Thursday, December 22, 2016

Our Rescue Rico

The search for a new fur baby was sparked by the kind heart of a local realtor paying for all adoption fees for the animals at the Front St. Animal Shelter. One rainy Saturday we piled everyone into the truck and headed Downtown. We were not the only family looking and did not find the right dog there. We tried three more shelters around town and still ended going home empty handed. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

A few weeks went by and another rain day came. The Renaissance man ended up staying home from work so we went  to the mall to do some shopping and decided over holiday coffee to give the Front St Shelter another look. Still no luck in finding a pooch. After picking up the little's from school we decided to go check out  Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

We looked at many dogs, and this is very hard because when you walk by them they give you sad eyes when you walk away. A curious dog looked out the window and his tail started wagging as my son pressed his face against the window. As my daughter walked by  he followed her gaze looking back and forth between the children. As a prospective match there is a room in which you go into  with the dog to bond and see his temperament.

Once out of his room the dog became timid and shy. Walking near him he was nervous around  shoes and fast movements, this guy had it rough before and his previous owner wasn't so kind. Was I willing to take a skittish stray with an unknown past home? I debated and even after finding out he was on meds for kennel cough we made the decision to open our hearts and home.

We made the dangerous rainy drive home without incident and the dog fell asleep in my daughters arms. Once we got home it was time to see how Chico would receive another dog into the home. One of my fears of bringing a new dog home was the fact that we had presents around a tree inside. First thing that dog does is pee on the tree and a few packages had to be rewrapped. Thank goodness that was the one and only time. We named our new dog Rico. Yes that's Chico & Rico.

Now the story takes a twist and Rico almost goes back to the shelter the next day.

Being fresh out of the shelter Rico smelled foul. Giving the dog a full bath wasn't possible because he was recently neutered. So we purchased wipes and a coat spray. No matter what we did the dog smelled like skunk. That night there was barely any sleep and it was determined he needed to be returned because the smell wasn't bearable. I dreaded the next morning. It was hard for me to face the children and let them know we couldn't keep him. The shelter didn't open till 12:30 p.m which was probably his saving grace. A trot outside resulted in the dogs finally playing and Rico taking a pent up poo. 

After play and relieving himself he didn't smell as bad. Further research lead me to the knowledge that Cairn Terriers have oily coats and when it gets clogged and trapped in it's coarse hair it smells. I just couldn't go through returning him, we bonded that afternoon. When everybody came home from school  they were ecstatic that my heart wouldn't allow him to go back. It's been a week now since Rico is a part of the family and he's turned out to be a pretty awesome dog. Our Christmas wish was answered and I believe his was too.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Solstice Salutations

Season's Greetings from Casa Sol y Luna. Despite the many pin boards I made on Pinterest to find my decorating style this year I didn't end up needing them at all. Classic red, greens , and golds made the scene this year.

 
 We purchased our tree from a grocery store parking lot again this year, but I'm truly thinking of buying a faux one when they go on discount after the holidays. We got pretty lucky in picking a good one since we had no idea what it looked like until we cut the binding and the tree opened up like an umbrella.

After we trimmed the tree the stockings were hung with care.  I have four beautiful children but{E} being the teen girl she is requested I do not post her pic, that's why you will rarely see her here. Even Chico hangs his stocking!

A glimpse this may be into our festivities because I have truly been very busy with life in general.There has been plenty of baking , making, and planning for the new year that is quickly approaching. Today marks Winter Break for the whole tribe (except the Renaissance man) so hopefully I will post more often.  I wish you the Brightest Blessings on this Winter Solstice.



Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The Kitchen Reveal



The kitchen has officially been done since last weekend but Iv'e been busy with my hands in many projects and wearing many hats while doing so. I love the light over the kitchen sink, to me it is a piece that reflects utensils or cheese graters.


We were going for a slight farmhouse kitchen feel. I had purchased the egg basket fruit basket at Ross. The other wire basket and flour sifter I already had on hand. Decorating mostly with things already in home really cuts down on the overall budget.The cabinets are painted in Behr Rave Raisin.


