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How's it going out there in blog land?
Things are chugging along here. Just made my first batch of homemade pasta sauce. And also just cleaned a bowl full of my home made pasta sauce off of the Squishasuares Rex's head, lol. I would say wearing it as a hat is a standing ovation in our house. The Hubby liked it too, which makes me glad that there was enough to keep a couple bottles.
Not a lot has really been going on here. Just the same old same old. Got a couple of days off so we're going to try and do some berry picking and swimming.
Next month is the first blogiversary of Lost In Astral Space. When I started this blog I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do. I wanted to create a space that I felt safe expressing my spiritual path and my creative self. I stared drawing again, writing, and really drawing myself into spirituality as a whole. Then I went back to work.
Since then I have moved into a bit of a drifting, lackadaisical vagueness. I think I need to come up with a purpose again.
I love reading all of your blogs and catching up with what you're doing, but I have almost no drive to post anything myself. So I need to decide what I'm going to do with this blog.
I am giving myself until Friday to come up with either a new purpose, or re-devote myself to the old one.
Until then here's another little tid bit from my "a little bit of magic" campaign:
When giving an almost 2 year old and a 3 year old a bath before bed:
Using any available no tears lavander bath wash, scrub the naked slippery child. During this process begin chanting the following-
Scrub a dub dub
A babe in the tub
With water we clean
With fire we warm
The god helps you grow stong
The goddess keeps you from harm
Just a little tidbit I do to help protect the little ones!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Travel Log 6-27: Summer's coming down like a ten ton hammer
Yeah, I think I've mentioned that this isn't my favorite season. It is even less so now that I spend 9 hours a day standing outside.
However this year has a perk- I have a pool!
Summer is so much better with a pool, let me tell you. But that aside I'm looking forward to berry picking time. There is a historic farm a little ways from here that we go to for berry and apple picking. I hope to be able to do the same this year, despite my crazy schedule. It's such a fun activity for all of us. The kids love running through the berry patches and putting the half of the berries that don't go into their mouths into the baskets to be taken home and baked into all sorts of goodies.
Berry cakes and trifles and cookies, Oh My!
That and since I've been working such a crazy schedule I've been slowly watching my commitement to focus on my spiritual path erode away with my extra energy. but lately I've been trying to focus on just bringing part of that spirituality into the everyday parts of my life in little ways with the whole "little bits add up" motto. Here's one I start the day with now. It makes me feel a lot more centered and that helps throughout the day.
Here's my new spirit shower ritual (it's a little basic, and kinda cheesy, but it works for me =) :
First I pull out my homemade strawberry and lemon shampoo, and then to the tune of I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair (yes I'm a rogers and hamerstein geek- I've learned to live with that) I chant the following:
I'm gonna wash that stress right out of my life
I'm going to scrub my spirit clean and bright
I do that three times three times as I'm washing my hair, and then I repeat for scrubbing everything else with a lavendar scrub I found out how to make on Domestic Witch .
I've found it really helps to get me in the frame of mind to start the day in the right spirits, and it's a quick and easy addition to my daily routine.
However this year has a perk- I have a pool!
Summer is so much better with a pool, let me tell you. But that aside I'm looking forward to berry picking time. There is a historic farm a little ways from here that we go to for berry and apple picking. I hope to be able to do the same this year, despite my crazy schedule. It's such a fun activity for all of us. The kids love running through the berry patches and putting the half of the berries that don't go into their mouths into the baskets to be taken home and baked into all sorts of goodies.
Berry cakes and trifles and cookies, Oh My!
That and since I've been working such a crazy schedule I've been slowly watching my commitement to focus on my spiritual path erode away with my extra energy. but lately I've been trying to focus on just bringing part of that spirituality into the everyday parts of my life in little ways with the whole "little bits add up" motto. Here's one I start the day with now. It makes me feel a lot more centered and that helps throughout the day.
