~October Pagan Parents Circle~ - Page 2

[Aubergine68]

Figure I'd better post before another month gets away from me!

Clay, I agree with Maia - is there any way that you can get the program to work with bringing the girls and signout sheet to you?  With stairs there is no stroller access (I know you use wraps, but more people understand transporting littles in strollers).   I bet you could argue safety concerns/accessibilty concerns to get some support.  Something my sons' preschool did was advocate parents hooking up and  taking turns at pickup.  All littles remain strapped in carseats in cars parked next to each other, one mama watches both cars while the other mama picks up and then they switch. if the paperwork is in place, one mama could collect all the children.  I know what you mean about the harnesses -- there was a stage of toddlerhood where they just didn't work well.  Maybe there needed to be a stage of training the toddler to walk safely?  Though to speak of leash-training one's toddler is to invite wrath and ire from those that hate harnesses, there probably needs to be some practice.  I found the harness most useful when the child was old enough to understand "stay with mama or you will have to wear the harness so mama knows you are safe."  

Oops, someone needs a diaper change.  Going to post and hopefully come back later with more.

[Aubergine68]

Originally Posted by Valerie.Qc 

I don't feel the need to "hide" but I don't go around saying I'm Pagan either...

My spirituality is more about being connected with the natural cycle of life, about acknowleging the sacredness in the mundane, about intention in my daily life and my own connection to the divine than about rituals so it's not obvious for people around.

This.  I did make the commitment to raise my children Catholic when I married 20 years ago so, in the pagan way of following through on an oath, I do get them through until Confirmation, at which point it is their decision (my oldest went through with it).  So there is a church in my life and that may be all some people see.

I was brought up with a fairly conservative Baptist background on one side, too, and a fairly liberal protestant background on the other side of the family.  A lot about Catholicism seems pretty Pagan/magical to me by comparison with the protestant traditions.  I participate but I don't do it right - I don't think I have it in me to do it right -- and have no compunction about adapting traditions I love, like the Rosary, and candles with intention, to my own needs.  I love the whole cult of Mary, all the different versions of Mary, and a lot of the saints - I know it isn't officially pantheon of dieties but it sure feels like one.  I also cultivate a strong earthbased spirituality, perform moon rituals, perform spells on occasion, and rely on spiritual rituals like meditation, astrology, Tarot, and treasure mapping some of which are definitely not sanctioned by the Church. I can't fit all of this in one label so I don't try.  Anyone who pays attention to me will figure all this out about me eventually.  I don't hide anything, but some things are private and some are public.  People do leave me alone because I take my kids to a building sometimes, I guess, lol!

The one thing that has been difficult for me with the Catholicism is the pro-life activism that dd is invited to through the church.  I don't want to get into a debate, but I don't feel comfortable at all with it, and have shared my feelings and reasons with dd. We also have close friends who are pro-choice activists, so it balances.  She does not want to participate either - if the pressure becomes great enough, she will have to make the choice and I will support her in whatever she chooses. 

I absolutely believe in reincarnation and that babies choose who they are born to  - Maia, you refer to this.  I actually sense a little girl hovering around right now - dreamed I was pg with number 4 (like you, Clay) and then it turned out the baby was to be in my life but not born to me.  My sister is ttc at the moment and I had similar dreams when she had her older children (and with my own, and with the babies that I miscarried, as well).  I fully expect to be an auntie again some time soon.  I have a feeling from my dream that she will confirm a pg in November!

Hugs, Lioness - I know that your ambivalence about having another child has been going on for a while.  

My dh has been unemployed and now has a job again, something completely different.  The schedule is awesome for us  5 am-1:30 pm shifts, no travel, so he'll be home during the busy family shift, able to help out with my home childcare, pick the kids up from school, make dinner, and be home while I do my night courses. He only needs about 6 hours of sleep a night to my 8/9, so the early start isn't so bad - he'll be going to bed with me, for a change!  The company is one he's always admired, famous for being a decent employer.  The starting wage leaves our family in the hole every month though.  If we are able to do some refinancing it could work and when I am done my program in a year, my income will increase. - dh being happy and healthier  makes it worth the try.  This job is more physical, he'll have chances to exercise and a regular schedule that will make healthy eating more possible for him. And the time he'll have with the kids will be precious for all of us.  His travel left him with weight gain, depression  and health problems that he needs to work on.  My own dad was only a few years older than my dh when he passed away from addictions and not taking care of himself.  I am more afraid of dh having serious health problems than I am of say, losing my home.  I  *refuse* to be a young widow, to raise my children alone.  When I look at my treasure map, this job *could* be the start of the fulfillment of a lot of things I want for my family.  We'll see how it goes.  

