Tarot Tuesday, 12/22/15

Today's card drawn is.....wait.....really?  The Knight of Swords AGAIN??  Okay, I'm doing a re-draw, but in the meantime, go back and read the last two times the "Knight of Swords" was drawn for Tarot Tuesday.  Too funny.  Maybe we'd better pay attention!  We are obviously supposed to listen to this message.

Today's card drawn is the Six of Wands.

This is a great card to finish out 2015 with.  The Six of Wands is all about success, victory and public recognition.  This card indicates that you have succeeded in achieving your goals and are being acknowledged for your efforts and for your results. Perhaps you recently received an award or some sort of recognition from your peers for the work that you have done. Sometimes this is simply a kind word from someone or an expression of gratitude for what you have done.  Sometimes it's more than that.  The result is an increase in your self-confidence and encouragement to continue.

The Six of Wands shows that you have focused your talents, energies and strengths to bring about a successful outcome in your endeavors.  You have overcome confusion and distractions to achieve what needed to be done. There have been challenges and trials which you have overcome.  You are now focused on the one goal that will lead to your success.  It's your time to shine.

This really is a positive card of encouragement to believe in who you are and what you are capable of.  Do not let fear or guilt stand in the way of your success.  Feel proud of what you have achieved and hold your head up high.  You are worthy of the attention you will receive.

It is also okay at this point to promote yourself publicly.  That can be one of the hardest things to do, but it will benefit others to share your success stories and encourage them to follow a similar journey. This is even a good time to apply for awards or scholarships.

There is also a downside to this card.  It can bring about self-importance, arrogance and egotistical behavior.  Sometimes victory can make you think that nobody can be better than you and you could have an inflated ego and a big head.  If you keep this in check, you will be fine.  One of the best ways to do this is to be sure and congratulate someone else for what they have done.  Never ever put someone else down and always look at them in a positive way and recognize them just as you would appreciate to be recognized.  With great success comes great responsibility  That's an important thing to remember.

There will be one more card drawn in 2015.  I'm hoping it's a good one!  It's a good time to look back and see how far you have come this year.  Check back tomorrow for Witchy Wednesday, enjoy your success, and have a terrific Tuesday!

Monday Musings

Hello Monday!!

Our weekend began on Friday evening with the girls, their violinist friend, and I playing some holiday music for the Waterloo Theatre prior to their performance of "The Man Who Came to Dinner".  We spent a couple evenings practicing and working up some music for that.  It was a lot of fun and we think we did a pretty decent job. We did learn a lesson, though, and that was that "winging it" on something we didn't actually practice maybe isn't such a good idea.

Saturday was our first big family Christmas celebration.  We traveled about 3 hours away for a nice dinner and gift exchange.  We got to meet our newest family member, Zoey, and she is adorable.  The girls did a little "cousining", which is always fun for them.  Our girls are the oldest of the cousins group on that side, and they have fun playing with the younger ones.  It was a smaller Christmas than normal as some of the family was sick that day and others had car trouble.

Sunday was relaxing, with not much on our calendar other than going to the musical "Befana" at the Lamppost Theatre in the evening.  While grocery shopping, I saw chestnuts in the produce aisle and thought, "why not"?  So at home I tried my hand at roasting chestnuts.  It seemed like a Christmasy thing to do.  They did not turn out perfect, but were not horrible, either, and the girls and I actually really liked them.  I learned that I should soak them in water before roasting so they aren't quite so dry.  I guess we really are looking for that soft, chewy texture rather than a crunchy one.  Hopefully I'll get it a little bit better next time.

"Befana" was a really nice production.  We have never gone to one of the Lamppost Theatre's productions before this one.  It is a very small theatre.  They were very creative with the use of projections as set pieces.  It worked beautifully and we were impressed.  It was a dessert theatre production, so after the show was over we were served coffee, hot chocolate, and our choice of dessert.  I had apple caramel cake, which was delicious.  KD got the chocolate torte and Angelle got peppermint poke cake.  We tried each other's desserts and they all got a great rating.

