Looking out the window at the aftermath of yesterday's Winter storm, it's hard to believe that we actually live in South. Not with over two feet of snow and temperatures in the single digits. My car doesn't even resemble that cute little PT Cruiser Convertible I know I bought. It looks, instead, much like a misshapen igloo. And if I didn't know better, I'd think I'd fallen down a rabbit hole and landed smack dab in Maine again. Fortunately, though, I do know better. Only last week it was a balmy sixty-five degrees here - something that could only happen in January this side of the Mason-Dixon Line - so I do know that Spring will eventually arrive. I'm holding onto that thought very tightly just now - especially since we're expecting more of that white stuff this week. And that's something I could definitely do without. Sigh!
2009 was an interesting year in many ways for many people. And the last six months was especially so for me. It didn't stop with changes in my attitude and perspectives, but went on to stir the winds of change and fling wide the doors of opportunity to endless possibility. If I said it wasn't a bit unsettling, I'd be lying. But the possibilities that presented themselves were so exciting, I couldn't help but be excited, too.
So...what happened exactly? Well, I'm getting there. But since you all know how wordy I can be - and this is a recap of the last six months of the year - you'll probably want to grab some coffee first. So...put on a fresh pot, sit back and relax, and let me tell you a story...
Mystic Moon in Norfolk, Virginia is one of my very favorite places. Why? Well for one thing, the clientele is fabulous and just like family to me. For another, Debbie and Brian, the proprietors, always graciously invite me to stay in their home, so I'm also able to spend some quality time with both their family and members of their extended family. [Waving at Pam and Demetri!] This visit, though, was extra special as their son, Chris, was also there with his family - folks which I'd never had the pleasure of meeting - something that made my time there even more fun.
But I digress. Because I feel so close to the folks at Mystic Moon, I'd planned something special during my stay. Something designed to obliterate personal obstacles. Something that paved the way for success. A little something to help folks meet and achieve their goals. It was, of course, a free-to-the-public Ganesha ritual. And that's where life as I knew it began to change!
You see, Debbie's Ganesha statue hadn't been moved from its spot on the altar in some time. And since the ritual was to be held outdoors to accommodate the attendees, that meant taking Ganesha on a field trip. Yep...we dusted Him off, hauled Him outside, and set Him right out in the middle of the fire circle to bask in the Sun. And to be perfectly honest, I think He liked it. The ritual was a very simple, off-the-cuff sort of affair; so simple, in fact, that some folks doubted its effectiveness. But Ganesha, being Ganesha - He is after all, the Remover of All Obstacles - did His thing. And He did it in such a way that all the attendees were left with a sense of wonder and awe, and renewed belief in all things magical.
The fact of the matter is that it was more than a little breezy that day, and part of the ritual required lighting strips of paper from a candle. I'll admit that I'd been a little concerned about that at first. But the worst that could happen just involved relighting the candle - and that was no big deal. So we proceeded as planned, making sure that we had a sacred Bic or two on hand just in case.
And then...it happened. The candle blew out. Mouths gaped open. Looks of horror crossed faces. It got so quiet I could damned near hear their hearts beat. But that was nothing compared to the deathly silence that ensued when my impertinent sense of irreverence reared its head. Yeah...I just laughed, shrugged my shoulders, and grabbed my cigarette lighter. I needn't have bothered with the latter, though. No sooner had I cupped my hand around that smoking wick to block the wind, the flame sprang back to life - and all of its own accord! Ganesha had done His thing all right, and done it in spades. He'd restored what was a dwindling faith in magic for some folks, and validated a belief in magic for others. What I didn't know, though, was that the little Elephant-Headed God with Whom I'd always shared such a good rapport was a bonafide buttinksy. Yeah...He'd also gone about the business of sticking his trunk-like snout right into my business - and had proceeded to turn my life upside down.
Ignorance truly is bliss, for had I known what Ganesha had in store for me, I might've just opted to go to bed with a wet rag. And that would've been a real shame, since I'd have missed the Spirit of the Earth Lammas Festival in Hopkinsville, Kentucky - an event that's definitely not to be missed! Nicholas and Shannon picked me up at the Nashville airport, and plied me with Nicholas' homemade cookies on the way to the festival. While I thought that was really grand treatment - most of you have no idea that authors occasionally damned near starve to death on the road - it was only the first of the wonders to come. I was greeted by my old friends, Nancie and David Clark, and Leianne Pepper upon arrival, and was not only presented with a gift basket filled with good chocolates, excellent coffee and delectable confections, but discovered that my bedroom was right next door to the kitchen - a place in which I had free range! How cool was that?! But the fact is that I wouldn't have had to worry about starving to death even if I hadn't. Because every time I opened my mouth, somebody was trying to feed me! LOL!
It truly was a magical weekend - complete with the biggest Wicker Man I ever saw. But the magic didn't stop there. Misty, who grew up on the premises, offered to give me a tour of the area. A tour that included a large wooded area just brimming with the Fey. The woods were absolutely breathtaking that time of year, and it was a fairly easy trek as a partial path was cut. One of the places she really wanted me to see was the Women's Meditation area which was graced with a spring-fed creek. It was easy to see why that particular spot had been chosen for meditation. It wasn't just quiet and peaceful: It was one of those wonderful places where time simply slips by unnoticed by anyone lucky enough to be there - which is pretty much what happened with us. But since I didn't have a heavy schedule that day, it wasn't any big deal. So we took our time chatting and eventually decided to head back to the event grounds.
The only problem was that the path was...well...GONE! I'm not making this up, Folks. I'm serious as a heart attack. I'm here to tell you that the path we'd taken was nowhere to be seen. And to make matters worse, Misty - who'd lived there all her life, and was probably more familiar with those woods than she was her own house - couldn't find her way back to the event grounds to save her life.
Now I've had some dealings with the Fey over the years, and there's one thing I've learned: Panic only eggs them on, so it's best to keep your wits about you. So...we stopped. I listened. And sure enough, I heard it: the sounds of attendees chatting at the event site. We followed the racket and before long, we were out of the woods and back where we belonged. Of course, we had to climb through a barbed wire fence or two - the path we know was there never bothered to present itself - but that didn't matter. All that mattered was we'd foiled the Fey - and came out of it fairly unscathed. ;)
The festival, itself, was utterly fabulous! My classes were well-attended, I met lots of wonderful folks, and had the opportunity to visit with old friends I hadn't seen in quite a while. [Waving at Vic, Beth, Lesley and Jack!] I even managed to acquire my very own white knight during the event. [Thanks, Jay!] And what could be better than that?!
August kicked off with a trip to Michigan. But this time, it wasn't for an appearance. We were heading to the family cabin to celebrate Mark's mother's 80th birthday - and to make the trip even more special, most of his siblings and their families were going to be there, too. So it was a trip to which we were really looking forward.
The first few days were fairly relaxing. We spent some time walking in the woods, playing gin rummy, and just generally being lazy. Mid-week, my sisters-in-law and nephew and I took a day trip to Mackinac. We toured the old fort - lots of really cool stuff and demonstrations there - had a leisurely lunch and shopped 'til we dropped. We relaxed. We visited. We all got ready for the big event: the birthday celebration at the Polish Festival.
