Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. — Henry James
This week is the first of summer. A season that, while not always the easiest to bear unless one lives for the heat, is utterly and completely gorgeous.
I can relate to the estimable Mr. James’ words – though might personally swap “fall afternoon” in for summer. 😄
Though, that said, I have a deeply rooted love of summer and find many positives in the languid days of scorching sun, verdancy aplenty, outdoor living, and nights of enveloping, bathtub-like warmth that makes one feel extra glad for the blessing that is life.
Before we get too far into the season of ice cream cones and sandcastles, however, let’s pull up a folding camping chair (or a comfy hammock) and sink into enjoying some of the most inspiring, informative, or just plain interesting links that crossed my path during the spring of 2021.
(As well as the lowdown on some of what’s been transpiring in my own life over the course of the season that just was.)
Magick, Witchcraft, Paganism, and Spirituality
–DIY Crescent Moon Incense Burner: From fellow Canadian witch, Breawna, comes this lovely, wonderfully easy to follow along with video that shows you how to make a crescent moon-shaped incense burner with a mere handful of basic crafting supplies. The end result is both beautiful and functional, and would make for a fantastic homemade gift to boot!
–DIY Magickal Slow Cooker Candles: No matter the season, candles are a mainstay in our home and in my witchy workings. Big or small, scented or unscented, white or coloured, handmade or store-bought, candles are always welcome under our roof.
I love finding new ways to make or utilize candles, and while we don’t currently own a slow cooker/crockpot/Instant Pot, should one enter our lives again, I’m delighted to have this awesome DIY tutorial for making magickal candles in a slow cooker at the ready.
Should you have a slower cooker, and enjoy creating your own candles, this looks like a really fun and rewarding DIY project to whip up.
–Do Something Witchy Everyday: The message that drives this post is one that aligns greatly with my own practices, which often centre far less on OTT or complex workings and rituals, and much more on feasible, enjoyable, and diverse forms of everyday witchcraft.
If you’ve been looking to up your witchy workings or just need some ideas for meaningful ways to connect (all the more) with your witchy daily, swing by this I, Medusa post written by Anna Mist and be inspired.
–How to Officiate a Handfasting Step-by-Step: In many parts of the world, mid-spring to early fall is seen as wedding season, as nuptials proliferate during the sunny months.
If you’re fortunate to be in the position of being able to officiate a handfasting ceremony, or are looking to find someone to officiate your own handfasting/Pagan wedding, this informative post on the subject from the beloved witchery blog Moody Moons is just the ticket.
–How Spirituality Benefits Highly Sensitive People: Spirituality is a profoundly personal and important element of many peoples’ lives, and while certainly, by no means, the sole domain of highly sensitive individuals, those who identify as such often find immense benefit, comfort, and meaning in their spiritual journey.
This look at the subject was recently shared on the superb HSP-focused website, The Highly Sensitive Refuge. It resonated with me, just as I suspect it will with many of my fellow spiritually inclined HSPs and empaths.
–The 25 Most Important Witchcraft Books Ever Published: Whether you concur entirely with the list of entries on this engaging post from Jason Mankey (himself a renowned Pagan author) or not, chances are you will appreciate the significance and importance of each witchery related title highlighted therein.
I definitely did and, in the process, really appreciated the fact that Mankey arranged his list chronologically, thus further helping readers to understand all the more just how influential these books have been on multiple generations of witches over the years.
–20 Powerful Herbs for Protection: Like many a magickally inclined soul, I do my fair share of protection and guarding work. I’m a trusting person, but am far from naïve and I know that there are many forces at play in the world that we can use some extra protection against.
If protection magick strikes a chord with you as well, this helpful look at 20 Powerful Herbs for Protection is an excellent resource on the subject that feels all the more at home as we embrace the fresh greenery-filled season that is summer.
Card Making, Scrapbooking, Paper Crafting, and Other Crafts
–Crocheted Succulents Free Pattern: For those who are fortunate to possess crocheting skills, this free pattern for eye-catchingly wonderful crocheted succulents is bound to find favour – especially if also have a green thumb, enjoy green witchery, or simply swoon at the sight of succulents.
–DIY (Paper Crafting) Jewelry Box Tutorial: As someone with an immense fondness for jewelry, it may come as no surprise that I’m also rather partial to jewelry boxes that can house my beloved wee collection of beads, baubles, and brooches.
The idea of creating one’s own jewelry box is really appealing to me, so when Graphic 45 recently shared a handy tutorial detailing just that, I bookmarked it for myself and knew I wanted to share it here with all of you as well.
Beyond serving “just” as a jewelry box, this project could be used to store any number of small items, from thimbles to dried flowers, crystals to marbles – and can be customized to your heart’s content, depending on the materials that you employ.
(And speaking of Graphic 45, I really like this beautiful summertime perfect beach-themed mini album that was shared on their blog a few days ago.)
