Bento Order Placed
I am absolutely bummed - my favorite Online Bento store, Ichiban Kan, is closing it's online doors. It just breaks my heart that the economy is forcing such a great store off the internet even if it is just for the time being.
Book: Claimed By Shadow
Karen Chance
Fantasy
Penguin Group / April 2007
Mass Market / 384pp
Series: Cassandra Palmer Series, #2
A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world's chief clairvoyant. It's a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie's circumstances are a little...unusual. Now she's stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate-and that she herself doesn't dare use.
What's more, she's just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has a geis on her-a magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather ... intense attraction between them. But Cassie's had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy...
I picked this book up because it is the second book in a series.
What I liked the Most? The out of control time travel
What I liked the Least? Some of the characters are really one dimensional.
Review:At the end of the first book, Cassie Palmer had received a new and unwanted power, a sexy love interest that is untouchable, and she was running from things that go bump in the night. After finishing Claimed by Shadow, I was a extremely annoyed to find that I was still in the same fix. Cassie has a new and unwanted power, the sexy love interest is still off limits, she's still running from things that go bump in the night. Hopefully it is not going to be the pattern, and I will read the next book in the series just to double check.
Claimed by Shadow introduces some more fascinating aspects of this alternate earth world, but Cassie's powers are still unexplained and she is still charging into situations she doesn't understand, with "allies" that have shown themselves to be less than trustworthy makes for an interesting story, but makes me wonder about her basic common sense. What's even worse, you can't keep the good guys and the bad guys in order. Unless it's Tony.
Either I'm losing it, or the author is losing me, I'm not sure which. I'll hang in there for one more installment, but if it doesn't start start to make sense soon, I'll have to bail on the series. I am not getting suckered into the whole - it gets better, really it does syndrome again.
Recommended to: Someone who enjoyed the first book
Best Quote: "I do not deal in Fey affairs"
Challenges: 100+, Para999
Bento 72: Stir Fry Chicken
I haven't been posting most of my bentos, because they are repeats of previous meals.
Book:Night Huntress
Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal Romance
Penguin Group January 2009
Mass Market/320 pages
Sisters of the Moon Series, #5
We're the D'Artigo sisters: sexy, savvy operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae means our supernatural talents always go haywire at the wrong time. My sister Camille is a wicked good witch who attracts men like honey attracts flies. Menolly's a vampire who's still getting the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Delilah, a werecat who's been marked by the Autumn Lord as one of his Death Maidens. And wouldn't you know it, Karvanak--the demon general who stole the third Spirit Seal--is back. And this time, he's out for blood...
The Hags of Fate enjoy seeing me squirm. First, my boyfriend, Chase, mutters another woman's name in his sleep. Then I discover the Autumn Lord has a very special plan for me. But things go from bad to deadly when Karvanak--the Rāksasa--returns. In order to get his greedy hands on both the fourth Spirit Seal and his former associate, Vanzir, he kidnaps Chase. Now, we have to find a way to rescue the man I love without risking the safety of both Otherworld and Earth...
I picked this book up because it is part of a series that I am reading.
What I liked the Most? This book, Delilah is growing up and getting her claws.
What I liked the Least? The lies - that was just WRONG.
Review:This book centers on Delilah, the werecat/panther/Death Maiden - and that is just the beginning. Not a good standalone. There is a continuous plot running throughout all the books, but honestly it is getting really muddled, and from one book to the next I don't feel the flow is creating any sense of escalating tension.
The combat felt like a D&D session to me - role, do damage, your turn. Even though the characters acknowledge early on in one major raid on a demon-infested house that their opponents probably have preternatural hearing AND already know they're there, they stand around in the hallway debating and planning strategy endlessly. It's not even remotely realistic.
This book felt odd and stilted. I mean - I understand that the series is growning & changing & usually I don't have issue with is, but wow - why stay with the liar? Why put yourself out there for the BS? This book was off from the very beginning. Here's to hoping the next is better.
Recommended to: Fans of the series - not a good stand alone
Best Quote "Mayb we'll get lucky, and they'll just be a bunch of Caspers," - Delilah.
Challenges Para 999, 100+
Book:Goddess of the Night
Lynne Ewing
Hyperion Books for Children / August 2000
Hardback / 304 pages
Daughters of the Moon Series, #1
All Vanessa Cleveland has ever wanted is to be like everyone else and be able to do normal things--like kiss gorgeous Michael Saratoga without disappearing right in front of him. But Vanessa is different, and having to hide her secret makes leading a normal life impossible.
Now Vanessa is being followed. She doesn't know who's doing it. But she knows why. Her secret has finally been discovered.
I picked this book up years ago because let's face it, the cover is way cool and I thought it was more to do with the Goddess.
What I liked the Most? The descriptions - clothing, hair, body - Ms Ewing is HIGHLY descriptive and it works with this series.
What I liked the Least? Ms Ewing's writing style takes some getting used to. The flow is a little odd at times.
Review:I liked the fact Vanessa is just a regular school girl - she is having problems with boys & friendships & detention. So what her & her girlfriend Catty have powers it doesn't mean anything to them, just one more thing to hide or at least that's what Vanessa thought. Until Serena starts hanging around. Now she needs to know - can she fight an evil that want to destroy hope - only a goddess would know the answer but this goddess doesn't. How can she fight the Atrox if she can't even tell her mom she has a power?
Recommended to:Young Adults 14/15+ the series has some sexual undertones that I personally find unnecessary for a younger audience.
Best Quote:"Goddess" She let the word linger in her mouth. She didn't feel divine. She had zits and cramps and worried about people liking her.
Challenges: A-Z, Para 999
Book:Deja Demon
This section is for a challenge, then on to the regular review:
What do I think the book is going to be about by just looking at the cover?
Everybody's favorite mom is tearing up the super market, but this time it's not looking for a great sale - she's out to fry a demon she's fried in the past. Think grown up with kids Charmed no special abilities. Am I right, only time will tell?
Now I can finally read the back of the book. Oops - it's like the fourth in a series, but sounds like an interesting book.
Julie Kenner
Fiction (Chick Lit)
Penguin Group / July 2008
Quality Paperback / 336 pages
Kate Connor, Demon Hunter Series Book #4
Date 7-3
I picked this book up because the cover looked interesting & I signed up for a reading challenge. LOL.
What I liked the Most? I really enjoyed the flow of the story -
What I liked the Least? There was no labeling on the front of the book to say it was the fourth in a series.
Review: I was relatively happy with this selection. Mrs Kenner will not be going to the top of the TBR pile, but she may just yet make it into the stack.
Now on to the book, it is action packed from start to finish - I'll give her that, but personally I found the story line to be lacking quiet a bit. I don't know - maybe I'm just too harsh on NEW anything - but I felt the plot was really thin, got wrapped up way to "easy" and I really didn't care for some of the characters.
Recommended to: Since it's not that dark of a book (unlike a lot of others), pretty much anyone would be able to read it, but it may be helpful to read the series and since .
Best Quote:"You are soooo busted!" - Allie
Challenges: Take a Chance, Para 999
For the Take a Chance Challenge - I'm glad I picked the book up, because I will probably add her my TBR list, with an eye to picking her books up used. But I don't think the series will ever go to the top of the list.
What do I think the book is going to be about by just looking at the cover?
Everybody's favorite mom is tearing up the super market, but this time it's not looking for a great sale - she's out to fry a demon she's fried in the past. Think grown up with kids Charmed no special abilities. Am I right, only time will tell?
Now I can finally read the back of the book. Oops - it's like the fourth in a series, but sounds like an interesting book.
Julie Kenner
Fiction (Chick Lit)
Penguin Group / July 2008
Quality Paperback / 336 pages
Kate Connor, Demon Hunter Series Book #4
Date 7-3
Between attending gala fundraisers for her husband's political campaign, training her teenage daughter to wield a crossbow and a stiletto, potty-training a toddler, and her increasingly complicated personal life, Kate Connor hardly has time to prepare for the impending chaos of a neighborhood Easter party that has her enslaved to dying hundreds of hard-boiled eggs.
Keeping the local kiddos in line will take all of Kate's skills as a mother and demon hunter, just when she'll need them the most. The High Demon Goramesh has returned to San Diablo this time with a full-blown army of the undead and a powerful demonic ally. Once again, it's up to Kate to save the world. Good thing she can multi-task...
I picked this book up because the cover looked interesting & I signed up for a reading challenge. LOL.
What I liked the Most? I really enjoyed the flow of the story -
What I liked the Least? There was no labeling on the front of the book to say it was the fourth in a series.
Review: I was relatively happy with this selection. Mrs Kenner will not be going to the top of the TBR pile, but she may just yet make it into the stack.
Now on to the book, it is action packed from start to finish - I'll give her that, but personally I found the story line to be lacking quiet a bit. I don't know - maybe I'm just too harsh on NEW anything - but I felt the plot was really thin, got wrapped up way to "easy" and I really didn't care for some of the characters.
Recommended to: Since it's not that dark of a book (unlike a lot of others), pretty much anyone would be able to read it, but it may be helpful to read the series and since .
Best Quote:"You are soooo busted!" - Allie
Challenges: Take a Chance, Para 999
For the Take a Chance Challenge - I'm glad I picked the book up, because I will probably add her my TBR list, with an eye to picking her books up used. But I don't think the series will ever go to the top of the list.
