Inspire Me Monday

I'm a firm believer that inspiration is all around us each and every day.  At the same time, I realize its often difficult to *notice* all of the beauty, joy, creativity and inspiration that exists in our daily rounds.  How many of us get caught up in the minutiae, the "to-do lists" and distractions that seem to fill up our every waking hour?   We can become overwhelmed by these things easily...unless we pause to recognize there is inspiration to be found everywhere.  We just have to remember to look for it.

So as a reminder to myself to seek out that which inspires (and hopefully you too!), I'm participating in Create With Joy's inspirational blog party.

I'm Inspired By Food

I know its probably a wee bit early in the season, but this week, I've been inspired by pumpkin pie!  So much so that, I caved in and bought a Sara Lee frozen pie and plan to top it off with some whipped topping for an easy, comfort-inducing dessert this week.

I know, I know....frozen pie is not the same as whipping up a freshly baked one, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.


I'm Inspired By Color


The days are definitely getting shorter now...but one thing for sure is the spectacular color palette of autumn is only just beginning to be revealed.   There's something warm and reassuring about the rustic and golden tones which dazzle us on bright October days.

{Abstract Art By Christian Hetzel}

I'm Inspired By Owls

Mie is a whimsical artist from South Africa whose blog is a lot of fun to read.  She also has been crafting these adorable, cozy owls that I can't stop smiling about.

Owls are such awesome, autumnal creatures, don't you think?

I'm Inspired By Heroes

I may be late to the party, as I've only recently discovered the tv show Heroes via Netflix.  It's such a fascinating show layered with supernatural twists, and yet, there is something very common about the "heroes" who in spite of their special powers, struggle with life issues just like the rest of us.  In a way, its their flaws that make the characters more compelling.

I also really enjoy the theme of fate that is carried out through Heroes.  I tend to be of the school of thought that believes nothing ever happens to us by coincidence.  Every event, every person we encounter has something to teach us.


What's inspiring you today?

Summoning The Creatrix

The time is drawing near. Soon, the Eve in which the magic and mystery of secrets, the spirits, beginnings, and endings will be upon us. While Samhain is a holiday of remembrance and honoring those who have passed on, it also a time for celebration...for feasting, fun, games, tricks and yes...even a few treats! Come join the festivities; all are welcome.

Now before we start the actual celebration; you have to pass a little "initiation". Oh, don't worry...it's no biggie. It's just something all the new kids have to do...think of it as a way to show you believe in the magic of the season. That doesn't sound so scary, right? Right! Come on then; take my hand and I will lead you to your initiation destination!

I'm sure you're wondering what this is all about and where we are going. You should probably wear something warm as it gets quite chilly at night this late in the autumn season around here. Oh I know it isn't quite nighttime yet....but you'll spending a little while at your initiation site and nightfall will arrive before you know it. Let's start walking, shall we? That wind is starting to pick up a bit, do you feel it? I've brought along some blankets and other items in my tote bag, so don't worry. Isn't it fascinating how at dusk, your eyes can play tricks on you--especially when the wind blows and the near-bare branches of the trees cast such creepy shadows?! For instance, just now it looks almost as though there is a long, bony arm reaching out beside us and motioning with a decrepit pointy finger! How bizarre!

We're almost there now. Just ahead...see that barren land beyond the path at the end of the street? Why yes, that is in fact the cemetery. Didn't I mention we were going there? Oh, I didn't, did I? That's right...it was supposed to be a surprise. Surprise!

Ok...now stop here. It's time for the initiation rite to begin. Yeah, I know...hanging around at night in a cemetery isn't really your gig, but trust me, this is tradition. And tradition is very important at the Creatrix Samhain Soiree. Help me spread the big fleecy blanket on the ground...right over there, in front of that tombstone.