–DIY Terracotta Essential Oil Diffuser & Car Air Freshener: My recent Litha season post, 15 Essential Oils That Are Perfect the Summer Solstice, has put me in even more of an essential oil mood than usual (which, given my passion for this subject, is saying a lot! 😄).
Combine essential oils with a fun DIY project and I’m there faster than you can say “take a whiff!”
If these are topics that tickle your fancy (not to mention your olfactory sense) as well, be sure to check out Cintia’s fantastic tutorial on how to make your very own DIY terracotta essential oil diffuser and car air freshener.
–DIY Summer Wreath from a Straw Hat: A sizable smile spread across my face the moment I spied Patti’s wonderful tutorial for making a strikingly pretty summer wreath from a straw hat.
Like many who experienced the 1980s and early 90s firsthand, I well remember when decorative straw hat home décor was having a serious moment.
Indeed, straw hat wreaths hung both in my family’s home and in those of multiple relatives for many years. I even had one in my own bedroom for a few years during my early childhood.
It’s fantastic to see this charming way of dressing up classic straw hats finding favour again (I suspect that the recent trend for #cottagecore and similar aesthetics is doing its part on that front).
If you’re keen to rekindle a trend or to experience straw hat home décor for the first time, follow Patti’s lead and adore your home with an attractive DIY straw hat wreath.
–Easy DIY Earrings You Can Make on a Budget: Fun fact, I’ve been creating handmade jewelry since I was a child and had a fun little side business selling handmade nickel-free jewelry for a time during my teens and early adult years.
While the arson fire that we experienced back in 2016 completely destroyed my stash of jewelry making supplies, my love of this endlessly versatile (not to mention, practical) art form has never left me.
Little by little, I’ve gathered a few jewelry making materials again and hope to continue to do so as time goes on.
One needn’t have a plethora of supplies (or a lavish budget) to create wonderful handmade jewelry. A few basic items, some inspiration, and a desire are usually all it takes to do just that – as the more than 40 projects highlighted in this terrific post over on the Mod Podge blog amply demonstrate.
–How to Setup a Portable Craft Space: As awesome as it would be for every crafter to have a large, roomy space in which to craft to their heart’s content, the fact of the matter is that for many of us that simply isn’t feasible.
Naturally, lack of space for a big craft room shouldn’t prevent one from getting their creativity on all the same.
And by the same token, sometimes even those with their own craft rooms, shed sheds, etc enjoy having a portable crafting station elsewhere in their home (say in the family room or den, for example).
If you’ve been curious about how to set up a portable craft space that can be placed wherever is most convenient/functional for you in your house, I highly suggest checking out Bea Valiant’s great photo-filled post on how to do just that.
–Zippered Pouch Tutorial (Using Scrapbook Paper): Ever looked at some of your favourite papers or cardstocks and thought that they’d look fabulous as a zippered pouch?
Whether the answer to that question is yes or no, chances are you’ll be intrigued and inspired by this lovely tutorial shared by Split Coast Stamper member Betty Traciak which shows you how to do just that.
Just think of the endless possibilities, from gifts to practical storage, holiday and home décor to an instant conversation starter at your next crop!
What’s Shaking in My Life and On My Radar
Where to begin?
I’ve thought about this portion of this very blog post many times over the course of the past several weeks. In a sense, there is a lot I want to say, and yet perhaps even more that I would prefer to keep to myself for the time being.
As those of you who follow me on Instagram may have noticed, I have not been on IG (which is my primary social media platform) much at all in recent weeks.
There have been various reasons for that, with two in particular accounting for the lion’s share of why this has been the case.
First and foremost, in recent months I have been dealing with some perplexing and challenging new medical issues that are (true to form a lot of the time when it comes to my health) proving very difficult to unearth answers/diagnoses for.
At present, I am not going to go into specifics publicly about these issues – especially until I have some solid answers as to what it is that I am actually contending with.
On top of the physical issues themselves, this newest medical battle (for those readers who may not know, I have been a multi-chronic illness fighter of more than a dozen different chronic medical conditions for twenty years now) – and the frustration, stress, and uncertainty that comes with fighting tirelessly for a diagnosis – is having a substantial impact on my mental health.
Between the physical and mental challenges, what little (personal) time I have been able to carve out online has mostly been devoting to blogging.
Thus far, much to my surprise at times, I have been able to keep up with my usual pace of at least one blog post here per week. While I accept that either by choice or circumstances, there may be times when that isn’t feasible, I hope/plan to continue on at that pace this summer.
Compounding matters and much to my great unhappiness, the severity of what I am dealing with on the health front at the moment has meant that my initial plans of launching my ASMR YouTube channel this spring didn’t even come close to happening. 😔
I am fully committed to this long-held dream and will do everything in my power to create content and get that channel off the ground as soon as I realistically can.
At this point, I don’t know when exactly that will be. I really hope it can happen in 2021.