GLBT Challenge 2009
Amanda of The Zen Leaf is hosting this new challenge.Dates: July 1st through December 31st of 2009
Rules/Guidelines:Read 6 books in 6 months in any genre. Books must deal with GLBT themes OR be written by GLBT authors. No X-rated stuff, nothing that purposely attacks the GLBT community.
My Reads
1.Magic's Pawn - Mercedes Lackey
2.Magic's Promise - Mercedes Lackey
3.Magic's Price - Mercedes Lackey
4.Cindy Ella - Robin Palmer
5.
6.
Some possibilities:
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues - Tom Robbins
Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris
I Was a Teenage Fairy - Francesca Lia Block
Midsummer Ritual 6-21-09
Items needed for this ritual
Flowers
Wand
Sage
Candles/representation of each element
Oil
Incense
Salt Water
Athame
Red Sun Candle
Green Goddess Candle
White Alter Candle
Cauldron
Pouch of Herbs * Everyone participating needs to do this step: Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it.
Spring Water
Pet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vacuum the area or sweep depending up either outdoors or indoors. Set up Quarter Candles or Elemental representation. The alter should be in two sections right & left with space to walk in between them. Decorate with seasonal flowers. Place the Cauldron in the center between the 2 alters, the Red Sun candle on the right alter, the Green Goddess Candle on the left alter. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sage everyone - “Blessed Be and Be Welcome” - Kiss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Circle Cast - Each person walks using either athame/incense/water/salt:
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
East - “Children of Air, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty - Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring - Let our lives with music sing”
South - “Children of South, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace - Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame - Let us all be glad we came”
West - “Children of Water, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch - Flows of emotion we miss so much
Bring drops of magic to wash around - Let our hearts know love all around”
North - “Children of Earth, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma - Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded - Let us strive to be well rounded”
Spirit - “Divas of Spirit, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope - Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite - Come to us for our midday rite”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"We celebrate Mid-of-Summer today, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today
MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice. From here, the light begins to fade, again, Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of our rite flame below."
Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle and say:
"Oh, Mother Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth. Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon,
Fruitful Womb of which we honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings.
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life. God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge. Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun,
Potent Consort of which we honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame - drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth. The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is, By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, sprinkle the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, then dump the rest on your body, feel your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new. Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me. Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me. Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by leading them between the two alters, while saying:
"By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say:
"I, (name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Great Spirit, the All-That-Is, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the ancient paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Witch - a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words."
Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram:
Anoint forehead, say: “Let my mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take the drink-filled chalice in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower athame into chalice, saying:
"As the athame is to the male, so the chalice is to the female;
And conjoined, they become one in truth.
Let the fruits of union promote life.
Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread throughout the lands."
Take a sip of the drink.
Hold the plate of cakes in left hand and athame in right. Draw an invoking Earth pentagram over the cakes, saying:
"Oh gracious Lord and Lady of abundance,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love,
Bestowing health, strength, joy and peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I thank you, Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. Thank you and farewell.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit - “Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power - Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light - Bless us and keep us every night”
Earth - “Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand - Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound - We’ll always know that you are around”
West - “Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew, - Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea - We’ll always remember the magic is me”
South - “Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire, - Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart - Remember always, merry meet and merry part.”
Air - “Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun, - Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind - The magic can wait til then to begin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Personal note - this is the ritual that a small group of friends will be doing today. The rededication is included because one participant has asked to be allowed to do it & the pet blessing is because I want to bless Divo & the Cats. Other pets may/may not be there. No particular parts have been assigned we'll see who shows up this afternoon.
Flowers
Wand
Sage
Candles/representation of each element
Oil
Incense
Salt Water
Athame
Red Sun Candle
Green Goddess Candle
White Alter Candle
Cauldron
Pouch of Herbs * Everyone participating needs to do this step: Prepare your Pouch of Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains, sorrows, illness, and regrets into it.
Spring Water
Pet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vacuum the area or sweep depending up either outdoors or indoors. Set up Quarter Candles or Elemental representation. The alter should be in two sections right & left with space to walk in between them. Decorate with seasonal flowers. Place the Cauldron in the center between the 2 alters, the Red Sun candle on the right alter, the Green Goddess Candle on the left alter. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the Goddess Candle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sage everyone - “Blessed Be and Be Welcome” - Kiss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Circle Cast - Each person walks using either athame/incense/water/salt:
“I conjure thee, O great circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the protectors of the East, South West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle. In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady thus I do conjure thee O great circle of power. This circle is sealed.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
East - “Children of Air, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring winds of freshness, breezy beauty - Dreams of hope, and love of duty
Bring breath of magic, sighs of spring - Let our lives with music sing”
South - “Children of South, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring kisses of passion, lovers embrace - Flames of laughter and sacred space
Bring sparks of magic to enflame - Let us all be glad we came”
West - “Children of Water, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring mists of insight, loving touch - Flows of emotion we miss so much
Bring drops of magic to wash around - Let our hearts know love all around”
North - “Children of Earth, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
Bring loam of growth, terra firma - Fertile thoughts, and gifted perma
Bring roots of magic to keep us grounded - Let us strive to be well rounded”
Spirit - “Divas of Spirit, Fairies all - Hearken to this midday call
With the glimmer of wishes and light of hope - Luminescence magic help us cope
The Lord and Lady we do invite - Come to us for our midday rite”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sun shines strong upon the ground, Nature’s abundance grows all around,
Gently nourished by summer rain, Apples, Oats, Wheat and Grain,
Promises of bounty, time reveals, And On and On turns the Wheel!
The Horned One walks the bright Greenwood, Rare glimpses seen make all feel good!
His Power once again at its Height, Together with the shortness of night,
Summertime joy is all we feel! And On and On turns the Wheel!
Hot and humid it begins to oppress, All life moves less and less,
Thunders’ rumble taints the air, The weather turns a lot less fair!
Lightning flash and Thunders Peel, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Summer storms pass swiftly by, And once again time doth fly,
Soon will come Harvest Time, Wheat become bread, Grape become Wine!
A bounty taken to provide a meal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
Still to come a last farewell, Death embraced as He fell,
Blood freely given falls to the floor, Sacrifice ensures life once more!
This Land again now will Heal, And On and On turns the Wheel!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face South and say:
"We celebrate Mid-of-Summer today, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God.
All of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun. The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And the light has kept growing longer, until today
MidSummer's Day, Summer Solstice. From here, the light begins to fade, again, Until once more the Wheel turns to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice. Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of our rite flame below."
Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle and say:
"Oh, Mother Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth. Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon,
Fruitful Womb of which we honor, and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings.
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life. God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children emerge. Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun,
Potent Consort of which we honor, and of Thee, Thy Blessings."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame - drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth. The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is, By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left is ashes, sprinkle the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, then dump the rest on your body, feel your negatives washed away. Air dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body, and legs. Don't forget your head, lay it back and shake running your fingers through your hair.
When done, face alter, wave hand over the cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new. Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me. Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me. Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your hands and arms between the two candles, over the cauldron, making wishes for luck, health, prosperity, and many other good things for your life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At this time, you may wish to bless pets or other animals in your life by leading them between the two alters, while saying:
"By these symbols of the Midsummer bonfires, I do bless this animal friend and companion, (state animal's name), in the ways of my ancestors, that he/she may be blessed with health and goodness throughout his/her years upon the Earth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kneel before the altar, place a pinch of salt on your tongue, and say:
"I, (name), rededicate myself to the Pagan Way, to the Goddess and the God, who together form the Great Spirit, the All-That-Is, whose combined power is strong and vital here. I give my word-bond to follow the ancient paths that lead to true wisdom and knowledge. I will serve the Great Goddess, and give reverence to the Great God. I am a Witch - a stone of the ancient circle, standing firmly balanced upon the Earth, yet open to the winds of the heavens, and enduring through time. May the Blessed Goddess and God witness my words."
Face the North and say: "Behold, O Powers of Earth, Spirits of the North, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the East and say: "Behold, O Powers of Air, Spirits of the East, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the South and say: "Behold, O Powers of Fire, Spirits of the South, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
Face the West and say: "Behold, O Powers of Water, Spirits of the West, I, (name), rededicate myself to the Lady of the Moon, and the Lord of the Sun."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dip the forefinger of right hand into the oil, and tracing a pentagram:
Anoint forehead, say: “Let my mind be open to the truth.”
Anoint lips, say: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “
Anoint heart area, say: “Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always.”
Anoint palms, say: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magical ways.”
Anoint feet, say: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take the drink-filled chalice in left hand and athame in right. Slowly lower athame into chalice, saying:
"As the athame is to the male, so the chalice is to the female;
And conjoined, they become one in truth.
Let the fruits of union promote life.
Let all be fruitful and let wealth be spread throughout the lands."
Take a sip of the drink.
