I am so thrilled that Dreamweaver Press is publishing my novel, The Mourning Tide, in October. October is already my most fave magical month of the year and now I have one more reason to love that magical month of death made beautiful.
I came up with the idea for the novel via a flash of inspiration years ago. I’m so happy it’s being published now. I could not get an agent for the book, but it is still being published and I am over the moon happy. Twisted Dreams Press is an indie publisher.
Everyone loves a good ghost story. My novel The Mourning Tide rejects all tropes and exhausted expectations and old ideas of ghost stories. Yes ok the idea of a woman all alone in a haunted house has probably been done before. In my story, Rosemary Bell has to heal her own broken, grieving heart while dodging danger and a creepy house that disturbs and unsettles the reader. I created a ghost trapped in his own cursed darkness, and may enslave a hapless soul or two into the ghost’s seaweed mired darkness for eternity. That and a town that tries its very best to reject a dark, cursed secret they will do anything to keep hidden. They ostracize anyone steers from their oppresive sense of normal. That outcast happens to be Rosemary. It’s Jonathan Fraser, the ghost who motivates Rosemary to save him and heal her own heart.
Haunted Woods in the bog – Pleasant Bay
The small town of Windswept Bay, (town name changed for the story), is a character of the story on its own. The icy ocean waves, creaking trees, haunted woods and the endless misty fog may give an unwary reader the chills. I love my story and I hope new readers will love it too.
The story is based on an actual historical event that happened decades ago yet has left a lasting impact on the residents of the town of Pleasant Bay. Two campers forgot to put out their campfire. Since Pleasant Bay has a milion trees and it was hot summer, the fire spread like crazy. A young woman did drown in her efforts to escape the fire. I researched that in the Nova Scotia Public Archives. Pleasant Bay is the town I used for the story. It’s stunningly beautiful there. My grandfather was born there, Alfred Timmons, and the two room schoolhouse that my mother attended when she was young is still there. The village has never changed, it’s as if time stands still. There is a Buddhist colony there, but I love the wild, untamed beauty of the cliffs, trees and the restless ocean. It’s paradise for sure.
I hope to visit Pleasant Bay soon, maybe in late spring. That will really help me perhaps get inspired to write a new horror story. I haven’t been there in years and I do look forward to visiting there again. Pleasant Bay is 450 kilometres from Halifax. But the long drive is sure worth it. Moose, eagles, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, rabbits, and pheasants roam there freely. The nature and wildlife are sure to capture your imagination. I very much look forward to editing my novel with the team at Twisted Dreams Press! I can’t wait to hold the author copy in my hands. It’s been ten years in the creation of this story.
I just wish my grandparents were still alive to see the book and hold it in their hands. Maybe they are watching over me and are proud of me. I certainly hope so. I’m dedicating the book to them. The photos that you see in this post were taken in Pleasant Bay. For me, the most worrisome part of visiting there is not the blind spots on the winding road through the mountains, being swept out to sea, being attacked by a bear or eaten alive by mosquitoes- it’s the moose. They are very imposing and huge and smelly and just … huge… especially the bull moose, who climb over a guardrail as if it is not even there, roam the woods and roads at night and could kill you if they wanted to.
Imbolc is upon us! We can all take heart that the first of the three spring Sabbats has arrived. Today’s post is all about herbs of Imbolc. Imbolc is the midpoint between winter and spring. Imbolc honors the spring Goddess Brigid. Herbs can be celebrated during this season, especially herbs that correspond to purity, fertility and the transition from winter to spring.
“In between the middle of the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox lies the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Dating back to pre-Christian times, Imbolc celebrations revolved around the Goddess Brigid. Ancient Celtic mythology explains that she was born with a flame in her head and immediately drank the milk of a mystical cow upon birth, which is where her common symbols of a flame and dairy originated from. She also represents fertility, and many women would travel to her sacred wells (the most popular one in Kildare, Ireland) to drink their water in hopes of conceiving shortly after. During Imbolc celebrations, those celebrating would light bonfires and make dairy-rich meals in honor of Brigid.
Now, Imbolc coincides with Saint Brigid’s feast day. Historians have shown that when Christianity was spreading throughout Ireland, the church was having a difficult time convincing pagans to let go of their gods and goddesses. Thus, Brigid was “reborn” into Saint Brigid, and her representations (i.e., fertility, the flame, and dairy farmers) were kept the same.” Credit given to https://www.herbstalk.org/blog/imbolc-traditions-rituals-and-herbs-for-the-pagan-holiday
Chamomile, lavender, rosemary, milk thistle, bay laurel and white heather are good choices. Let’s take a closer look at how they can be used and what they represent.
“Imbolc Herbs
1. Rosemary Rosemary is a classic herb for purification and protection, making it perfect for Imbolc. As we move away from the cold, dark months of winter, rosemary can help cleanse your space and prepare it for the lighter days ahead.
Uses:
Burn rosemary as incense to cleanse your home or altar.
Add it to a ritual bath to purify your energy.
Place sprigs of rosemary around candles on your altar to invoke clarity and focus.
2. Lavender Known for its calming and uplifting properties, lavender is an ideal herb for Imbolc rituals that center on healing and renewal. It helps open your heart and mind to new beginnings.
Uses:
Use lavender in sachets or charm bags for peace and relaxation.
Add dried lavender to your ritual fire or candle magick.
Brew lavender tea during your Imbolc feast to encourage tranquility and connection.
3. Chamomile Chamomile embodies the sun’s gentle energy, making it a wonderful herb to symbolize the returning light of spring. It’s also known for luck and prosperity.
Uses:
Sprinkle chamomile petals on your altar as an offering to Brigid.
Use it in spells for abundance and success in the coming season.
Create a chamomile infusion to wash your ritual tools or cleanse your altar.