If not though, I will just keep trying even harder for it to happen the following year (and will continue to keep you informed here and on SM as to when that exciting event occurs).
The second primary reason is a lot more positive. Long story short, several weeks ago now, my husband and I put in a bid on a contract job to create the ecommerce website for a local outdoor goods store here in town and were very fortunate to win that bid.
This project is labour heavy for both of us and on a very tight deadline. As such we’ve been devoting a great deal of time over the past couple of months to this job.
It isn’t complete quite yet, but is definitely getting a lot closer. Very exciting! 🥳
Aside from those two points, which are, I’m the first to say, quite different from one another, some of what’s been happening around these parts include…
Having central air installed in our house. We live in one of the hottest regions in all of Canada (case in point, multiple days next week are forecasted to reach highs of 40 – 44C/104 – 111F) and have struggled a fair bit to live in a house without this feature since moving into our current abode in early 2018.
Thankfully, the installation went smoothly, quickly, and without any complications.
As anyone who has had central air installed in recent years will no doubt tell you, this is not an inexpensive job at all – which is the main reason it didn’t happen right out of the gate when we moved in.
Tony and I feel that the cost is well worth it though for the quality of life and health benefits it brings not only to us, but to our precious dog (Annie) as well, and know we made the right choice in having central air installed in our house.
By pure coincidence, on the very same day that installation happened, I received my first Covid-19 vaccine.
I registered for it as soon as my age bracket (those under 40) became eligible to do so and was told I’d receive an email prior to the end of May informing of when and where I could book my first shot.
In the final days of the month, I did indeed get that email and then proceeded to book the first slot on the first date that was available to me.
Not being the world’s healthiest person, I was a tad concerned regarding how my body might handle the vaccine. I am (very!) happy to report that aside from a minorly sore arm and a bit of lethargy for about 72 hours afterwards, I didn’t experience any issues (let alone serious ones) from the shot.
I was told by the nurse who administered my Covid vaccine that I should be contacted by the provincial health system in about 6 – 8 weeks regarding when I can book my second shot.
It is such a positive feeling to know that I am partially vaccinated and that in getting my shot, I am continuing to do everything I can to not contract nor, moreover, risk spreading this terrible illness.
So, assuming all goes to plan, I should get my second shot in the later weeks of summer and will thus be vaccinated in full by the time my very favourite chapter of the year (autumn) rolls around once more. 🙏
We’ve just covered a lot of ground and as I don’t want to keep you here reading until fall does in fact return, without further ado, let me jump right into sharing some of the various links that stood out for me during the spring of 2021.
–Exquisitely Designed 2,000-Year-Old Roman Shoe Discovered in a Well: Boasting skilled handiwork and a design that would put it seriously on-trend to this day, it’s hard not to stare and marvel at the beauty of this exceedingly rare archaeological find.
–How to Compliment Someone Without Mentioning Their Looks: As much as many people enjoy receiving positive words about their appearance, not everyone is equally comfortable with these kinds of comments and, moreover, there are countless other things to complement most folks on besides “just” their physical appearance.
This Wit & Delight entry explores the subject of non-physical appearance focused compliments and provides an array of terrific suggestions for what to say instead.
–Listen to Random Radio Stations from Around the World: At the end of the 1970s, British new wave/synth-pop group the Buggles made the line “video killed the radio star” an instant classic with their eponymously named song.
By the dawn of the twenty-first century, one could easily state that the internet had, in turn, usurped the video star (at least as far as the music industry is concerned).
However, while fewer of us may tune into the radio daily than we once did, this world-changing form of media is, in truth and very happily, far from dead.
If you’re in the mood to sample a station (or dozens of stations) from around the world, then make your way across the world map on this website until you find one that is a – *cough, cough* – hit with you.
–9 Things to Try if You Hate Social Media But Don’t Actually Want to Quit: Whether you loath SM or just find yourself feeling seriously burned out or “over it” at times, the practical and supportive tips in this post are ones that stand to benefit just about everyone who opts to engage with social media.
–Plants Might Be Helping Each Other More Than Thought: The world plants and the profoundly interconnected relationships shared between many species fascinates me greatly. For all we know on this subject, there are untold volumes more that remain to be discovered – as this captivating look at how certain plants may in fact help, not compete, with one another demonstrates.
(Another Phys.Org post that recently caught my attention was this fascinating story about the recent discovery of a 3,000 Year Old Shark Attack Victim.)
–What Would a Truly Wild Ireland Look Like?: Once, in a time now long past, I called Ireland home for the span of a couple years.
Make no mistakes, Ireland is everything and more you imagine it to be and is a country with an extraordinary past that deserves our respect and research alike.
Like many corners of the globe, Ireland – for all of its pastoral farmlands, rolling hills, and windswept shoreline – is not quite as wild a country as it once was.
