For the Mothers Out There

             I haven't wrote on here in a while, things have been hectic and when my brain goes on overload I tend to lose my inspiration for a little while. But, I found something that needs to be said, something that is too important to me not to be said................

 Mothers everywhere this is for you..........................

          From the moment most women learn that they are carrying a new life, the worries begin. How am I going to do this? Will I be a good mother? Can I give my child a happy life?
All these questions are legitimate, because we can only hope right? Well this will continue for the rest of our life's, because a mother's work is never done. We can constantly berate our own parenting skills because of our child's tears. We will make mistakes, but only because that fantasized handbook we all wanted never does appear. Although, the mistakes are made naturally for lack of better knowledge at the time we will still condemn ourselves to that dreaded name, "Bad Mother."
          When we must be strong and teach our children right from wrong (wow I rhymed), the kids or anyone else for that matter will never know we are normally sitting behind a door somewhere crying our eyes out wondering if we have done the right thing. Sometimes we have to take a break and we will feel useless as parents for this need. They're my children why should I need a break? We shed many tears in the name of parenthood. We call ourselves names. We say all these things to ourselves, but we forget that those tears, these worries, and the fear, are what prove we are good mothers. We forget that the number one thing in being a good mother means that you care.
           And this is where we get twisted. Sometimes, we must say no. No is a word that can be horrible to tell your own offspring, in the face of their tears and their words. We must say this sometimes, though, for their protection, their safety, their health, their maturity, and even their future feelings. The term, "I've been there," is often thought of when we save their feelings. We are the ones who must help our children to grow and learn to survive on their own. At times, we have to be the bad one, the mean one, the unfair one, just so we can save our children from themselves. Then in the end we shut the door, cry, call ourselves horrible mothers, and wonder why we can't always make our children happy.
           This is what should tell us we are good mothers, though. We care and we cry. We forget that there are mothers out there who don't do these things. That could care less if their child cries. That allow all just to make them not cry, those who don't protect them. Those who can't stand up against the pain of being told by our children that they hate us for saying no. We are good mothers because we bear the burden of our child's tears. Their tears become our tears. In the end, we do what's best for our kids. It hurts, but we bear the pain for our children just as we did when we brought them into this world.
          I will leave this with a story I found and though it makes reference to God I think we can all take something from this story. We are good mothers, even when we think we are not. I can't say that what I am writing will make any of us change our minds, but I hope it can sometimes remind us of why we feel the way we do and that in the end we are good mothers. We are just doing are best.

~ Tears of a Woman ~
 

"Mom Why are you crying?"
"Why are you crying?" he asked his mom.
"Because I'm a woman" she told him.
"I don't understand," he said.
His mom just hugged him and said, "and you never
will"..........

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does
mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all
his dad could say........

The little boy grew up and became a man,
still wondering why women cry...

Finally he put in a call to GOD; when GOD got on the
phone the man said, "GOD, why do women cry so
easily?"

GOD said.......
When I made women she had to be special. I made her
shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the
world; yet, gentle enough to give comfort....

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and
the rejection that many times comes from her
children......

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going
when everyone else gives up and take care of her
family through sickness and fatigue without
complaining......

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under
any and all circumstances, even when her child has
hurt them very badly...

This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's
boo-boo feel better and shares in their teenagers

anxieties and fears.......

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his
faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his
heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never
hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and
her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

I gave her a tear to shed, It's hers exclusively
use whenever it is needed. It's her only
weakness....It's a tear for mankind.......
~Author Unknown~ 

Delay

I'm not having a lot of time for posts right now, as I'm preparing for Mabon. I will get back to posting after the holiday. Thank you. Have a Blessed Mabon Everyone!:)

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 (15 ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 to 1 cup pecans     

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg in a large bowl. 
   *~(Add chopped pecans to mixture, don't forget to save some for top. If some don't care for nuts you can either leave out or just top with pecan halfs on top for easy removal)~*
   
   
   
3. Add pumpkin, ½ cup of water. Stir until just mixed. 

   

   (I only used the pecans for topping since my daughter doesn't care for them much.)

4. Spoon batter into oil-sprayed muffin cups, filling to just below tops. Top with pecans.
   
    
5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until tops of muffins bounce back when pressed lightly. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool on a rack. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container.

6. Enjoy with some coffee!!!!
***Posted for The Pagan Mom Blog- it's not the Pumpkin Pecan Bread, that will come closer to Mabon but here's a quick treat:)***

                                                                                                                                             

Danny's Fried Chicken

Danny's Fried Chicken

Ingredients -
2 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon basil
4 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion power
8 chicken pieces
2 beaten eggs
Oil

Directions: 

1. Heat oil in pan.

2. Pat chicken with paper towel to remove most of the grease/juice. 

3. Mix all the spices and flour in a large plastic bag.

4. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg.

