New Crystals!

Hi and Merry Meet,
Yesterday we hiked to the tallest waterfall in Vermont. Husband didn't think he was going to make it to the top, but he did it!!! It was beautiful but no swimming this time.

On our hike back it started to rain and that put an end to our next hike for the day. Husband instead took me to a crystal shop that he found online to go to. We had a very rainy drive but the landscape was stunning! Lush rolling green mountains were on all sides of us.

Husband suggested the crystal shop because "it seems like something you would like" according to him. He was right! I loved it. He knows a few stone names from making jewelry but he was shocked by how many I could name without looking at the tags. One that caught my eye was a free form jasper. I love jasper and this piece was gorgeous! After asking how much it would be Husband got it for me! He also got me a clear quartz point. He is so sweet and supportive of me. I have truly been blessed to have him in my life.

Now we are driving home. It was a great vacation and I am really glad that our plans changed to bring us to this wonderful place!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Dawn Healing Ritual

Hi and Merry Meet,
This morning I got up before the sun to prepare for a dawn healing ritual. I've done one like this before to clear out any negative energies in me. I usually do it on my backyard sitting on the grass facing east to see the sun rising in my pajamas.

Today, I tried something new. I got up raced off to the restroom (yes, camping restrooms are not as convenient as home) and quickly changed into my swim suite. I admit I would have liked to do this one skyclad but seeing as we are in a public park that wasn't really an option. (plus the fact that I've never done a ritual skyclad) As the sun rose I submerged myself in the river here, which by the way was ice cold! I asked the god and goddess to let the water wash away any negative thoughts or feelings and let the rising sun fill me with warmth and light. I stayed in the river for quite a while and when I was done I stood on a rock with my hands up to give thanks and grounding. It was a beautiful ritual and I am so blessed that we came here.

The rest of the day is wide open! Maybe a hike, maybe some swimming... we'll see what Husband wants to do once he gets up!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Waterfall Wonders

Hi and Merry Meet,
The past few days Husband and I have been hiking waterfall trails around where we are camping.

Yesterday we went to Jamaica State Park. We hiked up to Hamlton Waterfall from the park. It was about three miles out there to see it. The hike was really great!! Straight up hill almost the whole way there. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vermont we were told. Also it is one of the deadliest in the state.

On the trail it is posted that there is no swimming sign however it is a very popular swimming hole with locals. Of course we jumped in too! It was so refreshing! Husband is not a big swimmer but after a three mile hike he was happy to jump in with me. We almost saw why it is a deadly place. The falls are straight up with pools up high that it fills as it comes down. People were scaling the falls to get to the higher pools. Going up they were ok, it was coming down. One guy started to slip and slide down the rocks but he was able to aim his fall into one of the pools at the base were most people were swimming. That scared me a bit. There is no fast way out if you got hurt. No way they could do an airlift so three miles back down on rocky small paths. I can see why people have died here.

However, Husband and I just enjoyed the cold water and the refreshing energy. Today we have no plans, just enjoying our time together!
Blessed be,
Autumn

The Four Elements

Hi and Merry Meet,
This morning we went on a four mile hike. We love hiking to see waterfalls and today we thought would be perfect...

It was ok temp wise when we started but by the time we reached the falls it had rocketed up to 95. I didn't care and jumped into the natural pool at the base of the falls. Husband just laughed at me, but it was so worth it!!! The water was cool and clean and felt great!!! He just dipped his toes in. I always pack a small towel for waterfall hikes because we always put at least our feet in.

On our way back we had a great experience of seeing the four elements manifest. As we started back a small snake (fire) was blocking our path. Once we got around him we came to a small pool were we saw one large fish (water) lazily swimming. Much further on our way we had a monarch butterfly (air) float by in front of us. Finally a woodchuck (earth) waddled by as we were getting in the car to drive back to camp. Usually we see only three of the elements on our hikes. Today seeing all four was very cool.