This thought-provoking BBC post by Chris Baraniuk asks us to imagine what a truly wild Ireland might look like and explores the feasibility of rewilding the landscape of this majestic nation to a greater degree.
–Why a Clutter Free Life is an Intentional Life: I am not a minimalist, nor am I a maximalist. I can exist quite contently with very little or with a fair bit more, but no matter what volume of belongings fill my home, I cannot abide by clutter.
I weed out clutter at every turn, thankful that organizing and (possession) purging are both tasks I sincerely enjoy.
Having long believed and experienced (the fact) that a clutter-free life feels, and is, all the more intentionally lived, this lovely post on the subject reverberated with me.
Its message is one most of us can connect with, especially if we also find our lives, minds, and spirits tend to feel and work their best when clutter is kept as low as possible.
Summer Lovin’
In the late hours of a July night so warm it gave furnaces everywhere a run for there money – and which would break into a rapturously loud storm before dawn had broke – I came into the world nearly thirty-seven years ago now.
And while there is no hard and fast rule that says a person has to love the season into which they were born, I adore mine with even more fiery passion than that of the sun which fuels the vibrancy of summer itself.
I am a lover of all seasons though. Each is a kindred spirit, a treasured friend, a vital element of life itself.
Summer is wild and outgoing. It beckons us with notes of Coppertone, grilled foods, fresh-cut lawns, and the siren’s song of sultry, unforgettable warmth.
In summer, I find, it is often easier to forget our troubles. Or, if we cannot banish them from our mind entirely, at least (it becomes) a touch easier to navigate their waters.
I would venture to call summer the most chill of season. It is laidback and cool. Enigmatic, yet wildly and wonderfully familiar.
Summer begins in a sea of green life and concludes with the first lag of the harvest season.
In many parts of the globe, summer bridges the chilly portions of the year, has an inherent air of playfulness to it, and will be yearned for something fierce when – to quote the classic holiday season song Good King Wenceslas – snow lays round about, deep and crisp and even.
At the moment, the world is beginning, in some respects to rebound from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This heartbreaking illness is still with us though, still causing new cases to develop daily, still impacting countless areas of our lives.
Like most people, I hope dearly that by this time next year, the pandemic will be over. The realist in me might not place any bets on that being the case, but my optimistic side holds onto hope with gusto.
Just as I hope mightily that at least some of the medical challenges I am currently experiencing personally will be less of an issue by this time next year. (Fingers firmly crossed!)
No matter what obstacles, curveballs, or stresses life throws my way, that fact autumn is now less than three months away injects some serious happiness into my days and makes getting through difficult times more tolerable. 🎃
Summer doesn’t too shabby a job of that either. From Canada Day on July 1st to my birthday later that month, Lammas in early August to simple everyday warm weather pleasure, this is a positive and life-affirming chapter of the year that gives many of us a lot to enjoy and feel grateful for.
So, my dear friends, let us tackle whatever summer may hold, make the most of these sizzling hot days, do our best to overcome difficult times, and know that, no matter what (north of the equator), summer always leads to fall’s return.
If that isn’t worth raising a glass of ice cold lemonade to, I don’t know what is! 🥂
Happy summer, everyone! May you have a safe, sunny, and seriously enjoyable season! 🍒☀️🌺
Hey Autumn,
Thanks for sharing some awesome witchy resources. I am reading through the 25 most important books and 20 protection herbs right now and make some notes!
I’m so sorry to hear you are battling some new health issues, but that your first shot didn’t throw your life upside down. I too have some weird medical issues going on (extremely high platelets, but no infection) that have left me feeling scared, extremely anxious, and very self-conscious about my body. Couple that with the fact that we are still in a pandemic, I’m no longer working (summer break) which gives my mind plenty of time to hyperfocus on negative things, and yeah…lovely mental health all around. What I mean to say is, you aren’t alone. I’m always here to talk if you ever just want to complain. You are not a burden, my friend.
I sincerely hope things get better for you and that the AC works beautifully all summer. I live in the South and it doesn’t usually get that hot here, although it is humid as all get out. Swamp ass is a real threat. Haha! Stay safe and cool, Autumn.
Much love,
Willow
My cherished friend, thank you mightily and with the deepest of gratitude. Your understanding, support, and offer to chat anytime (which, I assure you, is reciprocated in kind 24/7/365) mean a tremendous amount to me.
I am deeply sorry that your health has also been a million miles away from ideal as of late. 😢 Thank you for sharing that intimate fact here, sweet Willow. There really is something powerfully unnerving about bloodwork numbers that are off, but which cannot easily be tied to a specific medical issue (or multiple issues, as the case may be). I have been in that boat numerous times over the years myself and truly empathize with you.
At the moment, I am staggeringly self-conscious with how my body currently looks as well and, as a result, haven’t posed for a photo (that I can recall) since last Halloween/Samhain. I think the element of elevated body/appearance self-consciousness that can easily arise from medical challenges is a subject that deserves to be discussed far more in general (very much included by those in the medical field – not “just” patients themselves). Thank you for speaking frankly about it here. You have my utmost understanding and support.