Here's my new spirit shower ritual (it's a little basic, and kinda cheesy, but it works for me =) :
First I pull out my homemade strawberry and lemon shampoo, and then to the tune of I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair (yes I'm a rogers and hamerstein geek- I've learned to live with that) I chant the following:
I'm gonna wash that stress right out of my life
I'm going to scrub my spirit clean and bright
I do that three times three times as I'm washing my hair, and then I repeat for scrubbing everything else with a lavendar scrub I found out how to make on Domestic Witch .
I've found it really helps to get me in the frame of mind to start the day in the right spirits, and it's a quick and easy addition to my daily routine.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Travel Log 6-22: Is it Just me or Is it Hot in Here?
Happy Litha everyone!
A little late but better late than never. This is honestly not my favorite of the solstices. As a born and bred Californian sunshine is the norm around here, and honestly I could do with a lot less of it. But that may just be because I have a redhead's complexion and if I look at strong sunlight I burn. Or it may just be because I'm not overly fond of 100 degree weather. Or it may even be that I can't go to the beach now without having to wade through an ocean of tourists. But because I know I have this lack of affection I went out of my way to put even more into this year.
I spent the afternoon floating in my pool and trying to focus all my energy on the things I love about the summer. Freedom from school when I was younger. Trips to places with my family. Popsicles and ice cream cones. Fireworks and mornings just lazing about in front of the tv. I let the joy that I found in the summer when I was a kid shine through and felt that I really connected with the solstice this year. Then I went out front with the Squishicus and Littles and my OH and had a massive water fight while running around and giggling like a maniac.
I think this year was a success.
Berry picking season is coming up and Lughnasadh is right around the corner. The wheel of the year is turning and this year I feel really connected to it. It feels good.
A little late but better late than never. This is honestly not my favorite of the solstices. As a born and bred Californian sunshine is the norm around here, and honestly I could do with a lot less of it. But that may just be because I have a redhead's complexion and if I look at strong sunlight I burn. Or it may just be because I'm not overly fond of 100 degree weather. Or it may even be that I can't go to the beach now without having to wade through an ocean of tourists. But because I know I have this lack of affection I went out of my way to put even more into this year.
I spent the afternoon floating in my pool and trying to focus all my energy on the things I love about the summer. Freedom from school when I was younger. Trips to places with my family. Popsicles and ice cream cones. Fireworks and mornings just lazing about in front of the tv. I let the joy that I found in the summer when I was a kid shine through and felt that I really connected with the solstice this year. Then I went out front with the Squishicus and Littles and my OH and had a massive water fight while running around and giggling like a maniac.
I think this year was a success.
Berry picking season is coming up and Lughnasadh is right around the corner. The wheel of the year is turning and this year I feel really connected to it. It feels good.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Travel Log 6-9-2: To the Water's Edge
Like many of you out there I have been outraged by the oil spill in the Gulf. Part of the depth of my anger was due to my powerlessness in this situation. I can't fix this. I can't even begin to fathom what can be done to in any way mitigate the damage. It is beyond rational comprehension to think about this subject and not be incoherent with pure, blinding rage.
Those of us who practice earth based faiths are doubly hit with this crisis. Not only is a huge amount of damage being done to a unique and priceless ecosystem, but the very core of our faith has been defiled by careless hands. No act of nature, but human hands serving human needs. In some way we all feel not only angry, but guilty. We benefit from these processes, and if we did not then there would be no need for the drilling in the first place.
I recently found a blog that many have already found. They have started a movement. While being solitary I tend to keep to myself this New Moon on the 12th will find me at the waters edge, joining all my sisters and brothers out there of many faiths who will be helping to in some small way give back what we have taken.
Those of us who practice earth based faiths are doubly hit with this crisis. Not only is a huge amount of damage being done to a unique and priceless ecosystem, but the very core of our faith has been defiled by careless hands. No act of nature, but human hands serving human needs. In some way we all feel not only angry, but guilty. We benefit from these processes, and if we did not then there would be no need for the drilling in the first place.
