Buzzing Bee

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Just flying bye to say hi.. more blogs coming soon....

2011-10-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

2011-09-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all, Well yes I am still alive, but barely breathing... Missing my blog very very much! Been very busy as always, and still having a very bad ruff spot.., but I have been raising a few chickens, here are two photos of two of my favorite girls.

ENJOY

GANDOLF

ARAUCANAS/AMERICANAS

ROOSTER

ASTRAL

SILVER SPANGLED HAMBERG

HEN

TITANIA

BLUE COCHIN HEN

My new Lil Friend

2011-03-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest addition here at the bee - charmers cottage..

May I introduce.....

"Half Moon FudderWagon"

Below he is doing his best impression of " The Incredible Mr. Limpet" in his most unusual home.

A great find for me on eBay some years ago...

MY SPARKLING BEE

2011-02-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

GOT MY BEE BRACELET FINALLY!!

Happy Valentines day

2011-02-08T00:44:00.000-08:00

Few folk have seen a Fairy,
But I found this one for you.
If you believe with all your might
She'll make your dreams come true

Happy Valentines Day to All

GO ASK ALICE ?

2010-03-06T11:14:00.001-08:00

WOO---- WHOoooo I have been waiting for this movie and did it deliver......

3d -->>>Yippee great choice Tim !!! As for Depp? A man after my own heart!!!

three thumbs up Captain!!

Now I await -->>>> Dark Shadows!! One of the next Depp /Burton re- creations!!

Hugs

A Merry Valentines Day to all

2010-02-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Hearts sparkling pink and red,
Ribbons made from a silk worms bed. Fairy lace made with care,
Sending love throughout the air.
Fairy hearts are always true,
That’s why I will remember you...

A "Sunny" Christmas

2010-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hi blog readers; This entry is late, but I had to post it this is my Sunny, what a happy Boy he is at Christmas..!!! Hope this works??

Hugs

My Silly Sunny Loves Christmas !!!! Watching him is a treat!!!

Finding Spring

2010-02-03T15:29:00.000-08:00

Rose

Red Current

Bleeding heart

Crocus

I went on a" In search of----> Spring" journey, two days ago .
Took a couple of quick picks of some renewed life..
Ahhhhhh. I love this time of year everything feels so clean and smells so fresh... Something like a treasure hunt.

Along with those pictured I also saw rhododendrons pushing bud, white willows with fuzzy cat kins, red elderberry's trees pushing out leaves, red huckleberry's working on buds, most of my lilies, and Iris are popping up their green heads & lots of crocus. My bee's even took a peek out of the hive to catch a little sun as well!!

Oh, and yes I have already planted tomato seeds in the green house nursery ,and a few cucumber seeds just for good measure. I recently put in a small propane heater in the greenhouse so it keep it nice and warm...

Oh speaking of green house activities.. I have " For-Get -Me Knots flowers in bloom !!

Blessed Be
:-)

Its Sparkling 2010

2010-01-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

To everyone one both far, and near I wish you all a very "Happy New Year" !!!

Hugs

Bee

Thank You All for the 20,000 Views

2009-12-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, Again I can not believe the response to my blog..

I also want to apologize for being lax the last 7 months.. I have had so much physical work to do here on my property I have been just tired out... I have come a long way to completing projects outdoors and my list keeps getting shorter.. So that is good news for the new year.. Still some things to do and to finish, but that's OK--> I see light at the end of the tunnel .. I am not getting any younger, and I feel age creeping in to my bones with every month that passes so bear with me. :-=)

Many hugs to all

And Thanx

Bee

A Very Merry Christmas to All...

2009-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Silence in the woods today,
A cool crisp breeze blows the fall leaves away.

A sparkle in the the sky I see,
Then another floating right by me.
Tis the first snow of the year you see,
That leaves these woods a glow.

So the fairy's of the Fairy Knowel
can awake to fresh fallen snow.

BeeCharmer
Nov 2006

Blessed Be to All

2009-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Winter *~* Solstice

Holly leaves, fire shines bright.
Fur bows scent this most wonderful night.
Yule logs burn to renew the sun bright
Blessed be to all who partake in its light.

BeeCharmer 12/2006

Yule-Tide cake

2009-12-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

How to Make a Yule Log

Begin by wrapping the log loosely with the ribbon. Leave enough space that you can insert your branches, cuttings and feathers under the ribbon. In our house, we place five feathers on our Yule log – one for each member of the family. Once you’ve gotten your branches and cuttings in place, begin gluing on the pine cones, cinnamon sticks and berries. Add as much or as little as you like. Remember to keep the hot glue gun away from small children.
Once you’ve decorated your Yule log, the question arises of what to do with it. For starters, use it as a centerpiece for your holiday table. A Yule log looks lovely on a table surrounded by candles and holiday greenery.
Another way to use your Yule log is to burn it as our ancestors did so many centuries ago. In our family, before we burn our log we each write down a wish on a piece of paper, and then insert it into the ribbons. It’s our wish for the upcoming year, and we keep it to ourselves in hopes that it will come true.
If you have a fireplace, you can certainly burn your Yule log in it, but we prefer to do ours outside. We have a fire pit in the back yard, and on the night of the winter solstice .

Yule log cake

The Yule log is a traditional feature of most winter solstice celebrations. In addition to making one you can burn in your fireplace, why not whip together a tasty chocolate one for dessert? This super-easy recipe uses a boxed cake mix as its base, and can be put together ahead of time for your Yule celebration dinner. Chill overnight for easy slicing the next day.

Ingredients:
• 1 box chocolate cake mix, along with ingredients as called for
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. instant coffee granules
• 1 stick butter
• 16 oz. semi-sweet baker's chocolate
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• Spearmint leaf jelly candies
• Cinnamon red hots
• Mini marshmallows & chocolate kisses (optional)
Preparation:
Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, pour the batter out onto the paper, and spread until it reaches the edges. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, or until cake is firm and springy - be sure you don't over bake it!
Allow cake to cool in pan for ten minutes, then invert it onto a cloth towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake up inside the cloth towel, starting with one of the short sides. Let the rolled-up cake cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cake cools, mix up the filling. This particular blend is a coffee-flavored variety that I adapted from a tiramasu recipe, but you can replace the coffee with cocoa if you prefer more chocolate. Blend the whipping cream, powdered sugar and coffee granules together to form the filling. Chill until thick and firm. After the cake has completely cooled, gently unroll the cake from the towel. Remove the towel, and spread the filling over one side of the cake, stopping about a half inch from the edge. Roll the cake back up -- this should be easy, since it cooled in a rolled-up form. Place the cake on a serving platter and allow to chill for a couple of hours.
To make the frosting, melt the butter in a double boiler and then add the chocolate. Once the chocolate has all melted, stir in the heavy cream. Let the icing sit at room temperature until it's a little thick. Spread on the cake, covering the entire roll, and then drag a fork through the icing to create a bark-like appearance on your log.
Add a couple of spearmint leaves and red hots to form clusters of holly on the log. If you'd like to add "mushrooms" to your log, stick a toothpick through a miniature marshmallow, and then poke it into the flat side of a chocolate kiss. Snip off the pointy part of the kiss, and you'll have a small mushroom. Use the toothpick to stick these on top of your log.
If you're not going to serve immediately, wrap the cake in loose plastic and refrigerate overnight. Allow the cake to sit out for about an hour before slicing.

Yummy Wassail

2009-12-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Wassail was originally a word that meant to greet or salute someone -- groups would go out wassailing on cold evenings, and when they approached a door would be offered a mug of warm cider or ale. Over the years, the tradition evolved to include mixing eggs with alcohol and aspiring the crops to ensure fertility. While this recipe doesn't include eggs, it sure is good, and it makes your house smell beautiful for Yule.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 Gallon apple cider
• 2 C. cranberry juice
• 1/2 C honey
• 1/2 C sugar
• 2 oranges
• Whole cloves
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• Allspice
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• 3 cinnamon sticks (or 3 Tbs. ground cinnamon)
• 1/2 C - 1 C brandy (optional)

Preparation:

Set your crockpot to its lower setting, and pour apple cider, cranberry juice, honey and sugar in, mixing carefully. As it heats up, stir so that the honey and sugar dissolve. Stud the oranges with the cloves, and place in the pot (they'll float). Add the diced apple. Add allspice, ginger and nutmeg to taste -- usually a couple of tablespoons of each is plenty. Finally, snap the cinnamon sticks in half and add those as well.
Cover your pot and allow to simmer 2 - 4 hours on low heat. About half an hour prior to serving, add the brandy if you choose to use it.

Happy Christmas

2009-12-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas is so very near,
I’m just in time to wish my friends dear,
A holiday with sparkling joy, and fairy hugs,
I wish peace to all with all my love.

Yuletide in the fairy garden

2009-12-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

Hi All, I got my fairy garden deer up this past week.. I must say it is lovely to behold at night.. Yule will truly be bright and beautiful this year!! I also splurged and got the muti colored star lights for my windows this year I usually have white icicles lights but i just wanted color this year!! I am decorating the tree today while I watch the harry potter marathon on TV...

Happy Christmas!!

Happy ThanksGiving

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

More magical surprises at RavensWood

2009-11-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

Byrum has done it again! Although I thought he had retired to his village in RootUnder for the winter seasonal festivities. Behold here he is working his magic to astound me with the most special surprises ever.. Magic mushrooms!!!

Sparkling fall leaves

Bee

2009-11-21T12:15:00.001-08:00

The Matriarch

In your eyes I see your life story, As you wore it like a weight.
No longer will you need to carry us,
as you are free at last from these mortal binds.
Soar my dear grandmother, soar to the beauty that lies ahead for you..

I loved you so..

RIP

11-20-2009

Christmas is Near...

2009-11-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

Hi to all, I had to have these very bright crystal deer silhouettes. I had to set them up in my living room.. I am going to put them on the rocks in my fairy garden it should light the area very nicely!! The Buck looks magical.... Hopefully it stops raining so I can prepare the spot for them.

Hugs Bee

Vladimir Grigoryevich Tretchikoff

2009-11-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

Hi to all , I had to do a post on this artist... I was mesmerized by his vision.. Hubby found this vintage print at a yard sale. So I had to research the artist.. How interesting of a journey it was.. Title;

Chinese Girl

Vladimir Grigoryevich Tretchikoff

1913-2006

Although Tretchikoff spent his early years in China, this portrait was painted in Cape Town. The model is a member of the small Chinese community there. Possibly the best known of all Tretchikoff's paintings. Lithographs of this painting can be seen in all corners of the world. Artist’s Collection, 1950’s First Hand Tretchikoff Print. This print has been produced to the highest quality under the artist’s personal supervision and is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authentication.

To know his work is to understand an artist who became a phenomenon. A man who never compromised because he was being lead by an all-encompassing drive to do what he loved, to paint. Even in the face of adversity, he continued to pursue his passion, unashamedly.

Tretchikoff was a self-taught artist who painted realistic figures, portraits, still life and animals, with subjects often inspired by his early life in China and Malaysia, and later life in South Africa. Tretchikoff's work was immensely popular with the general public, but is often seen by art critics as the epitome of kitsch (indeed, he was nicknamed the "King of Kitsch"). He worked in oil, watercolour, ink, charcoal and pencil but is best known for his reproduction prints which sold worldwide in huge numbers. The reproductions were so popular that it was said Tretchikoff was second only to Picasso in his popularity

He quickly became famous in South Africa thanks to a book that collected his portraits of Oriental women and pictures of flowers, and held successful exhibitions in Cape Town and Johannesburg. His fame spread to the United States, where the Rosicrucians of San Jose invited him to launch an American tour. Around 19,000 people saw his show in Los Angeles and 51,000 in San Francisco. In Seattle, a rival show which included Picasso and Rothko sold fewer tickets, to Tretchikoff’s satisfaction. A million Americans finally saw his paintings, which then went on to Canada with equal success. This was followed by a large exhibition in 1961 at Harrods in London where he decided that the Harrod's art gallery was too small. He requested and was granted the privilege of having his exhibition in the ground-floor exhibition space. About 205,000[3] people attended the exhibition and one of his British admirers, Leslie Rigall, bought ten paintings and designed his new house in Windsor Great Park around them.

His famous Chinese Girl, a 1950 painting featuring an Eastern model with blue-green skin, is one of the best selling prints of all time. Prints of the painting became widespread during the 1960s and 1970s, and the painting was featured in various plays and television programmes: the original set of Alfie, with a drawn moustache in one episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus and an episode of Doctor Who.

Other popular paintings of oriental figures were Miss Wong and Balinese Girl. He said of British prima ballerina assoluta, Alicia Markova, who sat for The Dying Swan, that she was his most stimulating sitter.

The treats and things that glow in the night

2009-11-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hi to all, Well with the moon was almost full. Samhain was truly a beautiful eve... A bit of rain but not much, the moon played tag with the clouds and made for a wonderful evening... No ghost hunting... But I will on the full moon...

Sparkling sugar cookies..

Bee

Blessed be to all this Samhain

2009-10-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Hallowed Evening"

The moons a-glow, with golden rings.
The night is still, but the raven’s wing.
The winds are chilled in the quest of spring.
The cauldron swells with fog to mark twilight.
Let the balefires burn in celebration this Samhain night.

By BeeCharmer Oct 2009

Classic Horror Movies

2009-10-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, I am doing a tribute to the classic horror film in this blog entry.

Four of "MY" favorites anyway..

Do you remember these...??

Creature from the Black Lagoon;
Release date ; 5 March 1954

Director: Jack Arnold

Plot; A scientific expedition traveling up the Amazon River encounter a dangerous humanoid amphibious fish creature

Richard Denning ... Dr. Mark Williams

Richard Carlson ... Dr. David Reed

Julie Adams ... Kay Lawrence (as Julia Adams)

Antonio Moreno ... Carl Maia

Nestor Paiva ... Captain Lucas

Whit Bissell ... Dr. Edwin Thompson

THEM;

Director: Gordon Douglas
19 June 1954
Nominated for Oscar

Plot ; The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.

James Whitmore ... Ben Peterson, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon ... James Arness ... Robert Graham, Onslow Stevens ... Sean McClory ... Chris Drake ... Sandy Descher ... Mary Alan Hokanson ... Don Shelton ... Fess Parker

Bride of Frankenstein;
Director: James Whale

Release Date ; 22 April 1935

Plot; Mary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Dr. Frankenstein (goaded by an even madder scientist) builds his monster a mate.

Boris Karloff; the monster

Elsa Lanchester; the bride

The Invisable Man;

Director:James Whale

H.G. Wells (novel)
A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.

Claude rains; The Invisable man

Gloria Stuart; Flora Cranley

Crows & Ravens

2009-10-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Raven, is a bird which appears in world mythology as a soothsayer, an omen of death and as a creator and cleanser, taking away all that was decayed. Full of intelligence, cunning, and playfulness, the Raven was seen as a guardian among the tribes of North America, a creature whose far-seeing eye saw past, present, and future all at once. For the Algonquin peoples, Crow was the bringer of grains and beans. In the Ghost Dances, which are danced to solicit the help of their ancestors, Crow is a primary spirit messenger.Ravens & Crows have an intricate and detailed history in Celtic lore and legend. The Irish battle goddesses, Morrigan, and Badbh, regularly took the shape of crows, and both crows and ravens were their allies and companions.

