It's that time again...

Today is the 3rd anniversary of Stay-at-Home Witchery!

I would like to take a moment out to thank every single one of my readers, those of you who have spread the word, and those of you who return time and time again to read the ramblings of a stay-at-home mother! I have love for all of you! 

When I started this blog 3 years ago I never thought that it would have almost 10,000 views! I never really thought that it would go anywhere. I just thought it would be more of a diary for anyone to come across. I have had many people come to me and thank me. This blog has made them feel as though they are not the only one who goes through what I do, not the only one who wants to tear their hair out, and not the only one who believes in things more mysterious.

I have a deep sense of pride in this blog. I also have a deep love for it. I hope to be writing for many more years to come. I won't prattle on and on, but I do want to thank you all for making this blog such a success, both personally and professionally. 

Brightest Blessings My Wonderful Readers

)O(

Ruts...

A rut.... It's nothing but a grave with the ends cut off. 

I feel like I've been stuck in one lately. As a matter of fact, I feel like my whole family has been stuck in one. It is time to stir up the creative energy in the home, a good cleaning, smudging, and house blessing ought to do the trick. Sadly, many of our houseplants have been so over loaded with negative that they simply couldn't handle it anymore and gave into the rot. Time for new house plants! Maybe even an indoor fairy garden. 

For us, energy stirring is a family affair. The kids get their noise makers (the oldest - bongos, the youngest - shakers or bells) we travel from room to room stirring latent and lazy energy after a good house cleaning. When all is said and done, I smudge the home of negative energy, shooing it out the doors and welcoming the positive back in. 

Every incantation/prayer I say is different and specific to the moment. I never write them down. This old year has brought so many changes and blessings. But sometimes I have forgotten that my magick is such a large part of me that it should not be ignored. I'm still searching for balance. I've taken on a new job, undergone the switch to homeschooling, writing a children's book series, and taken on a large responsibility of a coven. None, not one, do I regret. However, I am still desperately seeking a way to balance all of this, plus a marriage, kids, and household. 

 Even with all this chaos going on around me, or maybe because of the chaos, I feel like I am in a rut. I feel like I am never evolving or changing. Which I deem MUST change. Time to get out the cork boards, white boards, and schedules, and reorganize my life a bit. Time to find something that I am going to do just for me. Maybe a healthier lifestyle. Maybe more magick. In any case.... I need to change...NOW. Not just for me and my health but the health of my family as well. 

The Fun Theory

I saw this video toady. It was a commercial by a German car company and it really got me thinking. Here is the video. It's short and very interesting. Please watch it!

What if we incorporate more fun into our everyday life? Into all of it? What if CHORES don't have to be chores anymore, but something fun and rewarding? I did a blog post on adding fun into our lives a bit ago back in September, I believe, as part of a 10 part blog session. It's really gotten the cogs in my brain working. We are a society that, for the most part doesn't laugh. We rarely even smile! I remember driving with my mother one day and asked her why all the people looked so angry. She responded with a big goofy grin and through tightly pulled lips asked if this was better. Considering it made, probably 4 or 5, others smile too I'd say Yes. There is something seriously wrong with our society. I know that I am just as much to blame as the next person. I take things too seriously, I get angry when things get spilled, and I lose it if things aren't as planned. But are those things really important? In the grand scheme of things important enough to not sit down and just laugh about it??

Now, if you are like me, you saw and thought, 'but what about when the novelty of the fun wears off?' 

That's where imagination and creativity come in. Don't get stuck in that rut. Don't allow yourself to get pigeon-holed and do NOT pigeon-hole yourself. Allow the imagination to run wild like a child! It's the 'you buy a kid a toy, they play with the box' theory (patent pending lol). Be that kid. Let life be that box! You'll never run out of new and exciting things to do.

The same is true with schooling for our kids. What if we take the boring book work out of the equation and teach them in a way that is fun for them? Hands-on, real life experiences? If you have ever heard The Wall by Pink Floyd, to me, that is what our society is turning into! Or trying to turn our children into at least. They have made tiny little mindless creatures that have the illusion of free-thinking when in fact, they medicate free thinkers into sedation and mindlessness. 

I say it's time for us to really look at what is going on. Let's take out the boring, add the interesting, and spice up life again. Make it WORTH living, not just droning through. 

I challenge each and every single one of my readers to, not only do something out of the ordinary, but to laugh about it too! Have a snowball fight indoors (we did that last night). Be creative, be fun, and laugh. If your feeling frisky, post what you did below! 

Prep week!!

It's Samhain week! Lots and lots to be done. 3/4ths of my coven will be together for this year's Samhain. There will be a huge feast, Daddy and his father will be taking the boys trick or treating this year while the women and I clean up and prep for our nightly activities. 

For those of you who don't know, Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the biggest sabbat for us. It's the pagan new year. Also, it is the time of year when the veil between the worlds are the thinnest. Chances are, if you feel someone behind you, you aren't imagining it. It's the best time for divination and communicating with those who've passed. It's a time to honor your ancestors and those who have come before you to create the being you are today. 

