December Pagan Circle - Page 2

[wombatclay]

cranberries- as long as they're not damp, cranberries can lasy almost forever. If you know things will be humid/damp then dry the berries (prick with pin, put on pan, stick in oven) first and they'll last a long while. Eventually they may get moldy though, especially fresh berries in a humid spot. Maybe a couple weeks?

Solstice calendar- DONE!!!!!!!!!!! It's Mother Holle holding the sun (one pine tree for each kiddo). Each night you "open" another ray until the sun is reborn. Not bad for my first attempt at needle felting!

[Autumn Breeze]

oh C I LOVE that!!!

[DaughterOfKali]

Clay- Love it!

[CariOfOz]

Clay, your centrepeice was lovely...but that solstice calendar is spectacular!!!! It really is just gorgeous Our last feline was a spaz and she was 3yrs old too Sometimes I think kittehs just never really want to grow up hehehe.

DOK... I'm a fan of lots of cheap white/cream pillar candles myself. Barring LOTS, 3 or so on a plate tied together with either ribbon or raffia looks nice. If you still have your old tree, you could scavenge the branches to make your own greenery mantle topper

I.. am.. SICK *sigh* Hubby has had a sore throat going for a few days, he barely has a voice now... and apparently he passed something to me. My head is blocked up, and when something does exit, it's the not so lovely colour I finally took my basal body temp this morning and it was 36.3, which is a bit low. Combined with my hair falling out like mad, my skin being dry & peely, and the constant sickness and a few other little things, I'm fairly sure my thyroid is shonky. Going to make an appt to talk to my doc about it and hope she doesn't get offended that I'm coming in all but diagnosing myself

Date night was lovely We hit the shops and went window shopping at all the places I can never take the kids due to the close quarters & tempting displays, had a posh coffee and talked like grown ups for a while hehe. THen had a very nice dinner out, came home and wrapped a few xmas pressies and just hung out I'm just vegging around here this morning, msg'ing with the grown up boys on msn since i'm too busy blowing my nose & hacking up a lung to actually talk lol

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by femme_rouge

Maia- Are you back? Sounds like a great trip. I'm so happy for you. Love, love, love...ain't it grand?

I am indeed! Got back Sunday night and had an 8am class Monday morning I'd love to just have a day off. To myself.
We had the most amazing time, femme rouge. We're truly meant for one another
I'm already plotting my next trip there-- can y'all believe my mom actually agreed to take DS for 5 days?!?? By herself?? He's nearly 9 and she's never done that. I'm truly amazed.

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Tor is teething... ugh!

Already?? Where does the time go? You just had him!

No mantle here, either. I decorate the back of the stove for a mini-altar. Last year I had greenery and...I forgot, but the greenery really made the whole thing. Two candles in votive holders, also.

[Aeress]

CLay- wow, great!

I am using up my squash by making squash bread- one sweet, one savory and hen giving them as gifts

[gun]

Clay - NOT BAD?! That is freakin' awesome!! I love it!!

Cari - glad to hear date night was good. Sorry to that your sickies got in the way.

Maia - I am impressed that your mom took DS that long!! I am happy that your trip was so wonderful!!

KJoslyn - yay for the windfall!!!

We put up our tree tonight! I found an old stash of vintage bulbs in MIL's basement and would LOVE to use those, but not this year. 2.5 and glass bulbs would make me a nervous wreck!!

Speaking of the MIL's house. I am so mad, I could spit fire. DH's 2 brothers both live in CA and didn't want anything from the house, just sell it and get rid of everything. Now one of them has had time to think about what might be of value and is all worried about what we have gotten rid of, and/or have taken. Not a "thank you for cleaning, taking the dog, getting the mail, sorting the papers, cleaning up the bathroom after I threw up all over it from a long night of heavy drinking, take what you want for the troubles." NOPE! Just a crab session about how we shouldn't throw anything out and he will deal with it when he gets to town in 2 weeks. My DH who was really caught off guard and hates to be confrontational, didn't speak up about it. Have I mentioned that I'm mad?! Ideas?

And DD and I are both sick. IDK if mine is from allergies, and hers are from these horrible 2y molars, either way it's the same result. We don't feel good. At all.

