tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2183992002108340492024-03-05T18:38:37.653-06:00Confessions of a Crafty WitchExploring the labyrinthine corridors of existence. Oh, and crafting too.windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-50938104479594154462011-05-19T19:59:00.000-05:002011-05-19T19:59:04.421-05:00Okay! So...I'm 'moving' my blog. Really more like discontinuing this one and starting another, but that's neither here nor there. This blog will still be here, but I'll rarely (if ever) update it. Want to know why? Want to know where my new blog it? Check here: http://wanderingthelabyrinth.wordpress.com/<br />
<br />
I'm keeping this one up because I still read all the people I follow. ^_^; I just...needed a fresh start. And it's NOT due to the problems Blogger's been having, I haven't even been on to notice. Anyway, catch y'all later and maybe I'll see you over at my new site!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-36986233185252157262011-04-29T09:44:00.001-05:002011-04-29T09:44:56.585-05:00An attempt<p><a Href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1qRZhPuwni3joub-DAa03AJQBQ80dP4Zqutr2X1CO93nU68aCLlPgOqKrJYDfmYKJMMrHwwBfhCrVzhg2DEie5nY4hhagIRW0xiZOrNyPih3wwmv5E1W7UGXu0syvueMqYixtcfdRJ0/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1qRZhPuwni3joub-DAa03AJQBQ80dP4Zqutr2X1CO93nU68aCLlPgOqKrJYDfmYKJMMrHwwBfhCrVzhg2DEie5nY4hhagIRW0xiZOrNyPih3wwmv5E1W7UGXu0syvueMqYixtcfdRJ0/s288/IMG_20110429_093803.jpg' /></a></p>Ugh. My drawing skills have REALLY degraded. Of course I only have myself to blame for that, as I haven't done much besides doodle since highschool, but this is embarrasing. *sigh* I guess it's time to refocus on drawing then. No WAY I let my skills get this crappy. (Oh, And if you recommend I try shading--i despise shading, and avoid it if I can. Hence, no shading in the little sketch) <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-57511390699942039052011-03-06T21:30:00.000-06:002011-03-06T21:30:10.146-06:00My new altar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OgINm7guBRzlqwgVoXjH-fEhAqmrnwrua0m8tFFI2UObZ1RWMwJe0aCEfcsidBWCin1CZgDC4cfOtE_RpMfBFCkGe5ZU5ifGpiktYMP8D4CssfIwca1c2mbJ_uwgk0fgn2WSA9_PF7M/s1600/altarpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OgINm7guBRzlqwgVoXjH-fEhAqmrnwrua0m8tFFI2UObZ1RWMwJe0aCEfcsidBWCin1CZgDC4cfOtE_RpMfBFCkGe5ZU5ifGpiktYMP8D4CssfIwca1c2mbJ_uwgk0fgn2WSA9_PF7M/s320/altarpic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A pic of my new altar. The color in this is horrible, I apologize. The altar cloth is all blacks and whites and greys with sparkles, I think it very reminiscent of a cloud-swept full-moon night sky. I've scattered crystals about (clear and milky quartz, moonstone, amethyst) and I've got my amethyst cluster out, my scrying mirror, my cauldron, my herbs, candles....etc.windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-23672587877313098142011-02-25T08:22:00.002-06:002011-02-26T09:15:26.864-06:00The view...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGww5SsP9EBLwCCGvH69jKb4yQJVtbmm6oxkhZv8Zpvka61xE50iI_qDLFJjTdChf7rfutG57aEer_2qDVvBPr7SrJJoJ6DQFHMgMZ8QhS0YxeZPN795QaXn6Pr3KvaT5p-HsetW0UzY/s1600/2011-02-25+07.49.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGww5SsP9EBLwCCGvH69jKb4yQJVtbmm6oxkhZv8Zpvka61xE50iI_qDLFJjTdChf7rfutG57aEer_2qDVvBPr7SrJJoJ6DQFHMgMZ8QhS0YxeZPN795QaXn6Pr3KvaT5p-HsetW0UzY/s320/2011-02-25+07.49.42.jpg" /></a></div>...off My balcony this morning before I came to work. Beautiful! With something like this, how do people hate winter?windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-51512765502346024042011-01-26T23:33:00.001-06:002011-01-26T23:33:36.749-06:005 years ago...<p><a Href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHQH1ZIvbWLLf8lW91mv2KxV5wswu54XI2emqZccgL80-JVJQtquIrElqsM-ccQlB83GVcz_V9Y89K89kTgarpTObmyrydXTEag3mEKJk1CNMGkPkfoIi7PWmwuDt58UtH92HcYmxEEg/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHQH1ZIvbWLLf8lW91mv2KxV5wswu54XI2emqZccgL80-JVJQtquIrElqsM-ccQlB83GVcz_V9Y89K89kTgarpTObmyrydXTEag3mEKJk1CNMGkPkfoIi7PWmwuDt58UtH92HcYmxEEg/s288/2011-01-26%2023.30.28.jpg' /></a></p>I met the love of my life. Tonight, he asked me to be his. Sorry this is so short, but I need to drag him to bed. ;-) <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-55028338333777546122011-01-11T22:10:00.002-06:002011-01-11T22:22:02.317-06:00So you want a Witch Hunt, eh?Hey all. I know I kinda fell of the edge of the map...in the middle of a writing rut....but I just came across something that royally pissed me off. <br />
<br />
I mean seriously. I feel completely insulted, and I'll tell you why because I think this pertains to all of us. <br />
<br />
I'm sure by now most of you have heard of the new Nicholas Cage movie that's come out, <i>Season of the Witch</i>? Basic plot premise being this: It's the middle ages and the Black Plague is running rampant through Europe. Two knights returned from the Crusades are enlisted to transport the supposed source of the plague, a young girl accused of witchcraft, to a distant abbey to have special rites performed on her.<br />
<br />
When previews for this movie first came on tv, I was pessimistic. "Great, another 'witch' movie" I thought "I bet its totally inaccurate." Then as we started getting more previews, I became more hopeful. It was revealed that Cage's character doesn't believe the girl is a witch but a convenient scapegoat for the Church. He vows that if he doesn't believe her to truly be a witch, he will not allow the Church to persecute her as they plan. "Hey" I thought "that doesn't sound half bad. Go movie!"<br />
<br />
Now, however, my small hope has been utterly and completely decimated. I've not yet seen the movie, but as I discovered it has come out I've started doing research--checking playtimes, etc. Then I checked the movie's site. ((http://seasonofthewitchmovie.com/))<br />
<br />
It seems, my dear fellows, that I was completely wrong to hope. The movie's site and select clips from the movie indicate that the girl IS in fact a witch--we're talking the medieval witchhunter's definition of a witch here, summoning demons, possessing corpses, and in general hell-bent on obliterating the world. They even have demonic possessed wolves in the movie. WOLVES!! Really, was the playwrite determined to give us the full medieval hysteria experience? "No really folks, witches ARE evil and are out to get you. The Inquisition had it right."<br />
<br />
