Not so much Wiccan Based thoughts from this Wiccan today...

Alright, today I felt I needed to blog. This is a rare type of entry on Blogger for me, but I wanted to let you know, I haven't abandoned my beliefs or my blog.

I've been getting quite busy with my "real life" as it would possibly be considered...

The kids are back in school, I'm back to driving the bus. My photography is really starting to take off. Who would have thought, just 3 months would make me go from "Hobby" to getting paid!

I'm starting to be in demand for mommy-to-be and new moms. I feel pretty good about that too. <3

I have found that with the worst days, the one thing that can make even the worst day feel better for me is photography. No matter if I'm taking photos, or editing them, it is my vice, my passion.

The weather outside is so beautiful I'm proud to say I can use that to my advantage right now. I put my first mommy-to-be in a bikini and shot a BEAUTIFUL photo of her in the grass. Pregnant women remind me of the magic of Gaia. Another reason I am so proud to show it off.

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My parents' anniversary was yesterday, "my first day of school" as the kids keep saying... They've been together 41+ years... I don't remember if it's 42, 43, 44... LOL! I think it's 41 married, and 42 together... either way really...

I hope my guy and I make it that long (or longer) together. I would be crushed if anything were ever to happen between us. I'm so glad we're together. He brought me sunlight when my life was dark, strength when I was weak, and protection when I needed it. (still does all of that) He's the man of my dreams, Even if he thinks he's just "ehh" looking. I don't care about his looks, I only care about how I feel when we're together, and how I feel when we're apart. And when we're apart? I miss him! Like right now, I just saw him an hour ago, and I can't wait for work to be over, so I can see him again soon.

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My "Bio" as on FB ;)

I have always loved photography and being creative. I remember sitting on my grandfather's lap and him telling me about where he was and the memories he had of when he took the millions of photos he did. Art has always run in my blood and I have always had a passion for sharing my "images".

My mother taught me to sew when I was a toddler, about 2 or 3 years old.  From there, I have learned to sew, crochet, knit, do needle point, make jewelry, and much more.

Many of my props are handmade.

I have taken photography, art, graphic & web design courses, and I've been to beauty school.

I started taking Photography courses when I was about 16 years old. I have found this to be one of the best ways to relax. Though, I first started taking photos when I was about 7 years old. I've been using a SLR camera for over 10 years, and just recently switched to DSLR (please ask me what this means).

I bought my first SLR camera in 2002, and I've been working on my art since.

I'd like to open a studio in about 2 years in my area.

My life goal is to show the world the magic I see in everyday life, using photography as my medium. 

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I guess that's enough of a blog/update for today. I'm sorry it's not all about the next full moon or holiday... or other Wiccan materials that we come across in our lives. But today, I just wanted to share this. <3

Merry we meet, merry we part, merry we meet again.

Blessed Be

☽✪☾

Handfasting

In Wicca, handfasting" is a term used for a wedding ceremony. The marriage vows taken may be for "a year and a day," "a lifetime", "for all of eternity" or "for as long as love shall last." As with many Neopagan rituals, some groups may use historically attested forms of the ceremony, striving to be as traditional as possible, while others may use only the basic idea of handfasting and largely create a new ceremony. In some traditions, the couple may jump over a broom at the end of the ceremony. Some may instead leap over a small fire together.

The couple must first chose a ribbon or cord in which to use, this ritual calls for simple cord, tied in a bow with an opening loose enough so that the hands can come out freely, or simply draped across the hands. The couple saves the ribbon or cloth as a keepsake. Here are some words that can be said with handfasting:
"(Bride and Groom), as yourhands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow."
Have them exchange their own written vows or perhaps the traditional rings. Afterwards the celebration can continue however planned.
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I took this from a timeline on Facebook "Pagan Parents" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wiccanparents ">https://www.facebook.com/wiccanparents</a>

I saw it and decided I need to share it in my blog, with my opinion.

I was married when I was 17 and pregnant. I married a man who later began to abuse me in every possible way. We were together for the grand total of about 3 years, and it ended in an ugly divorce and me with two beautiful children and a broken spirit.

Now, I look at marriage and I feel like it may end up on the road to a similar fate. Me sad and alone, broken with children who have no father. Although in reality, it's a fear I know is irrational when it comes to my guy.

Eventually we would like to get married, when the kids are grown a bit more, and we can afford the "party." For now, it is more like a piece of paper than anything else. But, when I herd about handfasting, Marriage started sounding beautiful again. Not only would we be bound by paper, legally, but if we incorporate this ceremony into our wedding, it'll be more than a piece of paper and words in front of a large group of friends and family.  It'll be us saying we choose to be together because we want to be together. This is something that If I can show my guy why this should be included, I will feel better.

My "Dream Wedding" is something mostly simple. Out on a field at the top of a hill or mountain, looking out onto a beautiful landscape. I would prefer to get married during an eclipse instead of dawn or dusk. I want to "pose" my wedding photos so that it looks even better. The sun and moon kissing as we're holding hands, tied from handfasting. And hopefully kissing under the eclipse.

Sure, it sounds nutty to anyone who doesn't understand me or my beliefs, but that's what I want. Even if we only had 20 people at our wedding. That's what I'd want.

I found a beautiful location here, so it isn't too far even for the farthest of friends and family we'd include. It has many places where you can stand and be photographed over the landscape during the rising/setting sun and even the eclipse.  They have a pavilion we can have tables set up inside. People can stand or carry chairs out to watch the small ceremony, then go back "inside" to eat and enjoy a BBQ type lunch/dinner.

Even if we had 50 people, I think we would have a grand time. It would be fun for all ages and it wouldn't be one of those LONG "never ending" boring ceremonies everyone tends to have. I don't need bridesmaids and ushers, a flower girl... No parade for my wedding. Just the two of us in front of our loved ones, tying our lives together.  Small and Beautiful.

Merry we meet, merry we part, merry we meet again.

Blessed Be

☽✪☾

Star Gazing

Last night I brought my kids star gazing. The meteor shower was August 11th and 12th. We were out there at 9:30-11:00 pm, and the kids wanted to go home to bed. I brought my brother, and he was already falling asleep so we packed up and went home just as the show was beginning to get AWESOME!

While I was there, I did get some beautiful images of the night and I seemed to capture a few of them.

I wish I had been able to go longer, or later, or by myself... (maybe if I left my brother home, the kids would have fallen asleep in the back of my truck and we could have seen the major part of the show.

Well, We had a blast staying up late, watching stars and taking photos.

Here are the photos I thought came out best. )O(

Merry we meet, merry we part, merry we meet again.

Blessed Be

☽✪☾