Needless to say, I also use this time to do a healthy amount of cleaning, renewing energies, and wards. This year will be different for me. Usually I work with my children. It will be nice to work with my covenmates. I wish we could all be together, but funds just don't work out all the time. 


There will be no more posts until after Samhain has passed. But I wanted to wish all of you a very blessed and very safe Samhain!

Brightest Blessings!
        )O(

Fights, Struggles, and Conundrums

I've been re-reading a lot of my posts lately and if you don't know me and just take my blog as a representation of my entire life, it kind of sounds like I'm a real-life June Cleaver. Well, I'm here to dispel that fantasy. There are many trials and tribulations that I go through on almost a daily basis. Not all of them, but a good amount.

Fights...

Between me and my kids. Yup, it happens. I'm a homeschooling mother. I hear, everyday, how stupid a subject is, how dumb an assignment is, and why there is no point to learning something. Oh yea... it happens all the time! Why chores are dumb.... you name it. There are daily disputes. 

The two year old is slightly simpler in demands. More cookies, more toys, no naps, ect. Simpler arguments, far more stubborn, and just as irritating! There are days I truly feel like just pulling out my hair or hiding in the closet because it becomes overwhelming. 

It's not just me, I know tons of stay at home moms who experience the same thing. I get asked all the time how I handle it, how I deal. There are days, I have a real hard time. But when it really comes down to it, I'd much rather deal with the arguing and tears (sometimes my own) than be anywhere else. Being a mom is NOT easy. But it is the most rewarding thing in the world.

Between my husband and I. Oh yea, we have our fights too. They aren't very often, nor do they last long. We have an agreement to never go to bed angry. We work things out before taking it to bed. But we do NOT agree on everything all the time. Think about it, you couldn't live with your best friend everyday without getting into a fight. It doesn't mean we have an unhealthy relationship. We don't scream at each other (usually). We do not resort to name calling or low blows. Together we have worked out the best way for us to communicate even when we are having some of the worst fights. I know where his limits are, and he knows mine. At the end of the day it comes down to something very simple, we would rather fight it out together than be apart. 



Struggles...

On the daily...
I have an autoimmune disease that I fight daily and a mental disorder that I refuse to let define me. Everyday can be a struggle, between getting out of bed, the pain I go through, and functioning like a normal adult. It's difficult. But I refuse to give up or give in. I have a wonderful support system that helps me deal, cope, and helps heal me when I need it. 

Money...
Yea, we have to be strict with our budget and sometimes have to go without the things we really want but don't need. It can be a juggling act at times. But we do our best and get by the best we can. I recently went back to work to so hopefully that helps us out a bit. 


Conundrums...

There are always little things that come up that we don't always have an answer too. Sometimes, we just don't have all the answers. And that is OK too. We work it out the best we can, whether the outcome is good, bad, or ugly, but always as a family. 

We are NOT the perfect family, I lose my cool, our kids don't always listen, and Daddy can lose his temper. But at the end of the day, everyone knows they are loved. That is good enough for us. 


Brightest Blessings
        )O(

10th and Final Traveling Companion

We've reached the end of our Traveling Companions...

To recap really quick there has been:

1. Confidence
2. Patience
3. An Adjustable Attitude
4. Beauty
5. Excitement
6. Fun
7. Companionship
8. Health
9. Peace

And finally, and hopefully obviously, the 10th companion is Love.

Love: pure and unconditional.

I'm not just talking a romantic type love but a love for life itself. A love that touches not just you, or those around you, but the world around you. (I'm going to sound like a hippie for about 10 minutes, fair warning)

This type love NEEDS to be unconditional. It truly is what will heal the problems around us. When we purely love the environment, not just live in it, will be when humanity will be able to see the real problems that the planet is facing and will be able to correct it. When we truly love ourselves, we will no longer have the need to force ourselves into fitting into these outrageous standards of what should or shouldn't be. Then we will be able to unconditionally love those around us. 

I am not saying that that type love does not exist yet. It does. Watch the way a mother looks at her children when they aren't paying attention. Make sure to not scroll past the news features of someone putting their own life at risk for a complete stranger. That right there is a love for humanity. Even animals, dogs rescuing masters or children, experience that love. In my opinion more so than humans because they are not tainted by a selfish society the way mankind is. 

We need to get back to the time when a neighbor reached out and helped their neighbors/community. Many people search and long for that sense of community nowadays because it is severely lacking in today's world. They search it out on social media. True, there are many bonuses to social media, the fact that you are reading this is one of them. However, we as a people need a more hands on approach. Not just to remind ourselves what true and real love really is, but to remind others as well.

Brightest Blessings
       )O(

9th Traveling Companion

With only one more companion to go we move on to number 9...

Peace: with others, yourself, and in your environment.

Talk about a doosy!! This has to be one of the hardest ones we've come across so far. Finding peace in all three of those places is not only a constant task, but it is also a nearly impossible one. If you do happen to stumble across it, I dare say, you have reached Buddha status!