You see, Mark's mother is Polish and absolutely loves that festival. Furthermore, she loves to dance. More specifically, she loves to polka. And afternoons at the festival are filled with enough polka bands to make one's head swim. So...off to the festival we went. Now I learned to polka when I was just a kid. [It's one of those dances that all Texan children learn along with the two-step, ten-step, waltz, schottish, and so forth.] But Mark's mother didn't know that. And after she'd damned near danced everyone else past the point of exhaustion, she finally looked at me - sort of pitifully, I might add - and asked if I wanted to give it a shot. [I was more than a little amused as it's been a long time since I've been on the receiving end of a mercy dance.] What's more, she said I didn't have to worry as she'd lead. Well...it didn't take more than a few steps before the amusement was on the other foot. She was impressed. I was tickled. And a good time was had by all.
Now no trip to Michigan would be complete without stopping in to see the Weed family: Lovely folks who Mark grew up with and who have always treated me like one of their own. So we'd arranged to spend the night a Phil and Toni's the night before we flew back home. And we arrived to find what we affectionately call "the deck party" already in progress - complete with Toni's scrumptious cuisine, good company, and lively conversation. What's more, we finally got to meet Sam - a huge rescued Mastiff mix who isn't at all fond of other animals, but who literally lies down and cries when it rains - with whom we both fell irrevocably in love.
Anyway...since Sam's dislike of other animals has been the source of more than a little aggravation, Phil half-jokingly asked what I could do to solve the problem. Could I put a "good dog" spell on him? Could I magic him into acting right? Could I twitch my nose? Could I...? Well...we all laughed until we cried. For the truth is that Sam is a really good dog with a big heart. He loves humans and is so well-behaved he's undergoing training as a therapy dog. And as long as he's walked on a leash outside his yard, there isn't a problem at all.
The next day provided one of those unexpected opportunities, though. We'd all decided to take Sam for a walk and go see the newly rebuilt, remodeled Catholic church. And once we were there, we decided it would be a shame to let that opportunity go to waste. So...grabbing Sam's leash, I marched him right through the doors and parked him next to the holy water font where I - are you ready for this? - anointed him with holy water and uncrossed him! So...did it work? Well...since Sam is never walked outside his personal space without a leash, I guess we'll never know. ;)
Not long after we got home, my friend Michelle came over for a visit. Since we share a love of fabric and patchwork - honest to Gods, we really oughta buy stock in a fabric company - I pulled out some of the quilt tops I'd been piecing so she could take a look. And as I spread out the last one, she got that funny look on her face. The one that means she's got a great idea. A great idea that's likely to make money but be so much work, that in the end, I don't know whether to kiss her or kill her.
So what was her great idea? Well...she thought the large center block in that particular piece would make a great altar cloth. And if I did them as a limited edition series of 100 - with each one signed and numbered - they'd sell like hotcakes. So I mulled it over for a few days, decided to make a couple, and see what happened. I figured if they sold, I'd only make about 20 each year - that way, my workload wouldn't be too heavy - and I could also take custom orders to accomodate personal color choices. And if they didn't? Well...I'd only have invested a small amount of time and material, so it wouldn't be a big deal.
All I can say is holy crap! I posted pictures of the first two on my Facebook page, and they sold in less than five minutes. Custom orders began to roll in fast and furious. I made a jillion trips to the fabric store. I set about turning my office into a veritable sewing studio. And I sewed...and sewed....and sewed. What's more, I was having the time of my life!
Of course, that idea I had about only making 20 cloths per year flew right out the window, for at this writing I have fewer than 20 altar cloths to make to finish the series. But that's also good news for you, since you still have time to get one if you hurry - and in your choice of colors! For more information or to order, just surf over to www.wickedwitchstudios.com, and I'll do what I can to accommodate you. ;)
About Michelle...suffice it to say that she's still one of the dearest friends I've ever had. What's more, she's still alive and well. This was one of the best ideas she's ever had...and not only do I love her, my Muses do as well!
Toward the end of the month, I took a little break from sewing and headed over to Morgana's Elementals in Winchester, Virginia. It's one of my favorite places for a number of reasons. For one thing, the store is small enough to have that personal touch, and large enough to sport all sorts of wonderful, one-of-a-kind merchandise. For another, the clientele that frequents the store is comprised of lovely, interesting people. And if that's not enough, Teresa [the proprietress] and her husband, Tom, always treat me so well I never want to leave. [Such was the case that day, for I arrived to find a Box o' Joe, assorted chocolates and all sorts of other goodies on my reading table - and they'd already made plans to take me to a steak house for dinner that night. Gotta love that! ;)] That particular day, though, held an extra bonus: Debbie and Stacy - two of my trad mates - had driven in from Pennsylvania, which was a real treat since I hadn't seen them in a while.
My readings went well, and the class - which was more of a Q&A based on "everything you wanted to know about Hoodoo but were afraid to ask" - was more well-attended than I could've ever imagined. In fact, we were scrambling for chairs, and some folks even wound up sitting on the floor! Who knew so many people were interested in Hoodoo? Or that they'd all be interested in picking my brain?! Needless to say, it was a wonderful event. And as is always the case, I can't wait to go back!
Two weeks later, it was time for me to hit the road again. The real road. The one that required packing the car with enough stuff to make it through a weekend. And so I did - this time, making my way to Mystickal Tymes in New Hope, Pennsylvania. For those of you who don't know much about New Hope, it's filled with the glamorous history of film-making, and is where the first silent films were shot, including "The Perils of Pauline." [Incidentally, the railroad track where Paul Panzer tied Pearl White for an episode of that series - now known affectionately as "Pauline's Trestle" - not only still exists in New Hope, but is still in use.] And had things gone as originally planned, it would've been the location of Hollywood as we know it today. While things seldom go as planned, that glamorous, glitzy, sumptuous atmosphere is still alive and well in the old town district. And Mystickal Tymes is no exception. The proprietors, Eric and Ed, have exquisite taste, and go to great lengths to provide their clientele not only with wonderfully unique items, but a "pampered" sort of service as well. A sort of pampering that's always been extended to me as well.
On this particular visit, such was especially so. For I arrived to discover that they'd put me up at The Wishing Well, a lovely, said-to-be-haunted bed and breakfast just a short distance from the store. But what was really cool was they'd reserved the Blue Room for me: A room that was literally hidden behind a fully stocked bookcase, with the rack itself serving as the door. [Okay, I'll admit it: It was so well-hidden that I actually walked past it twice - and once, I had trouble remembering the exact location of the keyhole! LOL!] But that wasn't the only unique characteristic of the Blue Room. While I wasn't bothered with haints, I quickly discovered that time literally stood still within its boundaries. Seconds ticked off like minutes, and minutes like hours. What normally took me 20 minutes to do in the morning, I managed to accomplish in less than 10. It was absolutely amazing - and provided me with one of the most relaxing stays I've ever experienced!
