Black Friday

So what are you doing today? Have you been up since last night camping out in front of your favorite store? Are you one that just salivates over getting to the store first, getting all those early bird deals?

Or are you like me?

I refuse to go shopping on Black Friday. There's a reason it's black. Sure the retail version of the story is that it's the first day of the year that the store operates in the black. But me. Pssht, my definition is that it's the most congested, least holiday-ish, most selfish day in the shopping year. Ugh. People pushing, yelling, shouting, all the cars, traffic. Yuck. And all to save a buck or two. Or quite possibly spend more than you thought you were because of all the "amazing" deals on shit I don't need.

I'm visiting friends and laying low today. Just doing my part to make it a little happier for all you Black Friday fans.

Have fun whatever you decide to do.

Happy Thanksgiving

So what are you thankful for this year?

I asked myself that question today. Hmmm. Well, of course, there's my husband, daughter and extended family, the friends that I've gotten closer to, old friends that I've reconnected with. Of course, there's always the family and friends that pop in my head when I say this. But what else? Anything?

What am I thankful for?

I'm very happy that the Hubs and I are both employed.

That I've decided to put myself more in the fore-front. And I don't mean selfishly. I mean, I did the 3-Day walk this year. I trained, fundraised, and dealt with blisters. But I gained so much. I learned how much strength I really had. I pushed myself to walk every single step. And I did it.

I've recently started on a new spiritual path. Not exactly new, more of a more structured path than I was on before. It's refreshing to have people to talk to about my faith on a weekly basis. Plus I'm thankful that I have an understanding husband. And we can discuss our different faiths, and come to an understanding that we are both on different paths, but going in the same direction.

I'm thankful for the Holiday Season this year.

I usually wait until the week or two before Christmas before I even start to shop. But this year, I've already gotten quite a head start on it. And I'm the one putting Holiday music on in the car. Rather than running screaming from it (remnants of my time in retail).

I'm thankful that I have such a blessed and full life.

I can say that this year and truly mean it!

Family and the Holidays

Luckily, I've gotten past some of the typical fights, snits, and drama that can occur during the Holidays. But if you haven't had that fortune yet. You might want to check out a great article on Shine.

Essentially, it's how to avoid the holiday family fights. Specifically, how to handle the following types of people:

The "Constructive" Criticizer
The Slacker
The Cheerleader
The Exaggerator
The Martyr
The Passive-Aggressor
The Over-Sharer
The Whiner
The Bully
The Busybody
The Pontificator
The Gossip
The Emotional Wreck
The Grinch
The Drunk Uncle

This is obviously hilarious. But it does have some helpful tips. And please, people, avoid being any one of these. ;)

Election Day

Did you vote?

I don't care which way, for whom or what you voted.

Did you vote?

All Hallow's Read

Okay, so Neil Gaiman has this great idea. Give someone a scary book on Halloween.

You can find out all about it here.

Hmmm, now I just have to figure out what to give. Hopefully someone will give me one. If not, I'll just buy one or check out out of the library for myself.

I think I'll get this one to give and maybe to get if I don't get one from someone.
And yes, Joey from Friends had it right. This is a freaking scary ass book. If you like, shove it in the freezer when it gets too much. ;)

New Bracelets, Pagan Music and Aprons

I've been so busy crafting lately. In fact, I finished my peacock braclet and another one called "Flame". I have a photo of it here. I took it on my phone, so it's not the best photo ever.

I'm getting ready to start on my third loom bracelet and getting new ideas all the time. I just love it when my Creativity is working overtime! In fact, my Mom and I are going to open an Etsy store soon. We have the store name and everything, just have to make stuff to sell. ;)

Here's a Giveaway at Witchy Gumbo. She's giving away this awesome "Domestic Goddess" apron to one of her lucky followers. Check it out here.


Just an FYI - 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 on her site! I had never heard of S.J. Tucker, but she's an awesome musician. She's got 6 or 7 cd's. And her Blessings cd is all pagan music. Great songs. Especially her Come to the Labyrinth. I love these lines at the end.

"When all our sorrows cauldron into one,
be reborn, this Samhain night"

Perfect for this time of year too. ;)

Feel free to check out the giveaways, but don't hope for much. ;) I'm planning on winning them both. Just so ya know. Hee hee.

Surprise Blogger Swap

Okay ya'll, so I decided to join in this fun Surprise Blogger Swap that Jamie over at This is Me; Consequently. decided to host. And last week I received my wonderful surprise package from Lisa at A Southern Belle Misplaced in Michigan. And she sent me such cool stuff.


As you can see, I got a journal, notecards, two candles, a raven figurine and a fun little Blessed Be pillow (which is now hanging on the knob of my china cabinet).

The raven is the centerpiece on my table and I'm looking forward to lighting the candles which smell all wonderful and Autumn-y.

I've been up to a whole host of things lately. I had the week off last week since the Hubs is out of town for work. Which has really sucked ass. I miss him so much, as does the Little One.

But while I was off, not only did I visit a bunch of people, I also took this awesome bead class. I don't know how many of you bead with a loom, but this lady I took the class from had an awesome idea and invented her own loom which has less work overall. Anywho, here's the first part of the project. Well, I'm finished with all the beading. Now, I have to wait for the next class to figure out how to finish the bracelet. But here's my hard work in all it's glory!


I can't wait to finish it so I can

1. wear it.
2. start another one.