But let's break it down. To find peace with others, what would need to be accomplished? Perhaps that old grudge needs to be let go of (I'm horribly guilty of that, myself). Maybe you need to reach out to an old friend and find closure or let go of a negative of harmful relationship. It might even be more simple, just smile when you pass a stranger in the mall and create that small bubble of peace between you for even the briefest of moments.

That leads me to peace in our environment. Of course you are not always going to be able to live in a spa-zen like state bubble. Helllllllo real world! We live in the world of rush rush rush, instant gratification, and fast food restaurants! Again, there are things you can do to de-stress-ify and mellow out your own space though. De-clutter. Honestly, clutter (for whatever reason) amps up our stress levels. Try to take 5 minutes out of your day to straighten your living space. Surround yourself with people who lower your stress level rather than amp you up. Find the joy in just existing where you are. Yes, even if you are at work....some aren't that lucky.

Lastly, and most difficult in my opinion, find peace with yourself. You are who you are. In this life you have been given one body, one personality, one shot at living. Make the most of it. Every single thing that happens to this body is a direct result of a choice that you have made. Own and accept it. Flaws, mistakes, and all. We learn from the bad, as well as the good. The few things that are completely out of our control are meant to teach us and make us stronger. When we finally embrace the whole of our being....that is when we find peace in and with ourselves.

Brightest Blessings
       )O(

8th Traveling Companion

Health: Mental, Physical, and Emotional.

All three of the individual aspects of health contribute to the overall health of a person. In my opinion, it is impossible to have one without the other two.

I'm not saying go out and starting running marathons and eating nothing but Kale and Oranges. I am huge fan of Hostess myself. Everything in moderation, though. There is no need for 9 cupcakes. 

Spirituality is a way to help people keep there mental and emotional states in check. Even so, there are still times when therapy can help.

Friends and community also can play a major role in the health of a person, both in a good and bad way. Many times we surround ourselves with people who we think are good for us, but if truth be faced they are quite the opposite. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to surround ourselves with good people. People who support us and our health.

How many times have you found that you a negative person in your company brings your attitude or thought process into the gutter with them? How often is the opposite true? What other ways is our health affected by the environment around us?

A lot of people, especially long time married couples, tend to forget how important sexual health is as well. Not just for you as a person, but for your relationship too. My grandparents have been HAPPILY married for over 64 years. I asked my grandmother one day what made them so successful where so many other marriages fell apart or you see the old couples who either don't speak or hate each other. She told me, mind you we have a very open family, that they never went to bed angry and they made time for sex. 

Now, when I asked this, I was still in my early 20's and couldn't ever see a time when I'd have to force myself to "make time" for sex. Well... I am in my 30's with two kids, running a household (aka zoo), and I'm tired...a lot. There have been plenty of times where I just wanted to roll over and go to sleep. But I never have because I want the marriage my grandparents have. They are both now in their 80's and STILL have an active sex life. I know this because my grandmother likes to over-share quite often. 

So, this witchy momma decided to take it up a notch. My grandmother shared something with me that changed my life and my relationship. I want to help others create some magick of their own, too. I started a Pure Romance business. Please feel free to check out the link, hit me up with any questions, or even schedule a party with me (if you are too far away, I can do one via fb for you!) Here is my link. I will also post a permanent link on the side bar.  Pure Romance by Dayna Bric

Brightest Blessings
           )O(

7th Companion

Companionship: people to share your happiness and sorrows, your troubles and joys.

Companionship can be found in a multitude of places. Perhaps you find it with friends, a significant other, or a community (either online or in person). 

Companions can be found almost anywhere and usually when you least expect it. They can be in your life for it's entirety or just a few short moments. The time period spent together doesn't lessen the bond struck. It just means that the person was in your life and served their purpose so they (or you) moved on. That in itself shouldn't affect how you look back at the time you spent with one another at all. If it was a bad split, try to find the silver lining or the lesson in it. It is not always easy by any means, but a lesson is always there. Even if it is as simple as accepting the loss.

Everyone needs to find that bond, although some don't always find it with other people. It is very possible to find companionship with a pet or nature. There is nothing wrong with that either. Many pagans find companionship with their God/dess(es). The ability to be who you truly are and to share that with someone is a magnificent thing. 

I, personally, see The Grove members as my companions on a very personal and individualized journey. I have evolved in many ways since embarking on this journey. I hope that each and every one of the members find their journey to be an evolution of self as well!

The 6th Traveling Companion is....

I've noticed an influx on traffic where I have been upcycling these blogs from. Before someone condemns me for plagiarism, these are MY blog posts. I run both blog sites, actually I run 3 sites. Just so happens that I think this is a very important subject matter that should be shared with ALL my readers. Without further ado....

The 6th Traveling Companion is.... 

Fun: laughter and smiles any way you can get them!

Now, this may seem like a very simple and common sense idea. Too many people get lost in the false seriousness of life that they forget that life (even the mundane) can be fun. 