Immense hugs & unwavering hope for a far less challenging remainder of 2021.
🖤 Autumn
Hi Willow,
I live in Texas and I totally understand about humidity. Your comment about swamp ass made me laugh. This summer we’ve had close to triple digits and with the humidity it has felt like 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s nice to meet you!
Tambra
I’m sorry to hear about the new medical battle. Of course that will cause emotional distress. I wish you the best in fighting for your health.
Thank you with the utmost of gratitude, dear Ally.
I readily acknowledge that, with a small number of notable exceptions, the years spanning (roughly) mid 2017 to 2020 were amongst the “smoothest” and least problem filled ones on the health front that I’ve experienced thus far in my twenty years and counting of being a multi-chronic illness fighter. The relative stability (in relation to the specifics of my own health that is) they housed allowed me to, for a time, throw myself into my photography + Instagram more than ever, as well as to launch this blog (amongst other things they enabled).
I am hugely grateful that such was possible and am not giving up hope yet by any means of possibly, one day, reaching a similar level of stability again. I need to get some concrete answers and treatments for these new issues first (which I am fighting around the clock to make happen) though, work to restabilize my health and life again, and then we’ll see where the proverbial chips fall on that front.
Thank you again. Your kindness and support mean an immeasurable amount to me.
🖤 Autumn
I love that Henry James quote, it instantly invokes the ambiance of a Summer afternoon.
As does that Summer wreath made from a straw hat! What a brilliant idea!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been faced with new medical issues, and I’m sending healing vibes and virtual hugs. Wishing you oodles of luck with your new project! xxx
Thank you deeply and with immense gratitude on all fronts, dear Ann – very much including for your healing vibes + virtual hugs. I firmly believe in the positive impact these forms of caring energy can have.
Isn’t that a marvellous quote? He was such a gifted, evocative writer.
I’m digging the straw hat project big time, too. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for inexpensive straw hats while out thrifting and yard saling to turn into my own take on this charming project.
Thank you again so much, my sweet friend.
Huge hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Fun filled and informative post as always Summer. So sorry about all your chronic health conditions and new ones also. Glad you got your first COVID shot. Sending positive thoughts your way my friend. Hugs, Donna
Thank you mightily, sweet Donna. I sincerely appreciate and touched by your care and kindness.
It is flat out awesome to have received my first vaccine. I’m all but crossing out the days on the calendar until I’m able to receive “jab number two”. That day can’t arrive soon enough in my books.
Thank you again deeply. Many heartfelt hugs coming your way as well!
🖤 Autumn
Fantastic post Autumn. I love all of the links and information, especially the crochet succulents and DIY earrings. Sending hugs and healing wishes for your health issues. Enjoy your summer with your new air conditioner.
Take care, Tammy
Thank you deeply, dear Tammy. Your kindness and support mean a tremendous amount to me.
Big thanks, too, for letting me know some of the links that leapt out at you here. That kind of feedback is really helpful in putting together future editions of this post series and in terms of the content that I share here on my blog in general.
Do you crochet? I don’t myself, but have long adored and admired this wonderful craft and those who take it up. If I was handy with the ol’ crochet hook, it’s safe to say I’d be whipping up some of those beautiful succulents.
Aww! Thank you! Our new AC has been a true godsend – especially as the temps here ended up reaching at least 46C/115F at the height of the recent heatwave (a tiny community about four hours from our town hit a new record for the hottest temperature – 49.6C/121.2F – ever recorded anywhere in Canada). Thankfully the mercury has dropped a bit in recent days and is now averaging more in the usual range for this area in July.
Heartfelt hugs coming your way,
🖤 Autumn
Here’s to a glass of iced lemonade! I’ll gladly partake of that with you, Autumn! I’m glad you got AC installed – it’s at 31 degrees now (Sunday morning) and forecast to go up to 42 by this afternoon. We’re just melting.
I have attended a pagan handfasting! My friends got married in the 90s and did this as part of their ceremony. It was very cool. I’m going to check out the Roman shoe and the compliment link. I have made it a mission to compliment women with a non-appearance comment before I move onto clothes (which I always do). “You look so intelligent and strong! Love your dress!” It’s really eye-opening.
So sorry to hear of your increased physical issues and the subsequent mental toll they are taking on you…but I’m so happy that you’ve (both?) had your first jabs of the vaccine. I’m currently awaiting my call to book my 2nd (it should be soon – within the next week, woo hoo!).
Be kind to yourself about your social media aspirations. IG is not all that, and no one but you is missing the YouTube aspect (although I’m looking forward to it, I can totally wait!). Just deal with the here and now, and be present and enjoy your summer. 🙂
Now, let’s start thinking about…oh…maybe a little trip to the Island?? 😀 Maybe we could meet up, do a small shop, have lunch, wander through a nice shady graveyard?
