The Grassy Owl

When my oldest son was small, he would marvel at the large round bails of hay that would line the fields in summer & fall.  He called them "grassy tires".  This term stuck with me and still to this day I call them this. 

Recently I spied this creation not far from home and had to share.  Another festive inexpensive way to celebrate the season. 

A Wonderful Surprise

I have to say I truly love surprises... so when I discovered this morning that I was choosen as the winner for the Queen of Cups Giveaway I was overjoyed.  It is my first time to win something since my blogging began so it is truly special.   A big thank you to Dawn over at Domestic Witch... it truly did brighten my day... I can't wait to get my goodies in the mail. 

My Quiet Spot

Earlier in the year, my daughter and her family moved out of state taking my 2 beloved grandbabies with them, Kylie 6 and Brexton 3. It was a big change for me as these little blessings had been around me constantly since birth. For the last 2 and 1/2 years I had been their GG and babysitter 3 days a week. Since my daughter worked 12 hour nursing shifts I watched them 24/7 during this time. It was wonderful as it gave me a wonderful opportunity to bond with them in a way I will always cherish.

When they moved I knew that I would need to fill the void that they left. Some of that was filled with extra time with my hubby, Vincent which at first was enough. Yet as time went on I needed more...thus my blogs began to transpire and I began to explore the areas of ME for a change.

One of the most recent projects was the extra bedroom. It used to be the kid's room and thus was decorated and designed with them in mind. Half being princess and the other half being cars & motorcycles. Yet I knew when they left that it needed to be changed.. For some time I left it as it was.. Even left toys on the floor so that I could glance in there occasionally and feel their presence.. Finally I changed it... Painted the walls, took out the twin beds, and created a more adult area. I have slowly begun to transform this room into a quiet spot for me... It already has their energies there which console me and bring joy to me; I felt it was a good beginning.

It is still very much a work in progress yet I wanted to share it with you. I just need to find me a nice chair to sit in the corner for when I wish to read or write.  I have visions of changes.. I would like to attempt a custom quilt for the bed.  Something with some rich colors in it to warm the aura a bit.  I still have not found the proper wall hangings... To tell the truth this could take some time to complete as I am one of those who wanders until I find that specific thing that grabs my senses.

I very much would like to also bring some life to the room with possibly some plants and flowers.. Being the naturist that I am this is an absolute must.  Although I like the openness of the room and do not want to over complicate it... It has helped me to divert some of my unsettleness as of late and channel it into a more productive sense.  Guess it is that pre-hibernation thing.. I am preparing myself and my cave for the winter ahead when I will not be as capable to go and frolic outdoors.  I don't do cold very well... call me silly but I really hate to put on so much clothes... Although I love to curl up with a nice wooly blanket and look at the snow falling outdoors... With a good book and a warm cup of stout tea & honey....

Have You Ever Wondered

Recently I was wandering about the area in search of some interesting photography moments... I had seen a few things that I wanted to photograph as well as visit the local cemetary and see if any interesting markers were present.  Sadly to my discovery the cemetary was rather new and very few older stones were present.  However I did run across a few that appeared to be home made.  The one above caught my eye when at first I spoted it from behind.  The barrel casing seemed interesting enough and the brass label on its top intrigued me even more.  When I went around to view it from the front I noticed the rough concrete and few old marbles that still remained in the indentions that circled the parimeter.  Scrawled into the concrete was the name Jackie Moon.  Weeds, which I soon learned were stickers covered the the bottom as to not show the date or additional information.  Upon clearing the weeds, it revealed the birth date of September 29th 1933. 

I sat and looked at this "monument" for sometime.  Partly because I had numerous stickers on me which needed to be plucked and also because its oddity intrigued me so.  I wondered who Jackie Moon was.  How did she die.  Why did she only have this meager homemade marker.  Yet as I looked at it I could see that although it was roughly made there was care and compassion that went into its creation.  I never did clear any further to reveal the date of passing, possibly because I knew I would accumulate more stickers, yet Jackie still remains on my mind. I am not sure if I will ever learn the full story of Jackie Moon, yet I have this feeling that I will return to her and possibly see what may come. 