Hold the plate of cakes in left hand and athame in right. Draw an invoking Earth pentagram over the cakes, saying:
"Oh gracious Lord and Lady of abundance,
Bless these cakes and infuse them with Your love,
Bestowing health, strength, joy and peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“As the ritual began, so it will end, Stay if you will, go if you must.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I thank you, Horned Lord and Radiant Lady, for aiding us this day. Thank you and farewell.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit - “Spirits of Diva, Spirits of power - Thank you for joining us this hour
As you return to your place in the light - Bless us and keep us every night”
Earth - “Spirits of Earth, Fairies of sand - Thank you for lending a helping hand
As you go off to your home in the mound - We’ll always know that you are around”
West - “Spirits of Water, Fairies of Dew, - Thank you for making our dreams come true
Away to your home in the sea - We’ll always remember the magic is me”
South - “Spirits of Flame, Fairies of Fire, - Thank you for our deepest desire
When you go home to your place in my heart - Remember always, merry meet and merry part.”
Air - “Spirits of Air, Fairies of Fun, - Thank you for all you have done.
Don’t be so quick to fly into the wind - The magic can wait til then to begin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plants/herbs: oak, mistletoe, frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, heliotrope, ivy, copal, saffron, galangal, laurel and ylang-ylang; carnation, chamomile, cinquefoil, daisy, elder, fennel, hemp, honeysuckle, larkspur, lavender, lily, male fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's wort, wild thyme, wisteria and verbena, vervain.
Personal note - this is the ritual that a small group of friends will be doing today. The rededication is included because one participant has asked to be allowed to do it & the pet blessing is because I want to bless Divo & the Cats. Other pets may/may not be there. No particular parts have been assigned we'll see who shows up this afternoon.
The Philosophy of a Witch's Belief
Life & Reality
*Harmony - Since all form (matter) is created by vibration, the world is made of sound. And not just random noise, but musical harmony. This means that harmony is one of the great Truths. And disharmony is distance from Truth. So harmony with the natural world and with the rhythms of life is at the heart of Wicca.
*Responsibility - Having greater control over our environment than most other terrestrial beings, through intelligence as well as intention, we carry a special responsibility to protect nature. We are aware that every choice we make plants seeds for the future we are creating.
*Personal Power - It is possible to perceive, access, and influence that subtle reality. Doing so causes change in the physical world. Every culture has developed techniques for doing so - shamanism, prayer, meditation, affirmation, and magic.
A Witch employs the methods that work for him/her, which may come from various cultures.
The Nature of the Divine
*The One Divine - The Great Mystery itself is genderless, omnipresent, and incomprehensible to the 3-dimensional brain. It manifests in this universe as a polarity or balance of forces, which we call feminine (Goddess, yin) and masculine (God, yang). These polarities do not align rigidly with our concept of woman and man.
*Sacred Polarity: Primary Faces Of The Divine - The yin holds the Power of the Dark - rest, inner reality, deep wisdom, the nurturing womb in which material life begins, the vast embrace to which life returns. The yang holds the Power of the Light - action, outer reality, abstract intelligence, the pursuit of ideals, the intention that spurs creation. Both are sacred and beautiful. Both are honoured.
Since both yin and yang are Divine, both are equal, and both are necessary to all life, we honour both Goddess and God, female and male, Earth and spirit, nature and intellect equally.
*Love Is The Source Of Life - All life is created and maintained through the ecstatic dance of love between these two polarities.
*The Multitudes Of The One Divine - The Divine is One, manifesting as the polarity of Yin and Yang. These two are perceived by humans in a variety of forms, and worshipped as numerous Gods and Goddesses around the world. Each of these holds a piece of the Truth. Yet the whole of the Truth is the One, which unites all existence within Itself.
The Unity Of All
*Equality Of All Beings - The Great Mystery manifests Itself as all that exists. Which means that the Divine dwells within each of us, and everything else. Every person, every river, every tree, every rock is sacred. The One is the Life Force.
*All Is Sacred - Since the One is manifest in all matter, our bodies and the Earth are sacred. They are Temples in which the Divine dwells. Everything in existence is a Temple of the Divine. It is only our illusions that prevent us from seeing this.
The Circle of Life
*The One Manifests In The World As The Circle Of Life - The Circle or Wheel of Life is the manifestation of the Divine in a polarized universe. With each quality, a corresponding "opposite" quality exists. Thus we experience life and death, up and down, past and future, gain and loss. On opposite sides of the Wheel, this creates balance, which allows the Wheel to keep moving forward in harmony.
*Nothing Lives Forever - All things must pass. The Circle must turn. So that new things may arise, the old must fall away. This is a sacred Mystery, to be honoured and celebrated.
*Nothing Dies Forever - Nothing is truly lost. The Circle of the One is complete; nothing can leave it nor enter it, since it is All. Everything lost is found again in a new form, when the time is right. Another level of the Spiral will reveal a new manifestation of all that was.
*The Ripples Return - Since nothing is lost, and the One is a "circle," everything we do returns to us. There is no way to avoid the consequences of our actions. This is the basis of the Three-Fold Law.
*Nothing Is Hidden - Since nothing is lost and nothing can be hidden from All That Is, integrity and authenticity are vital components of a Witch's practice.
*Life After Death - Since nothing can be lost, and everything is "recycled" by Nature, life is not lost at death. A person's essence continues, although the details of this can't be fully known. We acknowledge the probability of reincarnation as one option.
In Service Of Life
*Constructive Action - Only that which serves life is worthy of veneration. Anti-life forces, whether called evil or "Satan," or disguised as "forces for self-protection" or "warriors for [an individual's] God" are not recognized as having spiritual authority or worldly validity. The basic code of life-serving action is expressed in the Wiccan Rede as "An it harm none, do what you will."
*Non-Harm - Since we are all manifestations of the One, we are not truly separate from each other or anything else. So we know that to harm anyone is ultimately to harm ourselves. Everything we do comes back to us. And we seek to harm none, but to serve Life instead.
*Joy Is A Sacrament - Since life is created through the union of the Goddess and God, and since the purpose is to celebrate life, in Wiccan belief sexual pleasure - indeed, all pleasure - is a sacrament. And sexual ecstasy is a bridge between the human and the Divine. Through the openness and union with another, we can reunite with the Divine Essence that creates us.
Authority and Power
*Inner Authority - Since we are all manifestations of the One, we are all equal. There is no higher authority, no prophet, no bible, no single leader that can legitimately claim authority over others.
*Following The Heart - The heart - as the voice of the Divine - is our highest authority. It is the truest guide we have in life. Following the heart creates a practice that is vibrant, responsive, spontaneous, and soul-full. This is why Wiccan belief is becoming so widely embraced around the world. It is alive, authentic, and full of spirit. These are qualities we - and our planet - are literally dying for.
*True Power Is Shared - Since we are all our own prophets and priest/esses and leaders, power is a commodity to be shared and passed from hand to hand. So we take turns leading and organizing, surrendering and supporting. And we encourage and assist newer Witches in gaining the skills and the confidence they need to take their full place in the Circle.
Living Spirituality
*Temples Of The Divine - Since the Divine dwells everywhere, anyplace anyone reaches out to the Divine is a Temple.
All existence is the Temple of the Divine.
*The Worship Of Life - Since all the world is a Temple, so all of life is a sacrament. It is as sacred an act to make a bed as to meditate, when awareness of the Divine is present. The worship of the One Divine is the worship of life. Not just the surface of life - the illusions of the world - but the meaning beneath the surfaces. The worship of life is accomplished in all that enhances life: joy, pleasure, love, compassion, charity, service, and grace. These are our Wiccan rites and offerings. (And so letting blood is a death-action, and is contrary to Wiccan belief.)
*By Their Fruit They Are Known - A Witch is created by his/her actions, by living the principles of his/her belief. Merely saying he/she is a Witch, or having others proclaim him/her a Witch, doesn't make him/her a Witch any more than claiming he/she is a tree.
*Spiritual Self-Determination - Anyone who chooses to be a Witch can be a Witch. "Membership" cannot be denied, since there is no outside authority to grant or deny Witch-hood. A person can be a Witch in conjunction with following other spiritual paths, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, etc., as long as he/she finds the two compatible.
*Ritual Creates Harmony With Reality - According to Wiccan belief, the purpose of Wiccan rites is to align ourselves more thoroughly with the natural rhythms of life and the beauty of the Divine Within and Without.
*Magic Co-Creates With The Divine - The purpose of Wiccan magic is to align our lives with our Purpose for incarnating, and our world more perfectly with the beauty of the Divine.
The Purpose of Life
*Creation Is Eternal - Since there is no boundary or limit to the Divine, creation is not a static event that happened long ago, but an evolutionary process that is ongoing. And since the Divine is each of us, we are all co-creators of the universe together. Since the Divine is the universe, the Divine can't be static, but ever evolving. And She relies on us for Her growth. Through our lives and our experiences, we are continually creating not only the world, but God Herself. And it is for this reason She created us.
*Home Coming - Since we are in our essence Divine, it is our path to seek reunion with the Divine. We do this by uncovering this Truth within us.
*Serving The Divine - Since the Divine is neither static nor separate, the Divine too is evolving and growing. And She needs us for Her growth and well-being. A Witch's relationship with the Divine is balanced and reciprocal. A Witch gives back to God as well as receives from Her with thanks. The greatest gift we can give is to live our dreams. Everyone is created as a gift to the world, with special talents to offer. To refuse to use those talents is to deny your reason for being here, and to let us all down. The Divine is counting on you, to do what only you can do.
