tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37664627200805286082024-03-13T06:02:44.414-04:00Stormy HeartMusings & music of a dark & twisty witch with a lot of heart: Neopagan music, Neopagan lifestyle, and all-around geeky weirdness.
(Formerly named Heartache Into Beauty)Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-44256673035245318072019-03-04T08:30:00.000-05:002019-10-31T16:38:48.647-04:00John Oliver is very wrong about psychics and mediums<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">By now you've probably all seen John Oliver's segment on psychics on <i>Last Week Tonight</i> - if you haven't, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhMGcp9xIhY" target="_blank">you can watch it here</a>. In short, it was appallingly offensive. He took some really broad strokes about psychics, and instead of just focusing on the problematic frauds, he decided that all psychics and mediums are fakers and con-artists.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">How about no? Where do I start with how awful this segment was?</span><br />
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1) Although he lumps them together, psychics and mediums are two different things: psychics predict the future, mediums communicate with the dead. Some people have both gifts, but not always. </span><br />
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2) How DARE he pick on Tyler (the "Hollywood Medium"). He's a KID for godsakes. Shame on John. Pick on adults all you want, but Tyler is still a teenager and that was really low. It's also important to note that the show claims Tyler researches his clients ahead of time, but this is wrong. If anyone working at Last Week Tonight had even bothered to watch an episode or two of <i>Hollywood Medium, </i>they would know that Tyler knows nothing (not even a name) about the people he reads for beforehand, to help prevent bias. </span><br />
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3) So many people love to hate on psychics and mediums, but the minute they want to know whether their boyfriend is cheating on them or whether their deceased grandma is happy, they come running to us for a reading. But if thy get a reading they don't like, they start screaming about frauds. It's so hypocritical it's stunning.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Psychics and mediums are not omniscient. We are not a god, we don't see all or know all, and to imply otherwise is naive and petulant as all hell. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like everybody else on this planet, we cannot know everything and be right about everything 100% of the time. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We only see/hear/understand what Spirit allows us to see/hear/understand (this is what I believe; others may feel differently about receiving information). And then we do our best to comprehend what has been conveyed to us and pass along the information to the querent.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "roboto" , "noto" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">5) Did he even talk to a psychic or medium before writing this segment? Obviously not, because it really shows.</span><br />
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Since he and his staff are clearly incapable of writing a balanced segment on something they don't understand and don't want to understand, John should stick to political and economic commentary.</div>
<script async="" data-ad-client="ca-pub-0295965817771378" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-59451499682009889052018-09-02T12:36:00.000-04:002018-09-02T12:37:59.366-04:00Book Review | Enchantments: A Modern Witch's Guide to Self-Possession by Mya Spalter<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37952574-enchantments" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Enchantments: A Modern Witch's Guide to Self-Possession" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524267957m/37952574.jpg" width="216" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37952574-enchantments">Enchantments: A Modern Witch's Guide to Self-Possession</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17606397.Mya_Spalter">Mya Spalter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2433336858">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Netgalley provided me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.<br />
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Enchantments is a really refreshing take on witchcraft. Mya Spalter uses approachable, modern language and symbolism to explain things. It makes it so much easier to absorb the information and relate it to my own life, rather than trying to parse meaning from the many Neopagan/witchy books that rely on old-fashioned language and iconography in an attempt to sound more "spiritual" or "occulty," but just end up coming across as outdated and inaccessible. I also appreciate that she shies away from outdated ways of viewing the world (read: gender binaries, sexist & ableist forms, etc.), while still acknowledging that other books may still rely on those ways of thinking. Overall I found that Spalter's writing style made the book extremely readable and easy to absorb, and it made me much more interested in trying out some of the magickal techniques. <br />
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The approach to spellcraft is refreshing. She gives you ideas for how things might be done, how to choose substitute ingredients, etc., all in a very low key manner. She never says "you must do it this way or it won't work." I was also pleasantly surprised that this book taught me about new techniques for spells, like uncrossing work - this is basically one way of removing blockages from your path - as well as new ways of looking at/using techniques I'm already familiar with.<br />
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In one chapter, she explores how different items on your altar can have meaning, and how to find that meaning for yourself. I really appreciate that she keeps reminding you "Don't burn the house down!" when talking about burning candles and such.<br />
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I really liked her chapter on candle magick, and all the tricks you can use to get your magkical juju flowing when using candles, like using sigils and incense smoke, and different ways you can dress candles to fit your purposes (including with glitter! Be still my witchy heart). I actually ended up using some of these techniques to dress and burn a candle for a spell and it worked really well. Her suggestions for charging the candle by playing music that fits your intention also really jived with me. <br />
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I found the chapter on divination very interesting and it renewed my interest in trying out palmistry, and was a good reminder that tarot is a skill that needs practice because there are so many dang cards. But the chapter on astrology reminded me why I just don't believe in astrology and never will.<br />
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Overall, this is a must read for modern witches!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/9568525-colleen">View all my reviews</a>
Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-65708099537227245772018-08-01T17:30:00.000-04:002018-08-01T17:30:15.012-04:00I Stand Tall - Creativity ChantI realized I never shared the chant I wrote last year about channeling your creative power with your whole heart. It's a favorite at the drum and chant circle I often attend.<br />
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Remember, the opposite of war isn't peace - it's creation (la vie Boheme!)<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/283086318&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Lyrics:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I stand tall in my creative power,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I stand strong revealing what I know.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I stand tall in my creative power,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I stand tall, I stand strong!</span></i><br />
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(c) Colleen Beaty. Sung by Colleen Beaty & <a href="http://www.eagletherapies.org/" target="_blank">Stephanie Seger</a>, drums by Len S.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4b4b; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">You are free to share my post and SoundCloud widget, and to use my chants in ritual - and I would love to know that you do! But please do not record or otherwise reproduce my chants in any other way without permission.</span>Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-83606025740916940482018-07-27T19:17:00.001-04:002018-07-27T19:42:53.032-04:00Mother Ocean ChantDuring the blue moon in April I wrote a chant for Mama Cocha, Incan/Quechua goddess of the sea and one of my four beloved patrons. Her name translates to "Mother Ocean." I hope that singing it brings you as much joy as it has brought me!<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/423249723&color=%2338605a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Lyrics:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - you bring the rain</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - you bring the storm</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - you bring the sun</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - you sail us home</span></i><br />
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<i>I hear your voice laughing through the gulls</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I feel your tears falling in the rain</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I hear your song cresting with the waves</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I feel your love in the rhythm of the tides</span></i><br />
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<i>Mother Ocean - drown me in your arms</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - turn me into sand</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - wash my soul anew</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother Ocean - sail me back to home</span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 13.2px;">(c) Colleen Beaty. You are free to share my post and SoundCloud widget, and to use my chants in ritual - and I would love to know that you do! But please do not record or otherwise reproduce my chants in any other way without permission.</span>Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-91414763166701759722015-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:002015-12-31T16:36:37.355-05:00Review: Veil Between Worlds by Sally Dubats<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUDJiCk93i0/VoS6Xl_zEcI/AAAAAAAABJ8/2jIAbqGZLcI/s1600/Veil%2BBetween%2BWorlds%2B-%2BSally%2BDubats.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f212/myeclecticbooks/Book%20Blog/2015WitchesampWitchcraftReadingChallenge2_zpse36157d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f212/myeclecticbooks/Book%20Blog/2015WitchesampWitchcraftReadingChallenge2_zpse36157d0.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've read a few witchy books this year, although I haven't written a proper review for most of them. I had lots of thoughts about Sally Dubats' YA novel, "Veil Between Worlds," however, so I decided to write a review as part of the <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/">2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge</a>.<br />
