Messy, Sloppy Boo

**UPDATE**
The new title/subtitle has been chosen and will be revealed soon. Please be patient as we redo the page. :)


Good morning! Just wanted to let you know, if you happen to visit this blog the next day or two and it looks a little...well...wonky, it's because we're doing some spring cleaning and getting ready for the new title reveal!!!! :D

So exciting! Remember, you have until 11:59 PM tonight to vote...so if you haven't done so yet, please do. I'm not kidding when I tell you, it's a VERY close race.

Big Announcement!

Or, rather, THREE big announcements. But first, I want to take a moment to wish you all Imbolc blessings. I know this Sabbat has been very special for me, and I hope it has been for all of you as well.

I also want to take a moment to apologize. I have not made blog rounds for several days now. I know, I know. Naughty Boo. But once you hear a couple of my announcements, you'll understand why. :)

It's no secret that I love to write. In fact, besides Doug & Boo + Two, I also author three other blogs and co-author another. If you're keeping track, that is (count 'em) five different blogs I contribute to as frequently as I can. Granted, I let a few of them slide over the holidays, but I'm hoping to get back in my groove soon.

So when Not Hannah, author of I'm Not Hannah, suggested co-authoring a blog with her, I jumped at the opportunity. See, not only do we have similar writing styles (and a similar sense of humor), we also feel we're in the same place spiritually...sort of bumbling and fumbling around. :)

And so, Divining Women: Two Soul Sisters trying to figure out which end of the wand is up, was born. :)

The title says it all, doesn't it? :)

We're both pretty excited about this blog. For me, I suspect it will be a great learning experience with a lot of laughs and giggles thrown in along the way. Believe me, it's hard to read Not Hannah's entries without doing some major giggling. She's got a wicked sense of humor and I just adore her.

So, using my best West Virginia drawl:

"We'd sure be mighty obliged if you checked us out, ya'll."

**********

The second announcement is another reason you haven't seen me around much lately. Living where I live (in the Bible belt), well, let's just say finding spiritually like-minded people isn't exactly an easy thing to do. So, I solved that teensy little problem by joining a virtual coven! :)

The coven, called eWitch, was set up by Luna at Spelled With a W. For more information, you can check out her blog. So far, we have five members...spread literally from one side of the country to the other. Our first virtual ritual was scheduled at 8:30 PM EST tonight and it went beautifully.

*********

And finally, I just wanted to update everybody on the status of my new blog title. :)

You still have until 11:59 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2010, to vote. So please head down to this blog entry and VOTE! You can also contact me on Facebook and vote as well, if that's easier for you.

So far, two of the title choices are definitely dominating.

Choice #1 - 3 votes

Choice #2 - 2 votes

Choice #3 - 12 votes

Choice #4 - 11 votes

As you can see, it's neck and neck.

**********

Hope you're all having a wonderful week! Spring is just around the corner (no thanks to Punxsutawney Phil)!

Boo's New Blog Title: Vote Here!

Well, the time has come. Throughout the month of January, I received 35 title suggestions for this blog. I truly appreciate all of you who racked your brains and tried valiantly to think of that perfect, elusive blog name.

As I received each suggestion via comment, I jotted it down on a piece of paper which I kept by the computer. Last night, I went through and contemplated each and every idea. I tried to pick the ones I thought were witty, yet reflected me and my blogging philosophy. If your idea wasn't selected, please don't feel it's because I thought it was 'stupid' or 'unworthy.' That's not the case at all. I thought you all were VERY creative and I got such a kick out of your ideas.

To vote, simply type the number of the title you like best in the comments section. I tried to insert an actual poll, but for some reason, wasn't able to.

So, without further ado...here are the selections chosen are:

1. Broom With A View
2. The Family Cauldron
3. Peek-A-Boo
4. Doug & Boo Plus Two
   

I would like to mention that no matter which title is chosen, I will be coming up with a subtitle to pair with it...one which compliments and expands on the winning choice.

Also, you may notice that my current blog name is listed as an option for which to vote. I had several of you mention you wouldn't change the title at all, so I figured it was only fair to have it as a voting option.

I'm quite excited!

Voting starts immediately and will run until 11:59 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Now let's get this blog named, shall we?

My Mailbox Is A Treasure Trove

A few entries ago, I'd written about my frustrations with my spiritual path...my inexperience, my lack of a proper teacher, my annoyance at the many books I've read which tell you twenty different things about the same subject, and lastly, my lack of proper tools.

As I was writing all these things, it certainly wasn't to garner pity. It was simply me, being real, and sharing the thoughts in my head. Nevertheless, Luna of Spelled With a W, decided to send me a little goodie box, which I just had to share. What a generous soul!