5. Place them in the flour mixture bag and shake, completely cover.

6. Place the chicken pieces in pan, one at a time with tongs careful not to splash hot oil. 

(Don't overcrowd your pan, very Important)

 

7. Fry the chicken for 10 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Drain on racks for 5 minutes.

Enjoy!!

 

Tips on Frying Chicken:

•  If you want to make fried chicken, you can get good results using a fryer, broiler, capon, young chicken, and roaster or game hen.
• Soaking the chicken overnight in brine or buttermilk makes the meat more tender and juicy.
• Slice whole chicken breasts in half for more even cooking. They also cook faster like this.
• Adding celery sticks to the frying oil enhances the color and flavor of the fried chicken.
• Dry any wet utensils before they touch the hot cooking oil to avoid the hot fat spattering.
• Use tongs instead of a fork to turn the chicken. A fork might pierce the skin and the chicken will lose juices.
• If you like your chicken fried, try peanut oil. It gives the chicken a great flavor.
• Drain fried chicken on a brown paper bag or metal rack. Draining it on paper towels might make it lose crispiness. In addition, covering it will make it lose all crispiness.

Quick Chicken Casserole

Quick Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
1 box (regular size) Velveeta Mac 'N' Cheese
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 a Onion (chopped) --optional
1/2 - 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms (1 small can, drained) --optional
1 cup Chopped Bacon
2 Chicken Breast (cubed)
Handful of Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella colors real good in oven & tastes good)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cook noodles as directed by box.

3. Fry Chicken Breast and Bacon together in pan.

4. When chicken and bacon are fully cooked, add Onion and Mushrooms to pan.

5. When it all looks as pretty as you want it to, mix in Noodles and cheese sauce packet.

6. Pour in Cream of Chicken Soup, mix well and pour in a casserole dish.

7. Top with Shredded Cheese and put in oven for 10 mins.

8. Take out and enjoy! :)

***You can also top the casserole with french fried onions, gives it some crunch:)***

As soon I get to go  back to the grocery store I am so, so, so going to try this recipe. I just found it and I had to share.

Coffee Fudge Recipe
1/2 pint full cream milk
1/2 cup caster/superfine sugar
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons strong black coffee

1. Put the milk and sugar into a saucepan and bring to the boil.
2. Add the butter.
3. Stir continuously over a low heat, allowing all butter and sugar to melt and slowly bring to the boil.
4. Allow to boil gently for about 15 minutes, stirring several times.
5. Drop a little of the fudge into a saucer of cold water, when it forms a soft ball, it's ready.
6. Add the coffee.
7. Leave it to cool for a few minutes then use a wooden spoon and beat until the fudge becomes thick and creamy.
8. Pour into a greased tin.
9. Mark into squares.

I'm having a strange moment here where I sometimes realize how much my life has changed. I'm super exciting about going to a grocery store and cooking. I think I can look at it two different ways, one being, I've become very multi-talented or, two, that I'm getting duller by the second. But, who really knows. I'm just going to focus on eating yummy fudge........
Have a good night:)

Day 1 of My Witchy Challenge-What’s your witchy background?