But did I work? Well, of course, I did! I gave three classes while I was there, made some wonderful new friends, and had the opportunity to visit with old. It was an utterly fabulous experience, and I hope to be invited back next year.
You've probably noticed that I haven't said a word about Dixie [our rescued black lab wild child] heretofore - and since she was such a pain in the ass when we got her last year, and I wrote so much about her - you're probably wondering why. Fact is, she definitely still lives with us and always will. But I've been saving all news of her for just this spot. ;)
You see...I returned home to a ton or altar cloth orders and started in on them right away. And Dixie, being Dixie, wanted to help me sew. She brought me balls. She brought me bones. She tried climbing up in my lap. [Just try sewing with an 80 pound lab in your lap, and see how well you do! LOL!] And when I reminded her that she could best help me by not helping me - something that's managed to work before - she simply ignored me and tried another tack. She began to steal my already-cut fabric pieces and stash them under the living room furniture for her personal perusal and use. [Hell's bells...we're still finding stacks of them!] So by the time mid-month rolled around, I was sick of playing the "this-is-Dixie's-this-is-not Dixie's game. In fact, I was getting downright aggravated.
But other things had gotten better over the last 9 months. She knew her basic commands and generally heeded them. She knew the difference between my routine and Mark's. And she knew that while Mark used the retractable leash - something that, to this day, I still can't seem to convince him not to use - I used the 6-foot leash and that was that. So it was with no apprehension whatsoever that I hooked her up and took her out for our regular morning walk.
Whether it's a female lab thing or not, I don't know. But Dixie, like predecessor, likes to have a little privacy when she does her stuff. And she gets that privacy by meandering down a rather steep hill while I stand on top. She tends to get a little excited and pulls on the leash, but as we've gotten rather used to each other, I've learned to brace myself. On this particular day, though, she got ahead of me and I wasn't ready. She took me skiing down the hill and I fell flat on my back. I tried to get up, but my right arm refused to hold my weight. And the whole time I'm trying to figure out how in the hell I'm going to find my feet again, my wonderful wild child is racing along - hopping on grasshoppers, catching butterflies in her mouth, and sniffing black-eyed susans and queen anne's lace - while dragging her leash behind her. What's more, she thought it was a grand game!
I finally managed to get up and nab her, but I can assure you it was no easy task. By the time I got her back home, I was hurting like hell. My vision was blurry. And that's when I realized I'd lost my glasses in the crash. So...back out to the crime scene I went, even though I knew it was a lost cause. Even if I managed to find them in all that tall grass, I knew they'd be scratched beyond repair. But search, I did [glasses, after all, are way too expensive not to make an effort] and believe it or not, I found them - completely unscathed. That was about the time I came to another realization as well: There was something drastically wrong with my right arm. I could move it back and forth. I could even wiggle my fingers. But I could not for the life of me lift it out from my side.
What ensued thereafter was an interesting chain of events. I'm not fond of doctors, so it took nearly another hour to decide I really needed to see one. I headed for the car only to discover I couldn't drive. [I couldn't even turn the key in the ignition.] There was another 45 minutes before I could get ahold of Mark. [He was in a meeting and his cell was turned off.] And when I finally did get to the emergency room, the x-ray tech had no pity for the fact that I really *couldn't* turn my arm the way she thought I should. By the time I finally saw a doctor, I just wanted to go home - and that being the case, I'd just about decided I didn't need to be in the ER at all.
See how wrong one person can be!
The doctor announced that I had a closed humeral neck fracture - a fancy term for a broken shoulder - informed me that I needed to see an orthopedist, proceeded to truss me up like a turkey, and wrote me a prescription for vicodin. The long and short of it was the only thing worthwhile at all was the vicodin, and I only had 12 of them. I couldn't get in to see the orthopedist for two weeks, and the trussing - with the exception of the sling - wasn't worth a damn. Why? Because I had to be on a plane in less than 48 hours for an appearance at Magical Mountain Mabon in New Mexico.
Now anyone who's ever attended one of my workshops knows that I pride myself of looking good. It's something I feel I owe the folks who buy my books and put meat and potatoes on my table. So you can imagine my surprise - and angst - upon discovering not only how much I actually used my right shoulder, but the things I used it for. I needed it to apply eyeliner and mascara. [No way was I even going to experiment with trying that left-handed!] I needed it to get dressed. I also needed it for putting on shoes, bras, and other assorted accoutrements. [At this point, even restroom breaks became an adventure!] So...because I would never - no matter the reason - cancel an event with just two days to go, I finally had to face facts. This appearance was going to be like no other. It was going to be the first time in 12 years I had ever appeared in public with no make-up. And although that upset me greatly, the truth was there wasn't one damned thing I could do about it.
One I got over that - which really did take some doing - I realized that with limited mobility, I simply didn't have the "reach" to pack. So...Michelle drove nearly two hours [through five o'clock traffic on the Capital Beltway, I might add] to do the job for me. [I owe you one, Darlin' - or maybe six! ;)] Even so, though, finding clothes that would actually work was a feat in and of itself. I couldn't do buttons. There were certain sleeves I couldn't manage. The only shoes that didn't require the use of my shoulder or arm were flip-flops. And while you might not think the latter was so bad, the festival in question was up in the mountains where it was likely to be chilly.
The good news - believe it or not, there actually was some - was multi-fold. Mark was accompanying me on this trip, so I wouldn't have to wrangle luggage. My dear friend, Kristin Madden and her son, Karl, were actually going to be there, and I was really looking forward to seeing them. What's more, I was finally going to have the chance to meet Kristin's elusive husband, Dave - a guy I kept hearing about, but wasn't sure really existed! So...Mark grabbed our stuff, tossed it in the car, and we headed for the airport.
The festival, itself, was fabulous! Even though it was cold and rainy the first day, Rose and Ina had everything under control. Kat and Darryl had generously offered their RV for our stay, and saw to it that we were dry and warm. I finally had the opportunity to spend some quality time visiting with Amber K and Azrael, who theretofore I'd only met in passing. And I discovered that Dave Madden not only existed, but was just the sort of delightful guy I'd have expected Kristin to fall in love with. But that's not all. The community there is truly just that: a real, live community that works together as a team, with each person doing his or her part. There's no grumbling. No snarking. Just an unsurpassed sense of unity and cooperation. And they definitely deserve kudos for that!
Even though I'd had a wonderful time at the festival, I was exhausted when I got home. What's more, I hurt. [Amazing how long you can make a dozen pain killers last when you have to, and I'd saved my last vicodin for the plane ride home.] Normally, I'd have just had my prescription refilled and gone to bed with a wet rag, but there was no time for that. You see...I had less than ten days to learn to drive all over again - and this time with my left hand. Why? Because I was leaving for my 14-day New England tour on the first of October, I was driving the whole trip, and since no one was able to take off work for two weeks to baby me, I was going alone.