After our hike we went straight to the river to cool off and swim a bit. Perfect!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Vacation Fun!

Hi and Merry Meet,
Today's weather prediction was for high 90s so Husband and I decided that today would be our day trip day.

Whenever we go on a vacation we like to visit the local sites. Vermont is full of cool sites! We thought some ice cream sounded good. We stopped at the Marsh-Billings-Rockafeller National Historical Park so I could get a stamp in our National Parks Passport book. Then we continued our quest for ice cream.

Our quest ended at the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory. Three dollars for a tour and a sample of the flavor of the day. Just awesome! Today's flavor was Americone Dream. Yum.

That was lunch. Then we needed dessert. We made a quick stop off at the Green Mountain Factory, but I just like the smell of coffee and Husvand doesn't like it so we left. Off to the Magic Hat brewery for some free samples and a free tour. Yum!

Vermont has some cool places. Very fun day trip! What I like best about the places we saw today was they use fair trade, give back to their local communities and most of their stuff is all natural. Tomorrow we are on hiking trails.
Blessed be,
Autumn

My New Backyard

Hi and Merry Meet,
Husband and I left early yesterday morning to come to Vermont for a much needed vacation!

We are in the beautiful state of Vermont. This is a new state for Husband. He never really went on trips as a kid. My family went some place new every year. I've been to 42 of the 50 states. I want to get all 50. Husband has only been in about ten. I'm slowly fixing that. Camping was something he had never done til he married me. Now he loves it!! I'm so glad because camping with mu family when I was a kid are some of my favorite memories.

Today we are thinking a swim and a hike are in order. This place is so beautiful and I thank the gods that we could come here. Check out the view from our camp site!!!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Change of Plans

Hi and Merry Meet,
Tomorrow we leave on our big camping trip. I had reserved a beautiful spot in Shenandoah National Park. It's one of our favorite places to go.

Two days ago while Husband was at his last night of work before vacation he calls me to tell me the weather report for Shenandoah. It is going to be crazy hot with outrageous humidity! Both Husband and I like cold weather. This is not good. He asks me to find a new place to camp. I do love a good challenge however finding a camp site for eight days with a June weekend free would take nothing short of divine intervention.

I fell short. I looked for somewhere within our driving range that would be cooler and available. Sadly, I failed.

Husband however had success and we are now headed to Vermont! I've bern there but it will be a new state for Husband!! Yay! New forests to hike and a day trip planned to the Ben and Jerry's factory. Our new camp site is in a National forest and we got a site right on the river. The gods have smiled on us! I know nothing about the hiking here or anything about the area so I am off to AAA to get maps and guide books.
Blessed be,
Autumn

Patron Goddess

Hi and Merry Meet,
My patron goddess is Epona, the goddess of horses, dreams and nightmares.

I have talked about my dreams a while ago. Since I was a child I have always had very vivid and strong dreams and can remeber them many moths after I've had them. When I started to look into this path for myself I turned to my dreams. I don't know a lot about the symbols in dreams but I know that somehow they lead me to what I need to know. When I started contemplating this path it was imporant to me to find out more about who is the goddess or god of dreams.

I wanted to follow a celtic path so I started to look in books. It wasn't long before I found her name, Epona. I thought about this for a few days. During that time my dreams shifted and started to have this beautiful women in them. I got the message loud and clear. I started to learn to meditate. After a few tries I went to an open circle where they had a guided meditation. There she was in this beautiful place that we were guided to.

That was two years ago. Now She comes in my meditations often and my dreams. After more study I believe Epona is my parton goddess. I have worked with other gods and goddess on different occasions but I find She is always there watching. Oh I have been scolded when I've needed it, but that's all part of learning. There will always more learning to be done and lessons to be learned.

Who are your patron gods or goddesses? What gods/goddesses do you work with the most?
Blessed be,
Autumn

Preparations For Camping!

