Playing Peek A Boo

The sun beckons us to come out of slumber and spread our wings from months of introspective hibernation in our shelters.

The plumage of our ancestral messenger displays a hope of blooms to come. So it is that February's chill is giving away to Spring.

As The River Rises

The weather this Sunday was splendid with sunshine and a hint of spring. We decided to take a family date to celebrate Valentines to our own downtown a.k.a. "Old Sacramento". Due to the constant rain the rivers are rising and creeping precariously close to history. The old city flooded out in 1850, 1852, and 1862 which lead to the whole town being elevated. As my feet absorb the cobblestone and my footsteps creak the planks I'm back to the Wild West and transcend into a bygone era. We discovered a bit of history along our excursion which I will share in future post. 

Gypsy By The Sea

Here in Northern California it has been non stop rain for over a week. As I sit curled up in a warm cozy blanket with an era transcending book, sipping on aromatic tea, my mind wanders to sun kissed days filled with salty sea air. For now I must wait for the seasons to change and travel opportunities to arise.

 Recently I was asked to share a vision of my dream living room. The above collection  reflects the textures, tones and elements that are natures beauty of the coast. Hathi gold beaded pillows are the perfect bohemi element to add to any sofa or to make a cushy back to the antique cream iron chair. Imagine the sun glistening off the Taza hanging pendant during the day and at night a warm glow illuminates the wall. A river stone bowl is perfect for holding your treasures, coins, or perhaps for burning cone incense. What a swirl of sand and water this Zara Tibetan rug brings to mind. The bleached root coffee table brings the outdoor zen inside, a perfect way to stay rooted and connected to the world outside your home. This living room vision speaks to me as being a

Gypsy By The Sea

 All these furnishings and more can be found  at ARHAUS.

Ocean Photo Credit: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz California. Taken last summer on one of my seascape escapes,

Gratitude & Garbage Bags

I  woke up this morning my head all a mess and my mind depressed. One week into the new presidency and oh shit! This dicktator is already shaking the stability of America. My mind is going a mile a minute thinking of the millions ways I can protect and provide for my tribe because the way of life as we known it is changing rapidly. I commend Governor Jerry Brown on his recent stand up for all Californians even though it means the government will not give our state funds if we do not comply to the rules and demands of the new legislation. And yes I know this affects all of the United States, I'm a soul rebel who feels for the world in whole.

Besides the outer world mental interference I'm going about my home life with gratitude in my heart. We are all well and have everything we need at our finger tips. There is excess that I like to tidy up and donate as the seasons change and children grow. My mode of donating was boxing it up and dropping it off at a local Goodwill. A thought hit me hard and changed my mind this morning. I live in the ghetto, poverty is just around the corner literally. As I drive my children to school you will see tent city after tent city, under the over passes, on the bike trail,  lost souls generally roaming around. The people in immediate need of my goods are right there in front of me and are a part of our community. Today is a call to action and tomorrow is a call to service.

The teens get a day off from school tomorrow and instead of going to the movies we will be dropping off the bags of clothes, blankets, and other goods we gather today to those not so far away who are freezing and in need of the basics . Even if we run the risk of getting ticketed by Sac P.D. we are going to do what is an act of humanity because all lives matter. How can we make this small spark spread into a wildfire that illuminates instead of scorches? I pledge to do what I can, how about you?

 

Artistic Poet Magaly

Powwow with My Inner Guide

Today I was drawn  into a meditation by Dr. Mary Pritchard during the Soul Driven Success Summit. After my meditation I decided to write about my experience. Music helps my brain in numerous ways so I went to seek some tunes to set the tone. I was shocked to hear new music on Pandora I hadn't heard before and was even more amazed that the symbol I received in my meditation was also on the album cover. Coincidence.....I think not.The meditation guides you to take deep breaths and mentally travel to the warm heart centered place were your Goddess, spirit guide, or higher self resides. So here is the story of my recent travel.

As I slowly tiptoe to the warm glow that is awaiting me in the teepee, I stop and stare up at the full moon and appreciate the glow that illuminates my flesh. The breeze whispers "woman who glows in the dark". Inside the teepee Spider Woman waits for me to join here around the fire. Spider Woman has been with me since I was 2 years old, and visit me in all stages of maiden, mother, and crone. Once I enter the teepee the flames ignite and burn brighter than before. Now is the time of asking. "What is my purpose here on earth", I ask because I'm still trying to figure out my soul mission. "You already know", she hisses and stares so deep into my eyes that a warm buzzing is felt in my brain and heart. The flames die down and then comes the smoke. In the smoke is a symbol that looks like a v with horns coming from the middle.

Coming out of the meditation I was confused with what this symbol represents. First google searches had me confused. I went next to Pinterest and typed in symbols with a description and boom it popped right up! Now let me tell you what brings the light to my eyes and what brings me joy. I love to work with earth, create, and heal! So now as I reveal the sigil to you it shall give you a glimpse of what is to come in this new year.

Side Note: Due to my bipolar depression I have been experiencing many dark nights of the soul. I have been in slumber rest mode since Christmas but believe I'm waking up again and moving forward. Love and light to all who know exactly what this means.