Hello my treasured friend, thank you deeply for the comfort, kindness, support, wisdom, and understanding housed in your very appreciated comment.
You are spot-on across the board. As someone who is often wildly too hard on themselves (even when it comes to things that I have little to no ability to change), receiving the sorts of reminders you blessed me with here can honestly be invaluable and makes such a positive difference.
Aww! That would be incredible! It’s hard to believe nearly seven years have now elapsed since we were last on the Island. I don’t foresee a trip there happening in 2021, but maybe, just maybe, it might be possible next year – especially since I am bound and determined to finally see Tofino in person.
Meeting up the next time we’re out that way would be a dream many years in the making come to life. Thank you profusely for the awesome offer to get togther, explore, and even visit a graveyard. That sounds like my ideal day – made all the more perfect by the fact that we’d be enjoying it together.
Thinking about that possibility is honestly helping to make getting through these current challenging times more bearable. I really cannot express my deepest thanks enough to you for that, Sheila.
How awesome that you attended a Pagan handfasting in person during the 1990s. Tony is not a Pagan (or similar) himself or else we almost certainly would have had one ourselves when we tied the knot back in 2004.
Speaking of both handfastings and ASMR, I’m planning on doing some handfasting-related roleplays on my channel. I see a lot of really fun possibilities with that theme and am sincerely looking forward to exploring them when I am able to get my ASMR channel off the ground.
Thank you again tremendously. You are such a sweet, awesome soul. ❤️
🖤 Autumn
Hi Autumn, I am so sorry to hear of your health issues. Sending healing light to you. I am so glad you still had the energy for this great post. So many things that interest me. I am def going to check out the top 25 books (chronological order sounds perfect!). My heart skipped a beat when you said graphic 45 jewelry box! I have been ordained since 1992 and while I don’t perform weddings regularly I have done some for friends. I can contest to how hard it is to find a non Christian clergy. If I had gotten married where I live, it would have been no problem, but I had to find someone in another state! I am going to make sure I follow you on insta. And so many more links I am going to follow. Thanks for your precious time.
Sweet, wonderfully kind Alicia, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your immensely kind and caring message (as well as for following me on IG – when I finally manage to get on there again next, I will do my very best to remember to return the follow at once).
How beautiful that you’ve been ordained since the early 1990s and have, as a result, be able to perform weddings for some of your friends. That must be an incredibly meaningful and memorable thing to experience.
My husband is not a Pagan/witch/similar, so we did not have a handfasting ourselves when we got married (back in 2004). Had he been though, it’s almost certain that we would have.
Many heartfelt thanks again for everything – very much including the healing light you directed my way. 🙏
🖤 Autumn
Amazing ideas! I love the straw hat décor piece and the crescent moon incense burner is beautiful!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you very much, Lovely. I’m seriously digging both of those great DIY projects as well, and will be keeping my eyes open for inexpensive straw hats to turn into my own take on that fun idea (naturally, I’m dreaming up fall and Halloween versions!).
Have an awesome July!
🖤 Autumn
Reading this, my left arm hurts from the second vaccine I got yesterday. I certainly also hope we come closer to a more normal world and life very soon.
What I want to comment on on this lovely post are as follows:
* How to Compliment Someone Without Mentioning Their Looks
I love to compliment, but doing so on looks is easier than doing so on other things, this is saved for me to read later.
* the random radio stations – what a great idea!
I’ve always loved the radio, listening to music in general, since I can do other things while doing so. And as you know I collect LP’s and love to find new-to-me music, so this is such a fun idea.
* I will not say I hate SoMe, but burned out – yes. I read a few blogs, this one being a firm favourite, and am on IG, which has really begun feeling a bit bleh for me. All those damn algorithm which I will not even try to battle, they leave no space for a small cosy account like mine. I have thought about leaving for good and just following a few inspiring accounts, but I love to share every now and then. I miss the good old days when I got comments and likes and new followers every now and then. We’ll see what I’ll do after having read this article thoroughly.
* I cannot abide by clutter either, if it is messy around me it is messy in my brain too. And I do enjoy silence in my head. I am a systematic and expert in tidying up, which they love a my new job (first thing I did was sort through everything and tidy systematically up). But I might learn something from this article too.
I am sorry to hear about your medical challenges, I wish you all the best, dear. ♥
And speaking of gifts, I’ve sent a little birthday gift to you and hope it will reach you in time.
Have a lovely weekend, dear. 🙂
What an awesome, in-depth comment, dear Sanne. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts on multiple components of this post. Hand on my heart, I think of you ever time I put together a new edition of this series, as I know it’s one of your personal faves here (which I sincerely appreciate).
I’m very sorry that your arm was sore following your second shot. How are you doing on that front now? I was bracing for a potentially serious reaction/response to my first shot and had made peace with the possibility of such, so was all the more elated when I felt next to nothing in the days afterward. Time shall tell as to if lady lucky strikes twice when I get my second jab.