So here you are the infamous before pic.........the floor and cabinets are a flow of honey color. Avocado ceiling and fluorescent over head lighting had to go.

Taadaaa! This renovation brought us more than a new kitchen. My husband and I got away on the weekends to Home Depot dates kid free which gave us time to connect....and argue over lighting and paint. Now that the heart of the home is comfy and cozy, my focus is on holiday to do's and makes. Were into the first week of  December, remember to take sacred pauses and not get overwhelmed.
***

I want to take a special moment and thank all of you that take time out of your day to visit. I  want you to know I hold you all dear to my heart even if I can't make my rounds to visit your space. Brightest Blessings this Holiday Season!


Friday, December 2, 2016

Light

Day 2 - December Reflections

The shutter sound of the camera awoke Chico as I was taking his picture, hence the "what are you doing" look he's giving me. The warm sunlight coming from the front window is perfect for napping. Chico is in need of a companion dog, he seems lonely or maybe the Winter blues sink in for pets as well. Last weekend we went to four different animal shelters looking for a match but ended up coming home empty handed. A lot of my friends seem to be looking for a shelter animal to welcome into their homes also. I will hold onto hope that a dog will become available in light of the holiday season of giving & receiving.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

On The Table

Day 1 - December Reflections

I made scones for the first time today, hence the the not so uniform shape. They turned out pretty tasty though, all the kids liked them. I tweaked  Ocean Spray's Cranberry Scones recipe a bit by using left over cranberry relish  from  Thanksgiving  instead of the dried cranberries and orange zest the recipe called for. I'll be experimenting in the kitchen more as the holiday season progresses so stay tuned for food flips or flops!

December Reflections - A Month Of Remembering


I really forgot all about this reflection list until I popped on over to Instagram and seen Susannah Conway's post about day one. Better late than never, or more like sliding into home plate right on time.  Instagram pics and blog post are how I usually participate, and even though I start out whole heartily trying to get everyday of the month in, you know life gets hectic. So heres an early holiday cheer to a December to remember.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Out with the old ... In with the new



 So long old appliances, you've served me well. They don't look to shabby from their outer appearances but let me tell you the truth. The fridge was our first purchased fridge when we moved from an apartment to our first rented house. Over the years the condiment holders broke off, veggie bins were replaced with random plastic bins, and the over all stainage...yuck. The freezer section had many years of beverages left in overnight and explosion aftermath. Truly we are lucky it lasted 13 years. Next a gas stove that my husband acquired from my Suegra's backyard claiming it could be fixed. The thermostat was off and you had to guess the temp, it took forever to bake or burn. The stove top was missing a knob and only two burners worked. We have a saying around here "ride it till the wheels fall off".


Enter the new stove and fridge ..ohh so shiny, and they match. In my last post I wrote about how I manifested free couches and had exactly the right amount of cash to purchase these appliances on spot. Once in place, we decided it's time to do an upgrade to our kitchen. It has been 7 years since we first slapped "Crisp Autumn Leaves" paint over the wallpaper that lined the walls when we moved in.


When I say I have a cozy little kitchen, I mean it. The square footage is small but the warmth from the heart of the home is definitely felt.

We are currently here at this phase where the avocado ceiling is being painted crisp white, and the fluorescent lighting has got to go. I wouldn't budge on my wall paint color so were patching it up and slapping on a fresh coat. Good thing I'm not hosting Thanksgiving because of right now the cabinets are off the hinges and being transformed. Hint hint... I love me some chocolate!

If I don't post later on in the week I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a weekend filled with leftovers & laughter.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Manifesting Couches

{ The current living room...before it gets sprinkled with holiday cheer }

In June I woke up one morning looked at my old couches and was appalled to a point that I  had the Renaissance Man take them to the dumps immediately. They have been well worn by family use and spotted on by Chico (our dog) while gone on vacation. So I had moved the kitchen set into the living room as seating, which was okay for summertime but now the chill has officially set in. It's cuddle snuggle time with blankets and Netflix so new couches are a must.