Admittedly, dishes and scrubbing toilets, having to get up at 4 in the morning for work, or arguing with your 12 year old daughter over what she can and can't wear to school is NOT fun. There are plenty of times when life can tramp down any sense of fun you may be able to squeak out of it. I'm not saying to be Miss Mary Sunshine all the time either.  

But you have to do dishes... OK, squirt your child unexpectedly with the sprayer when s/he walks by. Enjoy the giggles and and hilarity that follow. Rock out in the car on your way to work, who cares if the guy in the car next to you looks at you like you're crazy...hey, he may even join in! (It's happened before). 

Life can get rough and kick you when you are down... beat it at its own game and find the rainbows when you can.

Traveling Companion #5

Before I get into the newest traveling companion...

Wow, I've been scrubbing the entire house down, top to bottom. Reorganizing, throwing out, and cleaning nooks and crannies. It feels so good to go room to room and just dismantle the whole thing and get it sparkling. It's actually something I do twice a year.

This year however, rather than do the whole house in one or two days, like I normally do, I divided the house into a 5 day plan. I'm so excited that once I am finished I'm going to smudge, bless, and cleanse the whole place!! Fill it with magick and put up new wards on the property, and all. After all we've went through this summer, it is time to make this house ours again. 

Now... on to the next traveling companion. 

The fifth companion is probably my favorite of all of the Traveling Companions.

EXCITEMENT!

The ability to learn, enjoy, and experience new things!

Now, being a mom myself, I understand that it is very hard to wake up every morning and embrace excitement when our days are filled with routines, stress, and a stagnant mind set. However, embrace it we should!

The ability to find the joy, fun, and newness in the mundane can be very hard. I have a quick little exercise that can help with that though. It only takes 5 minutes!

Sit down with a pen and piece of paper (or a notebook if you are me). Make a list of EVERYTHING that excites you. Don't worry about how far fetched it may seem. Just write it down. Now, pick ONE and only one. Find a way to bring that one thing into your everyday life.

Here is an example. I have an affinity for the universe. Obviously, space travel is not an option...yet. Instead of jumping in a rocket ship and heading for the nearest nebula, I can bring the nebula to me through art work I find (or create myself or with my kids). If I'm really enthused about it, I can find a book that sparks my excitement and curiosity. 

Try it and see what you find out about yourself. It can be exciting just to learn more about your own inner workings. Share you list with The Grove. You never know who may share the same interest with you. They may have a new idea or concept you may not have thought of or vice versa.

Have fun with it.

4th Traveling Companion

Part four of the Traveling Companions lesson is...

Beauty: within yourself, in your surroundings, and in nature.

Pretty self-explanatory right?! For the most part yes. But when you are at the lowest point in your life... how do you find beauty in that?

I won't lie to you. It takes a lot of effort and you may not even see it at first. It may take years before you can look back and find the beauty in your situation. Although to me, the most beautiful point of a horrible situation is when you rise up and defeat it. Almost like the birth of a phoenix. 

You have to get really ugly first and lose all sense of who and what you are, but when you find that one moment where you can rise above the ugly... that is when you find true beauty. 

Brightest Blessings!

Traveling Companion 3

The third traveling companion you should always take with you is...

An Adjustable Attitude: One that doesn't react, but responds with well-thought-out actions and feelings.

What exactly does that mean? What is the difference between reacting and responding?

To be honest... I'm still working on this one myself. A reaction in this sense is a knee-jerk reaction. Meaning an automatic response without thinking. Responding means that you actually take in what was done/said and process it before lashing out or giving up. 

An example of what I am talking about can be seen during a GOOD debate. Not one that turns into a screaming match. While debating you see how the person responds and adjust how you approach the topic as to not incite anger, but intelligent discussion. 

How can that be used successfully in the course of your journey? It has a lot to do with being open minded and accepting of others choices as well. You can NOT change another person, you must accept them as they are. You can, however, change your own point of view and how you approach them. 

I am not, by any means, saying to let someone walk all over you or change yourself to fit their expectations for you. I'm just saying you can change how you approach the subject/person. If silently taking their angry words helps them to calm down, be quiet. If you have someone who can not express their feelings out loud, trying writing to one another instead of yelling. 

Try it in your life... really look at yourself and how you react to situations and see if there is not a better way to handle yourself. You'd be surprised, if you are honest with yourself, how you can find ways to make yourself better by just adjusting certain ways you react.

I'd like to take a second to thank the writer and followers of Patheos for putting my blog into one of their articles. I am humbled and overjoyed to be apart of your site in any way. 

Brightest Blessings!!
     )O(

Traveling Companions #2

The second Traveling Companion is....

Patience: with your own trials and temptations, and with others.

Yup... Patience. Something I completely lack. This companion is one of the hardest ones to get along with (in my opinion). Sometimes it seems like everyone and everything is conspiring against me and my poor nerves. Stopping to take a deep breath once in a while only helps a little. 

