairly comfortable with being handled.  After the girls were done with it, it was safely and gently returned to its wild habitat.

RAGBRAI kept us so busy that day, that I didn't get around to doing a "Witchy Wednesday" post.  And on Friday, I didn't even get a "Freaky Friday" post done because I was taking the girls to Des Moines for the Bill Riley show there.  How did summer break get to be so busy?

Even though I didn't get my blogging done this past week, I did try my hand at writing a short story and submitting it to a magazine for publication.  I had a little editing help and got some suggestions from two wonderful writing professors at UNI.   They say it can be a few months before I will hear anything, but I will wait to hear before I share that story here on my blog.

 I am continuing to feed the two crows who I call "Lenore" and "Nevermore".  They visit the front yard daily, and sometimes I think they call for me to come feed them.  I feel like they are getting a bit more brave and comfortable around me.  I was sent a link to a "TED" talk about crows and conditioning this week.  It was very interesting and makes me wonder just how smart these crows really are.











I will leave you today with a close up of Kristin's beautiful lilies.  Have a marvelous Monday and check back as I draw a tarot card tomorrow and interpret its meaning.

Tarot Tuesday, July 21

Today's card drawn is the King of Cups.  It looks as though the reign of the Queen from the last two weeks is over for now and a masculine energy is stepping in.

The King of Cups represents calm and emotional stability.  He is the master of his own emotions and feelings.  He doesn't repress these feelings and sentiments, but he stands for a balance between the emotions and the intellect.  This card can indicate strong bonds in a relationship based on temperance and understanding.

The King of Cups tells us that you feel a good balance between emotion and intellect.  You understand your own feelings and emotions and are able to connect to them when necessary.  Recognize this balance as a gift that you have and be open to sharing your calm approach and emotional stability with others.

If you are facing challenges in your life, then this card tells you that you should work to create balance with your emotions.  Be compassionate toward others without getting drawn into their emotional drama.  Be the calm force on the outside of the abyss helping the one who fell in to climb out rather than falling in yourself and getting caught up in his/her dilemma.

The King of Cups can also represent an older male who may appear in your life.  This could be a man of business, law, or a spiritual leader who is kind, considerate and who will take responsibility for his own actions.  He is a fatherly figure who is sensitive, generous, and who enjoys providing loving energy to others.  He is a good listener and responds calmly in an emergency.  He is diplomatic and seeks to help out in situations.  No power struggles with this individual!

If you are facing a personal challenge, this suggests that you will need to be emotionally mature because negative energy from others will be all around.  The King of Cups is level-headed and in control of his emotions.  He is able to use his emotional intellect to make level-headed decisions and does not let other circumstances or negativity sway him from what he strongly believes in.

Monday Musings

Hello, Monday!  What a fabulous weekend it has been!

If you've been reading my blog, you know the girls and I have been preparing for the opening night of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the Waterloo Community Playhouse.  Specifically, we were preparing our "Putnam Art Club" booth for display in the lobby to help make money for the theatre.  We displayed a lot of artwork by both Angelle and KD, Shelby Davis (a cast member), and also by a couple of Angelle's friends.  This art work is also for sale during performances.  We are also selling raffle tickets for a Buddha Board mini, acrylic painting kit, and a couple of the larger pieces of art.  Opening night was a great success and KD sold her first work of art ever.  As it sold, I thought to myself that I should get a photo of it since it was her first ever art sale.

Here is the very sweet lady who purchased it, and KD holding "Seaside Dream", KD's first art sale. The nice lady asked KD to sign it on the back as well and was so happy to be able to meet the artist.

 Angelle sold several necklaces, too.  I love her rock and wire necklaces and wear the one she made me quite often.  Here is a picture of our art club booth set up.
















KD's first art sale was quickly followed by a second as another
patron purchased "Mystical Christmas" and also had her sign the back of it.

And of course, this was quickly followed by a 3rd sale.  I enjoyed watching this sale.  The lady looked at all of our artwork for awhile, then stopped and really looked at this one and then kind of giggled.  She picked it up and said she loved "Bird Forest" and just had to buy it.  She said she loved birds and loved the pink and green bird in this painting.  She also said she loved that KD had titled it "Bird Forest".  KD had already signed this one when she painted it (the signature is in the middle, kind of hidden, just KD), so she didn't have to sign this one!