4. Angelica Angelica is a powerful herb associated with protection, healing, and blessings. Its vibrant energy aligns perfectly with Imbolc’s themes of renewal and hope.
Uses:
Use angelica root in protective talismans or charm bags.
Scatter angelica around your home for blessings.
Add it to an anointing oil for Imbolc rituals.
5. Bay Leaves Bay leaves are a versatile herb tied to wisdom, manifestation, and purification. They can help you set powerful intentions for the year ahead.
Uses:
Write your wishes for the year on bay leaves and burn them in your ritual fire.
Add bay leaves to a simmer pot for cleansing your home.
Place them under your pillow to inspire prophetic dreams during Imbolc.
6. White Heather White heather represents new beginnings and protection, aligning beautifully with Imbolc’s energy of transformation.
Uses:
Use white heather in altar arrangements or wreaths.
Incorporate it into spells for hope and new opportunities.
Add dried heather to herbal incense blends for Imbolc rituals.
7. Milk Thistle Milk thistle is connected to healing and renewal, aligning with Brigid’s nurturing energy. Its connection to milk also ties it symbolically to Imbolc, which celebrates the lactation of ewes.
Uses:
Add milk thistle to offerings for Brigid.
Use it in rituals for physical and emotional healing.
Include it in a tea or tincture to nurture your body and spirit.
How to Incorporate Herbs into Your Imbolc Celebrations
1. Create an Imbolc Simmer Pot: Combine herbs like rosemary, chamomile, and bay leaves with cinnamon sticks and orange peels. Simmer them on your stove to fill your home with cleansing and uplifting energy.
2. Herbal Sachets: Fill small bags with dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. Carry them for protection, peace, or renewal throughout the season.
3. Herbal Offerings: Place dried herbs on your altar or around Brigid’s effigy to honor her and invoke her blessings.
4. Herbal Candles: Roll candles in herbal blends before lighting them for your rituals.
Imbolc is a time to reconnect with the cycles of nature and prepare for the growth and abundance of spring. By working with these magical herbs, you can enhance your rituals and deepen your connection to this sacred sabbat. Blessed Imbolc and bright blessings! “
Ginger root is suitable for Imbolc. Imbolc is a fire festival and ginger is a fiery root. I want to include a few crystals that correspond to Imbolc as well. Blue lace agate, clear quartz crystal, selenite, snowflake obsidian, rose quartz, lepidolite, carnelian and amethyst would be perfect on your altar. This could be a good time to refresh and declutter your altar (I know I need to). Use the above herbs and gemstones for an extra magical boost to your magick! Be sure to include a Brigid’s cross.
I know it seems the world has gone crazy right now. I just try my best to focus on the positive, or, should I say – paws-itive? Yes, I am referring to my adorable cat with a unrivaled penchant for mischief. She is so cute. She fills me with love. That is something that the world needs way more of right now, peace and love. It is out there.
Today’s post will be on a very different topic than my other previous posts. Make yourself a coffee and keep reading!
I changed my mind about writing the Ed gein book. I am at the very least postponing it. Instead, I’m focusing on other projects. I need to know there is a big advantage for me to go to all that trouble, in other words, I want to know for sure I would make enough profit to have justified going to all that work. I have to finish editing Born of Venom, continue with my herbalism studies, perhaps write another horror novel. When I am more established as a writer, then I will consider writing the Gein book. But for now. I am focusing on other projects.
I enjoy writing nonfiction. It is in many ways much easier than writing fiction. Believe me, it’s true. Or at least, that is true for me. Bring the nightmares on!
In other news, I am waiting for the renaissance sewing pattern to arrive via owl mail. I have a pattern, but it is the wrong size. I can’t wait to start sewing! I have the fabric for the peasant blouse and skirt, new cream-colored and brown bias tape, interfacing, ribbons for the bodice, lining material for the vest, threads and all my sewing tools. All I need is the pattern. I also want to get d-rings instead of setting in the eyelets the traditional way. I prefer using the d-rings because they are much easier. I have all that lace. I am sure I can make the outfit look beautiful. I can’t wait to sew it! I also want to wear the vest and the blouse with other outfits. I plan to sew the overskirt and add the lace to the whole overskirt. That will look amazing!
My first pattern I made from the Renaissance pattern
I found a bodice that I sewed from the original sewing pattern. It is worn out and old. I will toss it soon. It’s shown me how much I have improved in my sewing since sewing that bodice. I may or may not add boning to the bodice. I really could do without it. The bodices that I checked online at Holyclothing do not have boning. I want to feel comfortable in it, not gasping for air. Lol. The boning does give the bodice a shape and a structure. I will know how it wil go later.
Sewing carefuly and slowly, and paying attention to all the details pays off, resulting in a beautiful garment. I also feel the same way about writing and revising. With hard work and attention, everything falls into place.
Imbolc is almost here! I have had a huge creativity streak lately. I usually feel exceptionally creative when Imbolc rolls around. Imbolc is the first of the three spring Sabbats. I am very relieved. That brings us all closer to spring, for those who live in the Northern hemipshere.
I sewed myself a blue skirt the other day. The project took two days to complete. The challenge was sewing the yoke to the skirt.
My new homemade blue skirt
I have a new sewing project in mind. I bought a few meters of beige cotton knit fabric that I originally intended to use for the nightgown. It was too heavy for a nightgown. I still have the fabric. Then inspiration struck! I now intend to sew myself a Renaissance outfit. I have a sewing pattern for it, but the pattern is not in the right size. I’m ordering the pattern in the right size. Once I have the pattern, then I can sew the garment. The pattern is shown in the photo below:
I decided against sewing a dress from the beige knit fabric. They require such precision and a million fittings. A peasant blouse is so easy to sew. For once, I think I will choose sewing something easy instead of complex.