Yes, that hurt me and pissed me off. But the true crown of the matter, the one thing that REALLY enraged me about this movie, is the smartphone app that they offer to accompany the movie. Here, let me repost the description:<br />
<br />
<br />
"Witches walk all around us. They are responsible for great devastation, performing harrowing evils from the guises of the shadows. Witches can be anyone – a cute stranger at the bar, a quiet coworker, your childhood friend, even your closest family member. When your very life is at stake, how do you distinguish a witch from a mere mortal? Welcome to the Season of the Witch "Witch Hunt" application. The app unveils the witches that are all around you. Download the app and begin your quest now." ((http://www.appbrain.com/app/witch-hunt/com.relativitymedia.sotw))<br />
<br />
<br />
Really. Really? I AM the quiet coworker, I AM the childhood friend, I AM A WITCH! And for this, evidently, I must be burned. For my sin of identifying as a witch, for the evils of crimes I have not committed, my existence must be purged for the good of all.<br />
<br />
No. I will not stand for this. I will NOT allow this movie to set back religious tolerance another century! I am <i>this</i> close to contacting the ACLU for concerns I have about my right of Freedom of Religion! The only thing that stays my hand is this: I have not yet actually seen the movie. Perhaps this is all just a mistake, a bit of ingenious marketing. Maybe this movie does have a twist. I don't know yet, but I'm going to find out before I pronounce judgement.<br />
<br />
That app, however, should definitely be removed from the market.<br />
<br />
Please, if anyone has seen this movie yet, comment. In general, comment, let me know your thoughts on this, let me know my voice is heard. This 'witch hunt' is not to be tolerated.windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-13823495313359791552010-12-14T17:41:00.000-06:002010-12-14T17:41:34.466-06:00Sorry I haven't touched in in a bit...This is just a quick update. I do intend to come back and do several posts...hopefully I actually get to them...and I need to redo my theme....but well. We'll see what happens.<br />
<br />
Financially we've stabilized for the most part...unexpected expenses keep cropping up (like the $240 medical bill for when I cut my foot open back in september >_<) but now that we've budgeted everything we can account for it looks like we should be able to scrape by this month...and hopefully be able to stand back up next month. I really want to thank you all. I know I can't thank you enough, but for everyone who has reached out, I really, truly appreciate it. Thank you.<br />
<br />
Blessings, one and all.windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-31663417408911454152010-12-01T10:02:00.001-06:002010-12-01T10:02:29.661-06:00Please light a candle...<div>I'm sorry, I don't usually ask for help, but I was wondering if y'all could keep me in your thoughts. Light a candle, spare a little energy if you can...but I'm in a bit of financial trouble. We recently *read: about a month ago* switched phone services and each got a smart phone. It was a little pricey, but just stretching a bit we were able to afford it. Then we were slammed with totally unexpected car repairs. Then due to a mistake (not on my part that I was unaware of for several days) my account was overdrawn and I got slammed with three insufficient funds charges ('cause my bank is a dick and wouldn't reject my card so they could charge me more). All in all we've had to soak about $600-700. Rent is due at the end of the week, we still have bills from last month to pay as well as this month's bills, and my guy's student loan bills kick in this month. My next paycheck is on the 10th. Christmas is this month.</div> <div> </div> <div>We are officially at the oh-shit-we-can't-afford-ramen point. I'm not asking for money, I'm just asking you to spare a thought. That's all. I wouldn't even ask if I weren't at the end of my rope. I know that likely only a few people will even read this, but if you could, I'd appreciate it.</div> <div> </div> <div>I plan to borrow eggs ('cause I can't afford them) from friends and whip up a batch of prosperity cookies (that is, the cookie recipe Wendy posted over at Year of the Cats--those spices all have the property of prosperity in common), which I will then be leaving as an offering, one a day, until they run out--in addition to any other prosperity spells I do.</div> <div> </div> <div>By the by, does anyone know a kick-ass emergency prosperity spell?</div> <div> </div> <div>((PS--To my little sister, if she reads this, don't you DARE tell mom and dad! 1) I want them to hear it from me if I have to tell them at all 2) I'm only going to go to them for help as a very last resort. Don't worry, we'll still have you for x-mas vacation. We'll figure it out somehow.))</div> <div> </div> <div>((PPS-- To the winners of my bindrune giveaway, I'm afraid that I won't be able to ship out your rune for a little while...not until I can afford shipping at least. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, and will endeavor to get them out as soon as possible))</div> windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-90888810104717198282010-11-30T23:26:00.000-06:002010-11-30T23:26:29.991-06:00Which Norse God/dess are you?Got this from over at hedgewitch hollow. http://hedgewitchhollow.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
<table><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tblBorderAll"> <tbody><tr><td><span id="text_block">You Scored as <b>Sif</b></span><p><br><br></p> <span id="graph_block"><br />
</span><br />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table> <div id="result_image_block" style="width: 210px; float:right;"> <span><img align="right" style="margin-left:5px;" src="http://quizfarm.com/quiz_images/results/48997_20204.gif"></span>
</div> </td></tr></table>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-82486581194740419972010-11-30T18:27:00.000-06:002010-11-30T18:27:38.035-06:00Year of the Cats has the. most. AMAZING. giveaway!As much as I want to win, I can't keep this giveaway to myself, oh no. No, Wendy is being far too generous for that. You see, she is not only having a giveaway, but she is also donating to the cat rescue "Alley Cat Allies" in the winner's name--SUPER GENEROUS!!!!!!<br />
That's the best part, (I wish I could support my own furbaby, but alas I'm barely keeping afloat as it is. >_<) but of course let us not overlook the lovely goodies we could be getting in the mail.<br />