In Scottish folklore, the Crow is said to have 27 different cries (a magical 3 times 9), each of which relates to a different event. These oracular cries can foretell the coming of important guests, an impending loss or death, or the coming of good fortune, a complete body of lore was built up from listening to the varied calls of the crows, which has the ability to mimic many kinds of sounds as well as to communicate with its own kind. When there is a molmacha (flock of crows), all crying together, it is said that no one but the most wise seer in the land can understand their words.

The raven is also the subject of a most famous poem that has lived through the ages..

The Raven
Poem by Edgar Allen Poe (1845)

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering,
fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore!"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more."
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and
flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed
he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no
craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."
But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "other friends have flown
before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."
Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."
But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and
door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he
hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!- prophet still, if bird or
devil!-
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil- prophet still, if bird or
devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked,
upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my
door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the
floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!

Halloween Decorations

2009-10-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hi to All, Well the decorations are up up an shinning in the night.. Capt. Jack is twirling in the breeze... My pumpkin crop await their speeedy change to Jack-o-lanterns .... All that is left is a few table decorations and I am ready for the special night.. Hoping for a bon fire this year --> Weather permitting??? Been really wet and windy here at Ravenswood..

Samhain Treats

2009-10-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well here is somethingto put in your cauldron's to cook up for the festivities on Samhain..

Although there's no eye of nute, werewolf hair, or vampire teeth, needless to say these are a couple of my favorites for the special night.. I may have posted one or two of these before, but I really like these recipes--> they were easy and good ....

Please enjoy

BEE- Witchen Bee

Spirited Cheese Stuffed Apples

1- 3oz package softened cream cheese

4 medium apples

1 1/3oz Cheddar Cheese( finely shredded)

1 tablespoon dry white wine

Beat together both cheeses and the wine, with an electric or rotary mixer, until smooth. Core the apples and hollow out, leaving apple shells about 1/2 inch thick. Fill the apples with the cheese mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cut apples into 8 wedges.

Jack-o-Lantern Cheese Ball

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

4 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. solid pack pumpkin

1/2 c. pineapple preserves

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 pretzel rod, broken in half

Decorations: Dark rye bread, red pepper, black olive slices, parsley sprigs
Assorted crackers
Beat cheeses, pumpkin, preserves and spices in a medium bowl until smooth. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or until cheese is firm enough to shape. Shape mixture into a round pumpkin; place on serving plate. Using knife, score vertical lines down pumpkin. Place pretzel rod in top for stem. Cut 2 small triangles for the eyes. Small triangle of red pepper for nose. Slice olives slices in half for the mouth. Cover loosely; refrigerate until serving time. Serve with crackers.

Mulled wine

(Want to make this a kid's Halloween recipe for the kiddos at your party? Skip the sugar and replace the wine with the same amount of apple cider. )

Ingredients:

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. granulated sugar

2 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange, peel and juice

1 bottle (750 mL) dry red wine

Instructions:

Remembrance Cookies

These cookies can be made on Hallow's Eve. They can be shaped like people and the herb rosemary is added to the dough as a symbol of remembrance. Some of the cookies are eaten while telling stories or attributes of special ancestors, reminding us that we still have access to their strengths--or perhaps a predisposition to their weaknesses. The rest of the cookies are left outside by a bonfire as an offering. This can be a solemn ritual, but it need not be.

Ingredients for the cookies:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. butter or margarine (softened)

1 egg

2 t. vanilla

1 t. almond extract

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cream of tartar

1 1/2 T. chopped rosemary

Heat oven 375 degrees. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and rosemary until creamy. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Fold flour mixture into sugar mixture. Beat until dough forms and refrigerate for three hours. Divide dough into halves. Roll out one portion to 3/16 of an inch on a floured surface. Cut out with gingerbread women or men cutters and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat rolling and cutting with second portion. Bake for 5-7 minutes.

PUMPKIN GINGER SOUP

Ingredients:

1 small cooking pumpkin
1/2 cup cashews
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or to taste)
Salt to taste
Directions:
Soak cashews in water to cover for several hours. This step is optional, but helps them blend better. Cut pumpkin in half, remove seeds, and bake cut side down at 350 degrees F until very tender (45 minutes to one hour). Scrape pumpkin from the peel and puree in a blender, with any juices, in batches. Put pureed pumpkin into your soup pot. Blend cashews in blender until smooth and add to the pumpkin puree. Rinse the blender with a little water and add to the pot. Add a little more water if it’s too thick. Add ginger and salt to taste and heat gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Savory Samhain Butters

Autumn Butter

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup whipping cream1 cup butter, softened

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Spread onto your favorite muffins, quick bread, sweet crackers, or drop a dollop onto morning pancakes.

Cinnamon Butter

2 sticks butter1/2 cup brown sugar1 tsp cinnamon
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve over sweet bread, muffins, or morning waffles. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter

4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

4 tbsp canned pumpkin puree

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp freshly grated or dried nutmeg

1/8 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator up to three weeks.
* 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for cloves, ginger and nutmeg.

Creativity bread..

1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup applesauce
3 tbsp. oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup raisins
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

Mix all ingredients together. Bake in a 350° oven
for forty five to fifty minutes or until a toothpick
inserted in the middle of the loaf comes clean.

Golden Herb Rolls

2/3 cup milk

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

1/4 cup water

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 package quick-rising yeast

2 teaspoons dried savory leaves, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed, crushed

1 cup canned pumpkin4

eggs, divided

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 20 to 24 muffin cups.

Combine milk, butter and water in small saucepan; heat until butter is melted. If necessary, cool to 120º F. to 130º F. Combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast, savory, salt, thyme and dill in large mixer bowl. Add milk mixture and pumpkin; beat for 2 minutes. Stir in 3 eggs and remaining flour. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place for 10 minutes or until doubled. Spoon into prepared muffin cups, filling 1/2 to 3/4 full. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place for 30 to 40 minutes or until doubled. Beat remaining egg and brush on top of rolls; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans; serve warm or cool on wire rack.

The Cauldron

2009-10-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

"The cauldron or pot symbolizes cyclical time and the lunar calendar.This is because the cauldron represents the womb of rebirth. It has been called Soma by the Hindus, Red Claret by the Celts, and Greal by the Welsh Bards.

The Goddess and her cauldron is the center of all feminine power and every female group. Spiritual transformation can only come through Her cauldron, or belly-womb. Ancient tradition says that only women can tap into the great power of the cauldron, for only women are made in the image of the Goddess with her all-renewing womb of rebirth and transformation. This tradition remains in the figure of the witch and her cauldron. The cauldron is also the repository of inspiration and magic, as seen in Cerridwen's cauldron which was sought by the Bards. The Goddess has long been considered to be the source of inspiration and the Mistress of Magic. When a true initiation takes place, the initiate willingly descends into the cauldron, she is often filled with ecstatic emotions when she returns to her present state. She may sing, play music, dance, prophesy, see visions, or become creative in poetry and prose. In short, she is filled with Goddess spirit and inspiration, the type of power that only comes from the sacred cauldron. Such Bards as Taliesin stated that they regularly "drank"from the cauldron to promote their creativity and divine inspiration.

Sparkling Cauldron's

The Scarecrow

2009-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Even if you do not have a corn field a homemade scarecrow can be quite fashionable and eye-catching. Choose bold colors and set up a display with corn stalks and bales of hay. Get creative, get the kids involved, use your imagination and make a scary scarecrow! The more menacing he looks, the more of a conversation piece he will be.

Supply Idea's for Your Homemade Scarecrow

· Long-sleeved shirt ( button up is good)
· Old pair of pants or jeans - preferably with patches
· Old pair of socks or boots
· Gardening gloves
· Straw hat
· Plenty of baling twine or string
· Safety pins
· A pillowcase or pumpkin for the head ( how about a old Halloween mask stuffed?)
· Fiberfill, newspapers, rags, or straw for stuffing
· Pencil, paint and markers for face
· Stakes (optional)

Assembly

To assemble your scarecrow, firmly tie the ends of the pants and sleeves on the shirt and stuff them with your choice of stuffing. Stuff the socks and gloves and tie on the ends. Fasten the socks (or boots) and gloves to the pants and shirt on the inside with safety pins (or bent paper clips.) Tuck the shirt into the pants.
If you're using a pumpkin for the head, it's best to carve it into a jack-o-lantern to take off some of the weight. It will take some wire to fasten it. A pillowcase works better and is far easier to attach to the body. Use a pencil and draw on the face. Follow up with the paint and markers to give him facial features. Then stuff the pillowcase and fasten it to the body with safety pins.
Top off your scarecrow with a hat. A straw hat gives it a classic look. Fasten the hat firmly so it doesn't blow off on windy days.
You can sit your scarecrow on the bales, or prop him up against them. wire him to a pole. Consider attaching him to some stakes with a hammer and nails to have him in an upright position.
Now, give your scarecrow a name and enjoy. When the season is over, store him in a dry place for next Fall.( or whats left of him<---)

Have fun &

Sparkling ScareCrows

Bee

Bee -----Witchen; Am I a Winner?

2009-10-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

HApPy hAlLoWeEn OR I should say HaPpY--> early<-- hAlLoWeEn

These are a few recent photo's I had hubby take for a photo contest I am entered in..
Was this ever a blast.. Does my love for classic movies show in these???

I must say the hat does make the witch and the one I am sporting is a Kirks Folly original. I purchased it two years ago from their website. http://www.kirksfolly.com/ .

The hat is fantastic *~* I love it.. Being the gardener that I am I picked this hat, as it was called the "Enchanted Garden hat". They currently have witch hats available for purchase, new designs, and just as fab as this hat..

Bugs & Hiss's

Bee

Dark Shadows + Depp = Fantastic!!

2009-10-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dark Shadows is a Gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC from June 27, 1966 to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis, who tells of a dream he had in which a girl takes a long train ride to visit a large mansion. It was considered daring (and unprecedented in daytime television) when ghosts were introduced about six months after it began.
The series became hugely popular when, a year into its run, vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, appeared. In addition to vampires, Dark Shadows featured werewolves, ghosts, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel (both into the past and into the future), and a parallel universe. A small company of actors each played many roles and, as actors came and went, some characters were played by several actors. Major writers in addition to Art Wallace included Malcolm Marmorstein, who created the character of Barnabas Collins, Sam Hall, Gordon Russell, and Violet Welles.

Dark Shadows now considered somewhat of a camp classic, it continues to enjoy intense cult status among its followers. Director Tim Burton and Madonna have both gone on record as fans of the series. As a child Johnny Depp was so obsessed with Barnabas Collins that he wanted to be him. In fact, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are collaborating yet again to bring this series back to life. Johnny Depp will play the lead role of Barnabas. It will be director Tim Burton's next project and eighth collaboration with Depp.
We'll find out when Burton and Depp team up for the big-screen adaptation of "Dark Shadows. Burton confirmed when he presented footage from "Alice in Wonderland" to a capacity crowd at Comic-Con's cavernous Hall H. He said "Dark Shadows" would be his next project, "if I ever finish this one here."

Before Lestat, Angel, and Edward Cullen, there was Barnabas Collins, a 175-year-old vampire who stalked the town of Collinsport, Maine pining for his lost love. Originally, the character of Barnabas, played by Jonathan Frid, was only intended for a 13-week story arc on "Dark Shadows," but he caused such a sensation with viewers he became the lead character for the next four years. The show spawned two movies in the early '70s, a revived series in 1991, and a pilot that was not picked up for series in 2004.
Depp would play Barnabas, a role that has been a lifelong dream. Depp has said he loved the show as a child: "I was obsessed with Barnabas Collins. I have photographs of me holding Barnabas Collins posters when I was five or six." Depp has been pursuing the movie adaptation for years, buying the remake rights through his production company, Infinitum-Nihil.
Burton has also spoken about his fascination with the original show. He told the Los Angeles Times, "It had the weirdest vibe to it. I'm sort of intrigued about that vibe." He also spoke about the recent influx of vampire movies: "It's like any great fable or fairytale, it's got a power to it... There's something symbolic about it that touches people in different ways."
While both Depp and Burton seem excited to start work on what will be their eighth collaboration, production might have to wait until after Depp finishes work on the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie.

So it may be a while before Depp bares his fangs as a vampire. If "Dark Shadows" also hits theaters in 2011, it could be up against the final "Twilight" film, "Breaking Dawn." But if it's delayed another year, audiences might be over their bloodsucker addiction. Still, it seems that if anyone can create a dark, atmospheric, and entrancing vampire tale, it would be Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.

This news coming is just in time for Halloween!!

Barnabas will be quickened once more!!

Sparkling bat wings

Bee

The Witch's Broom

2009-10-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

The Witches Broom or "Besom" is symbolic of cleansing and of fertility. They are used to sweep the circle (or any area) free of unwanted energies, so that the desired energy can fill the space. The besom is sweeping away the psychic dirt, getting the area purified for the ritual at hand. A Witch may begin a ritual by sweeping the area with the magick broom, visualising the psychic dirt being swept out of the ritual area. The sweeping also helps to get the mind ready for the ritual,quieting the mind and narrowing the focus for the witch. The besom is a purifier and is related to the element of Water.

The old picture of the witch riding around on the broom's stick casting magic spells is believed to have come from a agricultural fertility rite, where the women rode around the fields(like on a hobby horse), with the broom between their legs, hoping to bring the farmers a good harvest.

Besoms have been used by Witches to indicate that they were resident( a signal to other witch's you might say), or at work, by placing a besom (broom) outside the door. This is NOT to say that anyone who has a kitchen broom sitting outside their door is a witch.

Many Witches keep a besom by their door, or hanging from their door to protect the home from unwanted outside energies .

Have A bee---witching Day

Fairylands Most Wanted

2009-10-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,

Well with All Hallows Eve 's fast approach, I thought I would give you all a heads up on our most wanted. There will be much merry making in the next few weeks so we need to be on the look out for these scallywags..

Mr Black is still wanted, as the Ministry of Magic still would like some questions answered. Although it is rumored he RIP?

Captain Jack Sparrow was recently spotted at "Pirate Con" in New Orleans.. Carousing and merry making with all who would have him? So I assume he will head to a merry making spot near you soon?

The pirate pictured in the middle is a new post. He has many alias's but most frequently is known by the name "Barnacle Bill". He tends to fly in, and relieve someone of their favorite rum, cause havoc with the Faery's, and then speeds off. So please keep your eyes to the sky these next weeks approaching All Hallows Eve..

All sighting should be reported to the High Elf at Faeryland security..

Thank You

Bee

My Halloween swap gift

2009-10-08T22:44:00.004-07:00

Hi to all, had to share... This is the swap gift I received from my fairy friend Stormfairy. We had a little Halloween fun early with a fairy Halloween swap.. This is a personalized fairy house diorama, including my recent fairy ring!!! It is truly amazing with such detail.. ghosts, gargoyles, Dracula, scare crow, bats, beehive, ect.. Even a bee on my roof.. It is so fun to look at.. I will always treasure it..