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<b> Warning: Spoilers ahead, and discussion of potentially triggery material near the end of the review.</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUDJiCk93i0/VoS6Xl_zEcI/AAAAAAAABJ8/2jIAbqGZLcI/s1600/Veil%2BBetween%2BWorlds%2B-%2BSally%2BDubats.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUDJiCk93i0/VoS6Xl_zEcI/AAAAAAAABJ8/2jIAbqGZLcI/s320/Veil%2BBetween%2BWorlds%2B-%2BSally%2BDubats.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12028089-veil-between-worlds">Veil Between Worlds</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/875030.Sally_Dubats">Sally Dubats</a> (Book 1 in The Grimoire Chronicles)<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1448062295">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /><i>“We’ll have to make her death look like an accident.”<br /><br />Cassie’s neighbors have secrets -- and she is one of them.<br /><br />17-year-old Cassie is a Witch who caught the eye of her mysterious new neighbors. They’re elegant and deadly, and renovating an abandoned resort to open a school for gifted teens. Cassie is the only one who knows the whereabouts of their missing and gorgeous son, Trenton. The problem is that he's not in this dimension, and the mysterious neighbors have given Cassie an ultimatum: Find Trenton or die.<br /><br />Witchcraft is second nature to Cassie, but protection charms and Drink and Know spells create a world Cassie never dreamed of, a world where Love and Disaster are intimate partners, and Cassie finds out who - and what - Trenton really is.<br /><br />First in “The Grimoire Chronicles” series, “Veil Between Worlds” is a paranormal fantasy novel that you’ll never forget! If you love paranormal romance, urban fantasy, Witches and Wicca, ghost stories, paranormal mystery, paranormal horror, and action, “The Grimoire Chronicles” is definitely for you!</i></span><br />
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Let's start with my favorite part of this book, which is the discussion of the Craft. I thought it was really beautiful and full of lots of good Truth with a capital T. There were also some very interesting insights into how astral travel works and how to protect yourself while doing so, as well what divine possession feels like. <br />
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One of my favorite scenes was where Cassie helps Violet cross over, with the help of the God & Goddess. I admit I got quite teary eyed at how beautifully that scene was described. I don't think I'll ever look at a candle lit on Samhain the same way again.</div>
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I liked that she used an often-overlooked mythological creature -- the Sirens -- instead of overused creatures like vampires, werewolves, etc. that so many paranormal YA books do. It gave the story a fresh feeling. I finished the book wanting to know more about this world she was starting to build with this book, particularly about the Sirens and their place in the world.<br />
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I got angry that the Sirens kept erasing people's memories, especially at the end. The Sirens are seriously paranoid to an unhealthy degree, but it almost seemed like Dubats felt they were in the right to erase people's memories. (Obviously, I think it's unethical for them to do so). Holly and Laine had these powerful, transformative experiences on the astral, and it was all erased because Sirens were involved. These characters deserve to remember being spoken to by the Goddess on the astral and finding their own power. For their sakes I am pissed off that they've been robbed of that experience!<br />
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My one major problem with this book is the relationship between Cassie & Trenton. It is deeply unhealthy. When they first meet, he energetically assaults her. Then she starts stalking him and his family on the physical and astral plane because she wants to find him and understand what happened when he assaulted her and what he really is. And then suddenly they're a "match" and are completely in love with one another??! No way. Oh, and then at the end he erased all those memories so that she wouldn't even remember the assault, stalking, his crazy ex-girlfriend/not-match, etc., and they could start from scratch - why yes, let's start our relationship based on a big fat lie! That is some really messed up and unhealthy shit right there.<br />
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I'm still not sure if I want to keep reading the rest of the series. The lovely stuff about witchcraft and the gods kind of makes me want to, despite the problematic Trenton/Cassie relationship.<br />
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This review and others can also be found on my Goodreads profile: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/9568525-colleen" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a><br />
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-13888645181389639492015-12-03T19:06:00.001-05:002015-12-03T19:06:24.093-05:00Remembering my Ancestors by Sharing Their StoriesWhen I first accepted Gwynn ap Nudd as my patron deity and took his mark, he had one condition for me: "You must work with the dead." <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLOEKhhRznw/VmDXDJL3ZDI/AAAAAAAABJk/02kUNkM4fWM/s1600/gwyn-ap-nudd-yuri-leitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gwyn ap Nudd, Welsh god of the Underworld and Lord of the Dead" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLOEKhhRznw/VmDXDJL3ZDI/AAAAAAAABJk/02kUNkM4fWM/s400/gwyn-ap-nudd-yuri-leitch.jpg" title="Gwyn ap Nudd, Welsh god of the Underworld and Lord of the Dead" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Yuri Leitch</td></tr>
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This made sense to me, as he is the Welsh god of the Underworld and leader of the Wild Hunt at Samhain. He has also made it clear to me that he is titled Lord of the Dead, though I don't believe that title is found in what little written mythology there is. He didn't provide me with any explanation or further details on what working with the dead meant for me, though.<br />
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That was a number of years ago. He had largely remained silent on the matter - I assumed I wasn't ready to take on the responsibilities of the task, particularly in the time after I was forced from my coven and needed a significant amount of fallow time with my spirituality.<br />
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This autumn, I felt a growing pull to start collecting the stories and photos of my family, namely those who had passed. As I approached Samhain I came to understand that this is the beginning of my obligation to Gwynn - my work with the dead starts with my family, telling their stories to keep their memory alive.<br />
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Because what is remembered, lives.<br />
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I started with a request in a private Facebook group for my father's side of the family, and have begun saving digital copies of the stories and photos I've collected so far. While I was at my parents' for Thanksgiving, I also scanned a number of documents they had, including a family tree that goes back to my 3-times great-grandparents!<br />
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This is probably going to be a multi-year project, and I'm kind of excited about that. I'm looking forward to seeing what other interesting stories and revelations about my family I discover along the way. Maybe I'll even take a trip to research my family's lineage! (Or maybe I've been watching too much <a href="http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/who-do-you-think-you-are/" target="_blank">Who Do You Think You Are?</a> and am overconfident in my ability to afford such a trip!)<br />
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I'm not sure what I'll do with the findings - perhaps an ebook to give to my family, or maybe even a fancy website? So many possibilities!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Have you done any research into your family's lineage or stories? What revelatory discoveries did you make?</span></i><br />
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<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-51274948137576483502015-11-17T18:38:00.001-05:002016-06-11T13:49:28.398-04:00A Cozy Bowl of Daal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9btfxrLLcI/VkumBRrGOYI/AAAAAAAABHs/QnIGLMPEhgw/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Cozy bowl of Yellow Gram Daal over basmati rice" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9btfxrLLcI/VkumBRrGOYI/AAAAAAAABHs/QnIGLMPEhgw/s640/IMG_0647.JPG" title="Cozy bowl of Yellow Gram Daal over basmati rice" width="640" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Now that winter is starting to set in and it's getting colder out, it seems like the perfect time to share one of my favorite warm-you-up recipes, yellow gram daal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of my college roommates introduced me to the deliciousness of Nepalese-style daal, and would often make a big pot of it to share when she found out how much I enjoyed it. When I moved away I got her recipe for yellow gram daal, which is what she made most often and is adapted from <u>T</u></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><u>he Joys of Nepalese Cooking</u> by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Indra Majupuria. After making it a few times I bought a used and (strangely bound) copy on Amazon so I could try other Nepalese recipes - but the yellow gram daal is still my favorite.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jt3p3bUtc4/VkunsCA1xsI/AAAAAAAABH8/cxbIhO4X6VI/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jt3p3bUtc4/VkunsCA1xsI/AAAAAAAABH8/cxbIhO4X6VI/s400/IMG_0634.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I should make it clear that my recipe is adapted from what is found in this book and probably shouldn't be viewed as traditional Nepalese food, though I did try to stay true to the overall flavor palette (maybe we can call it Nepalese-inspired?) Some ingredients are easier for me to get than others, so I've substituted a few items (olive oil for ghiu, for example). I also made a few additions like carrots, spinach, and cayenne for my own tastes. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The original recipe calls for mung daal, also called mungiko or moong daal. (Daal, or dal, can be translated as "lentils" or "split beans.") Mung daal is a yellowish daal that looks like tiny yellow split peas when removed from the green husks. You can find it in Indian or Asian markets. I rarely find myself in one of these stores, so I usually substitute masoor daal, which are shelled red lentils that I can easily get at Whole Foods.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Check out <a href="http://indiaphile.info/guide-indian-lentils/" target="_blank">this article on Indiaphile</a> if you want to learn more about the different types of daal and see what they look like.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOVrcEKdZok/VkumXd2LMII/AAAAAAAABHw/lt1h41AwrwY/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Masoor daal (red lentils)" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOVrcEKdZok/VkumXd2LMII/AAAAAAAABHw/lt1h41AwrwY/s640/IMG_0632.JPG" title="Masoor daal (red lentils)" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></b></span></div>