Our Rescue Rico

The search for a new fur baby was sparked by the kind heart of a local realtor paying for all adoption fees for the animals at the Front St. Animal Shelter. One rainy Saturday we piled everyone into the truck and headed Downtown. We were not the only family looking and did not find the right dog there. We tried three more shelters around town and still ended going home empty handed. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

A few weeks went by and another rain day came. The Renaissance man ended up staying home from work so we went  to the mall to do some shopping and decided over holiday coffee to give the Front St Shelter another look. Still no luck in finding a pooch. After picking up the little's from school we decided to go check out  Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

We looked at many dogs, and this is very hard because when you walk by them they give you sad eyes when you walk away. A curious dog looked out the window and his tail started wagging as my son pressed his face against the window. As my daughter walked by  he followed her gaze looking back and forth between the children. As a prospective match there is a room in which you go into  with the dog to bond and see his temperament.

Once out of his room the dog became timid and shy. Walking near him he was nervous around  shoes and fast movements, this guy had it rough before and his previous owner wasn't so kind. Was I willing to take a skittish stray with an unknown past home? I debated and even after finding out he was on meds for kennel cough we made the decision to open our hearts and home.

We made the dangerous rainy drive home without incident and the dog fell asleep in my daughters arms. Once we got home it was time to see how Chico would receive another dog into the home. One of my fears of bringing a new dog home was the fact that we had presents around a tree inside. First thing that dog does is pee on the tree and a few packages had to be rewrapped. Thank goodness that was the one and only time. We named our new dog Rico. Yes that's Chico & Rico.

Now the story takes a twist and Rico almost goes back to the shelter the next day.

Being fresh out of the shelter Rico smelled foul. Giving the dog a full bath wasn't possible because he was recently neutered. So we purchased wipes and a coat spray. No matter what we did the dog smelled like skunk. That night there was barely any sleep and it was determined he needed to be returned because the smell wasn't bearable. I dreaded the next morning. It was hard for me to face the children and let them know we couldn't keep him. The shelter didn't open till 12:30 p.m which was probably his saving grace. A trot outside resulted in the dogs finally playing and Rico taking a pent up poo. 

After play and relieving himself he didn't smell as bad. Further research lead me to the knowledge that Cairn Terriers have oily coats and when it gets clogged and trapped in it's coarse hair it smells. I just couldn't go through returning him, we bonded that afternoon. When everybody came home from school  they were ecstatic that my heart wouldn't allow him to go back. It's been a week now since Rico is a part of the family and he's turned out to be a pretty awesome dog. Our Christmas wish was answered and I believe his was too.

Solstice Salutations

Season's Greetings from Casa Sol y Luna. Despite the many pin boards I made on Pinterest to find my decorating style this year I didn't end up needing them at all. Classic red, greens , and golds made the scene this year.

 

 We purchased our tree from a grocery store parking lot again this year, but I'm truly thinking of buying a faux one when they go on discount after the holidays. We got pretty lucky in picking a good one since we had no idea what it looked like until we cut the binding and the tree opened up like an umbrella.

After we trimmed the tree the stockings were hung with care.  I have four beautiful children but{E} being the teen girl she is requested I do not post her pic, that's why you will rarely see her here. Even Chico hangs his stocking!

A glimpse this may be into our festivities because I have truly been very busy with life in general.There has been plenty of baking , making, and planning for the new year that is quickly approaching. Today marks Winter Break for the whole tribe (except the Renaissance man) so hopefully I will post more often.  I wish you the Brightest Blessings on this Winter Solstice.

The Kitchen Reveal

The kitchen has officially been done since last weekend but Iv'e been busy with my hands in many projects and wearing many hats while doing so. I love the light over the kitchen sink, to me it is a piece that reflects utensils or cheese graters.

We were going for a slight farmhouse kitchen feel. I had purchased the egg basket fruit basket at Ross. The other wire basket and flour sifter I already had on hand. Decorating mostly with things already in home really cuts down on the overall budget.The cabinets are painted in Behr Rave Raisin.

So here you are the infamous before pic.........the floor and cabinets are a flow of honey color. Avocado ceiling and fluorescent over head lighting had to go.

Taadaaa! This renovation brought us more than a new kitchen. My husband and I got away on the weekends to Home Depot dates kid free which gave us time to connect....and argue over lighting and paint. Now that the heart of the home is comfy and cozy, my focus is on holiday to do's and makes. Were into the first week of  December, remember to take sacred pauses and not get overwhelmed.

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I want to take a special moment and thank all of you that take time out of your day to visit. I  want you to know I hold you all dear to my heart even if I can't make my rounds to visit your space. Brightest Blessings this Holiday Season!

Light

Day 2 - December Reflections

The shutter sound of the camera awoke Chico as I was taking his picture, hence the "what are you doing" look he's giving me. The warm sunlight coming from the front window is perfect for napping. Chico is in need of a companion dog, he seems lonely or maybe the Winter blues sink in for pets as well. Last weekend we went to four different animal shelters looking for a match but ended up coming home empty handed. A lot of my friends seem to be looking for a shelter animal to welcome into their homes also. I will hold onto hope that a dog will become available in light of the holiday season of giving & receiving.

On The Table

Day 1 - December Reflections

I made scones for the first time today, hence the the not so uniform shape. They turned out pretty tasty though, all the kids liked them. I tweaked  Ocean Spray's Cranberry Scones recipe a bit by using left over cranberry relish  from  Thanksgiving  instead of the dried cranberries and orange zest the recipe called for. I'll be experimenting in the kitchen more as the holiday season progresses so stay tuned for food flips or flops!

December Reflections - A Month Of Remembering

I really forgot all about this reflection list until I popped on over to Instagram and seen Susannah Conway's post about day one. Better late than never, or more like sliding into home plate right on time.  Instagram pics and blog post are how I usually participate, and even though I start out whole heartily trying to get everyday of the month in, you know life gets hectic. So heres an early holiday cheer to a December to remember.