The garment will consist of a beige cotton knit peasant blouse and a skirt, a bodice and an overskirt. I have a long brown cotton skirt that I made from the original pattern. That would look good with the pattern. I already have fabric and brown thread for the bodice. I found the brown velveteen fabric in my fabric stash. I bought a meter of brown cotton for the lining and I found interfacing in my stash. I just need several d-rings ( my skills at inserting eyelets leaves much to be desired). I want to add the peplum to the bodice as well as embroidered trim. I bought plenty of brown ribbon to lace up the bodice. I am glad that this project is not costing me a lot of money. I already own most of the supplies I need. I do have to buy dark blue bias tape for the bodice. I love Fabricville, but I love the trims and ribbons on Etsy. I noticed that in the largest photo on the front of the sewing pattern shows the model wearing a bias tape that is a darker color, so I want to do the same. The dark blue color brings out the pink color of the bodice. The variety and quality is much better on Etsy.
I bought a few meters of beautiful cream white organdy lace on Etsy. I have yet to decide how I will use it with the blouse and skirt. I am sure I can figure it out. I do believe that the outit will look amazing! I’m relieved that I thought of ways to use up the fabric that just sat in my stash. I have so much beige fabric that I could sew the overskirt and skirt from the same fabric. Or I could make the overskirt brown too. It could go either way. I’m happy to get the pattern in my size because figuring out how to grade the original pattern would have been such a headache. I am not that skilled! The pattern was hard to find in the sizes I wanted. I may sew the lace to the overskirt and to the sleeve hems! That would look romantic and a great way to use up the lace.
The lace organdy fabric
The beige and browns are earthy colors. I have all of the remaining winter and spring to work on it. Maybe I will try learning a new skill such as machine embroidery! I have to practice before I would consider doing machine embroidery on the brown velvet. Sewing a trim to fabric is easier. That would look great though. Winter is a season to turn inward and be reflective and spring is the wild, untamed transition of new life and birth. I still see earthy browns and beiges as pertaining to spring. The mud is softer and tiny buds emerge from the soil. I ordered a nice brown embroidered trim from Etsy. I can’t wait for it to arrive.
I sewed a mock up of the bodice pattern. I am glad I did as I could determine how much fabric I really needed to make the bodice. The brown velveteen fabric is lovely. I cut out the material last night very carefully. Now sewing the bodice will be much easier. I sewed the overskirt too. I wore the long brown skirt, the overskirt and the beige peasant blouse to the Imbolc Ritual. I had no time to sew the bodice. But now I have lots of time.
I was fortunate to have lots of elastic for the sewing project. I made an elastic casing at the neckline, sleeves and the bodice hem. I sewed an elastic casing for the overskirt. I chose it that way because the ribbon was lost in the casing. I find elastic easier to work with. The fabric for the overskirt was very slippery. I sewed in a zigzag stitch for the hem of the overskirt. I also changed the length of the hem for the brown skirt. I still tripped in it. I felt so feminine when I wore it and I recieved lots of compliments.
Sewing the bodice was more work than I anticipated. I am glad I made the mockup. I knew how much material to add to the pattern. I cut out the brown bodice fabric, first checking that I was cutting on the grain. The outer material of the bodice is brown velveteen. The lining is a brown broadcloth cotton. I set them aside. When I was ready to work on it, I moved on to the next step – adding the interfacing. That was a royal headache. I even cut out a second front bodice section. I had trouble deciding if I wanted the main bodice section to have the dart sewn in, or if I would add that to the extra material in the bodice. I decided to go with sewing the darts in the main bodice front section. The interfacing was a royal headache. Once I had the right sections interfaced – and that was a headache in itself, I set it all aside again. When I was again ready to sew again, I pulled it out. I set up my sewing machine and all my tools. I had to stitch carefully. I did not want to mess up the bodice. It is harder to correct when working with velveteen. I stitched the front and back corset sections together. I trimmed the interfacing to help conceal it. I sewed the lining to the bodice. I sewed it all carefully and slowly. I feel I have more control over it all that way.
Sewing the bias tape to conceal the raw edges was also a headache. The bias tape wanted to roll out. I also had to seam rip the bias tape and bodice fabric to reduce the bulk. It looked better when that was done. I snipped all the stray threads. There were many times during the course of sewing the bodice that I wanted to scream from the hilltops. I matched the seams of the front center bodice sections together. The front center sections of the bodice met evenly once the bulky seams were trimmed. I am very handy with a seam ripper. Then the next step that I dreaded was installing the grommets. That almost gave me a stomach ache. Okay I had originally purchased d rings to use for the lacing, but I decided to master a new skill and try my hand at setting in the grommets. I had survived interfacing, sewing the bodice sections together, and endured sewing on the bias tape – I could survive this.
I bought black grommets in a little kit. I practiced hammering in the grommets on spare fabric. When I was confident I could do it on the bodice, I gathered an awl, a screwdriver, a seam ripper, scissors and the kit. I marked where I wanted the grommets to be set in. This is why it is good to not skip the step of adding the interfacing. The fabric is strengthened by the interfacing. It also means it is harder to poke an awl through the fabric. I poked twice with the awl, then the screwdriver to enlarge the hole I created. I twisted the screwdriver in the hole a few times. I used a seam ripper to help tear the hole a little larger – but not too much. I want the grommets to crimp or ‘eat’ the fabric, but not make too big of a hole. Then I set in the larger grommet piece. I had to set ten pieces in. Okay once the grommet piece was snug in the hole- pushed in from the right side of the fabric, then I set the other piece from the wrong side. I pushed them together (not hard), to make them meet. I set the fabric down on the cutting board, face down and I positioned the tiny hammer tool on the grommet, and hammered the grommet into the fabric. I was amazed that I did it right. I did it right nine more times. I also had to make sure the grommets were truly across from each other on the bodice sections. I hammered in the grommets so hard that the impressions of the grommets are left in the wood. The grommets stuck to the wood. I tugged firmly and gently and they released from the wood. The grommets were done right. I wanted to add a lovely brown and gold trim to the bodice. I pinned the trim onto the bodice and sewed slowly and carefully. I used that for the casing for the boning. I set in the grommets where the boning was supposed to go. I am not changing that. It is fine. It was so much work. It was all so much work.