This diorama was a challenge to photograph.. So I apologise for any hazing imaging..

( I really need a new camera) Please feel free to click image to get a larger view..

Stormfairy sells dioramas on eBay..

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SummerWind-Designs__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Many Sparkling hugs

My Kayla turned 2 today

2009-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

A Birthday party for our blue fairy was today, out on the fairy garden...

I cannot believe Kayla, and Sunny are two already!!! Kayla wanted her own fairy wings.. Ever since she saw mine!!! So thats what she got and wore them proudly.. A tiny bite of ice cream topped off her day..

A last look at FaeryWorlds 2009

2009-09-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

Hi to all in blog land! This is just a last look at the craftiness found in Fairyland.. Pictures courtesy of my fairy friend Pinkie & myself.

I can now reminisce, and dream of next year...

Sparkling leaves

Bee

Faery Garden Update

2009-09-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Faery garden wheel of constructing continues to turn.. Summer 2006 was the start date.. and every summer since.. Two people with a imagination and little funds.. We opted for the long term as it was only the two of us doing it all.. With help from my Nickie-RIP and my two young pups Sunny and Kayla.. Well. the last pattern has been laid for the mica stones. We both like this pattern and it will stay. Just the setting is left to do( the real job) stones weigh approx. 30 pounds each.. The water feature /the small pond has been sculpted out by Scotch and reinforced .. The plan is to mortar in a aggregate look with matching pink quartz to match the large stones on either side of the center stone.. This way we can have it dry or with the water. He has created a pump system that will swirl the water around the pond in a circular manner.. This will all go under construction next spring.. That will be the final touches.. All that's left it to light it up for the night!!

Hugs Bee ( who is getting ready to can potato's)

Faery Ring in full bloom!!

2009-09-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

My, Oh, My, Byrum out did himself, and was most careful not to step inside....

Hugs B.

Tending a fairy ring

2009-09-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Here is my helper dear Byrum Thimbleberry, he is tending a most magnificent fairy ring near the rear entrance to my fairy garden...

The wheel of the year is turning, I feel the sweet cool breeze of fall..

Sparkling leaves are falling

Harvest Moon

2009-09-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Lady Luna was beautiful last night!!! Peaking through blues and yellow orange luminous cloud cover.... she was spectacular...

Sparkling moon beams

Bee

Yes, Faery's do the canning TOO!!

2009-09-01T12:56:00.006-07:00

Hi to all in blogging land...

Well some of the fairies need to see that yes, Faery's do have there ears on while doing domestic chores... These photos are right after I was done canning green beans all day. I slipped on my red sparkling caftan, and prepared for the KF show to come on the "Q" Monday night... And yes, red wand in hand!!

Sparkling fairy ears to all

Testing out wings

2009-09-01T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hi all , Well on a visit to Under-Root yesterday, (located on the far side of Ravenswood), during my travels I decided to test out some new wings.. These are made from asparagus fern..

Sparkles

Bee

More Faeryworlds pictures

2009-08-10T12:45:00.001-07:00

Hi to all, Well here are some more snap shots from the beyond.. Oh and thats my leg sporting my henna tatoo<---:-)

Bee

Photo's Of B's Adventure

2009-08-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

BAD Faery!!

Caught A FAUN<--- :-) or two??

BBF'S, dining

Shell belt progress

2009-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Well this busy bee is making head way... Here is a update,

The shell belt is almost done.. Then to give it the stress test?? It is coming out pretty good.. I tryed to match it a bit to the fairy hair piece I made first... I used different colored leaves and added some leaves and flowers that I used in the hair piece as to try to coordinate.. It is Lammas on Saturday Aug. 1st.

It is getting close now, Faeryworlds opens on Friday the 31st.. So I am moving along. I am getting excited too, I have a-lot of work here to get done so I will not be behind in my gardens . I have been splitting my time up.. I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel.. Figured out my wireless Internet on my laptop.., got a You -tube account, so video and pictures I will get of the event to share for all of you.. Anyway it is Hot here 100+ so I must get moving ...

Sparkles

Bee

Update Faeryworlds creations

2009-07-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Faery garb, update,

The hair-beads are done... For "Bad (gothic pirate) Faery Night" !!

The Capt. would be proud.. LOL

The Lil vintage purse I have had for a while... Yard sale find...

It is now the Bee's -->official Faery dust bag.. Just a sparkling jewel away from being done.. Anyone recognize this wand pin??

Still working on the shell belt, and a small alteration on the Bad Faery outfit..

Getting things organized to pack up and planning for the outdoor event....

Weather is wet here now for a few days so hopefully I can work indoors and get the rest done??

Hugs bee

FaeryWorlds has moved its Location

2009-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

HI to all, What a surprise this was!!! But a most welcome one.. This park is fab.. It is big . Full of flora an fauna.. And soon faery's from around the world what a place to celebrate Lammas.. Drat I love to camp over too!!! I so wish my vintage motor home was running!!!!

I am still getting ready, starting to pack an get stuff ready that I will need.. Working on hair ideas now.....?????

Here is to link with some photo's of the park...

http://www.faerieworlds.com/pisgah.html

Sparkles

Midsummer Magic

2009-06-22T11:45:00.001-07:00

Hi to all, Let the Magic begin!! Last night was most wonderful *~*baring out all the thunder and lightning we had earlier in the day. Even had some big rain drops as well! The faery garden looked lovely last night in the candles soft glow, the smell of fresh cut flowers, I chose; wild fox glove, wild honeysuckle, forget-me knots, lavender, rosemary, carnations, yellow alyssum, & sweet William. All nestled in my vintage clam and oyster shells. Melania held the fire orange Lily's over her pool filled with shells. The candles were KF watermelon scent.. As like last year I awoke this morning to find them still burning. Of course Byrum was working his magic as it was the longest night of the year.. The grand lady of my fairy garden the Calla lily glowed as bright as Luna herself..

Faery Garb search update

2009-06-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Well getting much closer now.. Got a pair of wings, and finished one of my home made projects. The photo above is a a hair adornment I made from scratch.. I will wear this in my hair with my faery outfits--> good faery more so I should say.. Anyway this was fun to create. I saw something like this on a fairy in a calender I have.. I have incorporated a flex barrette into it so I just pop it and snap it anywhere I want and it is secure...

Below is the sparkling pirate scarf I got--> to add to my Gothic bad faery pirate costume..

:-)

Midsummers Night ~ June 21

2009-06-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Seeing the Faeries on Midsummer Eve ;

Seek out a secrete spot, wild and lovely, where all the herbs and trees of the summer flourish around you. Build a little fire in a ring of stone sand smolder nine pine cones and a little incense. For these bring good fortune you will have brought with you a crown twisted from oak leaves, rosemary and wild roses, pink and white. Take only what you need from each tree or bush and bless each one for its providence. You must wait till the twilight comes on and the stars begin to twinkle, and then dance around the fire.The fairies will show you how; listen in your heart to their inspiration, and you will dance the magical dance of the woods and the stars and the fire-bewitched night, for what was done in days of old will be done again.When you have tires, sit down and meditate upon the fire,
Look into its flames, and ask the King of the Elves and the Queen of the Woods to be with you in your meditation.Think the mystical forces in nature, which are the angels and the fairies. If you keep a faithful with stillness of heart, you will see them dancing among the trees and the fire will bring you visions of the spirit. As the fire burns down, lay your crown aside and say:"This is for the fairies".Put out your fire Keep a pen and paper by your bedside this eve, for your dreams will be touched with the magic of the night and the fairies.

Midsummer Night Eve

The night is a glow with sweet summer scent.
The moons watchful eye is on this summer event.
Bon fire ablaze with its crackle and pop,
honey wine flows like the foam off a pot.
Flowers strung round in every hue.
to celebrate life and the world that's renewed.
The magic begins right after midnight,
this night seems a haze in the bright fire light.
Creatures of earth take on a new shape,
Fairies in flight have a renewed gait.
The night stretches on where magic abounds,
The honey wine tastes as sweet as it sounds.
This Midsummer moon turns a shade of orange gold
as the sun comes arising, new beauty to behold.

BeeCharmer
June 16, 2007

Blessed Be to all

Secret Entrance

2009-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Here is a photo I took in the early hours of this dew filled morning tis a a glimpse of the entrance to "Rootunder", the gnome community which Byrum Thimbleberry hails from..

In a future blog I will show you pictures of some of Byrum's handy work we saw on the way.

SHHHHhhhhhhhhh as I make my retreat

Sigh off for Analog TV

2009-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sigh off Or Rip Off

No other western country in the world disconnects its analog signal completely. They just add digital... Why do I care? I have a satellite TV signal --> Yes! But I also have, and use the analog TV signal as well. For many years I depended on analog for news, and weather reports as well as the EBS (emergency broad cast system). Especially during storm, and power outage. I still have one TV set for analog reception and used it everyday.
There is an underlined reason for this change --> make no mistake…

Yes, I got my “SPECIAL” conversion box. Paid for it too--- last January. Just to find out a month ago that most networks will not come up with the use of it. The digital signal just does not carry as far, and does not get to certain areas of the country. Well at 9 am Friday it went off, and I checked my TV --> reprogrammed with this new converter box... Well Yippee it worked. I get 6 religious channels, and channel 13 which is also owned & operated by a religious group... I do not watch it due to the biased news reporting they offer. No CBS, ABC, or NBC & no PBS. We use to get 11 stations total. Now 7 --> all religion backed. Make no mistake the programming on both satellite (cable) and analog signal is pathetic. But the point is freedom for me to watch what I choose, and not be force fed the info that someone else chooses, and deciding what news I need to know with their spin on it as icing... So they destroy Radio broadcasting many years ago--- Now TV availability.
So where does that leave the Americans, and Canadians who like to choose what they watch and listen to... Well no were. I believe this is one more forced control on the American people. I believe people better stand up soon, heck this is a major control of a large population --> limiting its populous to information, and real time current events around the country & world. It may well be too late to stand up. I did a research paper at university years ago on “Technology and Society”. Our government and the big five pushed the tech world on to the populous as a big money making venture. So badly that people discarded the old ways of life. <-- Honest communication One on one.. Now with the huge population of the US. technology is almost a necessity. One needs to keep informed on the state of this country in all parts. I am wondering what the 80 percent of the USA population that does not have cable are doing? How much of that 80 percent are even able to get a signal with this box, and how many even could have afforded one? Oh yes the federal coupon… Still you had to peel out 20 bucks + of your own money to get one... Figure 800 hundred thousand X 20 bucks. 800,000 --> that’s just the latest number of people who called the FCC the first 24 hours after the shut off. = 14 million dollars--> now that a piece of change... That’s not factoring in those who paid from 60 to 80 dollars for this box, or the total amount sold...
Sounds like a scam to me. Someone is making a lot of money while they are force feeding us there bad decisions.

BUZZING BEE

Its all about the right choices

2009-06-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

You ask of my companions. Hills, sir, and the sundown, and a dog as large as myself that my father bought me. They are better than human beings, because they know but do not tell. ~Emily Dickinson

Hi to all,

Those of us who love Australian Shepherds can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make them unsuitable for some owners. This is why I am posting this blog entry. Recently I had inquiries about my dogs and I had to tell the folks that they just were not suited for this type of dog.. Folks please consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the type of dog you choose, exspecially with the exuberance of a Aussie.

Here are some breed specifics of the Aussie;

Moderate sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog. Many Aussies today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussies need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic can simply overwhelm them. Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.

The intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors.

Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussies of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become aggressive without proper training. This is so very true, I tell visiters this always-->My saying is" You must reapply with my Aussie's every time you come to my home. My dogs are not mean, But they make you reapply with them before you can come in.. My beloved Nick was this way too! So a un-socialized Aussie can be a BIG problem!

Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "till the cows come home". If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves.

So that's the long and short of it.. Please always chose carefully when getting a pet..

It is a life long commitment..

Puppy kisses to all

Bee

Bad Faery choice

2009-06-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Well with FaeryWorlds approaching fast... I thought I better get with it... With all my garden prep and the finishing touches on my fairy garden… Block lying... I should say MORE block<-- I have had very little creative time. Although I am making a hair piece, and a shell belt for the other dress I am going to use for Good Faery Day, and for the event in general.…

I bought this outfit and I will transform it into “Bad Fairy” garb. I am going for the Bad faery goth pirate look.

I have lovely sparkling jewels to adorn it with *~* a scull head & wooden bead rosary -->really long, a red sparkling skull and crossbones head scarf, Home made trade bead hair strands, black leather look leggings, silver faery cross, and of course some wings fit for a bad fairy!! Here is a sneak peak at the outfit--> part of it anyway... I will post my picture in it later!! When I get it all put together.

Sparkling summer sunbeams

B.

Fairy Crowns & Circlets

2009-05-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

by Ishani

All I can say about this search... Is -->

OOoooo--- AHHHhhhhh

Some of these are to die for!!!!

*~*Crowns and Head pieces*~*

http://heartsongs-crystal-wands-crowns.com/goddess_crowns_and_tiaras.htm

http://www.ibelieveinfaeries.com/citadel/index.htm

http://www.somethingelsestudio.com/headpieces-medieval-renaissance-wedding-attire.htm

http://www.avalon-fantasy.com/Aurora/Aurora_Collection.html

http://mystickalandmagickal.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=107&zenid=6d3665d107b02b995e1e4d1ecbec048c

Meet Sir Byrum Thimbleberry

2009-05-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

What a grand morning it was after three nights of bon fires and roasty marshmallows. I awoke to another beautiful morning...

It was 5: 30 am. I went out with my pups, and took a short stroll around RavensWood. As I entered the fairy garden I heard the sound of water... To my surprise I discovered a new resident that dwells here in the fairy garden…
A most handsome gnome named "Byrum Thimbleberry". I spoke with him only briefly as his work is most important to him.

He hails from “Rootunder”, a small community of gnomes here on the outskirts of RavensWood. It was his time to go out into the world and make his magic... He chose my fairy garden as his home... Here is a snap shot I got of him as I left him to his work..

Sparkling summer sunbeams

Bee

Make up and Ears

2009-05-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Fantasy look, fairy make up / face paints/ lashes for the fairy /ears/masks"

Now this was a fun search faerie fans, in fact I am still looking for MORE!!
Ideas galore, options options and more options. Now decisions and pratice on some of the make up ideas.. Hummmm? Maybe dye my hair...---> No, maybe some tinting?? Why not!!

