Afternoon Walk in the Garden

Today we had thunderstorms, but after the rain stopped the sun came out again so I decided to take a walk through the gardens to see what might be happening.



The Tansy is blooming beautifully.






The white Yarrow that I was gifted in April is settling itself in very nicely and looking healthy as well. The other patch had two blooms already. I am greatly pleased that my namesake is thriving in my garden.

My old dear teacher, Comfrey has become an entity unto itself. I am sharing more and more of this wonderful healing plants leaves every year and will most likely have roots to share this fall.

Looking among the tall, beautiful Mugwort plants against the fence, what is that I see? It's a little bright pink Bee Balm (Monarda) struggling to grow, but growing it is, underneath the towering Mugwort, Catnip, and Lemon Balm.

So pretty, I thought all of the bright pink had been smothered out, but no....

I love walks in the garden, especially after a good rain. Garden blessings to you all.

The Wheel Turns......

"Slowly the energy of summer has shifted, and we begin to see signs of the wheel's turning. The earth ripens and grows mellow~we can smell the warm and heavy difference in the air. All around us, plants once stiff with juice are softening and drying, going to seed. Everywhere are signs of the early harvest, with roadside stands and farmer's markets overflowing with produce. The light at sunset grows hazy and golden, and the nighttime insect's lullabye outside our windows are softer and less strident, weaving through our dreams. Summer has passed its prime." Celebrating the Great Mother.

Sassafras leaf turned orange-gold

Dogwood berries call to the birds

Eastern Tent Caterpillars getting ready to come out of their home
Bee Balm gone to seed.

Keepin it Real

Inspired by this post at Childhood Magic and the fact that today is my 42nd birthday, I am posting a few untouched photos of myself. This is what 42 looks like! At least for me. I think that I look better and am definitely in better health than I have ever been.

This one David loves, to me it feels too revealing, but I post it here in honor of keepin it real, this is me.











I like this one, it was taken in the temple, I love the dress and feel very feminine and sexy in it.







This one was at the park, a picnic with Sophie and David. Just a relaxing day with my family.

Next a self portrait, taken just because.

In the new reading glasses, I really don't have issue with wearing them, plus David says they look hot. :)

Beauty in the Garden

We had this lovely visitor in the Bee Balm yesterday. A gorgeous Black Swallowtail. It was very intent on extracting the remaining nectar from the nearly gone bee balm. We were able to get a good view of the flying flower without distracting it from its meal.

This morning there are two of them on the butterfly bush. I did not get a photo of them, but I have a feeling that one of them was this same one. It came back and brought a friend to our yard for breakfast.

Witchwood~My Home

There are so many things that I love about my home. In the past four years since we moved into this lovely house, we have been through an inordinate amount of stress and upheaval. There were times when we were unsure if we would be able to hold onto our home here. Times even, when I thought it would be easier just to give it up and move on. But we persevered and I am happy that we did. This home is loving, warm, open to friends and family, and sometimes, community. We share and learn and grow together here. This house, Witchwood, has always been the one that the children in the neighborhood congregate to. A former resident of the neighborhood, who grew up here, told us that when she was a child, this house, with it's former resident, held an open door policy for the neighborhood children. There was always something to do and something to eat here. The same is true now, we have a number of children, along with our own three, at any given time of day. There is laughter and fun, and the house seems to smile and open itself to them all. We feel blessed that we are fortunate enough to have this home and that we can make it loving and warm, and inviting to our friends and neighbors. Hestia is alive and well at Witchwood. I leave you with these shots of some of my favorite things about my home. Witchwood.

The witch ball in the window

My porch~where so much fun and sharing takes place

The stonework that is such a big part of Witchwood,adds character

The beading from India that circles the lamp

The tire swing in the Sycamore, that has brought so much joy

The fire pit for rituals, bonfires, and s'mores!

The guitar wall hanging David made of carpet remnants in the family room

The warm red brick of the old chimney

My kitchen witch of straw David brought me from the flea market

"Old Peter" the concrete rabbit found in the woods

These are just some of the things that I love about my home. Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Eye Candy @ Lavender Fest

There were so many beautiful things at the Lavender Festival yesterday. I could not take photos of everything but here are some of the ones that really spoke to me.





Gorgeous, peaceful fountain.








A huge throne fit for a goddess or a Sun God as the case may be right about now.
















A faery house, with yarn faeries flitting above it.













A great planter, I love this!















A fiery salamander/lizard just in time for Solstice.












Peace signs and doves~give peace a chance.














A lovely sunflower made of recycled tin.














A 'cocky' rooster also of recycled tin.














Beautiful green and red glass vases.















Luscious, handmade wooden spoons













Fantastic wind chimes, bells, and flowers.


















A gathering of birdhouses.















A beautiful goddess fountain~oh how I covet her.

Beautiful Belly Dancers

One of our favorite things about the Secret City Festival is that there are always belly dancers. Middle Eastern Dancers to be precise. Sophie and I love belly dancing....both watching and doing.


These ladies were organized by a friend of mine and she did an outstanding job. We are so happy to go out and support the dancers each year.


Check them out.....Bella Belly of Knoxville...

Sandsation Dancers also of Knoxville....

Bella Belly again...after costume change...

A beautiful solo cane dance by Hulya.