Their interpretation of the story of  Befana was very nicely done.  We all agreed that it had a good message yet it was funny, and very entertaining. I love the story of  Befana.  She is the Christmas witch, after all, I mean, she does fly on her broom delivering presents to good boys and girls!

None of us wanted to go to school today.  It seems like it should be on break already.  We are not quite done with our concert season as Angelle has a chorus concert yet tonight.  That should be the last one, though, and then we are ready for Christmas!  We are looking forward to all the delights and surprises that come with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for us.  Parties, celebrations, friends and family.  We will deliver our "reverse Advent calendar" on Christmas Eve to a homeless shelter or food pantry.  We will decide together where to take it.

I hate to say it, but I still have shopping to do!  Luckily, I get a day this week when everyone else has school or work and I don't to get it all done.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and festive Christmas week.  I am still planning on doing a Tarot Tuesday and Witchy Wednesday post, but will probably take Friday off.  It's Christmas, after all!  have a magical Monday!

Freaky Friday

TGIF!

I've had something going on every day since last Friday.  It culminated with us having FOUR events in one evening last night.  I am seriously exhausted and so thankful for this being Friday. The girls, a friend and I will play a little holiday music at the theatre for about a half hour tonight, so we just keep going.  December is a crazy month for musicians!

So, other than how busy we have been, what's freaky?

This:  The Star Wars movie came out at midnight.  We haven't seen it yet and considering our schedule, probably won't be able to until sometime this next week.  We are so excited, it's freaky!

This:  The Pagan origins of the Christmas tree.  This has been a season of me discovering the roots of our Christmas traditions and celebrations.  Evergreens, with their ability to stay green even during the coldest time of the year, were a symbol of life's victory over death.  Trees were brought indoors to keep the wood spirits warm during the cold winter months.  Treats were hung on the tree for the spirits to enjoy and of course, a five pointed star representing the five elements was place atop the tree.  Freaky.  Pretty much everyone I know has a Christmas tree in their home.  I believe it can take on any meaning you want it to.  It's a beautiful and fun custom, no matter what your beliefs are.

This:  Speaking of Christmas trees, there are some freaky ways to decorate them.  I'll share a few images.

 This tree is made entirely of green egg cartons.  Creative!

 I love this minimalist tee pee tree.  Clever idea.

 I've seen different versions of the snowman tree.  This one started with a green tree, but I've seen white trees made to look like snowmen, too.  A very cute idea.

This is a very cool alternative to a traditional Christmas tree.  The white and gold is very classy and this would be great if you didn't have a lot of room.















And of course, I saved the freakiest for last.  It is Freaky Friday, after all.  A tree decorated with red lights and ornaments and underneath it?  No, not presents, but an alligator head and three mink pelts.  I'm not sure why, but that is extremely freaky!!

We have a beautiful grand piano, which takes up a good portion of our living room in our rather small house, so we have a 4 foot tree which sits on top of an antique marble table.  Presents go under the table and also under the tree.  We love our little tree.  I am still very partial to the tinsel trees from the 50's and 60's with the color wheel light.   We had one of those for years, but it is worth downsizing the tree to have that piano!!

How do you decorate your tree?  Do you have any freaky tree decorating ideas?  Feel free to share! Have a freaky Friday and a wonderful weekend.  Check back on Monday for Monday Musings.

Witchy Wednesday

Hello and Happy Witchy Wednesday.  Are you wearing black?  Or perhaps, considering the season, red, green, or black?

Today I thought it would be fun to see what "Winter Solstice" apparel was available out there.  Some people prefer to celebrate Winter Solstice as opposed to Christmas or other winter celebrations.  After all, many of our Christmas customs come from Winter Solstice celebrations of old.  I found a good website, Cafe Press, that had some very cool Winter Solstice t-shirts.



These two are pretty basic.  A man's and woman's t-shirt.  The white one pretty much says what the solstice is all about and the black one is nice and simple.

I love the graphic of old man winter, or "Father Yule" on this nice black t-shirt.