Make up and body paint

http://www.stardustfairies.com/categories.asp?cID=11&c=185750

http://www.naturalexpressions.org/bodypaint.html

http://www.mooncostumes.com/item/6834

http://www.enchantedcostumes.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=93

http://www.mehron.com/Extreme_Beauty_Makeup_s/83.htm

lashs
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/accessories/false-eyelashes/fantasy.aspx

http://mycrafttime.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&disp_order=2&page=3

http://www.makebelieve.com/detail/KR-91303.html

ears & cuffs

http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php

http://thyme2dream.silkfair.com/store/category/2031

masks

http://www.falconrose.com/FALCONROSE/HOMEx.html

http://www.gypsyrenaissance.net/celestialvisions/celestialvisions.html

Fairy dress, Costume Idea's

2009-05-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

BAD FAIRY *~* Good Fairy *~* Woodland Fairy*~*

Oh, me -o- my costume lovers.... So many wonderful idea's so little time. I think if I could I would only wear costumes ? LOL

Would that be great!!!

I have posted a list of web sites that had great selections and lots of bits and bobs to add to you own creations...

All sorts of Idea's here.

http://store.sacredmists.com/gowiridr.html

http://www.polkadotinc.com/

http://www.thefaerycrossing.com/Faerylinks/clothing.tml
http://www.extremecostumes.com/gothwomen.htm
http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/PrincessBrides.html

http://bellirosa.com/store/index.php?cPath=109&main_page=index
http://www.costumeholidayhouse.com/search.asp
http://www.thedarkangel.co.uk/catalogue3.php?c=2
http://www.yourfantasycostume.com/

In Search Of....

2009-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Fairy wings.. above

http://www.bumpinthenightproductions.com/
http://www.fancyfairy.com/

Hi to all, Boy it has taken me a bit to get back here.. I am back.. Gardening has begun, and spring has sprung here at the Bee' s Cottage.. As of late I have been preparing for a a event this summer. Well I needed some fairy garb and of course I did not have anything at home I wanted to wear--> LOL. So in search of I have gone, and am still looking to complete my idea of a fairy look. So the next blogs entries are going to be places and stuff I have found ( in all price ranges) that are "FAIRY" I will add the links as well if I still have them to add.. ( I hate that I always loose links) all good sources in my opinion. I will let you all know what I choose when I am all done looking. I have some time still before I buy..

So lets begin with --> WINGS

Isis fairy wings used in the magical belly dance == http://www.zarifas.com/Belly_Dance_Fairy_Wings

Butterfly type fairy wings--> I like these !! A- lot so much variety and color..

http://www.ibelieveinfaeries.com/citadel/index.htm

These are expensive but different .

http://www.fairy-wings.com/posie.htm

http://www.artofwings.com/branches.htm

I am leaning towards these branch style ??

Tea cozy

2009-03-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Well I had to post this. I received this lovely tea cozy from a dear fairy friend.. Well just so happens I had a tea pot( from another dear fairy friend) that matches!!!! Isn't it Sooo cute !!!

Many Hugs Bee

Spring is coming

2009-03-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

The lady spring has sneaked up on me here at the cottage, my furry friends have popped their heads out.. What sweet catkins these are... And welcome..

Warm spring breezes to all

Bee

My attempt at Valentine cards

2009-02-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

Hi to all,

Well it's been a while since I have blogged... But everyone needs a break, and for some reason life always gets in the way as well??

This month was Valentines day so I made my version of Victorian style Valentine's for a few friends of mine... I had so much fun! I tried to make each one different and unique to the new owner.. I even scribed a original Valentine verse for the dear fairy girls and decorated the back.. Anyway I am glad to be back .. For now anyway??

I am trying to decide what my subject matter will be this 2009..

Enjoy the snap shots of the Valentines I made. Fronts & (some)backs :-) I even made the envelopes. You can kind of see the different colors & patterns of the paper as I laid the card ontop when I took the pictures..

Hugs

Bee

Imbolc Blessing

2009-02-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

"There's a grassy slope not far away Where thousands of Narcissus bloom,

And I catch my breath, as I watch them swayTossing their sweet perfume.

Gaily they nod their dear little heads And smilingly welcome me,

As they spring up fresh from their winter beds,Eager for company.

Their round white faces fair and clean Are purer than frost or snow,

And I thank the hands, tho' now unseen;

That planted them, long ago."

- Nora McFarlane, Hillside Narcissus

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

Fairy places, fairy things

fairy woods where

the wild bee wings.

Tiny trees, for tiny dames.

These must all be fairy names.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Happy Christmas

2008-12-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

From; The Buzzing Bee

Its Not Christmas for me without Dickens..

2008-12-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Merry to all, As a child and as a adult it is just not the Christmas season without the works of Charles Dickens. I Love the novels, as they sweep me away to a world that is so colorful and descriptive. . It lets you enter their world and make you feel as if you are really there..

The movies of course. I love the old black, and whites the best!! The actors character explorations in those movies are superior to any of the present days redo's as far as I am concerned..

I have blogged some history, and biographic info here for you about Dickens that I thought was interesting.. Please enjoy..

Happy Christmas

Bee

Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English Victorian era author wrote numerous highly acclaimed novels including his most autobiographical David Copperfield (1848-1850);Charles Dickens has probably had more influence on the way that we celebrate Christmas today than any single individual in human history except one.

At the beginning of the Victorian period the celebration of Christmas was in decline. The medieval Christmas traditions, which combined the celebration of the birth of Christ with the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia (a pagan celebration for the Roman god of agriculture), and the Germanic winter festival of Yule, had come under intense scrutiny by the Puritans under Oliver Cromwell. The Industrial Revolution, in full swing in Dickens' time, allowed workers little time for the celebration of Christmas.
The romantic revival of Christmas traditions that occurred in Victorian times had other contributors: Prince Albert brought the German custom of decorating the Christmas tree to England, the singing of Christmas carols (which had all but disappeared at the turn of the century) began to thrive again, and the first Christmas card appeared in the 1840s. But it was the Christmas stories of Dickens, particularly his 1843 masterpiece "A Christmas Carol", that rekindled the joy of Christmas in Britain and America. Today, after more than 160 years," A Christmas Carol" continues to be relevant, sending a message that cuts through the materialistic trappings of the season, and gets to the heart and soul of the holidays.

Dickens' describes the holidays as "a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of other people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys".

This was what Dickens described for the rest of his life as the "Carol Philosophy. Dickens' name had become so synonymous with Christmas that on hearing of his death in 1870 a little costermonger's fruit and vegetable) ( girl in London asked, "Mr. Dickens dead? Then will Father Christmas die too?".

Some of Dickens Novels;

A Christmas Carol

The Pickwick Papers

Great Expectations

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, unfinished novel

Bah Humbug! The Importance of Christmas Stories?

2008-12-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

How did A Christmas Carol evolve into a classic -- and why does it still emotionally touch thousands every year?
Of all the Christmas stories, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is undoubtedly second only to the Nativity story in terms of historical and literary significance. Ever since its publication, readers have returned to this story in droves, finding comfort and joy in the story of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his conversion to the fullness of Christmas joy through the Christmas spirits of the Past, Present, and Future.
Scrooge
A Christmas Carol is so famous that the word "scrooge" has come to define a miser or killjoy even in non-English speaking countries. Rarely do Christmas stories reach so far and have such a significant impact. An interesting note is that people seem more interested in the pre-conversion Scrooge. Most of the novel tells of his transformation, but the word is never used in that sense in popular language.
"Ebenezer" is actually a Hebrew name which literally translates to "stone of help." Many people have interpreted the name in different ways, and legends abound as to where Dickens gathered the surname Scrooge -- including the notion that he misread the word "meal" for "mean" on a tombstone and stole the man's name.
Themes
Like many Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol has themes far beyond that of Christmas. Dickens was extremely concerned with the social and economic status of the poor in his time. In fact, a famous legend tells of Dickens challenging a doctor to walk through the poorest district of London without becoming ill. The man laughingly took the dare and wound up making it ten feet.
When we think of Victorian times, we don't realize the incredible poverty hidden behind the upper and middle class veneer. Many Victorians also preferred to sweep those individuals under the carpet, and Dickens used Scrooge as an embodiment of that attitude.
It doesn't take much effort to see the importance of A Christmas Carol as a literary work -- after all, it has influenced countless spin-offs, parodies, and tributes -- but even a quick reading also reveals the social and historical significance of this most famous of Christmas stories.
Years to Come
It seems clear that Dickens' immortal tale won't be going anywhere fast. Already there have been dozens of film, television, and stage interpretations, and more are scheduled for the near future. So never fear. This most beloved of Christmas stories looks like it's here to stay!

Christmas Legends About Silent Night

2008-12-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

There are obscure Christmas legends, and then there are the legends almost everyone remembers. Silent Night is a Christmas carol that has evoked a powerful response, and people seem compelled to shroud it with stories and mystery.

Some Facts

These are the facts we know for sure about Silent Night despite the various stories surrounding the famous Christmas carol.
--An Austrian priest by the name of Father Josef Mohr composed the original lyrics to Stille Nacht in German.
--An Austrian headmaster, Franz Xavier Gruber, composed the melody, which differed slightly from the version we use today.
--Mohr wrote the song in 1816, but it wasn't performed until Christmas Eve of 1818 at the Nicola-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf, Austria.
--Gruber's original melody was written for guitar.

The Myths

Out of these simple facts came many Christmas legends of Silent Night. Including some of these myths and some legends where the truth is simply unknown.
--The organ broke and Gruber and Mohr quickly composed the melody for the song on guitar instead;
Truth: The first mention of this legend doesn't occur until 1909, long after the song's debut.
--The carol was performed to a magnificent reception, but promptly forgotten. In 1825, an organ repairman found the long-lost manuscript and brought it to the attention of the public once more.
Truth: Mohr and Gruber published several versions of the song throughout their lifetimes.
--Mice ate through the organ bellows, necessitating the use of the guitar.
Truth: There is no evidence of this, just like the other organ myth. Some have theorized that Gruber used his guitar just because he was looking for an excuse to play it in church. Unlike many Christmas legends, this one might actually be true.

Silent Night in War

Silent Night has had a profound impact on people around the world, and the Internet gives you access to many soldiers from a variety of battles who found peace in its melody.
The most famous, of course, is the temporary truce shared by German and American soldiers during the Christmas of 1914.
Unlike many Christmas legends, this story has been downplayed, not exaggerated, as years passed. Military officials disliked the truce, and they doubly disliked the fact that soldiers on both sides refused to resume firing at one another for some time afterwards.But while Silent Night was the song that started soldiers on both sides singing together, the following days saw soldiers playing soccer, exchanging gifts, and meeting behind enemy lines, all in the name of Christmas.
So while many Christmas legends are silly, sentimental, or just plain nonsense, keep in mind that not only are some true, but that they can be the most inspiring of all.

Christmas Traditions: The Advent Calendar

2008-12-18T04:15:00.000-08:00

The Advent calendar is one of our most beloved Christmas traditions, right up there with trimming the tree and laying out milk and cookies for Santa Claus. But where does it come from -- and in our busy 21st century world, where is it going?

In the Beginning

The term "Advent" is actually a religious term referring to the four weeks leading up to Christmas (or the "advent" of Christ). That means Advent usually doesn't begin on December 1st but at the end of November. In practical terms, though, people have used December 1st as the beginning of their countdown for over three hundred years.
People have always enjoyed having something to look forward to, and even before the frenzied commercialism of gift giving, Christmas was a season to remember, and Christmas traditions helped people count down the days. As early as the 17th century, families would mark chalk lines on the walls to give themselves a visual reference as to how many days remained until the holiday.

Oh, Those Victorians....

We often associate Christmas traditions with Victoriana with good reason. Christmas really enjoyed itself in the 19th century! Long before Queen Victoria's husband brought the German tradition of the Christmas tree to England, German families had marked the days to Christmas with wreaths, pictures, and various other physical actions.
In fact, it was shortly after the turn of the century, in the early 1900s, when the first Advent calendar was actually printed commercially.

Now and Beyond

Of course, most people nowadays associate Christmas traditions with getting something, and that's why so many Advent calendars have chocolate treats hidden behind their doors. There have been many criticisms of these modern Advent calendars, which some believe buy too strongly into commercial Christmas and move away from what is essentially Advent.
Other countries have opened their own Christmas traditions to countdown. In Scandinavia, for example, there is actually a television show that begins on December 1st and ends on the 24th. These shows give the entire country a method of counting down to Christmas together.
But for the true Advent calendar, the place to be remains Germany. Many communities transform buildings in their towns (or in one memorable case, a town hall with twenty four windows) into living Advent calendars, with beautiful Christmas scenes illuminated one by one as the days to Christmas pass by. Most believe that the Advent calendar originated in Germany, but like so many Christmas traditions, it has spread to the entire world.

Sweet Treats Can Bring Some Good Christmas Luck.

2008-12-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered if you should pay attention to those Christmas food superstitions? Is there a simple yet traditional dish you can whip up and throw a little luck into the mix?

Let's not Mince Words

Do you like mince pie? (NO) Never had it? Mince pies were once known as mincemeat pies. The actual meat is left out of the now completely sweet British Christmas pastry filled with dried fruit. You should give it a try if you want to encourage luck in the New Year.
There's more than mince in mince pie. Eat as much mince pie as you can from the start of Christmas Eve until the end of the Twelfth night to bring heaping amounts of good luck into the New Year!
Put away that knife! An important note to make regarding Christmas food superstitions and mince pie is that cutting it will slice through your luck in the upcoming year. Better to just pick up and bite right into these delectable sweets.
Prefer using a utensil while gaining good luck? Here's another Christmas food superstition that requires a wooden spoon to mix the good luck into your treat.

The Proof is in the Pudding

Traditionally, all people in the household must stir the pudding with a wooden spoon and view the bottom of the bowl three times. Make a wish with each swirl. Even the youngest baby partakes to help to ensure the entire household prosperity in the coming year. Much like wishing on a star, however, you cannot reveal the content of your wish until it comes true.
Finally, a silver coin, a thimble and a ring are dropped into the pudding before serving. Christmas food superstitions dictate that the recipient of the coin on his Christmas dinner plate receives luck, whoever gets the thimble gains in prosperity, and finally the ring represents a wedding in the future.
For Christmas dinner here are a couple of lucky notes to make for your luck's sake. Make sure you set the table for an even number of people even if you have an odd number of guests (just make sure to round up, not down). Stay at the table until everyone's finished, because leaving early brings bad luck (doesn't that one sound like something your mom made up?).
.

The Nutcracker

2008-12-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

How did The Nutcracker come to be one of our most beloved Christmas traditions?

It's one of the newer Christmas traditions, but it's still had time to become near and dear to our hearts. Every year, usually at the beginning of December, many families attend the only piece of ballet or live theatre they'll see all year: The Nutcracker.

But how did The Nutcracker become such a popular tradition? What sets it apart from other Christmas stories and makes it special? And where, exactly, did it come from?

The story itself is quite old, and the one we see onstage isn't even the original, but a popular adaptation by the French author Alexandre Dumas, best known for writing The Three Musketeers. Once the story made the leap (no pun intended) from page to stage, though, history was in the making.

From the Ashes of Disappointment...