I recently found a blog that many have already found. They have started a movement. While being solitary I tend to keep to myself this New Moon on the 12th will find me at the waters edge, joining all my sisters and brothers out there of many faiths who will be helping to in some small way give back what we have taken.
Travel Log 6-9: California is hot!
I know that since I've lived here all my life I should have realized that, but this year is the first time I've gone through summer in a house that doesn't have central air. I have been spoiled. It is seriously hot out there and in here.
But on a really positive note I found this post through Pink and Green mama to Not So Idle Hands to make your own gummies.If you get a chance check out her blog, it is a hub of all things crafty. Seriously cool. this was super easy and a lot of fun! The little man loves them and now we don't have to buy potty treats we can make them! That and it is a really simple process that the kids can help with.
On the kitten front there has been a massive development. Witchazel is no longer Witchazel. The kitten formerly known as Witchazel will now be known as Phineas. Because he is in fact, a little boy. We found out from the vet that he is just 5 weeks old so we have to feed him kitten formula and super soft kitten food. And he has a respiratory infection and eye infection so he's taking meds for both of those. Oh and of course, he's a boy. She tried to be nice and hide her laughter, even made a sop at my pride by saying it was hard to tell when they are that young, but I definately caught a smirk when she was saying good bye to "hazel".
In my defense I just don't spend that much time staring at cat genitalia.....yeah see even my excuse doesn't sound good, sigh.
But yay the kitten only has minor problems, I was seriously worried for a little while.
On the spiritual side I have actually started to gather information on the modern druid paths that have developed in the past century. I do like a lot of the new takes that have come up and it's an interesting take on the interconnectedness of everything.
But on a really positive note I found this post through Pink and Green mama to Not So Idle Hands to make your own gummies.If you get a chance check out her blog, it is a hub of all things crafty. Seriously cool. this was super easy and a lot of fun! The little man loves them and now we don't have to buy potty treats we can make them! That and it is a really simple process that the kids can help with.
On the kitten front there has been a massive development. Witchazel is no longer Witchazel. The kitten formerly known as Witchazel will now be known as Phineas. Because he is in fact, a little boy. We found out from the vet that he is just 5 weeks old so we have to feed him kitten formula and super soft kitten food. And he has a respiratory infection and eye infection so he's taking meds for both of those. Oh and of course, he's a boy. She tried to be nice and hide her laughter, even made a sop at my pride by saying it was hard to tell when they are that young, but I definately caught a smirk when she was saying good bye to "hazel".
In my defense I just don't spend that much time staring at cat genitalia.....yeah see even my excuse doesn't sound good, sigh.
But yay the kitten only has minor problems, I was seriously worried for a little while.
On the spiritual side I have actually started to gather information on the modern druid paths that have developed in the past century. I do like a lot of the new takes that have come up and it's an interesting take on the interconnectedness of everything.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Travel Log 6-3: The Strangest Things Happen When We Actually Go Out
Yesterday was the OH's birthday. He got a new charcoal grill and all the acutraments to go with it so he was happy. And then, because it made no sense at all, we went to someone else's house for a barbecue, lol.
It was fun, and the cake I made with cookies and cream icing was much appreciated. We had my parents watch the midgets while we were away, and the minute we got home a kitten decided to follow my sister into the house. It is absolutely adorable. And it is sick, so to the vet we go today. Hopefully it will not be too expensive.
She is so tiny I'm a little worried she hasn't been weaned yet. But the really funny thing is that for the past week we've been talking about going down to the shelter and picking up a kitten. After my Tabbytha passed 2 years ago I've been really resistant to getting another cat. Hubby's cat has ruled the roost around here, but just recently I've felt a yearning for a little ball of fluff for myself. Looks like fate decided to take a hand, lol.
Does anyone out there know of a way to help cats get along? Kitsune, the aformentioned hubby's cat, is so far not taking the new addition well. We have been keeping them apart because of the cold we think WitchHazel has(yes I named her, so of course now we're keeping her, lol) but every chance she gets Kitsune goes into a growling hissing fit. I think it's because she hasn't gotten a good look at the tiny little thing yet
and doesn't realize she's not big enough to be a threat. What can I say, hope springs eternal.