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<h3>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yellow Gram <span class="il">Daal</span></span></b></h3>
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<b><i>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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1 cup mung daal or masoor daal <o:p></o:p></div>
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4-5 cups of water (add more or less depending on desired thickness)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1/2 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></div>
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1/2 tsp turmeric powder<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 tbsp olive oil<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped - or more to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
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2.5 cm piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped - or more to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
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1/2 tsp cumin seeds or cumin powder<o:p></o:p></div>
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~t tsp coriander powder<o:p></o:p></div>
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Optional: dash or two of cayenne powder for more heat, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Optional: handful of frozen chopped spinach and/or finely chopped
carrots<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>Instructions:<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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Rinse the daal to get off all the saponins (soap-like compounds) and soak for at least an 1 hour. Drain. <i>Hint: Mung and masoor lentils are tiny! Use a colander with a fine mesh when you're
rinsing and draining them.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, boil the daal in the water with salt and turmeric until it
becomes tender and falls apart, becoming thoroughly mixed with the water.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LaAjcTQQxA/Vkuu6yXSQVI/AAAAAAAABIg/QPixEl4u3Bs/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thoroughly cooked masoor daal in a pot" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LaAjcTQQxA/Vkuu6yXSQVI/AAAAAAAABIg/QPixEl4u3Bs/s640/IMG_0637.JPG" title="thoroughly cooked masoor daal in a pot" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile heat the oil and fry the onions until they turn clear. Add the garlic and ginger when the onions are
about halfway done, and fry until the onions turn clear and the ginger and
garlic become golden. Add the cumin and
coriander and fry for a few seconds.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkOjVjVoF1Y/VkuukedLGZI/AAAAAAAABIY/Z_T_ZZx-vfk/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="onions, ginger, and garlic in a frying pan" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkOjVjVoF1Y/VkuukedLGZI/AAAAAAAABIY/Z_T_ZZx-vfk/s640/IMG_0635.JPG" title="onions, ginger, and garlic in a frying pan" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WapDovWgYIw/VkuvOyE0ByI/AAAAAAAABIo/DdL-UNLMGdE/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="onions, ginger, and garlic in a frying pan" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WapDovWgYIw/VkuvOyE0ByI/AAAAAAAABIo/DdL-UNLMGdE/s640/IMG_0636.JPG" title="onions, ginger, and garlic in a frying pan" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then add all of this to the pot of daal, stir, cover, and let it simmer for awhile (at least 10-15 minutes). If you are adding cayenne, carrot, and/or spinach, add this to the pot now and cook for at least 10-15 minutes or until the veggies are tender.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Serve hot. I usually serve over
basmati rice or with toasted pita bread, but you can also eat it plain like a
soup.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKP_JcCq1tU/VkuvszYmviI/AAAAAAAABIw/jkKCbqLG5zk/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="basmati rice in a bowl" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKP_JcCq1tU/VkuvszYmviI/AAAAAAAABIw/jkKCbqLG5zk/s640/IMG_0643.JPG" title="basmati rice in a bowl" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Makes about 4-5 servings. Enjoy,
and stay warm this winter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jS1-s0FuR9c/Vkuwwf4nUjI/AAAAAAAABI4/fGNQv1UVa64/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cozy bowl of yellow gram daal, ready to enjoy! Yum!" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jS1-s0FuR9c/Vkuwwf4nUjI/AAAAAAAABI4/fGNQv1UVa64/s640/IMG_0645.JPG" title="Cozy bowl of yellow gram daal, ready to enjoy! Yum!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-89138065648380435682015-10-05T10:00:00.000-04:002015-10-06T19:10:11.511-04:00"Live" Tweeting The Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGKldwoT_6A/VgIP9WHOKqI/AAAAAAAAA-c/_VfVgNNEcGs/s1600/the-craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGKldwoT_6A/VgIP9WHOKqI/AAAAAAAAA-c/_VfVgNNEcGs/s640/the-craft.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple weeks ago I saw "The Craft" was randomly on TV. I hadn't seen it in many years and decided it was time to re-watch it. And then on a whim I started tweeting.<br />
<br />
I couldn't resist sharing my insights - and also my lolz - with you all. So, enjoy!<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
This is the time, this is the hour, ours is the magick, our is the power. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646474739800756224">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Oh man, I had forgotten the soundtrack to this movie is killer! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646479712152326144">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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I just realized that what they call "invoking the spirit" is basically a form of divine possession. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646482099466317824">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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It's funny...some of what they do is legit witchcraft, and some is totally bunk (and some very unsafe!) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646486917568200705">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Witchcraft pro-tip: Everyone in your coven dropping blood into wine and then sharing is NOT safe! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646487975472300032">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Witchcraft pro-tip: If you play "light as a feather, stiff as a board" have a plan to get them down, in case it actually works <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646488838102233088">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
True magick is neither black nor white. It's both because nature is both, loving and cruel all at the same time." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646492443286880257">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
At least they're smudging themselves before doing this powerful and supposedly dangerous "invoking the spirit" ritual. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646493150131920896">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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"Send us your power, show us your glory." Actually, that's a rather powerful invocation of Spirit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646494010752765952">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Nancy, girl, you need to GROUND if you can still feel Spirit in you so many hours later. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a>.</div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646494322582495232">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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This binding spell is legit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646498305317437440">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
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Seriously, this chant is good Work: "I bind you, Nancy, from doing harm, harm against other people, and harm against yourself." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646508345071935488">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
"You know, in the old days, if a witch betrayed her coven, they would kill her." Pretty sure you just made that up, Nancy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646498454336872449">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Ahhh we're back to the botanica... I mean the local witchy shop. Both, probably. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646498884726968321">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
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Oh god, the hallucinations with all the bugs. This is my least favorite part. Stuff of my nightmares. (I don't mind the snakes.) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646500142460346368">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
"Awww, relax, it's only magick." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646502356016885760">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Well that was fun to rewatch after so many years. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646504846439370752">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Too bad it was the cut-down version for TV. They cut the scene with one of the best lines: "We are the weirdos, mister." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheCraft?src=hash">#TheCraft</a></div>
— Stormy Heart (@xedri) <a href="https://twitter.com/xedri/status/646505074273988608">September 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_f9q5BH0x3g/VgIOf9Kc9VI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2z1zAE5vRMI/s1600/We%2Bare%2Bthe%2Bweirdos.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_f9q5BH0x3g/VgIOf9Kc9VI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/2z1zAE5vRMI/s400/We%2Bare%2Bthe%2Bweirdos.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EONhiqm2HC0/Vc1SWtikvUI/AAAAAAAAAzo/9gJ3CxSPnQE/s1600/Stormy_Heart_signoff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EONhiqm2HC0/Vc1SWtikvUI/AAAAAAAAAzo/9gJ3CxSPnQE/s200/Stormy_Heart_signoff.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-70213638241753478942015-09-28T10:00:00.000-04:002015-09-28T10:00:03.179-04:00Wedding Photo "Outtakes"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpC5Pbd45pQ/Vf2UPEbn-MI/AAAAAAAAA9c/VyyRNdugUdg/s1600/DSC_9478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpC5Pbd45pQ/Vf2UPEbn-MI/AAAAAAAAA9c/VyyRNdugUdg/s640/DSC_9478.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Because we are silly and ridiculous and just all around weirdos, <a href="http://www.tanyakang.com/" target="_blank">our photographer Tanya</a> got a number of photos of either Jack or I (or both) being silly at each other. <br />
<br />
Enjoy our goofiness!<br />
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An silly family tradition from my Dad's side. Every time there's a family get-together, there's at least one photo involving bunny ears.<br />
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I have no recollection of what he said, but this sums up so many of our interactions perfectly ;)<br />