[wombatclay]

Oh gun, that's horrible! It's sad but true that this sort of situation seems to bring out the worst in people. I hope you are all healthy (and your DH is ready to chat) by the time the relatives arrive. When my parents moved from their home of 20+ years to a senior care facility my mom had an appraiser/auction company come through the house. Basically the company tagged everything with two prices (what they'd pay my parents to take the item away, and what they thought they could make at auction but my parents would have to transport it and no promises on the amount). It was a big help since the appraisal people didn't have emotion getting in the way and they were "official" enough for everyone to sort of take their word on things in terms of relative values. Is there a company like that near you? I'm not sure how my mom found them, but she said they do this a lot.

Cari- sweetie, when was the last time you were healthy? You need to give that dr what for and get this figured out! You so deserve a break from the constant ickies.

Maia- YAY! I'm so glad you had fun, and that things seem even more solid now. Congrats!

Teething- well, Tor is only what? Three and a half months now? So it is early for teeth. But Laia had her first tooth at 4 months and the full set by her first birthday so it's not out of the question. Ro on the other hand (other jaw?) didn't have all her teeth at a year sooooo... who knows? He drools like mad, gnaws on anything he can get his hands on (including his hands ), is super fussy, and is basically sending out "tooth" vibes. I'm hoping to find a teething necklace tomorrow... the craft store didn't have any real amber beads so maybe one of the natural mama shops will have something affordable.

Solstice calendar- Thanks all! It was a lot of fun to make and I think it looks good up on the piano. Even dh said it was nice and from him that's big time praise. I couldn't figure out how to make a good face for Mother Holle though... I tried beads and things and it just looked off. So big white blob head she remains!

[CariOfOz]

Originally Posted by Maiasaura

I am indeed! Got back Sunday night and had an 8am class Monday morning I'd love to just have a day off. To myself.

I'm glad you had a fabulous time Sounsd like you have lots of plans already!

Originally Posted by gun

Speaking of the MIL's house. I am so mad, I could spit fire. DH's 2 brothers both live in CA and didn't want anything from the house, just sell it and get rid of everything. Now one of them has had time to think about what might be of value and is all worried about what we have gotten rid of, and/or have taken.

UGH..I hate how people turn into vultures when someone dies It would be one thing if something of sentimental value occurred to him and he asked about it.. but things of value? wow what a uav

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Cari- sweetie, when was the last time you were healthy? You need to give that dr what for and get this figured out! You so deserve a break from the constant ickies.

well... I was pretty good around the time I went to the states in July/aug Other than that it has been one thing or another... or just being wiped out tired if I wasn't sick. I don't feel like I can win for losing honestly

[Aubergine68]

Wow, page 2 already!

Finished my course and won't start another till the new year. And after I get caught up on other projects. Including business taxes for dh and I, ugh.

saphire, I don't think I said how sorry I am about the smashed window -- glad it got fixed.

I need to get back to my program of tapping, too.

And kjoslyn -- so happy for you that you can get a vehicle again! I didn't realize you had been without since your accident. What a lovely lady she is, to give you this gift.

Dh got his job offer pinned down and will be moving out to his new territory next week -- it is in a rural area, main industries are farming and oil patch. It's close enough that he can come back most weekends, but this will be an adjustment. If it works out ok we will look at buying an acreage in a year or so and the kids and I will move out, too. (Can't believe I'm typing that).

So, he went car shopping today -- for himself, I thought, because there will be a lot of travel on winter roads. But then he pulled into the driveway with a new(er) van for me, saying "Happy 20th Anniversary!" and that he didn't want to leave us with our 20 year old 5-passenger vehicle that is not really big enough in the back seat for three growing kids or even roadworthy anymore. I was gobsmacked. It took a while of number crunching to convince me that we could afford it. I'm back to working full-time in January, so even if his income isn't there the way they promise, we can swing it.

So after an unexpected trip to the dealership, we signed papers and will pick up the new van I treasure-mapped last spring on Friday. The one on my map was a grey Sienna. This one is white, but I'm sure it will be grey by the time I drive it around in the sandy icy slush for a week.