*start singing*<br />
On the first day of Yule, Wendy offered we,<br />
an ornament for the tree!<br />
On the second day of Yule, Wendy offered we,<br />
A kitchen witch's journal<br />
and an ornament for the tree!<br />
On the third day of Yule, Wendy offered we,<br />
A witchy house blessing<br />
a kitchen witch's journal<br />
and an ornament for the tree!<br />
*ends singing*<br />
<br />
Yeah...I'm a dork...but go check it out anyways! <a href="http://www.yearcats.com/2010/11/29/kitchen-witch-magic-and-giveaway/#comments">http://www.yearcats.com/2010/11/29/kitchen-witch-magic-and-giveaway/#comments</a>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-89293923223388616342010-11-30T14:41:00.001-06:002010-11-30T14:41:54.407-06:00WE HAVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!<p><a Href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ALilUwuvW6_CUWliZAlwS8x_MUlz4zqlBNiRU1nJy1TOPhafisRDJ3Gr2pVDp58G7547mMxsl84CwxubPFYp0BlB2ZA-K_-JYrKzEtbDVv4r7egXeksz9o4THYtT-geGNT7NwWa-qGI/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ALilUwuvW6_CUWliZAlwS8x_MUlz4zqlBNiRU1nJy1TOPhafisRDJ3Gr2pVDp58G7547mMxsl84CwxubPFYp0BlB2ZA-K_-JYrKzEtbDVv4r7egXeksz9o4THYtT-geGNT7NwWa-qGI/s288/2010-11-30%2014.35.22.jpg' /></a></p>Look! LOOK! It's our first snow of the season! Isn't it lovely? Pretty little snow chunks the size of a pinhead that melt as soon as they hit the ground. It's a start! <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-81450749832543857832010-11-26T07:42:00.000-06:002010-11-26T07:42:19.051-06:00Happy Turkey Day all!I apologize that this is a day late...I hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-6391830293578255482010-11-17T14:34:00.001-06:002010-11-17T14:34:11.933-06:00On Magickal Workings II<div>Well now, the bit where I talked about seeing energy has garnered some interest! I wanted to try and clarify a point or two, and I'm hoping you all can help me muddle this out.</div> <div>First, there was some confusion on whether seeing energy = seeing auras.</div> <div> </div> <div>Here is what Mya Om has written on the matter: "Although most of us can't see it, nearly everyone can learn to feel it...Of the very few people that can actually see energy, some perceive it as color; to me, it looks like steam rising off a hot road in summer." Heatwaves rising off the road? I've described it exactly like that before. She continues "This invisible field is around us constantly, and it extends out from the physical body about one to two inches, depending on the person. If you are able to see auras, this is the 'empty' space or gap between the body and where the aura begins." (pp. 30-31)</div> <div> </div> <div>Now here we see that she differentiates seeing energy and seeing auras; this is where some confusion has started. I've always thought that the 'colorless auras' that I could see were just that--auras that I couldn't really see any color it. I can see them around people, animals, trees, rocks...artificial objects as well. Auras, as I understand it, can be seen around living creatures, including plants--not so much around inanimate objects. </div> <div> </div> <div>This is what confused me about these 'auras' I was seeing--why could I not see color? Was I just unskilled? Why could I also see them around non-living objects? Why could I sometimes see them free-floating, unattached to anything? (these I have come to conclude are orbs, as they do look like pictures of orbs) This would indicate that perhaps there IS a difference between energy and auras.</div> <div> </div> <div>However I have always been given to understand that auras are the energy field of the body. In effecting change in the body we effect the aura; likewise the concept of aural healing is based in the thought that effecting change in the aura will effect the body. So if auras are simply the body's energy field, why then is there a differentiation made between the aura and energy? </div> <div> </div> <div>Yet still both Nellie and myself have noted that occasionally we will see hints of color in these 'bubbles', which could indicate that they are auras. I must confess I am most perplexed in the matter, and am not sure yet what to conclude. Is there no difference, or is there a slight one? Perhaps energy in general inundates all things and has no color, where as living things also have a special sort of energy that is the aura? </div> <div> </div> <div>At this point I am entirely in the realm of theory; is there anyone out there that can provide some clarification? Does anyone see auras as they are commonly known, with colors and chakras and everything?</div> windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-90395687006840532202010-11-16T10:18:00.001-06:002010-11-16T10:18:01.559-06:00On Magickal WorkingsI have been thinking recently on a little ritual of sorts that I could adapt to my everyday life. I don't know about any of you, but I have miserable self-discipline and making myself do anything regularly at a certain time is quite impossible. 'My Life imposes enough of those on me as it is; do I really need to do that to myself?' Is the usual train of thought. <br/> <br/> However I am quite certain that if I want to focus on and develop my magickal life (which I do) then one of the best first steps is a little daily (magickal) ritual. It would certainly include an affirmation; I would think the best time to do this would be in the morning, but my mornings generally consist of me struggling awake, checking blogger in a half-awaKe daze as I struggle into my clothes, and stumbling out the door late to work. I don't usually fully wake up before noon. Maybe lunch would be a better time then? We'll see. <br/> <br/> The inspiration for this adjustment in my life cycle is a book I'm reading currently, "Energy Essentials for Witches and Spellcasters" by Mya Om. Fantastic read, it's currently re-defining how I think about energy. My thing is that I 'm great with magickal theory. When it comes to magick I'm very book smart...practice, though, that's a little trickier. So I know all these things in THEORY, but have I ever actually done them? No. Well, some maybe. <br/> <br/> See, this book has made me realize that I've never actually felt energy before. I've intuited it (I have a well-exercised intuition) but felt it like a magnetic field? Never before this book. I've also discovered that apparently what I thought were colorless auras is energy--which explains why I can see