 A friend is selling off her free-range, ethically and organically raised herd for a good price and I am trying to decide if we like goat enough to commit to a large quantity of it.  She gave me a sample so I have some goat ribs to cook for tomorrow.  All the recipes I can find sound yum to me but are too spicy for my children.  I figure my kids will like anything covered with honey and slow cooked until tender so I'm thinking I'll go that route...

[cortinacolorado]

Thanks, everyone, for the welcome. Good grief…I just joined you all and I’m already way behind! Apologies for the delayed personals below.

Singin – I can’t even imagine how exhausted you must be! An OT sounds like a great idea. I hope that you have a good support network for yourself (irl), too. Sending you lots of grounding, bolstering energy.

Maia – Much patience and compassion to you, too. It must be especially difficult to keep quiet and watch all of this unfold, given the fact that you understand the situation so well from multiple angles. Maybe this is actually a new opportunity in some way… like, perhaps, you’re getting to walk through non-attachment right now? I certainly don’t want or mean to overstep any bounds, but if I were you I think I might need to reframe the situation for myself in order to find some sense of agency. Otherwise, I’m sure I’d rapidly devolve into major frustration and resentment!

Valerie – Hooray for rain! Drink up, thirsty well!!

Aeress & Philomom – My mouth is watering…I can practically smell the goodies you’re baking! I can’t wait to get into the kitchen myself.

Clay – Thanks for taking over as threadkeeper! I second Maia’s comment that your parenting ability is not in question. I know my opinion may not be terribly valid, seeing as how I’m not a mama yet, but I have certainly observed many parents and children (and have been part of a pretty loving, yet dysfunctional, family), and I know bad parenting when I see it. You sound like an awesome mama to me.

As for me, sorry for the indecipherable acronyms. It’s easy to forget that what’s “native dialect” on one forum is total jibberish in another! We’re going to be doing out first intrauterine insemination in a few weeks’ time, using frozen sperm from a willing-to-be-known donor. What that means, basically, is that any progeny created with his swimmers will be given his contact info at their request once they reach 18yo. It’s not an ideal situation (we really wanted to use a known donor who wanted to be peripherally involved—like an Uncle No-Strings-Attached—which didn’t happen for several reasons), but we’re really happy with the donor we chose. Now let’s hope it works!

Autumn arrived here all of a sudden a few days ago. One day we had 95-degree weather, the next it was cool and crisp with golden leaves starting to come out. I love Summer in general and was very sad that we had such a short one this year, but I’m really excited for this new season. It’s always a gorgeous time of year here in Sonoma County—brilliantly colored vineyards and apple trees stretching out in all directions in contrast with the redwoods and the ocean. I can’t wait to go to the pumpkin patch and, soon, the chestnut orchard. I think all that is particularly exciting this year because we’re so vividly imagining what it will be like in the years to come, when (with any luck), we’ll get to experience it all with our little one(s). I just hope we don’t skip over Autumn, too, this year…today is gray and rainy, which in this part of the world means Winter. Supposedly this wet spell is only going to last a few days, though, so I’m envisioning a beautiful Samhain.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by revolting  Anyone else getting the Samhain bug?

HELL yeah. I brought out my Samhain/Autumn coffee mugs. I know it's silly, but I change them with the holidays. I have two or three for each, and I finally found an Imbolc one on Etsy! Yay! Imbolc is usually when I use the "normal" ones, since I don't have any for the season, and Imbolc kind of gets way overlooked in our house because ds's birthday is 1/31.

I am going to decorate just a tiny bit. No witches or bats or that kind of thing, but a couple small pumpkins or gourds and I have some altar cloths that are really just a yard of seasonal fabric that I will use on a table or two. I wonder if it'd be alright to add orange candles.

Originally Posted by philomom I've put a lovely bone broth in the crockpot

Do share how you do that? I am on the Paleo thread, too, though that's not why I am; I have been on the hCG diet on and off for a year, and am pretty well grain/starch/sugar free and low carb. I am on the weight loss phase right now, but I have some bones in a baggie in the freezer for the next phase. I want to try to do that, too, make the broth. Do you then make soup from it? Or eat plain? Or both?