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the famous Russian composer also known for the 1812 overture, composed The Nutcracker as his final and least satisfying ballet, taking on the project with a marked lack of enthusiasm.
How ironic that it should become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions of the twentieth century while many of the composer's other works fell by the wayside!
The ballet premiered in Russia in 1892. The famous "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," now well known for its lilting, somewhat exotic melody, made Tchaikovsky the first composer in history to use the celesta, an instrument similar to a group of tuning forks. Most people thought the instrument too subtle for symphonic use.

First Russia, Then the World!

The Nutcracker didn't exactly make an instantaneous leap from Russia to the archive of American Christmas traditions. In fact, not until 1944 did an American ballet company decide to perform the entire ballet. But that year the San Francisco Ballet took on the task, performing the ballet as an annual tradition.
But it was George Balanchine who really started The Nutcracker on the road to Christmas traditions. In 1954 he choreographed the ballet for a New York company, and not a year has passed since when the ballet wasn't performed in New York City.
Balanchine was the first to have the roll of Clara danced by a child, necessitating a much simpler choreography. By the late 1960s, other ballet companies across North America had jumped on the bandwagon, enthusiastically performing The Nutcracker to a receptive annual audience.
One wonders whether the ballet's great posthumous success would have changed Tchaikovsky's opinion of his final ballet, but unfortunately he died in 1894, long before The Nutcracker became one of the nation's most beloved Christmas traditions.

Historical Christmas Stories: Yes, Virginia!

2008-12-10T04:11:00.000-08:00

If you love historical Christmas stories -- or even if you don't -- you can probably finish this sentence: Yes, Virginia, there is a....

The most famous of all historical Christmas stories has to be ;

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. -->>And better still, the story is true.

In spite of the fact that almost everyone has heard of such historical Christmas stories, surprisingly few people know the full tale behind them. It's kind of like going Christmas caroling and discovering you don't actually know more than the first verse of your favorite songs. Most people don't know more than the most basic of Virginia's story.But that basis is incredibly famous.
An eight-year-old girl, doubting the existence of Santa Claus, wrote a letter to the New York Sun in 1897 and received a public answer in the form of a now-famous editorial entitled ;

"Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus."

Virginia
Virginia (actually Laura Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas) wrote to the New York Sun after her "little friends" told her there was no such person as Santa Claus. Interestingly, that phrase -- "little friends" -- has caused many to question the authenticity of the story, as some argue that no eight year old child would ever use that phrase.
In 1998, though, the original copy of the letter appeared on The Antiques Roadshow and received professional authentication (receiving a value, incidentally, of about $50,000).
Virginia went on to become a school teacher and died in 1971.

The Author
Like most historical Christmas stories, this one has an author -- or in this case, an editor. Francis Pharcellus Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, an assignment which took a serious toll on his stores of hope, joy, and faith in humanity.
No one expected much from Church's editorial -- in fact, they placed it seventh on the editorial page beneath an article about chain less articles. The editorial, however, became a symbol of belief for a generation and who would have known all generations thereafter.
In the years since, Church's article has become the most reprinted editorial ever, and has found a permanent home in the heart of many Americans.

Like so many historical Christmas stories, this editorial touches on meaningful philosophical issues like the Christmas ideals of belief, faith, and hope.

UPDATE ;HARRY POTTER

2008-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hi to all you Potter fans.... While putting up my Christmas tree yesterday I was watching ABC family cable TV station. It had a all day Potter movie marathon.. During commercial breaks they showed previews of the new movie " Half Blood Prince" And it gave a movie date release of "July 17th" 2009.. So hopefully this date will stick this time!!!!

Anyway thought you would want to know???

Hugs & pumpkin juice

Bee

OH Christmas Tree , Oh Christams tree

2008-12-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

With Christmas & Yule's fast approach, And -->I just put up my tree yesterday. I thought I would blog a little info on the Christmas tree. It is such a part of the traditional Christmas festivities and such a center piece. My tree is artificial.. I walk in the woods the week before Yule, and find a proud grand fir, and ask for a a small sampling of his beautiful branch's so I may smell the scent of Christmas past, and partake in a small way in the celebrations of the ancients....

Happy Hoildays
Bee

Traditions: Christmas Trees

The fir tree has a long association with Christianity, it began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.

Top ten christmas trees sold in the united states .

Voted #1 - Fraser Fir
Voted #2 - Douglas Fir
Voted #3 - Balsam Fir
Voted #4 - Colorado Blue Spruce V
Voted # 5 - Scotch Pine -
Voted #6 - Eastern Red Cedar -
Voted #7 - White Spruce -
Voted #8 - Eastern White Pine -
Voted #9 - White Fir or Concolor Fir
Voted #10 - Virginia Pine

( Where I live in the Pacific NW--> it is; Douglas fir, Blue spruce, Grand fir and Noble fir.)

CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION HAS ANCIENT ORIGINS

King Tut never saw a Christmas tree, but he would have understood the tradition which traces back long before the first Christmas.
The Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrive, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.
The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.
Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and place evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.
Legend has it that Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.
The Christmas tree tradition most likely came to the United States with Hessian troops during the American Revolution, or with German immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio.
But the custom spread slowly. The Puritans banned Christmas in New England. Even as late as 1851, a Cleveland minister nearly lost his job because he allowed a tree in his church. Schools in Boston stayed open on Christmas Day through 1870, and sometimes expelled students who stayed home.
The Christmas tree market was born in 1851 when Catskill farmer Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds of evergreens into New York City and sold them all. By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree, and 20 years later, the custom was nearly universal.
Christmas tree farms sprang up during the depression. Nurserymen couldn't sell their evergreens for landscaping, so they cut them for Christmas trees. Cultivated trees were preferred because they have a more symmetrical shape then wild ones.

CHRISTMAS TREE HISTORY

Did a celebration around a Christmas tree on a bitter cold Christmas Eve at Trenton, New Jersey, turn the tide for Colonial forces in 1776? According to legend, Hessian mercenaries were so reminded of home by a candlelit evergreen tree that they abandoned their guard posts to eat, drink and be merry. Washington attached that night and defeated them.
The Christmas tree has gone through a long process of development rich in many legends, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, with the Springfield Extension Center.
Some historians trace the lighted Christmas tree to Martin Luther. He attached lighted candles to a small evergreen tree, trying to simulate the reflections of the starlit heaven -- the heaven that looked down over Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve.
Until about 1700, the use of Christmas trees appears to have been confined to the Rhine River District. From 1700 on, when lights were accepted as part of the decorations, the Christmas tree was well on its way to becoming a tradition in Germany. Then the tradition crossed the Atlantic with the Hessian soldiers.
Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to an earlier period. Even before the Christian era, trees and boughs were used for ceremonials. Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year -- brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of "life triumphant over death". When the Romans observed the feast of saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to the fir tree.
To the Druids, sprigs of evergreen holly in the house meant eternal life; while to the Norsemen, they symbolized the revival of the sun god Balder. To those inclined toward superstition, branches of evergreens placed over the door kept out witches, ghosts, evil spirits and the like.
This use does not mean that our Christmas tree custom evolved solely from paganism, any more than did some of the present-day use of sighed in various religious rituals.
Trees and branches can be made purposeful as well as symbolic. The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and brings into our lives a pleasant aroma of the forest. The fact that balsam fir twigs, more than any other evergreen twigs, resemble crosses may have had much to do with the early popularity of balsam fir used as Christmas trees.

First Christmas without Harry

2008-12-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas without Harry ?

Wow, this is the first Christmas when I was not enjoying a new book, or movie from our dear J.K. Rowling story "Harry Potter".. It will not be the same. Although I am reading "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" (I just got my copy yesterday.) But I really wish I had a movie.. Funny how one gets use to something, and all of the sudden there is a hole in the festivities because it is missing..

I am really enjoying the new edition to the Harry Potter collection.

But I miss Harry very much !!

Sparkling Christmas lights.

Bee :^)

The first Christmas Card

2008-12-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

The first known Christmas card is printed on the front cover with a date of 1843. The original was in muted colours, hand painted, printed and sold for 1cent each (5p) - a lot of money in those days. Despite the date on this card, encyclopedia's say that Christmas cards were first sold in 1846!By the 1860s the idea of sending cards had caught on as they were able to be produced much more cheaply with the invention of less expensive colour printing. The first Christmas cards had lace and flowery borders, but then they changed to more familiar designs. The robin became very popular as were Victorian snow scenes, religious pictures, holly, Christmas trees etc. Many similar scenes are reproduced in our cards today.

Thought this was interesting..

Hugs a lots of sparkling Christmas cards to all

Bee

26 days??

2008-11-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

26 days till Christmas? Black Friday, The 30th anniversary of the movie the "Christmas Story?" Wow times does fly...

I have barely got my mind set to get my windows washed. I was hoping I could just wish my decorations up in one swift movement! I must admit I did do a tiny bit of online shopping yesterday but nothing major. I have given up present purchases for my family as it seemed unreal to buy gifts for people you never see, or who are ever home when you call. One never knows if they liked the gift, or if they even received it--> unless I put delivery confirmation on the packages, or UPS tracking! So it is just Christmas cards now, and a unanswered phone calls.. Oh do not get me wrong !! I love Christmas !! Always have.. I have just been unfortunate to have a family that do not at least when it means to include me.. I decorate, and make Merry every year. I create my own Fairyland filled with mystery, and magic. I never believed that Christmas was every about the gifts anyway I believed it was always about the mystic.. I must say it is my number 2 holiday in the year.. I begin the decorating this weekend.. Starting with the white fairy lights.. As my Fae await their twinkle!! And so do I!!

Eat well today my friends, and make merry!!! The magic is just beginning..

"God Bless us all, everyone"

Sparkling Bee

>

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-26T22:06:00.000-08:00

"THE QUEST"
A THANKSGIVING POEM
by Eudora S. Bumstead 1919

THERE once was a restless boy who dwelt in a home by the sea,
Where the water danced for joy and the wind was glad and free:But he said,
"Good mother, oh! let me go;For the dullest place in the world, I know,
Is this little brown house,Under the apple-tree.
"I will travel east and west;The loveliest homes I'll see;And when I have found the best,Dear mother, I'll come for thee. I'll come for thee in a year and a day, and joyfully then we'll hasten awayFrom this little brown house,This little old brown house,Under the apple-tree."
So he traveled here and there, But never content was he,Though he saw in lands most fair The costliest homes there be. Till he turned again with a wistful sigh to the little brown house,Under the apple-tree.
Then the mother saw and smiled,While her heart grew glad and free,"Hast thou chosen a home, my child?Ah, where shall we dwell?" quoth she, and he said, "Sweet mother, from east to west,The loveliest home, and the dearest and best, Is a little brown house,Under an apple-tree."

The Pie's the Limit!!

2008-11-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

Fast approaching IS the day some wait all year for.. The smell of roast turkey the sweet delights that mom, and grandma have prepared for decades.. Well with that said there are always new things to try, and maybe for me as I grow older a little healthier look, for the traditional turkey dinner..

I AM POSTING HERE SOME GREAT VEGAN RECIPES THAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR FEAST OR REPLACE THE OLE TRADITIONAL WITH A NEW TASTE~~

This recipe may seem to have a lot of ingredients, but don't let that fool you. The variety of ingredients only makes this dish complex, not complicated. It's actually fairly quick and easy to prepare while creating a LOT of food

AS A MAIN DISH ;

Seitan Stuffed Squash

3 acorn or delicata squash
6 - 8 oz. seitan, minced
1 green apple, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
5 or so slices stale bread
1/2 cup tvp
1 small carrot, diced
3 - 5 mushrooms (opt.)
1/4 cup raw cashew pieces
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
4 Tbsp. margarine
1/2 cup apple juice
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
Sage, thyme, oregano to taste
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Roast cashews in oven for 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees (no preheating necessary). Cut squash in half, clean, and remove seeds. Cut bread into small chunks. Roast in oven until brown and crisp. Set aside. Soak tvp in 1/2 cup hot water to rehydrate. In a skillet, melt margarine. Add onion, mushrooms (if using), seitan, celery, carrot and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes. Add bread, tvp, apple juice, spices, cashews, sweetener, and 1/2 cup water. Keep stirring and adding more water as it gets absorbed. When the stuffing is fairly moist without being soggy, add the apples. Cook for 3-5 more minutes, then remove from heat. Pack squash with stuffing. Cook in 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, until a fork easily pierces the skin and flesh, with only a slight resistance (watch out for overcooking - delicata cooks very very quickly).

Twice baked squash

1 butternut squash
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
3 tbsp vegan sour cream
½ tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp dill
½ onion
1 tsp bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. (You can actually bake this at any temperature, such as if you are baking any other foods - it will just take longer for the squash to cook.)
Cut squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds and fibers. If you have a roasting pan large enough to accommodate the squash, place them face up along with 1/4 inch water in the bottom. Cover and bake until squash is tender (pierce with fork to test). If you do not have a roasting pan, placing them face down on a cookie sheets will also work. Note: Make sure the pan has sides, even if they are low, as the squash will release liquid as it cooks. Remove squash from oven and let cool.
If using onion, saute in water (or margarine) until translucent. Let cool and add to other ingredients when mixing.
Scoop out flesh from skins, using a spoon. Leave a 1/4 inch border around one of the halves, so that it will hold its shape. In a bowl mix all ingredients (except for the breadcrumbs) thoroughly, until well incorporated. Transfer back to the squash half and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Depending on the squash you bought, you may find it difficult to fit all the squash into the skin (I usually end up eating any "leftovers" at this point) - good luck! Alternately, you can bake the blended squash in a casserole pan and discard the skins completely.
Return squash to oven and bake until warmed - about 20-30 minutes.

Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

1/2 lb. mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 cup wild rice2 large onions, chopped
1 cup long-grain brown1 cup celery, chopped rice
2 cups stock or water
1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped1/4 cup parsley, minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. each: sage, marjoram, savory, white pepper
2 tsp. celery seed
3/4 stick margarine

In a large heavy skillet or stock pot, melt half the margarine over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 min set aside
Melt the remaining margarine over medium heat. Add rices, onions, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 minutes or till the stock is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.

Southern Baked Tofu

Stir in the pecans and seasonings, and mix thoroughly. Bake about 45 minutes covered at 350 in a casserole dish.
A bit rich, but oh, so tasty! I apologize for the lack of quantities. Generally, start with a bowl of 1 - 1 1/2 cup corn meal with some kind of flour mixed in a smaller amount, 2:1 ratio. Seasonings should be added so that there are enough in the coating to suit your tastes. Try 1 tablespoon of each to start, and add more if you'd like. If I make this in the future, I'll try and be more specific with amounts but remember, there is no "wrong" way of doing it. It's a very forgiving recipe.

1 lb. extra-firm tofu
1 cup cornmeal
1 stick margarine
Nutritional yeast
Pinch of salt
Sage
Celery salt
Corn flakes
Brown rice flour or garbanzo flour

Cut tofu into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. In a small skillet, heat up 1/2 - 1 stick margarine. When completely melted, dip tofu in margarine; make sure you coat all surfaces. Dredge tofu to dry breading, and cover both sides. Transfer breaded tofu to a lightly greased tray or cookie sheet. Bake until crunchy, about 8-10 minutes.