So now for the manifesting part. I took Flora Sages's five day manifesting challenge not long ago. Basically it's the magnetic thought of attracting to you what you desire and knowing without a shadow of a doubt it's on it's way. I put out to the Universe that I wanted couches for free. I waited a month and then decided it's time to go and buy new couches. We shopped and  picked out a couch set but would have to wait for them about a week delivery  if we couldn't bring them home then. I called my Dad to see if I could borrow his truck and my Stepmom said" why are you buying couches, I was going to see if you wanted my set upstairs", enter the manifestation come to fruition.

Bonus to this story! After we brought the couches home we went to Home Depot to buy leather wipes and other home supplies. While there Renaissance Man said " show me those appliances your were talking about the other day as a Black Friday sale". It was just a random thought about having new stainless steel appliances I spyed online. After showing him and explaining the current state of our stove and fridge he was sold. The total came up to the exact amount of cash I had in my pocket that was for couches earlier in the day! I'm keeping my manifesting mindset well tuned and making improvements in many aspect of my life. Put out what you wish for and wait for it, don't forget the attitude of gratitude once it appears.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Under The Super Moon

Celestial Night Illumination

Morning Glow


Just stopping by blogland to share my super moon pics and update you about Casa Sol y Luna. When I said November was time to  slow down and be cozy I could not have been more wrong, but in a good way! It all started with manifesting couches which in return has had a trickle down effect to home renovations. More in depth post to follow. I hope your all doing well and in great spirits. I shall be sneaking in visits to your blogs when I can. I must sign off now and go do yard work, two days of rain is on it's way.



Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Lush Life

After reading the title I realized there are many takes on the word lush and fortunately that type of lush living is behind me. I'm referring to the lushness that is brought on with days of equal sun and rain. The carpet of soft green grass under my feet feels so rejuvenating as I practice earthing. Mother nature is showing off  her underground wonders and providing a bounty for all of her creatures. In gratitude I take it all in and wish for the rest of November to be as luscious.


 The persimmons are ripe for the picking and this guy doesn't mind helping himself to the neighbors tree. Sometimes the branch that hangs into my yard has enough persimmons to make muffins and pudding. The birds have been pecking at the fruit lately and I find half eaten fruit on the ground going to waste.


A Wee bit of Mycology (because I'm a fungi)



Agaricus  Compestris also known as common field mushroom in it's blush stage.



 A few days passage and sun darken the gills and hardens the mushroom.


Another variety of field mushroom, more a button type. The mushrooms photographed are from my own backyard but I do not pick them just in case. 

What's blooming to the surface in your November?

Monday, October 31, 2016

All In The Name Of Hallow Fun


 October has been full of Halloween fun. Here is a re-cap of the past week celebratory fun. Every time we went into Walmart me went down the Halloween isles and played dress up.



 Pumpkins were carved on a day of rain and sun to spooky tunes of Pandora's Halloween Party station.


 Many theatrical song and dance were performed along the viewings of our favorite Halloween movies, and art was inspired.


Costumes and trick or treating at school to raise funds for my daughters 6th grade end of year trip was a hit.


My {M} turned the big 6 yesterday. We went to John's Incredible Pizza, the skating rink, and then cake and ice cream at home.


I hope this Halloween season was celebrated in many ways that brought you bliss! Today's celebrations will commence with taking the teens to see a scary movie since they have the day off (how lucky for them). Trick or treating will take place in the rain, but I'm equipped with a large black umbrella trimmed with red roses that can also serve as a method of protection in case any clowns get out of hand. Take time to reflect and renew, it is the Witches New Year after all.


~ Brightest Blessings to you all, and to all a good fright ~

Friday, October 21, 2016

Releasing The Power Of Gen 7




Come, sit close, warm your bones by the fire, what I whisper to you is of need and desire. The curious child sits and  listens intently to Abuelas teaching,  you must respect your elders and their message their preaching.

Mother Earth is bountiful with her provisions
but life will halt with human decisions

Tenderness to her must be made by all  nations
so your 3 stages will ripple into the next 7 generations

As above, so below
the ancestors knew, but will the future know?