There are stories all around us.  Old stories, new stories, good stories, and some not so good.  Every person whether living or passed, whether old or young, has one to tell.  Sometimes we like to stay centered on our story or a few others that surround us on a frequent basis never really venturing out to learn a new one.  This weeks assignment:  learn a new story.  In fact learn a couple. 

Story for Halloween

October is fast approaching.  Like many I am participating in Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween as well as Domestic Witch October Blog party.  I have many different things planned through out the month of October, yet one that I would like to give you a taste of early is my on going story.  It is called "The Woodman's Garden". 

Especially written with the Halloween spirt as well as others in mind, I hope that this little morsel will bring you back for more.  Be sure and look for the next installment on October 1st. 

The Woodman's Garden

Many years had passed since last she had seen the sights that were before her now. Truly she had believed they were a thing of her past. She had left vowing never to come back or even near this vicinity again. Too much pain and terrifying memories had occurred before and finally she had escaped. She was free. Free to be whoever and whatever she wanted to be. She left on that rainy October morning with all she had: herself. And that was really all she needed.

Yet here she was 11 years later. The same thing that had made her leave all those years ago was the same thing that brought her back, death. The first time it was her mother’s passing and this time it was the untimely death of her brother James. They had lost all contact after their mother’s death yet it was as she had wanted it to be, as did he. Although they shared the same mother this was where it ended. They did not have memories of close sibling ties. On the contrary, their relationship memories were often scarce and at times violent.

It was the lawyer who had contacted her to inform her of his fate and well after the funeral. She had not even known of his illness or sudden death until that afternoon when she received the call; the call that informed her that she was the last living heir to the Bayless estate. Although honestly, she never truly felt a true member of the family.

Memories of whispers and talk since she could remember filled her mind. They never really liked her, nor her mother. Yet her mother had choose the “Bayless way” and kept silent of their reasons. When her father, Mr. Bayless, passed her mother became even more distant. It was as if she did not acknowledge her anymore. When her mother passed she wept silently and alone for she knew she would never know all the secrets that she would take with her to her grave.

After her mother’s funeral, her brother continued the same treatment towards her. The will was quickly read and it was James who was placed in control. A meager allowance was given to her yet nothing more. It was as if it was the Bayless way of solidifying their intentions and feelings towards her once and for all. So she left, for there was nothing truly which held her there any longer.

As she met with the lawyer and he began to inform her of all the assets that now rest in her possession, she was astounded to find out the accumulative wealth she had just acquired. She had no idea there was so much. As he spoke of the Bayless manor she laughed. She found it comical that he would call the simple house in which she grew up a manor. He quickly corrected her, informing her that the house which she spoke of no longer existed. It had been torn down and burned shortly after the death of her mother 11 years ago. He spoke of Bayless Manor that lies on the outskirts of town.

It was the home in which her father’s grandparents had lived in the mid 1800’s. Passing it down to her grandfather Floyd and later to her father. A second home, slightly smaller stood adjacent to the main manor. The story was that it housed orphans up until the late 1800’s when it was suddenly shut down. It had long been boarded up and to her knowledge not used for anything but possibly occasional storage since she could remember.

She was given the keys to the manor as well as to any other buildings she could possibly need access to. The home was old and had not been kept up as it needed to be by her late brother James. She was informed of a petition being circulated throughout the town to tear the old home down as well as all buildings on the property. This was part of the reason that she had arrived back in her home town. She had a short period of time to review all she had be given and decide what actions to take in regards to their futures.

As she pulled her car up to the dreary home it loomed over her like her childhood, dark and uninviting.

And another Giveaway... from Millhouse Primitives

It seems everyone is in the giving spirit these days.. had to post one more giveaway... This time from Millhouse Primitives.  I am a lover of nostalgia.  If you click on the title it will take you to the site to sign up.  Drawing will be held on October 12th.. Lots of really neat things take a moment and check it out. 