While this shirt is a little difficult to read, it shows the "wheel of the year" with the different pagan festivals on it.  Yule is at the top.  Pretty cool!
















If the t-shirts are too casual for you, you might like these dresses.

Above is a gorgeous gown that popped up when I typed in Yule Ball Gowns.  Wow.  Just beautiful.  Sure wish I had a "Yule Ball" to attend!

The dress to the left is on Etsy.  It's a winter solstice "Stevie Nicks" type dress.  You can find all sorts of extravagant and beautiful winter dresses if you google Yule Dresses or Winter Solstice Dresses, especially on Etsy.

Have fun finding some great Winter Solstice clothing.  If you find something great, feel free to share.

May the joy in your heart keep you warm this winter.

Tarot Tuesday 12-15-15

Today's card drawn is "The Chariot".  "The Chariot" stands for victory and overcoming opposition through your confidence and control.  Success is coming your way as a result of your ability to use these attributes.  Your strong willpower can overcome any challenges coming your way.  It is a good time to be determined, self-disciplined, and hard working.  If you are, you will be able to overcome any difficulties or succeed over anyone who is trying to stand in your way or limit you.  This is one of those struggles that will make you stronger.

The appearance of this card means that you will be successful and will achieve your goals as long as you maintain focus, determination and confidence in your abilities.  If you stay focused, you will win this race.  There are competitive forces at work as well, so make sure you are doing what is needed to prevail.  Sometimes it is the journey, not the destination, and in this case, the pursuit of your goal will be as satisfying as achieving it.  Be strong and be in control.

If you are questioning a current project or plan, this card is telling you to persevere.  If you have a dilemma, it will be resolved for the time being as long as you are persistent.  This card is also telling you to assert yourself and be bold.  Have faith in yourself and know who you are and what you stand for.

Do you sometimes feel aggressive?  This card can also be telling you to come to terms with your own aggressive impulses.  If you simply suppress it, you will only turn it inward on yourself, which could then manifest as physical illness or troubling emotions.  Instead, you need to channel your aggression into your creative endeavors.  This will give those emotions an outlet so they don't cause you physical harm, and yet prevent you from being aggressive towards others.  Show who is the boss and be firm, but don't be aggressive.  You need to be in control of yourself first and foremost.

Finally, "The Chariot" can indicate you will be doing a lot of driving or maybe take a road trip.  I would imagine with the holidays coming up, this might be the case for many of us.  I know it is for me. There is also the chance you might be considering taking a more long-term road trip, perhaps in an RV or going on a cruise.

This is a fun card to receive, especially in the middle of a music teacher's December concert craziness.  I hope it helps you today in some way and if you end up taking a trip, I hope it is a safe and enjoyable one.  Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!

Monday Musings

Happy magical Monday!

It's raining cats and dogs here.  We live close to a creek and it's pretty high right now.  Just imagine if this was snow instead of rain?  We'd have had one heck of a blizzard and probably wouldn't have had school today.  Crazy weather for December, that's for sure!

I had a very busy and wonderful weekend. Saturday was busy with rehearsals for the UNI Children's Choir with the symphony and then the Symphony Family Concert performance.  The singers were fabulous and I am so proud of them.  I have the best administrative director and assistant directors.  It was a great and festive way to end the semester with the children's choir.  I get to be their director again in the spring and I am so happy about this.  I am truly thankful to have been given this opportunity as interim director and am looking forward to an exciting and musical spring semester.

After the symphony concert, we went to an annual Christmas party out on a farm.  We always love this party and while KD was the only child there, she impressed some of the adults with her mature way of talking and her insightful comments.  Angelle and KD fit right in and both said they enjoyed themselves.  Of course, Angelle and I went exploring for awhile out in the dark around the farm.  She ended up taking a few quick videos in which I was some strange monster out in the woods she was trying to get away from.  That girl always makes me laugh!