Been googling and rummaging through my books and brain for some kind of safe-driving no-accident spell, and I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have on this -- maybe kjoslyn, you'll be interested too? and saphire?

This is the newest/ nicest/biggest vehicle I have ever been in the drivers seat of and I am intimidated, frankly. I think Cari mentioned painting runes or pentacles on the dash with nail polish?....I want to figure out something I have double extra confidence in for dh's car, too, since he'll be on the road and not getting his daily activating-the-invisible-bubble-of-protection-complete-with-purple-sparkles goodbye kiss every morning, but once a week.

Clay, adding my voice to the chorus of praise for your solstice calender. The reborn sun is just *stunning*. I'd buy one.

Cari, I'm so sorry you're sick again. Whenever I hear of a mother who has been through a major health crisis with a child, my first thought is "How exhausted she must feel!" and you've been on *such* a roller coaster this past year, even though it has come out so well.

I hope you don't mind my saying this -- I don't usually have this kind of "feeling" about another person's health but I really feel like you put so much healing energy into your son and this made a huge positive difference for him, and now you need to build up your reserves and give your own health that focus spiritually as well as physically, and this will just take time, just as his healing took time....You so deserve it. Wishing you lots of rest good energy and a speedy return to full health and thyroid/immune system function as soon as may be Ever try reiki?

ETA -- gun, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I have seen it too, it sucks, and I hope it all gets easier for you, the one doing all this hard, hard work! You should be appreciated for it for sure!

[DaughterOfKali]

Originally Posted by CariOfOz

If you still have your old tree, you could scavenge the branches to make your own greenery mantle topper

I.. am.. SICK *sigh*

I don't have it anymore. It had mildew/mold on it.
Hope you recover soon!!

Originally Posted by gun

And DD and I are both sick. IDK if mine is from allergies, and hers are from these horrible 2y molars, either way it's the same result. We don't feel good. At all.

Wishing you both well.

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Do you think someone would buy something like that?

I showed it to ds and he would LOVE one! So yes, make and sell them!

Originally Posted by Aubergine68

So after an unexpected trip to the dealership, we signed papers and will pick up the new van I treasure-mapped last spring on Friday.

Fantastic! So exciting!

[singin_angel]

Morning mamas,

I am excitedly exclaiming that my computer is fixed! I can finally get back into the conversation!

I have to read the last few posts but that should be okay.

Today I get test results...we'll see how that goes.

The doula course was awesome and I was just offered to do both the labour doula and postpartum doula courses through another organization for free. Loving it!

[Vespertina]

Hi ladies! I was wondering, is this a thread where questions pertaining to your individual paths/beliefs can be asked?

[wombatclay]

Yay for cars and computers and things that go when they're supposed to!

Car spell- I made a bundle for the glove compartment since I have a driving phobia and need all the help I can get! It's been a while since I charged it (good reminder!) but it's a car protection + altar to go deal. I used little altoid mint tins and tiny tea tins (the small round republic of tea cases?).... one with salt, one with a protective incense, a box of matches, and a tiny bottle of water I'd charged under the full moon(the kind you hang on a necklace, sometimes filled with "pixie dust" or bubblemix?). There is a small bundle of sage (protection, wisdom), rosemary (protection, alertness), and lemon peel (to keep my driving record clean ) that I tied up with a meditation about staying safe, visible, and in control at the wheel. Then I added my C3PO figure and some rescue remedy.

I also hung a small bell and a tiny stone gnome from the rearview mirror... the jingle reminds me to focus/center and the gnome is my guardian.

[DaughterOfKali]

Britt- Yes, as long as it's a pagan path.

[Vespertina]

I understand pagan is pretty broad. Are you ladies theists in the classic sense? Do you believe in literal gods and goddesses? How do you choose a pantheon or gods/goddesses?

I've long identified with pantheism or panentheism. An Ultimate Transcendence or something. I've been curious about pagan traditions for awhile. Just not sure where to start.

[Aeress]

Semper- I think you will find that we are all over the place in our beliefs. We have had some great discussions over the years (wow, yearS). Let me see if I can find a few of our discussions but to answer your question-

I tend to be more of a kitchen witch, my intention comes through my cooking. I garden, cook, craft based on feelings and intentions. I relate and have a "relationship" with Brigid and the GreenMan. I do some spell work- charge items, ground etc I am learning about astronomy and tarot. I am always changing and evolving. So, umm, does that help, at all?