them around trees and rocks and even cars just as easily. <br/> <br/> Now, the author claims that not many people can actually see energy, but that just seems a little off to me. It's just so...commonplace to me. Don't you guys see that kind of bubble that appears around stuff when you shift your conciousness? <br/> <br/> The author claims that people who can see auras can deduce where the energy field is--that space between the body and the aura. See, that was the piece of information I was missing--according to the author the aura doesn't hug the body as I thought, but there's a space between it and the body, which is what I see--the energy. But surely other people can see that too? <br/> <br/> In any case, this book has already given me a lot to mull over. More to come later, though please share your thoughts: i'd love to hear what you all have to say on the subject. <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-59199770659452395012010-11-09T21:40:00.000-06:002010-11-09T21:40:23.222-06:00And the winners are...*initiate drumroll*<br />
Throw the entries in the cauldron, mix them all around...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUD5Bgze3yYyrhd3XDSR3oCkYvUP___gfaFSZY_6OCRUsG_xHyteohsCIFAcTg8YDZMpbtk0nq0vMgKe12x0IJhLgZkN2opV5hzy5XmHJnCXt85n57kAWzmx7gQJ86rgTfmC94seEeIw/s1600/giveaway+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUD5Bgze3yYyrhd3XDSR3oCkYvUP___gfaFSZY_6OCRUsG_xHyteohsCIFAcTg8YDZMpbtk0nq0vMgKe12x0IJhLgZkN2opV5hzy5XmHJnCXt85n57kAWzmx7gQJ86rgTfmC94seEeIw/s320/giveaway+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...double, double, toil and trouble...hee hee hee...<br />
Aaaaaand the winner....for SJ Tucker's latest CD, Mischief....<br />
<br />
......Is.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfszURQt6_J00ethahvkZtOKje8JpgHu0_JeS_c4Q8g77zyy32my9-c7PraPo7GVEsS1ZplsKXRldeSFRXTny7sPoQ8wEctWYuJZlmovGlkaTwEV6P3C49vXExLxuUxoS7X2AfvzQJp2g/s1600/giveaway+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfszURQt6_J00ethahvkZtOKje8JpgHu0_JeS_c4Q8g77zyy32my9-c7PraPo7GVEsS1ZplsKXRldeSFRXTny7sPoQ8wEctWYuJZlmovGlkaTwEV6P3C49vXExLxuUxoS7X2AfvzQJp2g/s320/giveaway+b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ellie!!! Congratulations! Please contact me with your mailing info so I can get this out to you right away!<br />
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*restart drumroll*<br />
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Aaaand the winners....each proud owners of their own custom bindrunes....<br />
<br />
...are....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_uzJhogeYf98gb1ICf0Cyiljbp_yMjZ9hyphenhyphen2nCXsEAqdslv9bLKkCygFJg7GNu5Q-EoQdoWzYP2YmIhrGC0G6y4MMpHo6uE051oDZHJMK3i38jgc-J_V_uTg5Uc5qEc-_LhIT_myXv8w/s1600/giveaway+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_uzJhogeYf98gb1ICf0Cyiljbp_yMjZ9hyphenhyphen2nCXsEAqdslv9bLKkCygFJg7GNu5Q-EoQdoWzYP2YmIhrGC0G6y4MMpHo6uE051oDZHJMK3i38jgc-J_V_uTg5Uc5qEc-_LhIT_myXv8w/s320/giveaway+c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mother Moon's Message, Nellie, and Aine O'Brian! Congratulations!!! Please contact me with your mailing info and be sure to let me know what sort of Bindrune you would like! It will take a little longer to get these out to you all (seeing as I have yet to make them) but as soon as you contact me I will get on them right away!<br />
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I can be contacted at windchild26ATgmailDOTcom. Thank you to everyone who entered! I hope you enjoyed my giveaways. ^_^ And of course a very special thanks to SJ Tucker for graciously donating her cd for the giveaway! Thank you all!!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-52220384030698269102010-11-08T07:36:00.001-06:002010-11-09T07:29:14.526-06:00My giveaways close tonight!**Edit** CRAP!! I'm so sorry guys, life got in the way last night. I WILL get the winners posted TODAY, if I have to do it on the sly while at work. Again, sorry! <br />
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I don't have enough time to pick the winner this morning, so you all get today still to enter before I get home from work tonight! Good luck!!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-9454724462698529452010-11-07T13:57:00.001-06:002010-11-07T13:58:06.727-06:00What you likely never knew about Nightshade**Don't forget to enter my giveaways, they close TOMORROW!!!!**<br />
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Being a fledgling herbalist and a witch to boot, I of course like to at least study the Gothic Plants (datura, nightshade, hemlock, henbane, aconite, etc.) I was launched into learning more about Nightshade quite by accident when out exploring the local golf course one day. <br />
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You see, the golf course by my home actually reserves area for natural prairie to regrow along the course (much to the dismay of many a golfer who has lost their ball in the sectioned-off areas). When out walking the course, as I am wont (but not supposed) to do, I came across the most beautiful plant, light violet star-shaped flowers, striking red berries. I fell in love, but had no idea what this plant was so I came back home to do my research. I found out that it was...WOODY nightshade??? Naturally I was rather confused. There's more than one type of Nightshade?<br />
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Indeed there is, my dear witches. I know of three particular varieties, each with their own slew of folknames, in fact. I'm sure there are some I've missed, but these are the three I definitely know about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwrhAYfKdietl14K5BSkDPteCIn3CF05Se1rB7cAMbHhNh7tXaZ57mw5HDHEvrrj7XLd72sg3L20fJCyr23q-Fq1p0IJkwuShtLqtqH2jplJAZQYPFulCPf6eyFLeuOl8tDut0EU9DmA/s1600/atropa+belladonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwrhAYfKdietl14K5BSkDPteCIn3CF05Se1rB7cAMbHhNh7tXaZ57mw5HDHEvrrj7XLd72sg3L20fJCyr23q-Fq1p0IJkwuShtLqtqH2jplJAZQYPFulCPf6eyFLeuOl8tDut0EU9DmA/s200/atropa+belladonna.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first, and likely the one that most people think of when they hear nightshade, is known as Deadly Nightshade (atropa belladonna). This plant is an incredibly strong sedative; it puts you to sleep FOREVER. However it is still used medicinally--with GREAT caution--by doctors as a sleep aid. I have a friend who was prescribed belladonna tablets because he had so many other medical problems commercial medicines would have affected him negatively. This plant has BLACK flowers (more a dark purple) and BLACK berries, and is actually pretty rare to find at all, let alone in the wild. