Upon Each Samhain

I miss you most upon each Samhain
When the boundary turns to sheer
I wait until the veil is parted
At the ending of the year.
Sweet spirit, as you walk among us
At the tolling of this eve
I see your face beyond the sunset
And hear your voice upon the breeze.

In the glowing of the candle,
From the shadow on the wall
I watch for you in every movement
And hear your footsteps in the hall.
Can you sit and spend the evening
As the portal opens wide?
Ancestral dead, I bid you welcome,
Most recent dead, I pray, abide.

When you come I sense your presence
I put my hand out in the air
A moment, then, we stand united
Palm to palm while waiting there.
I miss you most upon each Samhain
When the boundary turns to sheer
We share these hours until the dawning
Then bid farewell until next year.

David O. Norris "Upon Each Samhain"

There Are No Words....Wait...Yes There Are - Thank You!

The Great Pumpkin has landed! I received two parcels in the mail in the last two days!

The first one arrived yesterday....with a mysterious Pepperminty smell.... Oh mmmm.....it's Blood Bath! I received a Zombie Foot soap PLUS, a wonderful addition of a Lip Embalm in Candy Corn (of course!) I just love these products....I definitely see more in my future!

(Please excuse my poor photos - my camera leaves much to be desired!)

(No, this is not a face-less alien that these wonderful products are propped up against - it's my white "Lumina" pumpkin - just not his best angle...)


Then, today, the skies opened up and...snowed! Seriously. What the @#$%&*? We haven't had snow before Halloween since I was a child. Which was many...many years ago! But in my despair, a ray of sunshine appeared.

Actually, it was a parcel notice in my post office box.

And inside the parcel was this pile of pleasures from Jaz at Octoberfarm!

(Seriously sorry about the photo quality!)

(Plus, I am missing one item...a wonderful witch candle holder, which went up on my mantle immediately, and forgot to come down for the picture - oops!)

Funky witchy items from Salem (Voodoo doll, Witch bottle, Witchy button)

(Mini-broom, spell-book, Salem magnet)

(Cute 'bobbing' lobster from Maine, magnet, little shadowbox of the Lobster House)

(Copious amounts of candy of all sorts....especially pumpkin....yum!)

Dexter was very impressed with the cellophane wrapping....

and the ribbons!

I really can't thank Jaz enough for this generous gift - and Blood Bath Beauty Products - and Mrs. B. who facilitates this massive series of giveaways for 31 days straight! I am in awe!

Also, a shout - out to Domestic Witch, who has been bravely busy at her October blog party. I've made a good go at doing something October-y each day of this month, until the last part of this week - my cold pretty much laid me out - but I've had a wonderful time being 'mindful' of the season. Thank you!

Just in case these next few days get the best of my time and I don't get a chance to post until after the weekend, I want to wish you all the most wonderful Samhain and happiest Halloween!

Blessings to you!

Rue

A Paws for Thanks

A friend's cat has been missing since last Saturday. Being that it has been freezing at night, and the coyotes are plentiful, things were looking bleak. I was heartbroken - I love this cat. He's a big hunk of love, and when I house-sat for my friend, he was by my side (and on my head) the entire time.

So I talked to Bast last night. Well...begged a little, I suppose. (I'm not proud of it - but what's a girl to do?) I even told Dexter that if he had any pull as far as some cat - ESP, he could send this other cat a message to get his furry butt home. Dex just looked at me like I was crazy (not too far off, baby!)

Tonight, while doing Reiki on some ladies from work, I got the good news. The cat arrived home at midnight last night - completely fine! Yay! Thank you Bast! Or Dex. Or whomever.

And when he got home, I'm told that the cat's owners even let him sleep on their heads.

The Sweet and the Bittersweet

Today, I'm feeling better (mostly) so I decided to make a showing at work for a few hours before running back home at lunch. I oh-so-mindfully ate my lunch hunched over the kitchen sink while simultaneously mixing up a batch of my famous sugar cookies. Okay, they aren't MY famous cookies - they are from the old Betty Crocker cookbook. But I make them several times a year and pass them off as my own. No, I don't feel guilty.

Here is the easy-peasy recipe:

2/3 cup salted butter (this takes out one step - I don't add salt!)
3/4 cup white sugar (no, these aren't good for you.)
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 cups flour
4 tsp milk

*Cut first 2 ingredients together with a pastry cutter. Add egg and using a hand mixer, beat until fluffy. Add vanilla, baking powder and flour, 1 cup at a time. Add milk when needed to moisten dough. Separate into two balls, refridgerate for an hour, roll, cut, and bake at 350 for 10-12 min (depending on how dark you like them.)