*******

What's up my witches! I hope you enjoyed this contribution to Witches In Fiction 2016, the art below is a magical portal to the hostess's wicked domain so click and transport.




Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Make No Bones About It

Art from my Llywellyn's Witches Calender

Now that I got your attention with a straight forward quote "Happy Humpday & October". How is this month treating your skeleton so far? The mornings here in the valley are chilly with warm afternoons and then crisp evenings. It is still to soon to pack away the summer wares which is also making the Halloween transitioning so hard, I like to move things out before moving things in and rearranging. Later today I'm taking the decorations out of storage and getting prepped to decorate. I have a few skeletons lying around to show you, and hopefully next week I'll have more to show.

I bought this piece at Ross last year and love the vintage washed look. I have it hung over the dining table in the living room {I threw out my couches that were so dingy one day and haven't replaced them so I put the table in there}. The art hangs on the wall throughout Thanksgiving as a reminder to be thankful to our ancestors who have provided instinct and culture in our lineage and have since past over.

One of the many projects I have my fingers on are these guys & gals. I used nail glue and nail jewels to add some sparkle to those desolate eye sockets. They may have whole outfits or just some Dia de Los Muertos flare. These skeletons come in a garland of four at the Dollar Tree.

 Heart jewels upside down make the perfect nose. This one has stars in his eyes and a gleam in his smile. Maybe it's those lovely set of hips near the fruit bowl that has his bones rattling.

 This season can be hectic so try not to become a basket case and lose your head. Whether it be pure Autumnal fun, Witchy, or scary Halloween bliss, enjoy what the season holds and remember magic is all around when your eyes and heart are open!


P.S.
Click the banner and check out this blogging event 

 Witches In Fiction 2016




Thursday, September 29, 2016

Natural Bridges State Beach











Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz California is one of my favorite new beaches I discovered this summer. The drive down West Cliff  from the Boardwalk is full of majestic landscapes and an array of luxury homes. Once you get to the beach there are tide pools to explore to the right of the main beach. Another sight to behold is the Monarchs over-wintering habitat in the nearby Eucalyptus grove. The butterflies start their return in October and so do we. Turns out we are still going to the 150th Boardwalk birthday celebration after all, and I'll have my camera ready to capture the beauty of the Mariposas.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Thank You Note & Other News

First of all I would like to thank everyone for sending me vibes of healing and well being. My mentality is a lot better and I have a new perspective on my day to day life, let's hope it sticks around. In other news we had to cancel our weekend trip to Santa Cruz due to wildfires in the mountainous areas. I hope my friends out there are unaffected and out of harms way. This leaves me bummed but maybe the universe is telling me it's time to experience a new adventure? Well here's to a new week, may it treat us all well.

"Autumnal Transition on the Homestead"

Friday, September 23, 2016

Broken

The day after the first day of Fall was supposed to be about my Mabon celebrations but instead all you get is this. This is a reflection of how I currently am...broken. I usually don't put my depression or other state of affairs online but you my blogging family (yes I think of you as family) are brave enough to do so, so here I go. I feel unappreciated at the moment, actually I feel like that constantly.  My day starts off at 4:30 a.m. every weekday morning so I can get the husband off to work, the kids off to school and then I take care of home and everyday life in between. My head hits the pillow at 10:00 p.m. and I am out. I rise again the next day and do the same thing over and over, and yes I know it's called life.

The lack of appreciation, unacknowledgement, and mental disfunction has got me flying on broken wings. If I stopped doing what I do my family's world would come crashing down and this house would lose it's magic. Mercury retrograde sure isn't over because I have to adjust my situations according to peoples lack of doing there job correctly and making mistakes. Last week I received a letter saying my home owners insurance was cancelled (I got that fixed) and today I found out a new secretary at my husband's job sent out paychecks by mail. I live in the ghetto and mail sometimes gets put into the wrong box. The list goes on and on. If your one to send out thoughts and vibes please keep me in mind so I can start to heal. I do hope everyone's weekend is filled with things that bring them joy.