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxh3s6J111sS3zcndBRhz9wmaBIMlSrOP2eMy13PneuSw8BnfAviU4keCwRqQFn7BrY8n5IHjZzz_x63rHy6foUqgd26G9gBRF105VUexjWEUmk-2rNgCpPimF4_b9Z0PNptDvLlVuD8/s1600/solanum+dulcamara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxh3s6J111sS3zcndBRhz9wmaBIMlSrOP2eMy13PneuSw8BnfAviU4keCwRqQFn7BrY8n5IHjZzz_x63rHy6foUqgd26G9gBRF105VUexjWEUmk-2rNgCpPimF4_b9Z0PNptDvLlVuD8/s200/solanum+dulcamara.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The second, and the one I found that day, is Woody Nightshade (solanum dulcamara). This is the plant that I find is most confused with belladonna, but while it is in the same family so are petunias, tobacco and potatoes. This plant is also used medicinally, mostly topically for skin conditions (rashes and the like). I was a bit surprised when I've seen crafters and witches alike claim this plant to be Deadly Nightshade--it's not terribly toxic, except that if small children eat the berries they can be poisonous (which is the case for most things and small children). This plant has PURPLE flowers and RED berries, and is an invasive perennial that just might volunteer it's way into your yard--climbing fences and trees in great bounds. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_dulcamara">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_dulcamara</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFBLT_v0fhbG-6PVtpqydKAcztp_v5jQtxIzrSivBK2H18AXb7shlSRNYlDWmxBrVgzMKVJWTsL7T8k9LIj9H2YN-DSzVMhpKKwSHBY4exbEVxIbcT7iLdIKgslEdBYedkktWXLv_SSU/s1600/solanum+nigrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFBLT_v0fhbG-6PVtpqydKAcztp_v5jQtxIzrSivBK2H18AXb7shlSRNYlDWmxBrVgzMKVJWTsL7T8k9LIj9H2YN-DSzVMhpKKwSHBY4exbEVxIbcT7iLdIKgslEdBYedkktWXLv_SSU/s200/solanum+nigrum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The third is the one I have least experience with, Garden Nightshade (solanum nigrum). Yes, it's called garden nightshade because people do keep it in their gardens. This, as with the others, is also used medicinally, though from what I can find more in the cases of fevers and such. The berries if ingested in large quantities are toxic, though boiling breaks down the toxin and as such they are used in jams and preserves. This plant has WHITE flowers and BLACK berries. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_nigrum">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_nigrum</a><br />
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I'm including links to the wikipedia pages for each so you can find more information for yourself--go get educated! :-P If you would like some more information on Gothic Plants in general I would recommend <u>Garden Witch's Herbal</u> by Ellen Dugan. Recommended listening is "Belladonna and Aconite" by Inkubus Sukkubus. ;)windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-31105542589282037962010-11-05T18:22:00.001-05:002010-11-05T18:22:55.544-05:00My giveaway from Mother Moon!<p><a Href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P01oAPOD47Bx5aXGrdAWhyphenhyphenYdYdT2e1aVY2IwaoZfu37JlIe2_SyKPV-BtN2ncIAH6IuoJ-qzPxzT5T9Mj9WL4p77xjzzQY_guXMZR-Q0D6u185vblGTOLGKpCWavpMZRmsKXHk_Erwc/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P01oAPOD47Bx5aXGrdAWhyphenhyphenYdYdT2e1aVY2IwaoZfu37JlIe2_SyKPV-BtN2ncIAH6IuoJ-qzPxzT5T9Mj9WL4p77xjzzQY_guXMZR-Q0D6u185vblGTOLGKpCWavpMZRmsKXHk_Erwc/s288/2010-11-05%2017.42.42.jpg' /></a></p><p><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD2_TjlbVwBGV9orOVB4uC4zgIyroPAsSEqDa2dPa3rR0Kx6L0ft9DpSwz9YrfE2jDXM6LRdwzJhVD0Oy7nSFw-MuCUQ1mzRPGWd2qqz0ceXFJDWX4nziDv_U0sIB_mHye8qKAswYjhA/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD2_TjlbVwBGV9orOVB4uC4zgIyroPAsSEqDa2dPa3rR0Kx6L0ft9DpSwz9YrfE2jDXM6LRdwzJhVD0Oy7nSFw-MuCUQ1mzRPGWd2qqz0ceXFJDWX4nziDv_U0sIB_mHye8qKAswYjhA/s288/2010-11-05%2017.50.24.jpg' /></a></p><p><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Chdhgsq6oE_BZuBzuXkpa1iXY6qjEssHuA7-yaMAMLveIRZ2Ia47Mo47SV1DJG45KLv21vGOKUIDuiUEGBz_QM62949oTLrS2konOtPr12WzB8IBVyx7es86NYibKQ8iLaZ0VMgI2Tg/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Chdhgsq6oE_BZuBzuXkpa1iXY6qjEssHuA7-yaMAMLveIRZ2Ia47Mo47SV1DJG45KLv21vGOKUIDuiUEGBz_QM62949oTLrS2konOtPr12WzB8IBVyx7es86NYibKQ8iLaZ0VMgI2Tg/s288/2010-11-05%2017.50.41.jpg' /></a></p>I won Mother Moon's Halloween giveaway, and today it arrived! Let me just say, what a treasure trove! It had the funnest zebra print packaging, and inside was the cutest little woven basket full of goodies. Indian corn, a black cat plate, acorn candles, and so many other goodies! The most delectable smell wafted out to greet me as soon as I opened the package accompanied by the jingling of bells. I think Mother Moon must be psychic--how else would she know that I had been chocolate deficient this Halloween? So many goodies...well, I shall just have to leave you with pictures to drool over (hurray for smart phones!) <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-66014610932453453582010-11-05T07:31:00.000-05:002010-11-05T07:31:51.947-05:00Giveaway!I have TWO giveaways currently running, but you only have a few days left to enter! They both close this coming Monday! Hurry!<br />
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The first is a giveaway for the amazing pagan musician SJ Tucker's latest album, graciously provided by the artist herself. Don't forget to read the accompanying review! This contest is US only, found here: <a href="http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html">http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html</a><br />
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The second giveaway is for all of those people not eligible for the first, three custom-made bindrunes for 3 lucky winners! Found here: <a href="http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-ive-been-abandoned.html">http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-ive-been-abandoned.html</a><br />
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This is a reminder to all of those people who may have said they would enter but have since forgotten. This is also a notice to everyone who may have missed it the first time around! That's right, TWO GIVEAWAYS!!!.......c'mon, y'all like free stuff, right? I'll beg if I have to....<br />
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So far the count is <u>8</u> for the SJ Tucker Giveaway, and<br />