We couldn't staff our booth ourselves Saturday and Sunday as we were off doing a "Bill Riley" mini tour so Angelle could get some practice performing.  I've heard that two more of KD's paintings sold; "Neon Dragon" and "Centerpiece".  She is very proud of being able to sell her art work and I am incredibly proud of her.  At age 11, she is constantly discovering who she is.  KD the actress?  KD the singer?  KD the musician?  KD the coder?  KD the artist?  Right now she is all those things and more.  And no matter where her interests take her, I will be here for her and am so proud of that girl.

I am equally proud of our oldest daughter, too.  Angelle has this beautiful voice and sings like an angel.  She is beautiful both inside and out, but what usually gets me with her is how kindhearted and humble she is.  She has an incredible act this summer for the Bill Riley talent shows.  She is singing "Diva Dance" from the movie "Fifth Element".  Very difficult to sing!  And she's knocking it out of the ballpark.

Saturday night she performed in Marengo for the Iowa County Fair.  There were several technical difficulties throughout the show and when her mic pulled out from the cord they had to start her song over.  There is a 3 minute time limit for Bill Riley show acts.  We have hers at 3 minutes exactly.  However, when they started her song over, the judge who was timing didn't re-start the stop-watch.  She also apparently didn't realize she didn't re-start the stop-watch, so Angelle's song came in at 4 minutes.  Angelle got 2nd place and the judge pulled her aside and told her she would have had first place, but her song was 4 minutes long and she needed to cut it to 3 minutes.  Angelle very politely said that her song was indeed just 3 minutes long, but the judge was insistent that it was 4 minutes.  We could have been really angry about that, but I just very nicely thanked the coordinator for putting on the show (they don't get enough respect....it's a lot of work to put one of those together), informed her that Angelle's song was 3 minutes long but that it wasn't a big deal and she was fine with 2nd place.  I again thanked her for all her hard work in putting on the show.  Plus, the girl who won 1st place (also a beautiful singer) had not yet qualified for the State Fair so this was her qualifying show.  We were extremely happy for her, too.

Besides, the human experience of this particular show is what made it all worthwhile.  It was nearly 100 degrees in that shelter.  Everyone was hot and uncomfortable.  A very nice 83 year old man asked if the seat next to Angelle was taken and she said no so he sat by her.  The next thing I know, the two of them are deep in conversation.  Both were enjoying each other's company and laughing.  The man was there to see his granddaughter dance in the sprout division.  He had fought in the Navy in the Korean war and been to Japan and Hawaii.  He loved fishing.  Angelle enjoyed talking with him so much.  The really weird thing is that I just happened to have some fishing lures in our talent show bag because one of the girls had recently gotten them in a grab bag.  Once I learned that he enjoyed fishing, I got the lures out and gave them to him (we don't fish).  He was surprised and happy especially because it was a type of lure he likes to use.

I just had to get a photo of them together.  His name is "Dave".  He reminded me a bit of my dad, who also was in the Navy, but who fought in WWII.  Angelle really enjoyed meeting and talking with this man.  Sometimes in this life, we get to briefly encounter some truly amazing people and make some great connections.  That's why we go on the adventures we go on.  That's why we spend most of our summers traveling around the state and doing the Bill Riley Talent Shows.  That's what life is all about and so we say thanks to Dave, for some great conversation and for your entertaining stories.  Hope you are out fishing today and catching lots of fish!

Freaky Friday

It's Friday!  What's freaky?  This:  Being on vacation the last week gave me a lot to think about.  Some people do truly amazing things with their time, and sometimes for no return other than their own or their family's enjoyment.  Hobbies can be freaky!  Here are a few that are freaky.







This:  Andrew Clemens made works of art by pouring sand into bottles.  Some of his bottles are in the McGregor museum.  These are not your ordinary pour sand into a bottle pieces.  Freaky!

This:  The Bily Brothers from Spilville, Iowa, and their clocks.  You are not allowed to take pictures of the clocks in the museum, but I wish I could have.  I can't even tell you how freaky they were.  Huge, beautiful, intricate, made by hand.  And to think they almost burned them when their sister died.  They were offered one million dollars for one of them, but refused.  They created these just for their brother and sister and their own enjoyment, not for any money at all.  Amazing.  I have a picture of a postcard, but this is definitely not one of their most impressive clocks.

This:  Before KD (our lawkeeper) informed me that I wasn't allowed to take pictures in the museum, I did manage to snap this shot of a two headed pig wet specimen, just because, well, it's freaky.

