heya!
i am reading but not posting much. real tiired again. had a bout of stomach flu that is harder to recover from bc of the pregnancy. i am 10 weeks aready!
DH went out and got a real tree this year! the last 5 years we had a short fake tree, so the kids love this. all set up and decorated already. so excited. i even got most the shopping done.
i wont be participating in the card thing this year. i dont feel up to it. love all you ladies anyway though!!
VERY excited for Yule Card/Ornament exchange!!! Weeeee!!! 
Clay: I like the carousel analogy. awesome.
3x: Wild dream. Love the interpretations on it.
Today has been long and family filled. Which is great but emotionally depleting. My lunch was literally 100% sugar and carbs so I arrived back at my house as a MONSTER due to the blood sugar spike. Does anyone else get this way? oyyyyyy!!!
Also, from last month's discussion on latkes - anyone care to share their tried and true recipe? (especially if it's simple)
Speaking of gems/stones/crystals, I'd like to give something that helps bring about clear intentions- anyone have any luck with anything? I looked up amazonite and it seems like it might also be something that I could use. It's so incredibly beautiful, too!
I have to go locomote on dinner...black bean burritos tonight! ymmmmm!!!
I'm almost done with Curott's Book of Shadows and it's just rocking my world.
YAY! I'm so glad you like it. Witch Crafting is really cool, too 
Yule is Dec 22nd this year according to Google & I'll volunteer as Organizer this year - so if you're interested in participating PM me with your deets (as noted above).
In the interest of time - how about those interesting PM'ing me by 12/05/2011 (MONDAY) and then I can send out the master list by WEDNESDAY 12/07/2011 to give everyone 2 weeks to get their cards out and such.
I did see in past years (2007-2009ish) there was also a yule ornament exchange too (along with the cards) anyone interested in reviving that tradition?
Yay! Thank you for taking that up! I was just wondering about that. I don't have what it takes to organize...too much on my plate. But I want to participate. I can't guarantee ornaments or anything included except cards, as I...like I said, too much on my plate already. But I'm in for the cards!
One item, a cameo ring (no idea if it's a "real" cameo or a reproduction) I remember playing with when I was like 6 or so. It never really spoke to me but for some reason I put it on last night and I could hardly bring myself to take it off. It's not at all the sort of thing I'd normally wear, but it's like it was meant for my hand. It's huge, only fits on the index finger of my right hand, and again really isn't something I'd have gone looking for.... but I'm going to wear it! It fits perfectly and I dunno... it's just so odd that I found it when I did and that it feels sooooooo right to wear it right now.
I love love love cameos. I have a fake one on a green background, on a black velvet ribbon, from my goth days. Sometimes I still wear it. It's uber cool. My mom loved cameos, too, but real ones. I actually was at the cameo factory in Italy and got to watch them make those things. Tons of people sitting around with giant magnifiers, making them by hand. No wonder they're so much money. But I love them. Fake or not.
That's my son's birthday. 
Happy pre-birthday to Roo! He'll be 9, yes?
Maia-You asked on last month's thread what my birthday was...well, just to add something interesting, my birthday is the 14th. 
And I did not know M had a form of leukemia, yipes! Glad to hear that he is in remission and you were healthy while you visited!
What are pocket totoros?
M's birthday is the 13th, and my mom's is the 12th. Lots of December birthdays!
Yes, M has CML...when he was diagnosed, the oncologist told him "If you had to pick a cancer, this would be the one to pick" because it's the easiest to manage, and the longest lifespan, and stuff like that. It goes into remission easily compared to other cancers.
I am REALLY grateful for remission. I love him utterly and would just crumble if anything were to happen to him. Especially before we get to move up there.
Maia- I know at one point you said you were anxious, not sure if you still are, but when I was going through a bad patch, my blood pressure was all wonky. My dr was willing to watch and see, since it wasn't typical for me. When my hubby was having some blood pressure concerns, his dr had him track for about 3-6 months before he got concerned. *hugs*
Oh, wow. Interesting. Turns out, though-- the day the pharmacy confirmed what I pretty much knew, I just broke down and cried. I called my mom, because I'd forgotten that I have another side of the family to take after-- and I do, I take after my dad's mom. I look just like her, have her tendency to fatness, her eclectic personality, everything. She died of congestive heart failure, probably related to overweight (5'2" and over 200lb), and yes, she had high blood pressure. Oh, hope I have my mom's side!!! I hope this is temporary!