Originally Posted by pampered_mom My new BIL is so anti-pagan that he would never accept us in any way and would likely mean that we would not be able to see my sister or their children (when/if they have any).  There are already tensions as it relates to my side of the family and BILs when the understanding was that everyone was an xian - his family does not celebrate Christmas, Easter, etc because of their roots in Paganism (some of his beliefs on the issue aren't correct, but you literally cannot reason with the man).  I can't even imagine what would happen if he knew there were real and actual Pagans in his midst. 

It feels disingenuous to continue on avoiding the topic and letting the family think all is as it ever was.  On the other hand, I've been doing it in one way or another for four years now.  We have similarities with universalism so we may just go with that which will still be difficult for the family to accept.  Still, since our families are very much the evangelical/fundie types, there's no room in there for anything other than their "right" answer.  Leaving that means we're in need of saving in their eyes and no amount of explaining otherwise will change that.  Dealing with that is not something I relish in the slightest.

Good gracious, mama, that has to stink. What in the world did your sister marry the oaf for? Sorry...please don't take offense, when you get to know me, you'll know I'm not snarky really But srsly. I'd be all over that, not being able to see my sister, that guy would have an earful out of me for sure. I'm ballsy that way.

Welcome, btw!

Originally Posted by Aubergine68 Maybe there needed to be a stage of training the toddler to walk safely?  Though to speak of leash-training one's toddler is to invite wrath and ire from those that hate harnesses, there probably needs to be some practice.  I found the harness most useful when the child was old enough to understand "stay with mama or you will have to wear the harness so mama knows you are safe." 

Ain't none of that kind of thing happening with this kind of child, I'm afraid. They don't listen. And think it's funny not to. They have their own agenda. Practice, yeah, though; that's true.

Mine was on a harness from the time he could walk. Until he was 3ish. Then, I could *mostly* trust him, but not always. He would randomly decide to take off on me, and it was usually directly towards a busy street, laughing all the way. He had butt length hair at the time, and even standing right beside me, I couldn't catch him.

Training them to walk safely....sorry, after raising my ds, I'm just cracking up about that They don't train.

Originally Posted by Aubergine68 I love the whole cult of Mary, all the different versions of Mary, and a lot of the saints - I know it isn't officially pantheon of dieties but it sure feels like one.  I also cultivate a strong earthbased spirituality, perform moon rituals, perform spells on occasion, and rely on spiritual rituals like meditation, astrology, Tarot, and treasure mapping some of which are definitely not sanctioned by the Church. I can't fit all of this in one label so I don't try. 

I absolutely believe in reincarnation and that babies choose who they are born to  - Maia, you refer to this.

The schedule is awesome for us  5 am-1:30 pm shifts, no travel, so he'll be home during the busy family shift

...He only needs about 6 hours of sleep a night to my 8/9, so the early start isn't so bad

I'd love to hear more, about the "cult of Mary" and your feelings on the saints. I think they're much like gods and goddesses, too. I believe that when the early church took over the Pagan temples and things, that they replaced the gods and goddesses with saints, so people would be able to more seamlessly convert. You could go in the "temple" (now a church) and worship your gods privately, while appearing to venerate a saint or two

I don't believe in reincarnation, necessarily. I don't have any thoughts about afterlife (or lives). When someone comes back to let us know, I'll have thoughts then! But I get what you mean.

Your dh's schedule and y'all's sleep schedules, and sleep amounts, sound just like M and me! How cool is that

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by cortinacolorado Maia – Much patience and compassion to you, too. It must be especially difficult to keep quiet and watch all of this unfold, given the fact that you understand the situation so well from multiple angles. Maybe this is actually a new opportunity in some way… like, perhaps, you’re getting to walk through non-attachment right now? I certainly don’t want or mean to overstep any bounds, but if I were you I think I might need to reframe the situation for myself in order to find some sense of agency. Otherwise, I’m sure I’d rapidly devolve into major frustration and resentment!

As for me, sorry for the indecipherable acronyms. It’s easy to forget that what’s “native dialect” on one forum is total jibberish in another! We’re going to be doing out first intrauterine insemination in a few weeks’ time, using frozen sperm from a willing-to-be-known donor. What that means, basically, is that any progeny created with his swimmers will be given his contact info at their request once they reach 18yo. It’s not an ideal situation (we really wanted to use a known donor who wanted to be peripherally involved—like an Uncle No-Strings-Attached—which didn’t happen for several reasons), but we’re really happy with the donor we chose. Now let’s hope it works!

