"A NEW YEAR'S WISH FOR EVERYONE"

My new "enchanted" charm design!

A pretty pink gemstone heart, purple peace signs, rainbow crystals
and pink swarovski elements on the hook.

ENCHANTING SUPRISE

The Hubby and I like to frequent, (more often than necessary), what we refer to as our local bar.  It is our local bar because it is about three minutes drive from our home.  By most, I suppose, people's standards, it would be deemed a dive. Not to us!  We love going there for many reasons.  We are welcomed there by the owners and the patrons.  We all know each other on that casual level that comes from socializing over a cold beer and a bar stool.  They serve good cheeseburgers and fries, which to us, is the standard that all great "dives" are judged by.

So, to get to the "enchanting suprise".  This past Saturday we went down to the local pub to tip a few pre-holiday spirits and to devour good burgers and fries, and much to our delight, they had a band there for the afternoon.  We stayed longer than usual, soaking up the great atmosphere, the food, the fun and just really relaxing and hanging out enjoying these wonderful, talented musicians.  Of course, social butterfly that I am, I had to find out who they were, and of course, I have to share them with you.  Please check out there website www.georgewesley.com and just know that they were enchanting!  Love, Cytrine

TWO EXHAUSTED BLOGGERS

MAYBE IT WAS TOO MUCH WINE?

NO, IT WAS DEFINITELY THE CATNIP!!

Put on your red dress and party like a rock star.
Happy Yule!

BIRTHDAY BLING

While Hubby was slaving away in the kitchen preparing "the Birthday feast", I decided to stay out of the way and retreat to my craft room and make myself some holiday bling to wear.  I made two necklaces, one is black tourmaline with rainbow swarovski crystals and a sterling silver toggle clasp.  The second one is moonstone and amazonite with rainbow swarovski crystals for sparkle and a silver magnetic clasp.

OH WHAT FUN.............IT IS TO WEAR, IN A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH!

MAGICKAL BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Oh, how I just love this time of year.  All the festivities and decorations are just soooooo inspiring.  And my Mother's birthday (Dec 25th) and my birthday (Dec 11th) are thrown into the holiday mix. 

To start this fun-filled weekend my friend, Ametrine and I went to a Christmas concert at our local high school.  We started the evening at a cozy restaurant, drinking pints of raspberry beer and consuming a wonderful chicken marsala dinner. 

The band that played is called "Twelve-Twenty Four", you can check them out on facebook.  They are our local version of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and believe me, they DO NOT DISAPPOINT.  They are truly talented and amazing!  We finished the evening at my house with glasses of Carolans Irish Creme and an early piece of birthday cake. 

Next comes Saturday evening, with my Husband Dan, the best chef ever, slaving over the stove to prepare my Birthday feast. 

THE MENU

Fresh House Salad/w blue cheese

Kobe Beef Tenderloin

Tender Bay Scallops

Two Cheese Potato AuGratin

French Green Beans w/creamy bacon sauce

Wine: Beaujolais Nouveau

DESSERT

Homemade German Chocalate Cake w/coconut pecan frosting!

Carolans Irish Creme on the rocks

WOW! Needless to say I probably should not eat the rest of the week.



A WONDERFUL SUPRISE!

When I came home from work I was suprised to see that my honey had taken time to hang a picture on the wall for me.  We had discovered this old deer tapestry in an antique shop years ago, and had never really found the perfect spot for it.  From time to time, I would mention what became known as "the deer tapestry", saying how much I wanted it out of storage and up somewhere to be admired.  So, lo and behold, I come home to find that it finally has a home.  WONDERFUL!  But, the true suprise, is the pine wall that "the deer tapestry" now lives on was an old ratty cheap paneling wall until yesterday!

Now that is what I call "ENCHANTING"

REMINDER

"Just a thought I wanted to post as we head into the chaos of the holiday season"

Wealth does not consist of having great possessions,

Wealth consists of having few wants.

There is much joy found in being content with what we have and where we are in life.  I admit, I too get caught up in the gimmies and the wants, but I often stop and pause for the moment.  I ask myself, what joy will come from the acquisition of this item.  Will I love it and treasure it for many years to come, or will it end up being another part of the clutter and regret of past impulse purchases? 

I choose to not clutter up my world or anyone else's by giving only gifts of food, drink, maybe something handcrafted just for that special person, and memories.  Ultimately you will remember that great meal shared with family and friends far longer than the trinket you gave or were given. 

I am not trying to say that everyone should give up their holiday traditions of gift giving and sharing, I only want to get people to give some real thought to what is really meaningful in life, and think about what you do just out of habit or guilt.  Speak up, talk to the people you really care about, chances are they too will be relieved at the thought of trading in the stress and old habits for the true meaning of sharing and caring about what really matters in life.  That would be a truly valuable experience.  Share the wealth and "rock on"!!