<u>2</u> for the bindrune giveaway. <br />
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Make sure you read all the instructions so you'll definitely be entered!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-4683877390560270522010-11-03T23:16:00.000-05:002010-11-03T23:16:12.277-05:00What do I give to you? <br />
What do I do for you?<br />
I search, and I find you;<br />
I call, and you're not there<br />
I know you're busy<br />
I know you have your own friends<br />
I just reach for a little of that spotlight<br />
in wonder of your starshine<br />
<br />
I see it all around you<br />
that Glamour glow<br />
I see it all around you<br />
but will I ever get to know<br />
the WONDER of the starshine<br />
will I walk by the moon's rays?<br />
<br />
Jump off a cliff, that's all I know<br />
jump off a cliff, to fly or fall<br />
but I can't take that path<br />
bound by chains of my creation<br />
LOVE<br />
can I ever fly again?<br />
<br />
I'm thrashing in the deep<br />
but there's no water to swim in<br />
I flap toward the sky<br />
but there's no air to hold me up<br />
Can't I reach<br />
for my little bit<br />
of starshine?<br />
<br />
Leave Love and fly,<br />
keep Love in chains<br />
what choice is that?<br />
I'm just searchin'<br />
for a little bit<br />
of starshine...windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-14466669205029563372010-11-02T18:29:00.001-05:002010-11-02T18:29:01.445-05:00I finally got a new phone!My old phone has been obsolete for a while now, but this one is shiny and new and SMART! ;-) It's a samsung transform... I love my new phone. :-) <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-49491772618525795832010-10-31T14:38:00.002-05:002010-10-31T14:39:59.217-05:00Results of the Samhain swap!**don't forget to enter my giveaways! They end Mon, Nov. 8th.**<br />
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What a wonderful thing! I'm so glad that I was able to participate in the Samhain swap, hosted by Faerwillow over at ~serendipity~ (<a href="http://tofallorstumbleupon.blogspot.com/">http://tofallorstumbleupon.blogspot.com/</a>). The premise was to gift 3 (or more) things to the person you were paired up with, and then on Halloween we would all open our packages!<br />
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I was paired with onreeones from One Day at a Time (<a href="http://onreeones.blogspot.com/">http://onreeones.blogspot.com/</a>), and boy is she one generous lady! What makes me really sad is that I can't find my camera charger, because I want to show you all what I got! They're soooo beautiful! For now I shall have to be content describing it all for you, but I shall be going on a hunt for the charger and as soon as I find it you can bet pictures will be posted!<br />
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When I first opened the box I was greeted with an explosion of color! Pretty colored tissues everywhere, hurray! Then something dark caught my eye, and subsequently my breath, because the most beautiful black-orange-silver flowered/ribboned barrette caught my eye. How perfect for Halloween! And right beneath it the most beautiful metal ornament halloween witch, so glittery! (she must have realized I'm a bit of a magpie, lol! I love sparkly!)<br />
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Next I discovered the most beautiful little autumnal wreath, with dried apples (they smell like apples and cinnamon and nutmeg, yum!) and fall colored/themed ribbons, so beautiful! I'm trying to figure out just where to put it up...<br />
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But the last two, oh, they really made me catch my breath. The most exquisite fall leaf-styled dish (which is now serving up my recently roasted pumpkin seeds!) and two absolutely gorgeous fall-leafy pieces of jewelry. I wasn't sure at first if they were necklaces or bracelets, but decided they were both! I'm wearing one as a choker and the other as a bracelet as I write this, and I really wish you could see them because they are sooooo beautiful!!! The colors are all red and gold and brown, with some of the most fun beads!! Little brown leaf-shaped beads with golden veining, read beads with a design on them that look like paint splatters, shiny gold beads and bumpy bronze beads.....GORGEOUS!!!!!<br />
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I can't wait to show you! Onreeone, thank you so much!!!! I hope you like your package too!<br />
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Happy Halloween/Samhain, one and all!!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-3833235414284649902010-10-29T18:14:00.000-05:002010-10-29T18:14:28.171-05:00Hey! That was unexpected!**Don't forget to enter my giveaways! The close Mon, Nov. 8th!**<br />
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So today was halloween costume day at work. I went in my 'gypsy' getup. Apparently there was a costume contest, and I got third place! Woot, $10 I didn't have before! Yay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCZvGFGqxx7ovPfgA5pQEXWrKIXG-9o-pLW8AOCYOwMzXhcpppH9tXWl1ZskcZjJDyrWIwLxyyLS0B0OCaOhOJLMCZQTZOaqHoFdCvbEoB-ideunheZ5Of4CBpEbkAHsuNSF14fNySfU/s1600/Jacylinn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCZvGFGqxx7ovPfgA5pQEXWrKIXG-9o-pLW8AOCYOwMzXhcpppH9tXWl1ZskcZjJDyrWIwLxyyLS0B0OCaOhOJLMCZQTZOaqHoFdCvbEoB-ideunheZ5Of4CBpEbkAHsuNSF14fNySfU/s320/Jacylinn.png" width="182" /></a></div><br />