Agreed! The random radio station website is such a creative and useful idea. I love listening to music, relaxing sounds, and ASMR content throughout most of my days as well and am rarely out of reach of a pair of headphones.
I feel grateful to have grown up at a time when listening to music on the radio was still commonplace amongst youngsters, and can well remember the days of making mixtapes from songs from the radio. Good times, good times…
Same here! Being around clutter and/or messiness is extremely unnerving and stress/anxiety-inducing for me. So much so that, no joke, many times throughout my life I’ve begun tidying up/organizing messy shelves in stores that I’ve been shopping in. 😄
Many thanks as well for your caring well wishes regarding my health. Things are really, really not great on that front at present. As always though, I am bound and determined to get the answers and help I need, no matter how long that may take.
On a more upbeat note, your immensely wonderful b-day gifts arrived (I emailed you a thank you message a few hours ago to express my appreciation and to let you know that your awesome presents reached me safely) and are just the most fa-boo-lous things imaginable! Thank you, thank you, and a huge thank you more for thinking of me and sending these super cool gifts my way. 🙏
Huge hugs!
🖤 Autumn
Autumn, I am sorry that you are dealing with more health issues on top of your already chronic ones. You are certainly an inspiration in the way you continue to pursue your dreams in spite of these challenges.
I’m so excited about Tony’s new adventure and your central unit. What a year for you both!!
This post is one of my favorites and I cannot wait to get started on my straw hat wreath for our front door!
Best wishes to you and Tony-
Debi
Thank you profusely on every front, my beautiful friend – very much including for your care and kindness regarding my health.
I *may* have teared up a wee bit when I said that I was an inspiration. Hearing that right now means an immeasurable amount to me. 🙏
Isn’t that hat project awesome? I’m going to be keeping a close eye out for inexpensive new or secondhand straw hats to turn into my own version(s) of this charming DIY craft. Naturally, as one might guess if they know me, I’m dreaming up fall and Halloween versions aplenty. 😃
If you’d like, please don’t hesitate to share snaps or video clips of any decorated straw hats you may make with me, sweet Debi. I would be delighted to see them anytime.
Giant hugs & the deepest of thanks again for everything. 😘
🖤 Autumn
Really hope that you have a better summer. I could not image that amount of heat. Stay safe. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you deeply, sweet Anesha. You are such a kind and caring person.
In the end, we surpassed those numbers, reaching at least 46C/115F in our wee corner of the province. A mere four hours away, the hottest temperature ever recorded anywhere in Canada (49.6C/121.2F) occurred during that same week.
Thankfully things have dropped a smidge in recent days and are more in keeping with the usual seasonal norm around these parts (low to mid-30s Celcius).
I hope that your July is off to a really positive start and that you have a safe, enjoyable sunny season from start to finish.
🖤 Autumn
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing new health concerns. Definitely know how stressful that can be. 🙁
Big congrats on the website job, the AC, and getting your first vaccination shot (glad you didn’t have any adverse reactions and hope the second one will go smoothly too!).
Thank you mightily across the board, dearest Inky. I wholeheartedly appreciate your empathetic understanding (and am tremendously sorry for every medical challenge you’ve come up against in your life as well).
So many diverse things have been happening lately in our lives. It’s very interesting to me to be going through these intense and severe medical challenges while also doing things like this exciting work project, getting central air installed, and celebrating my 37th birthday. It’s safe to say that for those and many other reasons, 2021 will be a year that I’ll not soon forget (which I think a lot of us can say for all manner of reasons, especially as the pandemic continues).
Thank you again deeply. I hope that your July is going wonderfully and that the temps haven’t gotten quite as sky-high on your end this month (we hit a staggering 46C/115F earlier this month).
Big hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Hi Autumn, I enjoyed reading the Spring 2021 edition. Look forward to checking out the links, especially Do Something Witchy Everyday and the one on witchcraft books.
I’m sorry to hear of your new medical issues and that it’s affecting your mental health. I hope you’re doing as well as you can, and that you’re feeling fine after your first vaccine jab. 🙂
I heard about the extreme heat in Canada. I hope you’re keeping as cool as you can! 🙂 It’s been hot here ( for us!) in the UK but we don’t usually get temperatures anywhere near the level they can reach in North America. I think the hottest so far has been around 31C. I’m on the coast which makes it cooler.
Summer is my favourite season because I prefer warmer weather, and things just feel more positive and “expansive” during this time.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! The pumpkin spice cake you mentioned on my blog sounded nice. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and leave comments. 🙂
Wishing you a lovely rest of summer and a great Lammas when it arrives! <3
Zania
Hello dear Zania, thank you deeply for your heart-touchingly kind and caring comment.