This:  Our last freaky family trip during our vacation was to the "Matchstick Marvels" museum in Gladbrook.  This artist creates amazing works from, you guessed it, matchsticks.  He has a few pieces in Ripley's Believe it or Not museums around the country.  The train will be going to a Ripley museum the end of July.  You need to see it!  If you can get to Gladbrook before the end of the month, do it!


This train is HUGE and interactive, too.  You can ring the bell, turn on the light and pull/push some levers.  And completely made from matchsticks.










This:  Tonight is the opening night for "The 25th Annul Putnam County Spelling Bee".  We are not in the production, but since I am on the theatre board, we have been put in charge of the "Putnam County Art Club" booth.  This got the girls off their phones and creating new and choosing old works of art to sell.  Nothing out of sand or matchsticks, but I think their artwork is pretty awesome nonetheless.

The bees are just 2" x 2" and are very cute.  Angelle made those and the necklaces.  She made more than 20 necklaces in the van on vacation.  The other works are by KD.  "Neon Dragon" and "Too Goth for Prom" are two of my favorites.  They are excited to sell their art work (proceeds will go to the Waterloo Community Playhouse/Black Hawk Children's Theatre), but I am a little sad to see them go.  My kids make me so proud!  If you get a chance, you really need to come see the musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the WCP.  Before the show and at intermission, visit the art club booth and maybe purchase an original work of art or buy some raffle tickets.  I promise the art will be reasonably priced.  Have a great weekend!  Get your freak on and have a Freaky Friday!!

Witchy Wednesday

It's Witchy Wednesday!  Are you wearing black?

I know I have featured Kohls here before, but Rock and Republic keeps cranking out these great skull themed shirts.  Around the 4th of July I got this black one that has fireworks in the background.  I've worn it a couple of times already.  Very nice!

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2091796/rock-republic-fireworks-skull-v-neck-tee-womens.jsp

I've made a lot of progress this summer in planning our first ever "Cedar Valley Silent Supper".  Of course, this has led the girls and I to thinking about what we will wear for this event!  We have a couple months to decide as the event will be October 30th, but it is always fun to plan ahead.  A few weeks ago, I took the girls to the Waterloo Community Playhouse costume shop.  Our purpose was to find a formal dress for Angelle to wear for her performances this summer.  At prices of $10, $15 and $20 for great formal dresses, we left with 3.  One of them she intends to save to wear for the Silent Supper.  This black velvet beauty right here!  Love it.

Also while there, I found a great hat for just $5.  I haven't found the rest of my outfit for the Silent Supper yet, but I am pretty sure I'll be wearing this hat, and I do have some ideas.  There are a few great black vintage dresses at Mohair Pear I've been eyeing lately.

KD is not sure what she's going to wear yet, but she has some time and we are definitely looking.











While in McGregor Iowa, we went to a great gift shop called "Paper Moon".  I mentioned that here on Monday.  I purchased a wonderful "Blue Owl" Lenormand deck of fortune telling cards there.  I said I might talk about them a bit more, so I am doing just that.

Here are photos of the front and back of the box.  One side has the blue owl and the other side has a peacock or bird of paradise.  Not sure which.

 Here are a few of the cards spread out.  There are 36 cards in a Lenormand deck.  In a Grand Tableau spread, you lay out all 36 and read them in relationship to the key card (a card that represents the querent).  So far I have given one Grand Tableau reading and that was for KD at the picnic table in our campsite.  She said it answered her question perfectly and she was pleased with the reading.  It's an interesting way to read as it is quite different from the Tarot.

Here is a close-up of one of the happier cards in the deck.  I love the poems.  This card would be read in relationship to the other cards around it.  If it was close to a card with clouds on it, then the "chance of luck befalls tonight" would apply.

I'm still learning how to read these cards and getting used to the style.  This fall in the gypsy wagon, I intend to give 5 card readings using this deck.  I will have my tarot on hand as well for querents who prefer that, but I think I'm going to focus on using these.  I really do like them.

If you are looking for some great formal dresses, whether for prom, a performance, or an event, you really have to check out the Waterloo Community Playhouse costume shop.  Outside the shop there is a rack of vintage formals for sale.  We had a blast looking at them and trying them on.  Why spend $200 on a prom dress when you can spend $20 (or even less?).  Plus, you can get a great hat!

Have a wonderful Witchy Wednesday and check back here on Friday.

Tarot Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Today's card drawn is the Queen of Pentacles.  I have to be honest.  In my Gilded Tarot deck, this is one of my favorite cards simply because of the picture.  Having a fondness for peafowl (since my sister and her husband raise them), I think it is a beautiful card.