Ok, now lie down upon the grave. Fold your arms across your chest just as though you were lying in a coffin. It's alright, there's nothing to be frightened about. What's that sound, you wonder? Ohh...it must be an owl! Yes, I'm sure that's what it is. I brought something that will help...let me rummage around in my tote bag...ah yes. Here we go. I'm going to place a candle right on top of the tombstone and you'll be able to see better. How's that? Better? See, *there* is the owl...he's just hanging out in the tree overhead. It's as though he's watching over us. That's a good omen. I assure you, it is!

All you have to do is lie quietly right where you are. This is the part of the initiation that might seem a little spooky, but as I said, it's tradition. You just need to remain silent and listen very carefully. What are you listening for? You'll know when you hear it...trust me. While you are listening, I am going to recite a little incantation...

When two or more are gathered on All Hallow's Eve,
A deed must be done for those who believe.
The dead have been silent for one whole year,
Now they must speak and the chosen one will hear.
Within the midnight hour you must walk with the dead,
Their graves of stone will mark their beds.
Carry a beacon to show you have come,
Call to them, "I am the chosen one."
Listen carefully for what you shall hear,
For it tells you your fortune for one full year.
Light one candle and leave it on a stone,
When the flame goes out, return to your home.
After the dead have spoken on All Hallows Eve,
They all shall visit your bed and your dreams.

Shhh....I hear something! Do you? I think the spirits are about to reveal your fortune for the next year! This is it...the moment we've been waiting for! What will the new year bring, I wonder?

The air really feels chilly now...oh wow! I have goosebumps all over my skin. The ghost woman hovering over us looks as though she's ready to speak now. So let's pay close attention to what she has to say.

"Do not fear, mere mortals be...
I've come to share good news, you see.
The year ahead will bring joy and mirth,
You will revel in the joys of the earth.
Nature's inspirations shall help you to see
The world around you offers so much beauty.
And when the days seem dark and stale,
Remember this night, this moment, if you will.
For you have all you need inside of yourself;
your gifts and the stories you have to tell--
can always be summoned and used to invigorate
and give you a myriad of reasons to...
CREATE
COLLABORATE AND CELEBRATE."


Such good news! There was really nothing to be afraid of...but sometimes we need to be startled a little in order to remember that there is much that we hold back from expressing on our Creatrix Journey. So as this Witches New Year approaches, I thought it would be a good time to remind us all that we need to think about what it is we wish to do with our creative prowess. We all have the ability to create, transform and inspire. But we also have a tendency to make excuses, and refrain from fully exploring our creative potential.





And now, for those of us who were a little spooked by the ritual, let's take a moment to calm our nerves...I brought something that might help.

Ok, so maybe libations aren't everyone's thing. Either way, I invite you to have a yummy beverage of your choice, think about your creative process and the things that sometimes scare you about it. What are you most frightened to express? What ways might you be able to deal with those fears and demons that can inhibit the creative process?

And when you're ready to join in the reveling and get into the spirit of the season, come on over to Vanessa's Fanciful Twist 2011 Halloween Party...you will surely find inspiration there! Be sure to scroll through the comments underneath her party post so you can stop by all of the other parties being held by the Creatrices who are taking part in the celebration!


{Samhain ritual components and incantation via: The Wiccan Book of Rites and Rituals, by Sister Moon}

Traces of Fall

Fall is both a passionate and mellow affair. Warm colors dance through the daylight; the scent of the earth preparing to sleep is rich and spicy. We are at once invigorated and drawn to our homes, for the time for winter retreat is drawing near. Soon the wheel of the year turns toward the somber season and the traces of fall we cherished will fade away.



This treasury was inspired by a delightful autumnal jewelery line by a designer named Pentunkalunka. Her creations are colorful, quirky and very vivacious! Do stop by her shop Pentunkalunka Jewelery Designs on etsy. Her pieces are sure to bring a smile to your face.

In the spirit of this time of year, dear readers, please share what one thing absolutely says "autumn" to you...

September Sweetness

I can smell the cinnamon in the air....