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How many times a day do I make this face at him?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The wind gusted so hard I almost lost my scarf and parasol!</span><br />
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"Give us a kiss..."</div>
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And finally, my favorite outtake from the day...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BOOP!</span></div>
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In case you missed it, you can see my post with my <a href="http://you%20can%20see%20my%20post%20with%20my%20favorites%20from%20the%20more%20schmoopy%20photos/" target="_blank">favorite not-silly photos</a> (there's lots of schmoopiness), and <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2015/03/chapel-of-love.html" target="_blank">read my post about our elopement here</a>.</div>
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<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-48114499500687552342015-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:002015-09-24T08:00:15.040-04:004 Tools for Self LoveKelly Ann over at <a href="http://thefourqueens.com/" target="_blank">The Four Queens</a> has declared this September as "Self-Love September." I love that idea and I've been really inspired by all the vlogs about self-love she's been posting over on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFourQueens" target="_blank">her YouTube channel</a>. I want to better embrace self-love in my own life - I think I do an okay job sometimes, but I know I am as guilty as the next person of being unnecessarily down on myself.<br />
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So in the spirit of Self-Love September, I wanted to share a few of the self-love tools I use in my life.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Create a Self-Love Mantra</b></span><br />
A couple of winters ago I was going through a particularly rough time. I had just <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2013/01/monday-music-break-shores-of-avalon.html" target="_blank">lost my paternal grandmother</a>, and I had gone through an extremely difficult break-up and was feeling guilty about it. On top of that, I was also feeling guilty and confused when, in the wake of this break-up, I started developing feelings for someone else.<br />
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In a fit of inspiration one day, I wrote a mantra for myself that has greatly defined how I approach self-love:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I am on my personal journey to ecstasy.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote this mantra to remind myself that I am not responsible for other people's happiness, only my own. That I will communicate with my friends and partners with openness, honesty, and compassion about my needs and limits, and that I trust them to do the same. That I am allowed to have a relationship that fits where I am emotionally, mentally, and physically, and not just one that fits where my partner is in those respects. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">And most importantly, I wrote it to remind myself that I deserve to be happy, and to love and be loved.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I think a self-love mantra is a great tool for empowering yourself, to love who you are and what you want out of life, and to embrace being loved by others. If you don't already have one, give it a go and write your own, or feel free to borrow mine.</span><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span></b></i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Find a Crystal that Helps with Love</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Way back when I was a baby pagan in college, one of the first crystals I bought for myself was a small, 4-ish-sided piece of rose quartz. Rose quartz is a really good crystal for love, especially fostering love. This piece has always particularly spoken to me of love for myself. I usually keep it on my altar or in an easy-to-reach place underneath so that I can hold it when I'm dealing with things like self-doubt. Sometimes I use it in mini crystal grids for self-healing and empowerment, like this one:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMbO8v-5L4c/UuGDwcGzVOI/AAAAAAAAAfg/NI2ylk1i-tQ/s1600/IMG_0720_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMbO8v-5L4c/UuGDwcGzVOI/AAAAAAAAAfg/NI2ylk1i-tQ/s640/IMG_0720_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Other crystals that can be good for self love include sunstone, carnelian, citrine, and danburite. A quick online search reveals there are many more that can potentially help with self love, self acceptance, self esteem, and clearing of self doubts. I would also suggest handling your own crystals (if you have any) and asking them if they can help with self love.</span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Make Silly Faces in the Mirror</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Lately, I've been having a lot of difficult days where self-love is hard. So I've taken to making silly, ridiculous faces at myself in the mirror. Being silly at myself adds that little bit of joy to my day, and reminds me not to take these hard days (or myself) too seriously. I also like the self-love aspect of knowing that I am good at making lots of different silly faces!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLuU56NISgc/VftCETGNFhI/AAAAAAAAA1U/URbnkVf96SE/s1600/me%2B%2526%2BAmanda%2Bsilly%2B05-23-10%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLuU56NISgc/VftCETGNFhI/AAAAAAAAA1U/URbnkVf96SE/s640/me%2B%2526%2BAmanda%2Bsilly%2B05-23-10%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am completely ridiculous and I know it. Might as well embrace it! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Use Your Love Languages to Express Self-Love</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">By far, my favorite tool - and the one that helps me the most - is using my <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/love-and-sex/articles/1059295/What-are-the-5-Love-Languages" target="_blank">love languages</a> to express self-love. If you're not familiar with the concept, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book describing the five love languages that humans use to receive and express love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. For me, I feel I best express love with acts of service - specifically, preparing and serving food for loved ones - and also with physical touch like hugs, kisses, snuggles, and skritches.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So how does this translate to self-love? I'll cook myself a delicious meal that makes me feel comforted - maybe a tasty and spicy stir-fry, or a cozy bowl of da'al. Or if I'm feeling more physical, I'll snuggle up with a soft blanket and a book, or take a hot bath (it's like being gently snuggled by water!). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempeh stir fry! Om nom nom.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If your love language is quality time, make a date with yourself - treat yourself to a delicious meal at a restaurant, or spend a nice evening alone watching a favorite movie. If your love language is gifts, try making yourself a gift, or even buying yourself something fun or nice - just be careful about this one, because you don't want retail therapy to become a burden on your budget. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Or maybe you best express love with words of affirmation - remind yourself every day that you are awesome, or try writing a self-love mantra like I talk about above.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>What are your favorite tools to help you embrace self-love?</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span>Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-62423873237024440882015-09-20T19:26:00.000-04:002015-09-20T19:26:21.853-04:00Wrap Up for Fall Bloggiesta 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a weekend! I feel like <a href="http://www.bloggiesta.com/" target="_blank">Bloggiesta</a> has really flown by, but considering I lost pretty much all of today to a migraine, I got much more done this weekend than I thought I would. High-five me! Here's how I did with my to-do list:<br />
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<li><b>Participate in at least 1 mini-challenge </b>& <b>Clean up my blog roll on Feedly - it's getting out of control! - </b>Done! I combined these two items as part of the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1217259690"></span>Blogroll Overhall mini-challenge<span id="goog_1217259691"></span></a>. Since I don't keep a blogroll on my sidebar anymore, I cleaned up my Feedly blog roll instead. There were a lot of blogs that no longer update, and some that had been taken offline. With a few exceptions, anything that hasn't been updated in the last year or so got removed.</li>
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<li><b>Participate in at least 1 Twitter chat </b>- Done! I participated in Friday's Twitter chat about interactions. It was very engaging, and left me inspired to not be afraid to seek interactions with my readers beyond comments.</li>
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<li><b>Finish and schedule my post (posts?) about tools for self-love - </b>Done! The post is scheduled to go up next Thursday.</li>
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<li><b>Write and schedule another Witchy Pinterest Finds post </b>- I wasn't feeling particularly inspired by anything I've seen on Pinterest lately, so I decided to put this one off for a few weeks and see what comes up as Halloween/Samhain gets closer.</li>
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<li><b>Read and comment on other folks' Bloggiesta posts </b>- Done! I've really enjoyed visiting so many folks' blogs, and whenever I tried to leave comments with substance whenever possible.</li>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>BONUS to-do items! </b></span> Because I finished most of my to-do list, and felt inspired to work on other things, I also did the following:<br />
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<li><b>Write up a post with my favorite photos from our wedding -</b> I wrote and posted this yesterday, <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2015/09/our-wedding-photos.html" target="_blank">you can see it here</a>.</li>
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<li><b>Write up a post with my favorite "outtake" photos from our wedding - </b>It's scheduled to go up on the 28th. </li>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-69486163444632269492015-09-19T12:49:00.002-04:002015-09-19T12:49:13.133-04:00Our Wedding Photos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not long after I woke up today, I realized that today it's been exactly 6 months since Jack and I tied the knot. Wow! Happy half-anniversary, my love!!<br />
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I never did share our wedding photos on here, so I decided today was an excellent day to share some of my favorites. Our photographer was my dear friend <a href="http://www.tanyakang.com/" target="_blank">Tanya Kang</a>, who I've known since college. You can see more photos from our day <a href="http://tanyakang.com/weddings/colleen-jack-married-annapolis-maryland-wedding-photographer" target="_blank">over at Tanya's website</a>.</div>