Please forgive the lag time in my reply. Between the various points mentioned here that have been occupying my days lately and the fact that we’ve often been on wildfire evacuation alert notice throughout August (for which my DH and I have packed up some of our most important belongings – computers included – to have ready to go immediately should we need to actually evacuate), I’ve not had much time online as of late.
So long as we don’t end up getting evacuated in the coming days, I’m aiming to reply to as many recent comments here on my blog (and spend time visiting those of my lovely online friends who so kindly comment here) in the coming week or two.
How are things going on your end at the moment?
If you’ve received one or both of your vaccines, I sincerely hope that they didn’t hit your health too hard. I had slightly stronger post-shot symptoms with my second jab, but was right as rain again about three days later. Even if I’d gotten brutally sick from both, I would have personally considered getting vaccinated more than worth it. IMO, doing so is the socially and personally responsible approach to helping to keep case numbers down and oneself + their immediate circle hopefully healthier in the process.
It’s hard to believe that three weeks have already whizzed by since Lammas. Mine was splendid – thank you, dear heart. I really hope that the same rang true on your end as well.
Just a month (quite literally to the day) to go until Mabon’s return. I’m as good as counting down the seconds until the second harvest sabbat and the start of my very favourite chapter of the year.
Many thanks again coupled with the sunniest of August blessings,
🖤 Autumn
PS: Summer is a stellar season as well and one that I have no shortage of love for as well (and not just because I was born in July 😄). I can easily see + understand why it is your personal fave. Just as I wouldn’t want a world without autumn time, I would be loath to part ways with the sunniest chapter of the year as well and am really grateful to live in an area that usually gets sizzling hot, thoroughly beautiful summers. Hope your fave season is going splendidly for you! 💛
Hi Autumn, you’re very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to reply. That’s fine, it’s lovely to hear back from you whenever you have time. 🙂 I have just seen your reply now, otherwise I would have replied earlier.
I’m sorry to hear you and your husband were on evacuation notice due to the wildfires. I hope you’re doing ok currently? I have just seen that you’ve written an update post on the situation, so I will have a read of that after writing this. 🙂
I am doing ok thanks. I wasn’t well recently (not Covid related) but feeling better now. I’m glad that the symptoms from your second jab didn’t last too long. 🙂
Yes, time seems to have gone quickly and now it’s already September! That’s great that you had a splendid Lammas, I also enjoyed my celebrations.
Thank you, the summer has been varied for me and the weather not as good as I’d hoped, but we have had some hot weather and beautiful days. I’m planning to go to the beach and make the most of the last of the warmer weather.
Yes, it’s only a few weeks till Mabon now! I am looking forward to it and also Hallowe’en/Samhain (my fave sabbat apart from Lammas), which I see on your counter is only 59 days away!! While I’m always sad to see summer go, autumn is such a beautiful time of year and I look forward to it. Also looking forward to reading your post about books written about the sabbats.
Wishing you a wonderful September and start of the autumn season! <3
Zania
Hello Autumn,
A wonderful, informative blog post as always. Sending you continued healing thoughts and prayers. Smudge Alpin MacRuff woofs hello to Annie.
I’ll take a closer look at those links in the next day or so.
As you know I’m a multiple chronic illness sufferer, so I’m always here if you need to talk.
Much love to you!
Tambra
Hello wonderfully dear Tambra,
Thank you and darling Smudge both very much for your sweet, thoughtful comment. 💗
I think of you often, my friend, and really hope that this summer has been smiling kindly on your days.
For a multitude of reasons, this season is one that I won’t soon forget – and not the least because we’ve twice been put on wildfire evacuation alert notice as a mighty blaze drew ever closer to our wee town. Mercifully, we’ve not had to actually leave our property yet and our home remains intact (knock wood!!!).
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your caring, immensely meaningful offer to chat, if needed. You really are such a sweet, understanding soul. Please know that the very same offer extends to you as well 24/7/365.
I wish I could say, nearly three months on since I penned this post particular post, that I was closer to answers or help (for these new, vexing, and very challenging medical troubles), but alas, such is not the case. We have managed to most likely rule certain possible explanations/conditions out. This is good in a sense, but only makes getting answers that much trickier.
No matter what though, I will persevere and keep fighting tooth and nail for such. I’m no stranger to it taking many months or years (or in the case of one of my conditions, nearly two decades) to get official diagnoses for things and, in turn (if any exist), start trying possible treatment options. Naturally, I hope this isn’t a case of “years”, but as with so much in life, only time shall tell.
I sincerely appreciate you visiting me here. It’s always a heartwarming pleasure to receive a message from you on any site or platform, lovely lady.
Please don’t hesitate to zip me an email or some snail mail anytime, if you’d like, and to share in doing so more about how this summer/year/last year/etc have been unfolding for you.
Here’s to the hope that a serene, safe, positive, and very happy autumn soon pays us both a much-needed visit.
Huge, super heartfelt hugs,
🖤 Autumn