Another Great Autumn Giveaway from OFG

Here I am again telling you about a great giveaway.  This time it is from Old Farmhouse Gathering. A wonderful basket filled with all sorts of good things.  Click on the title to head straight over to sign up... Drawing to be held on October 7th... This is one you just don't want to miss out on... The basket is even hand made.. (Baskets by Rose)  a true treasure. 

Around the Corner

Next week at this time we will be starting the month of October.  A favoritie of mine for so many reasons.  It's fall, it's cooler, it's perfect cooking weather, and oh yea.... it's 31 days from Halloween.  I have to be honest that I have never been one of those that goes over the top for Halloween, yet this year I have the bug more than usual.   Already I have all sorts of ideas for goodies to make.  Already I have the bowl of candy for my grandchildren prepared and ready to mail off to Tennessee.  Pumpkins already can be seen abundantly throughout the house.  Who knows maybe I'm changing.  And honestly I am not sure if that would be too bad.  As a child,  my memories of trick or treat were meager.  I owned but one costume, that of a witch (how fitting).  I wore it every year until it was too small and I claimed I was no longer interested in  getting candy.. Yea right.... I am not sure if I will ever get tired of candy... even now... Oh yea already I have my bowls of treats out... My favorities... those fat chewy tootsie rolls.  Not the little midgets... the others that let you taste just how yummy a tootsie roll really is... Maybe Im making up for lost time... :-)    who knows...

Ah... the sweet lingering smells of the end of summer...

Thursday Morn....

For some time now, I have felt a strong need to organize... clean.... prioritize... All those words somewhat describe my inner feelings yet none quite exact.  These are usually urges that are strongest in the spring as new growth and birth come about, yet here it is the beginning of fall and I can not seem to shake them.

I will admit that for the last year my schedule has been somewhat askew to say the least.  The grandkids have moved out of state.  No longer do I have the joy of watching them 3 days a week.   Vince's work has slowed considerably and he is home much more than before.  This in itself has changed my schedule significantly.  I do not have the leisure of  time as I had before. 

Yet despite this I have a strong feeling to gather myself and get myself in order.  I know the importance of tending to oneself.  I understand that one can not truly give the best they have to others if they do not first give to themselves.  I feel myself yearning for silence & solitude.  Just quiet moments alone.  It is as if a change is near. 

I welcome change, although I will admit that it often brings some discomfort.  Usually nothing that is dire just discomfort in a nusiance sense.  It is always so much easier to stay in our comfort zone where we know what to expect and what to do.  Yet with change comes new opportunities, new adventures.... I am not quite sure what this will all bring, at least that is what I am currently telling myself.  I feel it will bring more work, more discipline, tighter routines.  Yet I have had a nice break. 

Yes, I know I am rambling.... and yes, I know that I may have not said anything of sense, yet it is comforting to know that I can do just that and my friends will listen and when felt led they will give me their counsel and words of wisdom...

Firecracker Kid Giveaway

Yes another great giveaway.... I had to show this one as I am a complete pie nut and when I saw it I just could not resist.  Firecracker Kid is having her first giveaway and it is a good one.  Click on the title above to head over to her site and not only enter to win but also take a look at all the great things.  But hurry... Winner to be drawn & announced October 1st. 

Aunt Mannys Giveaway

I love it when I find a new site and can share it with others... Thus... Aunt Mannys Creations.  And there is a giveaway to boot.... A set of mini witch potion bottles plus more.  Click on the title above to go straight to the site and sign up for yourself.  But dont wait too long... it all ends September 30th... Good luck..

Happy Mabon

Glorious Autumn... there is no time that excites or energizes me more than the birthing of Fall.  A wonderful time as the world settles down to prepare for its long sleep through winter.  Yet before its slumber it covers itself in beautiful reds, golds, and orange.  The breeze becomes crisper and a  light fog hangs over early mornings.  The birds on their long treks back south to escape the coming cold occasionally stop by to visit, allowing a rare glimpse at ones that are not native. 