Oh wow, you need to learn to multi-quote I am totally not getting what you're talking about wrt your notes to me! You mean, me watching Clay's situation with Tor unfold? Nah...I really just have empathy.

With people in the past who have judged me, insinuating that my son's behavior is as a result of my (bad) parenting in some way, THOSE people (and Clay in NO WAY is one of them!) I wish a child like mine on. I kid you not. Some people surely need a dose of understanding, kwim? Karma is just funny as hell to watch. Yeah, in a mean way
 

Welcome to all the newbies, btw

Oh, and thanks for explaining the acronyms! "Swimmers"
 

[Aubergine68]

Ain't none of that kind of thing happening with this kind of child, I'm afraid. They don't listen. And think it's funny not to. They have their own agenda. Practice, yeah, though; that's true.

Mine was on a harness from the time he could walk. Until he was 3ish. Then, I could *mostly* trust him, but not always. He would randomly decide to take off on me, and it was usually directly towards a busy street, laughing all the way. He had butt length hair at the time, and even standing right beside me, I couldn't catch him.

Training them to walk safely....sorry, after raising my ds, I'm just cracking up about that They don't train.

I know exactly what you mean.  Some kids are runners and some aren't and until you have parented or cared for a runner, you just don't get it.  I'm in early learning/child care and I've cared for runners, thought my oldest was hard to keep track of till I met a *real* runner.  And they always, always save the worst of the behavior for the one who they trust to love them the most...for mama,usually, in other words. 

I love the idea seasonal coffee mugs by the way. I don't like a lot of decorations for any season, but a few things that you change over, that becomes a tradition and I can deal with that- awesome!

I have about fifty things to do tonight so I cannot go on about religion, but I agree with you, basically, Maia.

 I wanted to wish you luck on your IUI, Cortinacolorado.  And welcome - welcome to anyone who has joined in the recent past.  I used to participate more regularly, but I've been so busy.... October and Samhain coming brings lots of us back to the thread, lots of new posters, too.  Cheers!

[vydalea]

are we 4 days in to october already?!?  just subbing for now will be back later to read through and post! 

HAPPY OCTOBER!!! HOORAY!!!

[redveg]

Originally Posted by pampered_mom  For our family, I think regardless of how new or not we are as Pagans, we will likely always need to remain in the broom closet when it comes to our family. 

(((hugs))) that has got to be difficult. 

Originally Posted by Aubergine68 
 A lot about Catholicism seems pretty Pagan/magical to me by comparison with the protestant traditions. 

and have no compunction about adapting traditions I love, like the Rosary, and candles with intention, to my own needs.  I love the whole cult of Mary, all the different versions of Mary, and a lot of the saints - I know it isn't officially pantheon of dieties but it sure feels like one.  I also cultivate a strong earthbased spirituality, perform moon rituals, perform spells on occasion, and rely on spiritual rituals like meditation, astrology, Tarot, and treasure mapping . I can't fit all of this in one label so I don't try.  Anyone who pays attention to me will figure all this out about me eventually.  I don't hide anything, but some things are private and some are public.

I absolutely believe in reincarnation and that babies choose who they are born to 

My dh has been unemployed and now has a job again, something completely different. 

I agree with all you have said here.  The bold is really me:)  I think most people who get to know me would figure me out and if they were to ask I would openly talk about my beliefs.  I am not hiding anything either.  I choose not to discuss my beliefs/practices with certain people, people who aren't insterested in an open conversation but converting/saving me.  Living in a very small town my path can and is sometimes a very lonely one, both my sahm path and my spiritual path.  That is why I love this group:) More on this topic later:)

Congrats on your DH getting a job 
 

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Good gracious, mama, that has to stink. What in the world did your sister marry the oaf for? Sorry...please don't take offense, when you get to know me, you'll know I'm not snarky really But srsly. I'd be all over that, not being able to see my sister, that guy would have an earful out of me for sure. I'm ballsy that way.

