Just Another Writing Blog

A new place for me to be the Writer I know is inside waiting to burst forth!

[wriye]

Arrrrrrrooooooo! It's Full Moon Madness time! Full Moon Madness is a one-day marathon, which starts at 12:00 am and ends at 11:59 pm (your local time), and occurs every month on the full moon.

~Jess~

[jmlibbywriter]

Daytime full moon...gorgeous :-) Good luck to those who participate - I'll be at work

[jmlibbywriter]

Fully-Eclipsed Blood Moon and Tarot Tales

I tried to capture the eclipse in all its glory, but it just wasn't in the cards. Instead I was restricted to a cloudy "regular" Full Moon. It's cool, though. The clouds parted long enough for me to see the Blood Moon. Waiting and watching allowed me the rare opportunity to talk with my neighbor - a super-nice lady - and her son.

After that I decided to pull out the tarot cards and do spread. Sadly I can't remember what it's called (other than Full Moon Spread) or where I found it. Either way, none of what I saw really surprised me all that much. Also, I had divine feline assistance.

The Gist: If I don't change the way I'm running myself, I'm going to end up very sick. I'm not in balance, obviously. My mind & body are in go-mode way more than not-go-mode. IE - work, non-work cleaning and tidying, learning. I don't just sit and enjoy myself like I should when I'm home alone. My elements aren't in sync, either. And, Saturn was the more prominent planet in the spread (4/7 cards). The cards were saying, "Lady, you need to chill for a bit and re-prioritize. Your relationship is good, thriving even, but the rest is...meh. Work on that other stuff."

So, my plan starting now, is to do more of what I enjoy: finding peace in nature, a hot bath and cup of jasmine tea in the evening, listening to soothing music, cooking, writing and reading fiction. High on the list is reconnecting with my Pagan pursuits. I've been remiss and neglected that part of me.

On a side note, the beautiful Full Moon has totally screwed with my entire system - not sleeping right/good/much, appetite way off, inability to really focus. And the cat...sigh...she's had nothing but attitude since Thursday. Naturally, it's worse in the evenings. As much as I adore the Moon and all Her abilities, I'm looking forward to the New Moon in a couple weeks. She lets me sleep and isn't as...persistent.

Feel free to share your Full Moon tales and pics. I'd love to hear about how you enjoyed the cosmic event :)

[jmlibbywriter]

Writing, What?

The outline for the Bayou Project has been released from its prison (the butterfly clip in the back cover of my planner) and given a once-over. This poor creature needs a major overhaul. Right now it's roughly 12k words. If anything, the story is done but will get bits taken out. There's a problem with flow and the characters don't feel right.

"Rising" has seen better days. The story itself is decent, but (again) doesn't flow. The characters don't have much consistency (in evolving/devolving), they don't know what they're doing, and half of them will probably be taken out or taken out.

I created blogging schedule sheets (because I'm a dork) for here, WordPress and WriYe. It's September, an odd month, so that means most of my writing/online time is spent working on the WriYe blog. Figures I'd pick a crazy month to get back into my personal blogs. I've got a great support for my writing (thank you, babe) and blogging is a big piece of that.

Now, I do have an idea for a short story; I've mentioned it before, I think. Like, a month ago. Starting next month when things calm down a little, I'll start blogging it. Actually writing it here for you all to see. It should be an interesting experiment, if nothing else.

My writing support station has all the guides I could possibly need, until I find a new how-to book I can't live without. Also, I swear I don't work for Writer's Digest. Just wanted to put that our there.

I've been rolling the concept of 'genre' around in my brain lately and decided I don't have to conform to a single one. Not that I really ever have, mind you. It's fun to take elements from a few and meld them together. I'm also learning there's a great possibility of imbalance if not used properly. Cross-genre writing is pretty cool. It can open doors to new/different audiences.

[jmlibbywriter]

Pagan Tuesday

Fair Tuesday!

It's been awhile since I did a Pagan post, huh? Well, I've got pics, links and updates on what I've been up to with my pathwork.