Good Morning!!!
For the first day of my challenge I'm supposed to tell you how I blossomed into my beliefs. Well this is how it went:
I believe it was in 1997 and I was in seventh grade. I lived with my dad and even though my grandmother was very religious, we only attended church a few times with her. I had a hard time accepting everything that was told to me there because I would witness so many hypocritical actions from the people trying to tell me to do right. My family is baptist but it just never felt like it fit with me.
Now, I kind of feel bad saying this because some of them paint a really bad light on pagan and wiccan beliefs, but it was the release of the movie "The Craft" and the show "Charmed" that brought the curiosity of witchcraft to me. Let me just stop there and try to redeem myself a little bit........
I didn't actually believe that (or even want to) make a girl go bald, that I would have demons chasing me after I came "out," or that some crazy b*tches were going to come flying in my window terrorizing me in my sleep. No, I was more curious that it was a real religion. I didn't really know at that age with how sheltered I had been that there were other choices. I just thought what you were born into you believed, because your family believed. Those were real books in those movies, though. So, I made a trip down to my local library.
What I found was that it was still real, it wasn't just a bunch of fantasy crap or part of history that had been distinguished. I had found something that explained all my questions and I finally had some answers. There was still a lot of fantasy I found in some books, but they became the authors I avoided. But, I was still young and since I live in the bible belt there was a lot of controversy at school. A group of girls that seemed to take enjoyment out of hurting others seemed to have some big rivalry against my friends and me. You know the sort, hateful, uppity, attention starved little girls, with that look that says your nothing but dirt beneath my feet. I had seen this one fake cry all the time but, of course, no one took that into consideration. I wasn't even at school that day, but the whole group of girls went to the counselor boo-hooing their little hearts out saying that me and my friends put death spells and hexes on them. Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it. Even though I was home on this day I was put on the stake to to burn, which I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else but standing by my friends. We were told that any book on witchcraft was banned from school, doesn't matter that we got some of the books from the school library, but if we were found with another one on campus we would be expelled. It didn't matter when they even read the books and found the number one rule, "Harm None." Everyone just believed witchcraft was meant to harm and control. I wish I could do some of the things I was accused of. I still wouldn't do anything bad, but maybe my kitchen would be clean and possibly some of those girls would burp the alphabet every time they tried to lie. Ah, if only, that would have been hilarious.:)
The newspapers soon got involved and then the news channels, I was probably the fist accused witch on television to be wearing a pink and blue tye-dyed shirt. Maybe I helped change the perceptions that we all wear black and have warts on our noses. Samantha would have been proud. Here's the links if you want to see some of the stupidity some people spout.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?article_id=16056
http://www.rickross.com/reference/wicca/wicca41.html
http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Audio.details/ID/617/Occult.htm
But, even with all that I didn't give up. I found that somethings I'd believe and others I wouldn't. I started out focused on wicca, then moved to pagan, because I wanted to focus more on nature. In the end, I believe all religions came from one source, but were just misinterpreted and skewed to fit what people wanted to believe. So, I like to take something from everything. My main beliefs lay rooted in paganism where I feel at home and natural. This is what I came from. Not always the funnest story to tell, but at least I can say I stood up for what I believed in and faced the flames. I came out alive though and now plan to teach my child about all religions, so that she can have the knowledge to make a decision for herself. I want her to be proud of her choices and have her parents stand beside her when one day someone tells her she is wrong. It is my hope.

I hope everyone has a good day. I think I'm going to be baking today. If I find any good ideas I'll be sure to post.

Coffee and the many uses:)

Well after some random searching I found a wonderful website www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com with all types of homemade beauty products. To make a long story short, I found a coffee face mask to go with this morning post of the foot soak, turns out this face mask recipe is extremely easy. Coffee truly is amazing:)

Coffee Facial Mask for Clear Skin
"Skin actually glows and is baby smooth to the touch. Absolutely delightful!! Plus the aromatic coffee scent lingers long after the mask is removed. Another plus point, you're actually using used finely ground coffee, simply collect the used coffee after your morning coffee."

Ingredients
3 tablespoons of used finely ground coffee
A small glass of milk

Directions
1) Add the used finely ground coffee into a bowl. Stir in milk until it achieves a think texture. Mix the ingredients till well blended. Try not to make the paste too diluted or it'll be runny and it's gonna be messy during application. If mixture becomes too runny, simply add a little more coffee into it.
2) When ready, apply the paste onto your face and neck and smooth it out all over your face. Avoid eyes and lips.
3) Slowly massage the mixture to your skin and relax for 20 mins.
4) While washing off the mask, slowly massage the paste to your skin. It acts further as an exfoliator. Don't massage too hard if you have sensitive skin
5) Pat dry face and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to seal in moisture

Try it, you won't regret it. Remember not to scrub your skin too hard with the coffee grounds though.

I Could So Live Without Power

Good Morning Everyone!!!
For the people from my area, you already know we had a incredibly strong storm last night. Well, my whole street's power got knocked out. It was hilarious to me watching people using their brights to go down my normally very busy road. The power stayed off for 4 and half hours. It was wonderful.:)
It was quiet. You never realize how much noise your fridge makes until you get to go with out it. We opened the windows, which I don't get to do often because my loving man thinks he was an Eskimo in a past life and loves to live in a house of ice. But, the windows were opened and candles were lit. I have learned that I would prefer candlelight over electric lights. My whole house felt so soothing. My world became narrowed by the thought of bath time and that I have a gas water heater that wouldn't be affected by the power outage. This was the perfect opportunity to get a relaxing bath in candlelight.
I grabbed my towels, bath salts, and a Corona, basically tripped over myself before I could lose this perfect moment. Needless to say, but it was wonderful. Afterwords, I let myself air-dry in the fresh air coming from the windows. I felt a oneness with my world, that I have needed to feel for a while.
The fact that my Eskimo was hot and couldn't play his Call of Duty was horrible for him. Every 30 minutes I would find him searching a room because he misplaced his flashlight, cussing to himself about how he couldn't  see. I don't think the thought of moving the candles to the room he was searching ever ran through his mind and, of course, you know I didn't tell him. I was having too much fun watching him beat the crap out of himself with furniture that hasn't move in a year. I just kept crocheting my headband (which I finished!!!) and tried not to laugh out load.
In remembrance to my fabulous night, I'm posting a easy homemade foot soak, I know, to help you pamper yourselves. Let me just say you know how much I love my coffee and it's not always just because it taste like euphoria.