I let Autumn unwrap all the gifts inside and as each item was exposed, I found tears forming in my eyes at Luna's generosity and friendship. I tell you what...the kindness, loving attitude, and giving nature of our little blogging community never ceases to amaze me.

I took some photos of our goody box...check it out!

The box as I opened it...


On the very top of the goody pile were some spell/recipe cards, little fortune teller baggies, two sample oils which smell divine, and a personal note from Luna which reads, "Boo-Keep smiling. Love, Luna."


After all was said and done...my goodies filled my table! Luna sent three cauldrons (one for me and one for each of my children, copal resin, peppermint soothing balm, ceremonial white sage, chime candles in a variety of colors, a candle snuffer, three star shaped candle holders, charcoal disks and tongs, two loadstones with accompanying food, oil samples, and a pentagram for my altar. Just...WOW.


And some close-ups...










Please ignore my scratched and scarred table. The kids haven't been easy on the poor wood. :)

Many, many sincere thanks to Luna. You've absolutely rocked my world, girly. Please check out her Etsy store, won't you? She has some lovely items. :)

SPELLED WITH A W

**Reminder** My 'Name This Blog' competition ends at midnight tonight....so if you have any inspired ideas, please send comments! I am going to pick my top three to five favorites and let my readers vote on the winner.

Essentially, dear reader, you will be naming my blog.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

I've Jumped on the Bandwagon ::toot, toot::

As most of you know already, Doug and I travelled to Columbus Saturday so we could watch Avatar on an IMAX 3-D screen (and because my dear friend, Liz, sent us a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory for no other reason than pure kindness).



We dropped the kids off at my parents house and then headed out on our little adventure. During the drive to Columbus, I listened to my Mamma Mia! soundtrack over and over. Poor Doug. There is just something about that music!

"Don't go wasting your emoooo-tion. Lay all your love on meeee."

"Honey, honey, how you thrill me...uh huh...honey, honey."

"See that girl. Watch that scene. Dig in the dancing queen!"

"Mamma Mia. Here I go again. My, my, how can I resist you?"

Yep. I love me some Mamma Mia!

The IMAX theater is located at a town center in Easton. We arrived over an hour early, so we spent some time looking around at various stores...all overpriced. Thankfully, we realized relatively early on that a line was forming for those with tickets to the Avatar 3-D experience. I say thankfully, because had we not noticed, we may not have been sitting together during the movie. The line extended from almost one end of the mall to the other. It was INSANE.



When we were finally seated, I sat in awe of the screen. It was enormous! And the 3-D glasses aren't those cheesy, flimsy blue and red lenses we used to wear for 3-D movies. Now they're just like a pair of sunglasses...very sturdy and comfortable to wear.

Doug bought some soda (for the bargain price of $4.25), and we settled in for an amazing journey.



Let me just say, if you ever have the chance to watch a movie on an IMAX 3-D screen...DO IT! I have never experienced anything even remotely like it before. It was breathtaking. And totally worth the $12/ticket cost. There was a preview for Zombieland prior to Avatar starting...it looked as if the zombies were standing right next to me! I actually felt like trying to punch them to get away from their deadly jaws. That's how real it all was. There was also a preview for a space documentary. The NASA flight crew took IMAX cameras with them to document every moment of their journey into space. I literally felt like I was floating around looking down on the world...it was so beautiful. And dizzying.



When Avatar finally started, I was engrossed immediately. I felt as if I'd been transported to this beautiful world known as Pandora, and frankly, I didn't want to leave. It was a dream world...so breathtakingly beautiful I had tears in my eyes.

The characters pulled me in...everyone was perfectly cast and very likable. I thought casting Sigourney Weaver as Grace was an inspired choice as well. She is, after all, the queen of alien worlds. :)

I'm not going to get overly detailed about the storyline for those of you who haven't seen this stunning movie yet (Go now! Go! You won't regret it in the least!), but I will say, I picked up on the very environmental subtext of the movie....as well as an underlying political tone as well. There was so much Pagan symbolism in the movie...so obviously, I was in love.

And James Cameron, writer and director of Avatar, has since admitted he's a 'tree-hugger.' To that little bit of information, I say, "Bravo!"

So, how many stars do I give Avatar?

No doubt about it...5 stars!!!

Following the movie, I was so filled with adrenaline, I couldn't stop talking. We walked a couple streets over to The Cheesecake Factory, and I babbled in Doug's ear the entire time. I was STOKED.

Dinner was so yummy, I inhaled my entire plate of Bistro Shrimp Pasta. Here's a brief description of my meal:

Crispy Battered Shrimp, Fresh Mushrooms, Tomato and
Arugula Tossed with Spaghettini and a Basil-Garlic-Lemon Cream
Sauce.

