Witchy Wednesday

Happy Rainy Witchy Wednesday!!  That would sound better if I said Happy Wainy Witchy Wednesday.

Since it's a nice stormy, rainy day, I thought I would highlight a few witchy rain wardrobe items, or is that wain wardrobe items?  Or maybe wain wardwobe?

Anyway, I love stormy days as much as the Addams Family does, so here are some fun witchy umbrellas, rain boots and rain coats for you to admire and maybe even acquire.

So first off, here are a couple great skull umbrellas.  If you like black and classy, the first one has a silver skull handle, which I love!  If you're more colorful, you might prefer the second one.


Rain boots are always fun no matter what design is on them, but here are some very cute skull rain boots.

Finally, raincoats are great to have on days like today, and even better, if they have skulls or something witchy on them.  Here are a couple cute ones.


The first one has a great witch riding her broom design.  The second is, of course, skulls, skulls, and more skulls.

I hope you enjoy the energy that comes from a thunderstorm as much as I do.  Take a walk in the rain and enjoy your dreary wainy witchy Wednesday.

Tarot Tuesday 3-29-16

Today's card drawn is the Two of Pentacles.  The card I'm showing today is not from my regular Gilded Tarot.  Usually what I do is search images rather than take a picture of my card because it eliminates the step of  transferring the photo to the computer.  For whatever reason, I could not find an image of this card from the Gilded tarot online that worked on the blog, but I did like this one.  Since this was the case, I would encourage you to really look at the picture on the card and see what is says to you.

When I drew this card this morning, I had to laugh.  If you read my Monday Musings post yesterday, I spoke of feeling overwhelmed by all of the events and obligations that April and May hold and how the beautiful weather just makes me not want to do any of them, but just go outside and play in the dirt.  Well, notice right away that the maiden is juggling her obligations while surrounded by Earth's beauty.  She is half-heartedly doing what she needs to do and I'm sure she'd rather just go play.  She looks very distracted.  Yep, that pretty much sums up the meaning of this card.  I'll try to elaborate some more.

The Two of Pentacles represents the need to balance seemingly conflicting interests.  If you are beginning a new business or financial venture, you need to balance this new venture with other important areas of your life, such as your family, friends, and your own physical and mental health.  This is a good time to be clear of your priorities and figure out where you want to invest your time and energy.  It is very easy to get distracted by your daily, mundane affairs, so manage your time carefully.

While you are focusing on the bigger things in life, do not neglect your day-to-day affairs and obligations.  Pay your bills on time, keep good records, and check your calendar every day.

This card can sometimes indicate that there might be some problems and difficulties in the future.  You could possibly encounter some obstacles which could hinder attainment of your desires.  This situation may cause you some worry and might cause you to juggle your priorities and improve your time management so you can stay on top of it.

The Two of Pentacles can also predict change.  Changes might be coming and you will need to be able to cope with them.  Remain flexible and adaptable to what is coming your way.  It is a good idea not to put all your eggs in one basket so that you can have the luxury of choice if something doesn't work out right for you.  While you are allowing yourself to be flexible, stay centered and grounded.  Watch for new possibilities and opportunities, be open to change (it is not a bad thing) and go with the flow as best as you can.

To sum it all up, roll with the tide, stay flexible, and stay focused.  It will all turn out fine.

Monday Musings

Marvelous Monday, everyone.  It sounds like it will be a beautiful day.

Well, it's nearly April and with April comes a sense of panic that somewhere, somehow, the girls and I are going to miss something or that I don't have everything on my schedule.  For musicians, the Christmas season is crazy hectic. So is Spring.  Coming up in April and May we have solo contests, Little Mermaid Jr., several concerts, Student Teacher Achievement Clinic for piano, and all I can do is hope and pray that I am organized enough to get everyone where they need to be at the right time and on the right date.  Whew.  It's a bit overwhelming at times!

Aside from the panic that comes with Spring, I have to say that as much as I love winter, I do love watching the spring perennials begin to emerge.  The crocuses have been in full bloom for a couple of weeks now and I have some tiny miniature daffodils (I don't even remember planting those?) already in bloom as well.  The tulips, lilies, and normal sized daffodils are all coming up as well.  I have some black hollyhocks, black Sweet Williams, and black Violas started inside.  I'm wanting the flower garden to have that "goth" feel to it this year.  I also have several other black (or near black) colored flowers coming in the mail in April.

