A Refreshing Change of Pace

I follow a blog called Awakening Women and they had the greatest post last night I wanted to share.
It's about not being possitive. I personally think that sometimes we worry about being possitive so much, that we forget the value of being negative. I know it sounds counter productive but Toko-pa Turner outlines the benefits so wonderfully here:http://awakeningwomen.com/2010/12/13/owning-your-destroy/
I find it so very refreshing to be reiminded that sometimes you really should embrace your inner bitch. :)

My Holiday Decorations

I've finally got the holiday decorating done!
Whadya think?


The Tree:

The Front Window:
The Hearth: The Stove: The Console:
The Fish Tank:
And 3 of my favorite decorations.....

The Santa Tin: (He stays under the tree all season.) My Holiday Candle: And last but by no means least.......

The Golden Stagg: Happy Holidays, Everyone!!!

Sauted Tuna and Veggies Over Rice

I've noticed a lot of the Pagan blogs I follow include recipes. I love to cook and I've enjoyed some of the blog-land offerings, so I thought I should reciprocate with and offering of my own. This dish is one of my main go-to's. It's not only quick and delicious, but it's cheep! (I know, right?)

(Keep in mind that this is one of those “to taste” recipes!)

This recipes usually takes me 15 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:
1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium shallot (diced or sliced)*
1 cup frozen peas (or any green veggie - baby spinach is really good)
2 medium carrots (medium dice)*
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Canned tuna*
Salt and pepper to taste

3-4 sun dried tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon butter

Cooked rice (I use 1 8.5 oz bag of Uncle Ben’s ‘Ready Whole Grain Medley’ brown & wild rice)**



Directions: (Think of this almost like a stir fry dish.)
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan on medium/medium-high heat.

Add all of the veggies, the meat, and the salt and pepper to the hot oil.
Sauté until caramelized. The idea is to keep the carrots firm.
Add basil, pepper flakes, and deglaze with lemon juice.
Continue to sauté until reduced.
Remove from heat and top with butter to finish.
Cook the rice as directed on the package. Toss everything together in a bowl, and enjoy.

**To show the versatility of the dish, I served this over pasta in stead of rice. It works just as well, and you can top it off with a little parmesean cheese.



You can also finish with a toated sesame seed oil for a nuttier flavor.



*Any of these ingredients can be fresh or frozen or canned. (Tuna can be replaced with crab.)

Giveaway!!!!

Aine over at the Deepest Well is giving away a really cool bell wand. Head over and check it out!

http://deepestwell.blogspot.com/2010/12/yule-is-cool-giveaway.html

Virtual Tour - Library

Hi, and welcome back.
I'm sorry for this newest interruption, but work and trying to get MD settled back into the rehab facility has taken priority over writing for the past few days.

With that said, on with the tour.

This is the library. I know, it doesn't look like much of a library now, but trust me, it's in there. It's truly a diamond in the rough, and I can't wait to get to cutting a polishing it into my own little jewel!
Currently, it's being used as a storage/cat room. The storage will go, but the cats will stay.
Disclaimer: The wallpaper came with the house and will be the first to leave this room when the cutting/polishing part of the program starts. LOL!
The walls will be painted a soft buttery yellow and the trim will be fresh white. The carpet will be pulled up, so the original honeyed oak floors will shine.

This first shot is of the left hand wall. Currently, this is where my alter lives, but it will eventually be where the fold out love seat will go.



This is the close up of my alter. The four small candles are for the four Watchtower Guardians. The taper is for the Goddess. I have quartz, amethyst, ruby, and jet for Earth. The vase on the left is for sand to put out my smudge stick or to hold incense sticks for Air. The chalice has a small dolphin charm to represent Water, and of course the candles for Fire. The mirror was a gift from DD. It was hand carved. The reliefs are women and turtles. The chest below the alter table is where I keep extra tools. herbs, and moon water.


This is the east wall. This will house a row of lower cabinets topped by bookshelves that go to the ceiling. I'm putting in bench under the window that will double as storage. They'll be white to match the trim.

This is the wast wall and closet. The corner will become a reading nook with a big chair, ottoman, and small side table. The wall where the desk is will be build out with upper cabinets, and a work surface the will have doors that I can close. This will be my 'home office'.

In the very corner, over the closet doors, and under the south window (in the reflection of the mirrored closet doors, which are going away), will be climbing/scratching posts and shelves for the cats.

As you can tell, I've got big plans for all my rooms. The goal is to complete most of the major projects within the next 2 years. One of the reasons I've invited you all in and shared so many details, is I'm hoping with will keep me on track. I'll post pictures as the projects progress.

Well, that concludes the tour of our home.

Thank you all again for coming. You're welcome any time.