Yes, it's every bit as good as it sounds. I also ordered a piece of peanut butter cheesecake to go and actually just finished it yesterday. It was so rich and decadent, I had to eat it in small portions. But it was delectable. By far, the best cheesecake I've ever eaten.

My stomach is growling just thinking about all that food. Mmmmm. If you've never been to The Cheesecake Factory, I recommend it as well.

Following dinner, we started the trek back home. It was a lovely day, just me and my Doug.

Reflections...

There are times in our lives we just need to step back and reevaluate a bit. Reflect, if you will. That's exactly what I've been doing the past few days. I can't tell you how much all the comments you left on my last entry helped to clarify this situation for me. The past eight months (and yes, I am a Pagan baby), I've been fretting the small stuff. But really, there's no need. I know my intentions are valid and true. Whether or not I have a chalice or a cauldron or even an athame isn't going to change that. So thanks.




I think I've found my mentor in all of you.

Rough

Hello from Boo-ville and happy Friday to you. :)

I have to confess, it hasn't been the greatest of weeks. Doug unintentionally hurt my feelings, Parker had a really bad day at school, I thought I'd lost one of my closest friends, and to be honest, I'm feeling completely overwhelmed in my spiritual path.

It seems as much as I study, read, research, and learn, I don't even make a dent in the vast amount of information out there on Paganism. It's frustrating because from the first moment I found this path, I felt so at home and devastatingly happy. I finally found a spiritual path which reflected my inner Boo. :)

I wish I had a mentor. Someone who could take me under his/her wing and teach me what I need to know. Somebody I could cast circles, complete rituals, and do spell work with. I feel so awkward doing those things myself, always doubting that I'm doing them correctly...especially since I'm lacking in so many ritual tools and supplies. Household finances just don't allow me to spend frivolously. And while I certainly don't consider my spiritual path frivolous, when I have to choose between feeding my children or buying a cauldron, well, you know.

I have, thanks to Lyon, found a lovely way to keep myself grounded and centered...a monthly twenty-four hour candlelight vigil for Brighid, my patron Goddess. I held my first vigil from sundown on the 19th to sundown on the 20th, and it truly was just what this mommy needed. What a great cornerstone to my path! Now I just need a Brighid statue or some sort of representation of her....

Anyway, I know this is an odd entry from me....I just have hundreds of thoughts swirling around in my head which I needed to release, I guess. I'll be back soon with a more interesting post (hopefully).

In the meantime, if all goes well, I'll be seeing Avatar at an IMAX screen tomorrow!! Woot!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

I just had to show you...

...what I won in the 31 Days of Yule Giveaways, courtesy of Fae & Juniper of The Soccer Moms' Guide To Wicca. Both items I won are simply AMAZING and this is my way of extending a humble thank you to the Etsy store owners who so graciously donated items for the giveaway.

The first item is a print designed by Chris at ideasign. Chris is such a fantastic person. He let me choose any print I wanted, in any size, and shipped it for free! I was so astonished and inspired by his generosity. Thank you, Chris, from the bottom of my heart. I have your store favorited! :)

This is the print I ended up choosing...an 11 x 14, as I want it to be a centerpiece on my bedroom wall. I'm still trying to find the perfect frame...any suggestions?

I absolutely adore this print...yay!

The next item I won is a suncatcher, compliments of Stephanie Burciaga: Art & Glass. It's stunning. I have it hanging in my dinging room window...and despite the lack of sun in my area lately, this beautiful dragonfly piece still manages to send rainbows of light across the room. This little fellow isn't small either...he measures 6 x 13 and he's extremely sturdy.

Thank you so much, Stephanie!

I think it's really important in these tough economical times to support Etsy store owners like Chris and Stephanie, so I hope you'll check them out.

Thanks again, you two! )O(

Snowy with a side of woodchuck turds...

Hello, my friends! I want to take a moment and extend my warmest welcome to all my new followers. Mrs. B really did send quite a horde to this blog! I can't tell you how many hits my site got last Thursday...but it was a massive amount of people. I'm impressed, Mrs. B. In fact, I'm STILL getting people trickling over here from Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom. So thank you, you stirrup-wearing chickadee! :D (It's a facebook thang.)

Second, I've tried to visit the blogs of all my latest followers the past few days. If I missed you, please let me know by leaving a link to your blog in my comment section. I'd be very appreciative. I want to get to know all of you!