The reason why I have written so much here about the colors and textures of the fabric is because there are no guarantees at first when sewing. I want the fabrics, colors and textures to harmonize, synergize. It all has to blend and look great, not just hand sewn. I want it all to look store bought. That is how the pattern should look in the end. That means it depends on me to do my very best sewing. There is no room for error. The result is something I can be proud of. So I like to work out the details as I am sewing or before I even start sewing. I put a lot of thought into my sewing projects. Okay, okay, I am obsessive with my sewing projects. I have no idea what comes over me. I should get just as obsessive about my other creative projects, but that’s just me. Imagine what I could accomplish! ha ha. Perhaps I can wear the brown corset with my new blue skirt!
In other news, I have renewed the contract with Baynam Books Press for The Cult of the Spider People. The edits are done and now I look forward to seeing the new version! The editor/ publisher Crystal Baynam is changing the front cover of my book. The Bone Chillers #1 will be removed. Ah well. The new version is much better edited.
I ordered a sample of an aesthetic scrapbook sample in the mail. It is not what I thought. The blue book is so tiny. The stickers look great. I will use it in my brown hand bound poetry journal.
I look foward to receiving the sewing pattern in the mail. Once I do, I shall post all about it here and I will post more about Imbolc too! Let me know more about your own creative endeavours in the comments! I look forward to it.
Today I want to share with you how I sewed a Victorian nightgown.
I bought a pdf pattern from Stella Pattern on Etsy. I usually use a regular tissue pattern, but this time I bought a pdf pattern. I knew I could never get the pattern I wanted from McCalls or Vogue patterns, certainly not a Victorian nightgown pattern. I downloaded the files and read them carefully. I wish the seller told me how much fabric I required for the pattern. That would have been helpful. Here is the link for the pattern I bought on Etsy –
The construction of the Victorian nightgown had some unforeseen challenges. I bought 4.5 meters of yellow eyelet cotton, 100% cotton, on sale.
I downloaded a pattern size, which turned out to be the wrong size. I used size 14, when I should have used a 16 or 18. Our bodies change as we age. I needed to make adjustments to the pattern. The pattern consisted of two long front and back pieces, the neckline facing, sleeves and sleeve flounce and hem flounce. I cut out the pattern at the library and that was not a good thing. It was not till I did a fitting that I realized the body of the nightgown would be too tight on me. Okay I altered the armholes after checking that out in a vogue sewing book. I cut into the armhole seam, basted the sleeve in and then basted the sleeve in twice, and then decided how much more I needed to cut into the armholes. I did not trim the seam, but I did cut into the seam and clipped the seam to make the armhole have more room to fit my arm. That would make the whole nightgown more roomy and comfortable for me, which a nightgown should be. I may need to alter the neckline facing.
I cut out the flounce for the sleeves twice. The second time I cut out the sleeve flounce correctly. The pattern says to cut out on a fold. I am so happy that I cut it out again -which is why it is a good idea to always have more fabric. It is easier to make something larger, rather than smaller. The sleeve flounce needs to have that fullness.
So once that was done, and I was happy with how the nightgown felt on me, I permanently set in the sleeves. When you are constructing the nightgown or any other sewing project, that is the best time to make the alterations. Not when you are done sewing, because you are not truly done. I got distracted when I cut out the front and back pattern pieces, and ended up having to sew the front piece center section together, which was supposed to open on a fold. Oops! I made a very slim seam allowance and with the arms not fitting earlier, I was glad I did. That meant more room for me.
The fabric is very delicate. I stitched slowly and carefully. I know sewing machines can sew fast, but I chose sewing carefully. The end result is the nightgown looks great.
I decided that the best way for me to know the front from the back was the slim seam allowance in the center front pattern piece. The back center section has a slightly wider seam allowance.
I sewed the neckline facing, and I set in the sleeves and I sewed the flounce. The flounce intimidated me. I had to figure out how to sew the two big sections together. There was a front and a back, but by the time I figured out how to sew the front and back together, and stay stitch and hem the flounce, I could no longer figure out back from front. I pinned the flounce right sides together. I stitched the flounce to the nightgown hem and pressed it. I clipped the seam allowance, pressed the seam allowance and checked the flounce and the hem. There were two spots where the fabric was caught in the flounce or a hole in the seam, but I quickly fixed those issues.
The eyelet cotton was very easy to work with. I stitched a zigzag stitch into the center back seam allowances and the arm and arm flounce pieces. The eyelet cotton material is very light and delicate. I did not want it to fray or unravel. I did my best to whip stitch the seam allowance for the arms. The zig zag stitch was a huge challenge, because the seam allowances are narrow and the fabric is fragile, but I managed. I snipped the stray threads.
Next, I want to line the nightgown. I have to mimic the nightgown pattern, but I will manage. I always wash the fabric first to eliminate the formaldehyde preservatives the stores use on the fabric to extend the fabric shelf life in the store. I will then cut out the pattern, except I am not making another flounce, neckline stitch or sleeves. I just don’t want the nightgown to be so see through.