[Jennifer3141]

Good morning everyone!

I cannot believe it's December already. Wow.

The car safety talk is making me smile. I used to keep a small orange Goddess in the cup holder but someone stole her when I let her borrow my car like an idiot. I need to get another one.

And Semper, you will not find a kinder and more educated group of womyn anywhere else on MDC. So please ask away. The people here are incredible!!

[SunshineJ]

Originally Posted by wombatclay

cranberries- as long as they're not damp, cranberries can lasy almost forever. If you know things will be humid/damp then dry the berries (prick with pin, put on pan, stick in oven) first and they'll last a long while. Eventually they may get moldy though, especially fresh berries in a humid spot. Maybe a couple weeks?

Solstice calendar- DONE!!!!!!!!!!! It's Mother Holle holding the sun (one pine tree for each kiddo). Each night you "open" another ray until the sun is reborn. Not bad for my first attempt at needle felting!

Thanks for the info on cranberries - and that calendar is lovely!

Originally Posted by CariOfOz

I.. am.. SICK *sigh* Hubby has had a sore throat going for a few days, he barely has a voice now... and apparently he passed something to me. My head is blocked up, and when something does exit, it's the not so lovely colour I finally took my basal body temp this morning and it was 36.3, which is a bit low. Combined with my hair falling out like mad, my skin being dry & peely, and the constant sickness and a few other little things, I'm fairly sure my thyroid is shonky. Going to make an appt to talk to my doc about it and hope she doesn't get offended that I'm coming in all but diagnosing myself

Date night was lovely

Hurray for date night!! I'm sorry you're sick again/still. DH seems to have the same thing your DH has, says hit throat is raw and can't talk so I've been pouring a water/honey/lemon/cinnamon and ginger concoction down his throat that seems to help some. Not the best as cures go, but it's what we have on hand.

Originally Posted by Maiasaura

We had the most amazing time, femme rouge. We're truly meant for one another

Aw, don't hold back - tell us how you really feel! LOL! It's great to see you so happy!

Originally Posted by gun

Speaking of the MIL's house. I am so mad, I could spit fire. DH's 2 brothers both live in CA and didn't want anything from the house, just sell it and get rid of everything. Now one of them has had time to think about what might be of value and is all worried about what we have gotten rid of, and/or have taken.

And DD and I are both sick. IDK if mine is from allergies, and hers are from these horrible 2y molars, either way it's the same result. We don't feel good. At all.

Hopefully you get to feeling better soon! My grandmother passed last April and unfortunately did have money. I say unfortunately because you would NOT believe the catfight mess that is still going on over her estate!! Unbelievable!

Originally Posted by Aubergine68

Dh got his job offer pinned down and will be moving out to his new territory next week -- it is in a rural area, main industries are farming and oil patch. It's close enough that he can come back most weekends, but this will be an adjustment. If it works out ok we will look at buying an acreage in a year or so and the kids and I will move out, too. (Can't believe I'm typing that).

Grats on the new van!! Sounds exciting! While I know that it will be an adjustment when your DH switches territories, I'm sure it will all work out. Hugs!

[SunshineJ]

Originally Posted by Semper Gumby

I understand pagan is pretty broad. Are you ladies theists in the classic sense? Do you believe in literal gods and goddesses? How do you choose a pantheon or gods/goddesses?

I've long identified with pantheism or panentheism. An Ultimate Transcendence or something. I've been curious about pagan traditions for awhile. Just not sure where to start.

Hiyas! Personally I'm pretty new to having a name for my path, though it seems I've walked it forever, and can say without hesitation that this is the single most welcoming group of ladies I have ever met!

For my DH and I, there were certain pagan paths that just seemed to call us. He follows the path of Asatru, while I'm currently studying to be a Driud. These were what beckoned, and upon deeper investigation they, well, they felt right like where we should've been all along. We're still finding our way, but I can say that each day I wake up with a contentment and joy I didn't have before accepting my path for what it was.