Respect For All Beings
*All Paths Lead To The One - Since everyone's path is unique and worthy of respect, all religions and belief systems are valid to their practitioners. No one has the right to judge another's path or to coerce them to a different one.
Personal Spiritual Path
*Validity Is Created By Service Of Life - A spiritual path is not legitimized by its history or the extent of its membership, nor diminished by internal debates. It is justified or not depending upon the actions of its adherents. Its impact on the present and its potential for the future are the sole basis for assessment. So Wicca is valid to the extent that it is a positive force in the life of its adherents and the world.
*Personal Responsibility - Every Witch is personally responsibility to the Divine for his/her choices, words, actions, and inactions - and even his/her thoughts, since he/she recognises the power contained within them.
*Everyone Can Communicate Directly With The Divine - The Divine interacts with all beings on a continuous basis, but few are willing to notice and understand.
The Divine is directly accessible to every person, through meditation, prayer, introspection, ritual, and magic. No one needs an interpreter or intervener, but his/her own heart and body and mind. According to Wiccan belief, the mind of God is open to understanding, and many tools exist to aid us in this great task. Tarot, runes, astrology, and all other divination techniques help us understand the Divine's wishes for us.
*The Obligation And Right Of Personal Choice - It is not only every person's right but responsibility to find their own way, determine their own values, and live by their own choices. No one may dictate another's Path, or judge it by his/her own perspective. We must choose for ourselves. And having chosen, we are then directly responsible for those actions. No excuses can be offered, when we are acting of our own free will.
Giving Back & Paying It Forward
*Honouring Teachers And Guides - While there is no worldly authority and no interpreters mediating between a Witch and the Divine, there are many who help us understand our way. These leaders and guides are offered respect and gratitude.
*Balance Is The Law Of The Circle - A balance must be maintained. It is the way of all circles. To take, something must be given. If it is not given voluntarily, it will be lost nonetheless. This concept is found not only in Wiccan belief but most aboriginal belief systems.
*Offering True Gifts - Only what is ours to give can be an offering. For example, blood sacrifice is theft and harm, unless it is our own blood willingly offered. In Wiccan belief, another's sacrifice can't bring us any good.
The Essence of Magical Power
*All Power Is Divine Power - The source of all Power is the Divine. To gather Power, all that is necessary is to clear the conduit to the Divine Within you.
*You Are The Conduit - No props are necessary to work magic. The Power is the Divine and your ability to connect and channel that creative energy. Symbols such as wands, candles, pentacles, incense, etc. merely aid us in focusing our attention and accessing other levels of consciousness. But the only magic tool that is ultimately necessary is you.
*The Nature Of Power - To abuse Power by harming another or succumbing to greed is to contaminate the conduit to the Divine. This results in an inevitable loss of Power.
Even though each Witch follows her own Path, there are commonalities that most Witches can agree to. These principles are contained within the Wiccan Rede. the Charge of the Star Goddess, the Invocation of the Goddess, and the Three-Fold Law.
This philosophy is not necessary followed in all ways by all Witches. The core of Witchcraft is that each Witch has his/her own belief system.
So you can still be a Witch without belief in all of these principles.
Witches tends to be very open to others' beliefs. This is built-in to the philosophy: no one can say how another should worship. Of course, sometimes our lower traits rise up. It is not hard to find Wiccans ridiculing Witches, but this should be an aberration and not the norm.
The very core of a Witch's belief system is founded upon the heart and spirit as the utmost authorities. Since everyone's heart knows what's best for her, there is no justification in a personal belief that judges anyone else's path.
*Harmony - Since all form (matter) is created by vibration, the world is made of sound. And not just random noise, but musical harmony. This means that harmony is one of the great Truths. And disharmony is distance from Truth. So harmony with the natural world and with the rhythms of life is at the heart of Wicca.
*Responsibility - Having greater control over our environment than most other terrestrial beings, through intelligence as well as intention, we carry a special responsibility to protect nature. We are aware that every choice we make plants seeds for the future we are creating.
*Personal Power - It is possible to perceive, access, and influence that subtle reality. Doing so causes change in the physical world. Every culture has developed techniques for doing so - shamanism, prayer, meditation, affirmation, and magic.
A Witch employs the methods that work for him/her, which may come from various cultures.
The Nature of the Divine
*The One Divine - The Great Mystery itself is genderless, omnipresent, and incomprehensible to the 3-dimensional brain. It manifests in this universe as a polarity or balance of forces, which we call feminine (Goddess, yin) and masculine (God, yang). These polarities do not align rigidly with our concept of woman and man.
*Sacred Polarity: Primary Faces Of The Divine - The yin holds the Power of the Dark - rest, inner reality, deep wisdom, the nurturing womb in which material life begins, the vast embrace to which life returns. The yang holds the Power of the Light - action, outer reality, abstract intelligence, the pursuit of ideals, the intention that spurs creation. Both are sacred and beautiful. Both are honoured.
Since both yin and yang are Divine, both are equal, and both are necessary to all life, we honour both Goddess and God, female and male, Earth and spirit, nature and intellect equally.
*Love Is The Source Of Life - All life is created and maintained through the ecstatic dance of love between these two polarities.
*The Multitudes Of The One Divine - The Divine is One, manifesting as the polarity of Yin and Yang. These two are perceived by humans in a variety of forms, and worshipped as numerous Gods and Goddesses around the world. Each of these holds a piece of the Truth. Yet the whole of the Truth is the One, which unites all existence within Itself.
The Unity Of All
*Equality Of All Beings - The Great Mystery manifests Itself as all that exists. Which means that the Divine dwells within each of us, and everything else. Every person, every river, every tree, every rock is sacred. The One is the Life Force.
*All Is Sacred - Since the One is manifest in all matter, our bodies and the Earth are sacred. They are Temples in which the Divine dwells. Everything in existence is a Temple of the Divine. It is only our illusions that prevent us from seeing this.
The Circle of Life
*The One Manifests In The World As The Circle Of Life - The Circle or Wheel of Life is the manifestation of the Divine in a polarized universe. With each quality, a corresponding "opposite" quality exists. Thus we experience life and death, up and down, past and future, gain and loss. On opposite sides of the Wheel, this creates balance, which allows the Wheel to keep moving forward in harmony.
*Nothing Lives Forever - All things must pass. The Circle must turn. So that new things may arise, the old must fall away. This is a sacred Mystery, to be honoured and celebrated.
*Nothing Dies Forever - Nothing is truly lost. The Circle of the One is complete; nothing can leave it nor enter it, since it is All. Everything lost is found again in a new form, when the time is right. Another level of the Spiral will reveal a new manifestation of all that was.
*The Ripples Return - Since nothing is lost, and the One is a "circle," everything we do returns to us. There is no way to avoid the consequences of our actions. This is the basis of the Three-Fold Law.
*Nothing Is Hidden - Since nothing is lost and nothing can be hidden from All That Is, integrity and authenticity are vital components of a Witch's practice.
*Life After Death - Since nothing can be lost, and everything is "recycled" by Nature, life is not lost at death. A person's essence continues, although the details of this can't be fully known. We acknowledge the probability of reincarnation as one option.
In Service Of Life
*Constructive Action - Only that which serves life is worthy of veneration. Anti-life forces, whether called evil or "Satan," or disguised as "forces for self-protection" or "warriors for [an individual's] God" are not recognized as having spiritual authority or worldly validity. The basic code of life-serving action is expressed in the Wiccan Rede as "An it harm none, do what you will."
*Non-Harm - Since we are all manifestations of the One, we are not truly separate from each other or anything else. So we know that to harm anyone is ultimately to harm ourselves. Everything we do comes back to us. And we seek to harm none, but to serve Life instead.
*Joy Is A Sacrament - Since life is created through the union of the Goddess and God, and since the purpose is to celebrate life, in Wiccan belief sexual pleasure - indeed, all pleasure - is a sacrament. And sexual ecstasy is a bridge between the human and the Divine. Through the openness and union with another, we can reunite with the Divine Essence that creates us.
Authority and Power
*Inner Authority - Since we are all manifestations of the One, we are all equal. There is no higher authority, no prophet, no bible, no single leader that can legitimately claim authority over others.
*Following The Heart - The heart - as the voice of the Divine - is our highest authority. It is the truest guide we have in life. Following the heart creates a practice that is vibrant, responsive, spontaneous, and soul-full. This is why Wiccan belief is becoming so widely embraced around the world. It is alive, authentic, and full of spirit. These are qualities we - and our planet - are literally dying for.
*True Power Is Shared - Since we are all our own prophets and priest/esses and leaders, power is a commodity to be shared and passed from hand to hand. So we take turns leading and organizing, surrendering and supporting. And we encourage and assist newer Witches in gaining the skills and the confidence they need to take their full place in the Circle.
Living Spirituality
*Temples Of The Divine - Since the Divine dwells everywhere, anyplace anyone reaches out to the Divine is a Temple.
-Indoors,
-Outdoors,
-Perpetual,
-One-time-only,
-The body,
-The kitchen,
-The workplace,
-The sidewalk,
-The garden,
-The hallway,
-The bathroom,
All existence is the Temple of the Divine.