That being the case, there were other issues to resolve as well. Fourteen days on the road means luggage. And even though I now had some mobility - meaning I could now sign my name well enough to autograph a book, and had enough reach to pack - I still wasn't able to handle heavy bags. So before it was said and done, I felt much like an engineer. I figured and calculated. I drew scaled pictures of my trunk space, car space and luggage. And when I was done, I had a plan: I'd put the stuff I'd need every day in a tote bag and toss it in the front seat for easy access. My appearance clothes would be packed on their hangers and folded into a large bag - a bag which would stay in the trunk, zipper side out, so I could just grab whatever I needed to wear on any particular day. Admittedly, it wasn't a great plan. But it was the best I could do, so I called it good and set about perfecting my driving skills.
The left-handed path isn't an easy one - at least, not when it comes to driving. I quickly discovered that I could not drive at all with my arm in that ridiculous sling. [It went right in the trash.] I not only had to use my left hand to turn the key, but to put the car in gear as well. [Thank the Gods I decided against that manual transmission I'd originally wanted!] Left-hand turns were iffy. Parking was a bitch. And if that weren't enough to deal with, there was also the lecture I'd gotten from the orthopedist. Not that he'd had any business whatsoever lecturing me, especially since he admitted that it wasn't medically unsafe for me to drive. But for whatever reason, he'd still thought it necessary to remind me that if I couldn't swerve in time to avoid an accident - regardless of whose fault it was - I'd be the one with the ticket and license points, after which he offered me a refill on the vicodin. How stupid was that? Especially after having had the balls to lecture on safety! Suffice it say that I refused the offer - there was no way I was going to be hopped up on painkillers while doing my damnedest to stay on the road - and left his office never to return.
The first of October dawned bright and early, and I set off for Connecticut. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than just a little apprehensive, for it was an 8 hour jaunt on a good day with both hands. What worried me most was that I'd have to take the George Washington bridge and drive through Manhattan. There'd be lots of starts and stops and possible lane changes. And since my injured shoulder also affected neck mobility on the right side, it meant relying solely on side mirrors - something which, due to blind spots, I've never been inclined to do. But I'd never backed down from a challenge, so I pushed those worries aside, and managed to drive 4 hours before stopping. The drive through Manhattan was much easier than I'd imagined, and I actually reached my destination in seven and a half hours flat. [Pretty good for a cripple, huh?! ;)]
Fortunately, I didn't have any appearances that day - I'd actually planned two days of driving time since the first one was in Maine - so the only thing on my agenda was a good night's sleep at Lynn and Erin's place, and a quiet dinner that included our friend, Maureen. It was precisely the right prescription after a long, exhausting day. I felt safe and pampered. The food was wonderful. I slept like a baby. And bright and early the next morning, I set off again - this time, for Sanford, Maine.
Since the drive that day was only a couple of hours, I wasn't concerned. Besides...I was sharing a room with my friend, Pam - who was in town for a few days, and whom I hadn't seen in ages - and I was really looking forward to seeing her. Now Pam is one of the best intuitives/psychics I've ever met. And over the months we'd planned this visit, she'd kept reminding me that the hotel room was booked for 5 days, so I was more than welcome to stay more than that one night - an offer I'd declined because my retailers had already made arrangements for my accommodations. Little did I know I should've listened. And next time, maybe I will! But I'll get to that in a minute. ;)
The next day was a rainy one, but after two good night's sleep, my spirits were high. And so it was that I set off for Leapin' Lizards in Freeport, Maine. The road conditions crumby, the road construction was a bitch, and by the time I arrived it was absolutely pouring. The store, however, was warm and inviting with lots of cool merchandise, and the staff was lovely. I spent the day doing readings, and the class that night was lively. And by the time we closed the store and were ready to head for Melissa's [the proprietress's] place, I was feeling pretty good about things.
At least, until I realized just exactly where Melissa lived. Not that there was anything wrong with her area. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's just that I've got mild night blindness, it was still pouring, and the glare of car lights on a wet windshield makes it worse. Couple that with the fact that I'd have to travel unfamiliar country roads and was still driving left-handed...well...you get the picture. So at that point, I decided to call Pam and take her up on her offer as the trip back to the hotel only involved the interstate.
She didn't answer her phone. But as I knew she was still staying at the hotel, that wasn't a big deal. If she wasn't at the hotel when I got there, I'd just wait. So, since I still had the hotel address plugged into my gps, I took off. There was only one problem: the gps couldn't find a satellite. But since that sometimes happens - especially with rain - and I knew where the town in question was, I decided that was no big deal, either. The gps would eventually find itself, and I'd be safe and warm back at the room before I knew it.
In retrospect, I probably should've just bitten the bullet and gone to Melissa's, for what awaited me on the interstate was my worst nightmare. It was raining so hard I couldn't see. The windshield wipers couldn't wipe fast enough. The water on the road had completely obliterated all lane separations. Water pockets caused literal tidal waves across the windshield since my car is so low to the ground. And to make matters worse, there was no way to pull over and wait it out - nor did I dare try to exit. [If the water on the interstate was that bad, I knew the downhill exits would be flooded.]
And so...I crept along the interstate, left-handed and white-knuckled. But if I thought what I'd already experienced was scary, I hadn't seen anything yet. The exit from I-295 onto I-95 is a long, high cloverleaf. A cloverleaf with no reflectors and no lights. And as I entered it, I not only couldn't see my hand in front of my face, I couldn't see the guard rail. So round and round I went, alternately screaming at the Ancients that I simply could not die like this, and praying that I wouldn't. I'm not afraid of much, Folks. But at that point I was more afraid than I'd ever been in my entire life; in fact, I was absolutely terrified.
Needless to say, I didn't go flying off the cloverleaf - Imagine the headlines, if you will: "Infamous Witch Flies Off Cloverleaf Without Benefit of Broom!" - and I did finally make it back to the hotel, albeit with some step-by-step verbal directions from Pam and our friend, Caroline.
The next day was sunny - thank the Gods! - and I was scheduled at Melissa's other Leapin' Lizards location in Portland, Maine. But since the gps never did manage to find a satellite the night before, I decided to check it before I took off. And it was a damned good thing I did. It still couldn't find its location, and that meant I was screwed. Royally. Why? Because the driving directions to every single store at which I was appearing were stored on the sorry little device, so I had no idea how to get to any of them!
But while I was uttering a stream of profanity designed to make a Marine drill sergeant blush, Pam came to my rescue. Not only did she know exact location of the Portland store, she gave me written directions. And then - honest to Gods, somebody oughta name a church after her for this - she offered to shop for a new gps while I was gone, so I'd have it in hand for the next day's excursion! [Thank you, Pam, from the bottom of my heart!]