It is a time when the harvest comes to its close and we give thanks for all that was provided to us.  A time of reflection for the many blessings that have come our way.  The bridge where begin our descent into winter.  The day being equally light and equally dark, marks the passing of summer.  We now turn inward to  prepare for winter in the months ahead.

Blessings to all.

Peace Day - September 21st

Today is designated Peace Day. 

Take a few moments and reflect... A few moments to be still...

Giveaway

Now if you are anything like me, you can never have enough jars or bottles.  Especially the little ones which can be hard to find at times... Well here is a chance to get a few extras..

Head on over to Crazy Squirrel Lady (Just click on the title "GiveAway) and enter to win.

This is her first giveaway so show her some support. It runs from September 19th thru September 29th.  All the rules and such are on her page... Good luck....

Foggy Sunday Morning

Wishing you all a Blessed Sunday.

Another Wonderful Giveaway

Head on over to Byrumart.blogspot.com for a wonderful giveaway... First place.. the print pictured above signed, dated & numbered.  There is even more in store for the second place winner..Click on the title above to go straight to the link.  Good luck.. The lucky winner will be choosen September 30th...

Wanted - Preferably Alive

I am a lover of cats and seeing that we live in the country we are always what some may say cat poor.  Yet I do not have the strength to turn away any animal in need. By the way I think the locals know this.  I have had more cats spayed and nuetered only to have them end up missing, more than likely to new homes or the nearest coyote.  Currently we are at the mere number of 3 which for us is quite low.

Recently one of my 2 toms has taken a fancy to chasing birds.  There are a number of bird feeders throughout the yard as I truly love to watch them throughout the year.  I know I know that the combination of cats and birds do not mix and I should not expect them to adhere from their primal instincts, but I wish he would stop doing it ....

I have taken it upon myself to try and save each bird he attempts to devour.  I have managed to allow a few to fly to freedom.  Others have not been as lucky.  A couple weeks, I managed to get a small sparrow from him.  At first I thought he was only shaken and in time would be able to fly away.  I held him in my hands cupped, slowly blowing warm air onto him.  I watched him as he gasped for air, taking that last gulp before he passed.  It was quite a moving moment for me.  Which only made my cause stronger

I wrapped him in red tissue paper and buried him under my small oak.  A cross made of willow twigs and wrapped together with red string marked his grave. 

Again a small red wren lost his life to "Sunny" yesterday.  Seeing that this will more than likely be something that I have to do occasionally, I decided to  create a small animal cemetary beneath my elm .  Vincent has even agreed to make small boxes when needed and with some sandstone we had availale, we were able to create a headstone. 

It will not stop the carnage I know, yet it will at least ease my mind.  Oh the crazy things we people do at times.... enjoy your Satruday.

The New Moon

Wishing all a blessed New Moon Evening

Take a moment to refresh yourself

Reflect on possible new beginnings you may wish for

Be thankful for all that has come your way.

Update on My Button

I have been saved... by a younger and much wiser (in computer jargon) woman... Heather from Girlchef was my hero for the day....  She helped me out with my button.  She did everything but paste it on my site...

And might I add her site is incredible... If you like to cook or if you just like wonderful recipes with some beautiful photography... I urge you to click on the picture above and take a gander... I am sure you will enjoy it...

I already have plans to make the party nuts this weekend during football.... Thanks again Heather you are a doll... But it is like I said... what else would you expect from a Scorpio...

My New Button

As some of you may have noticed I have attempted to create and add a button to my site. To be honest this has almost drove me crazy... I finally got the picture added to my sight, figuring out all the little quirks etc. Yet when attempting to figure out the addition of the hmtl text below... well let just say I think my computer savy went out the window.

The instructions I were given were simple enough and I attempted several times to complete them yet each time in doing so, it would raise havoc with my button.

Seeing how it only makes sense to me that when there is an easier route that does exactly what I want it to do is available I opted to go for it.