The Queen of Pentacles can represent you or someone in your life.  She is an amazing and strong woman who shows her love for others by cooking, cleaning, keeping a warm and inviting home and bringing in a decent income to support the family financially.  She is an independent woman who is able to provide for herself and her family.

She might represent a mother figure in your life who can provide you with loving support and nurturing to help you get through the influences of your past.  It is likely that she could be a teacher, counsellor, or a mentor.  She could actually be your mother or just a close friend.  And of course, she could be you.

The Queen of Pentacles could indicate that you will be spending some time and money on your home.  This is a good thing as long as you don't go into too much debt.  This card tells you to be confident in yourself as the future will find a way to make your current struggles translate into prosperity.  Thinking of the future, this card is a signal of coming luck.  Fortune is smiling on you.  If you are in business for yourself, it's an especially good sign, meaning that business prospects will shine.

What a great card!  I love the tarot cards and really enjoy reading them.  While in McGregor, Iowa, I found a great Blue Owl Lenormand deck.  The Lenormand deck is an entirely different method of cartomancy.   Madame Lenormand was a famous card reader in the early 1900's in France.  What I love about this Lenormand deck is the poem on each and every card.  They kind of remind me of the riddles in the movie "Jumanji".  I read a version of the Lenormand deck called the "Gypsy Witch" fortune telling cards last Fall in the gypsy wagon.  I like the new deck much better.  More than likely, when we read fortunes out of the gypsy wagon this Fall, I will use the new Lenormand deck.  I might do Tarot, too, as it seems appropriate, but I feel a real affinity for the Lenormand cards.  Have a terrific Tuesday and check back tomorrow for Witchy Wednesday.  I might highlight the Lenormand cards a little bit more.

Monday Musings

We have been on a short vacation, so I didn't get to do a Freaky Friday blog, although plenty was freaky on our vacation!

Our camping trip was short, simple and close to home.  We spent a night camping at Pike's Peak State Park, enjoyed some great shops in McGregor, Iowa, then went on to Decorah to camp another two nights.

We really wanted to do some canoeing/kayaking, so we rented a kayak for Angelle and a canoe for John, KD and me.  We were dropped off at a spot on the Iowa River and were set up for the two hour ride.  Angelle had never done this before, but was doing really well handling her kayak.  We mostly enjoyed the areas of rapids where it got a little bit faster and rougher.  We saw a couple cranes, a beaver, and later in the trip, a very majestic bald eagle perched high in a tree.

I swear a crane was playing a game with us.  It would fly off when we got close, then perch again further down river.  As soon as we got close again, it would do the same thing.  It did this most of the way down the river for the duration of our 3 hour (yes, it took us 3, not 2) trip.

At one point,  the rapids got very rough.  I was in the front of our canoe, and I got splashed really good and was good and wet.  Then the next thing I knew, Angelle's kayak had capsized and she was panicking a bit.  I couldn't figure out why she was panicking since I knew the river wasn't that deep right there and also that she was a really good swimmer.  But, she was indeed calling for help and freaking out and clinging to the top of her upside-down kayak.  Finally she ditched the kayak and swam to shore.  Once she started swimming, she figured out that she could actually stand in the river there.

John very heroically grabbed her kayak so it wouldn't float away and we got the canoe to the bank and then he told me to get out and pull the canoe onto land.  He was then able to pull the kayak to the bank as well and we got the water dumped out of it.  Angelle actually laughed at herself then, we got back into the kayak and canoe, and we finished our trip.  Angelle was a bit more cautious about the rapids from that point on.  I am very impressed by her ability to now laugh about the whole incident.  Apparently she was more concerned about sharks than anything.  Um, no sharks in the Iowa River, Angelle.

We loved our little camping trip.  KD says it was the best vacation ever.  Some favorites were "Paper Moon", a little gift store in McGregor, Iowa, which I swear was run by witches.  I purchased a Lenormand deck of fortune telling cards, KD picked out a "Consult the Oracle" book,  and I got a cool pair of gold skull earrings which were on sale.  I took them to the counter, and immediately one of the ladies there told me that they had just gotten some incense in, took me to where it was, and yes, I absolutely was out of incense and needed some.  So, as I took my incense to the counter, I asked her how she knew I wanted incense.  She just commented that she saw what else I was buying and was just very observant.