COFFEE FOOT SCRUB

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of ground coffee (fresh is the best)
• 3 tablespoons of corn meal (or ground oatmeal)
• 3 tablespoons of sea salt or Epsom salt
• 3 tablespoons of Olive or Almond oil
• 2 drops of lavender oil

(or peppermint if you don't need relaxing, but simply want some energy boost)

Preparation

• Mix all the ingredients well
• Scrub your feet in circular motion
• Rinse off with warm water and pat dry

Hope everyone enjoys their coffee and has a good day!!!!   

Good Morning!!!
I woke up this morning and it was still dark outside. Turns out (after I had already told Little Miss it wasn't morning yet) it was time to get up it had just been raining this morning. Well I'm not sure why but the rain always make me feel so lazy, but it just seems to zap the energy away. But, alas, living with a child gives you no choice but to get up when she begins screaming your ear, "Mom Eat!!!" So I pulled my sluggish self to the kitchen, starting the "Brew of False Energy" (coffee for those who don't know), cracked an egg, and turned on Gabba all in my first 5 minutes of morning. After ingesting the first two cups of my magical elixir, I begin to get inspired for the day.
It is the beginning of September and the scent of Fall is wafting in the air. I was never one for the colder months till I was preggos during part of the summer. Then after that, I began to realize all the things you have to watch out for when outside with a kid to protect. No more laying by the pool drinking all day when you got kids, unless I want my clumsy daughter falling headfirst in the deep end, fainting from heat exhaustion or being burned from head to toe. Also, I have learn that mosquitoes are the minions from hell sent to torture my kid. Heat rashes and bug bites have been all I known this summer. So, I am now ecstatic about the coming fall months.
Cooking and crafts are big this time of year. So many projects are in the works at the moment that I'm hoping I get the all done before the year is up. Here is a breakfast recipe I found this morning to get me starting on my baking.


Harvest Morning Muffins 

Ingredients: 
3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar,  1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup grated apples,  1 cup grated carrots, 1 cup whole-wheat flour,  1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbs. baking powder,  1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 12-muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend the eggs, sugar and oil until well combined. Stir in the grated apples and carrots. In a separate bowl, sift the flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Blend the dry ingredient fors with the apple mixture until just combined. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins and bake for 25 minutes.  Makes 12 muffins.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Keep looking out as I finish I will post pics and instructions for all my many ideas.

Also, I should have more paintings up soon as they become finished. I'm currently working a grouping of paintings to inspire balance. Don't forget to check out my page "Artwork by LCH" and let me know if there is anything you would be interested in. I can also do commissioned painting for those looking for something special. Just send a message to my Facebook page (link at the bottom of page) and I will let you know the prices for what you're looking for.

Short Today...

Good Morning!!!
       Today is going to be short, since I am determined to get some crafts, homework, and housework done. Just sitting here staring at my sink and wiggling my nose for the past 30 mins has not worked and I might be permanently cross-eyed if I keep this up. So,  grudgingly I shall pick myself up and go get dressed. Yes, I am still in pajamas but you can't blame I'm only on my third cup coffee, motivation for clothes takes at least four cups. The happiness, though, is that my grandmother was nice enough to drop off some yarn and a knitting needle yesterday, so me and little miss might learn something new today!!:) I wanted to find a quiet project, so I'm going to give it a shot.........
       Ok, just refilled got to get moving. I will take the time to post the video I found this morning which added another project to my ever-growing list. Much love to CharmingPixieFlora, this was a great easy looking video. Hope everyone has a good day!!!