This week my praying mantis ootheca also arrived!  I haven't raised mantises for a couple of years, so I am excited to do it again.  If you are new to me and to my blog, I like, no I LOVE to raise praying mantises from an ootheca (egg case).  My process begins with purchasing an ootheca, usually from ebay, but Amazon has them, too.  I put them in an insect keeper and wait for them to hatch. Upon hatching, I usually release around 100 mantids and keep a few to raise to adulthood.  I really enjoy watching them grow and molt, hunt and devour their prey.  They are fierce, yet gentle with humans and very docile.  I'm looking forward to having this experience again.  I'll be sure to document their progress in this blog.

And the birds singing.  That's another thing I LOVE about spring.  And thunderstorms.  You have no idea how much I love a good thunderstorm.  My dogs are not that fond of them, but a little snuggling usually calms them right down.  I just can't wait to fall asleep to a good storm.

And so here's my dilemma.  On these beautiful spring days, all I want to do is go outside and plant plants, listen to the birds, watch the ducks, walk in the woods, etc., etc., but instead we have a busy schedule and tons of practicing to do.  It's always okay, though.  We will get it all done, and I'll get to spend some time outside, and all will be well.  I am thankful for the experiences we get to have and for the music we get to make.  How blessed are we to be able to make music for ourselves and for others!

What does spring mean to you?  Check back tomorrow to see what your future holds on Tarot Tuesday!

Witchy Wednesday

Happy Witchy Wednesday!

In previous Witchy Wednesday posts, I have discussed tips for dressing "witchy" and "vampirish" on a day to day basis.  Today, I thought I would take an entirely different turn and discuss tips for dressing "wolvish", in otherwords, like a werewolf!

First, let me say that dressing like a werewolf really isn't my own personal style.  I definitely dress witchy and sometimes vampirish, but wolvish?  Not so much.

First, to dress like an everyday werewolf, I think you need to have some over-sized tee-shirts, torn jeans, and lots of flannel.

Flannel and more flannel.  Lots of flannel.  If it's ripped or frayed, even better.



















In addition to wearing lots and lots of flannel, over-sized tee-shirts and ripped jeans, you need foot-wear.  Everyday werewolves don't run around in flip-flops.  Sorry.  They need good, sturdy, hiking boots.  Dirty and scuffed is the way to go.





And what about your hair?  Well, long, a little messy, and natural, like a shaggy dog, will do fine.









Basically, the werewolf "look" is the same as the grunge look minus the Nirvana tee-shirts, although you could wear them as well. You know who does this look really well?  My daughter, Angelle.  You know you do, Angelle.  Admit it.

If you really want to drive the werewolf idea home, pick up a few accessories with wolves on them.  You know, necklaces, pendants and rings.  Even hats!

So, lycanthropes, this should give you a few ideas to get started with your werewolf look.  It's pretty easy and low-maintenance.  Have fun and stay out of trouble!  Arooooooooooooo.

Tarot Tuesday - 3/22/16

Today's card drawn is the Nine of Cups.

The number 9 represents completion or the final stage of a particular phase of development. Sometimes the final stage may bring some problems with it.  Your past experiences and ways to cope become important when at this stage.  You may have a tendency to daydream and just become complacent with your way of life.  You might spend a lot of time thinking about your ideal lifestyle rather than doing the work you need to do to reach that goal.

The Nine of Cups does indicate a period of happiness in all areas.  It shows satisfaction with your life on all levels. Emotionally, physically and romantically, it may seem like things in your life are in a very good place.  If you don't feel that way right now, take heart, because the appearance of this card indicates that is exactly where your life is headed. You are going into a period of happiness and contentment.  Joy is coming along with success.

Often, this card refers to a situation that is emotionally uplifting to you.  This could be in the area of romance or friendship. Enjoy what life has to offer and revel in each and every one of your emotions.

It is also a good idea to show appreciation for all you have.  Do not take anything for granted and live each day to the fullest.  You have much to be happy about.

Professionally, this card shows you will have stability and advancement.  You will be able to look back on all that you have accomplished so far and see the steady foundation you have built for your future.  Worries are now a part of your past and the future is looking bright.  Better get yourself a good pair of shades!