When my oldest starts to see that I am loosing it, he looks at me and with the straightest of faces calmly says, "ribbit". Usually it's enough to remind me to stop...breath... and start over. 

I think everyone needs to find a 'ribbit'. It goes a long way when you are stressed out and helps you regain a smidgeon of Patience that has wandered away. It's not easy to have Patience. Especially in today's society where everything is instant gratification. 

So how do we re-learn something that may have never been taught to us? I'm still trying to figure that one out on a large scale. But I have started with an easy task of saving money for something I was REALLY bad. (A new corset, go figure). I keep a few dollars here and there...sometimes I spend what I've saved and have to start all over again. But that is life. To relate to the first lesson, I am confident that one day I will master Patience as well. 

Now, how does Patience affect our journey? Simple. We can not achieve something grandiose overnight (unless we are SUPER lucky). Every mountain climber starts with a single step. If he keeps Patience with him, he won't give up and will eventually find himself on the other side of that mountain! 

Patience with others is a whole different story. I am VERY lacking in this, but I am trying. Everyone's story is different, their trials are their own and I could never understand how or where they became who they are. I try to accept that I will never be able to change stupid. 

When it comes to being a pagan or a witch, Patience is a MUST. Especially around the major holy holidays, it's just easier if you grin and bear it. I have had many many discussions with Christians, providing facts and sources. Yet, they still can not see past their bible pages and litanies of interpretation (that are usually completely wrong). Just smile and accept their greetings as a show of good will and WALK AWAY. It's not worth the energy to explain something to someone who refuses to listen. I won't lie though... it is fun to stun them into silence when I know their bible/history better than they do :)

Well, where do we start? At the beginning of course. Every journey starts with a single step in the right direction. Even if you are going the wrong way, eventually you will find your way. Start with something small and treat Patience just like you would an exercise program, after all it's a mental muscle that needs to worked out just like your body and spirit.

Until next time...
Brightest Blessings! 

Traveling Companions

With the huge adjustment of homeschooling taking place in a day, I want to be sure that I have enough time for both blogging and every other aspect of my life. The next 10 posts that I am going to post are from another blog that I write. They are invaluable to me and I think that a lot can be learned from them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them. 

Ten Important Traveling Companions to Take with You on the Journey to Your Dreams

This set of lessons are going to focus on the 10 things you should always take with you when you are journeying towards your heart's desires and dreams for your future. This is something that every person should know and share with their children, regardless of religion.

The first companion is...

Confidence: for when things get tough, when you are overwhelmed, when you think of giving up.

(should be common sense ^_^ )

So many people in this time period have had their confidence beaten out of them. A few lose it in childhood when a parent tells them their dream is too far fetched. NOTHING is too far fetched when you are a child and as parents we should instill and nurture that aspect of our kids. We, as parents, should learn to share in the childhood innocence of our kids. 

Granted, yes, it is hard to tell your child that they can be a one-legged, one-eyed space pirate that drives an El Camino (yes... that was via my oldest). Instead of shooting that down and telling him no. I stopped and thought... why not? Perhaps one day in his time El Caminos will become spaceships! So for a while we played El Camino Space Pirates. 

Confidence grows from encouragement. Sometimes that encouragement needs to come from within. It's hard to do for ourselves because of the way we were raised (for most of us, not everyone). 

What can we do, then? Firstly, surround ourselves with positivity. People who uplift us and not drag us down. Chose the people who help grow your dream, and make you a better person. That goes for friends, relationships, and family. I won't lie, it's hard to let go of some people. There will be others that hang on like toddlers being dragged across the kitchen floor on mom's leg. 

Where negativity remains, negative thoughts and feelings will grow. Thereby slowly choking out the confidence you have built up. One thousand positive comments will be crushed by one negative comment.

Secondly, we really need to look inside of ourselves and see ourselves for who we really are. If you find that you, yourself, are one of the negative people (I'm guilty of this) begin to change it. Affirmations, as silly as it sounds, can work wonders. Every day I try to find something positive about me, my life, my attitude, and what I'm going to do better. I write them down on my white board and erase it every night and start all over again the next day. It really does start to change your outlook. But you can't stop there. You HAVE to live what you wrote!

Lastly, and this should be first but so many find it hard to do it that the other two have to happen first. BE YOURSELF. Accept who you are. OWN IT. Personally, I'm still working on the acceptance part. But I am who I am. I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a witch, and a priestess. Those are great titles but I am so much more. Find the positive and exploit the shit out of it! What you don't like.... change. Plain and simple, in words, in deed its harder but NOT impossible.

Start right now. Find 5 positive things you LOVE about yourself. And live it. Tomorrow...start the day confident and see where it takes you.

Brightest Blessings!!

To New Experiences

Today, August 24th of 2014, was National Go Topless day. A fact I was not privy to until I logged into facebook today. I am not, in the least bit, bothered by nudity. My children are encouraged to accept their bodies for who they are and if they chose to run around naked, so be it. I, myself, used to skinny dip on a regular basis and sunbathe topless or nude.  Go Topless Day seemed like a dream come true! 