Pam's directions were perfect, and I even managed to get to the store before it opened. I sat in the parking lot and collected my thoughts - none of which were too good. I spent a little time beating myself up over not having paid any attention to the misgivings I'd had about coming after I'd broken my shoulder. [Something that was short-lived, since you never cancel a tour that's been booked for over a year - a tour that retailers have spent money advertising - unless you've died in the interim and have already been buried. ;)] And then...my thoughts turned to Ganesha and that little ritual I'd led at Mystic Moon a few months earlier. What I'd said to Him was that I was tired, that I wanted to be at home, and that I needed Him to provide a way for me to have a successful career without so much travel. That's when I wanted to kick myself. I'd forgotten that Ganesha - for all His power - was an "infant" God, and one must truly keep it simple when dealing with toddlers. He'd apparently heard the word, "home," and missed all the rest. And since His best to keep me there hadn't worked, He was doing his damnedest to send me back. ;)
Needless to say, I had a rather firm chat with my little elephant-headed Friend. I explained in no uncertain terms that no matter how much I wanted to go home, it could not happen until I'd completed the tour. Further, it was His job to remove obstacles, not toss them in my way - and He needed to get with the program and act accordingly. [It must've worked, for the rest of the day went beautifully, and even ended with a lovely dinner in downtown Portland with Melissa and her family - and dessert at the Cold Stone Creamery! What could be better than that?! ;)]
The next morning I hugged Pam goodbye, and armed with a brand-new TomTom in a size that even tired, old eyes like mine could see, I headed for Gardenia's in Derry, New Hampshire. I was in much better spirits that day, for one thing was certain: No matter what awaited me in Derry, it was going to be an absolutely lovely night. How did I know? Because I was staying with Christopher Penczak and his partners, Steve and Adam - and no one other than Mark has ever pampered me like they do. What I didn't count on was that Donna, the proprietress of Gardenia's, was going to pamper me as well!
The day was, in a word, fabulous! It was filled with good conversation, great coffee, and wonderful food - Donna fed me 'til I thought I'd pop! - set in the sort of relaxing, comfortable atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. The shop was a lovely surprise, too, in that it's truly designed for practicing Witches rather than the New Age crowd - something that thrilled me beyond belief for two reasons. First, shops of that caliber are seldom exist anymore, and the owners of those that do generally hide behind a fluffy exterior so they don't offend anyone. Such is not the case with Gardenia's, and I was very impressed by the honesty with which Donna does business. Secondly and just as important, I knew that I wouldn't have to watch my mouth or worry that I'd be too raucous for the clientele, for practicing Witches have a unique understanding of each other and appreciate an honest delivery when it comes to class presentations.
I wasn't disappointed. I taught class that evening to a standing-room-only crowd, and everyone had a fabulous time. And by the time I headed for Christopher's, I was in much better spirits than I had been since the day I'd left home.
After a long, leisurely breakfast with Christopher and Steve, it was time to get on the road again. And this time, I was headed for Circles of Wisdom in Andover, Massachusetts. Kathy, the proprietress, and I had chatted with each other several times since I'd left home, as class registration wasn't as hefty as she'd expected, and she was a bit concerned. Since event attendance is always a crap shoot, though - something I've learned to expect - we decided to go ahead with things anyway. Worst case scenario? I spent a relaxing day in a lovely store, and didn't have to work at all. And when you're on the road as much as I am, that's not such a bad deal, either! LOL!
The store was, indeed, lovely and had some of the most beautiful jewelry and stone specimens I've ever seen. And even though I only had a few readings and class attendance was a bit low, it turned out well all the way around. It meant I could spend a little extra time with my reading clients. It meant I could tailor my class to the wonderful folks who attended - thanks so much, Tammy, for the gorgeous bouquet! - and get right down to the exact things they'd come to learn without all the superfluous stuff. And...it also meant that I actually had time for that lovely, leisurely dinner with Kathy, and wasn't absolutely exhausted when it was time to call it a day.
In the final analysis, it turned out to be a great day, and I was more than a little tickled we hadn't cancelled. If we had, I'd have missed meeting some wonderful folks - and that would've been a pity, indeed!
I awoke the next morning to a major rainstorm: something that, after my recent near-death-by-water experience, set my nerves on edge. [The fact that the day's travel included driving through the Boston Tunnel - a place I normally avoid like the plague - didn't help matters, either.] So I packed the car earlier than I'd intended, thanked Kathy for her gracious hospitality, and headed out for Incantations in North Plymouth, Massachusetts. The decision had been a good one, as visibility was poor and the Boston traffic, a real bitch. But luck was with me. I managed to reach North Plymouth with time to spare. Enough time, in fact, to grab a Box O' Joe from the local Dunkin' Donuts. And there's definitely something to be said for that!
I have to say that Incantations is probably one of the coolest stores I've ever visited. The place is huge - with one room after another - and fully stocked with every herb, stone, and ritual necessity you can imagine. Gene, the proprietor, has done an excellent job with the arrangement and decor, and the atmosphere is just as magical and gracious as the man who owns it. [I've gotta admit that seeing a store set up the way I think it should be actually rekindled that almost forgotten desire to have a shop of my own some day. But don't get too excited, Folks. That would be a long way down the road. And first, I'd have to convince Gene to help me set it up! LOL!]
Despite the earlier rain and traffic, the day at Incantations was fabulous! I spent a good portion of the afternoon with reading clients, then was whisked away for a sumptuous dinner of Gene's homemade lasagna before the night's class. Class went well - the Swifting of Energy always does - and everybody seemed to get exactly what they needed. And once we wrapped things up, it was off to Gene's to meet his lovely wife, and spend the night in their sumptuous Victorian.
After a wonderful breakfast with Gene, I headed out for The Silver Willow in Rehoboth, Massachusetts - and as I love the store, its proprietor, Chuck, and his clientele, it was a trip to which I was really looking forward. Since the drive took several hours, though, I had some time to think. And the first thing that crossed my mind was that I really needed a hotel room for the night.
Don't misunderstand. My accommodations up to that point had been lovely and luxurious to say the least. It's just that I'd been staying in other people's homes since I said good-bye to Pam, and I try my damnedest to be a good house guest. That means concerning myself with shower schedules, taking care not to use all the hot water, and being careful of how long I keep the bathroom tied up. But in this case, those weren't my only concerns. I'd also discovered that with my limited reach, it was damned near impossible to shave my legs in a shower stall, and I was starting to feel much akin to a grizzly bear. [Okay...I'll admit it...I'd already lost my balance and slipped trying that stunt, and having a repeat episode was not high on my list of fun things to do!] So by the time I reached The Silver Willow, I'd decided that if I was scheduled to stay in someone's home that night, I'd simply beg off graciously, find a room and pay for it out of pocket.
Now I've often said that the Ancients never whop you on the head without pinching your cheek. And this time, They must've taken stock of the fact They'd been falling down on the job and did, indeed, offer up a perk. For I arrived at the store only to discover that a hotel room had already been booked for me - and all I had to do was check in! ;)
Needless to say, that little perk set the stage for the rest of the day. My readings were steady and went well, the class was a hit and well-attended, I was taken out for an absolutely scrumptious seafood dinner, and...I even got to shave my legs! LOL!