That's what I love about you:) You say it how it is and with humor:)  I think we are about the same age, and you are one of the people who gave me the courage to say this is me! I wanted to live and not be worried about what everyone else is saying about me, or woud say about me.  Thanks mama

Originally Posted by wombatclay 

reality- dh goes back to work (half days) tomorrow and I'm scared stiff.  Actually, it's not so much the home front that is getting me, but the thought of going out and about with all 4 kiddos.  Tiel isn't even 2 weeks old yet!  But dd1 and dd2 need to be dropped off/picked up from their afternoon program.  And I'm scared silly about getting ds into and out of the drop off process while holding dd3.  He is sooooo physical, and fast, and determined to be inolved... over the past week or two he has been a real handful, climbing out of shopping carts, running away on streets/in parks, throwing serious fall on the ground screaming fits, and often resisting his carseat with kicks/screams/self injury.  I'e dealt with it, but if Tiel is in my arms or in a sling... I'm lost.  I wont be able to physically restrain/protect both kiddos.  But I certainly can't leave ds and dd3 in their car seats in the car while I walk the kiddos into their programs or pick them up.  And what about shopping or just getting out?  ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember the feeling when my dh went back to work.  (((hugs)))  I think you all who have children who are different ages have it much tougher than I did by having mine all at the same time.
 

Originally Posted by wombatclay 

I'll ask around about teens or friends who could meet up around pick up times...

You could  also maybe look for someone like me.  My kids are almost grown and I love watching/helping friends that have little ones.  They are my baby fix:) 

[pampered_mom]

redveg  - Thanks for the welcome!

revolting - I think the wreath idea sounds lovely!  A river and woodland area sounds like a lovely place to live near.  When we moved to our neighborhood I was drawn to all of the old trees.  Our street is probably 5-15 degrees cooler in the summer thanks to all of the shade.  Our house is flanked on both sides by two huge maple trees.  They've always felt to me like they were wise old women and I've been thankful for what always felt like their protection over us.  I do wish the house had better sunlight, though as it would be make taking pictures much easier.  I've been a bit distressed in the last couple of years, though, as the neighbors have begun cutting trees down.  It seems like losing old friends.

aubergine - I'm hopeful that your dh's new job will be the beginning of many wonderful things for your family and that the transition financially and otherwise into the new job will be a smooth one.

cortinacolorado - lots of good vibes for a successful iui.

maiasaura - I love the idea of themed coffee mugs.  I have my eye on one at the apple orchard for my husband.  It's a very rustic one with this amazing face sculpted into the side of it.  I think it would be perfect for autumn.

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Good gracious, mama, that has to stink. What in the world did your sister marry the oaf for? Sorry...please don't take offense, when you get to know me, you'll know I'm not snarky really  But srsly. I'd be all over that, not being able to see my sister, that guy would have an earful out of me for sure. I'm ballsy that way.

Welcome, btw!

 

Your guess is a good as mine.  I was against their marriage the first time they were engaged, against her getting back together with him after he broke off the engagement, and against them getting married this time as well.  In my gut it felt like nothing good would come from their union and I can't say as in practice that I was wrong.  I just found out that he apparently believes that my mom and I make all the decisions in our respective marriages based upon what he says my father and husband told him.  He tends to hear what he wants regardless of what a person actually says.  He's let my sister know that he will not be allowing her to do the same thing in their marriage and has apparently decided that they will be moving and that she will have no say in the house - either where it is located or what kind of house it is.

Oh, and oaf is a perfectly acceptable way to describe him.

ETA:  We took our van in today to the repair shop and I could use a good vibe or two.  The EGR valve and o2 sensors likely need to be replaced with money I don't really have to spend.  After putting $700 into dh's car earlier this year the savings account is just about empty, but this is the only vehicle that all five of us can ride in together as dh's car has a seatbelt that does not work.  Not to mention the fact that I'm still paying off the loan on the van.  *sigh* I'm not a fan of high mileage vehicles at the moment.  One of these days I'd really like to own something that has less than 100k on it.

[_ktg_]

I didn't get to say it proper in my first post but Welcome everyone!! 

Re: Broom Closet & beliefs -

Like Aubergine I've made a commitment to raise my kids to be exposed to as many religious ideas as I can.  I want to help explain and show them the similarities between many of these beliefs as all too often religion is used a tool of social control & division of the masses (with huge political overtones). Sorry my sociology major is rearing its head up!

Like she said above - I've got my spiritual practices which I'm cultivating (living within the season, embracing nature, meditating with the moon), but I see the magickal in many practices.  My thoughts are: you as the individual create your own magick in whatever you believe/practice. 

In our family it's complex, I'm a witch/pagan not Wicca per se - I don't do well with all the showy fluff & stuff, it makes me think of the Craft which drives me    DH was raised Jewish (reformed), but is super relaxed to the point of almost nonpracticing.  He likes Yom Kippur & Hanukkah and that's about it.   His family - about the same in their faith, my family roman catholic, but relaxed roman catholics. I was made to go to church, receive the sacraments up to confirmation and then I could do what I wanted with regards to my faith.  My parents are OK with the pagan idea - sort of, in that  they respect it for me, but don't understand it. It's been fun trying to weave it all together.

