My Besom & Pointy Hat

Yesterday during Wishcasting Wednesday, upon reading my wish, a reader suggested that I might post a picture of me in my pointy hat. Click on it so it grows large and gives you the full effect!

So, it's not really their wish, but I thought I'd let fly with a snap of me and my hat from last Samhain. Hope you enjoy it. And yes, I did all those pumpkins.

I'm not sure what's going on with me lately but my thoughts are darting about like bats in a cave disturbed by light....and I can't concentrate on anything long enough to get it down for your consideration. I know I've been absent from posting comments on your blogs, but trust me, I've been there seeing what you're up to...perhaps I've become a specter now instead of a witch? Hmm...

So for now, enjoy this and I'll be back with more cogent thoughts shortly.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She of The Pointy Hat Society

Wishcasting Wednesday

"What treat do you wish for?" Oh, it is that time soon, isn't it?! A treat for me instead of the tricks that so often hide in a day....or a dream.

A treat...something that is fun and exciting. Or quiet and kind. A treat...treat...treat! Hmm, let me think. I've got it!

I wish that every child has the sort of safe, fun Halloween trick or treats we had the luxury of having when I was a child.

When the world was a little less scary and things were a little more kind. When things that went bump in the night were only the things of story or horror film. When children could go racing door to door, for blocks and blocks on their own. In groups merry with anticipation and squeals of delight. Without the worry of having to be guarded against harm or hurt.

I wish for the treat of a fun All Hallows Eve when I can sit out on the porch with my besom and pointy hat and fill the bags and waiting hearts with chocolate treats. With the jack-o-lanterns blazing orange in the yard. I want the treat of talking with all the wee ghosties and goblins who come a-begging.

Yeah, that's most certainly the treat I wish for....

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Miss Holly Gives Out Good Stuff!

Silent Sermon Sunday

But this gold is only caught by those who make themselves an empty space before it.
~ Rumi

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

A Fox In The White House

News Flash: I don't give a fuzzy rat's ass where you go for your information.

Could not care less what might be your favorite haunt for news and updates. Who your favorite anchor person is, what personality traits you look for when you turn to them for news.

Like you, I have my opinions on where I go to hear and see what's being 'told' is what's going on in the world around me. But, I'm not going to tell you which are my preferences because they don't matter here. Neither do yours. It's not about that stuff at the moment. Our opinions and preferences could be best debated over drinks one night so call me if you want to get together.

This is not about whether you adore or despise the current Administration, The President, his staff, their politics. I don't give a damn about that. DO not!

No, let's get on target here; I insist that you pay attention to what is critically important here...and it's not what we think and our opinions.

We're headed down a VERY slippery slope at the moment, and as a paid professional communicator, I'm bringing it to your attention. I have always seen it as part of my job, this attempting to make certain that you have a thought and I have a care about things. That you understand what the issue is really and not what you might think it to be, or being deceived by a smoke screen to see....

So what is at issue here, what I want you to consider is that, as a citizen of a free society you have the right to expect that all voices, views and takes on a story are open for your consideration. Available for your review. Easily accessible for you to take up. Or NOT. But, that's for YOU to decide for yourself. Not the government; NEVER the government!

A free society must have a free media. MUST HAVE! And, it's dependent on us as free citizens to defend the right to free speech and an open media!

Let's get something straight because I believe you're getting confused-- you don't have to like, or respect, or care to watch all news outlets, all broadcast mediums. As a matter of fact, that's what I'm talking about; what a beautiful country we live in where you can say, "I absolutely HATE, (fill in the blank) news! Wouldn't watch them if someone held a gun to my head. I will only trust, (fill in the blank) to get solid information."

But, in this day and age, you better figure out soon and fill in that blank for yourself. Begin tuning in to it regularly. Because the world is changing on a dime these days and you need to know what's going on. Further more, you need to have the courage to spend some time with the one(s) you think you hate to get a different slant on the issues. Do it to question what is being reported to you. It's the only way to know where you stand on important things.

You must have the courage to look at important things from both sides of the aisle. MUST! Do not be afraid of the static in the world around you. Do not ignore it. But, neither should you allow fear to run your world. Just get facts and proceed accordingly. Stay informed at some level.

When you hear rumblings of our White House, which is the epicenter of the world's beacon of a free nation trying to do things to shut out a broadcast channel from important meetings? Are you freaking kidding me?!!!!?!!! You better set your hair on fire and start screaming! If you allow the government to control which media has access to information so that ultimately your access is limited, then we better kiss our asses good bye.