*The Worship Of Life - Since all the world is a Temple, so all of life is a sacrament. It is as sacred an act to make a bed as to meditate, when awareness of the Divine is present. The worship of the One Divine is the worship of life. Not just the surface of life - the illusions of the world - but the meaning beneath the surfaces. The worship of life is accomplished in all that enhances life: joy, pleasure, love, compassion, charity, service, and grace. These are our Wiccan rites and offerings. (And so letting blood is a death-action, and is contrary to Wiccan belief.)
*By Their Fruit They Are Known - A Witch is created by his/her actions, by living the principles of his/her belief. Merely saying he/she is a Witch, or having others proclaim him/her a Witch, doesn't make him/her a Witch any more than claiming he/she is a tree.
*Spiritual Self-Determination - Anyone who chooses to be a Witch can be a Witch. "Membership" cannot be denied, since there is no outside authority to grant or deny Witch-hood. A person can be a Witch in conjunction with following other spiritual paths, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, etc., as long as he/she finds the two compatible.
*Ritual Creates Harmony With Reality - According to Wiccan belief, the purpose of Wiccan rites is to align ourselves more thoroughly with the natural rhythms of life and the beauty of the Divine Within and Without.
*Magic Co-Creates With The Divine - The purpose of Wiccan magic is to align our lives with our Purpose for incarnating, and our world more perfectly with the beauty of the Divine.
The Purpose of Life
*Creation Is Eternal - Since there is no boundary or limit to the Divine, creation is not a static event that happened long ago, but an evolutionary process that is ongoing. And since the Divine is each of us, we are all co-creators of the universe together. Since the Divine is the universe, the Divine can't be static, but ever evolving. And She relies on us for Her growth. Through our lives and our experiences, we are continually creating not only the world, but God Herself. And it is for this reason She created us.
*Home Coming - Since we are in our essence Divine, it is our path to seek reunion with the Divine. We do this by uncovering this Truth within us.
*Serving The Divine - Since the Divine is neither static nor separate, the Divine too is evolving and growing. And She needs us for Her growth and well-being. A Witch's relationship with the Divine is balanced and reciprocal. A Witch gives back to God as well as receives from Her with thanks. The greatest gift we can give is to live our dreams. Everyone is created as a gift to the world, with special talents to offer. To refuse to use those talents is to deny your reason for being here, and to let us all down. The Divine is counting on you, to do what only you can do.
Respect For All Beings
*All Paths Lead To The One - Since everyone's path is unique and worthy of respect, all religions and belief systems are valid to their practitioners. No one has the right to judge another's path or to coerce them to a different one.
Personal Spiritual Path
*Validity Is Created By Service Of Life - A spiritual path is not legitimized by its history or the extent of its membership, nor diminished by internal debates. It is justified or not depending upon the actions of its adherents. Its impact on the present and its potential for the future are the sole basis for assessment. So Wicca is valid to the extent that it is a positive force in the life of its adherents and the world.
*Personal Responsibility - Every Witch is personally responsibility to the Divine for his/her choices, words, actions, and inactions - and even his/her thoughts, since he/she recognises the power contained within them.
*Everyone Can Communicate Directly With The Divine - The Divine interacts with all beings on a continuous basis, but few are willing to notice and understand.
The Divine is directly accessible to every person, through meditation, prayer, introspection, ritual, and magic. No one needs an interpreter or intervener, but his/her own heart and body and mind. According to Wiccan belief, the mind of God is open to understanding, and many tools exist to aid us in this great task. Tarot, runes, astrology, and all other divination techniques help us understand the Divine's wishes for us.
*The Obligation And Right Of Personal Choice - It is not only every person's right but responsibility to find their own way, determine their own values, and live by their own choices. No one may dictate another's Path, or judge it by his/her own perspective. We must choose for ourselves. And having chosen, we are then directly responsible for those actions. No excuses can be offered, when we are acting of our own free will.
Giving Back & Paying It Forward
*Honouring Teachers And Guides - While there is no worldly authority and no interpreters mediating between a Witch and the Divine, there are many who help us understand our way. These leaders and guides are offered respect and gratitude.
*Balance Is The Law Of The Circle - A balance must be maintained. It is the way of all circles. To take, something must be given. If it is not given voluntarily, it will be lost nonetheless. This concept is found not only in Wiccan belief but most aboriginal belief systems.
*Offering True Gifts - Only what is ours to give can be an offering. For example, blood sacrifice is theft and harm, unless it is our own blood willingly offered. In Wiccan belief, another's sacrifice can't bring us any good.
The Essence of Magical Power
*All Power Is Divine Power - The source of all Power is the Divine. To gather Power, all that is necessary is to clear the conduit to the Divine Within you.
*You Are The Conduit - No props are necessary to work magic. The Power is the Divine and your ability to connect and channel that creative energy. Symbols such as wands, candles, pentacles, incense, etc. merely aid us in focusing our attention and accessing other levels of consciousness. But the only magic tool that is ultimately necessary is you.
*The Nature Of Power - To abuse Power by harming another or succumbing to greed is to contaminate the conduit to the Divine. This results in an inevitable loss of Power.
Even though each Witch follows her own Path, there are commonalities that most Witches can agree to. These principles are contained within the Wiccan Rede. the Charge of the Star Goddess, the Invocation of the Goddess, and the Three-Fold Law.
This philosophy is not necessary followed in all ways by all Witches. The core of Witchcraft is that each Witch has his/her own belief system.
So you can still be a Witch without belief in all of these principles.
Witches tends to be very open to others' beliefs. This is built-in to the philosophy: no one can say how another should worship. Of course, sometimes our lower traits rise up. It is not hard to find Wiccans ridiculing Witches, but this should be an aberration and not the norm.
The very core of a Witch's belief system is founded upon the heart and spirit as the utmost authorities. Since everyone's heart knows what's best for her, there is no justification in a personal belief that judges anyone else's path.
Book:Ink Exchange
Melissa Marr
Young Adult
HarperCollins Publishers / Apr 2008 (orginal)
Quality Paperback / 352pp
Companion Novel : Wicked Lovely
Date 6-17/6-18
Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance between the Faerie Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly-vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.
17-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.
The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind that Leslie had dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faerie world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils.
I picked this book up because it is the second book set in the same world & the first was EXCELLANT!
What I liked the Most? Leslie's journey to reclaim herself after what happens.
What I liked the Least? I had alot of trouble getting into this story. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to make this book edgier than the first and the characters just fell flat, they were not nearly as vivid as in the first book.
Review:Welcome to the Dark Side and yes, it is very alluring. Marr’s depiction of addiction and all the lust and masochism that goes along with it is frightening and perfect. If you have ever been addicted to anything you’ll recognize all the symptoms. Yet, even as you overcome your addiction you just never quite get over it and the temptation is always be there.
Leslie is putting on a brave front with all her friends, pretending that life is still all good and hiding her pain. Hoping to take back some control she decides ask Rabbit for a tattoo. She picks out a special design but unbeknownst to her, that tattoo is the symbol of something dark and fey. As Leslie finds her vision changing and her feelings shifting in unpredictable ways, Niall, Summer Court Right Hand, steps in, but he has his own tangled feelings about the situation.
Recommended to: If you enjoy dark books with even darker themes.
Best Quote: "Do you ever wonder if what you look at is the same thing everyone else is seeing?"
Challenges: 100+
Book:Dragon Wytch
Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal Romance
Penguin Group July 2008
Mass Market/304 pages
Sisters of the Moon Series, #4
We're the D'Artigo sisters: savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still getting the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Camille, a wicked-good witch, trying to juggle faulty magic, gorgeous men, and the demonic war in which we're embroiled. Sometimes, it's hard to know just who we can trust...
"The Equinox is coming, and mayhem rules. A crown-prince unicorn offers us a legendary gift, but it vanishes. Goblins and trolls swarm the streets of Seattle. And now Smoky, the sexiest dragon alive, decides to stake his claim--on me. Overshadowing it all, the third spirit seal surfaces and Shadow Wing's after it. But I've discovered a secret that could change everything. A new power is rising--a dangerous force from the past--one that intends to restore balance to the worlds...whether we like it or not."
I picked this book up because it is part of a series that I am reading.
What I liked the Most? For the series - it has to be the rotating primary character. For this book, Smokey's getting hot!
What I liked the Least? How the book is peppered with even more new characters. It gets annoying after awhile trying to keep every one straight.
Review:Dragon Wytch returns the series to Camille's narration.
From the start of the series it's been all about defending home (Earthside & OtherWorld) from the demon forces of Shadow Wing. And this story is no exception - as every one races for the third spirit seal. Along the way, more characters & of course trouble.
*Portals popping up all over and spewing out Goddess knows what.
*Add Benjamin, a human who sees visions - his family thinks he's nuts, but Morio's not so sure.
*A tool to be used - but only if you can stand up for yourself.
*But don't forget to include demons, dragons, goblins, trolls, vampires, shapeshifters, and also all other types of magical creatures from just about any culture.
There is of course lots of fighting, a sprinkle of sisterly antics and a healthy does of Camille and her men - which makes for a very interesting read. If you've been following the series there are some MIAs but you learn to deal.
Recommended to: Other fantasy, urban fantasy, or paranormal fans who appreciate detailed worlds and interesting lore - this is a series you should be looking into, but it is very shy on the romance side. (Sex does not equal romance. Relationship development does.)
Best Quote "You cannot have light without dark, clarity without shadow." - Morgaine.
