Mabon, Autumn Equinox or Spring equinox ? Call it what you will

No matter what you call it we are now at the time of equal night and day. In this neck of the woods The autumnal equinox and the other side of the world it's their Spring Equinox.

I decided the turn of the wheel needed to be celebrated among trees and I hope you like the pictures

This turn of the wheel is a special one for me. I love the changing colours, the smell of the earth especially when you are among trees. It transports me to a magical place.

Water represents emotions and it has been an emotional few months for us both. Neither of us has had energy this summer and we both welcomed the autumns arrival

Yesterday was oncology day for Mr Mog and it seemed apt, although unwelcome,  that the turn of the wheel brought change in his cancer journey.

He has had a bad back for a few weeks and after thoroughly checking the latest scans his oncologist decided that it was time for a new drug regime. 

One of the masses is around his sciatic area and she thinks that is probably causing some of the problem. So new drugs for a new season. Abiraterone plus steroids. To be added to his current medicines. The abiraterone  have to be taken an hour before eating so breakfast is the best time. Then the steroids with or after breakfast.

Hoping that the new regime give him as long as the last ones have. The oncologist reminded him that there is also chemo after this so we haven't reached the last option yet

Bitter sweet time of year but days like these help us both

I wish you a fruitful harvest and to my friends over the seas I wish you a productive Spring.

Autumn splendours part 2 and Happy Equinox

It is Equinox Eve a time of equal day and night. A time of balance. The world stands still, waiting for the turn towards the dark half of the year. I wish you all a happy Equinox .

So another look at the glorious woods

A magical place to spend time in

Paths that lead into tunnels of green

Ever onwards we are led

The trees whisper and cajole us  to come closer

There are glimpses of stone

I hope you liked the walk in the woods with me.

Autumn splendours

Today was glorious so we decided it had to be a walk in the woods. If that included a walk by the sea even better.

 We took a path through the woods, one that beckoned and called us on, ever onwards.

Past ferns that glowed in the autumn sunlight , patterns that made me want to print from them.

Lush rich greens.

The path led through lots of different trees, some magnificent specimens many years old.

Some scenes had barely any colour as we trod ever deeper into the woodland

Then the merest green tucked in amidst the roots.

Some fallen branches stacked to make tepees, awaiting new residents.

To be continued...

Shades of green

Autumn rushes ever nearer. Today has been freezing and it's a real shock to the system after last weeks heat.

 My tarot cards have been a mixed bunch this week. Lots of air cards. Almost as though the old ones are urging new ideas upon me. Look, listen as we speak. I do have thoughts of new things to make, new things to try in my femmes. New ideas for journal pages. A need to use some of the ephemera that sits in the IKEA boxes.

But I procrastinate, something catches my attention and I follow . A butterfly landing on the nasturtiums outside the front door, then rises to kiss my cheek before flying away.

The goldfinches on next doors tree, shouting as they fly amongst the branches.

The dawn light so different at this time of the year.

But I have started my "all about me " journal and that inspires also. A need to write my life as I remember each bit. Starting at around 4 years of age as that was the time I was happiest as a child. Despite the operations and hospital stays it was a happy time with my grandparents, away from home.

So from that time I write, although snippets of earlier days have crept in already.

The pictures are from a recent visit to the Galloway forest park. I hope you like.

Have you met Mama Gaeia?

I would like you to meet Mama Gaeia. She has been a long time in the making. Approx 15 years.

 I bought the blank doll 15 years ago. I dyed her body greens some 12 years ago. Then she sat on a shelf watching the world go by until she got my attention once more.

Then a few weeks ago she suddenly spoke to me. She wanted lots of hair in rainbow colours , all the colours of the rainbow. Not a lot to ask was it? I made and stitched her hair into place but it wasn't quite right. I searched through my fabric scraps and found a piece of scrim I'd dyed in purples. Again many moons ago. It made a fabulous turban and Mama loved her new hair style.