So easy!

If you are a decorating queen ala Martha, you can click on this pic and get her hints - but I just dust the cookies with a mixture of white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg before cooking and they come out all yummy and Autumn-y!



In other exciting news - I received my Jack Splat figurine from The Whimsical Cottage - click picture below (which was borrowed from her) to check out her wonderful blog! He is perfectly charming and is now sitting on my altar, guarding a large quartz crystal. Thanks so much D!

Some sad news - Ted Andrews, the author responsible for Animal Speak, has passed. I am a fan of this book, although I know he wrote more. This book is the reason my interest was peaked in Shamanism and the symbolism of animals as messengers and guides.

Now I'm running off to pick up my neices from school and to do a dress rehearsal for Halloween. I can't wait to see them in their costumes!

Blessings to all!

On Colds and Candy...

I officially have a cold. Yuck.

Turns out, all that self-care was needed...but didn't actually prevent me from succumbing to the random virus that grabbed me. At any rate, I'm staging a rather agressive attack with Vitamin C and D, Manuka honey, Zinc lozenges, tea, Elderberry syrup, salt water for gargling and my neti pot, and plenty of sleep. Oh, plus a mustard poultice and a rub of eucalyptus for the congestion. Whew! It's a full-time job just keeping on top of the treatments - but I'm feeling better than yesterday, so something has to be working...

Although I was feeling rough, I did make a short stop at Walmart yesterday. The only good thing about a cold is that I don't feel like eating chocolate. For now...




Today, I am taking advantage of my day off to get going on my Halloween goody bags for my neices and my friends kids. I always make them special bags each year. When they were smaller I made these crackers that Martha suggested:

They went over like gangbusters, but that was when the kids were smaller. Now, the goody bags are much larger!

So, in between naps and tea, I'll be organizing the ridiculous amount of candy and Halloween trinkets I have into piles for the little goblins that are going to show up on October 31st.

And then I'll be taking some more Vitamin C...and D....and Zinc....and...

Taking A Time Out Today

We've had brief moments of sunshine this week. A little here, and a little there. Punctuated by entire days of low cloud and rain. Our glorious Indian Summer faded into a lovely Fall, which then immediately turned to a November-ish gloom.

I'm hiding inside today, getting little done. It's a reading day - one I've wanted for a while now. Nothing to do (although I did sort through my freezer and tossed the unrecognizables) and nowhere to be. A nice change after such a hectic week!

I've fallen rather flat on the Halloween activities these past few days (not for lack of trying!) My non-work time has been used for more 'self-care' than celebration. Which, honestly, is what I'm needing right now.

I gave my Reiki teacher a session on Wednesday, which made me feel really good as well. (The great thing about Reiki is that you receive some nice energy yourself when you are working on someone!) On Thursday, I took a few hours off work and hit the bookstore for some un-necessary shopping (the best kind.) I came home with a book on Reiki and one on Chakras. Yesterday I had an hour-long massage with my therapist which was amazing. I think I left my body at one point...

I've also managed to do a bit of yoga and a meditation each morning, which has made a world of difference on how I feel going into my day. Pulling a Tarot card each day has also been on the 'to do' list, and I've had some interesting cards!

The only 'lack' right now, is some fresh air. I find with the cooling of the season, I'm more drawn inward, but it does lend itself to a bit of hermit-ism in my case. I could easily not leave the house until Spring if left to my own devices.

But I'll work on that tomorrow...

Got Pumpkins?

This is but a few pictures of our pumpkin-hunting excursion this weekend. My camera died on me, so I'm waiting for my neice to email the rest of the photos she took at the other stops we made. It was a rainy day on Saturday, but we found some wonderful pumpkins and squash at several farm stands. Plus, I had to stop at the Dutch farm stand, where the owner makes the best old-fashioned Dutch shortbread on the planet!

We came home with a dozen pumpkins - but my neices took 4 home, so I'm left with a measly 8 - giggle! I'm sure I'll find another one or two before Halloween.

We had a nice Autumn stew on Sunday with the onions and heirloom carrots from my garden, sweet potato and local, organic beef - all simmering in the crock pot - yum!