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Here's my costume...well, for the most part. This is my garb for the larp I go to, Nero. This is my character Jacylinn!windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-18027529247356142952010-10-28T07:45:00.000-05:002010-10-28T07:45:41.455-05:00So I've been abandoned...<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By my loyal followers! D:< Does no one read my blog anymore, or is it just that I have that many non-continental US followers out there? Alright then, here's the deal: I will be running my own giveaway for the non-continentalers. I will be giving away 3 bindrunes, custom made for the winners.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bindrunes are talismans that combine different runes of the Elder Futhark for a desired quality, for example safe travel, health, good times/camaraderie, etc. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This giveaway is for all the non-continental U.S. people who can't enter the S.J. Tucker giveaway. For every post you make on a social network about the S.J. Tucker giveaway, you get one entry (this excludes Facebook unfortunately as Facebook has rules against that sort of thing).</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To enter this giveaway:</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You must have a way for me to contact you</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You must comment on THIS post with a link to the post you made.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Each entry must have a separate comment.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Got it? Good. By the Gods I WILL get the word out!!!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">((PS~ those who aren't eligible for the SJ Tucker giveaway can still listen to her music here: <a href="http://music.skinnywhitechick.com/indexpage" style="color: #114170;" target="_blank">http://music.skinnywhitechick.<wbr></wbr>com/indexpage</a>))</div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218399200210834049.post-24055506774811706882010-10-25T20:53:00.006-05:002010-10-28T07:48:00.422-05:00Review and GIVEAWAY: Awesome Pagan Musician!!<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">So in my endless quest for fantastic pagan music about a month ago I stumbled onto an artist that I absolutely fell in love with while browsing youtube. Celebratory, reverent, relating myths...I was impressed with the songwriting, with the powerful melodies, and most of all with the singer's pipes (YOWZA can that girl belt!!). I found myself soaring in the sun's mighty rays with 'Firebird', quiet and mystical with 'Witch's Rune'...I enjoyed these songs deeply, but for some reason didn't search beyond what was available on a single channel.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Well, Fate had different ideas for that. A week or two ago I was contacted by Ariel Publicity wanting to introduce me to a pagan artist--yes, you guessed it, the very same one I had recently found! I was intrigued, said so, and *poof!* a cd was on its way.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
So without further ado, I would like to introduce (or reacquaint) you lovelies with the music of S.J. Tucker.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ltz2PvLC6aGTInBcJXX2iz-AQZ2ChAAuBwGS8HP8rIYcCpQs33EW5yuGS86dE9sJaphtgAwljhZ56K1LS1gVTVURpg5uNdYCYlN6odxJKckHvyoDANS4P8eSP9QxA8r0G77X5JXLv5g/s1600/SJTucker_Hi-Res_Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ltz2PvLC6aGTInBcJXX2iz-AQZ2ChAAuBwGS8HP8rIYcCpQs33EW5yuGS86dE9sJaphtgAwljhZ56K1LS1gVTVURpg5uNdYCYlN6odxJKckHvyoDANS4P8eSP9QxA8r0G77X5JXLv5g/s400/SJTucker_Hi-Res_Pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Of course, I didn't spend my week (im)patiently waiting for the cd doing nothing, no sir. No, a few raps on the head was all it took for Fate to get my attention, so I was off and running searching youtube, her site, her blog, trying to figure out 'just who <em>is</em> this S.J. Tucker? just what is her music like?'. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Well m'dears, what I found impressed me. S.J. Tucker, also known as skinnywhitechick, also known as s00j, has been touring the US since 2004 and has released <em>several</em> albums--all of that new music to listen to! I dove right in, of course.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
It turns out that the songs I had initially listened to were from her album dedicated to her pagan fans, "Blessings" (HIGHLY recommend by the way!). But there's more...oh, so much more. You see, this chica has released many more albums than just "Blessings", as lovely as that album is. Her music isn't exclusively pagan (she's a musician after all, she sings life--ALL of life), but I can tell you it <em>is</em> all fun, and highly enjoyable.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwv4T75tOMyP8tbiO9YwynDOFgytcitgPb1MmEY4609EWUTrGq7S2mQEryRmwKWRyrYyMKN81WPRx8yIamJimiA3d9qyUUKa6ICclVe5rxdITGt8sAJo9bCiLRebMjtvCAdcnUHSVDk4/s1600/800px-Sooj_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwv4T75tOMyP8tbiO9YwynDOFgytcitgPb1MmEY4609EWUTrGq7S2mQEryRmwKWRyrYyMKN81WPRx8yIamJimiA3d9qyUUKa6ICclVe5rxdITGt8sAJo9bCiLRebMjtvCAdcnUHSVDk4/s200/800px-Sooj_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Ever wondered what would have happened if Wendy had taken Hook's deal and become a part of his pirate crew? Well now you can find out thanks to s00j's Wendy Trilogy! (three songs telling what REALLY happened...Wendy really is much cooler, after all.) Ever worry if an alligator might have found its way into your house? S.J. has it in a tango! Ever wondered if that salad is really as good for you as people say? Beware, for it is the notorious 'Salad of Doom'! (I like to call it the Salad of DOOOOOOOM....!! Because really it's more fun to say it that way.)</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
But again, there's so much more than that! It's not just pagan, it's not just fun/silly/ridiculous/laugh-<wbr></wbr>out-loud (is there a better way to say that and really express what I mean?). Her music is also deep, it's also contemplative, it's also reverent...I think I said it best before.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
She sings LIFE.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">If you do a bit of your own research you will see this repeated all over the place, but I'm going to repeat it here as well because it is honestly just so <em>right</em> for her. "Music is communication for SJ Tucker. It is how she tells stories, how she shares lore and myth, how she interacts with the world...without her songs and stories, she is nothing. With them, she is herself." (<a href="http://arielpublicity.net/clients/2829" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>arielpublicity.net/clients/<wbr></wbr>2829</a>) <br />
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I completely agree. I know my exposure is a bit limited here, but I've been listening to her music, I've been watching her live performances up on youtube and listening to her interaction with the crowd. The way I perceive it, its like she takes a little piece of herself, her experience, gift-wraps it in some pretty melody and presents it to her audience in pure expression. (If you've read this far into the review comment about 'musical expression' for an extra entry in the giveaway!) With some of her songs (for me, Neptune) its almost like the music isn't there. You hear it and enjoy it, but what you experience rather is an emotion, a concept, transferred directly from her to you using the music as a vehicle.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