Public vs. private - I'm infusing my house with my spiritual beliefs.  Such as I'm always adding more plants/herbs, little alters, candles, crystals, chimes, my giant buddha head on the mantle or the little calaveras which are hung around a hallway door (I just need to frame them).  I'm looking for more (from garage sales & thrift) to slowly bring into my home & garden area and which fits with us as a family.   DH is more comfortable in sharing, and unfortunately overshares with folks about my beliefs.  It makes for twitchy situations sometimes.  MY house though is my space and is reflective of my beliefs mostly, with some jewish twists thrown in for fun!

Public - I don't discuss my beliefs with folks who might not be of an open mind, and stick to neutral topics.  Work I would never discuss it, though hearing about patients from some of the drs I work with,  I do say a little blessing to myself and send it out to that person.  My office though is a small reflection of my beliefs I have a mobile of the sun/moon & stars, some beautiful elephant bookends which are some of my favorite animals and represent a lot to me (wisdom, strength, gentleness, motherly love), sticks of incense and soon some plants (to grow in my semi dark office), finally a lush green forest landscape on my wallpaper (for my computer).  
 

[cortinacolorado]

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Oh wow, you need to learn to multi-quote I am totally not getting what you're talking about wrt your notes to me!

I know, it's ridiculous, isn't it?   And not made any better by the fact that I was responding to posts from September!   
But I couldn't figure out how to quote between threads...which I've finally sorted. One gold star for me. (Okay, maybe not a gold one...) 

In my earlier post I was actually referring to:

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Thank you. Yes, it's sticky and so righteously annoying! Since I've been through-- remember, I'm 17 years clean'n'sober, so I've seen most of this from both sides of the fence. And I've caused it, too. So it's really frustrating to watch someone else not see the forest for the trees.

[Maiasaura]

Originally Posted by redveg That's what I love about you:) You say it how it is and with humor:)  I think we are about the same age, and you are one of the people who gave me the courage to say this is me! I wanted to live and not be worried about what everyone else is saying about me, or woud say about me.  Thanks mama

Aww! That srsly brought tears to my eyes, mama, thank you so much. What a sweet thing to say

Originally Posted by pampered_mom maiasaura - I love the idea of themed coffee mugs.  I have my eye on one at the apple orchard for my husband.  It's a very rustic one with this amazing face sculpted into the side of it.  I think it would be perfect for autumn.

Your guess is a good as mine.  I was against their marriage the first time they were engaged, against her getting back together with him after he broke off the engagement, and against them getting married this time as well.  In my gut it felt like nothing good would come from their union and I can't say as in practice that I was wrong.  I just found out that he apparently believes that my mom and I make all the decisions in our respective marriages based upon what he says my father and husband told him.  He tends to hear what he wants regardless of what a person actually says.  He's let my sister know that he will not be allowing her to do the same thing in their marriage and has apparently decided that they will be moving and that she will have no say in the house - either where it is located or what kind of house it is.

Oh, and oaf is a perfectly acceptable way to describe him.

Oh, themed coffee mugs are just so fun

Oh, your poor sister. How come she puts up with it? Is her self-esteem that low? Poor thing....or....is there alcohol involved? You don't have to answer, really; I'm just musing.

Allowing. As if

Quote:

Originally Posted by cortinacolorado One gold star for me. (Okay, maybe not a gold one...)

And a golden goblet! Yay you!

Oh, the addiction thing. Yeah-- it's rough watching it. Oh well. Probably reaping what I've sown Karma stinks, sometimes.

[vydalea]

gosh I feel so far behind!  How is October actually treating everyone?

Aubergine, I will echo redveg here and say that I relate to what you say about: 

Originally Posted by Aubergine68 

 I also cultivate a strong earthbased spirituality, perform moon rituals, perform spells on occasion, and rely on spiritual rituals like meditation, astrology, Tarot, and treasure mapping. I can't fit all of this in one label so I don't try.  Anyone who pays attention to me will figure all this out about me eventually.  I don't hide anything, but some things are private and some are public.

 

Like others, I talk about my beliefs around people who care or who I think will "get it."  I like to say that Love is my religion and I have many was of practicing that religion but find that paganism gives me rituals like the Christianity I grew up with and helps me find my own meanings.  For me, the connection to the earth is what drew me most.  I want directions for ways to celebrate the earth as I feel it's the manifestation of the "higher power" "universe" "Spirit," etc.   