COMMENTS

I JUST WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT, FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON ON MY PART, I DO NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE COMMENTS ON OTHER BLOGS.  I HAVE LOOKED AT MY SETTINGS ON MY DESKTOP (windows vista) AND ON MY LAPTOP (windows 7).

WHEN IT SAYS TO SELECT A PROFILE, I SELECT MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT, BUT STILL DOES NOT WORK.  I TRULY WANT TO SHOW MY APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL CREATIVE BLOGGERS OUT THERE BY LEAVING COMMENTS. 

IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT I MAY BE DOING WRONG, PLEASE SHARE.  THANK YOU.

CYTRINE

BLUE SKIES & RED BERRIES!  ***)!!SOUL SPARKLER***(!!

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR LOOKING IN THE WINDOW

RESTING UP FOR THE BIG TURKEY FEAST

NATURE'S CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

LUCKY IN LOVE

I gather from many of the women that I work with on a daily basis, that I have been blessed to have found a kind and considerate man to share my life with. My Mom loves, loves, loves him so what does that say?  Anyway getting to the point of this post...... I came home on Thursday night from work to this amazing dinner.  This is not an unusual event, it is actually the norm. He chooses to do this and I practice gratitude for his thoughtfulness. What we have, is something I wish I were better at making women understand.  We have kindness and consideration for each other.  We do not worry or question each other about anything.  EVER!  If I need time to myself, I take it, I go away for an hour, a day, a week, whatever I need.  He does likewise.  I totally believe that is the secret to true love.  You do not "own" anyone, as no one "owns" you.  Practice daily kindness and consideration for each other.  What could be more important than that? 

P.S.  Maybe one of these days I will put up a few pics of my handsome fella!!!!


KINDNESS ON A PLATE.  LOVE IN A GLASS.



OMG'dess

I am so joyful and thankful to Spiritdog Studios for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award!  Chrislyn is an inspiring and beautiful person and I thank her. Please go visit her site and your day will be much better for it! See the nomination here.

In accepting this award you are asked to:

1. Thank the person who nominated you publicly on your blog.

2. Post a picture of the award in the blog post and in your sidebar.

3. List 7 things about yourself that may not be common knowledge.

4. Pass it on to 7 other Bloggers.

5. Make sure to inform the nominees that they have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award.

7 things......REALLY!  OK here goes:

1. I never thought of myself as the "Romantic" type, however when I saw my Husband the first time, it was absolutely, unequivocally LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!  (kinda korny i know)

2. My brain is one of those that is not more left or more right, it is equally 50-50.  I am an accountant, good with the numbers and business, and I am a creative artistic soul as well.

3.  I am an empath, mostly with animals, but also with people. I rarely share that information.

4. I am somehow, a very healthy person.  I do not get sick. I do not have issues.

5. I do not sleep well, partly because of being an empath and mostly because I can't stop my brain from wanting to create ideas. And all these wonderful Blogs out here are not helping.

6. I always knew I was a witch, forever.

7. I am addicted to cheese, in any form.  Mac-n-cheese, grilled cheese, wine and cheese, blue cheese.  Cheeeeeeese already!!!!

Now, here are my nominees for the Versatile Blogger Award, and let me say that their wild creativity makes this world a more beautiful place, and your life will be more joyful with them in it!

1. The Witchy Pooch Is In

2.Bird Gardener's Place of Earthy Spirituality

3.Confessions of a Junkyard Cat

4. Tabby's Place

5. Heart of A Wizardess

6.The Cranky Crow

7. That witch is true

Please spend some time visiting these magickal sites. Your time invested will be paid back tenfold. (uh-oh i think that may be the 50% accountant coming out) Bright Blessings to you all.  And many, many thanks again to Chrislyn of Spiritdog Studios for my nomination!

Cytrine Love Ravenfire

Blogging is hard work

I thought I would give my human the day off and do a blog post. 

I am a star already....'nuff said!

OK, where do all these creative bloggers get their ideas from???       

GET OUT! Can't you see how hard I am working?

BLOG-BLOG-BLOG.......I'm exhausted

MY DREAM DAY

"My idea of a perfect Autumn day well spent"



Morning Coffee with the "Hubby", picnic style.



A "Grand & Leisurely" lunch with my best friend Ametrine

A simple & rustic dinner with a few friends

A glass of wine by the fire

Off to Dreamland in a cozy bed

and there you have it, all on my dream board.  GOOD THINGS!