Hi and Merry Meet,
Tuesday we leave for Shenandoah National Park for a much needed vacation! My husband's work decided that they should guve the guys back their summer vacations. Vacations make happy workers. Happt workers will work harder (in theory).

I've booked the camp site, got out the hiking books, found most of the camping gear from the basement and lined up a bunny sitter. Most of my mundane stuff is done, now on to the magickal.

From my spell writing class I have a sage sumge that I'm going to use to start cleaning the camper. Then my cleaning spray that I made and finally a safe travel bag. I'm also going to take a pict of us and one of the camper, place them together in a white envelope and kerp it safe here at home. That way we will be surrounded by white light our whole trip.

Being that tonight is the full moon I have a few other things to do magickaly and an esbat to celebrate!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Prefecting Spell Writing and a $ Spell or Two

Hi and Merry Meet,
Last night after the fair I went to a spell writing class. I thought it would help me to expand my magickal practice. It was great!

We did a lot of talking on spells intent. What do you want to get out of it? Why? The other students were not witches and were definitely there for love spells. We did talk about them and the rule of three, but I'm not so sure they heard that part. The ones I liked were the protection spells. The teacher also talked about money spells.

The teacher went over colors, candles, stones, herbs and days of the week for the three basic spells we were studying. I loved the herb part! This is were I want to learn more!

I learned that basil is an amazing herb! Here is an easy money charm to do. Cast a simple circle around you. Place basil in a small dish then cover it with water. Place the dish in the Northeast corner of your home. Sprinkle some of the water around the house. Don't let the water dry out, but fill it. This will help to bring money into the home. Or try this: place basil in olive oil in a circle and then draw $ on tens and twenties so as they are spent new ones of the same amount come back to you.

I loved the instructor as she would drop nuggets of wisdom that she has learned as we were talking. Definitely a good class for me. Even the love spell girls seemed to enjoy it. ;-)
Blessed be,
Autumn

And The Winner is....

Hi and Merry Meet,

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but I'm a bit of a knitter. My husband is worried that if any more yarn comes into this house there could be an episode of intervention on me.

However, my knitting passion is lace. I love it. This amuses my family to no end for the simple fact that knitting is math. I am allergic to math. So, lace knitting can't be math, right?

Last year I entered my first lace and bead piece in my home county's fair. I won a blue ribbon. Then I won overall best knitter. It was the best thing ever!

This year I entered a new fair with a new lace beaded piece. This fair is in the county were I live now. The judging on the shawl was over the weekend and today was opening day. I met a friend who works there to see how I did. She knew already but refused to tell me!

I'm so excited to announce that not only did I get the blue but also overall knitter! The fair committee asked me if I would allow them to use my piece as the one piece to represent our county at the state fair competition! Honored is not even close to how I feel!!!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Anniversary #8!

Hi and Merry Meet,
Today is our eighth wedding anniversary! Here is to many more happy ones!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Trees of Life

Hi and Merry Meet,
Today I went out with my Nana to visit the Thomas Edison home in Ft. Myers Florida.

This tree is amazing! It takes up an acre of land. It was a gift to Edison from Mr. Firestone. It was planted in 1925. The caretakes told me that they have trimmed it back due to it overtaking some of the buildings.  It was just beautiful.

Later after a swim I took a walk and saw some other smaller trees. This group of trees were the ones that made me think of the Tree of Life.  It was so peaceful here. I sat and tried to meditate however the bugs feasting on me put a stop to that.

Sitting there made me feel like time had stopped. The trees had such a wonderful pluse and energy. A white heron joined me. For a moment I felt like something primordial was happening. Incredible!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Really???

Hi and Merry Meet,
Yesterday was crazy. I went to the doctor first thing to see about a spot on my face that is starting to grow and change color. While I was there they said I should update my tetnis shots. I told them no as it had nothing to do with why I was there.