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I love how gleeful I look in this photo, and our officiant smiling in the background. I was fully expecting waterworks because I'm a crybaby, but surprisingly, I didn't cry at all that day.<br />
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It was rather chilly that day, so in pretty much all of our photos outside I was wrapped up in a scarf. It was insufficiently warm, but so much nicer looking than my bulky winter coat!<br />
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We found a comic book shop whilewalking through downtown Annapolis. I squeed over the mini Gojira in the window. There was also a really cool mock-up of the <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Infinity_Gauntlet_(Item)" target="_blank">Infinity Gauntlet</a>. </div>
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Duckies down at the harbor! I couldn't stop giggling because I quacked at them and they would quack back.<br />
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Hot chocolate / coffee break at Starbucks to warm up!<br />
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I hope you enjoyed these photos! I'll be posting some of our sillier "outtakes" later on. And if you're new here or weren't already aware, yes we eloped - it was just us, the Anne Arundel County clerk, and Tanya. Feel free to pop over to my post from earlier this year to <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2015/03/chapel-of-love.html" target="_blank">read about our elopement</a>.</div>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-46021342575811353522015-09-16T19:01:00.001-04:002015-09-16T19:01:48.784-04:00Fall Bloggiesta 2015: To-Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for another <a href="http://www.bloggiesta.com/" target="_blank">Bloggiesta</a>! It's been a couple of years since I <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2013/03/bloggiesta-spring-2013-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">last participated in Bloggiesta</a>, so I'm kind of excited to join in the fun again. I've been feeling the pull lately to start blogging more, so I thought I'd give it a go and see what inspiration arises and what I'm able to accomplish myself :)<br />
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I'm keeping my to-do list a bit light, since I won't have the entire 4 days free - I have to work tomorrow and Friday, and (health willing) I'm planning to be at DC Pagan Pride on Sunday. I'm sure I'll still have plenty of time to dedicate to sprucing up my blog, take part in the Twitter chats and mini-challenges, and read all about what other folks accomplish with their weekend.<br />
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So, yes! Here's my to-do list for this round of Bloggiesta:<br />
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<li>Participate in at least 1 mini-challenge</li>
<li>Participate in at least 1 Twitter chat</li>
<li>Finish and schedule my post (posts?) about tools for self-love</li>
<li>Write and schedule another Witchy Pinterest Finds post</li>
<li>Clean up my blog roll on Feedly - it's getting out of control!</li>
<li>Read and comment on other folks' Bloggiesta posts</li>
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If you're wondering what Bloggiesta is, hop on over to <a href="http://bloggiesta.com/">Bloggiesta.com</a> to see what it's all about, and don't forget to sign up for this round!</div>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-47954367954017098182015-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:002015-08-14T10:00:00.080-04:004th BlogiversaryWell, would you look at that? Today is the 4th blogiversary of Stormy Heart! Whee!<br />
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Fist bumps to all my followers! (Ba-la-la-la-la-la)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OAE2__Zhs8/Vc0m_aPwg0I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/fqPssMf-pyA/s1600/Big%2BHero%2B6%2B-%2Bbalalalalala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ba-la-la-la-la!" border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OAE2__Zhs8/Vc0m_aPwg0I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/fqPssMf-pyA/s640/Big%2BHero%2B6%2B-%2Bbalalalalala.jpg" title="Big Hero 6 fistbump balalalala" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2014/09/happy-3-years-to-me-and-new-blog-design.html" target="_blank">Last year at my blogiversary</a> I decided to re-brand my blog with a <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-look-new-name-new-url.html" target="_blank">new look and a new name</a>. I haven't heard much feedback about it from you guys, so... I hope you've liked it?<br />
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It's interesting how much my blogging style has changed over the years. When I first started blogging waaaaay back in 1999 over on DearDiary.net, most bloggers that I followed used their blogs as online diaries. (If you want a laugh, go check out the <a href="http://www.deardiary.org/cgi-bin/viewer.pl?diary=xedri" target="_blank">emo ramblings of teenaged Stormy</a>. SO MUCH DRAMA.) <br />
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Now, it seems to me like blogging is much more about sharing ideas and entertaining your audience. Sometimes that involves sharing your life, but it rarely seems to be with the intensity and depth it once had. That may be for the best in some respects, given how we seem to share so much of our lives via social media already. <br />
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I know the changing blogging community has been on the minds of many bloggers lately. What do you guys think about it all?<br />
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Anyway, thanks for stopping by to celebrate the anniversary of my little blog with me!<br />
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<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-74633441498203371142015-07-20T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-20T08:00:04.034-04:00Witchy Pinterest Finds<div>
In trying to find inspiration for my blog last night, I started scrolling through my Pinterest feed. It gave me a thought - why not post some of my favorite witchy finds over on Pinterest? (If you aren't already, you are welcome to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/xedri/" target="_blank">follow me on Pinterest here</a>.)</div>
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If you like this post please let me know, and I will write more posts like these!</div>
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This beautiful sea-witchy necklace made of sea glass set on a curvy wire makes my inner magpie go all a-glow. I feel like I could wear this to channel Mama Cocha.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NpqJ_rtE0w/VawuztbZcjI/AAAAAAAAAxw/vMhtiYj_TIc/s1600/sea%2Bglass%2Bnecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NpqJ_rtE0w/VawuztbZcjI/AAAAAAAAAxw/vMhtiYj_TIc/s400/sea%2Bglass%2Bnecklace.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280630620507603361/" target="_blank">Pinned by Stormy Heart</a> // Originally found on <a href="http://www.custommade.com/charmed-sea-glass/by/seaglasschic/" target="_blank">CustomMade.com</a></td></tr>
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"Spirit of the Lake" wand, which appears to be made from fishing net, crystals, driftwood, and deer antlers. Be still my witchy little heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlj7bVxm1o/VaxMsM_egNI/AAAAAAAAAyg/OMJ8Gf16_0E/s1600/Spirit%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLake%2Bstaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTlj7bVxm1o/VaxMsM_egNI/AAAAAAAAAyg/OMJ8Gf16_0E/s640/Spirit%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLake%2Bstaff.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280630620507603925/" target="_blank">Pinned by Stormy Heart</a> // Originally found at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113713307/spirit-of-the-lake-wand" target="_blank">BDCrystals Creations on Etsy</a></td></tr>
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Here's a fantastic statue of a raven perched on a skull. It's not marketed as such, but it screams of The Morrigan to me. I'm not normally one for statues of my gods, but man do I want this one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkeEtPyd6u8/VawweNnlb0I/AAAAAAAAAx8/vTIKmvGDXT8/s1600/Raven%2Bon%2Bskull%2Bstatue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkeEtPyd6u8/VawweNnlb0I/AAAAAAAAAx8/vTIKmvGDXT8/s400/Raven%2Bon%2Bskull%2Bstatue.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280630620507503502/" target="_blank">Pinned by Stormy Heart</a> // Originally found at <a href="http://store.isisbooks.com/RAVEN_ON_SKULL_STATUE_p/7727.htm" target="_blank">isisbooks.com</a></td></tr>
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Here's a delightful, utterly ethereal image of an air elemental. I think I could just float away while meditating on this image.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqpXug7oeH4/VaxKpXSrXHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/RjqeMGPw9Yw/s1600/air%2Belemental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqpXug7oeH4/VaxKpXSrXHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/RjqeMGPw9Yw/s640/air%2Belemental.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/280630620507603912/" target="_blank">Pinned by Stormy Heart</a> // Originally found at <a href="http://cristinamcallister.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://cristinamcallister.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-85295809369899220142015-07-04T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-04T08:00:01.263-04:00Plugging in to DeityI've been thinking a lot this week about how we as humans connect to the gods. It started at dinner with Jack the other night, when he got me talking about agnostic paganism and how it isn't necessary to believe a deity is a Divine Being in order to work with them.<br />
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I know for many agnostic pagans, they can still connect with the gods on a psychological level, as a construct within the psyche. The Four Queens has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv2KdJoErio" target="_blank">several</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2cQf36KUkU" target="_blank">fascinating</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2cQf36KUkU" target="_blank">videos</a>* on her YouTube channel where she talks about how as a pantheist she connects to her gods, who she sees not as discrete Divine Beings, but more as psychological archetypes.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CigoEd4dHJM/VZdaIIfJfZI/AAAAAAAAAwg/GmaTcrssoMo/s1600/drawing%2Bdown%2Bthe%2Bmoon_by_motleymitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stars flow down from the moon into a kneeling witch - great illustration of how I sometimes perceive Divine Possession" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CigoEd4dHJM/VZdaIIfJfZI/AAAAAAAAAwg/GmaTcrssoMo/s400/drawing%2Bdown%2Bthe%2Bmoon_by_motleymitch.jpg" title=""Moon Witch" by MotleyMitch - great illustration of how I sometimes perceive Divine Possession" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moon Witch" by MotleyMitch on Deviant Art:<br />
motleymitch.deviantart.com/art/Moon-Witch-153505544</td></tr>