 

pampered_mom, Welcome.  I hope you can find some kind of peace with your spirituality and your family.  

 

 

I want to write lots more but I will just pick up from here.  Hugs to all.  

[philomom]

I mostly tend to honor the seasons with me and mine. I'm still unclear on the deity thing. I did make a treasure map this year and it seems to help manifest the right paths/choices for me.


In honor of fall today, I re-worked the flower pots by the front door filling them full of mums and pansies and then scrubbing the steps to make the entrance clean and tidy. Out back, I swept the fall leaves off the deck and into the raised beds. Then, I re-arranged the deck furniture and filled the bird feeder. Now the rain is falling gently and both the back and the front of the home look fall and welcoming.

Beef stroganoff for dinner, a classic fall dish, creamy and rich with sour cream in the gravy. Yum.

[Aubergine68]

Wishing you the best with your van, pampered mom!  Your trees sound lovely.  We have elms, apple trees and an oak on our property and part of me gets frustrated with the mess of pollen and leaves I have to deal with in the spring and fall - a very very small part.  I LOVE those trees.  

 

ktg, I did not know your background was as a sociology major.  I'd love to learn more about that field.

Originally Posted by _ktg_ 

I didn't get to say it proper in my first post but Welcome everyone!! 

 My thoughts are: you as the individual create your own magick in whatever you believe/practice. 

That's my bottom line.  Ever since I was a very small child, I have believed in magick. I've hungered for it - sought it in fantasy, in nature, in literature and art, in special relationships with special people. I cannot imagine or live in a world where magick isn't real. I believe that we can and do create our own realities in tangible, meaningful ways. And that there are so many ways to believe/practice and none of them are wrong unless they hurt other people.  
 

Originally Posted by philomom 

I mostly tend to honor the seasons with me and mine. I'm still unclear on the deity thing. I did make a treasure map this year and it seems to help manifest the right paths/choices for me.
In honor of fall today, I re-worked the flower pots by the front door filling them full of mums and pansies and then scrubbing the steps to make the entrance clean and tidy. Out back, I swept the fall leaves off the deck and into the raised beds. Then, I re-arranged the deck furniture and filled the bird feeder. Now the rain is falling gently and both the back and the front of the home look fall and welcoming.

I remember some of  your posts about your TM - glad yours is working for you.  I'm having a good TM year too, I think. Six months since the Aries New Moon - we're half-way to TM time again!

Originally Posted by cortinacolorado 

Autumn arrived here all of a sudden a few days ago. One day we had 95-degree weather, the next it was cool and crisp with golden leaves starting to come out. I love Summer in general and was very sad that we had such a short one this year, but I’m really excited for this new season. It’s always a gorgeous time of year here in Sonoma County—brilliantly colored vineyards and apple trees stretching out in all directions in contrast with the redwoods and the ocean. I can’t wait to go to the pumpkin patch and, soon, the chestnut orchard. I think all that is particularly exciting this year because we’re so vividly imagining what it will be like in the years to come, when (with any luck), we’ll get to experience it all with our little one(s). I just hope we don’t skip over Autumn, too, this year…today is gray and rainy, which in this part of the world means Winter. Supposedly this wet spell is only going to last a few days, though, so I’m envisioning a beautiful Samhain.

It *does* sound so  gorgeous.  I hope you are visiting the pumpkin patch with a baby snuggled in a wrap this time next year and figuring how to get the cutest possible pumpkin patch pictures with your own cute little pumpkin!

Originally Posted by Maiasaura 

Do share how you do that? I am on the Paleo thread, too, though that's not why I am; I have been on the hCG diet on and off for a year, and am pretty well grain/starch/sugar free and low carb. I am on the weight loss phase right now, but I have some bones in a baggie in the freezer for the next phase. I want to try to do that, too, make the broth. Do you then make soup from it? Or eat plain? Or both?

Apologies to any vegetarians for this meaty discussion:  To make bone broth, I toss a carcass in the crockpot, cover with water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, and simmer for a day or so, adding a little more water if needed. When the bone broth  is done, it should gel a little when cool.  I freeze it in muffin-tin sized portions (about 1/2 cup), put them in a ziplock and use it as the base for soup, beans, gravy, rice, steaming veggies.  I have lowish blood pressure and crave salt so the broth never tastes right by itself to me without a lot of salt/seasoning added, but I do sometimes drink a cup with salt, pepper and herbs as a hot beverage.  I don't mind the fat - if you do, cool it and skim it off, I guess.  I usually make chicken or turkey broth, but recently made some out of some organic free-range pork ribs that I froze and will use as the basis for a nice pot of borscht in a few weeks.