Pumpkin pie

1 unbaked 9" pie shell
3/4 lb. firm tofu
1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin puree or2 cups fresh-cooked pumpkin
1 cup Sucanat or brown sugar
2 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt3/4 tsp. ginger powder
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until very well mixed. Pour into the pie shell and bake for 1 hour in a preheated, 350-degree oven for 1 hour, or until cracks start to appear in the filling. Chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving. Serve with Whipped Tofu Topping for a decadent finish.

For best results, use fresh pumpkin - it will vastly improve the flavor and make the texture more interesting

Credit Card Fraud

2008-11-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today I blog about a serious subject, I have recently been effected by the increasing crime of Credit Card Fraud. Although I got off so easy compared to others, non the less it has taken its toll. It is so discouraging! If life is not hard enough,this crime just adds to the pile.. Luckily I watch my accounts, and keep up with what I spend.. I caught it early.. So now, its closing accounts, reopening and reissuing! This is a pain in the ass!!

So I have done some digging, and I will post some information here about helping yourself not to be a victim of CC fraud..

Hopefully this NEVER happens to any of you!! In my case the card number was being used in Saint Kitts & Nevis in the Caribbean!!

Hugs

Bee

Tips

When you use a credit card, you can be vulnerable to fraud, whether you pay online, over the phone, or even in person at your neighborhood grocery store.
If you think you've been the victim of fraud or a scam, immediately follow these steps. The faster you contact the proper authorities, the more likely you are to minimize the damage a scammer can do to your identity, your credit, and your bank account.

Close any affected accounts

Contact the genuine company or organization if you believe you've given sensitive information to an unknown source masquerading as that real company or organization. If you contact the real company immediately, they might be able to lessen the damage to you and others. Then:

Speak with the security or fraud department about any fraudulently accessed or opened accounts at every bank or financial institution you deal with, including credit card companies, utilities, Internet service providers, and other organizations that have your personal information

Online
Follow up with a letter and save a copy for yourself. When you open new accounts use strong passwords, not passwords such as your mother's maiden name, along with a new account number.

Change the passwords on all of your online accounts
When you change your passwords or open new accounts, use strong passwords.

What makes a strong password

To an attacker, a strong password should appear to be a random string of characters. The following criteria can help your passwords do so:
Make it lengthy. Each character that you add to your password increases the protection that it provides many times over. Your passwords should be 8 or more characters in length; 14 characters or longer is ideal.
Many systems also support use of the space bar in passwords, so you can create a phrase made of many words (a "pass phrase"). A pass phrase is often easier to remember than a simple password, as well as longer and harder to guess.
Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. The greater variety of characters that you have in your password, the harder it is to guess.

How to verify a site certificate

Always verify the security certificate issued to a site before submitting any personal information. Before you submit any personal information, ensure that you are indeed on the Web site you intend to be on.
In Internet Explorer, you can do this by checking the yellow lock icon on the status bar.
This symbol signifies that the Web site uses encryption to help protect any sensitive personal information—credit card number, Social Security number, payment details—that you enter. The lock only appears on sites that use an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connection, which is typically used only on sites where you enter sensitive information.
Secure site lock icon. If the lock is closed, then the site uses encryption. Double-click the lock icon to display the security certificate for the site. This certificate is proof of the identity for the site.
When you check the certificate, the name following Issued to should match the site you think you are on. If the name differs, you may be on a spoofed site.
If you are not sure whether a certificate is legitimate, do not enter any personal information. Play it safe and leave the Web site. If the site does not require you to enter sensitive information, it probably won't display the lock icon.

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports

In the United States, contact these three credit bureaus

Equifax (800) 525-6285

Experian (888) 397-3742

TransUnion (800) 680-7289

Get a copy of your report (victims of ID theft can receive copies of their credit reports for free) and ask that no new credit be granted without your approval.

Make sure your account is flagged with a "fraud alert" tag and a "victim's statement," and insist that the alert remain active for the maximum of seven years.

Send these requests in writing and keep copies for yourself
Review the reports carefully. Look for things like inquiries you didn't initiate, accounts you didn't open, and unexplained debts.

Record and save everything

As you complete all these steps to clear up the wrongdoing, always make print copies of documents for yourself, including e-mail messages, written correspondence, and records of telephone calls, and file them somewhere safe.
For telephone or in-person conversations, follow up with dated confirmation letters to the organization, and save a copy for yourself. State in the letter what was covered in the conversation, and list any follow-up items that you or the representative have committed to in the conversation.

42 day til Christmas???

2008-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Today the first day of the "Beaver Moon" and 42 days til Christmas.. My how fast the wheel turns . I have begun working on my Christmas cards and making my decoration plans for the house.. I bought three new fairy ornaments this year, and can not wait to see them sparkle. No Christmas shopping really this year already done what I am going to do. So that's a plus.. I cannot believe I actually was frugal enough to have anything to spend at all? But I got little surprises for the ones that are closet to me.. The first wind storm hit last night -->not to bad, but beat up on my green house.. More rain too! Although we have been making head way on tie downs and such for the green house.. There is still more caulking to do and a plan "A" for tying it down, & a plan "B" for emergency situations.. We get hurricane force winds here more often than I like during winter.. Gusting 70 to 90mph.. SO hopefully we have thought this through.. We are very resourceful when need be.. Thank goodness ! Maybe that comes from being poor our entire life..? See, there is always a positive in every aspect of ones life!

Well off to clean my oven.. Yep, how boring is that!!!!

Hugs

Bee

Never Forget

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Window in Heaven
Dedication To Marine Mothers

Embracing the bitter chill of emptiness,

As summer turns to twilight,

The rhythm of life revolves.

July presses whispers farewell,

Blue Stars weep for the fallen,

Gold Star tears search the sparkling night sky,

For a heavenly promise.

Author

Teresa McNair

Happy Birthday USMC

2008-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

The United States Marine Corps was founded November 10, 1775 in (shockingly enough) at a bar found in Philadelphia named "Tun Tavern". It was decided over beers and bravado that if the colonies were to stem the invading hordes of bears, they would need to take the fight to straight to the bear’s lairs. Serving on land and at sea, early Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid on foreign soil in the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of the Corps’ first commandant, Capt. Samuel Nicholas. Since then the Marine Corps has contributed to virtually every conflict in our nations history. 294 Marines have been awarded the Medal of Honor. The first recipient was Corporal John F. Mackie, who during the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia, "fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits on shore, and when ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, manned the weapon with skill and courage."
The term "flying Sergeant" has all but dropped from the Marine Corps lexicon. But in the early days of Marine Corps aviation, it was not uncommon to see a grease-stained mechanic working on an aircraft engine one minute and climbing into the cockpit or navigator’s seat the next. One such Marine was Robert G Robinson. Gunnery Sgt Robinson who was an observer in the First Marine Aviation Force was wounded 13 times in the chest, abdomen, legs, and nearly losing his left arm cleared a jam in his gun and fought off the 9 enemy scouts while his pilot Lt. Ralph Talbot was able to get the aircraft back across friendly lines. In mid-1919, Robinson was discharged from the Marine Corps and entered the Marine Corps Reserve as an officer. He retired four years later as a First Lieutenant and moved to St. Ignace, Michigan. He died at home on October 5, 1974, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Talbot, a native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, who himself shot down a German aircraft during the battle and evaded the numerically superior force, also was awarded the Medal of Honor. But Talbot, a one-time student at Yale University, was killed in a plane crash 11 days after the daring aerial battle. The pair were the first Marine aviators awarded the nation’s highest award for battlefield valor.
You can not talk about Marines without mentioning one of the most decorated Marines that ever served. Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was a colorful veteran of the Korean War, four World War II campaigns, and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua, and Haiti. He was the only Marine to win the Navy Cross five times for heroism and gallantry in combat.
A Marine officer and enlisted man for 37 years, General Puller served at sea or overseas for all but ten of those years, including a hitch as commander of the "Horse Marines" in China. Excluding medals from foreign governments, he won a total of 14 personal decorations in combat, plus a long list of campaign medals, unit citation ribbons and other awards. In addition to the Navy Crosses, the highest honor the Navy can bestow, he holds its Army equivalent, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Here are some of Chesty Puller’s more notable quotes..

"We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem."

"Don’t forget that you’re First Marines! Not all the Communists in hell can overrun you!"

"Paper-work will ruin any military force"

When an Army captain asked him for the direction of the line of retreat, Col Puller called his Tank Commander, gave them the Army position, and ordered: "If they start to pull back from that line, even one foot, I want you to open fire on them." Turning to the captain, he replied "Does that answer your question? We’re here to fight."At Koto-ri in Korea

"The mail service has been excellent out here, and in my opinion this is all that the Air Force has accomplished during the war."Chesty Puller in a letter to his wife while in Korea

"They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can’t get away from us now!"- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC -This quote was made during the 1st Marine Divisions break out from Chosen Reservoir. When the Marines were cut off behind enemy lines and the Army had written them off as being lost because they were surrounded by 22 enemy divisions. The Marines made it out inflicting the highest casualty ratio on an enemy in history and destroying 7 entire enemy divisions in the process. An enemy division is 16500+ men while a Marine division is 12500 men.

Happy Birthday to Bee!!

November 10 - Old November Eve Old November Eve was celebrated on this date in olden times throughout the Scottish countryside. The Goddess Nicnevin as an aspect of Diana was honored with prayers and feasts, and it was believed she rode through the air with her entourage between the night hours of 9 and 10, and made herself visible to mortals on this night.Famous Hermetic philosopher and alchemist Paracelsus was born in Einsiedeln, Switzerland on approximately this date in 1493 (some sources list his date of birth as December 17, 1493). Paracelsus enjoyed exceptional healing powers and believed in a universal natural magic. Contrary to many writings about him, he was not a sorcerer or a practitioner of ceremonial magic (in fact, he was known to be somewhat skeptical of the so-called Black Arts); nevertheless, he did believe in astrology and often used magical astrological talismans (inscribed with planetary symbols) in his medical practice. He died a mysterious death in Salzburg in 1541.

Get Out the Vote?? Really??

2008-11-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Every four years, on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November, millions of U.S. citizens go to local voting booths to elect, among other officials, the next president and vice president of their country. Their votes will be recorded and counted, and winners will be declared.
But the results of the popular vote are not guaranteed to stand because the Electoral College has not cast its vote.
For some of you, this might be a bit shocking. You could be thinking, "Whoa, seriously?" But for many of you, you're probably immediately thinking of the 2000 U.S. presidential election -- Gore won the popular vote (more Americans voted for him), but Bush actually won the presidency, because he was awarded the majority of the votes in the Electoral College.

Definition of;

Electoral College: When American voters go to the polls to vote for president, many believe that they are participating in a direct election of the president. Technically, this is not the case, due to the existence of the electoral college, a constitutional relic of the 18th century. The electoral college is the name given a group of "electors" who are nominated by party members within the states. On election day, these electors, pledged to one or another candidate, are popularly elected. In December, following the presidential vote, the electors meet in their respective state capitals and cast ballots for president and vice president. To be elected, a president requires 270 electoral votes.
Courtesy of --All American Patriots

The Electoral college (the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice president)
Courtesy of wordnet.princeton.edu

The Electoral College consists of "538" popularly elected representatives who formally select the President and Vice President of the United States. In 2008, it will make this selection on December 15.

The Electoral College is an example of an indirect election.
Rather than directly voting for the President and Vice President, United States citizens cast votes for electors. Electors are technically free to vote for anyone eligible to be President, but in practice pledge to vote for specific candidate and voters cast ballots for favored presidential and vice presidential candidates by voting for correspondingly pledged electors.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

So you say, WHAT.. My vote does not count? So how easy is it to buy off 538 electorates? Well just think about how much money these candidates and their backers are putting in to their campaigns? Being a electorate sounds like another government position to be in if you want to get rich!! Out of 300 million American citizens .. This bunch is all this country can come up with?? Nope ! they were hand picked by those that control this country!!

Hard to believe there are laws to protect us SO trusting compliant citizens from this RIF RAFF.. Too bad they will never be prosecuted!!

"A faithless elector" ; is one who casts an electoral vote for someone other than whom they have pledged to elect, or who refuses to vote for any candidate. There are laws to punish faithless electors in 24 states. In 1952, the constitutionality of state pledge laws was brought before the Supreme Court in Ray v. Blair, 343 U.S. 214 (1952). The Court ruled in favor of state laws requiring electors to pledge to vote for the winning candidate, as well as removing electors who refuse to pledge. As stated in the ruling, electors are acting as a functionary of the state, not the federal government. Therefore, states have the right to govern electors. The constitutionality of state laws punishing electors for actually casting a faithless vote, rather than refusing to pledge, has never been decided by the Supreme Court. While many states may only punish a faithless elector after-the-fact, some such as Michigan specify that his or her vote shall be cancelled.
As electoral slates are typically chosen by the political party or the party's presidential nominee, electors usually have high loyalty to the party and its candidate: a faithless elector runs a greater risk of party censure than criminal charges.

Tomorrow is the big day right? I think it will be a day this country will never forget that's for sure..

The "BUZZING" Bee

Another Magical Halloween

2008-11-01T13:02:00.001-07:00

Alls Hallow Eve, was a great night.. It turned out to be very interesting.. I had a great meal as well. Including cupcakes , -->devils food with coconut frosting, and applesauce cake-->My orange rosemary bread came out divine!!! I sported a new dress this year as well. I think I got to bed at around 2 am, and fell asleep watching the old horror classic " The Fog".

Here are a few pictures from the evening..

BB the New Year

Bee

Happy All Hallow's Eve

2008-10-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

Leaves a twirl,Winds that whirl
Candles glowing bright.
A witch’s giggle and black cats' stare,
The smell of pumpkin in the air.
Creaking doors, footsteps in flight.
This must be; Samhain Night.

By the Bee 2008

Bee's Halloween decor

2008-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Here are a couple photo's of the front windows her at Ravenswood and my Capt. Jack hung nicely from the gutter.. Only thing missing up here is my Jack o Lantern which I carve tomorrow.. I have purple spider web lights in the other windows and a lovely purple spider to match..

Happy Haunting

Bee

Colorful Halloween

2008-10-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

I could not resist posting some pictures of these creative Halloween house decorations.. As many of you Know I love the lights!! When was a child ( and still am) This was my favorite part.. The houses that went over board and spent time to make this night special for us.. I remember those homes still to this day.. It always made the night very fun and special!! I am sure there are some fantastic homes this year all over the great country of ours!!

Happy Halloween

Bee

The Many Faces of Halloween

2008-10-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am the big Pumpkin fan.. I love pumpkins, I grow my own every year. I love the carving part too.. Each year I try something different, and when I have more than one I love variety in the faces I choose to carve. So here is a collage of faces may these help us all get ideas, and to just see how variety is the spice of life!!

Enjoy these and have fun carving your own!!

Halloween Quotes & Poems

2008-10-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

I would not be the "BEE" if I did not post some Halloween verse. Here is a short sampling just for fun!!