The shop had three stories of wonderful things for sale.  Books, art work, jewelry, gifts, decor, etc. etc. We also loved the McGregor Cafe right across the street.  Great ambience, wonderful service, delicious food and coffee!  I strongly recommend both places.  There are other great places in McGregor including the authentic old fashioned Western store (where we bought jaw harps) and the rare book store.  I could have stayed all day in the book store, but we had other places to go.

It's always nice to come back home after vacation.  We are excited about staffing our "Art Club Booth" for the Waterloo Community Playhouse production of "Putnam County's 25th Annual Spelling Bee", which opens this Friday.  If you are in this area, be sure to come to a production and stop by to see us at the art club booth.  You could purchase some cool works of art by KD and Angelle, or some really wonderful works of art by Shelby Davis, one of the very talented cast members.  We will feature some other great pieces by theatre friends and aficionados, plus raffle off some of the bigger works and a Buddha Board mini.

Stop back to see what the cards hold in store for you tomorrow on Tarot Tuesday!  Have a marvelous Monday.

Tarot Tuesday, July 7, 2015

As I was shuffling the cards today, I couldn't help but think a bit about my friend, Kristin, whose birthday it is today!  Appropriately enough, I drew the Queen of Cups.  Happy Birthday, dear friend!!

The Queen of Cups is the most intuitive card, ruling the realm of emotions.  The thoughts of the Queen originate from the unconscious, from within the depths of her soul.  The Queen of Cups is nurturing, caring, compassionate and sensitive.  She is very in tune with her emotions and connects with others on an emotional level very easily.  Fair and honest, she has a big, warm heart, and is often a healer, counsellor, or psychic.  She can sometimes seem to know what is wrong even before you tell her.

This card can either indicate a person in your life, or a part of yourself.  This card can indicate that you need to trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice.  This is a "follow your heart" card.  Trust the indications and feelings you are getting from your outside environment.  A little bit of logic might be necessary, but not too much.  Trust your heart, too.

This card can also suggest that you need to empathise with others and show more genuine compassion.  Sometimes your friends just need a listening ear, not logical advice.  Often, just a hug will do.

The Queen of Cups also symbolises a person who uses her imagination and who is very creative or artistic.  She is often involved in creative or literary endeavors and enjoys art, music, literature and all that is beautiful in this world.

Kristin, if this card isn't you, then I don't know who it is!  I know you read my blog, and just want you to know how much you are appreciated as a great friend and a wonderful Godmother to our girls.  Thanks for coming to support the girls on Sunday and for hosting us on Sunday evening.   For me, you truly are the Queen of Cups.  For my other readers, I know there is a Queen of Cups in your lives as well.  Give her a hug today!  Blessings!

Monday Musings

Marvelous Monday, everyone!!

16 years ago, the 4th of July took on a whole new meaning for me.  16 years ago, on the 4th of July, our oldest daughter, Angelle, was born.  It's a day that's easy to remember as it occurred right after our first flood did some damage to our house and vehicles.  In fact, flooded vehicles led to us riding a motorcycle to the hospital for delivery in the middle of the night.  At any rate, she is here and she truly IS a firecracker, and now she is a 16 year old firecracker!!  People born on the 4th of July grow up believing the fireworks are really for them.   This girl truly loves the fireworks even to this day, although she now realizes they aren't just for her.

We celebrated her special day at Adventureland with a couple of her friends.  Angelle and I like ALL the thrilling rides.  The Sidewinder, the Spaceshot, the roller coasters (except for the Dragon for me, I'm not terribly fond of that one, but I do believe Angelle went on that).  We had so much fun.  KD and I got into the Falling Star this year and rode it three times.  That's actually a pretty thrilling ride as well!

I've really been feeling creative this summer.  The "Dream Within a Dream" devised play using the works of "Poe" has helped quite a bit with that along with planning my first ticketed event, the "Cedar Valley Silent Supper".  The Silent Supper is now a "go".  It will be held on October 30th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker Building in Waterloo.  I am thinking we can seat around 40-45, so when I start selling tickets, recommend getting them early.  They will be $35 each, which will include a gourmet catered meal and one of the most unique experiences in the Cedar Valley.  You can find the Facebook page for this event.  It's called "Cedar Valley Silent Supper".  Please like the page to continue to receive updates.  