Monday I discovered these. There are just no words.... (I did not look at the nutritional info. I'm not crazy. I know that this is two days worth of calories. And honestly...I don't care.)

Today, I sent off a Halloween package to my friend at the Coast, and received one in my mailbox! Just loving the Halloween swag. I know - It's all about the Spirit of the season - but I do like the candy and the pumpkins. I just do.

Lastly, I've spent a few days trying to slip back in to my yoga and meditation practice. I feel like I've been running non-stop this entire month, so it's time to reconnect. I've also enjoyed hearing about everyone's Tarot journey - I've gleaned some great info from all of you!

I think that gets me up to date on my October activities ala Domestic Witch. She discovered another one of my favourite things today - Pumpkin Spice Lattes! You should really try to have one of these before they are gone!

Blessings!

Giving Away The Goods

As you can see, Dexter was preoccupied and wasn't up to helping me draw a name for my giveaway. So I threw the names in my cauldron, and drew one out myself! The winner is:

Debra - from She Who Seeks!

Congrats! Once I receive the goods from Jaz, I'll pop something special in the mail for you, along with the magical treats I've picked out!

For those who are looking for some more goods, Jaz left me a comment saying that she's digging up wonderful things for another two giveaways!

She says "I've decided to do two more before Halloween. I am doing an end of the trip giveaway and a Halloween one as well. So if there are people you would like to give a heads up to, let them know. The end of the trip one will include.......stuff from the end of my trip..hehe!!! I stopped in Stockbridge earlier today and bought a bunch of stuff from the Berkshires to add to it. I am not sure what all I will put in the Halloween giveaway but I want it to be special so Iwill get down to it as soon as I get home."

Thanks Jaz - have a wonderful "end of the trip!" Please check out Jaz at her wonderful blog Octoberfarm!

I should also mention that Christopher Penczak doesn't really run a "witch school" exactly. He is a legitimate teacher who has been a Pagan for many years and who has a wonderful library of books he has authored, if you are interested. He is teaching a course on witchcraft, which includes topics such as meditation, science, energy work, healing work, etc. A friend commented that it sounded like I was going to some wacky-Hogwarts by the tone of my last post. I know that you all knew what I was talking about and can also follow his link in my sidebar - but I thought I'd clear that up just in case - LOL!

Also, thanks to those commenters who understand my rather significant crush on Alan Rickman - giggle!

I've spent the weekend pumpkin hunting with my neices (pictures to follow) and I'm a bit behind in my reading - so I'm off to catch up on all your wonderful blogs!

Blessings,

Rue

Sharing The News (And the Goods!)

I seem to be having a run of good fortune. Some, when faced with good fortune, shout it from the rooftops. Some lay really low, expecting less fortunate things to follow. And some, prefer to share the loot.

I would like to share the loot!

I wish I could tell you that the loot was a portion of a 30 million dollar lottery pot. Alas, it's not. It is however, something more wonderfully original! I won the super-cool gift bag full of goodies and gifts from Salem and the area, where Jaz from Octoberfarm has been vacationing! Yay! Thanks Mrs. B and Jaz!

Plus - as an added surprise today, my "Followers" counter rolled past 100! Which is wild, because I remember how happy I was when 3 people were wandering by feigning interest - giggle!

So, to celebrate my blessings (read the rest of the post for more news...) I am going to pick something from Jaz's wonderful goody bag to share with you, PLUS I am going to send some of my favourite things from the wonderful Metaphysical shop I frequent! I already have a sweet little Rose Quartz crystal skull and a set of these gorgeous "Animal Spirits" cards by Susan Seddon Boulet put away for a lucky someone...


I'm also feeling rather excited, after receiving my acceptance letter from witch school! No...not that witch school. (Okay, honestly...if Prof. Snape was a teacher...I'd be finding a way to serve detention daily.) Actually, it's a course put on by Christopher Penczak, based on his Temple of Witchcraft book series. Each level (there are five - one for each of the elements) is a year long course, which can be completed in person or online.

Since I don't live near New Hampshire, I'll be taking this course online, with hopefully a trip to N.H. next October when the course is completed. I have been feeling like I need to delve deeper into my spirituality this year, and so this is a perfect opportunity to do so, and learn from someone whom I admire. The course starts in November - and I can't wait!