And when I finally, <em>finally </em>got the cd in the mail, I was giddy. I was ecstatic. I was like a schoolgirl skipping and giggling because I got to have a little piece of that experience. I spent the evening trying to find a way to listen to the music in the shower without electrocuting myself. (after much testing and consideration, I would recommend simply waiting until after your shower--you don't want to miss anything!) 'Neptune' is on this cd! And so is 'Salad of Doom'! And, and...! Well, a bunch of new songs that I wasn't already familiar with, but also fell in love with! I love 'Ravens in the Library' and 'Cheshire Kitten' and 'Were-Owl', but oh, oh <em>'Witchka'</em>! I must say that I do adore 'Witchka'. (see the story behind the song here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAOb2YtQDYM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=QAOb2YtQDYM</a> The sound quality isn't the best, but its super cute!) I can totally see this little girl all in black with a book of spells giggling madly. It's just such a fun image!</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xW-dk2FWI6GVU3Y_MehUyKqEprPOjGNSpQvlrU2O8A6IFyT-xP1yoQT0_znDVP7FZQbbXnvMQ9k93vAT1LC16O5IhLeXrPrWp8O5xL1JfYBJUGgah9HvyvvfwZjeICxulbkGijhSyFA/s1600/mischief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xW-dk2FWI6GVU3Y_MehUyKqEprPOjGNSpQvlrU2O8A6IFyT-xP1yoQT0_znDVP7FZQbbXnvMQ9k93vAT1LC16O5IhLeXrPrWp8O5xL1JfYBJUGgah9HvyvvfwZjeICxulbkGijhSyFA/s200/mischief.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">This is<em> Mischief, </em>S.J. Tucker's latest album. <em>This </em>is the cd I got! There are several songs that deal with relationships, but also songs that consider the quest for knowledge, the ability to find happiness even in your day job, and of course...just how dangerous is your salad? Ranging from fun and lighthearted to deep and contemplative and everywhere in between, there's a little something for everyone in this album. </div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">I do wish that lyrics had been included in the little booklet...I have trouble understanding lyrics sometimes, and like to know just what is written. We do however get a lovely little descriptive piece for each song...not necessarily describing the song, but rather it is added content that can influence your perception of the song. Even without the lyrics, I do appreciate the booklet, and really if that's all you have to complain about a cd I'd say you're doing pretty good! But I love, LOVE the art (and mine came with an adorable little 'trading card' featuring SJ. as depicted as a character from one of her other songs, 'Tough Titty Cupcakes', the raccoon). With all the variety and artistic talent available in this cd, I dare you not to fall in love with at least one song!</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7MFsIiJPGyOvf7vxkpP0NUQx-BWxfB-xt_Ks5a9a6uaeQM8Rm7IMBuDoSTIf96MW5srfSeNZUb1vzl5irv0CFBMLScAXIrKab6n5dzMEdnEMb_a8vEN7NZ50YcH6_fyGjT1oP9LquEo/s1600/sj-shiny-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7MFsIiJPGyOvf7vxkpP0NUQx-BWxfB-xt_Ks5a9a6uaeQM8Rm7IMBuDoSTIf96MW5srfSeNZUb1vzl5irv0CFBMLScAXIrKab6n5dzMEdnEMb_a8vEN7NZ50YcH6_fyGjT1oP9LquEo/s200/sj-shiny-thing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b><u><br />
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<b><u>Giveaway</u></b></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">And to give you the perfect opportunity to fall in love ;), S.J. has graciously agreed to give one of her new cds away to one lucky contestant! That's right, you could own your very own copy of <em>Mischief</em>! Here are the rules to enter:</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Participants MUST have a mailing address in the Continental U.S.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Please make sure I have a way to contact you in case you win!</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Please leave a separate comment for each entry.</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
To enter you must post about this review/giveaway on your blog with a link to this post, then leave a comment here with the link to your post. It doesn't have to be much, just a sentence or two like:</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">"Leathra over at Confessions of a Crafty Witch has a review up about the pagan musician S.J. Tucker, and she's hosting a giveaway for S.J.'s latest cd! Check it out at <a href="http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html">http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html</a>!"</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Of course you can write your own, but if laziness is a factor in you not entering there ya go! ;)</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
For an <em>extra</em> entry you can browse S.J.'s music (<a href="http://music.skinnywhitechick.com/indexpage" target="_blank">http://music.<wbr></wbr>skinnywhitechick.com/indexpage</a><wbr></wbr>) and comment here about a song you like.<br />
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**Edit: for every post you make on a social network (excluding Facebook) you get an extra entry. make sure to leave a comment with a link to your post.**</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Please note that while you are not required to read the review of S.J. Tucker's work, I would recommend it. It just gives you a good idea of what you're trying for. Good luck!</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />
Contest closes Monday, November 8th. Now go spread the word!</div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><em>((Disclaimer: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 20px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I received a copy of this cd from the artist for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The artist has provided a copy of her cd for the giveaway.</span></span></em></span> I might try and convince S.J. that she needs to make an 'Evil Chocolate Addiction' song to balance out the health-nuttiness of 'Salad of Doom', but that's another matter entirely ~_^. ))</em></div>windchildhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428216361506516351noreply@blogger.com19