I bought white thread to correspond with the white lining material, which I also bought on sale at Fabricville. The eyelet cotton was 66.67% off, so instead of paying $90 for the fabric (unreal!), I paid $40. That and the threads and the lining material, this took 3 days to sew and cost me $50! It is sewn correctly and neatly and will always just fit me. The zig zag stitch ensures it won’t unravel or fray too much. I set in the sleeves three times before I was happy with the fit.
I washed and dried the fabric. They put formaldehyde in the fabric to give it a longer shelf life in the fabric store. Now I just have to make sure the fabric is on the grain and start cutting!
Once I am done sewing the lining together, I have to sew it to the nightgown. The pattern is always sewn right sides together. I have two meters of fabric, so the lining will be easy to do. I just have to keep in mind the alteration I did to the nightgown and do that to the lining or just add an extra inch to the whole pattern. I am sure it will be lovely.
Today I tried – tried being the key word there, to make a lining. I seam ripped the neckline facing. I sewed the neckline again and this time I did it correctly. The nightgown is now done. I will check tomorrow for any small touch ups that need to be done, but it is complete and correct. I think the victorian nightgown looks great. It fits true to me. It is just beautiful.
Does this inspire you to sew your own nightgown? I hope so.
I recently completed my Advanced Monograh Project. I’m so happy it’s done. It was a lot of work. Today’s post will focus on how I compiled all the monograohs into one document.
First off, I had to write the mongraphs. I did research various books about the herbs. It was fascinating. I researched the modern day herbal books and the more classical books. I put each monograph into its own document and then something happened. I became inspired! I wanted to compose a book of my monographs and borrow the artsy style of the Herbal Academy.
That changed everything. For the front cover, I found an older print of dandelions and scanned it in color, then I printed it out and mounted it on a piece of parchment paper. It looked beautiful! I added the words Monograph Project to the page and played around with the fonts. I included the page about identifying the shapes of leaves and flowers to the book, my list of local native plants I identified on the nature trail, a table of contents and a small introduction.
I added an old in color monograph print of the herb to each monograph. I used Helvetica font for the title for each monograph. Getting Microsoft word to do what I wanted it to do was much easier said than done. The fonts, the font size and the spacing did not have any interest in doing what I wanted it to do. The headings were a whole other monster. When I was finished writing each monograph, I compiled it all into one big document.
I decided on making the headings such as taste and energetics, uses, safety and dosage into a larger font than the text about the herbs. The monographs were written in 11 size font. I decided that would be too hard for my eyes. I changed the font to size 12 for all the text. Okay I changed the fonts to size 12 about twenty times. I printed the document out in black and white, then I proofread the entire collection.
I found herbal clip art and printed them out in color, thyme, dandelions and rose leaf clip art. I glued them to the pages of the monographs when it was printed out in color. I even learned how to adjust the size of the clip art and insert it into the footer. I changed my mind several times of where to place the page numbers. I ensured the headings, the spacing for the headings and that the headings were all consistent, the pagination was consistent, and the sizes of the font were all consistent. Again, easier said than done, but I managed. Then once the proofreading was finished, I finally printed the document in color.
The result? It was amazing. I am so happy with it. I bound the book at Staples. The pdf is stored on my desktop and the monographs are all stored in the Advanced Monograph folder if I ever feel like adding more information to the individual monographs.
I learned a lot from completing the project that I thought I could never finish. I did and I feel so good about it. My new project is sewing myself a nightgown. It has its challenges.
The next turn in the Wheel of the Year is Imbolc! Finally! Imbolc is the first Sabbat and heralds the arrival of an early spring. I love Imbolc. I shall post more about it as we get closer to Imbolc.
I have been busy preparing for Yule. I was hit by a big creative bug. I sewed myself a lovely moon cushion, dried orange slices which I will soon make into a garland, and crafted lovely gifts for my friends. I created the gifts for my friends with love.
My moon cushion
I gathered pinecones and cleaned them, then baked them in the oven. I sprinkled sweet orange essential oil, cinnamon and clove bud essential oils onto the pinecones. I arranged them in a basket and set the basket next to our decorations.
A basket of pinecones
I made two new green felt christmas tree decorations. I traced a christmas tree onto green felt, cut it out, sewed the christmas tree leaving an opening to add the batting, and then sewed it shut. I sewed on a loop at the top to hang the green felt tree at the windows.
Herbs are for Yule/ Winter Solstice! I have had a great time first foraging for wintry herbs such as juniper, white spruce, balsam fir, northern white cedar and rosemary. I dehydrated oranges. I made smudge sticks with bay leaves, the dried oranges and the foraged herbs. I used the dried oranges to decorate presents. I created a winter lantern with bay leaves, rosemary, lavender, pine and cedar. I glued found twigs to a small glass jar then painted them gold. It looks great! I tucked in fairy lights in the lantern- looks magical! I created herbal tea blends to give as gifts with hibiscus, orange, cinnamon, star anise, juniper, nutmeg, cloves, liquorice root, chamomile, calendula, elderflower, elderberry, echinacea, rooibos. I wish I could keep the tea blends! Dried oranges make great gift ornaments too. So pretty. I sewed tea cozies for two of my friends and added a tea blend. I even sewed tea coasters to go with the tea cozies. Now I want to bake gingerbread cookies. I put love and intention into everything I did. Herbs are great and I may be old school here, but I did not use a blender or a coffee grinder. I ground the cinnamon, juniper berries, star anise, reships with my mortar and pestle. I stir and grind and work in my intention and energy. I can’t wait for my friends to get my gifts.
I planted sprigs of sage, thyme and lavender and mint in a pot to have fresh herbs over the winter. I made a lavender ‘wand’ to help me with stress over the holidays.
I saved tiny sprigs of the above mentioned herbs, put them into a tiny jar with a cork top, then sealed the jar with candle wax. I brewed a jar of apple cider liquer and I am steeping a batch of elderberry and calendula cold and flu elixir!