If it hadn't been for the ethical behavior of the other News outlets who pushed back and said, "No! If Fox News isn't here, we won't cover it either," they may have pulled off that crap. May have gotten away with it! SHAME on them for even trying it! And bravo to the Media for standing up. Even if they only did it because they know that, if they sat by and allowed it to happen to Fox, eventually it could happen to them.

Whatever the motivation, altruistic or self-preservation, I don't care! I'm just glad they did the right thing. So now it's your turn! You need to do the right thing as well. Talk to your friends about this latest little stunt...

Ask any person who lives in a country where the government controls the media how that's working for them. They'll all answer the same, "It doesn't!" So you better do your part to make certain that your government officials know how you feel about their attempts to control it recently.

You absolutely can hate Fox News if that's your feeling. Tell anyone who will listen because that's your right. In this country you have choices. So you better make sure you understand the problem of this bunch in the White House acting like mafia members or petulant high schoolers trying to keep out those they don't like from their social club.

The White House, President Obama and his staff, DO NOT have the right to set or control the scope of news coverage for the American public. DO NOT. Free media makes for a free society. You play a role in that...you must talk to others about this recent event of trying to shut out a news source. And, if you're not mad about this, you damn well should be!

You better hope you never have a fox in your hen house. But, as a citizen who enjoys the privileges of a free society, you better make absolutely certain that along with every other news source, there is a Fox in the White House.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka A Professional Communicator

365! That Was Fast!!

So, here it is...my 365th day of Your Mother Knows...one year of being part of the blogging world. Wow.

And, while I didn't write something each day for your consideration and to free some of my brain space, I don't think I did too bad. Yep, 290 posts. Fun, I actually found a Pennsylvania sign for the 290! The Internet, oh thank you Al Gore for inventing it!

I've been blessed with 153 followers and countless more who pop by for an occasional visit. I have no way to know how many people actually lurk about the place. But, I'd like to believe it's lots.

Through it all, I've shared some pretty sparky thoughts that have got some of us riled up. You've listen to me spew when I was sparky, snarky and droll. I've made you blush or yelp, "Oh Holly!," when I talk about S.E.X. and other things unmentionable.

I hope you've also been given things to ponder, and moments of support and hope when you needed them most. I worked to make you smile with moments of my friends. With my family who is so very dear to me. With my love of Maryland and Baltimore. With memories of my past and the struggles and triumphs of my life now.

Today, I want to tell you how incredibly much it's meant to have you there. I had no way of knowing how important your being there would be; how incredibly real and close some of you have become.

Like Toni...who was one of the very first seasoned bloggers who helped me, a complete stranger at that time. She answered questions and opened her arms all the way from Arizona to embrace me. Toni, that 153 sign is to honor you.

But now, let's celebrate!

On to the drawing!!!! I so love Sarah Sullivan for making this adorable art for me. I feel so special having actually commissioned an artist! And, she so came through with a great idea to capture the essence of life in my world. Sarah, thanks again. I'm keeping this image on my blog page because I adore it completely.

I needed the help of my trusty assistant, who is not Vanna White with her hands on Wheel of Fortune, but he is the one who brings all good fortune to my life. And, a very good sport too, I might add. I love you, My Lion!

As to the Price-Waterhouse science of the whole drawing, here's how it worked- I put every person who wished to be part of the drawing on a page. I asked Michael to shut his eyes tight and point!

In his usual style of fair play and honesty, he did one better; he spun the paper around and round a couple of times as I captured the truth of the moment.

And, and, and....oh, the tension builds, the Winner is.....

...Beverly Baird! Beverly writes a sweet blog called Bunny's Girl and she's become my pal through Wishcasting Wednesdays. Congratulations Beverly! A print of Sarah's work along with a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com is on its way to you shortly! Horrray!

Thank you my family, for your support and willingness to have parts of your lives shared out in the open. Really, I know that's not what you expected when I came into your lives a few short years ago! So from all of us Frock's who have shared our stories of Evan becoming an Airman, and Melissa racing through her life with her horse Jeanie. To Dad Frock battling and hopefully winning against cancer, and remembering my dad, Jimmy...

From my side of the tribe who I've shared with you; about how much we love, laugh, and like each other...

And of course, from one of our favorite Post Stars, Livy. Also....

...from my loves, Rory & Fiona who say Arrrooo to All of You and thanks!

On this first anniversary, if you'd like to go back to the inaugural posting and read how it all got started, here's the link...

My gratitude for your comments and input and for joining me this past year. You've made it such a life changing time. Blog Love & Hugs to all.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Blogs

Wishcasting Wednesday

"What do you wish to say yes to?"