I am stressed, and as much as I want to say its just the time of year and holiday craziness, its not. My dad has had two major surgeries that left him practically helpless for awhile and I was driving him to drs appts, physical therapy and caring for him for about four months so my mom could work. DH took a new job that we thought was a lateral move money wise but didnt work out that way. In the long run its a better job to grow and have career advancement, but right now...its not all that great. I have 3 kids 5 and under, my littlest two are only 14 months apart. DD is having trouble in kindergarten. I could go on, but you get the point. 
Yikes, and I thought I was stressed. I don't know why mine is...I have M and I have ds and both of them have behavioral issues (M's alcoholism and ds's probable bipolar and ADHD and really bad school problems, oh, and M's leukemia, though that's not an issue ATM). I get overwhelmed really easily, especially in crowds/public; I can only handle outings, even visits with friends, for about 2-3 hours before I have to come home and be quiet... *shrug*...I dunno.
Maia- how are you doing?
I dunno. I'm stressed about it, but my appt. isn't till Wednesday, so there really is very little I can do till then besides try to form new habits. Ye Gods, I hate exercise. But I better bloody well learn to like it, eh?
Also, from last month's discussion on latkes - anyone care to share their tried and true recipe? (especially if it's simple)
Speaking of gems/stones/crystals, I'd like to give something that helps bring about clear intentions- anyone have any luck with anything? I looked up amazonite and it seems like it might also be something that I could use. It's so incredibly beautiful, too!
My GMIL's recipe aren't true latkes because there's no breading in them, just potatoes and eggs. But they're dang tasty. You boil the potatoes, put them through a ricer, mix them with the egg yolks, and then fold in peaked egg whites. Salt and pepper to taste, and fry them in oil. I think the ratio is 2 potatoes to one egg. Yukon Golds work best.
DH reckoned the amazonite this way: you know the Fidelity commercials, where the green line points you toward a clear path toward financial success? That's what it feels like to him. We went to a pottery studio (near M, by the way, Maia!) and he was actually able to just openly talk wth a few of the artists there. Usually, I have to prompt him to do it, and it feels like I'm pulling teeth, but this time, no problem!
Quick pop in to say - I've gotten a couple of PMs from folks and I think I have a list from last year with names/addys. I'll post on Monday who I have and to confirm interest
We got our tree this weekend and now in "full get decorating" mode!
Popping in to say. There was a Holiday Stroll thingy in town this afternoon. It was nice (for awhile, until Roo started getting grumpy.) His favorite part was running into a friend of his from his former classroom. Plus, he liked the carolers that were dressed up (posted a pic of it on fb.)
Speaking of ornaments... If you take all your junk mail, rip it up, throw the bits into a blender full of water and let it sit overnight then blend it all in the morning.... dump the slush out onto a window screen (I stick cookie cutters on the screen and fill the cookie cutters with the paper pulp), squeeze out the extra water and let the whole thing dry.... you'll have fun and funky pressed paper ornaments. Often I'll add some cranberry to the blender to get a cool color, or shred some citrus zest into the molds before adding the pulp.
Oh, that sounds so cool and simple! We'll have to try that this year.
Hi Pagan Mamas:
Just got the new issue of "Kiwi" and there's a really well done article on a family celebrating Yule/Winter Solstice. It's basic, but nicely done. Just wanted to give you guys a heads-up. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/2011/11/decemberjanuary-2012/ They don't have the article online, but if you can't find it in your area, and want it...let me know. I can try and scan it in.
Peace.
I'm gonna look out for this. I know they have it sometimes, but I don't read it normally, so I don't remember where.
We woke up this morning to find that someone smashed the window to one of our cars to steal the radio to our car and to hear the news confirm last night that yes, someone got shot near our home again. I am so ready to move: just not sure where to go.
Maia, I actually just picked up Witch Crafting for when I finish this one. I hope your doc appt goes well and that the doc has suggestions for you that are realistic. I also hate exercising in organized areas. haha, kwim? in a gym, in a class, with a tape. I just can't do it...but I love walking and hiking. that doesn't get old for me.
My GMIL's recipe aren't true latkes because there's no breading in them, just potatoes and eggs. But they're dang tasty. You boil the potatoes, put them through a ricer, mix them with the egg yolks, and then fold in peaked egg whites. Salt and pepper to taste, and fry them in oil. I think the ratio is 2 potatoes to one egg. Yukon Golds work best.
DH reckoned the amazonite this way: you know the Fidelity commercials, where the green line points you toward a clear path toward financial success? That's what it feels like to him. We went to a pottery studio (near M, by the way, Maia!) and he was actually able to just openly talk wth a few of the artists there. Usually, I have to prompt him to do it, and it feels like I'm pulling teeth, but this time, no problem!