Homeschooling the Little Ones

Good Morning Everyone!
          Today I'm thinking intellectually. It amazes me that so many parents have begun leaving all education up to the school systems, when learning begins long before our children ever get put in a classroom setting. As soon as our little ones are brought into this world they begin learning. Every experience is a new one to them and before everyone starts thinking I'm crazy and trying to teach my 20 month old trigonometry, let me explain.
          Newborns and little babies are learning trust from you. The whole let your baby cry it out thing always has bothered me. Yes, after leaving our babies in a room by themselves in the dark they will cry till they fall asleep and after a couple nights they will just quit crying when they are used to that routine. But, what are you really teaching that child? They don't just stop crying because they know it is bedtime, they stop because they learn not to depend on you to come anyway, so what's the point. I understand, sometimes, a mother just needs to walk away and regroup. Take a breath before putting back on our mommy battle gear and spreading butt cream under our eyes as warrior paint, before walking back into the line of fire. Yes, when you begin talking like this, by all means, take a break and regain that last sliver of sanity you keep. But, go back establish trust and let your child know that you will be there. They only know crying for communication, if you were in a different land and no one could understand you I'm sure after a bunch of frustrating attempts, you'd cry a little too.
         But, before I get way off subject, babies are also learning days and nights, motor skills, and about all the little things we forget to notice anymore. So, what is it going to harm to begin singing the ABCs or 12 pick up sticks, it's just going to get stuck in their heads sooner. With doing that my daughter can already count to 20 with help and she knows what leader comes after C when singing. Math can begin as early as them learning that if they have one cookie and I give them another cookie, WOW they got 2 cookies!!! YAY!!!
         In the end, learning is constant and never ending. Although it is up to the parent to support all learning and show the children the fun and amazement of knowledge. Which I have given up on the public school idea anyway so, I have to find way to make all this stuff fun. Even math and I can't stand math, may the Goddess help me when we reach algebra because that will be when my brain may just jump out of my head and run away screaming, "A+B=3" over and over again. With the knowledge that I might lose my brain to the insanity of algebra one day, I am still going to home-school my daughter.
          Public school are just not inspiring much hope for me. Most are overcrowded and understaffed. Some teachers have lost their joy of teaching because they are giving so many restrictions as to what is appropriate to teach and to which students are allowed to learn. I may be pagan but I completely disagree with taking holidays and the pledge out of schools. Believing in one God is not required to say the pledge of allegiance. Denying our children pride in our country and the unity of standing up together to speak is wrong. Most kids don't even notice that god is mentioned in it. Plus, it does not mention which god it is speaking of. Parents could take the time to explain that it is not the religion that matters, but the pride and respect we hold for our flag. I have, also, noticed that many students are dropping out by 10th grade and just getting their GED's. While their is definitely nothing wrong with a GED, especially since that was how I graduated, I know that most are doing just because they believe it is easier and they can be done with school. We don't want our children to be in a hurry to get out of school. We need to nurture the desire to learn new things and to keep them learning throughout life.
          Private schools are not much better in my area, because they are all focused on the christian religion. Long ago I knew a little boy who attended a christian private school in my town. He came home in tears one day because his teacher told him that Pokemon is the devil and since he watched it he was now doomed to the burning flames of hell, and yes she said that. He was 6 years old. How can someone say that to a kid is way beyond me, but me and his cousin were so ready to go show that woman what real hell could be.

Watch out these cute little things are demons dragging your children straight to Hell!!!

        With that, home-school it is. Here is some links I have found to help anyone interested and if anyone has any other interesting ones please post in a comment. Hope you enjoy and keep the joy of learning. Thanks!!! Hope everyone has a spectacular day!!!!

http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/North_Carolina.pdf   

http://www.oakmeadow.com

http://www.cchsa.com/index.html

http://www.softschools.com

http://www.childcareland.com/free.html

 http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com/best-home-schooling-resources.html

 http://homeschool.calvertschool.org

http://www.education.com

http://www.home-school.com/groups/NC.html

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/familyandparenting/a/PaganHomeschool.htm

I have been sooo tired today....

There has been a lot going on it seems for me the past two days. Last night was the worst. I am currently attending school to achieve a degree in Education. I had the summer semester off and fall just began. With all that time in between I had forgotten how extremely horrible writing papers was for me. My little "Gabba" freak loves the computer, she uses it to talk with family out of state, which means my computer time must be during 3 different periods: early morning during breakfast, nap time, or bed time. Breakfast is me normally running back and forth between her, food, computer, cleaning, and especially the coffee maker. So, you see the dilemma there for serious study time. Nap time is slowly becoming my baking period. Which leaves bedtime. What you should also know is that once I start on homework I have to finish it that day. Every time I try to go back to something whatever I have written becomes completely annoying, so in the end I start the paper all over again. Well, last night I did not get to start my paper till 8:30 pm and I did not finish my paper till 2:30am. Why does it take that long, you ask? My horrible truth is I am a control freak. It must be what I deem perfect. Which means it doesn't matter if someone else thinks it perfect, it's not done, till it's done. Last night took forever to be done. When I finally finished I put my stuff away climbed into bed, closed my eyes, my body relaxed, and the next thing I know......Mommmeeee!? For the next couple hours it was up, down, up, down. My growing child is teething again. You know nobody makes new mothers realize teething happens EVERY time your kid gets a new tooth. My child is growing some pretty fangs, though. So, in response to last night I am thinking of some rest and peaceful sleep. I am grabbing some blankies, opening my window, and climbing into bed. :) Here is a old Irish lullaby for everyone to help them find their way to dream land............................

