Merry meet all,
The wildfire crisis may be under control in Nova Scotia. Rain has hopefully quenched many of the forest fires. It’s been raining a lot! That helps the firemen who are working constantly around the clock so people may return safely to their homes. I donated a big bag of items to help people to the SPCA a few days ago. Let us hope all goes well for those who yearn to be safe and warm in their homes soon.
In other news, I was hit by a huge urge to craft again. I didn’t get the Herbal Academy Intermediate level textbooks. Instead, I crafted my own. I had some davy board remaining from my last project months ago. I cut out the front, back and spines of the book and measured. I filed through the pages of the lessons I would need. I rummaged for a glue supply and unearthed my toolbox containing my arts supplies. It didn’t take long to make the book, it is just tedious as I pay close attention to detail. I found an old green altar cloth for a book cover and I happened to have artsy print paper to adhere to the insides of the book. I originally wanted to make one big book but there was so much paper I had to make two. I did and I think it was a much better decision. I decided on Units 1 to 5 for one book and Units 5-10 for the second book.
The first book turned out great. The papers are glued in and I can flip through the pages with ease. I tucked in the certificate and my herb bookmark. I glued a butterfly circled by green leaves to the front cover. I worked on the 2nd book today. I glued the decorative papers in. The spine and the pages didn’t adhere to the covers. I was almost out of glue so I added way more glue – white glue, not from a hot glue gun, and tried again. Now the pages stick to the spine as they should. I am waiting for that to dry.
I ordered a Celtic dragon trim to sew onto the cloak. I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I promise to post pics once it is done! The dragon trim is blue, silver and black. It will look beautiful.
I really need more space in my apartment. I’m giving two bookcases to my Mom. That will free up a lot of space. I bought the bookcase again just like the one I have in my kitchen. I have to assemble and paint it. I just put myself through this and I am going through it again. It is for a good and noble cause. I really need more space. Another plus is that if I should ever need one of those bookcases again, well they will be in the family. If someone on Kijiji had them, there would be no way to get them back.
I will update when I can about the bookcases. Summer Solstice occurs on the 21st of June. I have been working on the garden. I planted a bean seedling, a cherry tomato plant, a kale plant and a dill plant. I scattered eggshells around them to protect from slugs. I also planted chamomile, lavender and a rosemary in the garden. I shall enjoy watching them blossom this summer.
The summer solstice is known as Litha or Midsummer. Litha celebrates the arrival of summer! Well, we all do – although I won’t be lighting a bonfire in my backyard to honour the occasion. A wildfire ban here in N.S. is in effect and the fine for lighting a fire is $25,000.00. I don’t have that kinda cash kicking around – I wish- so I shall respect the ban. We shall see how things go.
During Litha, a battle between the dark and the light occurs. The Oak King and the Holly King fight for control. The sun is highest in the sky at the time of the solstice. It is a great time for celebration, feasts and enjoying nature’s bounty. My garden has blossomed beautifully. The elecampane leaves are already big, hinting at the sunny flowers sure to grow soon. The comfrey should flower soon. My hasp plants have green buds which will soon be lovely blue haskap berries, the strawberry plants are in flower and a bee balm plant will flower soon. As much as I understand that we need rain to put out the fire, it would be nice to have some sun too.
I wish you all a memorable summer solstice!
Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(