By the next morning, the rain had hit again. But this time, I only had to deal with scattered showers - and that was something I really didn't mind. Besides, I was headed out to spend two whole days at Some Enchanted Evening in Spencer, Massachusetts - a lovely store housed in a gorgeous old Victorian - and because Diane [the proprietress], her family, and her clientele are some of the neatest folks I've ever met, I could hardly wait to get there. Another plus is that they always take me to eat at Cracker Barrel, which I love. And if that weren't enough, this particular visit held an additional surprise. The apartment - which encompasses the whole upper story of the building - was not only finished, but all mine for the entire stay. [Damn...when the Ancients start handing out perks, They really do it up right! Chuckle!]
The first day included a Meet-n-Greet and Booksigning, and a class on Circle casting. Now I have to admit that I was a little antsy about doing that class, as I knew firsthand that most of Diane's clients were perfectly capable of putting up a ritual Circle without any help from me. But she insisted, so I agreed. As things would have it, I got to the classroom only to have my worst fear hit me square in the face: Every single one of the attendees was a seasoned Witch, all of whom had been casting Circles nearly as long as I. So...I switched gears in mid-stream. I pulled out a package of my own personal wands - something I'd brought along just in case - and started passing them around. As each one feels different, that provided an opening to discuss Circle energies and which ones were more helpful and/or appropriate for certain efforts. The change in plans was a success. And everyone - including me - went away from it have learned something. ;)
The next day was filled with readings - tons of them - and during my breaks, I shopped. [One simply cannot visit Diane's store without shopping. I don't know what sort of spell she used to magic the store, but I have to say it's a damned good one, as the items within literally beg folks to take them home!] So...after shopping 'til I dropped, a great meal at Cracker Barrel, and a long hot bath, I slipped into bed for a good night's sleep.
I woke early the next morning to a minor snow flurry, but I wasn't worried. It was an easy drive to Mystical Horizons in Old Mystic, Connecticut - I was getting pretty good at left-handed maneuvering - and my schedule for that day was really light. [How much energy, after all, does a simple booksigning and meet-n-greet take? ;)] So I took my time dressing and packing, made a quick stop for coffee and bagels, and meandered down the road.
Lynn and Maureen [the proprietresses] are great friends, and I've been doing appearances at their store for over a decades. And even though my events there are always enjoyable and successful, there's always an added perk: My annual gambling date with Lynn! That's right, we always reserve at least one evening of my visit to hit the casinos. [With one of the stores situated right between Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, it's an opportunity too good to miss. ;)] So...although I knew the next morning would be an early one, my intention was to keep that date - even if it was only for a few hours instead of half the night.
By the time we wrapped things up at the store, though, I was worn to a frazzle. It hadn't been a hard day. Not at all. It's just that the rest of the tour had begun to catch up with me. [Funny how that happens when you've got a chance to stop and catch your breath!] And as much as I hate to admit it, I was way too tired to go anywhere - except, of course, to Lynn and Erin's for a hot meal and a comfy bed.
A good night's sleep was just the ticket, for I woke the next morning refreshed and invigorated, and ready to make the 4 hour drive to Brid's Closet in Cornwall, NY. The trip was easier than I thought, and I even managed to find a parking space close to the store - quite a feat in downtown Cornwall, though I suspect the Ancients were still trying to make up for falling down on the job earlier.
All I can say is that Bernadette [the proprietress] really knows how to throw an event! I arrived to find a huge assortment of hors d'oeuvre trays, chips, dips, donuts, drinks, etc. - you name it, it was there - a absolutely gorgeous gift basket filled with wondrous goodies, and a gracious sense of hospitality that's seldom found north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The clientele is also comprised of some of the most gracious, loving people I've ever met. I can't even begin to tell you how many folks went out of their way to bring me cups of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, and/or arrived with gifts - even heat wraps for my shoulder. It was a wonderful day filled with hugs and laughter, and magical practitioners from all over, even as far as New York City!
The shop, itself, simply exudes magic, and truly caters to those who actually practice witchcraft rather than just dabble in it. I was thrilled to find fully stocked shelves of Florida Water, powders and washes - things that most practitioners wind up having to whip up themselves - as well as the standard ritual supply items. And had I not already been put at ease, that would've done the trick. Why? Because the class that night was "Magic Down & Dirty" - one that isn't at all designed for the faint of heart or squeamish. ;)
The class was definitely a hit and more well-attended than I could ever have imagined. And after a wonderful dinner with my new-found friends, there was one more suprise in store: I had actually been booked into a haunted mansion for the night...a haunted mansion that I had all to myself! It was the perfect end to a perfect day - and I can only hope that Bernadette, her wonderful husband, and their delightful clientele know just how much their efforts were appreciated.
The next morning I was raring to go. It wasn't that I'd been bothered by the mansion's unseen residents. Not at all. In fact, they'd been kind enough to leave a tired, old woman alone in peace. Instead, it was that I was headed for my last appearance of the tour - Celtic Myth & Moonlight in West Reading, Pennsylvania - and I was really anxious to get there for a number of reasons. To start with, Dot, the proprietress, had been a joy to deal with, I already thought she was the sweetest woman in the world, and I couldn't wait to meet her. The event had also presented me with the opportunity to see my dear friends, Bob Moyer and Sabrina the Ink Witch, neither of whom I'd seen in ages. And if that weren't enough, knowing that it was the last tour appearance also brought the knowledge that I was only one day out from getting home to Mark and Dixie, both of whom I missed terribly.
I arrived to find that Dot really was the sweetest woman in the world, and that her store was nothing short of magnificent. An elegant mix of Celtic giftware, books, clothing, and ritual supplies, one gets the idea that she hand picks every piece lucky enough to enter the door. Her clientele is a wonderful mix as well - I wound up wondering if she'd hand-picked them, too! LOL! - with diverse backgrounds and magical systems, but none favoring the "fluffy" sort of ideaology that one so often encounters during a lengthy tour. My visit there was an absolute joy, with huge class attendance, lots of stimulating conversation, and great shopping. I also had the privilege of being at the center of the very first author event Dot had ever planned - and if this was her first, I can't even imagine what her events will be like down the road! ;)
No one pampers a Witch like another Witch - especially when they're both Southern born and bred - and such was the case when Sabrina whisked me off to her home after the event. Due to her gracious hospitality and that of her husband, I've seldom felt so comfortable or so much at home. I arrived to warm brownies and hot coffee. I was wrapped in blankets while we visited on the deck. And then...I settled into an oh-so-comfortable bed, complete with that luscious sort of bedding one only dreams about. I slept like the proverbial baby. And whether it was the bed, the fact that it was in close proximity to Sabrina's magical working area, or a combination of both, I'll probably never know.
Morning dawned gorgeously sunny and crisp, the perfect weather for the drive back home. But since Sabrina and I don't get to see each other very often, I'd decided to get some visiting in before I left. And am I glad I did! For if I hadn't, I'd have missed the most wonderful breakfast in the world. That's right, Folks...Sabrina was fixing none other than biscuits and gravy - and that's something no Southerner can ever resist!