Plus, a special thanks to Tori, of Tori's Path who gave me this award! I'm supposed to pass it out, and share 10 honest things about myself. I think I've shared more than 10 things in my posts on this blog, that may be more than you ever wanted to know about me! What I do want to say though, is I honestly love blogging, and 'meeting' all the other bloggers out there! It really is such a treat to read about your world, share a laugh, and learn something new! I'm so fond of all of you - please help yourself to the award and share as you see fit!

As for the giveaway - all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I'll have Dexter or Daisy snag a name out of the hat on Monday evening, and let you know who will be sharing the goods!

Jaz Rocks & So Does Mrs. B!

If you aren't already a follower of Jaz over at Octoberfarm you really need to jump on that train! She is a thrift-finder extraordinare and is currently in Salem, Mass. buying up wonderfully witchy finds and having a grand time!

She has collected a few things for Mrs. B's 31 Days of Halloween giveaway, and the bag of loot is up for grabs today! Head on over there and check it out!

I've always wanted to go to Salem (even before following this crooked Path of mine,) and now thanks to Jaz, I'm practically ready to sell the farm and head East!

If you can't spend your Saturday at the farmers market (it's grey and raining here...) then check out Jaz's pictorial tour of Salem. Enjoy!

I See The Future...And It Looks Like Halloween

I've been spending a bit of time with my fire-bowl lately, since the weather has turned cool, and I'm finding that it's a rather interesting tool for scrying.

Scrying (I'm sure you know) is a type of divination where you gaze at a particular object or medium, such as water, and divine shapes and/or messages therein. This isn't something I've practiced much in the past. I prefer my tarot cards or my pendulum when it comes to divination. But staring at a fire has it's own unique rewards.

Aside from heat on a cold evening, the beauty of the flame has held people captive since fire was first harnessed. It's no wonder to me that the salamander is fire's elemental, because they are well represented in the way the flames wind around a log or lick the air. I had no problem seeing things in the fire - I just need a bit more insight as to what these things mean to me. Perhaps a bit more practice. Or a bit less Bailey's Irish Cream in my hot chocolate while scrying!

As for my October activities...after a weekend spent cooking, cleaning and eating Thanksgiving dinner repeatedly - I was done with all things turkey! I'm turning to things of a spookier sort. I decorated at work on Monday when no one was around. They were all very pleased yesterday when they came to work and spied spiders, pumpkins and skeletons!

Last night it was spooky things on the silver screen (but not too scary - I'm a big fraidy-cat!) Tonight it's taking some time to finally settle into the creepy "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" which I bought months ago, and still haven't read!

Tomorrow, I'm taking my neices shopping after school for some Halloween costume ideas. Little Witch wants to be a fairy, I think, but Drama Queen still doesn't know what she wants to be. It doesn't help that all the kids at school are wearing outfits that barely cover their parts! I wish she'd just go as a mummy. Or a ghost in a really long sheet.

If you know a way to keep 12 year old girls from growing up - please contact me right away! Maybe I should be scrying about this....

Leftovers and Life Lessons

This is what I had for dinner tonight. Tired of the mundane leftovers, I decided to live a little, and threw some of the drier turkey breast (that all the company leaves after hoarding the dark meat) into a tortilla with some of my garden tomatoes, green onion, and some sharp cheddar - and voila! A lovely turkey quesadilla. Now, Certifiably Insane Martha (whom I adore) puts brie and chutney in hers, but still, it takes a prettier picture than my poor camera. Click the pic for a link to her recipe.

After the Thanksgiving feast ended at my parents last night, I retired to my patio (glorified paving slabs) and lit a fire in my little fire bowl. I seriously love this thing, and really can only use it when the temps dip far below any level of comfort, as I live in a near-desert and there is a no-burn policy for most of the year.

It was a wonderful way to end a day full of reflection on gratitude, and I whipped up a little spell for....well...something...since it was the first day of the last quarter. Watching my paper and incense burn in the fire bowl, and looking up at the stars, I realized that all the 'big' things I hope for in my life, aren't really that important.

Sure, I'd be grateful for a house on a large piece of land, kids running around, traveling to faraway places, but sitting in my modest back yard outside my little basement suite that is quaint and kitten-full, I decided that if this was all there was for me - I was a rich as I could possibly want. As a friend's grandchild said so elequently "This is the best life ever!"

As this (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close and we slip deeper in to October and approach a new year, I wish you all the best life ever!

Blessed Be!

Farmers Market Saturdays...Okay...Sunday!