On Sunday afternoon I read fortunes for a couple hours at the mall.  I only ended up reading for three people.  A few people took us up on the free pendulum questions we were offering, but not many. I'm not sure if we'll do it again, but the organizer for events might have us piggy-back with a bigger crowd drawing event at the mall sometime to make up for it.  We'll see.  It's good to get the practice in and it helps me to know what I still need to do to prepare for reading at expo's and fairs.

After that was another Christmas party at the girls' piano teacher's studio.  The students "surprised" their teacher with something fun.  KD made up a song she played on piano for Ann and Angelle played "Jingle Bells" on KD's airboard with me accompanying on the piano.  All these parties help us to feel really festive and get in the holiday spirit.

Last weekend we delivered a few St. Nicholas gifts to a few neighbors.  We ended up getting two gifts back in return.  While we absolutely were not expecting it and it was such a nice surprise!! Thank you!

Today is the start of secret santa week at school.  Angelle is doing a couple of secret santa gift exchanges at her school, too.  Angelle and I just love it and it helps get me through the last full week of school a little more quickly.  I think KD was wishing she had a secret santa gift exchange, too.  In a few years she will.

I can't believe we are so close to Christmas.  Tomorrow night I have my school concert.  Thursday KD has a band concert and is caroling downtown.  KD and I are also organizing another caroling event for Sunday afternoon.  Sunday night we have a performance to attend and Monday night I believe Angelle has a concert.  It's a busy time of year, but it's a good kind of busy.  Being able to share Christmas music with others is a wonderful way to celebrate this season.  After my concert tomorrow night I will spend all my free time finishing up shopping for gifts, hopefully sending out cards and letters, and getting everything prepared.

I wish everyone warm and giving hearts, wonderful family time, and the joy of the season as we wind down to Christmas.

Freaky Friday

Yes!  It's Friday!  What's freaky?

This:  Christmas is just two weeks away. What???  I am so not ready.  But that's okay.  I can do a lot in two weeks!  Give me two hours and I'll be done.  Freaky!

This:  Some people are upset about the Krampus movie, thinking Hollywood is trying to "demonize" Christmas.  Krampus is nothing new.  In fact, the story of Krampus is very, very old and comes from Germany.  It's a fun movie and has a pretty good message.  It's billed as a horror movie and it is.  It's not really intended for children to view and it is freaky!

This:  Sunday, December 13th, is St. Lucy's Day, or the feast of Santa Lucia.  I went to Simpson College and every year before Christmas break, our choir director took us Christmas caroling around town, and then back at his house we had a party featuring a student dressed as Santa Lucia, in a white robe and wearing a crown of candles.  If I remember correctly, she brought a tray of treats in for the party.  St. Lucy comes from Scandinavian origins and was a Christian martyr.  Not coincidentally, her day is celebrated around the time of the Winter Solstice,  Her feast day has become a festival of light since at one time it coincided with the solstice, the shortest day of the year.  I think it's freakishly awesome how there are so many fun customs and celebrations taking place this time of year from all over the world.

This:  Tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th, the UNI Children's Choir will be performing with the WCF Symphony Orchestra on their family concert.  This is freakishly exciting!  We had a dress rehearsal with Jason Weinberger, the symphony conductor, last night.  I am really looking forward to the singers getting to experience singing with a full symphony accompanying them.  It has been fun directing this group this semester, and I look forward to doing it again next semester.

This:  It's December and for us musicians, that means it's a crazy, hectic time of year. This week KD had two concerts.  Tonight we help with the wreath table at the theatre.  Tomorrow is a full day of rehearsals and then the symphony concert, followed by a fun Christmas party we go to every year. Sunday I'm at the mall reading fortunes and selling some original artwork the girls have created. Afterwards the girls have a piano event/party.  Next week KD has yet another concert, this one for band and I also have my own school concert.  So much to do!  After next week, things will settle down a bit and we can just enjoy the joy and peace of Christmas.  Until then, though, it's freaky how busy we are!

What freaky things do you do this time of year to celebrate?  I'd love to hear about it.  Enjoy your freaky Friday and have a wonderful weekend.