Do not be shy about your accomplishments.  You have every right to be proud of them.  You worked hard to get here and deserve the recognition you will receive.

Since things are looking up for you, it is okay to splurge a little on some of life's luxuries as long as you don't over-do it.  Have a glass of wine.  Treat yourself to a fun night out or a short get-away. Take that vacation you've always dreamed about taking.  Celebrate, but do so with some balance so that you don't become lazy or greedy.  This is a lucky omen card which is sometimes referred to as the "wish" card.  Enjoy what is coming your way.  It's going to be great!!

Monday Musings - Hurricanes and Hot Sauce

Happy Spring!!  I got really busy the last two weeks, so ended up taking a short break from blogging.  It was a good break but I'm happy to be back!!

Hurricanes and Hot Sauce!!  Last week was Spring Break and I took a couple of very fun short trips.  First, I saw Angelle off on her orchestra trip to the Bahamas on a cruise.  It is the longest I think I've been away from her since she was about a year old and I have to say we all missed her!  I am happy to say that she did not fall off the ship or get eaten by a shark and she is now safe and sound at home.  Of course, she LOVED her trip and is now missing the Bahamas.

Then KD and I took a trip to the Wisconsin Dells with our friend, Tina, and her three daughters.  Girl trips are always so much fun.  We stayed at the "Wilderness" resort, which was fabulous.  The girls spent a lot of time in the water, which I guess is kind of the point.  I rode on a family ride, spent a little time in the wave pool, then encouraged the girls to go on a big ride called the "Hurricane" with me.  I ended up riding it three times.  It was a great ride with a surprise drop that feels vertical, emptying into a large funnel in which the raft slides from side to side.  Quite thrilling!!  The girls also did a ropes course, miniature golf, a laser maze, and I joined them all for a free for all game of laser tag.  I can never pass up laser tag!!  It was a fun filled trip and I would definitely do it again.

On Thursday (St. Patrick's Day), John, KD and I took a little overnight trip to Galena.  We stayed at the reputedly haunted "Desoto House" hotel.  We have stayed there before and love the history. Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony there.  This time we stayed in the "James Russell Lowell" room.

We started out by doing a little shopping on Main Street in Galena.  We found this great, and I mean GREAT hot sauce shop called the "Galena Canning Company".  I wanted to try this hot sauce sample they had out.  It was called "Blasting Sauce" and had warnings that it was very hot, so I didn't want to try it without having a drink handy.  So, John bought a smart water and I tried the sauce.  It was incredibly flavorful and as far as heat goes, yes, it packed a punch, but nothing I couldn't handle. Delicious!  We browsed a bit more at that shop and then I tried another sauce called "Widow, No Survivors".  I wasn't prepared and thought I had already tried the hottest sauce, so I put quite a bit on my pretzel.  I barely survived that one.  It truly burned my entire mouth and even made my ears burn. I had John try it, but he had me to caution him that a little goes a long way.  He agreed that it was an intense, burning heat.  I couldn't try anymore after that, so we left and headed down the street, my mouth burning all the while.  I wasn't sure I was going to recover and ended up drinking the entire bottle of smart water.  Yikes. Eventually I did recover, thank goodness, and was able to enjoy the rest of the day.  The next day we went back and bought a bottle of both of those hot sauces.  John already took it to where he works and they had a little fun with it.  Angelle tried them, too, and agreed that the "Widow..." sauce makes the ears burn!

That evening, KD and I went on a late ghost tour while John checked out the St. Patrick's Day night life in town.  KD and I enjoyed the ghost tour and I maybe got one cool photo with interesting things on it from the cemetery, although KD thinks perhaps the cool lines in the photo are actually my hair.  KD spoke with my mom through the dowsing rods at the beautiful Ryan Mansion.  She thought that was pretty cool and so did I.  As for John, he said he had a great time, too, and apparently there was a really talented belly dance at the pub where he was.

To the left is the first photo I took at the cemetery.  You can see the interesting lines.  I used flash for this photo and took it as soon as I got off the bus.  Just my hair?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  You decide.