This will be the best yule/ winter solstice ever. I wish you all a magical holiday season. Blessings.
The best way that I celebrated the winter solstice was with the druid coven by the ocean. I have not woken at 6 am in a long time, but I did and it was so worth it. There could not have been a better more spiritual way to celebrate Yule, in my opinion. I loved it. Yes it was early in the morning, but who cares? I know it was cold, but that is to be expected. I had a great time. I loved watching the sea birds soar over the ocean, and the big waves crashing over the rocks. The Solstice, the changing of the seasons is old as time. We were carrying on a tradition that was very likely old as time, too. Chanting and drumming at that lookoff spot just felt so good. I’m sure I spotted an eagle!
The spot where the coven celebrated the solstice.
The wind prevented us from enjoying a bonfire, but we perservered. Afterwards, everyone left and those remaining, including Brian and Karen and a few more friends, we had coffee and a nice chat at Brian’s house. That was the best Solstice celebration I got to enjoy in a long time. Being out in nature to honor one of the earth’s natural changes felt like the best way to honor it. That is the way it should be.
Now we can all relax and rest during the holidays. I am sure many of you are enjoying a nice, festive dinner with your loved ones. For those who are all alone during this time, you matter. You are important. For anyone who misses their loved ones who may have passed, I know, I am right there with you. I miss my grandparents. Wish they were here.
I wish you all a magical, memorable Yule time! Blessings and love and light.
Yule or the Winter Solstice is only a few weeks away. I have been busy. Busy getting ready for the Winter Solstice. I have foraged for spruce, pine, juniper, cedar on the nature trail. I foraged for sage, thyme, lavender and rosemary. I’m saving seeds from herbs like oregano, sage, thyme from my Mom’s garden then I store the seeds in labeled white envelopes.
I plan to use the herbs for soap making, spell jars, tea blends and smudge sticks. I dried sliced oranges in my dehydrator. I glued pressed herbs onto a glass mason jar to use as a winter lantern. Where I live, we don’t get holly or mistletoe, some of the more traditional winter herbs. But that’s good because holly is toxic to cats. I also want to craft a candle for Yule. I bought a lot of supplies to craft soaps. I’m excited to get started on that. I have glass measuring cups, colorants, soap molds, fragrances and essential oils, stirring utensils, rubbing alcohol, additives, a heat source, and Vitamin E to ensure the soaps have a long shelf life.
I will either keep the herb crafts for myself or use them as gifts. Today’s post will focus on how to use herbs in various crafts so you can try this at home too!!
Play the Nutcracker soundtrack in the background or whatever you fancy for holiday themed music, burn some incense and light a candle and let’s get started.
Find a work space where you can work on your crafts without being distracted. If you are doing these crafts with small children present, be careful using tools like hot glue guns, scissors, hole punchers. Be sure the children are supervised to avoid them being harmed or any accidents.
I do not use lye to make soap. I purchase premade glycerin soap bases. I do not prefer lye and I see it as very dangerous to use, unless you really know what you are doing. In that case, power to ya. I just prefer the ready made soap bases.
Step 1: Prepare the mold and base
Gather supplies: Cut a pre-made glycerin soap base into small cubes. You will also need molds, a heatproof container, and your desired additives like fragrance and color.
Prepare molds: Set your molds on a flat surface and have them ready.
Microwave method: Place the soap cubes in a heatproof container and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the soap is completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the soap, as it can become rubbery.
Double boiler method: Place the soap cubes in a container and set it inside a pot of hot water. Stir occasionally until the soap is melte
Step 3: Add color and scent
Add color: Stir in a few drops of soap-specific liquid colorant or a small amount of mica powder. Add more drops until you reach the desired color, but start with a small amount as colors can be intense.
Add scent: Stir in a few drops of essential or fragrance oil designed for soap. A general guideline is about 10 drops per 4-ounce bar, but follow the product’s instructions.
Step 4: Pour and cool
Pour: Carefully pour the melted mixture into your prepared molds.
Remove bubbles: For a smoother finish, spray the surface of the poured soap with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to pop any air bubbles.
Cool: Let the molds sit undisturbed until the soap is completely hard. This can take about an hour, or you can place them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
I want to use the herb oils I already have in my amber glass jars for the soaps. That includes spruce oil (invigorating), calendula ( wound healing and moistening), and lavender (nervine properties). I bought two colorants – one a yellow color to use with the calendula and lavender or goldenrod! and green for the spruce or pine soap and scents. I think I will add dried herbs, but I want to grind them up to a powder first.
The next herb project to try is making smudge sticks with herbs. These would also make great gifts. I will use the herbs that I foraged for earlier, such as the white spruce (may not be sitka spruce as I initially believed, eastern hemlock, cedar and common juniper. I also have bay leaves, rosemary, and more spruce, cedar and juniper. I like to take my time to decide how best to arrange the herbs into a smudge bundle. This is also why I dried the orange slices.
Lay the herbs down on a clean and dry surface. Be sure you have scissors and string, embroidery floss (best if it’s a matching or corresponding color), or a rubber band to bind the herbs together. Place the spruce, pine or cedar down first as a base then arrange rosemary, bay leaves or cinnamon sticks on top of that. Trim the odd ends and arrange them together neatly. Then set the dried orange slices down on that and if you choose, you can place a star anise on top of the orange slices. I might adhere the star anise to the orange slice with a hot glue gun. This is not meant to be ingested, so that’s okay. Bind the herbs together with string, floss or a rubber band. You could also add. baby’s breath, eucalyptus, mint or sage leaves or even thyme. Once you have it all arranged the way that you want, bind them together and be sure to trim those uneven ends! Then let it dry. Tie a pretty bow onto the smudge stick, or use natural raffia or a pretty natural ribbon that just gives you a pretty boho vibe.