A few things brought dread to my mind before I decided to bare my boobs (IN MY OWN HOME). Just to be clear, I wasn't about to go out parading around outside topless just because. I also checked the laws in Michigan as well. That is the first thing that horrified me. I found out that even in my own home, OUR HOUSE, I could still be arrested for disorderly conduct! Absolutely horrified! How could I risk getting arrested?! We have a huge bay window in our living room. 

'Close the curtains!' was my first thought. Then, I actually thought about what that meant. Why should I have to close the curtains on a nice day just so I can go topless, in MY own home?! What right does anyone outside have to tell me what I can and cannot do in my house!? I was disgusted with myself for even thinking about it. 

Second thing that came to mind was, 'I'm 30, have had 2 kids, my body is far from perfect!'. Again, WTF is wrong with me?! This isn't about being 'enough'...pretty enough, thin enough, or sexy enough. I was simply going to go about my normal day, sans a top. Taking care of a baby, cleaning, cooking... everything I always do. Let me tell you, there is nothing sexy about scrubbing toilets, with or without a shirt. 

So... I did it. After HOURS of talking myself up to it, I tossed the shirt and bra down the laundry chute and stood proud of myself... for all of two seconds before I was mortified beyond comprehension, but still topless. Then it occurred to me (6 hours later), why should I feel ashamed? Why do I feel like I'm doing something bad or wrong? It was very hypocritical of myself to be so hard on myself, when I applaud all the other women doing the same. And what happened to that confident young girl who used to have no problem ditching the duds and swimming in a sparkling pool on a beautiful day? Society had corrupted my brain and I didn't even realize it. Something that was so natural to me a decade ago had become wrong and something I should do in secret.... 

Shame on me. 

I straightened my spine and tossed back my shoulders, even put my hair up. I should be proud to be a woman, to be ME! Not only that, but I have a RIGHT to be proud of myself. And shame on me for letting anyone make me feel less than worthy of that right! 

I went about the rest of my evening the same way I spend every Sunday night. I put the baby to bed, watched True Blood (which I was pissed about! But that is a rant for another time), fed the animals, and took the dogs out. All topless and proud. 

True society is wrong for the inequality it keeps on us women. But we are wrong for allowing it to remain there. No one can make you feel less, unless you allow it. I learned a valuable lesson today. And it all started with taking off my top. 

Brightest Blessings 
        )O( 

By the way, if you are interested or want to learn more, go to Go Topless

Magikcal Approach

 Taking a magickal approach to raising kids sounds like it would be the easier route. Well, not for this mama. My family does not follow a single similar tradition. I follow a Norse path, my Eldest follows the Celtic Druidic path, and my husband just goes with the flow. The baby is still too young to have chosen a path so he mingles among the magick. There are certain things that we do together and thoroughly enjoy. Energetic cleaning is one of them. We smudge the house as a family and clean out negative energy together. Why not? We create it together.

After the house is cleaned, physically and energetically, what better place to settle in and enjoy a freshly cleaned home then in front of the Gods! Our family has 5 different altars. So we have options. We have a main altar, a kitchen altar (that sits on a window ledge), I have an altar in our bedroom, the Eldest has his own altar, and we have an outdoor altar. Each serves a different purpose and honors a different set of Gods and Goddesses. We are, after all, a multi-religious family. Each altar is tended by a different family member/s. So whether you want family time or alone time, there is a sacred place in our home for everyone.

In my opinion it is important for children to have their own altar to express themselves and their beliefs. There is no wrong way to set up an altar. Some religions and traditions expect it to be set up a certain way. It is my tradition and personal belief that an altar is as individual as the person setting it up. As long as you have the 4 elements and your gods represented, you are good in my book.

There are many ways to represent each element. Here are a few suggestions...

East – Air

• incense
• a hand fan
• white sage
• feathers
• a bird image
• color yellow
• a writing implement

South – Fire

• candles
• color red

West – Water

• bowl of water
• sea shells
• pictures of large bodies of water
• color blue

North – Earth

• salt
• dirt
• plant
• flowers
• color green

When it comes to altar clothes, I change the main family altar's cloth 4 times a year, on every solstice and equinox. I know some people who never change it and others who change it every sabat. There are a few who don't even have clothes. 3 out of 5 of ours don't have any cloths.

There are other items that adorn our altars. Our main altar boasts a beautiful set of antlers that Daddy had found for me. A crystal chalice that has an 8 pointed star etched into it. Our Eldest keeps photos of plant life and sick trees in our neighborhood that are in need of healing on his, as a reminder to send out healing energy. We have a few hand sculpted plaques and figures that are scattered between the 4 indoor altars. The outdoor altar is very natural in the sense that if you don't know what to look for, you'd never find it.

We try to spend equal time at all of the altars throughout the week. Emphasis on TRY. Life does sometimes get in the way. But, we do the best we can. It helps when you set aside a specific time during the day or night for spiritual time. We take an hour a night (again.... try). We do a meditation together, share stories, read tarot, and play games. Being that we have little kids (and a husband) there are usually snacks involved.

