And We're Back!

Greetings everyone!

It feels like forever since I've been here!  Since my last post, I am pleased to report that we have our electricity back (including heat).  And we just got our cable/internet/phone back two days ago.  There is just so much catching up to do!

I would like to thank all of you for the kind and comforting comments you left for me on my last post.  They truly meant a lot to me.  I tried to respond to each and every person, but there were a few that did not have a email attached so I was unable to.  You ALL made my heart sing!  It was fun playing a pioneer girl for a few days; but as they stretched on and on, it became a bit more difficult.  Plus, I got a whopper of a head cold which I am still nursing.  I've been without my voice for four days now.  It is VERY hard to be quiet!

My first order of business here is to announce the two lucky winners from my Halloween blog party giveaways.  The winner of my Halloween witch hat decoration is Marie Segal!    And the winner of my Halloween Tea Party giveaway is Alia from Buccaneers and Ball Gowns!  Let's have a hearty round of applause for Marie and Alia - and do be sure to visit their amazing blogs, if you get a chance, to say hello.  

Are any of you familiar with Goddess Leonie?  She has provided me with much inspiration as of late, most especially during the past few weeks.  I adore her new book, 73 Lessons Every Goddess Should Know, which I purchased through amazon.com.  While I sat in my living room, wrapped tightly in a coat and scarf and fleece blanket to keep warm, I would read through the pages of this book - guided by a small  pocket book light - and it made me feel so much better.  If you've never happened upon Leonie's website, I encourage you to take a peek.  There's lot of free goodness there to inspire you, along with some interesting e-courses to sign up for.

During the course of the past month, I was most fortunate to win a few giveaways myself from some amazingly talented artisans and friends.  My friend Stacy of Magic Love Crow created this STUNNING original painting, and I was most fortunate to have won it.   And the cool thing was that I actually got to name the piece.  I called it "Earth's Reverie," because it resembles a daydream to me.  I absolutely treasure this painting, and I adore that there are details on all four sides of the painting.  Thank you so very much, Stacy - this is truly art to cherish!  Be sure to stop by Stacy's shop to see all her amazing crow creations.

Isn't this simply gorgeous packaging?  Way back when I participated in the Practical Magic blog party, I visited Carol Ochs, who is a wonderful fantasy artist as well as soap maker.  I was fortunate enough to have won her lovely giveaway, which included a beautiful print as well as soap samples and a sachet of magical herbs.

The print is really quite fitting, since Practical Magic focuses on two sisters.  I was so excited to receive a bookmark, as well, seeing as though I love reading!  You can find more of Carol's soaps here and her artwork here.

Recently, I've had the pleasure to meet Dana of On The Broomstick!  Let me tell you...Dana is one busy lady!  Her blog is absolutely fantastic!  You can always find great recipes, artisan reviews, giveaways, book reviews and interviews and so much more! Dana also writes Zombie Girl Shambling, Dana's YA Bookpile, and a few more.  I think you'll find them all very fun and entertaining.  I was thrilled to have won this adorable little Halloween cupcake kit from Dana...and I had fully intended to use it before the power went out!  

I also won this amazing three-CD package through Dana's blog from Artemis - a band which crafts ambient-style electro-pop music which is great to create to or just turn the lights down and relax to.  You can learn more about Artemis and their music here.

My wonderful friend Cindy Adkins sent me this lovely journal and recipe set as a thank you for the interview I recently did here on my blog.  It was such a thoughtful gift - and I'm sure I will fill both the journal and the cards with a bunch of holiday recipes!

Again, thank you all for sticking by me with such support and friendship.  Knowing that I could come back and find you all here waiting for my return lifted my spirits when I was feeling blue.  It's great to be back!  I will be trying to concentrate on creating some new jewelry, and hopefully some art, for the shop.  My creative muse is anxious to produce some lovely goodies in time for the holiday season.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy weekend!

Til next time,

Theresa