I can't believe that I've been away for so long.  So much has happened, I'm almost at a loss of where to start....

Started writing.  (like everyone else!)  Lots of poetry.  Lots and lots of poetry. 

I'm going to school and thinking about applying to the graduate school program's creative writing/poetry program. 

Started running.  And bike riding.  Miles and miles.  It's addicting.  :)

This weekend was an exercise in patience.  I'm constantly between the kids and my current hubby, trying to difuse the situation.  I don't know if it's stress or what the hell is going on but always seems angry, no matter what the hell we're doing.  I'm soooo tired of it.

And then last night/early this morning I had a dream that I was back together with an old boyfriend.  It was so nice.  (Yes, I do realize that it's probably just me looking for a way out of this, but damn, it was great to not have to be walking on eggshells every time I walked into the house.)  Everyone gets mad, but this old boyfriend would just get mad and get done with it.  He wasn't constantly angry.  I don't know, maybe I'm just reaching for straws.

This morning I took my youngest, loaded her up in the super jogging stroller and went for a run, thinking about the whole situation.  I'm giving it through the summer and then deciding right before school.  I've got enough credits to qualify for housing in the fall, so we'd have somewhere to go. 

Kitchen Blessing

By:  Hearthwitch

Props:

Mixture of salt, cinnamon and crushed bay leaves
Several large onions (any type)
Herbal vinegar (sage, pepper, lemon peel) or (anise,
lemon peel and clove)

---The herbal vinegar can be made by adding the appropriate ingredients and letting it sit for a week shaking occasionally. I would suggest a cheap vinegar as you will not be eating it :).

Take the vinegar and pour into a bowl and add some warm water. Take the bowl in your hands and say;

"Herbs and spices I have added,
Your properties I release.
As I scrub my kitchen,
Surround it with your blessing."

Begin to wash the kitchen and say as you do so;

"I wash away negativity,
I wash away all harm.
I leave my kitchen clean and sound,
For many seasons to come."

Once the whole kitchen has been ceremonially cleaned (that includes inside the cupboards too), take the salt and herb mixture. Sprinkle the mixture across windows, doors and openings of all kinds;

"The salts made from the ocean and air,
Herbs grown from the earth and sun's fire,
Protect all in this house from harm."

The mixture can be removed after the blessing. I would suggest that you hand broom it.

Take the onions and say as you place them across the window;

"Many layerd friends of the the earth,
Within your deepest and most hidden heart,
Absorb all harm that enteres this house,
Let the only tears wept be from your bitter flesh."

This ritual is pretty simple and uses ingredients that most Kitchen Witches will have in her cupboard. You can do this when you move into a house or with each Spring.

My great grandmother always told me that onions made you cry as it was the price you paid for their protection. Also, never eat the onions you leave at the window or you will be absorbing the negativity they have absorbed. Garlic can also be used instead of onions.

I was pretty much done at the beginning of this week.  "Done" as in, burnt out, tired, spent.  But, yesterday turned around after a good night's sleep and some reading about Spring and planting. 

I don't have any plants started, although when I went to visit my dad, he had started a bunch of plants in the greenhouse.  I do love that thing!  Lots and lots of tomatoes and peppers.  Whew!  I'm glad he's got them 'cause I don't know where I would put them.  That's my only downfall of living in an apartment.  I really miss my garden.

I've been wondering how long I'm going to be in the same housing situation.  It's not bad, but it feels like there's more coming down the pike and I'm going to be out of there sometime this year.  It'd be nice to go to a quiet happy house.  Or a loud happy house.  One of the two.  I'm not picky.  LOL

I'm still carrying around rocks and my Beemish bottle from Cork.  I make a helluva lot of noise, but they make me feel better. 

Oh dear Goddess, I thought I'd never get through the fever.  I'm stuck with the cough, but damn!  I thought I was going to fry away.  One more day home to catch up on sleep and make damn sure that I'm back on my feet again and then I'm back out there.

I missed a couple of running training sessions that put me a week behind, but that's okay.  I'll be a week behind.  It's better than doing anything!  And considering that I was huffing it up the stairs this weekend, I'll be happy to go.

I heard that there's going to be a metaphysical show next month at one of the local motels.  There's going to be someone taking aura pictures, some crystal work, and rumor has it, a few speakers.  I don't know if I'll sit for any of the speakers, but it'd be nice to get the kids' photos taken.  I'm dying to know about the youngest.

My rosemary has finally died.  I knew that I was losing it, but hoped that I'd manage to save it.  No luck.    Luckily, I have a start growing from it already.

:)