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I think that's a really powerful concept. I feel like as a hard polytheist who does recognize my gods as discrete Divine Beings, as greater and wiser and "bigger" than me, I can still learn from that concept. I feel like I can use it to better understand how I connect with them now and strengthen my connection in the future.<br />
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See, I've always recognized something of myself in my gods when I meet with them on the astral plane. I always know when it's truly them, though, by a strong feeling of ...well, divinity (not sure how else to say it! It's a feeling I don't really have a word for.) How strongly I see myself in them is depends a lot on things like how open or "plugged in" I am at that moment and how strongly they have decided to (or are able to) come through.<br />
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I think that the "me" I recognize in them really is a part of me. Like, a facet of my psyche or spirit that serves as an internal concept or archetype of that deity, and that piece of me connects with my god, and that combined/connected sort of being is who I perceive. I suspect that internal archetype also allows the gods to come through better for possession, like something they can more easily fit in to and use to their Will.<br />
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I can't know if this way of experiencing deity is permanent, or maybe it's just in place until I am better prepared or able to experience them more fully without the more relatable filter of "me"-ness.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">I'm curious how other people experience their gods. Do you see them as Divine Beings? Do you feel like you connect to them in a similar way?</span></b><br />
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*That's 3 separate links - I highly recommend watching all 3 videos when you have time!Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-67109215577381149942015-06-21T17:22:00.000-04:002015-06-21T17:31:41.335-04:00Happy Mail from Uncustomary Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_NofUUhf3E/VYcjKAqGsPI/AAAAAAAAAtk/LVykuqp61dM/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy Mail from Uncustomary" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_NofUUhf3E/VYcjKAqGsPI/AAAAAAAAAtk/LVykuqp61dM/s640/IMG_1709.JPG" title="Happy Mail" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Summer Solstice, friends! I am spending my Solstice by enjoying a quiet day at home, mostly cleaning and watching Netflix. <br />
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I'm also taking time today to spruce up my altars - with all the strong solar energy, it seemed like a good time to refresh things. My altar cloths are in the washing machine now, and later I'm going to dust all my tools and set up my main altar and my ancestor altar for the second half of the year.<br />
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So a few days ago I got a fun "Happy Mail" package in the mail from my fellow blogger Mary over at <a href="http://uncustomary.org/" target="_blank">Uncustomary Art</a>. The package was so much fun to open. First of all, can we talk about the amazing glittery tape she used to seal the envelope? I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE. (Seriously, where can I buy some? :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BqkGGN7KII/VYcjkIm6DNI/AAAAAAAAAts/8d3Um2ct9HU/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy Mail - glittery tape!" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BqkGGN7KII/VYcjkIm6DNI/AAAAAAAAAts/8d3Um2ct9HU/s640/IMG_1699.JPG" title="Happy Mail - glittery tape!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inside I found all of these wonderful things. Some of them, like that scrap of gold foil and the heart stickers, are definitely going to be used in my <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2014/08/time-for-new-book-of-shadows.html" target="_blank">Book of Lore & Craft</a>. I'm not entirely sure what the dinosaur thing is - some kind of kid's game, I guess? - but the brontosaurus illustration is adorable nonetheless.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SCK8eCO6Q/VYclE8DYqAI/AAAAAAAAAt4/4-FWKyGGleU/s1600/IMG_1708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy Mail from Uncustomary" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SCK8eCO6Q/VYclE8DYqAI/AAAAAAAAAt4/4-FWKyGGleU/s640/IMG_1708.JPG" title="Happy Mail from Uncustomary" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrtI60QQYAA/VYci7GvY9HI/AAAAAAAAAtg/3wkIYPtMqFI/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Happy Mail from Uncustomary" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrtI60QQYAA/VYci7GvY9HI/AAAAAAAAAtg/3wkIYPtMqFI/s640/IMG_1707.JPG" title="Happy Mail from Uncustomary" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0BD4cPmf6U/VYcsf2r4nEI/AAAAAAAAAu8/aF4bJKg3XMo/s1600/IMG_1711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0BD4cPmf6U/VYcsf2r4nEI/AAAAAAAAAu8/aF4bJKg3XMo/s640/IMG_1711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The silver foil sticker that says "You are beautiful" is my favorite item in the package.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46DsG8pZP7g/VYcmR1CI_DI/AAAAAAAAAuI/g3eIjKexpKg/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy Mail - You are beautiful sticker" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-46DsG8pZP7g/VYcmR1CI_DI/AAAAAAAAAuI/g3eIjKexpKg/s640/IMG_1703.JPG" title="Happy Mail - You are beautiful sticker" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inside the package was... another package! This mystery item was wrapped in some lovely rainbow stripe wrapping paper.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhF_3nkbsDM/VYcm_ZWAmzI/AAAAAAAAAuU/hZIh35vpdzY/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy Mail - mystery item in rainbow wrapping paper" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhF_3nkbsDM/VYcm_ZWAmzI/AAAAAAAAAuU/hZIh35vpdzY/s640/IMG_1706.JPG" title="Happy Mail - mystery item in rainbow wrapping paper" width="640" /></a></div>
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What I found when I opened delighted me - a small mirror, adorned with a sticker that says "You are beautiful." So fun! (By the way, it's really hard to take photos of yourself in a tiny mirror! I couldn't seem to keep the camera from obstructing my face - oh well :)</div>
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Thanks again to Mary for sending me this delightful Happy Mail!! </div>
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If you liked seeing all the fun things she sent me, you will probably enjoy reading her blog - I encourage you all to <a href="http://www.uncustomary.org/" target="_blank">hop on over</a> and give her a follow. And while you're at it, why not <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uncustomaryart" target="_blank">give her page a like on Facebook</a> - she's hoping to get 2,000 followers for her birthday, let's help this birthday wish come true! :)</div>
Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-51016595176520146932015-05-30T17:49:00.000-04:002015-05-31T16:38:09.859-04:00Review: A Dream of Stone & Shadow by Marjorie M. Liu<div align="center">
<a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/" title="2015 Witches &Witchcraft Reading Challenge"><img alt="2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f212/myeclecticbooks/Book%20Blog/2015WitchesampWitchcraftReadingChallenge2_zpse36157d0.jpg" height="320" style="border: medium none;" title="2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've read a bunch of books this year, and I'm finally getting around to writing reviews for the "witchy" ones I've been reading.<br />
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Here's my first review for the <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/" target="_blank">2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge</a>! This book involves an evil witch who eats gargoyles.<br />
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<b>FYI: Minor spoilers ahead. Also, this book (and consequently and my review) are NSFW!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13148804-a-dream-of-stone-shadow" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Dream of Stone & Shadow (Dirk & Steele, #4)" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349922794m/13148804.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13148804-a-dream-of-stone-shadow">A Dream of Stone & Shadow</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35022.Marjorie_M_Liu">Marjorie M. Liu</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1229581871">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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This book started off with a very interesting premise, but it fails spectacularly in execution.<br />
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In the story, there are 3 separate lives intertwined:<br />
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- Charlie, a gargoyle, who with his 3 brothers is held captive by an evil gargoyle-eating witch. (Apparently gargoyles in this universe have massively-good regenerative powers.) Every time he "dies" he can travel about as a ghost until his body regenerates.<br />
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- Emma, a young girl held captive by a pair of twisted-as-fuck humans for the purposes of child pornography (thankfully, not described in much detail). Charlie visits her regularly in ghost form to protect her as best he can.<br />
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- Aggie, a psychic woman working for a supernatural-esque detective agency (Dirk & Steel), who can interact with Charlie better than most because of her clairvoyance.<br />
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So Charlie and Aggie work together to free the young girl. That part was okay to read. The concepts about what gargoyles are, how Aggie uses her psychic powers to fight crime, etc. were also just creative enough to be interesting. <br />
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The witch was also pretty creepy. I mean, through sheer magick she's holding four powerful gargoyles prisoner just so she can slice and dice them over and over, so she and her witch friends can eat them. She turned Charlie's 3 brothers to stone because they wouldn't let her carve them up. Ew.<br />
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What was awful was the truly juvenile understanding of things like love and sex, and trust. First, these two fall in love at first sight, and it's implied that they're soulmates - even though he's in ghost form and won't show her his true form, they have an instant bond and she TOTALLY trusts and instantly loves him. Riiight.... And then I nearly died of laughter when Charlie started having ghostly sex with Aggie in public, almost against her will (it didn't seem to be non-consensual, but he sure pressured her into it), first in her seat on a plane and then in the airport, and yet nobody suspecting because she could totally control her reactions. All of that right after they had first met and spent like 15 minutes in each others' presence. Riiiiiiight...<br />
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The writing style itself leaves something to be desired. It's also got a very unrefined, almost juvenile tone. Honestly, I'm not sure if the book is considered YA, but it might as well be the way it's written.<br />
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Read it for laughs, but certainly don't read it for its literary value!