So, now what?  Even though it was cold yesterday, I was inspired to get going on my backyard garden.  I've been looking at gothic gardens online and I have some black flower bulbs coming.  I have already started the black hollyhocks inside (which have taken off nicely) and just yesterday started the Sooty Sweet Williams in a pot inside.  Angelle and I went to Good Will where I found many nice, gothic-type pieces to use in the garden.  At home, she and I started placing these things in the garden.  Can't wait for the plants to grow up around them and truly accent what we've done so far. Remember, we are a bit off-beat, so don't be surprised by the painting in the tree.  

Since decorating, I have put a string of battery operated lights in that hanging basket.  My existing bulbs (daffodils and tulips) are already coming up and I can't wait to plant the bulbs for the darker colored flowers.  Now I hear we are supposed to get a snow storm on Thursday.  I must live in Iowa. I love winter, but I'm really ready for spring now.  I plan to water-proof the painting in the tree, although I expect it to get quite weathered.  That will actually be cool, I think.  That's a flowering tree that it's in, so that will be pretty when it blooms.

What about you?  Did you do anything exciting for Spring Break?  Check back tomorrow for my tarot card draw and enjoy your magickal Monday!

Freaky Friday

TGIF!  It's Friday, so what's freaky?

This:  I woke up today thinking it was a Thursday, only to discover it's really Friday! This rarely happens this way.  What joy to think it's Thursday, then find out it's Friday!

This:  I have jury duty next week.  I have gotten jury duty a total of four times.  The first time, my group did not have to report, but every other time, my group had to report, and I ended up serving on the jury.  So I have been an actual juror three times.  Apparently they like me.

This;  Quetzalcoatl.  So, I went with a friend to a gallery medium reading this week.  I have gone to it before with KD before Christmas.  These are not the types of mediums who are so vague that what they say could apply to anyone.  They are also not the type who check all your information out on Facebook before you come.  These ladies have convinced me that they are the real deal.  Anyway, Quetzalcoatl came up for me this week.  The lady who said it said she didn't really know what it meant, but that she was seeing Quetzalcoatl while giving me my reading.  I knew a little bit about Q, but not much, so the next day I did a bit of research.  I discovered some interesting things about Quetzalcoatl.

First, he is considered to be the feathered serpent (or dragon) in Mesoamerica.  I have always loved dragons.  My daughters know this.  I was born the year of the dragon, so immediately Q got my attention.  He is one of the most important gods in ancient Mesoamerica.  He was regarded as the god of winds and rain and the creator of the world and mankind.  Q is also identified with Venus, the rising morning star and discovered maize (corn) with the help of a giant red ant that led him to a mountain packed full of grain and seeds.

Okay, so I really like the stories of Q as a god.  The really freaky thing, though, is when I ended up reading that some Mormons believe his stories were really inspired by the stories of Jesus.  In other words, some think Q is Christ.  There are several parallels in both of their stories.  Q was the creator of life, he taught virtue, he was the greatest Lord of all, he had a long beard and the features of a white man, he was born of a virgin, he performed miracles, he taught the ordinance of baptism, he prophesied future events, the cross was one of his symbols, he is associated with a new star, and the Mesoamericans believed he would return (second coming).

Why is all of this freaky?  Because as I was sitting there in the gallery reading and the mediums said to center ourselves and think of questions we might have, I was thinking about my favorite subject, religion, and how I am constantly searching for the truth and really want questions to be answered. The mere mention of Q sent me on a search which has essentially answered many of the questions I had.  I am now reading a book on Q.  Fascinating stuff!  Was Q Jesus?  Others say since he was the morning star, therefore, that he was Lucifer.  Don't worry, I'm not going to go down that path here in my blog, but I do find it all to be very fascinating.  Do you have any thoughts?  Have you been to Mexico and seen his temple or the pyramid?  Do you know anything else about Quetzalcoatl?

This:  My sister got her Mysterious Package from the mysterious package company today.  She has been texting me her experience so far and it's very entertaining.  You really should check it out! It's so funny, it's freaky.

Okay, that's it for freaky Friday today. What's freaky in your world?  Have a freakishly awesome weekend!  Learn something new.  See you on Monday!!

Witchy Wednesday

Happy Witchy Wednesday!!

Last Sunday I took my daughter to Kohls because she needed a new swimsuit for an upcoming trip.  I had some Kohls cash to spend, so it wasn't a very expensive shopping trip. While there, I found this great long-sleeve shirt with a skull on it (of course).  I couldn't find the exact picture of it online, but here is the same design on a bare-shoulder shirt.  Mine is a regular long-sleeve shirt.