The next cool herb craft to try involves using twigs arranged around a candle jar! Very earthy and witchy. I want to make this craft too.
How To Make It
Hold a twig against the glass and wrap twine around the jar several times to secure it.
Continue adding twigs one by one, tucking each under the twine as you go.
If you prefer a sturdier hold, place small dots of glue behind a few of the twigs.
Tie the twine firmly and adjust the twigs until the ring looks even.
I would add some essential oils to the twigs or the candle to enhance the natural earthy look. Cedarwood, pine essential oils or eucalyptus would work well.
This weekend, I crafted a Yule candle holder jar. I hot glued found twigs to a candle holder. I kept the twigs to the same size roughly and secured them around the jar. I painted them gold, (good for concealing unsightly hot glue). I tied raffia around the twigs and secured it in a bow. I had a cool piece of gold trim and glued it to the twigs. I love how it looks!
I sprinkled pine, cedar, spruce and thyme in a tiny glass vial. I put the cork on and dripped hot candle wax over the cork, sealing the herbs in the jar.
Make a Yule Bundle
CREATING YOUR YULE BUNDLE Search the ground below your woody pal, and also in her tangle of limbs, for broken or fallen branches and sticks. Gather a piece up from each type of woody plant that speaks to you, and trim each sample to a uniform size (about 10 inches is nice).Grasp all your tidy little stick gifts in your fist, one of each type. You are holding a mini forest. Can you feel its strength? Its beauty? Its life supporting gifts for beings of all types?
Look closely at this fistful of forest. Can you still identify the species of each stick? This can be quite a challenge! Yes the colors vary, but get curious about the fine, distinguishing details:
Do you see leaf scars from opposite or alternate branching patterns?
How does the flexibility vary between your sticks?
Does the bark harbor moss, lichen, fungi, or algae species?
Is the core pithy or woody?
Does the bark peel away easily?
Close your eyes and see with your fingertips. What do you notice about the texture of each stick?Use a length of natural fiber string or yarn, or perhaps a strip of bark or length of vine or grass, to secure your bundle.These bundles make a sweet holiday gift to share with loved ones who live in your “neck of the woods” — or especially for someone who perhaps moved elsewhere and is missing the forest they used to call home.
The next step is an important one: Before you burn your bundle and literally transform your dark bits into light, remember to thank all that you are releasing. Everything on your strip of paper has been a part of creating who you are.
I’ve noticed that often what I want to release, those aspects of myself that feel like they are holding me back from being who I truly am, are actually survival mechanisms I developed to get me through a particular chapter of my life. Though the chapter has been written – and I’m now several books ahead in the series!—these unnecessary ways of being have persisted. They served their purpose and for that I am thankful. Now it’s time to let them go.
Feel the weight of the bundle in your hands and all it represents. Feel the strength, diversity, and unique ways of being of your plant allies.
Place your bundle into the fire (oh how lovely an outdoor fire is, but a wood stove also works!) and watch the light it creates as it burns, darkness and energy literally transformed into flame, smoke, and warmth before you.
Notice the lightness in yourself and carry it with you into brighter days ahead. Credit given to: Dandelion Herbal Center- making a Yule Bundle. I know the instructions tell you to burn the bundle, but I can’t bring myself to do it. The sticks are so beautiful.
The excitement of the Halloween/ Samhan festive fun is behind us. Now we all face the long, dark cold that lies ahead. Most of us look forward to winter the way we look forward to root canal. The winters in Atlantic Canada leave much to be desired.
My cat’s napping on the couch. The groomer trimmed her claws today. So far, she is doing okay with her new medication.
I believe that the dark half of the year is the ideal time to write and reflect on horror. I love the dark half of the year. I know that the cold, ice and snow go hand in hand with this dark season, but I love it. I want to write another horror novel (yes I am crazy lol). I want to find a trad publisher. I want to earn bigger royalties. Ah don’t we all? I also want my own apartment. Again, another pip dream. It can’t hurt to try. I do have to come up with new writing material. I am proud to say that most of my earlier stuff is all published.
This is the time when many still socialize, but also a time when some people opt to turn inward and be more reflective I am of those. I have a stash of lovely herbal teas to enjoy, cardigans to keep me warm and a cute cat to keep me company. I am so fortunate. This time, as I meditate on what I will write, I want to really ask myself what horror means to me. I have been through a lot, but the last several months have been an eye opener for me. I was thrown out to the streets by my own family, forced to move out of my old moldy apartment, spent a few months moving back and forth from my Mom’s apartment to my boyfriend’s and have to keep seeing my moving boxes stored in my Mom’s basement.
Horror is loss. I returned to my garden only to see the old stuff from my kitchen stored in my garden. It looked as it all lacked the soul that flourished while I lived there. Like no one was there. Like no one cared. Like something had died. Now the kitchen appliances are gone, but it is not the same. I bawled my eyes out. I wish I could go back to my herb garden on Crown Drive, but I know everything has changed. Life’s a bitch.
Horror is sacrifice. Maybe I should say, forced sacrifice. I am personally tired of sacrificing, or being forced into that position. I was very reluctant to leave Crown Drive. My heart longs to return to the past- to the freedom I possessed over my life, but the mold was too far gone. I had no choice. I can’t bring back the past. Now I have to live with someone. It sure is a challenge. The rent is so expensive I honestly have no idea if I will ever live alone on my own again.
Horror is death. My boyfriend and his family had to put their beloved dog, Tucker, down. Tucker was fourteen years old, but he was truly suffering. I took Penny to the vet. I thought it would be a routine check for her fructosamine levels because she has diabetes. Poor cat. It turned out she now has hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure on top of diabetes and arthritis. Now I rub her medication on her ear twice a day. Penny had a bad weak spell prior to her appointment. Penny is also fourteen years old. It’s getting harder for her to jump up to a higher surface, but that is why I am here. I will always be here to help her, no matter what. I hope she has a good long life yet. Yes she has me wrapped around her white velvety paw- with perfect pink beanies on her paws.