Sparkling
Bee

It's Halloween! It's Halloween! The moon is full and bright, And we shall see what can't be seen On any other night. Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls, Grinning goblins fighting duels, Werewolves rising from their tombs, Witches on their magic brooms, In masks and gown we haunt the street ,And knock on doors for trick or treat, Tonight we are the king and queen, For oh tonight it's Halloween!

-Jack Prelutsky

'Tis now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out Contagion to this world.

-William Shakespeare

Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

-William Shakespeare

From ghoulies and ghosties And long-leggedy beasties,and things that go bump in the night,Good Lord, deliver us!

~Scottish Saying

"Where there is no imagination there is no horror".

~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,May luck be yours on Halloween.

~Author Unknown

Special Celebration Treats

2008-10-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Dracula Dip

2 cups sour cream

1 packet of dry tomato-vegetable soup mix
1. Put dry soup mix and sour cream into a bowl. Stir until soup mix is moist. Put mixture into refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve with chips or vegetables.

Halloween Cheeseballs

2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup Solid pack pumpkin

1/4 cup Pineapple preserves

1/4 teaspoon Ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

1 large Pretzel rod -- broken in half

1/2 pkg cream cheese

Dark rye bread

Red pepper

Black olive slices

Parsley sprigs

1. Beat cheeses, pumpkin, preserves and spices in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Cover refrigerate 2-3 hours until cheese is firm enough to shape.
3. Shape mixture into round pumpkin, place on serving plate.
4. Using a knife, score vertical lines down pumpkin. Place pretzel rod in top for stem.
5. Cut bread into triangles for eyes, cut red pepper into triangle for nose, and cut olives in half to make the mouth.
6. Surround with parsley.

Halloween Cup Cakes

1 pk Yellow cake mix1 1/2 teaspoons Pumpkin pie spice1 cup Buttermilk1 cup Pumpkin2 Eggs
Frosting3 tablespoons Margarine or butter softened3 tablespoons Pumpkin2 cups sugar1/2 teaspoon Milk1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Black licorice twists Small green gumdrops
1. Using 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups.
2. In a large bowl, combine all cupcake ingredients at until moistened
3. Beat 2 minutes scraping down sides of bowl.
4. Pour batter into prepared muffin cups.
5. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted is removed clean.
6. Cool completely.
7. In a small bowl, beat margarine or butter and 3 tablespoons of pumpkin until well blended. Gradually add 1 cup of the sugar, beat until smooth.
8. Add milk and vanilla. Gradually add remaining cup of sugar, beat for another 2 minutes.
9. Spread on tops of cupcakes.
10. Cut down 1 side to open licorice twist into triangular pieces for eyes and noses. Cut jagged curved pieces for mouths.
11. Arrange on top of cupcakes for faces. Slice gumdrops in half attach to head for stems.

Witches Brew Cider

4 Cups Apple Cider

2 Cans Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, Thawed

2 Cups Water

8 Cinnamon Sticks

Lemon Slices

1. Into a large saucepan, pour cider, lemonade concentrate, and water; stir.
2. Over medium heat, bring cider to a simmer.
3. Pour into cups.
4. Place a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice in each cup.

Halloween Cake - Barmbrack, Bairin breac
from Ireland

Traditionally baked with a gold ring inside; whoever gets the ring will be married within the year. The cake is made in two stages.

First stage

Mix together:1 cup of sultanas ( dried seedless white grapes)1 cup of raisins3/4 cup brown sugar1 cup cold tea
Cover these ingredients and leave to soak overnight.

Stage Two

Prepare these ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of flour

1 level teaspoon of baking powder

1 egg beaten

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1. Add the four, baking powder and spice to soaked fruit mixture.
2. Mix in the beaten egg.
3. Spoon into a well greased loaf tin and bake for 1 1/2 hours at 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. When cool brush the top with warmed honey for a glazed surface.

MOST HAUNTED

2008-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois", Over one hundred documented reports of ghost sightings make Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery one of the most haunted cemeteries in the country. The forested area near the suburb of Midlothian, outside of Chicago, contains a small cemetery where many people witness glowing balls of light hovering over the area.

"Mount Misery Road, West Hills, New York Bucolic", well-heeled Long Island seems distant from the paranormal world, but for over a century, the area known as West Hills has boasted amazing paranormal activity. Mount Misery Road, so-named by settlers cursing its difficult passage, and the area near Sweet Hollow Road have a rich history of paranormal activity. Ghostly faces seen in the trunks of trees, strange lights playing over the woods and misty apparitions appear to drivers near the Northern State Parkway.

"Saint Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida", The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum provides a great tourist destination and a haunted place to visit all in one package! For decades, ghost stories about the lighthouse intrigued visitors. Three little girls died on site during construction. Legend says they were playing with a rail car used to bring supplies up the hillside when the car spun out of control, drowning the three children in the water below. Visitors report hearing a female crying, “Help me!” inside the tower, as well as mysterious lights and footsteps. View a virtual tour on the website, and read the truths and myths about this amazing lighthouse.

"Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania", Volumes could be written about Eastern State Penitentiary. Investigated by many paranormal groups and included in numerous television documentaries, Eastern State is often called the “haunted house within a prison.” An online, virtual reality tour is available for those who can’t get there in person.

"Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky", Prepare for shadow people, ghostly nurses and disembodied voices singing in the attic at this former tuberculosis hospital in Kentucky. Be sure to bring your camera, since most visitors catch orb photos when touring the Waverly Hills Sanatorium.

"The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado", Stephen King wrote The Shining while staying at the Stanley, The Atlantic Paranormal Society caught amazing evidence during two episodes of Ghost Hunters, and dozens of staff and guests report everything from apparitions of children to objects moving by themselves. The Stanley Hotel belongs at the top of every ghost hunter’s list of places to visit

"The Bell Witch Cave, Adams, Tennessee", The historical Bell Witch Cave and former Bell Farm offers tours for those interested in researching the amazing story of the Bell Witch.

Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Over ten thousand men died in the battle of Gettysburg. Located in Pennsylvania, the battlefield is now a national historical site. Tourists report astonishing ghostly encounters. Many believe they meet Civil War re-enactors, only to find out later that no such groups are at the park. For more visitor information, the Gettysburg website includes general park information. The West Virgini Ghost Hunters snapped several pictures of an apparent apparition at the park during an investigation

"The Campground Haunted Massacre Attraction, Fort Mill, South Carolina",
There's no obscene history to the campground attraction, but the owners have done everything they can think of -- and that includes witchcraft and the occult -- just to scare the hell out of you. Proud members of The International Association Of Haunted Attractions and devoted attendees of the Annual National Halloween, Costume & Party Show in Chicago know a thing or two about the joy of fear.
Besides the fact that camping in the woods is a naturally ghoulish pastime, when you're told about werewolf sightings and, in all seriousness, about the mental hospital just down the road, things can become a little spine tingling.

"Hacker House, Winston-Salem, North Carolina",
The legend of the Hacker House goes back centuries, and it is continually evolving, as terrible events continue to plague this ill-omened house. It rests upon a Native American mass grave, where several dozen bodies lay, aged 20-25 and deposed execution-style, but in such a way that has baffled archaeologists because there was no evidence of weapons or struggle. And indeed Cherokee lore says that the place is cursed, a place, "where the brave may not walk, as his prayers would not be answered."
Further evidence of evil play came in 1821, from signed affidavits given by Continental Army soldiers claiming to have had a gun battle with dozens of undead. A century later, the Hacker House was a hospital and laboratory. Though reports are unclear, several bodies were excavated after a great fire in 1930, and they were found to be curiously hollow.
Experimental documentation by a Dr. Johnas Hacker seemed to indicate that the hollowing was a result of the experimental medicines ingested by his patients. Rebuilt, the house was turned into a funeral parlor where things went predictably unwell. Now people seem to have smartened up. It is possible to take tours of Hacker House, but don't nobody live there.

"The Fox Sisters Cabin",
Though less well-known than the other haunted places, the Fox Sisters cottage is perhaps the most important haunted house of all, since the phenomena here in many ways set the standard for later hauntings and even launched a religion. In 1848 Hydesville, western New York, two young sisters named Maggie and Katie Fox began supposedly communicating with the ghost of a murdered peddler. The sisters, in a sort of crude seance, would ask questions of the spirit, who would answer back with mysterious knocks or raps. Many people, including their mother, were amazed at what seemed to be genuine contact with the dead. Both sisters eventually admitted that they had actually faked the sounds--there had been no murdered peddler, it had all been a prank. The women even demonstrated how they had done it. But by then the belief had taken on a life of its own as a religion called Spiritualism, which is still practiced today.

"Pollepel Island, Hudson River, New York",
The island has a morbid history, having been strategically important during the American War of Independence. Later, in the early 1900s, the island was bought by a Scotsman, Francis Bannerman, who decided to turn it into an homage to Scotland. A firearms maker, he built a warehouse in the style of a Scottish castle, complete with crenellated towers.
But after his death in 1918, the smooth-running Scottish enclave experienced a series of disasters. Two hundred pounds of powder and shells exploded, blowing half a building onto New York City. Lightning bolts seemed to torment the flagpoles to the point of disintegration. And in a coup de grâce, a massive storm on the Hudson caused a freighter and passenger barge, the Pollepel, to explode and crash into the island. Now all that's left are the remains, and what the Dutch refer to as the Heer of Dunderberg, a fiend (and his goblins) who inhabits the Highlands and doesn't like visitors.

Lovely Samhain spreads

2008-10-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Trefoil, Johnswort, vervain, dill

Hinders witches of their will.

William Shakespeare

Happy Samhain, and Halloween everyone! I have some great fall recipes to share with you. I’ve also included a list below of the magickal and healing properties of some of the seasoning that are called for in these recipes!

Magical sparkling moon beams

Bee

Savory Samhaim Butters

Autumn Butter

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup whipping cream

1cup butter, softened

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Spread onto your favorite muffins, quick bread, sweet crackers, or drop a dollop onto morning pancakes.

Cinnamon Butter

2 sticks butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve over sweet bread, muffins, or morning waffles. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter

4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened

4 tbsp canned pumpkin puree

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp freshly grated or dried nutmeg

1/8 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator up to three weeks.
* 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice can be substituted for cloves, ginger and nutmeg.

Raspberry Butter

1 cup raspberries

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon blackberry liqueur

1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Boil raspberries, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until syrupy, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Strain through sieve to remove seeds. Cool. Process with remaining ingredients until smooth and well mixed. Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.

Vegan Samhain Recipes

PUMPKIN GINGER SOUP
Ingredients:
1 small cooking pumpkin
1/2 cup cashews
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or to taste)
salt to taste
Directions:
Soak cashews in water to cover for several hours. This step is optional, but helps them blend better. Cut pumpkin in half, remove seeds, and bake cut side down at 350 degrees F until very tender (45 minutes to one hour). Scrape pumpkin from the peel and puree in a blender, with any juices, in batches. Put pureed pumpkin into your soup pot. Blend cashews in blender until smooth and add to the pumpkin puree. Rinse the blender with a little water and add to the pot. Add a little more water if it’s too thick. Add ginger and salt to taste and heat gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

PUMPKIN-CIDER BREAD

Ingredients:
2 cups of canned pumpkin
2 cups of flour, and then enough to keep the consistency just right
2 tblspns dry yeast in 1/2 cup of 110 degree water
1 tblspn salt
2 tblspns vegetable oil
1/3 to 1/2 cup molasses
2 cups of fresh cider
Directions:
Start with two cups of flour, then slowly sift in more after wet ingredients are added. After the flour and salt are combined, mix in the rest of the ingredients from wettest to most solid (cider, then yeast mix, and so on). Once mixed, pour the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it in rise until it’s doubled in size in a warm place. (Generally, this takes from half an hour to an hour). Punch down the doubled dough. Roll the dough out into a long, thin, relatively narrow strip and roll from one end. Place in a greased pan (probably circular in this case), and let rise until doubled again. Baking bread is not for the impatient! Finally, put it in a preheated oven at about 400 degrees F for about 50-60 minutes. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly turn the temp down a notch or two. You’ll know it’s done when tyou can poke it with a fork and then fork comes out clean. If the fork has some dough on it, let it bake a little longer.

VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE

Ingredients:Filling –
1 1/2 packages silken tofu
1 15 oz. canned pumpkin
2/3 cup barley malt syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spicePie Crust –
1 1/2 cups sifted unbleached flour
about 6-7 tbsp. non-hydrogenated margarine
about 2 tbsp. cold water
pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Blend tofu in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend well. Pour into a 9" unbaked deep dish pie shell. Bake for about one hour. Filling will be soft, but will firm up as it chills. Chill overnight and serve.

PUMPKIN TREATS

Ingredients:Filling –
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup. flaked coconut, lightly packed
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
Directions:
Mix the first five ingredients well in a large saucepan. Cook over medium high, stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes. It is done when it is very thick and leaves side of pan, forming a ball in the center as you stir. Turn onto a greased baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Let cool completely. Lightly grease your hands and shape candy into balls. Roll the balls in nuts. Cover, store in refrigerator.
This recipe makes about 2 1/2 dozen. Vary by stirring 1 cup crushed granola into cooked candy before cooling and shaping.

Cinnamon : Attracts Prosperity, Love, Lust and Protection. It also helps to reduce stomach acid and relieve menstrual cramps, and helps heal from colds and flu.
Nutmeg : Attracts Prosperity, Luck and Psychic Awareness.
Ginger : Attracts Prosperity, Love, Lust & Heightens Magickal Powers. Also relieved Headaches and is an anti-inflammatory.
Vanilla : Invokes Memory, Heightens Magickal Powers, and Attracts Love & Lust.

All Hallows Eve's pudding

Ingredients

1.4kg / 3 pounds cooking apples, peeled and de-seeded

120g/ 3/4cup soft brown sugar

3 Eggs, fresh

200g/1 cup caster sugar

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

200g /1 cup salted Butter, softened

220g/ 1 ¼ cups ground almonds
To decorate
2 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting

3 fresh rosemary sprigs

Method
1. Put the apple and brown sugar in a saucepan and cook over a low heat until soft.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the caster sugar and rosemary. Mix in the softened butter and ground almonds until you create a smooth paste.

3. Set the oven to 160C/gas 5/( 375 degrees.) Fill six ramekins (small oval 7 oz ceramic bowls) half way up with the softened apple and then spread the rosemary mixture over the top of each one. Bake for about 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
Check regularly so it will not burn.. Oven temps vary!!

4. Once ready, dust with the icing sugar and decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Traditional Halloween Foods

2008-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

It’s no surprise that the foods served in the harvest season should draw wealth into your life. You may wish to empower the food with your intent to draw prosperity in the coming months while you are preparing any of these recipes.