[DaughterOfKali]

I love soup.  Although, I admit, I prefer vegetarian soups.  

I've been busy trying to scramble to find someone who can sleep over and help take care of ds and me after my surgery (which has been moved up to Oct 18th!)

Also, as of right now, I don't have anyone who can be with me at the hospital.  My mother said she would drop me off but she wants to go to work.  She is only working TWO hrs that day.  Yet, she doesn't think it's worth taking the day off to be with her daughter who is having major surgery??  Wtf is up with that?  I held it in as long as I could but ended up sobbing when I got into bed last night.

[redveg]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali  My mother said she would drop me off but she wants to go to work.  She is only working TWO hrs that day.  Yet, she doesn't think it's worth taking the day off to be with her daughter who is having major surgery??  Wtf is up with that?  I held it in as long as I could but ended up sobbing when I got into bed last night.

(((hugs)))  I just don't get it?  I couldn't imagine not being with my child during such a stressful time, helping them in any way I could no matter what my plans were? I hope she takes the day off and is there to comfort you.

[redveg]

Morning all:)

Man I was up so early this morning, I know I am going to need a nap sometime today.  I am going to spend the rest of the week getting ready for a house full of kids and company this weekend.  My kids are having a group of friends over on Friday, about 10 kids:)  Plus my brother and his family of 4 will be here sometime on Friday too.  Gonna be a fun time:)  Also planning a Halloween get together with my kids friends.  Anyone else up to anything this week?

[DaughterOfKali]

Originally Posted by redveg 

(((hugs)))  I just don't get it?  I couldn't imagine not being with my child during such a stressful time, helping them in any way I could no matter what my plans were? I hope she takes the day off and is there to comfort you.

I think the only way she'd take the day off is if I paid her the amount she would have gotten if she worked.  Which I refuse to do.  I shouldn't have to pay my mother for her support.  It's really sad.

[vydalea]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

I love soup.  Although, I admit, I prefer vegetarian soups.  

I've been busy trying to scramble to find someone who can sleep over and help take care of ds and me after my surgery (which has been moved up to Oct 18th!)

Also, as of right now, I don't have anyone who can be with me at the hospital.  My mother said she would drop me off but she wants to go to work.  She is only working TWO hrs that day.  Yet, she doesn't think it's worth taking the day off to be with her daughter who is having major surgery??  Wtf is up with that?  I held it in as long as I could but ended up sobbing when I got into bed last night.

First off, I also love soup.  Soup warms my soul.  I love soup all times of the year.  mmm.  

Second, *****HUGGGGG***** I am so sorry, DoK, that your mother isn't being the kind of support system that you need her to be.  I can only imagine how hard you sobbed, my heart hurts just thinking about it.  I hope you can find someone to watch your DS and I hope you can find the support you need through another source or deep within you. 

Originally Posted by redveg 

Morning all:)

Man I was up so early this morning, I know I am going to need a nap sometime today.  I am going to spend the rest of the week getting ready for a house full of kids and company this weekend.  My kids are having a group of friends over on Friday, about 10 kids:)  Plus my brother and his family of 4 will be here sometime on Friday too.  Gonna be a fun time:)  Also planning a Halloween get together with my kids friends.  Anyone else up to anything this week?

redveg:  I love when you talk about your kids having groups of friends over!  I love homes full of people (well, I suppose it would depend on the people but you get where i'm going, right?)  I look forward to Z getting bigger and having bunches of her buddies over.  I'm sure I'll have some moments where I will NOT look forward to this but overall... 

Today is gorgeous  so we're taking a field trip to the local zoo.  It's not a very big zoo but it's ours.  Tomorrow is National Read for the Record day and our local PBS station is holding a gathering with activities and lots of books.  I'm so excited!  My inlaws just returned from a 11day excursion on the Danube River (a vacation for me, too, I love them dearly but it was nice to get a breather) so we will probably stop by their home to say "welcome home" -- before they just show up on my door. ha!  

Aubergine, thank you for the info on making bone stock.  Do you really leave your stove top on for a day?  I know that's what you wrote but I want to make sure I'm reading it right.  I'd love to do this after our Thanksgiving meal.  

I hope everyone is having a SPECTACULAR day... how's the weather where everyone else is?