I feel like focusing on writing my next horror novel on something that hits much closer to home. I believe that horror has many different interpretations. If twenty people saw Psycho or Silence of the Lambs movies or read the same horror novel, I think the people would each have their own interpretation of it. It is open to many different perspectives. What horror is to one person may not be the same to someone else. Some people like slashers and others prefer true crime or the supernatural. We are all individuals in our tastes and preferences. We are all entitled to our own tastes and preferences. No one is right or wrong in what they enjoy to watch on the silver screen or on their Iphones. Personally I hate TikTok, but I know many others like it.
Horror is personal. I did just mention above that it means different things to different people. Horror can be so many things. There is a difference between terror and horror. Alfred Hitchcock knew that well. Let’s imagine we are on a rollercoaster. Terror is the slow, agonizingly suspenseful of the thing (I forget the word right now), the rollercoaster ride going up, up and up to the high peak. Horror is the terrifying descent paired with the ignored, frantic rational part of your brain praying you do not die. Just for the record, I refuse and just will not ever go on a roller coaster ride again. Just writing all this made me queasy. Losing a pet, a child even your home can be deeply and extremely personal. Terror is waiting for the mind-numbing horror to happen and horror is when it happens and not a damn thing you can do to stop it.
Horror is many things with many scary masks. The scariest horror might be when the mask comes off and what we see then we find the most frightening- when we can recognize it and be repulsed at the same time.
Witches New Year is here!! It’s raining. I hope that doesn’t daunt the trick or treaters.
I am so excited, but unfortunately I had to take my cat to the vet. It turns out she has lost a ton of weight and she now has hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure. Thankfully, she will be treated for it. I hope the medicine helps her.
I have been very busy preparing for Samhain. I just love this time of year. I am not celebrating the ancestral supper at my Mom’s. I am going somewhere else to perform it. I have to clean the kitchen, set the table and prepare the food. I cooked the pot roast ahead of time. I baked a loaf of pumpkin bread and Samhain soul cakes. I plan to bake chocolate cupcakes. I have halloween cupcake liners and decorations!
I’m going to buy a bottle of red wine to make mulled cider. I want the brandy to make another herbal tincture. I have a nice Samhain simmering potpourri potion and I made a nice Samhain anointing oil. Derrick will not be home to attend the ancestral supper. I can perform it alone, then he can reheat the meal afterwards. I really have my work cut out for me to clean. I look forward to it. I still have to carve the pumpkin, dress the table- (and clean, clean and clean), heat the food and set up candles etc.
I attended a Halloween party last night. I won a prize for Best Witch! The party was low key, but I still had fun. There was not a lot of people there. Tomorrow I am attending a public Samhain Ritual and the Witches Ball after the Rit. I can’t remember ever being this busy.
Samhain is the third of three harvest Sabbats. This is a good time to honor our ancestors and reflect on our blessings. I plan to enjoy the dark half of the year. Halifax is perfect for a foggy, misty afternoon. I have not visited a cemetery yet for October. I will visit the cemetery today. I love cemeteries.
Place photos of those who have gone before you, be that family, relatives or pets. Burn brown and black candles. Keep in mind: fire safety! Cook a lovely meal for your own ancestral supper. Light a candle and set it at your window. Carve pumpkins and as you carve, work in your intention. Arrange candles, acorns, gourds, dried waxed leaves, photos around your regular altar tools for a spooky Samhain altar. Put your heart and your intention into everything you do.
I am not certain if doing a grave rubbing is allowed. I want to, but I haven’t tried it. I just don’t want to get in any trouble. I advise checking to see if it is okay first. Most of all, have fun. Be safe and have fun. The spirits are celebrating Samhain right along with you. Invite them in and that keeps you in the good karma department. Don’t dowse your pumpkins in bleach. It makes curious squirrels sick. Don’t burn a ton of candles and wear long, flowing sleeves. That starts fires. Don’t leave candles unattended. Check the kids’ candy.
Do have and show respect for the dead. Don’t summon the dead in a cemetery at midnight tonight or any night. No, it is not cool. Leaving an offering of food or something like it at a crossroads or outside your apartment is fine. If you heed these warnings, know this: Burning the apartment down because of candles left ignored or the like, IS NOT COOL! Your landlord will evict you and hate you and NEVER GIVE YOU A GOOD REFERENCE LETTER! So have fun, have tons of fun, but please be smart about it.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher. Memorize its location. Learn how to use a fire blanket that puts out fires. Buy one and store it in your home.
Keep pets safe!
Merry Samhain, everyone!!
Let me know in the comments below what a wonderful and magickal Samhain you experienced!
“Gothic horror and cosmic dread from the ghostly shores of Halifax.”
Heddy Johannesen
Conjuror of Gothic Horror
Welcome to My Monsters.
I've always been drawn to the shadows, where the monsters live and their stories hunger to be told.
I write about ghosts, monsters, witches, and outsiders, exploring the darker places where fear, mystery, grief, and the supernatural collide.
Welcome to The Paranormal Quill
Gothic Horror. Dark Folklore. Cosmic Indifference.
Step across the threshold.
I am Heddy Johannesen—conjurer of gothic horrors, paranormal nonfiction writer, and dedicated student of herbalism. From the ghostly shores of Halifax, Nova Scotia, I pull back the veil on creepy alternate dimensions and secrets that refuse to stay buried
Pull up a chair, light a candle, and explore the shadows with me. Just mind the spiderwebs.