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This review and others can also be found on my Goodreads profile: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/9568525-colleen">View all my reviews</a>
Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-41978843112981884712015-04-11T16:54:00.001-04:002015-04-11T17:59:24.083-04:00Review: Stolen Season by S.J. TuckerA few weeks ago <a href="http://www.sjtucker.com/" target="_blank">S.J. Tucker</a> released her long-awaited album, <i><a href="http://music.sjtucker.com/album/stolen-season-2" target="_blank">Stolen Season</a></i>. When she asked in her newsletter for bloggers to review her album, I of course jumped at the chance! <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/search/label/S.J.%20Tucker" target="_blank">I just adore her music</a> so much - how could I resist?<br />
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I've been
listening the heck out of this album ever since it arrived a couple of weeks ago, especially at work. To sum up my
feelings: <i>j'adore!</i><br />
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Let's start with the artwork. I mean, how gorgeous is this cover art? <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAjNTuN9oIY/VShN-V-s0zI/AAAAAAAAAqs/jve0BKr0Sgw/s1600/Stolen_Season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="album cover for Stolen Season by S.J. Tucker" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAjNTuN9oIY/VShN-V-s0zI/AAAAAAAAAqs/jve0BKr0Sgw/s1600/Stolen_Season.jpg" height="320" title="album cover for Stolen Season by S.J. Tucker" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: sjtucker.com</td></tr>
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The rest of the art in the insert is equally gorgeous, especially the Black Swan image, swoon. (And in case you haven't seen it, the full version of the gorgeous drawing on the far right was used as the <a href="http://music.sjtucker.com/album/stolen-season-unmastered-digital-release" target="_blank">cover art for the unmastered release</a> of the album. According to Bandcamp, the artist, Chaz Kemp, also did the cover art for her <a href="http://music.sjtucker.com/album/witchy-ways-an-october-mix-tape" target="_blank">Witchy Ways</a> mix.)<br />
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<i>Stolen Season </i>is a bit of a departure from s00j's previous albums. It's got a bluesey, jazzy vibe that I am totally in love with. She uses a downright sultry voice for some songs, like "Believe in Lullabies." One thing I noticed is the use of a bass guitar in several songs, including "Black Swan Blues," which I don't remember from her previous work (or if she used it, it's certainly not as prominent.) It sounds utterly gorgeous alongside her voice, though.<br />
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I like when artists take a risk and try something different, because
we get to see them grow as artists as they find out more of what they're
capable of and what drive their creativity. It doesn't always work,
but when it does? Oh yes. And s00j's risk with <i>Stolen Season </i>really pays off.<br />
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I think my favorite song from this album is "Girl Into Devil (I Belong to Me)." The words and the song's progression speak so much about pulling yourself through hell and finding your own power, something I can really relate to.<br />
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The title track, "Stolen Season," is another song that really gets me right in the feels. It speaks so much of sad but inevitable endings. (Reminds me a little of "<a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2012/03/monday-music-break-new-sj-tucker-music.html" target="_blank">Neptune</a>," in fact). The cello in that song (performed by <a href="http://betsytinney.com/" target="_blank">Betsy Tinney</a>) in particular is oh so gorgeous. And as a Jimi Hendrix fan I have to appreciate how she ends with, "There must be some kinda way outta here..." in a sad, breathy tone.<br />
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Though s00j may have incorporated a new sound into the ablum, <i>Stolen Season </i>still has that essential s00j-ness of brilliant storytelling, musical artistry, and a giving us a glimpse of her true heart that I love so much.<br />
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Take a listen to the album below and hear for yourself how beautiful this album is. And then go buy yourself a copy so s00j can keep making such wonderful music, and because you (yes, YOU) deserve to have such beautiful music in your life!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/82256942&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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<i>Disclaimer: I received a copy of Stolen Season in exchange for a fair review. All art and music from the album as shared are (c) S.J. Tucker. All opinions are my own.</i><br />
<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-56289208066113463392015-03-27T22:37:00.001-04:002015-03-28T12:16:39.897-04:00Chapel of LoveLast week, Jack and I finally tied the knot!! SQUEE!<br />
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We kept it simple and private, and it was totally perfect for us. On Thursday, we drove to Annapolis, all dressed up, marriage license and rings in
hand, and said our vows in front of the Anne Arundel County clerk. It was just us, the super-sweet clerk (whose name we totally forgot to ask in our excitement), and our awesome photographer <a href="http://tanyakang.com/" target="_blank">Tanya Kang.</a> <br />
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As a side note, I was super pleased that Tanya was able to photograph our day. Not only have she
and I been good friends (and sometimes roommates) since college, and not only
has she known Jack since he and I started dating back in 2007 - she is
really talented as a photographer :)<br />
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Saying my vows was totally surreal - like, how is this finally
happening? Is this even real? It didn't really sink in until the next night that it really
happened. <br />
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After the ceremony, Jack, Tanya, and I traipsed about downtown Annapolis taking photographs. It was rather chilly, so near the end of our photo session we stopped in to Starbucks for lattes and hot chocolate. We posed for some casual photos, but mostly we had a nice relaxing break and finally had a chance to catch up with each others' lives. (We should be getting the photos back from Tanya some time next month - I'm so excited to see them and share them with our loved ones!)<br />
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That night, Jack and I celebrated with dinner at <a href="http://www.thaiatsilverspring.com/" target="_blank">Thai at Silver Spring</a>, where we had our first date and where we still often go to for dinner. It was a sweet, romantic night, but more importantly, after such a surreal afternoon - it felt like <i>us.</i> Best wedding night a girl could ask for.<br />
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After knowing each other for more than 7 years and being together for most of that time, I am so thrilled to be married to the person who has always been in my heart through thick and thin, and who knows me better than anyone else.<br />
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And who's just as weird as me :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tENEJNK2rX8/VQEC7DDXD8I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/QwiADV3RtVQ/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jack & Colleen - ogres 4 life!" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tENEJNK2rX8/VQEC7DDXD8I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/QwiADV3RtVQ/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG" height="480" title="Jack & Colleen - ogres 4 life!" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Weirdos 4 life!</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-17350174593589483972015-03-11T21:00:00.004-04:002015-03-27T23:08:22.870-04:00Some fantastic new music to delight your earsFirst off, I logged on to Blogger this evening and saw that my blog now has over 20,000 page views! Whuuut. I still remember <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2012/04/1000-views.html" target="_blank">when 1,000 page views felt like a massive achievement</a>.<br />
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So lately I've been coming across all sorts of fantastic new music - some witchy, some not - and I wanted to share the musical love. So for your listening pleasure, here's a few of my favorites:<br />
<a href="http://www.sharronkraus.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<b><a href="http://www.sharronkraus.com/" target="_blank">Sharron Kraus</a> </b>has a new album coming out soon called <a href="http://www.claypipemusic.co.uk/2015/02/sharron-kraus-friends-and-enemies.html" target="_blank"><i>Friends and Enemies; Lovers and Strangers</i></a>. This album is based on the Mabinogion, and the song posted as a preview, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAFq1tOxb-k" target="_blank">"Blodeuwedd,"</a> is simply gorgeous. Her voice reminds me a little of 70s folks singers like Joni Mitchell. As a child of Rhiannon, I am super excited about this project (and so is Rhiannon)!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ibeyi/dp/B00OBB4RL2?tag=smarturl-gb-21" target="_blank">Ibeyi</a> </b>just released their debut, self-titled album, and from what I've heard so far, oh man, it is SO GOOD. Some of their songs like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAzjmDZD4aY" target="_blank">"Oya"</a> invoke the Orishas.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.chantillysongs.com/" target="_blank">Chantilly</a></b> released a new song called <a href="http://this-magic-night.tumblr.com/post/112252755089/photo-by-nicole-graf-youre-really-lovely" target="_blank">"Lovely"</a> on her Tumblr. It's got such a fun, jaunty disco beat.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187226118&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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And finally, take a listen to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/phillyfreesongfriday/philly-free-song-friday-jason-ager-worker-bee" target="_blank">"Worker Bee"</a> by Philadelphia blues-rock artist - and my old grade school classmate - <b><a href="http://www.jasonager.com/" target="_blank">Jason Ager</a></b>. That tuba!! I went to school with some seriously talented people, ya'll. (If you like the song you can download it for free from Philly Free Song Friday - click the down arrow button on the widget below).<br />
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What do you think of these songs? Have any other new music (witchy or otherwise) that you'd recommend? Let me know in the comments!<br />
<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-62342537828963838652015-02-27T22:38:00.000-05:002015-03-11T23:26:09.609-04:00Asking the Wrong Questions?In case you missed it circulating around social media earlier this week, <a href="https://medium.com/@theskysgoneout/" target="_blank">Jason Thomas Pitzl</a> wrote an excellent manifesto for the modern Neopagan community called <a href="https://medium.com/@theskysgoneout/witchcraft-today-witchcraft-tomorrow-165fb5b86bfc" target="_blank">Witchcraft Today - Witchcraft Tomorrow</a>. He wrote it for PantheaCon and then shared it on his website afterwards. This work is truly glorious and resonates with Power. I highly recommend all Witches read it!<br />
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As I read it, and in the days since, things in my head have started to click into place. For years now - ever since I was forced to leave my former coven, and possibly even since before then - I've felt lost and stuck and unsure of my spiritual path, of my place in the world as a Witch and what I'm "meant" to do. I've kept asking, "What is my true path?" but finding no real answers.<br />
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And I've been hiding in my uncertainty.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Q7iuWH7PQ/VPEzC6eSJoI/AAAAAAAAApo/yFONsdG61ws/s1600/don%27t%2Bchoose.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mr. Nobody - As long as you don't choose, everything remains possible" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Q7iuWH7PQ/VPEzC6eSJoI/AAAAAAAAApo/yFONsdG61ws/s1600/don't%2Bchoose.gif" height="265" title="Mr. Nobody - As long as you don't choose, everything remains possible" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I've been asking the wrong questions. And I've been seeking the wrong answers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RmTKA-gWpY/VPE2bnqE2wI/AAAAAAAAAp0/fu5fJmxr7RI/s1600/Mr_Nobody_quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mr. Nobody - Every path is the right path. Everything could've been anything else. And it would have just as much meaning." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RmTKA-gWpY/VPE2bnqE2wI/AAAAAAAAAp0/fu5fJmxr7RI/s1600/Mr_Nobody_quote.jpg" height="272" title="Mr. Nobody - Every path is the right path. Everything could've been anything else. And it would have just as much meaning." width="640" /></a></div>
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I need to find the right questions. I'm going to start with questions like "How can I best serve my gods?" and "How can I best feed my spirit?" And also, "What should I actually do with my magick?" I will ask these questions of my gods and guardians, and of myself, and perhaps to others. I wonder what answers I will find - and what other questions, too.Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-59190602742657000762015-01-17T09:30:00.000-05:002015-03-11T23:26:41.361-04:002015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge<div align="center">
<a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/" title="2015 Witches &Witchcraft Reading Challenge"><img alt="2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f212/myeclecticbooks/Book%20Blog/2015WitchesampWitchcraftReadingChallenge2_zpse36157d0.jpg" height="320" style="border: medium none;" title="2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a fun blogging idea for neopagans - the <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/" target="_blank">2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge</a>!<br />
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I think I can read about 4 or 5 witchy books this year, so I'm going to sign up and shoot for for the Initiate level. This will be great motivation for helping me achieve <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2015/01/goals-for-2015.html" target="_blank">my goal to read 30 books this year</a>. I'm hoping I also feel inspired to write reviews on my blog of the books I read! And of course, any reviews I write will also go up on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9568525-colleen" target="_blank">my Goodreads profile</a>.<br />
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Here's the information about the challenge from the challenge host, <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/" target="_blank">Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf</a>:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Challenge Levels:</b></span></i><br />
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Initiate: Read 1 – 5 Witchy Books<br />
Maiden: Read 6 – 10 Witchy Books<br />
Mother: Read 11 – 15 Witchy Books<br />
Crone: Read 16 – 20 Witchy Books <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Challenge Rules:</b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li>This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015. I will be
posting a place to link up a sign-up post (below), reviews and a wrap-up
post. (Note: You do not have to review the books to participate, but
only those who link up reviews will be entered for the prize)</li>
<li>Grab the reading challenge button (code & button below) and post
this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please
include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading
challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate- you
could track your progress and post reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes
and Noble, Smashwords, etc.</li>
<li>Any full length book that includes a witch as a main character or
includes major witchcraft elements counts. They may be fiction or
non-fiction. However, they should not be reference books which are not
read cover to cover-I will leave this to your discretion.</li>
<li>Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).</li>
<li>Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.</li>
<li>You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up
post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.</li>
<li>When you sign up in the linky put the direct link to your post about
joining the 2015 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge, not just a
link to your blog.</li>
<li>You can move up levels, but no moving down.</li>
<li>Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2015, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.</li>
<li>Have some Witchy Good Fun !!!</li>
</ul>
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Prize:</b></span></i><br />
Witchy book of choice up to $10 from The Book Depository!<br />
<br />
Participants who have officially signed up by linking up a sign-up
post declaring their level will be given one entry for every review they
link up. The more reviews you write and link up, the more entries in
the contest! Link up your reviews on that month’s Review Link Up Post.
