The Simple Sabbat and Things My Mother Knew

Maybe it's because I am in the desert that I purchased the book?  In the Palm Springs valley area.  The mountains and valleys and wildlife all around make me feel more grounded, more connected with nature.  

I have just purchased The Simple Sabbat by Charming Pixe Flora.  Just a few pages in and already I've fallen in love.  She includes instructions for rituals that includes kids - now who could not fall in love with that?

And in a strange way her book reminds me of my mother.  My mother was brought up in London, England and in the Church of England faith which is basically Christian with a few modifications by the English Royal Family along the way.

BUT she knew about Pagan rituals, herbal remedies, old wives' tales.  She understood full moons and new moons and the changing of the seasons.  She knew sentences and rhyming words that some may call spells but to her they were just words that she knew.

Occasionally, her Church of England faith would come out and she would say 'Oh but it's all silly really.'  But in general she would talk more about nature's ways than the church.

If I could have time with my mother again I would like to ask her how she knows the things she knew...

My Beautiful Mom

BEADING BUG

Yep, seems I have the beading bug!
Last night's creation...

STRINGING BEADS

My mother-in-law is visiting and I'm struggling to find things to keep her entertained.  I booked us onto a beading class at the local bead store.

We had great fun and both came away with a finished necklace.  Who knew I would choose orange?  My sacral chakra must have needed some attention that evening.

But I cannot take credit for the entire necklace.  My six year old son collaborated with me.  The tiny colored beads are his addition - I think they are the best part!

Happy July 4th!

We'll be bbq-ing a little later but of course I'm doing a little crafting...  I think I'm addicted to the smell of Mod Podge.
How are you celebrating this July 4th?

What is Reiki?

Back in March of this year I read about a lady who enthused her jewelry with Reiki before positing it to the buyer.  I thought it would be a cool idea for my sister, Susie G Designs, who had just started making gem stone bracelets.  (I'm so good at thinking of good ideas for other people).

I knew nothing about Reiki and wondered what magical powers and skills were needed to be able to do Reiki.  I Googled the word and was surprised to find everyone had this magic power inside of them.   All that needs to happen is an attunment to awaken the magic already inside of you, or in other words to realign your chakras.  It's all very simple and gentle.  In fact, it is so gentle you could even be attuned while sleeping.

Instantly I was in love with Reiki.

By April both my sister and I were attuned and on our thirty day self-healing journey.

Two online Reiki places that I can highly recommend are Dharmadevi's Reiki Blessings Academy and the Spirited Reiki online classes offered by Jodi Lebrun at Creative Life by Design

Learning Reiki can be quite overwhelming to the newbie.  I know I had lots of questions which mainly started with 'Am I doing this right?'  I loved Jodi's Spirited Reiki I class.  It was small and intimate with lots of personal attention and Jodi answered all my newbie questions.

I'm still at the begining of my Reiki journey with a long way to go but already I can feel the positive effects of the energy reflected in all areas of my life.  One of them being my creativity.

Here is a little piece I made in response to one of Jodi's creative prompts in Spirited Reiki I.  Hanging amongst my son's artwork.  Can you tell he is my inspiration and my muse?

My daily reminder of the Reiki principles...

Inspiration: Aelita Andre

More beautiful spills, this time from Aelita Andre, 5 year old child prodigy...

Inspiration: Saori Kanda

This week we have been studying the Muse 'Spills' for The Modern Day Muse homework.
Watch this lady paint - I think you will agree she embodies 'Spills'. Her drips, smudges and spills are beautiful...





Her name is Saori Kanda. You kind find her website HERE.

It is said that the spontaneous style of Chinese painting came to be many years ago by an artist who would often drink too much wine before painting. He would drip and spill paint all over his work surface but jovially continue painting. It is unsure if any of his work still exists today.

Dream Board 2012

So can you tell what I'm dreaming of?

Sunday Morning Dream Board

I have a new favourite Sunday morning smell - coffee and Mod Podge!

The smell of creativity - what could be better?

Here's the dream board so far - still a few bits to add...

Boho Bliss

Deryn is giving away two places on her Boho Bliss workshop. 

Have I entered?  Too right!

I LOVE her jewelry and her classes are fantastic!

Take a look at her work on her blog here - Something Sublime.