I wish to say yes to my commitment to my weight loss program. I seem to be circling the same couple of pounds lately. I've been at this since June...and I'm down almost 20.

The trouble is, instead of weight, I'm loosing sight of my accomplishment and becoming defeated by how very much further I have to go to reach my goal. I know better than to leap so far ahead, but sometimes it's hard, you know?

So, I find myself flagging in my belief in being able to reach the finish line and my commitment to the process.

I wish to say yes to the admirable goal of being healthy and beautifully content in my body and that's what this weight loss journey is about.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Is Thinner Than When She Started

Fall Delights

I'm sure that it's different for all of us, but somehow as I read the blogs of so many proclaiming the excitement of this season, surely Autumn must be the top choice!

I've always thought that the New Year should come in September. That's when school starts and the fresh notebooks, new pencils that haven't been chewed, pens that still have volumes to write, clothes that snuggle....all those things say NEW!

It wasn't till later when I began to explore alternative spiritual practices that I learned how close I was to correct. For, the fall really does speak to many as the start of the new year. It welcomes us in with hopes and dreams and expectation of things rich and fulfilled. Welcomes us to deepen friendship and kinship...welcomes us like the wreath on a front door.

The colors of jewels are around so very much to see and take in, and the harbingers of things to come begin to say, "Pay attention, I am trying to have you prepared and ready for what's to come!" Do you see him? Our weather forecaster? Do you see him on the wall?

My first Woolly Bear of the season is on my front wall catching some warmth and rays. The width of his stripes seem to echo what the Farmer's Almanac has predicted; Western PA could be into a seriously snowy and cold winter.

But for today, in the breezy sunlight, the Woolly and I will just sit and be with each other.

Somehow, for me, the magick of this season is that it's so much easier to find the beauty in the mundane. The color in the dull. The glory in the utilitarian. And, I want to remember it when the world is gray and dark and seems dismal. To give me hope and fill my spirit like that snap of brisk air fills my lungs and makes me smile.

And, I want my home to be welcoming and ready for this season...but also to look forward to what's to come. To be a haven for those I love to come and go from...and know that there is always one place in the world that is called, "Home." Every one of us must have a place that we can call home. To give us the courage to go out and find what waits for us. To give us the place to feel grounded, special, loved and adored.

Where the glory of colors can be seen. And felt. Even in small ways.

And fun and silly moments are blended with the love and safety. Where we all can participate in the festivities.

Where tears wash our eyes clear at times, so that we can remember that tears and smiles all combine to give us a depth of heart that we hope to acquire.

Yes, Autumn is here. It will not be long with us. So enjoy every single moment. For soon, winter will be upon us...and we will be challenged to find the joys that await in that stark season.

And, because love is burbling in me today, I've decided to extend my anniversary drawing for one more day, so you and your friends who may have missed this can take part in the fun. I am giving away this adorable artwork of Sarah Sullivan's. I had it commissioned to celebrate my first blogging anniversary. And, it comes with a $25 gift certificate to Amazon. So hurry, for my drawing will be over soon, just like the Autumn that fills so many of us with joy!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Loves Autumn

First Frost!

When The Frost Is On The Punkin
~James Whitcomb Riley

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it's then the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here
—course we miss the flowers, and the blossoms on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetizin';and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries—kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;

The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover overhead!
—O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the cellar-floor in red and yaller heaps;
And your cider-makin's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With theyr mince and apple-butter,and theyr souse and sausage too!

...I don't know how to tell it—but ef such a thing could be
As the angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me
—I'd want to 'commodate 'em—all the whole-indurin' flock
—When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Loves Autumn
Photo courtesy of the Internet

Silent Sermon Sunday

God of surprises, as we walk through the day, keep our eyes open and our senses tuned to your presence in unexpected places.

~ Beth A. Richardson

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly
This adorable photo courtesy of the Internet

House Crack

It can't just be me...I mean, if it was just me, they couldn't be as successful. Could they? I think not because I couldn't afford to keep the company afloat at such lofty heights. Although, I'd give it my best effort.

Nope, it has to be the combined effort of all of us, or at least a large majority of us....those of us who just have to stop and sit and pour over the pages when it comes in the mail....it's like crack...that cheap drug that sucks you in and keeps you hooked constantly searching for more, more, more.

Yay!!! My Pottery Barn catalogue was delivered yesterday. Bliss.