First up: Altars. I was recently given a beautiful bookcase - we love free - and now all but Water have a permanent pace. Those empty shelves will be home to Mike's gaming/graphic novel items at some point (and a kitty bed). He has statues, books, stuff like that. So, in a way, that side will be his altar, too. Hey, we share around here.

Second: Learning. One can never learn enough. I haven't bought any new books, but I'm slowly getting through the books I have. One the one hand, I'm clearing my TBR. On the other, I'm constantly learning. I also did what I've seen countless others do: photocopy tarot cards and add them to their Books, including the basic info and impressions along side. This may take awhile although I started with the smaller Voice of the Trees oracle cards created by Mickie Mueller. She is one seriously talented lady!

Third: Organization. I'm trying to get myself back on track (in general). I took an afternoon and revamped the office - which houses the bookcase. All my Pagan-ness is in one spot, as is my writing gear. This is part of my 1-room-at-a-time cleaning plan.

Fourth: Participation. Pagan Pride Day is fast-approaching! We will most definitely be going. I'm also considering joining the Acadiana Spiritual Association. I might not get to go as much as I want, but the time I will be able to spend will be invaluable. This is a huge step for me, one I'm not sure I'm 100% ready for. But, I won't know unless I try.

Lastly: Get my ass outside more. What good is believing in a nature-based spirituality if I don't go outside?? I can drive 20 minutes and be immersed in gorgeous natural settings. Not only that, but the property we live on has ponds, trees and flowers. I mean, come on! Hell, I could sit on the little patio and stare at the massive Water Oaks or camellia trees right there. Seriously, they're right there.

[jmlibbywriter]

Review: ‘Bible Study for Pagans’

If you're looking for a no-nonsense interpretation of the Bible - even if you're not Pagan but interested in the Bible stories - then this book is probably for you. Fred Nichols turns the Bible on it's ear and creates a really cool narrative out of something that is a huge hurdle for many.

I tried reading the Bible, once; I didn't very long.

Nichols includes passages from the Bible where it matters and gives us a better idea - through what I'd consider modern storytelling - of what went down, and who wrote it. The entire Bible is covered, more or less, in some fashion. Parts are hard to get through (It wouldn't be a Bible interpretation without difficulty, right?), but the narrative Nichols uses helps a lot.

I'd recommend this for people who's interest is piqued by the stories but don't have the patience to read the Bible cover-to-cover. You can pick up either Kindle or paperback versions of Bible Study for Pagans on Amazon.

[jmlibbywriter]

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site - St. Martinville, LA. You can check out the particulars here. 

I’ve decided I want to live here. Talk about gorgeous!

[jmlibbywriter]

Review: ‘Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch’

I loved this book!

It's part personal experience, part Book of Shadows. And there are some humorous moments; it's not dry like many of the "grimoires" one often comes across. In fact, I found myself giggling and reading little snippets to M.

She had some great ideas, as well. Some of which include setting up a tiny altar in the kitchen and cooking with intent. Cooking is something I quite enjoy and, while I don't cook as often as I'd like thanks to my schedule, I plan on including many of her suggestions.

If you're interested in the Kitchen Witch concept, please check out Rachel Patterson's book. And her website.

[jmlibbywriter]

Yeah, so....guess who’s never going to another zoo. Ever.

[jmlibbywriter]

Hiatus on Tap

I'll be back in June. Too much going on right now. <3

[jmlibbywriter]

To Write or Not to Write -

[jmlibbywriter]

30 Days/Weeks of Druidry: Fire Festivals

Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. Fortuitous that today happens to be Beltane (and my day off), huh?

To elaborate on the ritual I did for Thoth and Seshat discussed last week, I incorporated several candles: red, purple, blue and white. Clearly I chose the colors for their various correspondences: passion, creativity and protection.