GATHERING ENERGY FROM THE SUN!

Another pic for the traditionalist

Snow Fawn in Black & White

My mind sees a million things when I start walking and snapping photos.
 I see so many details with an artists eye that most people pass by.
Open your senses to all that is there, and one day you will wonder how you missed it all for so long.
Practice the art of observation, and soon, you too will see purple fawns and so much more.

Sunshine after the storm

When the sun is high, the Willows will stop weeping

Blue skies are back

PICTURES DON'T LIE, (or do they?)

Proof positive that I really do live in an "enchanted forest".  An early snow storm and some photo editing fun make for some Magick.  If anyone would care to use these photos for crafty projects, please feel free and enjoy.  I am thinking the obvious, Christmas cards. 

Purple Magick

SNOW FAWN

Rose Colored Glasses

For your friends at the Beach!

For the Taditionalist

"Your greatest goal could be to live a simple, enchanting and valuable life with love and gratitude"




A TABLE MADE PRETTY FOR MY MOM


Be Blessed and Be Well
Happy Halloween

Charming Charms

I like to create charms, as they are quicker to assemble than full pieces of jewelry, they do not have to match everything you wear, and the recipient does not have to feel obligated to wear them!  I made this one for a friend who is going thru a difficult time right now. It will be a reminder to him that "this too shall pass"  I call it "Make Peace with Your Demons"

Feline Night Visions

I captured this pic of my kitten and her night vision.  This mystical animal was given to me by my dear friend, Sue.  What a GIFT!!

Sharing Inspiration

I love doing collage work and using my own pics to make altered art.  The artwork that inspired this blog, please enjoy!

The real magick table altered

My own green eyes with a crystal 3rd eye

Fantasy tree house

Another altered version

The whole fantasy

A fairy saxaphone concert

Boil and Bubble, Toil and Trouble

My dear "Hubby" and I are addicted junk collectors, with a keen eye for the strangest and the rustiest.  We picked up this cool "cauldron" for a great yard decoration.

CREATURE COMFORTS

We humans can learn a lesson from our wise animal friends.  They really know how to relax and live in the moment.  Pics of my two sweet, wonderful cats at peace in their world!

A Law of Attraction Lesson

Since I first heard of "The Law of Attraction", I have been fascinated with the subject.  I have read every book, e-book, blog etc. that I could find. One of the more challenging aspects (to me anyway) was to let go of your fear surrounding money. That feeling of scarcity, never having enough, all of that.

Sometimes I backslide and say to myself, is this real, am I too lazy to do the mental work involved, or do I sub-consciously just not believe it.  Recently I proved to myself that I really am starting to get it.  At the Pagan festival that my friend Ametrine and I attended on Sunday (see previous post) we found a vendor selling wonderful rocks and crystals. One of my admitted weaknesses, I have been a rock hound all my life.

So, I know, get to the point.  I always ramble when something is exciting.  So, anyway, we were admiring all the wonderful wares and we made our purchases. Before leaving the festival, we went back to see if we wanted to buy anything else.  There were two crystals, a citrine point and a smoky quartz that were calling my name.  Neither of the stones had a price tag. I picked them up, handed them to the vendor and said, "I will take these".  I did not ask the price, I was not afraid to commit to something that I wanted, and I had NO FEAR that I could not afford the items.  It did not sink in to me until later, that I really have absorbed some valuable lessons regarding the Law of Attraction.  This will be a great motivator for me when I begin to backslide yet again.

Cytrine & Smoky, A lovely couple. God & Goddess

Cytrine

I hope this post makes sense to someone besides me, and enjoy the pics of my treasures!

A Pagan Day

Friends + Wine + Crystals = Natural Magick

The Sacred Crossroads Association organized a Pagan Pride festival at our beautiful local park.  The gathering was small, but very enjoyable.  There were some wonderful musicians, a cute belly-dancer, and some great vendors.  My friend, Ametrine and I attended and came home with some cool magickal goodies.  Hop on over to her blog "The Witchy Pooch Is In" at www.ametrineknowingwillow.blogspot.com for some pics from the day.

I appreciated the intent of the gathering, which I believe was to help educate people about different spiritual paths.  However, I did not care for the slogan they chose.  Pagan and Proud.  It had a defiant tone to me and conjured up images of protestors and stone-throwers. (of which there were none, I am happy to say).  Too "in your face" for me, just as I do not care to have the "other" organized religions telling me I am going to burn in hell if I do not follow their ways.

Okay that was my short rant for today and the opinions expressed belong solely to Cytrine Love Ravenfire and not the blogspot venue.

Another Deer Pic

A visit from Momma and Baby Deer.  I love the simplicity of nature.