Raising Earth-centered magickal children is a lot easier said then done in today's society. Especially as consumerism is at an all time high. But it is possible. It just takes a little more work and nuturing.  

Petting Zoos and Rabbit Hutches

So here is a quick back story.... I am terrified of rabbits. End back story. 

Fast forward to yesterday... I took the younglings to a petting zoo. The Baby rode a horse for the first time ever, and loved every second of it. The Eldest just enjoyed being around the animals. There were goats, donkeys, rabbits, and (like I said) horses. 

As we left, because horses and my allergies don't get along well AT ALL, the Baby started screaming about having to leave the bunnies! He was heart broken (if you are a parent you see where this is going). The Eldest began begging for a rabbit "for the Baby". 

This is Gremlin

In my infinite wisdom I said, if Daddy will build a rabbit hutch, you two can get a rabbit. On Daddy's day off he never wants to do anything but relax. I figured I was in the clear. 

I was WRONG! Not only am I sitting on here on our patio watching my husband build a multi-level rabbit hutch, but he packed us up yesterday and took us out to adopt a lop eared bunny. Then decided today that it seemed to be too lonely by itself, so he went out and adopted a playmate today! *facepalm*

This is Gizmo

It seems that in my infinite wisdom I had forgotten one HUGE factor. Daddy is the ultimate animal lover. I could bring home a camel and he would build it an enclosure that very day! 

We now have Gremlin and Gizmo in our family zoo. The boys are ecstatic though and even the dogs seem to like the new additions. All in all, our family just keeps growing, even if it is just 4 legged furry babies! Our family has a lot of love to go around and the more the merrier.

I'm still not a fan of the long-eared rodent as a whole...but I can't help but love these two little beasts who take any chance they can to cuddle into my arms and nuzzle up to the Baby. 

Stay-at-Home Witch Tip #3

• Don't compare!

My family is NOT your family, which is NOT my mother's family, which is not my best friend's neighbor's brother's family!

What works for some won't always work for you. I'm very laid back about a lot of things and very old fashioned about a lot of things. If you are remotely feministic, my lifestyle won't work for you. AND THAT IS OK!!! There are no real rules to what a family should look like and be. I bake my own bread. I'm not going to judge you because you buy your's at the store! 

My mother's ideal life for me was to work full time and have a family. That is neither my ideal or dream! I love my life, my lifestyle, and how my life is run. When she stopped comparing her life to mine, she realized that I was very successful, in my own way. When I stopped comparing my life to hers, I realized that just because I chose something different, it didn't make it the wrong choice.

Find what works for you and run with it!

Brightest Blessings!!

          )O(

Confirmed!

We are officially a homeschooling family!!

In light of everything that happened at the end of last year, endless nights of discussion, and some really hard choices on all our parts, we decided to pull the Eldest out of the typical brick and mortar public school and homeschool him this year. 

It wasn't just one thing that sparked this, but a multitude of reasons. One being the severe bullying issue that caused us to have to put the oldest into therapy (no 11 year old should be talking suicide!). Another reason was the safety issue that today's kids have to face. Yes, we understand that there are issues kids have to face, we just don't believe that OUR 11 year old is capable of facing them yet. Most importantly though, the thing that bothered me the most about the public school system was that the Eldest's grades went from all A's and B's to barely making D's and no one bothered to bat an eye, call me, email me, or make any extra effort to help him! And yet they still were pushing him through to the next grade level because he wasn't "failing". 

If one teacher couldn't catch a MAJOR change in our child, I don't have a whole lot of faith that 6 teachers who spend 1 hour a piece with him will be able to catch a problem. He is a quiet and shy kid. I'm not OK with him being shuffled through! He is very excited about homeschooling. We all are. It will be the first fall that I've had both my children home with me at the same time!

Because the Eldest is being homeschooled, we see no reason why we can't start the youngest's preschool education. So, I'll be homeschooling him as well for right now. He always wants to do what his brother is doing anyway. This will just give me a way to spend time with both the boys, help the oldest when needed, and advance the little one!

I will keep you all updated with tips, tricks, and hardships of homeschooling both a middle schooler and a preschooler!

Stay-at-home Witch tip #2

• Get Organized!

Totally and utterly an ongoing task! I realize this. Believe me though, it makes life so much easier. You have to find the system that works for you though. Personally, I am a 'lister' I make lists for my lists! (I'm not joking). I have 8 white boards, notebooks, a datebook, and a GIANT cork board. That doesn't include the multitudes of 3 ring binders that I have for our family! lol.... so I'm a little obsessive. However, I can tell you exactly where the Home Depot receipt from May 3rd of 2014 is! (Important for Husband's business).

There are a bunch of sources online for helping to organize, just google 'organizing a home'.

ZzzzzZzzz....ha!

Oh man... does this tired mama wish she could catch up on some Zzz's! 