How do they do it? I wish I had that ability. I'm a good marketer, but honestly, these people are wizards! How do they make you wish you could melt into the pages and come out the other side into every room? Wanting every small detail?

I don't even stop what I'm doing when an edition of a magazine I've paid for arrives. But, when this catalogue comes, it's time to quit everything and sit reverently. Opening the cover and...

...imagining myself in every page.

Being thrilled with every detail in each space...happy when you see it and teasing a smile from you when you look up. Or down. Or side to side.

How do they do it? Those Pottery Barn fairies?

How do they make you want to dash like mad to your most disorganized space and begin the Herculean effort to make it look like this wonderful work space? And hope that you hit the lottery so you could convert some un-loved nook in your home into something as grand as this? Tell me, couldn't you be the most creative person ever if you could work at this station?!

Wouldn't every day feel relaxing and peaceful if you could put your feet up in a space that felt and looked like this? If you say, "No,"? Truly, I'll still love you like crazy but I will wonder about you!

Taking the time to make certain that even the smallest detail seems lyrical and suited to the space. Following the Scottish father of The Arts & Crafts movement, William Morris' sage advice, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

To be so blessed to start...

...and end each day in an environment that brings calm and comfort. When you open your eyes on the day's possibility, how could it not seem a gift if you had this space to rest in?

Making even the most simple of objects come together and morph into an artful moment.

When the Pottery Barn catalogue is opened, my eyes go soft and distant as my brain races to imagine and grow.

And, I realize that it's the magic of hoping that creates the desired spaces of our homes. Even if we do not have the finances to afford the luxuries Pottery Barn offers, there is no reason to abandon our hopes for our own homes. So long as you follow Mr. Morris' wisdom, your home will evoke all those feelings. It will welcome, nurture and envelop you and those who enter it.

What does your home say about you? Do you love the space you occupy? Does it reflect your truth? Does your house bring you Home? If not, do you stop to wonder why and what it would take to make it so? Pottery Barn might help, but you are the ingredient that makes it real.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka A Home Maker

Wishcasting Wednesday

"What do you wish to let go?"

Jamie asks a hard question this week. And, I have to say without a moments thought the answer flashed.

I wish to let go my feeling 'less-than' for I'm not less than anything or anyone else. Yet, when I am not vigilant, the notion that I am creeps in and colors my thinking; clouds my judgment.

I am more than enough. I am what I was made to be by divine plan not accident! I am on my way to more and different and better. Because I was created to have those things, and be those things, and require those things, and desire those things.

And, no one can do that for me better than me. I am not less-than...I am me. I AM!

I wish to let go of my wrong thinking and feeling less-than!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly
Image Courtesy of the Internet

Anniversary Give Away!

Soon like on the 22nd of this month, Your Mother Knows will be one year old! That's gone by really quickly.

To celebrate how many new, interesting people I've met, great moments I've spent reading blogs, and also you fabulous people who have signed on to follow, I'm celebrating with a give away.

Thanks to the help of my friend Sarah at Cottage Garden Studios, I will be gifting one lucky winner with this adorable creation by Sarah which is a 5x7 print of art she created just for the occasion. Additionally, the winner will receive a $25 gift card from Amazon.com.

So, you know you want to help me celebrate! You have between now and the 20th to let me know that you want in on the fun. I'll announce the winner on the 22nd. Leave me a comment here on this entry. You can let me know by email, too.

Thanks for your help Sarah...this adorable Scottie is going to be very hard for me to gift away, but then you all knew that!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

Silent Sermon Sunday

If you would hold hope, hold a baby on your lap.
~ H.L. Dietor

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Livy's Great Aunt Holly

Livy Inside & Out

Oh, it's that time again! Time for some Livy Love!! Here's the picture I received yesterday:

Imagine this sweetie is nine months old already! Look at her standing there all by herself and very proud. If you click the picture to enlarge it, you'll note how white the ends of her wee digits are as she uses all her might to keep herself upright and steady! I want to just eat her all up with a spoon!!

And, as much as these posts really are about the little girl, this time it's more about Laura' sign. It strikes me that Livy has been out here in the world for the same amount of time she spent 'becoming' inside Laura's body. What a miracle...what a miracle.

I can't put it into words exactly how this makes me feel. I guess I'm just a little awed by it. For, if I've come to love her so much in nine short months, how much more can her mother love her having known her twice that long? Sharing a secret that just the two of them can have. The sense of emotional and mental connection that perked over the long nine months when Livy lived unseen, unformed as the Human Being that we know now. But, Laura knew; I'm sure a mother does. Not that there aren't unimagined surprises now that she's out here with us.