Third, I'm quite behind in my blog reading (by about four days), so please be patient with me as I work my way through. Although I can occasionally do some reading during the day...if the kids are otherwise distracted, that is...the bulk of my reading is done once they're snuggled into bed. I will get to you eventually, I promise! :)

Fourth, my blog naming contest is still wide open! You have until the end of the month to submit ideas. I have to confess though, I already have a personal favorite. ;) All I ask is that you leave any suggestions you may have in the comment section of THIS entry.

Okay, now that the housekeeping has been taken care of...off to the races..errr...fun stuff!

As the title of this blog entry might suggest (actually, you're probably wondering what in the heck my title even means, right?), we've had a bit of snow lately...probably 6 to 8 inches in my area. For many of you, I realize, that's a mere pittance. But coupled with the arctic temperatures and our curvy country roads, it caused Parker to miss four days of school out of five last week.

Our back patio.


I honestly didn't mind the mini-vacation...we snuggled up in the house with our Superman robes, our Wii, some good books, lots of good food, and even a bottle of champagne thrown in for good measure. **Please note...the champagne was bubble gum flavored so the kids could enjoy it too.** ;)

Parker in his Superman robe.


Speaking of good food, as I was preparing one of our meals a few days ago, the burner on the stove started smoking quite badly. Apparently some food item had fallen on it, which I didn't notice prior to cooking. I turned the fan above the stove on, but inevitably, the fire alarm started going off. So not only was I dealing with smoke and a shrieking alarm, the smell of whatever was burning off that burner singed the crap out of my nose hole hairs. I kid not. It smelled (and here's where my blog title comes in), like a woodchuck turd. Or rather, what I'd imagine a woodchuck turd to smell like, considering I've never actively searched out a woodchuck turd to sniff. It was like 8 degrees outside, but I opened the windows and the patio door to air the joint out. It was beyond rotten smelling in here. TOXIC woodchuck turds, I say.


Okay, enough turd talk. All my new followers are going to think I'm obsessed or something. And considering I mentioned to you all that I took pictures of my son's turds a couple entries ago, I just might be....


Moving on.

I've had a really shitty (haha) couple of days. First, I backed into a parked car yesterday morning while taking Parker to school. Long story short, I didn't see the car. It's true. I promise. I really didn't see the blazing red car directly behind me. Thankfully, it was just a tap and no damage was done to either car, but what a way to start the day!

Then, on my way home from dropping Parker off this morning, I was attacked my mega cramps of the feminine variety. Too much information? Probably. Nevertheless, I've been so miserable today, I e-mailed my husband and asked him if he could leave work early to pick Parker up. It's THAT BAD. Ibuprofen isn't touching the pain...neither are warm baths and heating pads. I realize this is a sacred time of the month for a woman...but does it have to hurt so badly? Owwie. Owwie. Owwie. I keep trying to talk Doug into impregnating me again so I won't have to menstruate for nine months and even get an adorable little baby out of the deal...but he's not buying into my logic. Can't imagine why not.

Oh! And to top all that crappiness off, I had a meeting with the local Social Security office today. Yea...yuck.

Anyway...

My little boy won an art contest at school! He received first place within his first grade class. His artwork, titled Beautiful Is My Kissie Fish, was then submitted into a school wide competition. He didn't win, but still received an honorable mention.

Now, is it just me, or does this resemble the Green Man?

Obviously, we're quite proud of our little man.

And finally, a very quick, short video of my daughter doing 'magick.' :D



Love to you all!

Run! An angry Pagan horde is coming! :)

Merry meet and welcome to my little space on the internet!


Population:

~ One 5 year old gymnastics loving, multiple boyfriend having, too smart for her own britches princess wannabe.

~ One 7 year old Wii playing, Mr. Potato Head and Buzz Lightyear loving, computer genius who I'm convinced will be the next Bill Gates.

~ One 30 year old college attending, freckle covered, beer-drinking Seahawks fan.

~ One 2 year old copper colored hamster, who greets us each morning by hanging on the side of his cage and who prefers chewing metal over wood.

...and then there's me...

~ One 34 year old Pagan who prefers lipgloss over lipstick, horror movies over comedies, sunflowers over roses, mary janes over stilettos, alternative medicine over conventional, writing over speaking, designer handbags over generic, tattoos over piercings, and doggy-style over missionary. ;)

Did I also mention I'm a bit of a jokester?

One day soon, I hope to add a French Bulldog to 'the population' as well.

I do hope you'll get comfy here with our quirky little family and perhaps decide to stay awhile. I'd also like to take a moment to thank Mrs. B of Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom for sending the horde to me. Who could want anything more than a horde of angry Pagans knocking on the door?

Merry part!

**REMINDER**

Suggestions for my blog title are still welcome!! I've received some really cute ones so far, but I want more! (I'm greedy like that.) Help a girl out, won't you?