So in saying this, if you opt to post my button to your sight, it is quite simple. You just copy the picture and add it as a picture gadget. There is an area above to add a link. Simply put my blog site: MotherMoonsMessage.blogspot.com    Save and it is finished.

I guess I am just one of those girls who "has" to be different... Honestly... I am one of them old women who can't figure it out... Have a wonderful weekend...

Welcome Fall

Ok, I know that technically Autumn does not officially start until next week on the 23rd, however I choose to recognize it as here.... The weather has been so cool and damp, the leaves are beginning to turn and fall due to the winds, pumpkins are everywhere, and the urge I get each year about this time to bake continuously is here.

After whipping up a quick batch of peanut butter cookies this morning to take to my mother in law who is in the hospital and also to a dear friends mother who was a bit under the weather, I realized this was only the beginning.  I am sure that I will need to find others to give my many creations to in the coming weeks as Vincent & I will not be able to eat them all, nor should we.

I did discover a wonderful twist to the cookies though... I decided to sprinkle them with sugar and a little cinnamon and cloves... By the end I was rolling them in it and then pressing them.  The slight dash of the spices added a wonderful taste to the cookies... A bit of a pleasant surprise. 

Tomorrow... well lets just say I purchased some beautiful gala apples and a bag of carmels... Now the only decision is whether to cut them up or keep them whole when I dip them....

Fate..... Its a wonderful thing

I have always believed in fate.... too many things have occurred to me throughout my life not to, yet still it continues to amaze me.  The magical way it seems to bring things and others into our lives.  At times we do not notice the significance of them... Possibly that is me, as I have always said that at times I need a good knock up the side of the head with an iron skillet to get my attention.  Speaking figurtively of course. 

For what seems like so long I have asked for others of like minds to come into my life.  Yet it was not something that I was to be blessed with until recently.  Looking back I wonder if it was because I needed to embrace myself and accept who and what I was.  Since this shift in my life, my journey has been a wonderful experience and the ease of it has amazed me at times. 

Gone is the feeling of carrying something what seemed in ways to burden me down and keep me from making the time that I should.  A confidence covers me and enables me to walk taller.  I am still new at much of this, however I know now that the road I am traveling is the one I should have been on all this time. 

I am grateful for the friends I have met along the way and the ones I am still to meet.  The influence and teachings I know will be there if I am open is something I am looking forward to with much anticipation.  I have always been one who when I see what the final goal is, I can not run fast enough to get to it.  Yet I have learned also that patience and a steady pace can make the journey more enjoyable.  I do not want to miss any of what is to be brought to me. 

Enjoy the day... and say a special word to those who were place in your life for a special purpose... If you reflect, you will know who they are. 

Blessings...

Sage - Nature's cleanser

Last summer, while trolling the garden center at the nearby Home Depot, I came across a beautiful plant sitting off in the corner all alone.   A wonderful sage bush.  I quickly scooped it up with visions of exactly where I would plant it.  When it came time to check out, the girl not being able to find a price on the large plant sold it to me at the price of culled wood, which was a meager $4.25.  I had truly found a bargain.  I planted the bush on the dike of the pond, where I could see it easily from the back porch.

Sage or salvia officinalis as it is officially named is a common herb. Besides its abundant use in culinary methods, it is also used frequetly in cleansing rites.  When bound tightly together and dried sage smudge sticks are excellent for such purposes.  Remember that sage burns very hot.  After lighting the sage, let it flame then blow it out as it is the smoke which you want.  Pass the smoke then over the area which you wish to cleanse.  It is an excellent way to rid negative energies that may be liingering. 

Sage has also been known to aid in healing.  Many have found relief from sinus problems and even migraines through the use of Sage Tea or the inhaling of the smoke.  This is due mainly to the antibiotic agents that have been found in sage. 