When she was inside Laura, she may have been less of a known entity for us, but I'm thinking that's not the case for my adored niece who communed with her baby every moment of every day over nine months; 270 days more or less.

Don't misunderstand what I'm going to say next. Because I absolutely support a woman's right to choose. ABSOLUTELY. But, seeing that nine month sign-the same amount of time a child spends inside becoming... When I can be so in love with someone who's only been outside with us for nine months, it makes me wonder why we even have an option to consider.

When I see that pink sign that I now associate with a baby I've come to adore, I'm not sure how I feel about the whole issue of choice. Now I'm not so sure in light of how much I'm thrilled that she is here. Knowing how desperately Eric & Laura wanted a baby and how much time, energy, and money they invested to bring a spirit into being, I wonder about those who take the other route. I think about how our lives are richer for this nine month miracle being part of our world, and I wonder about why we are blessed while others find they must say, "No."

Where does that leave me? A little shaken; up until now I've been absolutely certain in this one issue. I suppose I'm absolutely certain that I wish every child was as welcomed and wanted as our Olivia is. However, I'm no longer absolutely sure about the issue of the right to choose being an absolutely good thing. I guess we have to examine our absolutes in light of new information when it's presented.

You know?

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Great Aunt Holly

Wishcasting Wednesday

"What do you wish to complete?" A wish that could not be more perfect for today...for I wish to complete a story. Do you remember what I wished for as my luxury Item two weeks ago? Just as a frame of reference. Yeah, it was for a Scottie bag from Dooney & Bourke. So settle back for the story:

Once upon a time, a wild woman wished with a circle of mighty wishers for a completely luxurious item. A purse to answer her Scottie fix. And, low and behold, one week later her item magically appeared! And the kingdom rejoiced.

But, it didn't come as you might expect. Her knight in shining armor didn't simply show up one night with it tucked under his arm. NO! Instead he worked even greater magic by helping the wisher to use and build her own power by obtaining it for herself! For he remembered a tiny bank account of hers that had been sitting languishing several years. He suggested that she close it and use the money to purchase the purse for herself! Huzzah! Poof! And with her own power, she acquired her heart's luxury desire.

But, there was a hitch...yeah... a dragon! There's always a dragon. And, in this case, it's disappointment that the dragon breathed all over her new luxury item. For when it arrived, the fabulous hardware hang tag looked like this:

And was not the adorable Scottie she had seen on her purse many months ago when she wished for the item to come to her.

She was not going to allow the dragon to win! So she called customer service where she encountered a kind fairy named June. And she told the fairy about her disappointment that she received her heart's desire only to have it tarnished by the wrong hang tag.

June gently told her that King Dooney had decided that the Scottie was banished from the bags, and hence forth only the bone hardware would be acceptable in his kingdom. To which the wisher exclaimed, "But, that's just wrong! I have a picture that I've wished on for months! It has a Scottie on it. And, let's face it, anyone who wants this bag wants it because they have a passion for Scotties, not bones!!! Please, can't I just have one of the old hang tags?!"

June said, "Oh, Holly I am so very sorry that you're disappointed. And, if I could I certainly would. We've gotten several complaints about this, but once Mr. D makes a decision that's what we have to send and the Scottie hang tag isn't produced any longer. I wish I could make this right for you. I'm so very sorry."

The wisher sighed as she hung up the phone. The customer service fairy was so nice, but....Not to be ungrateful, the wisher decided to love her bag just the way it had materialized and not allow the Dragon of Disappointment to win. It was hard but she whacked the dragon across its nose with a rolled up newspaper and said, "Get in your corner and stay there! You are not going to ruin this prize for me!!" The dragon hissed some smoke and a small flame as it went and did as it was told.

She carried her new wish with her and loved it. The wisher was very excited to show it off and all of her friends laughed when they saw it and clapped their hands saying, "Oh, it's just so perfect for you!" How fun!

But, what further magic is this??!! For if you look closely you will see that fairy magic was afoot...do you see it? Look closely....very, very closely...

There for all to see is an adorable Scottie hang tag! Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice! For a few days later after talking with Fairy June, this arrived in the mail...

So you see, thanks to my circle of powerful wishers, a Knight in Shining Armor who helped the wisher remember her very own power, and a Fairy named June....

The luxury item is now hers and she is in mad love with you, her own power, and a luxury item.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, June, for going the extra mile to make a dream come completely true.

The End...of this tale. But, stay tuned to more Tales of A Mad Wisher!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Owns a D&B Scottie Lucy Bag