After a jillion hugs and a heartfelt thank you, it was time to get on the road for home. And even though I was sorry that our visit was so short, I was anxious to make my way toward another sort of pampering: the kind that Mark manages so well whenever I walk through the front door after a long tour. ;)
Even though I'd already finished with my appearances for the year, the dream of staying at home for a while was short-lived. Why? Because I was headed for the West Coast: This time for the Georgian Elders Conference in Bakersfield, California. Traveling all the way across the country gets expensive when airfare is involved, but this time, I got lucky and was able to use some of those frequent flyer miles I'd racked up. The only problem was there weren't many choices when it came to departure times. And since I had a 6:00a.m. flight, that meant getting up at 2:00a.m. to be at the airport by 4:00a.m.
This time, though, I really didn't mind so much. You see, we'd never had an official meeting of the Elders of the Georgian Trad, so this was a ground-breaking conference of sorts. Couple that with the fact that I hadn't seen some of those folks in over 20 years, and it's easy to see how my excitement managed to outweigh that minor inconvenience. It also helped that my flights were on time, my luggage managed to arrive with me, and I didn't have to wait for the rental car shuttle at the Los Angeles airport.
It was a good thing I'd had a fairly easy day; otherwise, the episode at the rental car place would've sent me right into a tailspin. Why? Well...to start with, the car I'd reserved wasn't available. With gas prices being iffy, I always reserve an economy car to make sure I won't spend my life savings at the gas pump. But unfortunately, they were completely out of them. [Damn...I thought "reserve" was key to "reservation," but I guess no one at the counter ever thought of that!] So I agreed to take the upgrade - what else could I do? - and just about the time the clerk had finished typing in all the information...the computers froze. [Not just hers, but all of them - including the mainframe.] Phone calls were made, a lot of tech talk ensued, and some fifteen minutes later or so, we were in business.
I grabbed the paperwork and headed across the parking lot to my assigned space. And lo and behold, what did I find? Some guy already loading his stuff into the car I'd just rented! We were both sure there was some mistake, so we compared paperwork - only to find out that we had, indeed, rented the same car. Since his stuff was already loaded, I hauled my luggage all the way back across the parking lot and marched myself - broken shoulder and all - into the rental office again where I waited in line for another fifteen minutes or so. And once the problem was fixed, I made the trip again: this time to a car I didn't have to fight over.
My stuff in the trunk, I strapped myself in and started about the business of inserting the key in the ignition. And that's when the real trouble started. It wasn't on the steering column. It wasn't anywhere at all that I could see. In fact, I realized I didn't even have a real key - just something that looked like a glorified USB stick. WTF?! Not to be deterred, I finally found a button marked "START." I pushed it. Nothing happened. I pushed it again. Same results. I unstrapped, got out of the car and looked around.
"Hey there," I called to a couple of maintenance guys in close proximity, "could you help me, please?"
They quickly trotted across the lot and got busy with solving my plight. One of them pointed to the key slot just below the air vent by the driver's side window - a spot so easily accessible to thieves, I couldn't believe anyone had actually approved that design - while the other told me to step on the brake and push the start button. I did. Nothing happened.
"You're not doing it right," he said.
He could've lived all day without having said that to me, for now I was getting aggravated. "How the hell else can I do it?" I countered.
He grinned. "Try it again."
When I did and nothing happened, I was well on my way to exasperation - especially when he said, "Good. You're good to go."
"What?!"
"The ready light is on."
I shot him that look that all kids - human and otherwise - know. It's the one that crosses the faces of mothers everywhere just before they eat their young. "What the hell do you mean, I'm good to go? The engine didn't even start."
"Yes. It did."
"You're telling me that if I step on the gas, these wheels are going to roll?"
He nodded affirmatively and smiled. So...I did, indeed, step on the gas. The wheels did roll. And before it was said and done, I was smiling, too. ;)
Now I'm sure a good number of you are laughing your asses off at the very thought of someone too stupid to operate a hybrid vehicle. But the fact of the matter is that they are much different than the traditional sort. And if you've never driven one, it's easy to be at a loss. The good news is that I wound up LOVING that rental car. In all the time I've been renting vehicles, I've never seen such fuel efficiency nor been so comfortable. ;)
But what about the conference? It was wonderful! I got to catch up with old friends and meet new. We took care of business with nary a squabble - something that's damned near unheard of when it comes to sorting through and updating a trad - and we all had a fabulous time. I can hardly wait until the next one!
Once I got home from the conference, it was time to start sewing again as altar cloth orders had come in quicker than you can say...well..."Altar Cloth!" Chuckle! My Muses - Who had theretofore been relatively lazy - suddenly woke up and got busy. Before I knew it, I was at the design board tinkering with patterns and working up new products. And that's when it hit me: I'd asked Ganesha for career success at home, and even though this certainly wasn't what I'd envisioned, He'd definitely done His job. He'd removed some obstacles, opened some doors, and given me a new business in the process. All I had to do was get to work!
So with that in mind, I decided on an appropriate name, bought www.wickedwitchstudios.com, and started about the business of setting up the web site - the latter of which took some doing. You see, I'm not a website designer. But I am a control freak - at least, when it comes to my livelihood. I also took art/painting lessons from a very early age, and have very definite ideas about composition, color, and aesthetics. And because I'm so persnickety that I don't trust anyone else to do the job for me, I always set up my own sites. So I worked it in between orders. And about a week later, the site was up and running and ready to go.
With that out of the way, I went back to work on the new products, tweaking them here and there until they were items upon which I'd be proud to sign my name. I made a few samples and went back to the drawing board. It wasn't that I didn't like them. I did. But when you're in business for yourself, two things loom largely on the balance sheet: time and material. Some simply cost so much to make that I knew folks couldn't afford to buy them. Others took way too much time. And since one of the selling points of this business was that I'd promised to sew each and every item myself, it wasn't feasible to offer anything I couldn't turn out fairly quickly. So I figured and calculated, finally made some decisions, and debuted the new items - a few of which you see here.
Apparently I made the right choices, because orders began to flow in for those, too - so quickly, in fact, that I had to take a few days to reorganize my sewing studio. [Okay, I'll admit it. Dixie had begun to "help" me. She was not only snatching pretty fabric scraps from the trash, but had taken to counter surfing at the cutting table. And since fabric is expensive - and vet bills connected to the possible acquisition of my pincushion even moreso - I had to make some changes.] I bought fabric carts and tubs with snap-on lids. I put my collection of sweetgrass baskets into service to hold sewing tools. I arranged things in spots I knew my wild child - even with her seemingly elastic neck - couldn't possbily reach. And when I was done, I felt certain that even if my studio wasn't completely "Dixie-proof" - trust me, nothing is! - it was at least "Dixie-safe," and that was my main concern.
But the door to Wicked Witch Studios wasn't the only one Ganesha opened to me that month. Far from it. The opportunities to teach online classes and have my own jewelry line were presented as well - both about which I'm really excited. And even though neither is firmed up yet, I have no doubt they will be soon since one thing's for sure: Once Ganesha gets with the program, he gets things done - and in short order!