I always love finding great shirts like this one.  It even has some sparkles.

Today is the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  He's dead, but several schools still celebrate his birthday. At our school, Thing 1 and Thing 2 are making the rounds and a couple of different "Cat in the Hats" will also be touring the building.

It could be fun to dress in Dr. Seuss inspired attire.  I am thinking red and blue are the key colors.  Stripes, big hair, great hats, star bellies, red bow ties, etc. etc.

Etsy has a few cute Seuss type articles of clothing.  Here are a few:



All Seussical cuteness aside, I thought I would share some tips for dressing particularly "witchy" today.  Here we go:

1.  Black, black and more black.  Black is an awesome color.  Don't be afraid to wear all black.



2.  I love bell sleeves.  Bell sleeves in any color are very dramatic and create a very witchy silhouette.

3.  Also related to the above two pictures, wear a hat!  I love wearing hats.  I wish I could wear them all day, but they are against school dress code, of course.  So, I wear my newest black hat every chance I get otherwise.  Kohls has a couple nice hats.














4.  Do you like boots?  Boots are always excellent to wear if you're trying to look witchy.

5.  And finally, I think the most important thing to remember if you're trying to look witchy is that there are no rules!!  If you don't like wearing black, don't wear it.  You can still look witchy wearing colorful clothing.  Accessories help, too.  How about a nice skull, pentagram, or crescent moon pendant?  Fun and also very cute!  Crystals are always good to wear.  Don't feel like you have to look like everyone else.  And check out thrift stores!!  Sometimes you can find the coolest and most unique stuff there.  Be brave and be yourself.  Have a wonderful Witchy Wednesday!  Wear something fun and do something fun!

Tarot Tuesday 3/1/16

Today's card drawn is "Judgement".

"Judgement" calls for a period of self-reflection and evaluation.  This is a good time to meditate and try to come to an understanding of recurring and common themes throughout your life.  Try to figure out what you can do or change to avoid the same unpleasant situations in the future.  Your life's journey is coming to an important stage and it's time to eliminate those negative tendencies and replace them with positive.

This card also indicates that you may have had a recent awakening.  You might be realizing that you need to live your life in a different way and be true to yourself and what you need.  You may be answering a higher calling to lead a fulfilling life that serves your needs and offers inspiration and hope to others.  You are very close to the point where you need to take action to answer this calling.  Do you feel as though you are suddenly understanding certain truths about life? Truth and knowledge are on the verge of being brought into the light for you if they haven't been already.

The theme of this card is awakening to new life.  It is fitting that this card should be drawn just as Spring is on the horizon. While we woke up to winter's last hurrah today, Spring really is coming.  We know this, even though today there is not much evidence of it.  The same could be said for your life at this stage.  You might not be able to see it clearly right now, but you know the awakening is coming and that it's coming soon.  You have been looking back on your past experiences and have learned from them.  The smaller pictures of your life are finally coming together to become the big picture of your life story. You are now in a good position to put your past behind you.  If you have any unfinished business, it is a good time to confront it.  If you have any misunderstandings to clear up, now is a good time to do so.  Look to the future with peace and knowledge in your heart.

Let go of any guilt or memories that may still haunt you.  Learn to forgive yourself.  In doing so, you can truly start over and feel "cleansed" of your wrongdoings and mistakes.

It is possible you may be at a crossroads of sort.  Rather than being practical decisions you must make, these are going to be decisions that require intuition and intellect.  Your own judgement is impeccable right now.  You can trust it completely and know that you are on the right path.  If you need some clarity, look objectively at your past experiences and life lessons which will help to guide you.

Have you had some challenges recently?  I know that I have.  In that case, then this card suggests that you will have a bit of a break from the difficult times.  If you feel the need to talk to others, especially in a group setting, you might find comfort in doing so.  Realize that at this time, others have experienced something similar to you and they can help you to find the way to freedom from your troubles.  This is a good time to let your friends or kindred spirits help you.

Personally, looking at this card, I know that 2016 started with some challenges for me.  They are in the past already and things are once again looking up.  I am looking to the near future with great anticipation and optimism, anxious to see what is now coming my way.  Have a terrific Tuesday and an awesome awakening.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for Witchy Wednesday!