Challenges Para 999, 100+
Bento 71: Where's the Kitchen Sink
Tonight was a 12 hour work night & I didn't want to wake up early enough to grab some breakfast so I planned a really big meal to compensate.
Sushi Box: Part breakfast / Part Snack Box
Main Meal: Ginger Chicken for Lunch / Pepper Steak for Dinner
Dessert: Courtsey of my Hubby
Sushi Box: Part breakfast / Part Snack Box
Main Meal: Ginger Chicken for Lunch / Pepper Steak for Dinner
Dessert: Courtsey of my Hubby
Bento Box Place
Since I had training this morning - it left my early afternoon open. I decided that Matsuri's Bento Box had my name all over it. Today's Chef Choice included California Roll, Tereyaki Chicken, Pork Cutlet, and the ever present Fried Rice.
Book: Darkling
Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal Romance
Penguin Group / January 2008
Mass Market / 304 pages
Sisters of the Moon #3
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy – and sexy – operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Delilah transforms into a tabby cat when she’s under stress. And Me? I’m Menolly, acrobat-extraordinaire-turned-vampire. And I’d give my right fang to make my sire pay for killing me. That is, if he doesn’t find me first…
All over Seattle, humans have been going missing, only to turn up as newborn vampires - the sure sign of a rogue vamp on the loose. It looks like Dredge is to blame. The same sadistic Dredge who gave me my scars, and who may well be in cahoots with the demon Shadow Wing. If so, Otherworld and Earth are screwed. The only way we can hope to defeat Dredge is for me to travel home to Otherworld, where I must face my own demons. Because unless I sever the ties that bind me to Dredge, all hell is going to break loose....
I picked this book up because
What I liked the Most?
What I liked the Least?
Review:Darkling is the third book in the series, and is from Menolly's point of view.
Menolly is the baby of the group chronologically but her life has definitely been the hardest. While on a spy mission for the OIA Menolly was captured by a rogue vampire - he tortured and raped her, killed her and turned her into a vampire and then released her with the orders to return home and prey on her family. For the past twelve earthside years she has been stuck in the past, reliving her memories of that night, never managing to get over the attack that not only killed her but changed her for eternity.
The story this time focused on the escalation of the battle between the sisters and the Earth invasion of the Elwing Blood Clan. Headed by Menolly's sire, the clan proceeds to nab unsuspecting humans, creating a human/Fae crisis as people start to disappear. The "stakes" are raised when a close friend is taken. With the help of previous characters, like Morio the fox demon and Chase Johnson, plus the addition of the incubus demon, Roz, the sisters must scour the city and beyond for new, blood-crazed vampires.
Recommended to:Darkling has references and appearances ranging Merlin, Morgan LeFay, Grandmother Coyote (one of the Hags of Fate), to Demonkin, and so much much more. Darkling makes for an entertaining, fast paced read that should satisfy most urban fantasy fans. This book IS NOT a paranormal romance – no matter what it says on the spine of the book - if you are a fantasy fan who enjoys reading exciting fantasy adventure novels with strong female protagonists, then this is a series you would like.
Oops - and because I recommended this series with out fair warning - There is a Girl on Girl mini sex scene - it's not terribly graphic, but it is there. Considering the next person warned AuntieSocial.
Best Quote:
Challenges: Para 999, 100+
Summer Reading Challenge
Well I stumbled upon yet ANOTHER reading challenge over at J Kaye's this one is being hosted by Bookworm Jules and I had to sign up.
General concept - challenge yourself to read or reread some favorite books. Create a list and then read away - but you can't start til 6-21. This challenge is running from Midsummer to Autumn Equinox.
Click here for the rules and to sign up.
Personally I'm going to use it to reread some of my favorites.
Since I almost always revisit Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar during the summer & I need a few GLBT books,
1) Magic's Pawn - Mercedes Lackey
2) Magic's Promise - Mercedes Lackey
3) Magic's Price - Mercedes Lackey
And I have to reread the entire series before Divine Misdemeanors (2009).
4) A Kiss of Shadows
5) A Caress of Twilight
6) Seduced By Moonlight
7) A Stroke of Midnight
8) Mistral's Kiss
9) A Lick of Frost
10) Swallowing Darkness
Of course I hold the right to reevaluate this list at any point this summer.
General concept - challenge yourself to read or reread some favorite books. Create a list and then read away - but you can't start til 6-21. This challenge is running from Midsummer to Autumn Equinox.
Click here for the rules and to sign up.
Personally I'm going to use it to reread some of my favorites.
Since I almost always revisit Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar during the summer & I need a few GLBT books,
1) Magic's Pawn - Mercedes Lackey
2) Magic's Promise - Mercedes Lackey
3) Magic's Price - Mercedes Lackey
And I have to reread the entire series before Divine Misdemeanors (2009).
4) A Kiss of Shadows
5) A Caress of Twilight
6) Seduced By Moonlight
7) A Stroke of Midnight
8) Mistral's Kiss
9) A Lick of Frost
10) Swallowing Darkness
Of course I hold the right to reevaluate this list at any point this summer.
Changling - Yasmine Galenorn
(Publisher Bits)We’re the D’Artigo sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we’re savvy – and sexy – operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked–good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Menolly is a vampire trying to get the hang of being undead.
And me? I’m Delilah. When I’m under stress, I transform into a tabby cat – and a series of violent murders is really getting me bent out of shape. Someone's been slaughtering the Weres of the Rainier Puma Pride, and my sisters and I have been enlisted to investigate by Zachary Lyonnesse, golden boy of the werepumas.
Right away we smelled demon trouble, and we tracked it directly into the snare of the Hunters Moon Clan, sworn enemies of Puma Pride. But there's more than Were rivalry at work. It's that old demon Shadow Wing who is setting a deadly snare for the pumas. We have to find out why, which means a visit one to of the Immortals. Unfortunately, for my sisters and me, our half-human blood is just enough to put us in mortal danger.
(My Turn)
This books main focus is the middle sister, Delilah, and the story starts off by introducing us to the entertaining world of being a long haired tabby cat.
You are introduce to her world, at least this small part of it, from the very beginning of the story. Instead of having scary magical powers or the ability to morph into an impressive large beast Delilah is content in what she was given at birth, the often times unstable ability to were naturally into a small and flippant housecat. But, Delilah's life is about to get alot more complicated.
Add in scary yucky poisonous were Spiders, a returning shaman with powers untold, The Autumn Lord marking someone, Smokey hitting on Camille, feeling left out and misunderstood, and you have the makings of a really good story.
Bento 70: BBQ Chicken & Sides
This is my newest box. I abso love it. It's all pretty and shiny! 
So I packed it up tonight with BBQ Chicken, Cabbage (with a sad attempt at cabbage "roses" I know), and a Side salad with cheese crowns. The overall lid turns into a plate if you are the type who likes to plate the food you are going to eat. It's too cool.
Timeless Treasures
For those of you who know my family situation, you know that my mom (Gee-Gee) looks after my nephew while his mommy & daddy go to work. Well today Gee-Gee wanted a day off, so I volunteered to take the munchkin for a little while (ended up being 1030a-3p), so she could have her girls day & my dad (Pa) could get some work done.
So any ways - I picked up the neffie & we headed out and about to see what kind of "trouble" we could get into right. I asked him about every question under the sun - wanna see a movie (no), indoor playground (no), shopping (NO!), chase trains (no) - okay what do you want to do? Chuck E Cheese! Aunt Wee! Chuck E Cheese! I didn't have any other ideas - so cool lets go.
******And I'm not going to spoil my wonderful day by realizing his father is a dick and got pissed because I took my nephew out for the day. Oh well, deal with it Beavis!******
So anyways we got to CEC and when my horoscope came in today. "Not every gift has to be a thing, you know. Sometimes your time and attention make a great present." No joke that's what it said.
I ended up spending less than I would have thought and had ALOT more fun than an adult should have inside of place for kids (some of the moms thought I was a little too childish - but hey I'm an Aunt not the Momma!
So any ways - I picked up the neffie & we headed out and about to see what kind of "trouble" we could get into right. I asked him about every question under the sun - wanna see a movie (no), indoor playground (no), shopping (NO!), chase trains (no) - okay what do you want to do? Chuck E Cheese! Aunt Wee! Chuck E Cheese! I didn't have any other ideas - so cool lets go.
******And I'm not going to spoil my wonderful day by realizing his father is a dick and got pissed because I took my nephew out for the day. Oh well, deal with it Beavis!******
So anyways we got to CEC and when my horoscope came in today. "Not every gift has to be a thing, you know. Sometimes your time and attention make a great present." No joke that's what it said.
I ended up spending less than I would have thought and had ALOT more fun than an adult should have inside of place for kids (some of the moms thought I was a little too childish - but hey I'm an Aunt not the Momma!
The Faerie Path - Frewin Jones
Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back. With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.
Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.
(My Turn)
Couple of personal notes! I found my second favorite word in print this is too funny - flibbertigibbet. And on a personal note - OMG this is a direct quote from the book "Belladonna, one of her favorite bitches". Any one who know my RL crew will think that sentence is hilarous.
Anyhoo. Enough - now on to more enlightening info. LOL.