It was fun, and the cake I made with cookies and cream icing was much appreciated. We had my parents watch the midgets while we were away, and the minute we got home a kitten decided to follow my sister into the house. It is absolutely adorable. And it is sick, so to the vet we go today. Hopefully it will not be too expensive.
She is so tiny I'm a little worried she hasn't been weaned yet. But the really funny thing is that for the past week we've been talking about going down to the shelter and picking up a kitten. After my Tabbytha passed 2 years ago I've been really resistant to getting another cat. Hubby's cat has ruled the roost around here, but just recently I've felt a yearning for a little ball of fluff for myself. Looks like fate decided to take a hand, lol.
Does anyone out there know of a way to help cats get along? Kitsune, the aformentioned hubby's cat, is so far not taking the new addition well. We have been keeping them apart because of the cold we think WitchHazel has(yes I named her, so of course now we're keeping her, lol) but every chance she gets Kitsune goes into a growling hissing fit. I think it's because she hasn't gotten a good look at the tiny little thing yet
and doesn't realize she's not big enough to be a threat. What can I say, hope springs eternal.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Travel Log 5-31: A Tidbit
I've been roving around blogland this evening and I have noticed that just about everyone out there has a tidbit on their blog about the holiday. Now what strikes me about this is that in person all people (at least around here, and I am perfectly willing to admit it may just be a Southern California thing) talk about Memorial Day is a time to bbq and drink copious amounts of alcohol. Which kinda offends me in a way. Of course that may just be because the majority of the adults of a male persuasion around when I was growing up served in the Korean War or WW2. I guess you really have to know a veteran to have memorial day and veteran's day stand out as more than a drink fest.
That thought almost makes me cry sometimes, because we are all growing up to be so apathetic towards things that we have not directly experienced. Our empathy is one of the things that helps to strengthen us. It is the step past courage that makes us stand and fight the battle, whether metaphorical or physical.
In the vein of that thought, and because I have resolved to write more (and not hide it away), here is my modest contribution to the holiday.
"Who will die today?"
A boy lifts his tricorn hat, waves to his mother and steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
Two young men, twins- one in grey, one in blue, hug each other and step forward.
"Who will die today?"
A man in a brown uniform kisses his young wife and wipes away her tear, then steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
A woman in cammoflage hugs her husband, kisses her children and steps forward.
"You are all willing to die today?"
As one they answer- "YES".
"What is so important that it is worth your life?"
The boy answers- "Independance."
The young men answer in unison- "Because my cause is just."
The man answers- "Innocent people are being killed."
The woman answers- "To protect what I love."
"For this you are willing to stand and fight, no matter the hardship, no matter the cost?"
They answer as one, by the thousands, through the years-
"YES"
That thought almost makes me cry sometimes, because we are all growing up to be so apathetic towards things that we have not directly experienced. Our empathy is one of the things that helps to strengthen us. It is the step past courage that makes us stand and fight the battle, whether metaphorical or physical.
In the vein of that thought, and because I have resolved to write more (and not hide it away), here is my modest contribution to the holiday.
"Who will die today?"
A boy lifts his tricorn hat, waves to his mother and steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
Two young men, twins- one in grey, one in blue, hug each other and step forward.
"Who will die today?"
A man in a brown uniform kisses his young wife and wipes away her tear, then steps to the line.
"Who will die today?"
A woman in cammoflage hugs her husband, kisses her children and steps forward.
"You are all willing to die today?"
As one they answer- "YES".
"What is so important that it is worth your life?"
The boy answers- "Independance."
The young men answer in unison- "Because my cause is just."
The man answers- "Innocent people are being killed."
The woman answers- "To protect what I love."
"For this you are willing to stand and fight, no matter the hardship, no matter the cost?"
They answer as one, by the thousands, through the years-
"YES"
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