I seriously have to have a snack every time I read this thread. Thank you for the recipe, witchy! It sounds delicious! I will definitely try this one. ymmmm...
...and very, very cool about the amazonite. I like it. I read something about it being helpful with clear communication. My BIL has had some serious issues with his wife and their communication. His wife forbids him to have much communication with DH's family so I thought giving him something that might help empower him, his communication and remind him that we're with him without being blatantly from us (like a picture or something) might be useful for him...thanks for your insight.
We woke up this morning to find that someone smashed the window to one of our cars to steal the radio to our car and to hear the news confirm last night that yes, someone got shot near our home again. I am so ready to move: just not sure where to go.
oh, revolting! that sucks. are you looking to get out of the chicago area completely or just looking for a different neighborhood there?
I am decorating like molasses this year. Little by little. Got the berry wreath out, hung some fun ornaments in the kitchen windows, starting to create our winter welcome sign. This Saturday is tree day and that's when I will go all in and get everything out! Weee!
We woke up this morning to find that someone smashed the window to one of our cars to steal the radio to our car and to hear the news confirm last night that yes, someone got shot near our home again. I am so ready to move: just not sure where to go.
Ye Gods, lady, how awful 
I remember in one neighborhood, someone went through and broke in all the cars. Mine had nothing worth taking, I guess 
The only way I could tell that someone'd been in is that the glasses thingie that pulls down from the ceiling was open, and so was the change container. The neighbor had his laptop stolen-- but the good news is, not only did he get it back, but he got it back because the idiot that stole it...I forgot what exactly he did, but he left some "fingerprint" in the software, his name/address/something, that allowed the police to track him down 
ROFL, um, theft, you're doing it wrong! 
I was glad he got it back. I hope yours turns out as well.
Hey, you could always move to a sweet little house in Asheville, NC
Maia, I actually just picked up Witch Crafting for when I finish this one. I hope your doc appt goes well and that the doc has suggestions for you that are realistic. I also hate exercising in organized areas. haha, kwim? in a gym, in a class, with a tape. I just can't do it...but I love walking and hiking. that doesn't get old for me.
Thank you. I do, too. I love a treadmill, actually, but I don't have a gym membership anymore. I like it because I work a LOT harder on it than I do outdoors. I like walking but I get srsly bored outdoors unless I change my environment every couple of days. I have lots of trouble getting motivated in my own house, like to a video or whatever. I don't like hiking 
Got two extra boybarians this afternoon to keep ds busy and they are brothers, and not too boisterous, so YAY.
stopping by, it is raining, again.
Hope all is well with you and yours! I have been busy crafting. Tis the season :)
Here are the names/addresses I have for the Yule Card Exchange so far -(12/08/2011) UPDATED LIST:
Vydalea
Maia
Katedavies45
FeralFox
Me (_ktg_)
Wombatclay
Witchygrrl
Valerie Qc
Is anyone else interested? If so 
FINAL CALL for Addresses!!!! Just PM me 
List will be sent out as of 12/09/2011
Here are the names/addresses I have for the Yule Card Exchange so far (12/05/2011):
Vydalea
Maia
Katedavies45
FeralFox
Me (_ktg_)
Now I do have some from last year and I'm sending a PM to all ya'll to see if you are interested or not in participating this year 
Wombatclay
Witchygrrl
Valerie Qc
Aubergine68Is anyone else interested? If so FINAL CALL for Addresses!!!! Just PM me
That's it?? We seemed to have tons in years past! C'mon, Lioness, you know you wanna...and Clay, and Cari, and Aeress, and gun. Why am I not recognizing Katedavies45? Have I been hiding under a rock or did I just have an ADD moment or is she "more quieter" than the rest of us?
Evening all:) Things have been so busy here. With my kids applying to schools we have been busy trying to get everything in order. I tell you it can be stressful! I am not going to be ale to do the card exchange, our money is so tight. All the fees for the applications are slowly emptying our wallet:( I feel like I have been so out of touch here. I m only on the computer for 5 minutes in the morning then it's off and running time. I can't wait until the kids are on Christmas break.
The weather has been so beautiful though and it is what I needed. I couldn't take it if there was 3ft of snow on the ground. I am able to get out every morning and afternoon and it is wonderful.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Between homeschooling and putting a bunch of time/effort into my business, I haven't had much time lately. When I do have time, I usually just check email/fb.
Now I really should try to get some sleep.