Anita has the perfect life - a caring boyfriend (new boy Evan), the lead role in her school’s production of "Romeo & Juliet", wonderful parents, happy home life, and a gaggle of good friends. Then, a freak boating accident on the eve of her 16th birthday lands them in the hospital. Anita is having wonderful dreams of being Tania, the seventh daughter of Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Faerie Realm. Life in Faerie is renewed, even as Anita struggles to find her place in this new world and say goodbye to her life in the old. And when she uncovers a sinister plot to overthrow Oberon, Tania has to choose between her mortal and immortal self, and between two young men who claim her love.
I really liked this book, I won’t say that I loved it but I did enjoy reading it. I felt sorry for Anita’s character, she really wanted to belong to the Faerie world, but I understood how she just couldn’t let go of everything that she knew. Some of the characters at times were a little transparent it wasn’t too hard to figure out who the bad guys were. Even so, if you like the fantasy genre I don’t think you will be disappointed with this book.
Faerie Path is the first of a series, but I thought it was well contained within itself. You won’t feel an immediate need to read sequels (but you’ll probably want to.) This is a good choice for an avid YA or fantasy reader who will enjoy – for at least 4 volumes – the world that Frewin Jones has created. And this is a FAST read. I finished it in 3 hours at work.
Bento 69: Chicken & Bak Choy
very simple meal - Pan Fried Chicken (no oil) and blanched Bak Choy tossed together. And it was yummy!
Completed - Chick Lit Challenge
Back by popular demand, the 2009 Chick Lit Challenge has been expanded for the whole year! From January 1 through December 31, 2009, read at least 10 chick lit books. Books can overlap with other challenges and you can change your list at any time.To sign up, click here.
1)The Trouble With Magic - Madelyn Alt 4-9
2)Real Vampires Don't Diet - Gerry Bartlett 4-14
3)Rejar - Dara Joy 4-22
4)The Very Virile Viking - Sandra Hill 4-23
5)Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen 4-25
6)Witchling - Yasmine Galenorn 5-12
7)Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun - Victoria Laurie 5-22
8)In Between Men - Mary Castillo 5-20
9)The Girl Who Stopped Swimming - Joshilyn Jackson 5-27
10)Ghost of a Chance - Yasmine Galenorn 6-8
Land of the Lost
The neffie is a BIG dino fan, so we took him to see it yesterday.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, John Boylan and Matt Lauer.
Directed by: Brad Silberling.
Advisory: coarse and sexual language, violence
Running time: 102 minutes
This was a movie loosely based on the original TV series Land of the Lost — the 1970s Saturday morning cult series from Sid and Marty Krofft — about a father and his two kids who descend into a primeval world, complete with lizard people, furry, monkey-like creatures and one stiff-looking T-Rex.
In this version only the names remain unchanged, with Ferrell as Dr. Rick Marshall, a "quantum paleontologist" who waste billions of tax payer dollars according to Matt Lauer. Holly, banned Cambridge doctoral student, who prods Marshall to revisit his research. And Will, goofy tour guide type, who apparently is just along for the ride. Yep you read right - they are not related.
Then they get sucked through a roller-coaster-like time warp and lands in the middle of a parallel dimension inhabited by all sorts of odd creatures - the ape-like Chaka, who speaks in guttural grunts (and yet Holly can translate perfectly), the hostile T-Rex that takes an instant dislike to Dr Marshall - hmmm that could be because of all the "funny" comments being made, and of course the lizard people Sleestak.
There's alot of adult type gags in the movie that are not in keeping with the family humor genre it's being advertised as, but I for one found it to be humorous - with several laugh out loud moments. Then again - I go to the movies to be entertained - not to trash the film makers for producing the movie.
The important thing Lucas enjoyed it. From the bad T-Rex to the yummy steamed pinchy to the Good T-Rex at the end of the movie. He laughed and smiled and told Grandpa all about it over lunch. Isn't that what a movie is supposed to do? Make you laugh and want to share? I think so, so in that case - this movie is a hit.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, John Boylan and Matt Lauer. Directed by: Brad Silberling.
Advisory: coarse and sexual language, violence
Running time: 102 minutes
This was a movie loosely based on the original TV series Land of the Lost — the 1970s Saturday morning cult series from Sid and Marty Krofft — about a father and his two kids who descend into a primeval world, complete with lizard people, furry, monkey-like creatures and one stiff-looking T-Rex.
In this version only the names remain unchanged, with Ferrell as Dr. Rick Marshall, a "quantum paleontologist" who waste billions of tax payer dollars according to Matt Lauer. Holly, banned Cambridge doctoral student, who prods Marshall to revisit his research. And Will, goofy tour guide type, who apparently is just along for the ride. Yep you read right - they are not related.
Then they get sucked through a roller-coaster-like time warp and lands in the middle of a parallel dimension inhabited by all sorts of odd creatures - the ape-like Chaka, who speaks in guttural grunts (and yet Holly can translate perfectly), the hostile T-Rex that takes an instant dislike to Dr Marshall - hmmm that could be because of all the "funny" comments being made, and of course the lizard people Sleestak.
There's alot of adult type gags in the movie that are not in keeping with the family humor genre it's being advertised as, but I for one found it to be humorous - with several laugh out loud moments. Then again - I go to the movies to be entertained - not to trash the film makers for producing the movie.
The important thing Lucas enjoyed it. From the bad T-Rex to the yummy steamed pinchy to the Good T-Rex at the end of the movie. He laughed and smiled and told Grandpa all about it over lunch. Isn't that what a movie is supposed to do? Make you laugh and want to share? I think so, so in that case - this movie is a hit.
Skin Trade - Laurell K Hamilton
Hardcover: 496 pages Publisher: Berkley Hardcover; 1 edition (June 2, 2009)
Paranormal 999 Challenge/100+ Challenge
(Publisher Bits)
Once you tell someone certain things, like, say, you got mailed a human head in a box, they tend to think you're crazy.
Anita Blake's reputation has taken some hits. Not on the work front, where she has the highest kill count of all the legal vampire executioners in the country, but on the personal front. No one seems to trust a woman who sleeps with the monsters. Still, when a vampire serial killer sends her a head from Las Vegas, Anita has to warn Sin City's local authorities what they're dealing with. Only it's worse than she thought. Several officers and one executioner have been slain -- paranormal style!
Anita heads to Las Vegas, where she's joined by three other federal marshals, including the ruthless Edward hiding behind his mild-mannered persona. It's a good thing Edward always has her back, because, when she gets close to the bodies, Anita senses "tiger" too strongly to ignore it. The were-tigers are very powerful in Las Vegas, which means the odds of her rubbing someone important the wrong way just got a lot higher!
(My Turn)
First up - I've been a loyal fan for YEARS - and I know that LKH has taken hits for a bunch of issues and mostly I've been oh well it's her world - BUT NOW I'M BITCHING! I read this series because the main character is a female. Plain & simple. I enjoy the fact that Anita has Boobs & a gun (or several LOL). It has always given me great pleasure to say you go girl, know what I mean? But OMFG, this book repeated over & over & over & over that Anita should "grow some balls", "be a man", and my personal favorite "stop being such a girl". What type of lesson is this giving women of all ages. Are we reverting back to the 1950s housewife? If that's the case, then I vote Nathaniel in a sheer robe & pearls, thank you. He is the ONLY character that even comes close to fitting the bill for that stereotype. End Rant!
Now I realize that a lot of people have been bitching about the overt & ostentatious sexual style that LKH has started using, but personally I've enjoyed the decadence of the later books. After all the series is maturing and everyone has their right to fantasy, if you don't like it quit reading it - it's that simple folks. However, for those of you that kept reading, yet silent (or not so silently) cursing the sex, your prayers have been (mostly) answered - Skin Trade is almost a flash back to the "old school" Anita Blake supernatural detective thriller. The sex has been limited.
I also found the absolute absence of most of the the political to-ing and fro-ing made for a much more refreshing read - because let's face it, we already knew that Anita has issues kneeling & bowing even if it is only show - enough already - you're beating a dead horse. There's some bounce with the cop works, but hey that's life.
While there is almost no direct appearance of any of the recurring secondary characters (Jean-Claude, Micah, etc), I found this to be mostly relaxing (no whiney Richard or morose London) it was a bit disappointing, because I am always looking for a favorite character or two to return. I had hoped to enjoy the return of Edward but since he was a primary contribitor to the "stop being a girl" moments (see earlier rant) I will simply say, The toy king shows up & make a bit of an impact, but now I find myself hoping he'll get shot soon. And I'm extremely happy with the return of Wicked Truth.
All in all, this book has apparently reset the Anita - here's to hoping that LKH has returned to the story telling yester year when there was an actual mystery to solve.
Bento 67 - All American Cheeseburger Meal
Well I let the hubby pick & cook tonight's dinner. Can't you tell.
Oh well, it's not that often that he gets to do things like this for me. He packed me some fries with ketchup in a heart container, a cheeseburger w/lettuce & tomato, & a piece of my favorite splurge item Edward's Sundae Pie. It's yummy!
Take A Chance Challenge
Jenners at Find Your Next Book Here is hosting her first challenge. The Take A Chance Challenge is "all about taking chances in your reading." And she has created some really fun ways to introduce us to new books. Each selection below has a task to help you find something new. The challenge will run from June 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
If you go to her blog you'll see she is also hosting a give away to go along with the challenge. I'm #56 on Mr Linky!