"Gartan Mother's Lullaby" 

*~an old Irish song and poem written by Herbert Hughes and Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil~*

Sleep, O babe, for the red-bee hums

The silent twilight's fall:

Aibheall from the Grey Rock comes

To wrap the world in thrall.

A leanbhan O, my child, my joy,

My love and heart's-desire,

The crickets sing you lullaby

Beside the dying fire.

Dusk is drawn, and the Green Man's Thorn

Is wreathed in rings of fog:

Siabhra sails his boat till morn

Upon the Starry Bog.

A leanbhan O, the pale half moon

Hath brimmed her cusp in dew,

And weeps to hear the sad sleep-tune

I sing, O love, to you.

Faintly sweet doth the chapel bell

Ring o'er the valley dim:

Tearmann's peasant-voices swell

In fragrant evening hymn.

A leanbhan O, the low bell rings

My little lamb to rest

And angel-dreams, till morning sings

Its music in your breast.

Sleep, O babe, for the red-bee hums

The silent twighlight's fall,

Aoibheall from the Grey Rock comes

To wrap the world in thrall.

A leanbhan O, my child, my joy,

My love and heart's-desire,

The crickets sing you lullaby

Beside the dying fire.

For video click http://youtu.be/FkbiDlvxMnM

 

 

Sweet Dreams Everyone!!!!

Good Morning!!!

Opps, I slacked yesterday on this blog but I accomplished a lot. Did everyone enjoy the crazy winds in NC? I love the storms that put energy in the air. I was inspired to clean and bake, even though I did completely ignore the mountain high basket of laundry living in the corner of my bedroom. It's funny because it's clean and I'm just procrastinating putting them away. Plus, it is just funny watching my darling man wake up and look at me and say "So I have no clothes?" and I respond by asking if he is going to help me fold them.:) His face is classic, a stunned kind of horror, like I just asked him if he wanted to go dance naked in the rain kind of look. But on to the fun part my baking. We had homemade pizza for dinner last night. My first experience making pizza dough.

Triple Cheese and Pepperoni

I made the one above and a green pepper and onion one too. I search online till I found a easy dough recipe and I found one that only required simple ingredients.

Don't worry I didn't put squash in it. I just don't have a lot of counter space. The honey is optional too.

Ingredients: 

2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast (1 envelope)

1 cup warm water (around 105 - 110 degrees F)

2 1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

extra virgin olive oil

 Directions:

1. Pour water in a small bowl and dissolve yeast in the water.

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir flour and salt together.

3. Add yeast mixture and stir ingredients until they are smooth.

4. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

5. With floured hands, knead the dough for 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the  dough is too sticky, feel free to add some flour and work it in gradually until it is no longer sticky.

6. Divide the dough into two balls and coat each ball with olive oil.

7. Coat two medium bowls with olive oil and place one ball into each bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1 1/2 hours). If you only plan on eating one pizza, place the other bowl in the refrigerator (lasts up to 24 hours) or in the freezer (if you want to save it for a later date).

(After it's risen.) It makes a "Tombstone" size pizza.

 8. Roll out dough onto a greased pizza dish and add your favorite pizza toppings.

9. Place in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust turns brown and the toppings are heated and melted, at 500 degrees.

 

Finished and already being eaten (Careful I burned the roof of my mouth getting to excited)

 My second project was not a planned one, but the best place to get the dough to rise is in a warm spot and I use the top of my stove while it's on. I didn't want to waste the gas by having my oven on but empty. I decided to make some scones for breakfast this morning.