Our local farmer's market had it's Fall Pumpkin Festival and final market yesterday, and so I thought a look at one of the best pumpkin festivals in North America would be fun. This will be the last farmers market post until next season - so enjoy. The video runs about 4 min, but it's worth a look at the giant tower of pumpkins and the jack-o-lanterns lining the streets of Keene, NH. If you ever get the chance to take in this event - I'd love to hear about it. It's on my "must see" list!

October Days and Witchy Ways

Today we had our first of two Halloween potlucks at work! Luckily I work with people that seem to love Halloween (and food) as much as I do. Today's potluck was rather last minute and so the Halloween theme was mostly in the pumpkin paper plates and napkins - but the next one, on the 30th requires us to bring a suitably spooky food item. That should be interesting...

Yesterday I spent some time tracking down a ton of corn husks for a friend and for myself to use as seasonal decorations. Now I just have to make the trek to the next farming town for pumpkins, as mine didn't grow anything this year...except canteloupe. (I can't even talk about it!)

In other news, a friend of mine asked rather loudly at work the other day, "What's that festival you celebrate after Halloween? You know, the one before the Groundhog Day one?"

"Um...you mean Yule?" I replied.

"Yeah, that's it. The one that the Christians turned into Christmas!"

For a moment I couldn't feel my legs.

Okay, so in hindsight, it wasn't that bad. Only a few people looked at me like I was growing a frog out of my face. And really, I don't discuss politics and religion at work, so that was pretty much the end of the conversation. But it gave them a fairly good hint at the fact that I didn't have the same beliefs that they did. Of course it could have also been the "Wicked" t-shirt I was wearing...

I suppose I had to come out of the broom closet at work sometime...

Thank Goddess for Thanksgiving!

Being Canadian is great. First of all, I look good in red and white. Secondly, despite a rash of rumours that got out of hand some time in the last 100 years, we do not in fact live in igloos or teepees. And third, our Thanksgiving comes in October, so we can celebrate early, eat lots of turkey, and still take part in your American "Black Friday" sales without having a turkey hangover to distract us from all those great sales you have on the day after your Thanksgiving!

I think it was Judith that asked what's on the menu for this weekend - so here's the list:

-Turkey (of course.) Although this year my father has decided not to try and light the grass on fire with hot oil from the deep fryer. There's nothing more classy than several men standing around a huge deep fryer full of dead bird and trying not to spill scalding oil on everything. (Why didn't I take pictures last year?) Luckily my mother has put her foot down, and is roasting it in the oven like a normal person.

-We are also doing a ham. Our 13 plus people seems to be blossoming to 20...

-Rosemary carrots, garlic whipped potatoes, stuffing, gravy, creamed corn - pretty much every starch and carb known to man. Oh yeah...and buns.

-Apple pie and pumpkin pie for dessert. I will officially weigh 10 pounds more by Monday.

Today, a woman I work with gave me her Thanksgiving village! When she asked me if I wanted it, I thought it would be a couple buildings and a few people. It was 6 buildings, 3 trees, and a dozen or more people and scenes with pumpkins, scarecrows, and animals. Jackpot!

I haven't taken a photo of it yet, so I posted something similar from Department 56 above so you get an idea. I spent about an hour putting it up and lighting it. I am such a geek. This does however, qualify me for another day of October fun re: The Domestic Witch!

So many thanks to Suzie at Cat in the Moon for the award! You and Mother Moon have spoiled me!

Please forgive me if I don't do the 'homework' that comes with these awards. I'm really thrilled, but am not sure after all the rambling in this post, anyone will stay long enough to hear the answers to the award questionaire. And, I'm not very good at picking people to pass these on to, because I love all of the 100 or so blogs I read! (I was never very good at picking for Red Rover in school either!) Just know I am honoured, and really enjoy both your blogs!

Thanks, Yet Again!

Just wanted to say thank you to all those who visited me today! I try to track down all my followers, and follow their blogs as well - but if I've missed anyone here, please let me know! Also, if you have my button up, and have one I can post, let me know and I'll get over to you and snag it!

Thanks again to Mrs. B for pointing everyone in my direction!

Special thanks to Mother Moon's Message who has given me a blog award! She is an absolute delight and I really enjoy her blog!

And to recap my last two days as far as my October Blog Party goings on:

Yesterday I went to the garden center, and bought Autumn coloured Mums and funky potted cabbages in purples and greens. I thought Dex and Daisy might get at them, but they don't seem to like the smell of the Mums, so they are leaving them alone - yay!