Then I looked at her and there was still something missing. I got out my rubberstamps and inks and voila she had tattoos. Her belly called out for a spiral to highlight her mother aspect.

She is tall approx 20 inches high.

Her cloak rustles as she moves and if you listen carefully you hear the wind whispering to her.

I would love another doll but sadly it's been so long I can't remember who made the doll blank.

Fruits of the season and retro femmes

Today I bottled the liqueurs I've been making. I made cherry brandy, blackberry vodka, raspberry vodka, cherry vodka and strawberry gin. Once the damsons and plums are ready they will go into the pots to steep. These will mainly be for Yule gifts although I may have to keep a couple. 

 I love the colours as they steep. Especially the cherry brandy.

Then while looking for space for the empty kilner jars I came across a bag of femmes and other oddities.

These heads were obviously going to be on femmes but that's as far as they went. But I have ideas for them.

These were all in the bag also.

Some sweet fairies with their wands, ready to weave magic and mayhem.

This lady was made to celebrate the female form and she has her own bra for colder days.

This was a Bridghid doll I made for Imbolc some years ago.

This is a selection of felts ready to be cut up and used.

More femmes

This pair of mermaids were inspired by one of Charles de Lints stories.

Hope you like the pictures.

Autumnal ponderings

Long time no speak and I have missed my blogging. Sometimes too many things can distract if you let them and sadly I did. Its the last day of August and almost time for Autumn. I have smelt her on the air so often this Summer, waiting not so patiently in the wings. The Summer has been like the rest of the year chez Mogs - not the best.

 I have this hope that Autumns gentle touch will renew and revive us both. There have been some good times but this year more illness, both physical and of the spirit. Low periods for us both and a reluctance to get out of bed in the morning almost ever day lately.

 I would hope that the magic of Autumn will bring back the sparkle and vibrancy of life for both of us. Why does Autumn hold more magic in her than any other season for me? I love the first Spring leaves, the warmth of the occasional Summer day and Winters sparkle as she dances ice across the land.

 But Autumn she resonates within my every being. On all levels she brings joy and promise. My physical self enjoys the colours as her gown takes on its russet overdress. It loves the feel of leaves under foot. All these delight me.

 My soul soaks in the wild magic, a barely heard sound on the wind that brings a sudden glimpse of faery.
My inner child fills her heart with ideas and inspiration. she has a need to create and to make. It matters not if that be spun yarn, or an elemental femme or indeed a painted journal page. There is just a Need to try and portray the very essence of joy that I feel.

 My tarot choices change in Autumn. I turn to the Druidcraft and the Faeries Oracle. I still turn my card of the day from the Wild Spirit Tarot. That remains a mystery I try to unravel each day. They don't always become clear immediately but then life itself isn't. For me the important thing is to draw a card and listen for the reply. Autumn is a time for journeying deeper. Is it for you?

The bobbin and batt are a new to me dyer Lanitium ex machina from Finland. I acquired the batts in a destash on Ravelry and today I thought they were perfect a mix of Summer colours with Autumn peeping through. This is going to be a mobius cowl for me I think.

New year greetings

Belated greetings sorry I have been missing. Happy New Year to everyone and I hope this new year brings you creativity, joy and good health.

Have been pretty busy but not sure what with. Two months plus has been lost to viruses. Starting just days after the flu injection for both of us and suspiciously like flu they didn't want to leave us. We only have the flu jab because Mr Mogs oncologist strongly suggested he should as his immune system is now challenged. But after this two months neither of us will be having it again. We both had antibiotics, 3 lots for me and steroids - 1 lot for Mr Mog but both still have snuffles. Mr Mog also had to go and see doctor as he wasn't too well and has now had chest X-ray which was clear and is awaiting ECG and bloods this Friday. But we are both enjoying each day although a spell of proper winter weather would be much appreciated.

Oh and I am now the recipient of my pension today;)

 I have been playing and made a new Goddess Altar.

I have also been spinning