Maia- you just need to fid something that is so much fun you don't feel like it's exercise! For me, belly dance is fun, honors what I feel is a more feminine shape, and burns lots of calories without much impact. And I like the "walk a mile" dvds because they're fast... 15 minutes and you're done. But just keep looking... there must be SOMETHING that will amuse while bringing down the blood pressure.
Totoros- I forgot! Totoros are nature spirits from the movie My Neighbor Totoro. They get crafted a lot... I made a big grey one for dd1's solstice gift a few years ago, but I was thinking of making the smaller white totoros from felt scraps. There are lots of pictures online, but try here or here. :) We're big fans of the various Miyazaki movies (the kds all went as characters from the films for Halloween and dh and I printed out Totoro images and had them poking out of our pockets/hats/bags).
solstice cards- I sent a "heck yeah" pm. LOL What with my computer still out of commission it's tough to get online so it took a while!
decorations- made a stocking for Tiel today... I finally got around to making cool and amazing stockings for everyone last year so I had to make a matching one for dd3. It matches pretty well though I couldn't get an "exact" match on the size/color since I didn't have felt/thread from the same dye lot. But since tomorrow is the Feast of St Nick, and we hang our stockings on that day, I HAD to get Tiel's done tonight. And done it is! Plus I roughed out the space for the winter spiral so all I need to do is put down the evergreen branches and light the candles.
Okay, so, I went out to my car this morning and saw that someone had gone through my car! I was thinking of you, revolting, and thanking the Universe that I leave my car unlocked so they could just get in to see there was nothing. I drive a 1999 Honda Civic that doesn't even have a tape deck! I bet those hooligans were bummed... it just freaks me out that they were that close to my house. I want to do a little cleansing ritual on it. Maybe on the full moon I'll open the doors wide for 15 minutes and let the moon and breezes just clear the air. ick. That being said, I feel sad for people who are so desperate this time of year.
Belly Dancing! FUN! I can see not liking to hike although that's a bummer in Asheville! I hear there are great trails and whatnot. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, lady!!
redveg: when do you start hearing back from the schools? eeek! that's got to be incredibly depleting emotionally... bah! Sending you lots of love and patience!!
My mom rarely locks her car door, and she used to leave her keys in the car too! My brother and I finally convinced her to lock the car and what happens? Someone breaks the window! Needless to say, she went back to leaving things open. I'm glad your car wasn't hurt and nothing was taken.
I did something a little out of character yesterday... I gave 5 dollars to a guy by the road. I usually don't offer money and that 5 dollars was all I had (dh keeps power bars to give people begging on the roads) but this guy really touched me. And he'd made a real effort... he had the standard "Iraq Vet, no work, please help" sign but he'd added pictures of himself in uniform/deployed and had a copy of his honorable discharge form on his sign too. And when I gave him the money and mentioned the unit my brother had been in he knew where that unit was from/what type it was. He was really polite too... I hope he finds a place soon (and that I wasn't scammed, though I think I got value for money scam or not).
Different topic- anyone have a fav deoderant recipe? I am super stinky! LOL Either I use a really serious antipers-deoderant which causes redness/peeling after a day or two OR I use the natural/crunchy stuff and stink by noon. Any ideas?
Just popping in. LOL, I feel like the holiday season can start next Wednesday after my last paper is turned it. I can't wait until I can go home after work and chill with the family. But semester #3 is almost done and just 2 more to go.
I did something a little out of character yesterday... I gave 5 dollars to a guy by the road.
Different topic- anyone have a fav deoderant recipe? I am super stinky! LOL Either I use a really serious antipers-deoderant which causes redness/peeling after a day or two OR I use the natural/crunchy stuff and stink by noon. Any ideas?
One time we were stopped at a light, and there was this woman selling homemade walking sticks for like $2. I didn't have any money, nor did I want a walking stick, but I knew she was homeless and trying to get money and not just stand there with a sign. I gave her some Slim Jims, or something, that I had in the car. DS was like "I want a walking stick!" She was going to just give him one. I said No Thanks and drove on, and had to explain to ds that she wasn't just being nice and giving them away, that she was trying, unlike lots of her peers, to actually DO something for the money instead of just begging. Poor ds was thinking he was going to get something really cool for free! But nope. It is so hard trying to explain dignity and integrity, isn't it?
Deodorant-- I like that liquid crystal stuff that comes in a pump spray, in a blue bottle. I don't do antiperspirant anymore. But if you want something that really works well, I like the unscented anti/deo that Speed Stick makes. It's men's and not crunchy, but it's the best I could find, back when I used an anti/deo combo. I never stank with that stuff!
I can't wait till the card list comes out! If I have time, I did think of an ornament I could include
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