Cream Scones

Ingredients 

2 cups all-purpose flour   

2 teaspoons sugar                                                                                                  

1 teaspoon salt             

1 tablespoon baking powder                                                                                  

1 cup heavy cream ( 35%)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.
3. Gradually add enough of the cream to form a soft dough.
4. Knead lightly on a floured board, handling the dough gently to retain the air needed for the scones to rise.
5. Roll out to a 1/2- to 3/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into 2 inch rounds with a sharp knife or use a cookie cutter.
7. Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a 1/2 inch space around each one.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Easy Easy!!!! and you can add anything to them nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, fruits, butter, jam, anything.:) I made some chocolate chip ones but as you can see they didn't last long enough for me to even get a picture. I didn't expect them to be so good. The dough is also really easy to mess with and it feels good in your hands. The cream makes it really cold so it doesn't stick that much.

So I really did get a lot done if you forget about that evil pile of laundry. My kitchen was roasting after all that though so, I suggest if you have a small kitchen like mine to dress thinly and comfortably. There is still a lot I need to get started on though. I have a purse and skirt that has been needed to be made for 3 days now. Someone really needs to come up with a silencer for the sewing machine. I don't try to mess with it till little one is in bed and I can be 2 rooms away and she'll still hear it. I know some of you are wondering why I wait till she's asleep, well I have a very curious little girl who loves hearing the word "No" and has sneaky octopus tentacles for hands. Off I go to the million of things that need to be done.........................

Getting Motivated for the Day:)

Good Afternoon! Getting a late start on the day and trying to motivate myself into some projects. Hopefully after this dash of inspiration and dinner set out, easy and planned, I will have no issues:).

**@;'~;'~~**Inspiration**@;'~;'~~** 

**             &              **

**Motivation**

*

Every artist was first an amateur.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 If you would create something,
you must be something.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. 

Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.
Mary Tyler Moore

 

Women are like tea bags. 

They don't know how strong they are until they get into hot water.
E. Roosevelt

 

When people say, “It can’t be done,” or “You don’t have what it takes,”

it makes the task all the more interesting.
Lynn Hill

 

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.
Danny Kaye

 

 Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like nobody's watching.
Anonymous

 

Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.
Phyllis Diller

 

The beginning is the most important part of the work.
Plato

 

When written in Chinese, the word ''crisis'' is composed of two characters

-- one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.
John F. Kennedy

 

You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
Mark Twain

 

We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.
Winston Churchill

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Albert Einstein

Think left and think right and think low and think high. 

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

 Dr. Seuss

 

My goal is not to wake up at age 40 with the bitter realization 

that I have wasted my life on a job I hate because

I was forced to decide on a career in my teens. 

Daria

 

You have to be someone.
Bob Marley

 

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.
Emily Dickinson

*************For those wondering, Dinner tonight will be**************

Baked Potatoes covered in Spicy Chili 

and 

(left over) Creamy Chicken Noodle Pasta

*********YUMMY***********

Fall is in the Air

I woke up this morning and felt Fall in the air. I love the feeling of the seasons changing, like electricity that runs across your skin and a warm feeling in your chest. It's a magical time straddling two separate worlds. So, I felt like sharing information about the first fall holiday coming our way...........

Mabon
Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest, September 21st

     Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.  

       At this festival it is appropriate to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection. 

       Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with  everyday life.

 

Symbolism of Mabon:
Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Symbols of Mabon:
wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.

Animals: 

Dogs, wolves, stag, blackbird, owl, eagle, birds of prey, salmon & goat, Gnomes, Sphinx, Minotaur, Cyclops, Andamans and Gulons.

Element: water.  

Herbs of Mabon:
Rue, yarrow, rosemary, honeysuckle, marigold, sage, walnut leaves and husks, mistletoe, saffron, chamomile, almond leaves, passionflower, frankincense, rose hips, bittersweet, sunflower, wheat, oak leaves, dried apple or apple seeds.

Foods of Mabon:
Cornbread, wheat products, bread, grains, berries, nuts, grapes, acorns, seeds, dried fruits, corn, beans, squash, roots (ie onions, carrots, potatoes, etc), hops, apples, pomegranates, carrots, onions, potatoes, roast goose or mutton, wine, ale and ciders, breads, apples, pomegranates 

Incense of Mabon:
Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.

Colors of Mabon:
Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Stones of Mabon:
During Mabon, stones ruled by the Sun will help bring the Sun's energy to you.clear quartz, amber, peridot, diamond, gold, citrine, yellow topaz, cat's-eye, adventurine. Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.  

Spellworkings of Mabon:
Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance. 

Taboos: It was considered unlucky to cut down the very last of the Harvest, and so was also left to stand in the field by some traditions.

Deities of Mabon:
Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.

30 Activities of Mabon for Personal or Family: 

1. Select the best of each vegetable, herb, fruit, nut, and other food you have harvested or purchased and give it back to Mother Earth with prayers of thanksgiving. 