Today I saw my Mom and helped her plan our Thanksgiving meal (which for us Canadians is this weekend!) Her small gathering is turning rather large - but that happens every year, and we always cook enough to feed a hundred people, so it's not really an issue!

Hope everyone is getting their entries in to all the giveaways this month - there are so many! Talk about trick-or-treat! And since I'm getting close to 100 followers, I'll be searching for something great to giveaway if that number rolls around...

So many thanks to all of you!

Welcome "Haunted Blog Tour" Patrons!

It's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Rue - welcome to Rue and Hyssop!

I'm a rather ecclectic Pagan, with all sorts of leanings here and there. But I do enjoy some of the finer things in witchy life, like my herb and veggie gardens, my cats, celebrating the seasons, my small circle of "elemental" sisters (you know who you are) and the joy of reading all the wonderful blogs out there (Pagan and otherwise) in the 'blog-verse.'

These are my 'kids' (left to right) Dexter and Daisy. They are brother and sister, rescued from a barn on a farm, where their mother had abandoned them.




I also spend quite a bit of time with my wonderful neices, one of whom is a little witch-in-training! I don't have children of my own but would still like to, although in my mid-thirties, I worry about running out of time.

You'll find posts here about wine and vodka, farmers markets and gardens, moons and Sabbats, and whatever else is on my wandering mind! I do hope you enjoy yourself - feel free to stay and put your feet up.

Special thanks to Mrs. B for leading the tour!

Hoping you all have a wonderful month of October, and a fabulously fun and spooky Halloween/Samhain!

Blessings!

Rue

Farmers Market Saturdays....er...Sundays

This is the famers market in the next town that I attend. It runs from May to October, in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. It spans two blocks of Main Street that is closed off to traffic, so we can wander the booths full of beautiful fruits and veggies! There are also bakeries, artisans, musicians, and performers. And, it's a great time to pop into those Main Street stores I've always wanted to check out!

I've never seen an artichoke flower before. Now I want to plant them, just so I can have some of these on my table next Autumn!

Heirloom tomatoes in a rainbow of colors - yum!

We stumbled upon this motley crew of dancers and musicians. They call themselves the "Black Sheep" and dance simple 'rounds' to folksy music. Really neat! Sorry about the photo quality. It was freezing yesterday, and I was being a lazy photographer - preferring to try to keep my hands warm than take a great picture!

Although I hauled home quite a bit from the market yesterday - it didn't stop me from going shopping today for more Halloween decorations and treats. (I know - I don't need more treats. It's for the kids! Really.) I found a fab skull and a black cat candy dish (which I will not fill....yet.)

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Blessings!

Meow or Meow (Trick or Treat)

Things you should know:

#1 - There was no chocolate in this box at the time of this photo - no cats imbibed the substance at any time (I know chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs.)

#2. - I will not discuss why, on October 3rd, the box of Halloween candy I bought is empty. (I'm not really sure that eating vast amounts of chocolate will count toward my 31 days of Seasonal activities...)

#3. - Daisy will crawl into any box - even one that isn't big enough for her. Dexter, despite being happy to do all sorts of crazy things, doesn't seem to think crushing himself into a small box is a good idea.

I'd Rather Fly Away With It, Than Sweep!

Oh, how I'd love to say that I was doing something "Halloween-y" today! But unfortunately all the decorating yesterday revealed only one thing....the need for some serious Fall cleaning!

So, in my effort to fulfill my Domestic Witch requirements of doing something each day to embrace the season, I think I'll put on some of my DVD's while I clean. Disney's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" should be just light-hearted enough to keep me sane while I clean.

October has come in swift and sharp - the temperature has dropped significantly here, and although I refuse to turn the furnace on yet, I had a little space heater going in my bedroom last night. The cats seem to like the cooler weather though, and are acting like a bunch of monkeys!

Have a lovely 2nd day of the best month of the year!

Dexter Ponders The Pumpkin...

Dexter isn't sure what to do with all my Halloween decorations (except grab them, rip them up, and eat them.) The only thing he seems to stay away from is the pumpkins. Perhaps I should just fill my house with gourds and I'll be sure to still have decorations when Halloween arrives!

My project today is to get the rest of my decorations up (really, really high) before Dex finds the box and destroys what's left!

Happy October 1st!