Winner will be chosen on Jan 11th 2015 to give everyone a chance to link
up their end of year reviews. All Review Link Up Posts can be accessed
from my menu bar under my header!<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ready to participate with me? </span> </b></i><br />
Sign up on the <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/2015-witches-witchcraft-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/" target="_blank">2015 Witches & Witchcraft Sign-up Post</a>, and then <a href="http://melissaseclecticbookshelf.com/january-2015-witches-witchcraft-review-link-up/" target="_blank">link up your January 2015 book reviews here</a>.<br />
<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-37855805245017045322015-01-15T17:17:00.005-05:002015-03-11T23:27:20.934-04:00Goals for 2015<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyvGkErJPgk/VLRfIa-1CMI/AAAAAAAAApA/r78gHC9ea5Y/s1600/2015%2Bgoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(c) Stormy Heart - 2015 Goals" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyvGkErJPgk/VLRfIa-1CMI/AAAAAAAAApA/r78gHC9ea5Y/s1600/2015%2Bgoals.jpg" height="480" title="(c) Stormy Heart - 2015 Goals" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gosh, I can't believe we're more than 2 weeks into 2015
already! Each year I usually set myself some goals (okay, they're
really resolutions but we all know resolutions get broken!) I've spent
some time mulling over where I want to take myself this year and what
goals to set to get there. So without further ado...<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;"> 1. Blog more often </span></span></b><br />
I undertook a lot of effort to rename, rebrand, and refresh my blog... and then didn't do much with it. More blogging this year! <br />
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<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;">2. Make more food from scratch </span></span></b><br />
I've been trying to make more foods from scratch over the last year or so, in part to challenge myself in the kitchen and in part to eat more nutritious, whole foods and fewer additives and preservatives. I already make soups from scratch, and I recently learned how to make hummus. (For the hummus I've been working from <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/02/hummus-101-how-to-make-the-best-easiest-cheapest-hummus-ever/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> - so much deliciousness!)<br />
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Now I want to expand my horizons and make more foods from scratch. Definitely bread, since we go through a couple loaves a month. I'd also like to try my hand at applesauce and pesto. Do you guys have any other ideas on foods to make homemade - maybe something you'd like to see me blog about making?<br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;"><b>3. Read at least 30 books</b> </span></span><b> </b><br />
Last year I set a goal for myself of reading 30 books. I didn't meet it, but that's okay. I really enjoyed setting aside more time on the weekends and evenings to just read. I want to encourage myself to keep doing that, so I'm setting myself the same goal for this year. I'm once again participating in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/3082-2015-reading-challenge" target="_blank">Goodreads Reading Challenge</a> as I have in previous years - which is an easy way for keeping track of what I read and seeing how "on track" I am for meeting my goal as the year progresses.<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;">4. Stretch and do yoga more often </span></span></b><br />
I may have mentioned in here in the past that I have fibromyalgia. For me, stretching and gentle yoga are by far the best types of exercise for managing my symptoms. But I've been very lax in getting my movement on and I can feel the consequences of worsened pain, stiffness, and weakness the last few years. So even if it's just 5 minutes a night or 1 good session a week, I need to do more.<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;">5. Work on my Book of Lore & Craft </span></span></b><br />
I bought a new <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2014/08/time-for-new-book-of-shadows.html" target="_blank">Book of Lore & Craft</a> (what most people call their Book of Shadows) early last year, and after it sat unused for many months I finally cleansed, blessed, and dedicated it at Samhain. Right now it just has the dedication written in it, but I intend to add much more to it this year.<br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #0c343d;"><b>6. Get married! </b></span></span><br />
Jack and I have been engaged since Yule 2013. It's going to happen this year! We're going to have a private courthouse ceremony soon, once we get our plans finalized. I'll be sure to share photos and such in here once we finally tie the knot :)<br />
<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766462720080528608.post-91691740092539891412014-12-12T18:11:00.001-05:002015-03-11T23:28:07.541-04:00Homemade Cranberry Sauce<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slNPbgFjtkQ/VIttMg5J9KI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/c7WQni0gtF0/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Behold my bowl of delicious cranberry sauce! (c) Stormy Heart" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slNPbgFjtkQ/VIttMg5J9KI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/c7WQni0gtF0/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" height="480" title="Behold my bowl of delicious cranberry sauce! (c) Stormy Heart" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since it's the holiday season, I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday recipes: cranberry sauce! In our family, this is more traditional for <a href="http://stormy-heart.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-most-important-harvest.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>, but this is easily a Yule-season dish too. And honestly, this is so delicious, I could eat it year-round! Om nom nom.</div>
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I perfected this recipe
in 2011, and have brought it to my family's Thanksgiving dinner every year since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note this
cranberry sauce uses about half the sugar of most recipes, so it is tart - add more (or less) sugar and/or apples to adjust the sweetness. </div>
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This recipe is super easy, and much healthier than BPA-laden canned sauce. And, you know, not creepily shaped like a can. Also, you can easily double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe. I usually bring a double batch for our 30- to 50-person family Thanksgiving dinner (yes, you read that right. My extended family is huge!)</div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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1 bag of
fresh cranberries</div>
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1/2 cup of
sugar</div>
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1/2 cup
water</div>
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1/2 cup
orange juice</div>
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1/2 apple,
peeled and chopped finely</div>
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1/4 - 1/2
tsp cloves (you can use ground cloves, but go light)</div>
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1-2 tsp. cinnamon, or to
taste </div>
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1-2 tsp. ginger, or to
taste</div>
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1/2 tsp. fresh orange zest
or valencia orange peel from the spice aisle, or to taste</div>
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<b>Instructions:</b> </div>
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~ In a pot, bring the water and orange juice to
boil, then stir to dissolve the sugar in the water.<br />
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~ Turn heat to medium-high, and add the
cranberries. Let them simmer until they start popping (about 10 minutes).<br />
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~ Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the
apple, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest.<br />
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~ Put the cloves in a tea strainer or tie them up
in a cheese cloth, and immerse in the sauce.<br />
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~ Let this all simmer for about 10-20 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until the cranberries are falling apart.<br />
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~ Mash the cranberries and apples with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency.<br />
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~ Move the pot off the heat and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving or moving to a container for transport. Make sure to remove the bag of cloves before serving. I find it's best served at about room temperature or slightly warm, especially if serving over turkey. <br />
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Enjoy!! I like to eat mine on turkey at Thanksgiving, but it's also good on crackers and fresh bread.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSqkDSK5jQo/VItx9rl0t1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/QxPYi7cspZc/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delicious cranberry sauce served on turkey (c) Stormy Heart" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSqkDSK5jQo/VItx9rl0t1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/QxPYi7cspZc/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" height="480" title="Delicious cranberry sauce served on turkey (c) Stormy Heart" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Stormy Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02667690301608725474noreply@blogger.com2