2. Hang dried ears of corn around your home in appreciation of the harvest season. 

3. Do meditations and chanting as you store away food for the Winter. 

4. Do a thanksgiving circle, offering thanks as you face each direction - - for home, finances, and physical health (North); for gifts of knowledge (East); for accomplishments in career and hobbies (South); for relationships (West); and for spiritual insights and messages (Center). 

5. Decorate the table with colorful autumn leaves in a basket. Display the fruits of the harvest - corn, gourds, nuts, grapes, apples - preferably in a cornucopia. Or decorate with wildflowers, acorns, nuts, berries, cocoons, anything that represents the harvest to you. 

6. Plan a meal that uses seasonal and symbolic fruits and vegetables. You can serve bread, squash, corn, apples, cider and wine. 

7. Make some homemade wine or cordial gather and dry herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods. 

8. Make grapevine wreaths using dried bitter-sweet herb for protection. Use ribbons of gold and yellow to bring in the energy of the Sun, and decorate with sprigs of dried yarrowor cinnamon sticks. 

9. Make a protection charm of hazelnuts (filberts) strung on red thread. 

10. Make a witch's broom. Tie dried corn husks or herbs (broom, cedar, fennel, lavender, peppermint, rosemary) around a strong, relatively straight branch of your choice. 

11. Make magic Apple Dolls Gifts of the Harvest can be used to make tools and emblems that will remind us of their bounty all year round. 

12. Look for colored leaves. Collect fallen leaves and make a centerpiece or bouquet for your home. Save the leaves to burn in your Yule fire. 

13. Visit an apple orchard and, if possible, pick your own apples. Hang apples on a tree near your home. Watch the birds and other small animals who will enjoy your gift. 

14. This is also the time for replacing your old broom with a new one. As the broom corn is ripe now, besom making is traditional and magickal this time of year. 

15. Begin the festival with a vineyard or orchard harvest. You might check the farm lands in your area to see if there's an orchard or pumpkin patch that allows customers to harvest produce for themselves. Traditionally Sabbat festivals begin at sun set on the eve of the Holiday. You can use the daytime hours of this holiday eve to prepare baskets for harvesting the next day.  

16. Baking a pumpkin pie (from scratch if possible) is a wonderful way to bring in the fragrance of the holiday season.

17. Take a walk in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees. 

18. Adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

19. Do what you can to  improve your home and prepare for winter.

20. Pick a subject that interests the whole family. Go to the library or find other resources and study that subject. Together, share what you've  learned.

21. Look at old family photo albums or scrapbooks. Try to tell stories about each person in the pictures.

22. Cut an apple in half to show your children the star inside. This is a reminder that all life is  renewed in some way.

23. Bake cored apples filled with butter and cinnamon as a special treat.

24. Sing songs and talk about all the things you've done over thesummer. Make plans for the winter.

25. Make rattles out of empty gourds and sunflower seeds or seeds collected from nature walks. Use the rattles to make music or scare away bad dreams.

26. Look at your family habits and figure out what you can do to improve your conservation habits. Can you use less water or recycle more of your  garbage?

27. Make a Vine God (stick-type male figure with a hollow body) filled with foil-wrapped cornbread and sacrifice him on the campfire (or barbeque!). Give thanks to the god for his sacrifice and enjoy the cornbread.

28. Make a place mat using dried leaves, flowers and flattened seeds.

29. Make a wax paper leaf sun-catchers.

30. Special Kids Activity: Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Give each child a pine cone, a piece of string, and a spreader. (Plastic knives make ideal spreaders.) Place a jar of health-food store peanut butter (no added sugar or preservatives) and a tray of bird seed at each table.

Ask children to tie their strings around the small ends of the pine cone. (Young children may need help.) Show them how to spread peanut butter along the surface of the pine cone, filling in the spaces along the lower two-thirds.

After cones are coated in peanut butter, roll them in bird seed. Finally, let each child take his or her feeder home and hang it up, or scatter the feeders in trees around your home and enjoy watching the birds feast.

A Step Further: 

Buy peanuts from a health food store. Slowly pour peanuts into a blender to make peanut butter as students watch. You may need to add a little peanut oil to improve consistency of the peanut butter. Let students sample the freshly-made peanut butter before sharing it with the birds. WARNING: CHECK WITH PARENTS BEFORE DOING THIS. SOME CHILDREN MAY BE ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS!

**********I hope everyone enjoys this and a special thanks to two websites that allowed me to gather the information together easily.

http://cronescottage2002.tripod.com/thecottageaugustmabon2002/index.html

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabon.htm

 Thank you:)*********************************