Lately, and I mean about the last month, I have been busier than I ever thought possible. Between doctor appointments for me and the kids, schooling issues with the Eldest, and working (or thinking about working) on/with the RavenFang Grove and Coven life has been....busy. 

I like projects, being busy, having something to focus on, and RavenFang offers that for me. Not too mention it is very spiritually fulfilling for me. I never realized that teaching could or would be such an awakening for my own spirituality. 

Speaking of teaching... the Eldest is being home schooled next year because of  bullying and education issues this year. Before those who know me go thinking I'm being all hypocritical (I'm not a big fan of "traditional" homeschooling) it's public school at home. I'm not my child's teachers. He has subject specific teachers plus a homeroom teacher. The school offers field trips and groups, clubs, and activities that other programs don't. They even have a gym class. He and I are very excited for this upcoming year. I hope to get him back to the child he was before this school year happened, then hopefully he'll be able to go back to a brick and mortar school next year. If not, he'll stay in the program.

This past week I have gone through the blogs and rediscovered the wonderful recipes I had posted here oh so long ago! I had forgotten how delicious they were. My husband and the Eldest both asked me to not wait 3 years to make all of them again. Haha! If you haven't checked out the kitchen witchin' page, I suggest it. You'll love it.

I did notice that I had forgotten to finish the Wheel of the Year page... that will be remedied this week! Also, I have to update the garden page with tips, tricks and pics of this year's garden. Lol, let me just add that to the ever growing list!

Stay-at-home Witch tip #1
**I'm starting this section because a friend of mine asked me how I manage to be a successful stay at home mom. She's new to the whole thing and feels lost and overwhelmed.**

• Always get dressed!

It sounds simple and non-essential to the overall scheme of things, BUT it is super important. Not only for you, but for the entire family. Let me explain. 

First, it is all too easy to fall into the yoga pants (or even worse pajama pants) school pick up. I've watched moms at my son's school drop their kids off in the am and then pick their kids up in the pm in the same pj pants...day after day. I get it, they are comfy. However, for your own self esteem and sanity, getting up and dressed every day makes you feel better about yourself. You feel less frumpy. 

Second, your family sees that you are putting an effort into yourself which in turn usually means you are more motivated to put more effort into your family. 

Third, getting dressed every day helps to establish a routine. Most humans thrive on routines. Plus on rough days, you can kind of auto pilot your way through your day because you already know what needs to get done. Your kids (and your own mental stability) will thank you!Ok, maybe not the kids... 


Alright readers! Game of Thrones season finale is in 13 minutes....
Brightest Blessings!
      )O(

Momma's favorites and not so favorites...

Today's post is going to be all about reviews of products that I have come across throughout the years! If anyone has any specific questions, I suggest that you contact the sellers directly. I will definitely include their contact info.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBabyMoon?ref=pr_shop_more

First... Little Moon Designs! I use and absolutely LOVE their cloth diapers. I haven't personally used their crib sheets or swaddlers. My son was too old for those when she started the company. Jolene is an amazing woman who takes quality and customer needs to a whole new level! If you are looking for or just interested in how the cloth diaper thing works ( I would NEVER go back!! ) contact her! She's very friendly and can help you find the right products for your little one. Also, little side note here, the baby used to have horrible diaper rash ALL THE TIME. Switching to cloth cleared it up in 2 days, no creams or ointments needed. We bought 10 to start with and they have held up wonderfully! The construction of these diapers are superb! I could go on all day about how great these diapers are. My best suggestion, try them for yourself!

http://autumn-moon.com/

The second review up is Autumn Moon, Candles, Art, & Mystical Crafts by Christina M. Davis. This woman.... her jewelry pieces are so stunning that I lack the words to explain their beauty! You have to see them for yourself. I personally am ordering a custom piece from her the moment that I have the extra cash. With all the June birthdays it's been a little tight money wise.

www.epihphaniesdesign.com

If you are looking for stunning watercolor, you have found the right person!! I love this woman's work. It's whimsical beauty will be appreciated by even the most critical of critics! Her custom work is just as wonderful as the print work. Look her up if you are looking for something different for wedding invitations!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wicked-Treasures-LLC/498480310215171

Looking for something different?? You've found the right place! Check out Wicked Treasures for jewelry that you will NOT find anywhere else.

http://azizaworld.com/

 Aziza World has some of the most wonderful skincare products you will ever come across!! The smells and feel of them will have you wishing you could simply immerse yourself in an entire vat! There candles and music is just as wonderful. It is definitely a company with versatility and promise.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lothlorien-Moon-Studio/192642490762389

Not only does The Lothlorien Moon Studio make some of the most beautiful wands, staves, and canes that I have ever seen but the secret treasure boxes they make that look like books will blow you away!! They are so Never Never Land that you swear you will find Tinkerbell hiding inside one!




I hope you find some of this info helpful! I will add to it every so often or when I meet extraordinary artists! Hmmm... Maybe I should turn this into a page all in its own right. Something to think about!

Brightest Blessings!!