So...what else has been going on in my world? Lots of stuff! For one thing, Mark and I went on vacation in December, and wound up spending Yule, Xmas, and our 10th anniversary in Key West. It was a wonderful trip. But what most folks don't know about Mark is that you literally have to train to go on vacation with him - and if you're not in fine form athletically...well...you may as well stay at home! Chuckle! Think I'm kidding? Then try this on for size: The first full day we were there, we toured The Hemingway House, The Museum of Art and History, The Treasure Museum, The Butterfly House, The Little White House, and The Lighthouse Museum. [I should get a medal for climbing up and down that lighthouse!] And by the time we left, I think we'd seen everything Key West - and all the other Keys - had to offer. ;)
When we got back, I spent a little time in evaluation mode. I took a good hard look at the hefty tour schedules I'd kept over the last 12 years, and weighed them against the effect they'd had on me. And what I came up with is this: While I love meeting people and presenting seminars, the fact of the matter is that I'm tired. Bone tired. But that's not all. I've cut my time at home so short that I've had no time at all to write, much less do anything else. So..I finally decided to keep that promise to myself - the one I've been making forever - and actually cut this year's appearance schedule to a bare minimum. What this means is that I'm only doing four to five appearances this year that require airfare - all of which are either already booked or pending - and filling in with just a few day trips. It was a very difficult decision to make - but once done, I felt like I'd lost 20 pounds. [I just wish losing them in the physical realm was that easy! LOL!]
On another note...while I still don't know whether that uncrossing fixed Sam's dislike of other animals, I did discover that he's become quite the saint around the house. He even took to guarding the Xmas gifts for Phil's and Toni's grand-daughter - and there's definitely something to be said for that!
Okay...it's time to wrap this up. Stay safe, stay happy, and stay sassy. And have an absolutely fabulous Spring - whenever it finally decides to arrive! I'm counting on it. ;)
Much love and many hugs!
Dorothy…
Wicked Whispers
Ten years ago, Dorothy was courted by a major marketing firm and offered a job as spokesperson for a now well-known computer game, which she declined. Even though she gave the firm a list of contacts for other possible prospects, to this day no spokesperson have ever been chosen.Although Dorothy loves the City of New Orleans and truly considers it home, she has never once been to Mardi Gras. She much prefers the local flavor completely unseasoned by tourists. ;)
Dorothy despises naked walls. Since she truly believes that wall decor - or the lack of it - is representative of the creative mind, there's never been an unadorned wall in her home.
Cauldron Bubbles
& Candle Flames
[In each issue we'll include a spell or other magical working. Watch this spot closely. You never know when it may be a new and exclusive tidbit!]
It's often hard to know who our enemies are, or if we even have any. But the fact of the matter is that even the most wonderful folks in the world have a few. It's not that they did anything to hurt anybody. It's just that jealousy and misconception seem to run rampant within the human race, so we never know who might be annoyed at our successes, or who might delight at the thought of our personal demises.
Fortunately, there's an easy way to avoid any possible aggravation and stop enemies in their tracks. And all it takes is making the Witch's Bottle described below. If you've opted to bury it on your property, though, take note: You'll want to prepare another if you sell the property or decide to move away.
Materials List:
Small glass jar with a tight-fitting screw-on lid
An assortment of sharp objects [broken glass and pottery shards, razor blades, rusty nails and screws, pins and needles, and wood splinters are all good choices]
Personal taglocks [a snippet of your hair and/or your fingernail clippings will do nicely]
Your urine
Optional for women only: a tissue containing a few drops of your menstrual blood
Optional for men only: a tissue containing a few drops of your semen
Duct or electrical tape, or melted wax
Fill the jar at least half full of the sharp objects, place the taglocks on top, and if you wish, add the blood or semen. Finish filling the jar with your urine, and screw the jar lid on tightly. Then seal the lid well with tape or wax.
Since it's important that the container remain intact, tradition holds that it should be buried at least a foot deep on your property, and as close to the front door as possible. If you live in an apartment, though, what's traditional may not beat all feasible. In that case, simply put the jar out of the way - the back of a cabinet or closet, or on a dark shelf works well - and leave it there to do its thing.
- Charlotte -
This is a question I get a lot, but am happy to answer. If you read the preliminary instructions to the recipe section, you'll find that all the recipes - unless otherwise noted - can be used to prepare oils, incenses, washes, powders, etc. So...even if the recipe is listed as an oil, the ingredient list remains constant for an incense by the same name.
Hugs!
Dorothy…
My magic quit working. I keep doing spells - I've probably done five for money in the last month - but nothing happens. Please help!
- Andy -
Your magic hasn't quit working, Andy...you've just been sabotaging it, even if inadvertently. ;)
The fact of the matter is that for magic to work, you have to truly believe it will. Furthermore, you have to give it time to work. [Usually 21 days.] When you perform several spells for the same purpose without allotting the proper manifestation period, you have in effect, told the Universe that you didn't really believe your first spell would work. If you had, there'd have been no reason to do the second, or the third, etc. And that being the case, the spells keep cancelling each other out, putting you back at square one.
So...no matter how dire the circumstances, wait at least 21 days before you perform another money spell. I think you'll be surprised to find just how well it works!
Hugs!
Dorothy…
March 20th, 2010
Ostara Fest 2010
Harker Heights Local VFW Post 3892
Harker Heights, TX
[For more information, please call 254-698-2171 or check out the Sisters of the Earth & Sea website.]
March 21st, 2010
Sisters of the Earth & Sea
582 East Centex Exp.
Harker Heights, TX
[For more information, please call 254-698-2171 or check out the Sisters of the Earth & Sea website.]
May 13th - May 16th, 2010
Pagan Unity Festival
Montgomery Bell State Park
Burns, TN
[For more information, please check out the Pagan Unity Festival website.]
May 28th - May 31st, 2010
WytcheHaven Festival
Salem, AR
[For more information, please check out the WytcheHaven website.]
September 10th - 13th, 2010
Mystic Moon
3365 N. Military Highway
Norfolk, VA
[For further information, please check out the Mystic Moon website or call 757-855-3280.]
October 23rd, 2010
Hex Psychic Faire
Museum Place Mall
176 Essex Street
Salem, MA
Booksigning: Time to be Announced
5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m: Magic Down and Dirty Seminar
[For further information and reservations, please call 978-666-0765 or check out the Hex website.]
October 24th, 2010
Hex Psychic Faire
Museum Place Mall
176 Essex Street
Salem, MA
Booksigning: Time to be Announced
[For further information, please call 978-666-0765 or check out the Hex website.]
Get Entangled Today!
No amount of magical experience or expertise, though, could have ever prepared her for this. In fact, she never even dreamed it was possible: A living, breathing set of spells cast more than a hundred years ago with enough stamina to follow her into the present day. Yet, here it is, writhing and twisting with activity, permeating every sector of her life, and slipping its tentacles into the lives of everyone she holds dear. Now, she’s faced with having to disentangle each slippery strand and destroy the magic without destroying those she loves — or herself.
Browse Dorothy's New Line of Handcrafted Accoutrements at Wicked Witch Studios
Get Entangled in Lucinda's Web
Visit the Flying Monkey Express