A "Silent Supper" is also known as a "Dumb Supper".  There is a big one that occurs in Salem, Massachusetts during their "Festival of the Dead" celebration right before Halloween.  You can find a lot of information about it by googling "Dumb Supper".  This is an event which is held to honor the dead, whether they are our ancestors, pets, or recently deceased.  Participants may bring a photo of their deceased loved ones if they'd like, although it is completely optional.  Participants will be invited to light a tealight candle for their loved ones who have passed on.  They may even bring a note or remembrance of their deceased.  One meal will be served to an "empty" place setting to represent our dead.  The meal will be served and eaten in silence (with the exception of tasteful instrumental music in the background) and also backwards.  Dessert will be first, followed by main course, followed by salad.  You do not need to be any one particular religion to attend this supper.  It is for everyone.

The Waterloo Playhouse is putting on "Putnam's 25th Annual Spelling Bee" as their summer musical.  We have many friends cast in this great production, and being on the theatre board, I suddenly find myself in charge of the art club booth.  At first I was a bit worried about this, but as I've started brainstorming with my girls and friends, it is really starting to come together.  We might be doing small henna tattoos at the booth.  We will have a lot of original art work for sale as well as some art supplies and larger pieces to raffle off.  My daughters both have some artistic contributions and it's really going to be a fun booth.  Join the Putnam Art Club!!  What fun!  If you are interested in contributing in some way and I haven't asked you, please contact me either by phone, text, or Facebook page!  I don't think you can comment here unless you have a google account, but if you do and you'd like to, please leave a comment!  If you're feeling artsy, we would welcome your contributions to the art club booth....all proceeds from the booth will benefit the theatre.

Looking forward to another great summer week ahead.  I'll draw a tarot card tomorrow, so check back!

Freaky Friday

TGIF!  What's Freaky?








This:  Home of the Skull Violin  Click on the link to see some of the coolest violins ever.  Freaky!!

This:  A "Paranormal Activity" marathon.  Angelle and I watched, 1, 2, and 3...all in a row last night.           Freaky!  Could you do it?

This:  KD looked up weird Iowa laws this week.  Here are a few.  Freaky!
         A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.
         One-armed piano players must perform for free.
         Kisses may last no more than five minutes
         Ministers must obtain a permit to carry their liquor across state lines.
         All boxes used to pick hops must be exactly 36 inches long.
         And in Cedar Rapids:  No person shall tell fortunes or practice phrenology, palmistry or
         clairvoyancy in the city.  What??  Outrage!!

This:  Crows have serious trust issues!  I feed a pair of crows daily, I call them "Lenore" and
          "Nevermore".  They watch me put the food out from a distance, but still won't go to get
          the food unless I am inside the house and out of their sight.  Silly crows.

This:  Tomorrow my oldest daughter turns 16.  What??  How can that be?  Where has the time gone?
          That's truly freaky.

Speaking of which, she shares our nation's birthday, July 4th.  Have a great Independence Day, everyone and I'll see you for Monday Musings on the 6th.

Witchy Wednesday!

Happy Witchy Wednesday!!  Are you wearing black?  This week on Facebook, a couple of tee-shirts have caught my eye from a company called teefury.com.  There are some very cool pop culture tee shirts on this site.

First, as I am on the team devising the play, "Dream Within a Dream" at the Black Hawk Children's Theatre, there is a tee-shirt called "The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, Dark Fiction II
", featuring Poe on the front.  Then the second one I saw was so appropriate for Witchy Wednesday.  It features Wednesday, who else?  It even said in the ad, "On Wednesdays, We Wear
                                                                                    Black!  Yes!!

Here is today's special tee-shirt, as in, it's on sale today:

 Here is the Poe shirt.  From what I understand, there is a bit of "Doctor Who" in this design as well?  Forgive me, but I don't watch "Doctor Who", so I can't actually say.  (By the way, this is a photo of the product on my computer, so that is where the glare is coming from, not on the design itself).

And of course, the Wednesday shirt.  "We gladly feast on those who would subdue us".  I think I might have to get this shirt and the Poe one as well!















Speaking of feasting, if you are on Facebook, please go to Cedar Valley Silent Supper and "like" the page.  This is an event I'm very excited about as my daughters and I are planning it for October this year.  If you're not sure what a Silent Supper is, it is a dinner around Halloween time, done in silence and served backwards, the purpose of which is to honor our dead, whether our ancestors or recently deceased, and to eat a "symbolic" meal with them.  We, the living, really do eat a scrumptious, catered meal, but the dead, who are also served the same courses, (one place setting to represent all of our dead), probably won't actually eat.  I'm hoping it will take off and grow from year to year.  You can find out more information about these by googling "Dumb Supper".  My daughters preferred the title "Silent Supper", so that's what we are going with.

Put on some black and have a very Witchy Wednesday!