Enjoy Bee

Colcannon used to be --and still is-- eaten in Ireland on Halloween night, and is one of the most traditional Halloween recipes there is. Colcannon is wonderfully flavorful, incredibly filling, and oh-so warming on a cool Autumn night. To make it even more traditional, make a well in the center and fill it with real butter. Dip each bite of colcannon in the butter before eating. As far as traditional Halloween recipes go, this one isn't great for your heart, perhaps, but it's to tasty to resist.
If you want to really have a traditional Samhain party, put a plate of buttered colcannon out on the stoop for the fairies and ghosts that hang around on All Hallows Eve. Recipe serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients:

1 lb. of cabbage or kale, cooked

1 lb. potatoes, cubed and boiled until tender

2 leeks, cleaned well and chopped, or green onions

1 C. whole milk or light cream

1/2 C. butter, melted

salt and pepper, to taste

pinch of ground mace (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil kale or cabbage in lightly salted water until tender. Chop.
2. Bring milk or cream to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add leeks and cook until soft.
3. Drain potatoes, add salt and pepper to taste (and optional mace). Beat until fluffy.
4. Return potatoes to pot over a low flame.
5. Add milk with leeks.
6. Beat in cooked kale or cabbage until green and fluffy.
7. Remove from heat and serve. Make a well in the middle of each portion and divide butter evenly among servings, filling each well.
8. Dip each bite of colcannon in butter before eating.

The word "Boxty" makes me think of some magical creature you might come across in the Harry Potter books-- which, of course, makes them a perfect addition to any Halloween menu! And though they eat these today in Ireland all the time, boxty potato pancakes have been one of the most traditional Halloween recipes made during centuries.
These pancakes are creamy, rich, and just wonderful. I think they're best when cooked with onion and served savory, but you can also serve them plain with sugar or powdered sugar. Makes 8-10 pancakes.

Ingredients:

1 C. raw, grated potato

1 C. cooked mashed potato's (leftover is fine)

1 onion, minced fine (optional -- for savory boxty pancakes)

1 C. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

1 C. buttermilk

2 tbsp. butter

Instructions:

1. In a med. mixing bowl, combine the grated potato, onion (if using), and buttermilk (this keeps the potato from discoloring).
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add grated potato mixture, egg, and mashed potato.
4. Mix well. Batter should be about the texture of thick pancake batter. Add additional flour or buttermilk if necessary.
5. Melt butter in a heavy skillet or on a griddle.
6. Over medium heat, drop large spoonfuls of boxty batter into skillet, making approximately 6" pancakes.
7. Brown well on both sides.

Mulled Wine might not be one of the most traditional Halloween recipes you'll ever come across, but it's one of the most fun to make and drink. It's autumn-y, it's warming, it's spicy, and it's, well, intoxicating. A great addition to your Halloween potato feast.
Want to get your traditional Halloween menu prepared ahead of time? Make your mulled wine in a crock pot and keep it on low until the guests arrive. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. granulated sugar

2 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange, peel and juice

1 bottle (750 mL) dry red wine

Instructions:

1. in a pot (or crock pot) combine the water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange juice.
2. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the orange peel and wine.
4. Let sit warming over low heat at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Don't allow it to boil or you'll cook the alcohol away.
6. Serve in warm mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slice, if desired.

Barmbrack is one of those traditional Halloween recipes that's both a dessert and a Halloween game. Traditionally, a ring is baked into the cake, and the person who finds the ring in their slice of barmbrack is guaranteed to be married before the year is out. A pretty funny concept if some of the people eating it are, say, five years old. To make a more modern, kid-friendly version of the barmbrack Halloween game, bake several food friendly (and difficult-to-choke-on) items into your barmbrack. Those who find the items in the barmbrack get a prize. Be sure to warn your guest to eat with care to avoid a Halloween trip to the hospital!
This fluffy fruit bread is generally baked in a round cake pan. An 8 or 9 inch pan works well, but you can also use a loaf pan for a bread-shaped barmbrack.
This turns out best if you leave time to soak the fruit overnight, but don't worry if you can't-- a few hours is fine.

Ingredients:

2 C. strong, hot black tea

3 1/2 C. mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dry dates, candied orange peel, etc.)

1 C. milk

2 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. granulated sugar

3 C. bread flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 C. brown sugar, packed

1/3 C. butter

1 lg. egg, beaten

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. allspice

Instructions:

1. Soak dried fruits in tea overnight, or a few hours.
2. Heat milk until warm. Sprinkle yeast and teaspoon granulated sugar over top and stir. Let sit in a warm place about 15 minutes, until foamy.
3. Stir together the flour, salt, spices, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and add egg, yeast mixture, and butter. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
5. Drain fruit well, then add to dough. This should produce a smooth dough. If it's too gooey, add more flour.
6. Knead dough on a floured board about 5-10 minutes. Dough should be smooth, but just a little sticky.
7. Place dough in your greased cake or loaf pan, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, until doubled.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake barmbrack 30 minutes.
8. Remove bread from the pan, flip it upside down, return it to the pan, and bake 20 minutes more.
9. Bread is done cooking it sounds hollow when tapped on the sides.
10. Cool on a rack before serving.
11. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with butter and jam.
12. Enjoy once of the tastiest and most traditional Halloween recipes around!

STUFFED CABBAGE

1 Large head of cabbage

1 Tablespoon Margarine

2 Medium onions, sliced

1 Pound Lean ground beef

4 Tablespoons Grated onions

3 Tablespoons Uncooked rice

1 teaspoon Salt

1/8 Teaspoon Pepper

8 Ounces Can tomato sauce

1 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Seedless raisins

3 Tablespoons Honey (or brown sugar)

1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
( you can take the beef out if you are vegan)

Trim off thick parts of 18 cabbage leaves. Blanch in boiling Water. Melt margarine in deep heavy saucepan, Add onions and lightly brown, mix together beef, grated onions, uncooked rice, 3 Tablespoons water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper. Place some meat on each cabbage leaf, tuck in sides and roll cabbage. Add tomato sauce, 1 cup water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to sliced onions. Place cabbage rolls in saucepan, cover and cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours. Add raisins, honey or brown sugar and lemon juice. Cook uncovered 30 minutes. Serve in soup bowl.

Pumpkin Marble Cheesecake

Servings: 10

1 1/2 c Gingersnap Crumbs

1/2 c Finely Chopped Pecans

1/3 c Margarine, Melted

16 oz Cream Cheese, Softened

3/4 c Sugar

1 t Vanilla

3 Eggs

1 c Canned Pumpkin

3/4 t Cinnamon

1/4 t Ground Nutmeg

Combine crumbs, pecans and margarine; press onto bottom and 1 1/2-inches up sides of 9-inch spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees F., 10 minutes. Combine cream cheese, 1/2 c sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reserve 1 c batter, chill. Add remaining sugar, pumpkin and spices to remaining batter; mix well. Alternately layer pumpkin and cream cheese batters over crust. Cut through batters with knife several times for marble effect. Bake at 350 degrees F., 55 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan. Chill.

Remembrance Cookies

These cookies can be made on Hallows Eve. They can be shaped like people and the herb rosemary is added to the dough as a symbol of remembrance. Some of the cookies are eaten while telling stories or attributes of special ancestors, reminding us that we still have access to their strengths--or perhaps a predisposition to their weaknesses. The rest of the cookies are left outside by a bonfire as an offering. This can be a solemn ritual, but it need not be.

Ingredients for the cookies:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. butter or margarine (softened)

1 egg

2 t. vanilla

1 t. almond extract

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cream of tartar

1 1/2 T. chopped rosemary

1 cup coarsely ground beef

1 cup coarsely ground potatoes

1/4 cup coarsely ground onion

1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1- 6oz can evaporated milk

1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs

1 tbs. butter/margarine melted

In frying pan, combine and cook beef, potatoes, onion, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce, and evaporated milk. Remove from heat and turn out into a 1 qt casserole dish. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter/margarine and sprinkle on top. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Spirited Cheese Stuffed Apples

1- 3oz package softened cream cheese

4 medium apples

1 1/3oz Cheddar Cheese

1 tablespoon dry white wine

2 tbs. sugar4 tsp. baking powder

1tsp. salt

2 well beaten egg yolks

2 cups milk

2 tbs. butter/margarine, melted

1 cup finely chopped apple, peeled and cored

2 stiffly beaten egg whites.

In a large non-metal bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. In a smaller bowl, combine the milk and egg yolks. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well. Stir in the butter/margarine and apple. Fold in the egg whites. Let the batter set up for a few minutes. Cook on a hot griddle or in a large frying pan, using 1/3 cup of batter per pancake. Use a spatula or spoon to spread batter evenly. Remove from heat, dot with butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and roll up into log. Top with slightly heated applesauce and a dash of cinnamon. Makes 12 pancakes.

Apple Spread

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

1/4 c. mayonnaise

dash of sugar

1 c. chopped apple with peel

1/2 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. chopped pecans

Mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables

Golden Herb Rolls

2/3 cup milk

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

1/4 cup water

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 package quick-rising yeast

2 teaspoons dried savory leaves, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed, crushed

1 cup canned pumpkin

4 eggs, divided

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 20 to 24 muffin cups. Combine milk, butter and water in small saucepan; heat until butter is melted. If necessary, cool to 120º F. to 130º F. Combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast, savory, salt, thyme and dill in large mixer bowl. Add milk mixture and pumpkin; beat for 2 minutes. Stir in 3 eggs and remaining flour. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place for 10 minutes or until doubled. Spoon into prepared muffin cups, filling 1/2 to 3/4 full. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place for 30 to 40 minutes or until doubled. Beat remaining egg and brush on top of rolls; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans; serve warm or cool on wire rack.

Morning Glory Muffins

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 1/4 cup flour

1 tablespoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shredded coconut

3/4 cup raisins

4 large grated carrots (2 cups)

1 apple, shredded

8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift together the sugars, flours, cinnamon, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Add the fruit, carrots, nuts, and stir to combine. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to blend well. Spoon mixture into cupcake tins lined with muffin papers. Fill to brim of each cup. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. Toothpick inserted into the middle of muffin will come out clean when muffins are done. Cool muffins in pan for 10 minutes then turn out on rack to cool. Yield is 16 muffins. Muffins improve even more after 24 hours. Freezes well.

Jack-o-Lantern Cheese Ball

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

4 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. solid pack pumpkin

1/2 c. pineapple preserves

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 pretzel rod, broken in half

Ultimate Caramel Apples

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

10-inch square piece of Styrofoam

6 Popsicle sticks or small wooden dowels

6 Red Delicious or Golden Delicious apples

3 ounces white chocolate

3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate,

1/4 cup finely chopped chopped nuts

In heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water and sugar. Over low heat, stir mixture gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Increase heat to medium low and cook, without stirring, until mixture is a dark amber color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream (mixture will bubble up and spatter a bit, then subside.) Set aside to cool and thicken. Cover Styrofoam with waxed paper to catch caramel drippings (this will be a stand for caramel apples). Insert Popsicle sticks into bottom center of apples. Dip top half of each apple into thickened caramel. Insert bottom of Popsicle sticks into Styrofoam, allowing apples to stand upright so caramel runs down sides of each apple. Refrigerate to harden. Meanwhile, melt white chocolate in top of double boiler above gently simmering water; stir until smooth. Transfer melted chocolate to pastry bag fitted with small writing tip. Drizzle thin, random strips of white chocolate over each caramel apple. Repeat melting and drizzling with semi-sweet chocolate. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Halloween Delights!!

2008-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

What is Halloween with out color, and sweet tasting treats?

Well it would not be Halloween now would it?

So wrap your eyes around these delightful cakes .. I hope I can be this creative.... :)

Anyone got a fork??

Bee

COOKIES, Cookies, COOKIES!!

2008-10-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

I am SOoo tempted this year to make up a bunch of these cookies!! Am I dreaming?? But one never knows? I may add this to my list of tasks for the week of Halloween!!

These cookies just make me smile!!! I do cup cakes most years and cake.. But I am really liking the looks of these Halloween sweets!!

Halloween Cookie cutter links;

http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/holiday/hal-thanks/hal-cookies.htm

These are really COOL!!
http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=2481&sv=2400&cmvalue=HS%7C0

http://www.cookware.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=NWR1326&refid=FR280-NWR1326

Bee --> dreaming of a sweet snack

Bee's Halloween decor

2008-10-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Well I am already for "All Hallows Eve. I love it !! The great lights, the beautiful colors of nature.. Of course growing my own pumpkin makes it great too!! (which was a chore this year).. Lucky Me I got one a big one too!! I will not carve him till "All Hallows Eve day. The lovely Scarecrow dry flower arrangement is placed in a vintage antique carnival glass vase.. The pattern on the glass is called "tree trunk" (Made by the Northwood glass company) I thought it was a perfect fit!! Of course my favorite Halloween boot on my table surrounded by Kirks Folly sparkling home decor items..

My two new goblets "Witchy Poo" and "Dragon" with a Kirks Folly lovely grey, and silver shawl as my table runner..

Sparkling Jack-O-Lantern's

Bee

Buzzing Bee

Happy Halloween

Just flying bye to say hi.. more blogs coming soon....

My new Lil Friend

MY SPARKLING BEE

Happy Valentines day

GO ASK ALICE ?

A Merry Valentines Day to all

A "Sunny" Christmas

Finding Spring

Its Sparkling 2010

Thank You All for the 20,000 Views

A Very Merry Christmas to All...

Blessed Be to All

Yule-Tide cake

Yummy Wassail

Happy Christmas

Yuletide in the fairy garden

Happy ThanksGiving

More magical surprises at RavensWood

Christmas is Near...

Vladimir Grigoryevich Tretchikoff

The treats and things that glow in the night

Blessed be to all this Samhain

Classic Horror Movies

Crows & Ravens

Halloween Decorations

Samhain Treats

The Cauldron

The Scarecrow

Bee -----Witchen; Am I a Winner?

Dark Shadows + Depp = Fantastic!!

The Witch's Broom

Fairylands Most Wanted

My Halloween swap gift

My Kayla turned 2 today

A last look at FaeryWorlds 2009

Faery Garden Update

Faery Ring in full bloom!!

Tending a fairy ring

Harvest Moon

Yes, Faery's do the canning TOO!!

Testing out wings

More Faeryworlds pictures

Photo's Of B's Adventure

Shell belt progress

Update Faeryworlds creations

FaeryWorlds has moved its Location

Midsummer Magic

Faery Garb search update

Midsummers Night *~* June 21

Secret Entrance

Sigh off for Analog TV

Its all about the right choices

Bad Faery choice

Fairy Crowns & Circlets

Meet Sir Byrum Thimbleberry

Make up and Ears

Fairy dress, Costume Idea's

In Search Of....

Tea cozy

Spring is coming

My attempt at Valentine cards

Imbolc Blessing

Happy New Year

Happy Christmas

Its Not Christmas for me without Dickens..

Bah Humbug! The Importance of Christmas Stories?

Christmas Legends About Silent Night

Christmas Traditions: The Advent Calendar

Sweet Treats Can Bring Some Good Christmas Luck.

The Nutcracker

Historical Christmas Stories: Yes, Virginia!

UPDATE ;HARRY POTTER

OH Christmas Tree , Oh Christams tree

First Christmas without Harry

The first Christmas Card

26 days??

Happy Turkey Day

The Pie's the Limit!!

Midsummers Night ~ June 21