I was new at growing sage, yet this plant took little if any effort and soon grew into a beautiful bush covered with wonderful purple flowers.  As fall came I decided to harvest some of the stalks for sage bundles.  It granted me a total of twelve bundles, each an average of 8-10 inches long. It brought me great joy to have my own home grown sage bundles available.   It has returned once again this summer.  Although it is not as magnificent as last summer, mainly due to over pruning by myself, yet it still is just as beautiful.  It has been a faithful teacher for me in the early lessons of my herbalism.  I look forward to many more years as its pupil. 

"Once more the liberal year laughs out
O'er richer stores then gems or gold:
Once more with Harvest song & shout
Is nature's boldest triumph told."
John Greenleaf Whittier

In Remberance

September 11 2001... A date that will forever be etched in the minds of millions. At 8:46 am the world was to be changed forever. Although the attacks that occurred on that day were executed on American soil, the repercussions would in time effect so many more.

A total of 3017 people lost their lives on this day. Yet the loss was greater still as fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children, and friends were also lost. The grief that would blanket us would be felt world wide. Over 90 countries were represented in the loss.

And still the death count continues. For out of this event arose another. The current death count for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) according to the Washington Post - Faces of the Fallen is 5130. A direct result of the 9-11 attacks, this war shows no sign of ending soon.

Thus today do not just remember the 3017 whose lives were lost 8 years ago today.... Also remember the 5130 who have lost their lives since.

And still the sobering sadness continues, as this number of 8147 does not include the others. Contractors, Journalists, Civilians of said countries, the family and friends touched by the loss, and so many more. A moment of silence.... A prayer for peace....

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

Another Great Halloween Giveaway

Head on over to Hedgewitch Hollow, where Aelwyn is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100 followers! Just click on the picture above to go directly there...

Cure for Frog in the Throat

Granted when someone says they have a frog in their throat they are not literally saying they have frog in their throat. However as falls is upon us the cool damp mornings seem to bring this about a bit more frequently.

There are many remedies for this ailment. Following are a couple I have tried myself and found great success with. The first is I like to call Oard Tea, named after the old woman who passed it down through her family. Lucy was a spunky old woman who helped her husband to homestead a farm in Oklahoma. Per Lucy the recipe was well over 100 years old, and that was some time back.

1 teaspoon ginger 3Tablespoons Sugar 2 teaspoons vinegar

1/2 Tablespoon Butter 1 cup Boiling water

Mix the ingredients in a teacup. Pour the boiling water over the top. Steep for approximately 2-3 minutes. Sip the tea as hot as you can. This truly does work.

Another drink I somewhat concocted myself with the help of my granddaughter, as she was not too keen on the taste of vinegar. We call it Magic Tea. It is a more pleasant taste and truly can be drank at any time.

Tea flavor of choice - we like a nice stout English Breakfast

2 Tablespoons Local Honey (if unavailable, any honey will do)

Juice from 1 Lemon

Dash of Cinnamon

Steep Tea in cup with boiling water. Add Honey Lemon & cinnamon. Let sit til able to drink.

I truly feel using the local honey makes a difference as well as the fresh lemon instead of lemon juice. As with local honey helping with any allergies one may have, it also seems to make a difference in the tea.

Queen of Cups Giveaway

Head on over to the Domestic Witch site for another great giveaway... Just click on the title and go straight there.

My Little Virgo Man

There is a wonderful simpleness about a child. The carefree way they look at life and the things around them. So open to all views and perspectives. They are much like a book that has yet to be written and depending on the writers the possibilities are endless

Earlier this weekend I was blessed to share in my grandson's 3rd birthday. It was a blessing to say the least. Yet I realized also that time is so brief. It will not be long his 4th will be here and so on and so on...

Be careful that such precious pieces of time dont fall through the cracks. They are truly the things that memories are made of...

Birthday Giveaway

What a nicer way to celebrate ones birthday, then to give gifts to others. This is exactly what Rue & Hyssop is doing.... Click the title above to go directly to her blogsite to register to win one of 3 goodie baskets she will be giving away September 15th (her birthday). Hurry, as registration ends September 14th.