This ritual wasn’t just for Thoth and Seshat, or to celebrate Beltane, though. It was almost required. I’ve been down, frustrated and stagnant on several levels. Honestly, Beltane couldn’t have been a better time to do this. Everyone needs a boost now and then.

And because this was so successful, I’m already planning for Lughnasadh. Granted, I might not have that day off, but I can have some sort of “plan” in place and I can celebrate on whichever day off is closest. Fire festivals are a perfect time to reconnect with ourselves and the paths we’ve chosen.

For the first time in a while, I’m feeling some passion. And it feels good. Ȭ7�?Ы

[jmlibbywriter]

30 Days/Weeks of Druidry: Rituals and Worship

I haven’t had the time lately to really devote to any of my spiritual pursuits, and it sucks. However, I was blessed with three days off in a row and I plan to make use of them.

There’s a magnolia tree full of gorgeous blooms at the front of the property. Friday when I check the mail, I’ll silently and gently ask the tree for two of her blossoms. Afterwards, I’ll bring them home and do two things: Take a restorative bath and then meditate. One flower for each activity. During both I’ll recite an appreciation prayer I wrote for Thoth and Seshat, thanking them for their guidance and support. The flower used for the bath will be put back out in nature and the other will be pressed in my spirit book.

These rituals have been rolling around in my mind in anticipation of the magnolia blossoming. Such full, luscious flowers. The silky and fragrant petals…

[jmlibbywriter]

Review: ‘Living With Intent’

Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy by Mallika Chopra (Crown Publishing, 2015)

I loved this book. It was full of "that's me!" moments, great anecdotes and stories. It had that "We all go through this and you need to grasp that concept" vibe, and it helped a lot. Chopra worked out a process for trying to fulfill the intentions we make and how to follow through with them. It's worth a shot, right? Here's the basic breakdown:

Incubate

Notice

Trust

Express

Nurture

Take Action

Chopra talks about family, work, education, personal hiccups, etc. She chronicles (more or less) her journey from not knowing what to do, to accepting a lot things and making some sound changes. The book includes links to a mind map, daily intent worksheet and balance wheel. (The balance wheel and mind map are pretty great.) I only wish I'd bought the actual book instead of the Kindle version.

Oh, and for those who don't know her work, Chopra developed the Intent website - it's wonderful - and she talks about it throughout her book. I've been using the site going on three years now. It's a great place to connect with others who need some support and positivity in their lives. No negativity allowed; that's the only rule.  

Some of the changes she discussed in the book would benefit me, I think. Like most people, and women in general as Chopra points out, I overschedule myself. Chores, writing, everything. And it's all centered around my job. I don't really make time for me. Sure, I take a bath or watch a Disney movie once in a while. And I watch my dvr'd shows. But as far as doing something outside, on my own, just for me? I don't do that. Mike has pointed this out to me on numerous occasions, and he's right. I have many interests, but no gumption to take part in them.

So, I'm going to follow Chopra's advice and start working on my Intentions. Small, bite-sized steps because small steps are better than no steps. Right?

My first legit intent: Finish that damn book!

[jmlibbywriter]

Film Review: ‘The Dovekeepers’

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (book 2011, film 2015)

This was really good. It had all the elements I like about a movie: intrigue, personal relationships, action. And it wasn't overly religious, if that's possible when discussing Rome's need for world domination. Or that time period in history.

The journey of three women (four, according to the book and film descriptions) is chronicled following the siege of Masada when the two surviving women, Shivah and Yael, are taken into Roman custody and their story is told to the historian Josephus.

There is a lot of adultery and scheming in this story. For instance, Shivah falls in love with a married bandit and is cast out of Jerusalem - pregnant, only to be reunited with him in Masada. Of course, that's after she leaves their village with her first daughter (Aziza, raised as a boy) and the son she had with another man. Yael, the unwanted daughter of another family, gets pregnant on the road to Masada by a married man. I told you there was intrigue. Aziza has an intense love affair with Amram, Yael's brother, only to discover his assassin-bandit ways are too much for her.