Random Book Selection.Go to the library. Position yourself in a section such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Children (whatever section you want). Then write down random directions for yourself (for example, third row, second shelf, fifth book from right). Follow your directions and see what book you find. Check that book out of the library, read it and then write about it. (If you prefer, you can do the same at a bookstore and buy the book!)Link Here when stage is complete!
Gave hubby control over this - BAM, in the doors, middle, 2nd table, left, 1st shelft, 2nd row, 4th column, wow - she's hot. The Iron Hunt Review- Random Word. Go to this random word generator and generate a random word. Find a book with this word in the title. Read the book and write about it.
My word = Death Link Here when stage is complete!
- Birth Year Book. Find a book that was published or copyrighted in the year of your birth. Read the book and write about it.
My year = 1973 Link Here when stage is complete!
Judge A Book By Its Cover- Pick out a book based SOLELY on the cover. First, write about what you expect the book to be about based on the cover art. Then read the book and write about how the book was different from and/or similar to what the cover art led you to expect.Link Here when stage is complete!
My Choice = Deja Demon - Julie Kenner Review- Phoning An Author. Pick a random last name out of the phone book. Find an author with the same last name and read a book by them. Write about it.
My Random Choice = Cast Link Here when stage is complete!
My Choice = PC Cast - Goddess of Light Review Public Spying- Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it.Link Here when stage is complete!
I saw a chick at the Cuppy's Coffee reading "Dark Nights, Dark Dreams" by Savannah Russe, and it looked cool - so I choose it for this level of the challenge. My Review.Random Bestseller- Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1950 for the min. and 2008 for the max. and then hit generate. Then go to this site and find the year that Random.org generated for you and click on it. Then find the bestseller list for the week that would contain your birthday for that year. Choose one of the bestsellers from the list that comes up, read it and write about it.Link Here when stage is complete!
My Year = 2003 My Birth Week = August 24 My Book = #1 The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown Review - Lit Riff (inspired by the book Lit Riffs by Matthew Miele.) Choose a song and then write a brief story that is inspired by or further explains the lyrics of the song.
Link Here when stage is complete!
- Poetic Review. Write a book review in three different forms of verse: haiku, limerick and free verse. (You can pick any book you want to write about.)
Link Here when stage is complete!
Movie/Book Comparison.Find a book that you haven't read that has a movie based on it that you haven't seen. Read the book and watch the movie within a few days of each other. Write about your reactions to both the book and the movie and compare the two.Link Here when stage is complete!
Once again - gave the DH control & landed Confessions of a Shopaholic. Reviews
24 Hours!?!?!?!
You won't believe what I found out on my way into work tonight (gotta love detour signs). There is a Starbucks open 24hours Friday & Saturday nights. Yes!!!!
Dark Nights, Dark Dreams - Savannah Russe
Misc Info: 2008,
Fantasy Romance (this is laughable)
Signet Eclipse
Book 1 to a new series
Para 999 Challenge; Take a Chance
(Publisher Bits)
Introducing the sisterHOOD of the sight
The first in an all-new series featuring sexy paranormal romance, government secrets, and female special-ops with very special talents.
Government agent Susan Chase always kept her psychic abilities a secret. Now her secret is out and the C.I.A. needs her help. A highly classified all- female team of paranormal agents, Susan and her squad are now entrusted with the governments most unusual and dangerous assignments.
(My Turn)
Argh - what's up with the mislabeling of books. This was so not a Paranormal Romance it's not even funny, at best Urban Fantasy, or in this case really bad book.
This is labeled the first in her new Sisterhood of the Sight series. It's supposed to be about a team of paranormal CIA agents. That sounds interesting and cool right? Unfortunately, this book was so bad I wouldn't even give it away and I will not even consider picking up anything else in this series.
This is Sam Chase's story. She has a gift, one she doesn't want and can't return to the local Target. She has a voice in her head that tells her when she’s in danger. After multiple narrow escapes the CIA picks up on this fact. And like the bad guys that every one thinks they are they "coerce" her into joining a special task force (Angel Way) for paranormal crimes. Now Angel Way alone is too hooky for words considering the members are a witch, a Vodou Bokor, and a murderess. And please someone explain Ms Z's character to me, I couldn't get anywhere beyond what a bitch.
Any ways back to the book - their first case: A suspicious body snatch/grave robbing from Arlington National Cemetery & of course the DOD has to have their hands in the pie. So they throw the monkey wrench aka investigator Lance “Bear” Rutledge. He's a skeptic of all things para so Sam must constantly come up with excuses when her visions lead to breakthroughs. Mrs Russe tried to force a relationship between Lance & Sam, but wow they have zero, none, nada, zero, zilch chemistry. So sex scenes between then were stale and flat. From the first oh shit we kissed moment to the completion of the act. And while I'm on that topic - hey publisher 2 kisses and 2 half hearted attempts at sex do not make a ROMANCE novel.
And don't get me started on the paranormal aspect of the plot. It was a mess from the get go. Squiggly wormy brains & still beating hearts, ghosts that talk but don't answer the question, a missing cat about to be set of fire, baby thief, and the Oil Barron Prince. Oh yeah and let's not forget at the heart of this drab tale it's all about zombies. Now don't get me wrong, I like zombies if it is a well written book. (Cough, LKH early stuff.) And normally I don't mind a mixed up disorganized mess of magic but this book just made me roll my eyes. It's utterly inconceivable and made for a very poor read.
Dark Nights, Dark Dreams does nothing to make up for the mess. Quite simply, I didn’t like the characters, the relationships, the gore, the plot, the conclusion, or even the writing. And there's nothing left after all of that..
This book was chosen using the Take a Chance Challenge guidelines of Public Spying. I saw a chick reading it at Cuppy's Coffee, local coffee shop, and without asking her just wrote down the title & author. WOW big mistake.
Bento 66 - Dim Sum Plus
Jim was in the mood for Oriental (gee I wonder if it's cause I drug him to 3 stores today) So we had Dim Sum for dinner, I added veggies & a little bit of rice to get me through tonight at work. Then I'm off to go play with the neffie.
My List in 15 Minutes
I saw this great idea over at Booking Through Thursday and I wanted to share. List 15 books that you have read in your lifetime that will always stick with you. Don’t take too long to think about it - keep it under 15 minutes.
My list in no particular order:
1)Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen Break out new storyteller with a wonderful gift
2)Necklace of Kisses - Francesca Lia Block I love the grown up Weetzie and I have read this book on average every 2 weeks for the past year.
3)Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling First book and to date my favorite of hers - just good clean story telling
4)Someplace to Be Flying - Charles De Lint The Crow Girls nuff said
5)Magic's Pawn (Truth told the whole trilogy) - Mercedes Lackey I love the concept of homosexuality treated gently in this story
6)Fear Nothing - Dean Koontz the title says it all
7)Dragonsong - Anne McCaffrey - proof that girls can be more than what they should be
8)Survivor In Death - JD Robb This is Nora Roberts best book to date as far as I'm concerned - Nixie is alive and happy in my mind to this date
9)The Life Audit - Caroline Righton I'm still auditing my life and it helps
10)Nancy Drew - Carolyn Keene showed me that girls can solve mysteries and look pretty doing so. LOL
11)Kushiel's Dart - Jacqueline Carey I love twisted history and this book is perfect.
12)Nurse Nancy - Kathryn Jackson (Little Golden Book) My sister & I used to fight over this book and there are still a lot of memories wrapped up in the pages of this children's book.
13)Lad: A Dog - Albert Payson Terhune First story that made me cry/sob
14)To Ride A Silver Broomstick - Silver RavenWolf 1st introduction to written works on witchcraft and I still love her EASY TO READ prose.
15)The Stand - Stephen King Epic tale of good over evil
My list in no particular order:
1)Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen Break out new storyteller with a wonderful gift
2)Necklace of Kisses - Francesca Lia Block I love the grown up Weetzie and I have read this book on average every 2 weeks for the past year.
3)Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling First book and to date my favorite of hers - just good clean story telling
4)Someplace to Be Flying - Charles De Lint The Crow Girls nuff said
5)Magic's Pawn (Truth told the whole trilogy) - Mercedes Lackey I love the concept of homosexuality treated gently in this story
6)Fear Nothing - Dean Koontz the title says it all
7)Dragonsong - Anne McCaffrey - proof that girls can be more than what they should be
8)Survivor In Death - JD Robb This is Nora Roberts best book to date as far as I'm concerned - Nixie is alive and happy in my mind to this date
9)The Life Audit - Caroline Righton I'm still auditing my life and it helps
10)Nancy Drew - Carolyn Keene showed me that girls can solve mysteries and look pretty doing so. LOL
11)Kushiel's Dart - Jacqueline Carey I love twisted history and this book is perfect.
12)Nurse Nancy - Kathryn Jackson (Little Golden Book) My sister & I used to fight over this book and there are still a lot of memories wrapped up in the pages of this children's book.
13)Lad: A Dog - Albert Payson Terhune First story that made me cry/sob
14)To Ride A Silver Broomstick - Silver RavenWolf 1st introduction to written works on witchcraft and I still love her EASY TO READ prose.
15)The Stand - Stephen King Epic tale of good over evil
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