Next ran over to my friend's house to drop off my shawl. I entered in the local county fair but the drop ofg date is while I'm on vacation with my Nana. My friend was kind enough to offer to do it for me! Yay!

After that I had to pack then I was going to shower and drive to my parents house. However that's not how it went. Remember what the doctor wanted me to do???

I went to make some garlic toast in the oven and managed to give myself a second degree burn. Husband took me to urgent care to have it looked at. The doctor told me I needed a (surprise!) tetnis shot! Yay! My husband is so proud. Really epic move on my part. The doctor told me a burned hand is the sign of a good cook. I just think she was trying to make me feel better.

So after all that I got packed up, drove to my parents house a bit late for the dinner party they were having, but managed to get everything done.

Today I got up before the birds. My dad drove me to the airport. Our airport near my house is really small so I can get better flights from my hometown. Side note, people don't want to sit next to people knitting with 14 inch knitting needles... too bad I was the only person not on a digital device. I made it here and it is so great to see my Nana.

I love being here with her. I saw some manatees swimming and playing in the water. I found an amazing tree that makes me think of the tree of life. I'll try to get pictures of that tomorrow. Today's pict is out the airplane window.
Blessed be,
Autumn

Scared and Stones

Hi and Merry Meet,
The fireworks last night were amazing! I had a great time watching them from my front yard and then from my back yard. Husband missed the fun as he had to go to work. Oh well, looks like he's getting his vacation back so things arw looking up!

Today I went to the dentist. Normally, I don't mind going, but today was a very different story. I had to have my first cavity filled. You would have thought I was a ten year old child the way I was carring on. Truth be told, I got defensive and a bit bitchy because I was scared. I finally even told the staff that. I had no idea what the process was so I freaked out a bit (ok, a lot). I did have my zebra stone in my pocket to help me.

Zebra stones are good for teeth and gums. I held on to mine tightly. The doctor asked me about it. When I explained he laughed and said they should be handing them out. That made me smile.

My best bud left on her trip to Spain on the thrid. I bought each of us a unkite stone heart. I promised to carry mine with me where ever I go until she is home. Hers is packed in the bottom of her pack. I wantec to put together a pouch of the stones I always carry with me for travel, but I thought more than one for someone who has to weigh every ounce would not be the best idea.

Tomorrow I drive back to my hometown to visit friends for dinner and a lift to the airport on Thursday to visit my Nana.
Blessed be,
Autumn

Happy 4th!!

Hi and Merry Meet,
The smell of bbq is in the air. A hot dog eating contest has finish. The sounds of people gathered together as families. Yup, it's the Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday America!
Can't wait to watch the fireworks tonight!
Blessed be,
Autumn

Garage Sales Fun

Hi and Merry Meet,
Yesterday I drove to my hometown to have another garage sale at my parents' home.

We got rid of a lot of stuff! I saw people from my neighborhood that I haven't seen in years. It was great fun.

Today my husband had off so he wanted to go out and find some garage sales around where we live. I have worked hard to clear out the clutter from our house so I was nervous that he wanted to replenish the house. Nope, just wanted to get out and see what's out there today. In fact the only things we came home with were two books for me!

Havea great rest of the weekend!
Blessed be,
Autumn

More Crazy Spinning

Hi and Merry Meet,
Last night I had another spinning gig with the alpaca farm that I've hooked up with.

This time it was at the home of the farm owner. This was no farm house! This was a gargantuan house, like the kind you would see in a gated community. It was a lot of fun! Most of the women had a lot of really great questions about the wheel and fibers in general. I was impressed with their willingness to learn about what I was doing. I was also being interviewed.

This farm owner that I'm working with invited over other alpaca owners to meet me. None of them spin or even process their own fiber so to meet someone who does was novel for them. I might be working with a few more farms and I might be spinning a whole lot more.

Overall, it was a fun evening with women, wine and my new favorite alpaca fiber!
Blessed be,
Autumn