In the end, at the siege of Masada, the leader of the assassin-bandits orders a mass murder-suicide of the people. It's either die at their own hands, or those of the Romans. The only survivors are Shivah, her son and another unborn child, Yael and her infant.

While I don't doubt Roma Downey's ability to translate book to film, I think I'm going to read the book at some point. Alice Hoffman writes beautifully. I also think I'm going to rewatch the film while it's still available on demand. I may have missed something.

I liked it.

Do I recommend it? Yes...only if you're in it for the entertainment value.

I see a lot of reviews regarding a lack Jewish cast members, deviation from historical accounts, etc. People should realize it was a made-for-TV book adaptation...

[jmlibbywriter]

30 Days/Weeks of Druidry: Spirits of the Land

I live in the one of the places in the world most associated with Paganism. I say “Paganism”, because it’s an umbrella term. Druidry is included – albeit sketchily – under that umbrella.

Tree and water spirits are everywhere, here. It’s incredible. Go out to the swamps and you’ll be enveloped in them like a warm blanket. Louisiana is much more…alive…than the desert was. At least, that was my experience.

Living where I do, I get this sense of wellbeing and calm at random times. Other times, I become solemn and sad. Sure, some of that is me, but I believe the spirits of the land are nudging me. Prompting me to examine what’s hidden inside. I’ve learned a great deal about myself thanks to them.

There is something else though, and Mike thinks I’m crazy. I often see little flitting shadows on the floor or along the walls. They haven’t been around as much since we got Kallie, but they come out every so often. And I’ve noticed they show up when I’m having a rough minute. I’ll be lost in thought and all of a sudden there they are. They just seem to know…

I feel good here, spiritually speaking.

[jmlibbywriter]

Overwhelmed and Anxious

The following is a conversation I had with myself over this morning’s first cup of coffee...

Vacuum, wash bedding, read a chapter in 3 different books, check in to both online classes...

What about writing? You said you were going to write, like, 2k words. You are still going to write, right? You need to.

Yeah, but I’ll get to it at some point. I can start after lunch.

Great! You’re going to eat more than cereal today? Wait...you didn’t eat breakfast. You’re not eating like you should. And your sleep is way off lately. 

I know...

Sooo...you’re not eating or sleeping right, you’re not writing like you planned. What else isn’t as it should be?

I’m having doubts. Lots of doubts.

About...?

Work, everything. My writing capabilities. I don’t write very well. My story ideas are good, but my execution of them blows. My path work has taken a huge hit because of work. Hell, everything has been affected. My relationship, too. There’s not very much time together. 

It’s the quality that matters, not the quantity. make the most of the time you have .

Yeah, easier said than done. I just want to check out for awhile, do nothing. Go nowhere. Sleep, eat junk food, watch Disney movies. That’s it. I just need time.

Sounds like you could use some therapy and meds...

Finally, you said something sensible. 

[jmlibbywriter]

30 Days/Weeks of Druidry: The Ancestors

My Ancestorial knowledge is quite limited, as I know zero information about my father’s family. I don’t know anything beyond he existed and my mom was the young woman who took care of his 3 children while he worked. 

So, anyway...

I can trace my mom’s family back to mid-19th century Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. From there they migrated to Maine and settled on smallish farms, took odd jobs to get by while they established roots and lives. Unfortunately, that’s all I really know. 

My grandmother and grandfather, who divorced when my mom was young, rarely told stories. Hell, my mom rarely tells stories. The majority of what I know of those times I read about in books and see on documentaries. 

Growing up, we didn’t take family vacations except the one day each year we all went to the ocean for a family outing. 

A couple years ago, I took the kids to a Scottish and Irish festival in Vermont and was able to trace my grandfather’s family name back through anglicization to the MacDonough clan in Scotland. I also checked out my ex’s family name (for the kids) and found it way way back in Ireland. Mom was kinda surprised when I told her we had Celtic roots.

There’s so much more to my family’s lineage that I’d love to know. It’s just a matter of doing the research and digging though it all.