Pumpkins, Kitties, Witches and Books, Oh My!

Watercolors from 2015

*WHY IS IT CALLED “HALLOWEEN”?

The origin of Halloween and many of its customs can be traced to Samhain(pronounced sow-in, which rhymes with cow-in), an ancient pagan Celtic festival that was celebrated to mark the end of harvesttime and the beginning of the new year. The 2-day celebration began at sundown on October 31. The ancient Celts believed that the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest during Samhain, thereby making it a good time to communicate with the deceased and to divine the future. Samhain is Gaelic for “summer’s end,” a day to bid good-bye to warmth and light as the day length shortens.

Following the triumph of the Holy Roman Empire over Celt-occupied lands in the 1st century A.D., the Romans incorporated many of the Celtic traditions, including Samhain, with their own. This day was formerly known as Allhallowmas, hallow meaning to sanctify, or make holy. All Saints’ Day is known in England as All Hallows’ Day. 

Eight hundred years after the triumph of the Holy Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, in honor of all Catholic saints. It was celebrated with a mass, bonfires, and people costumed as angels and saints parading through the villages.

Just as November 1 was once called All Hallows’ Day, October 31 was called All Hallows’ Eve. Over time, All Hallows’ Eve was shortened to Halloween.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Turnip lanterns predate pumpkins as jack-o-lanterns.
In ancient Ireland, revelers would hollow out large turnips,
or potatoes or beets, and carve them a demon's face to frighten away spirits.
They would light the turnips from within with a candle 
or a piece of smoldering coal.
They then placed the lanterns in the windows and doorways of their homes,
in the belief that the carvings would scare off evil spirits
and welcome deceased loved ones inside.
Irish immigrants arriving in the New World during the early 1800s
found the plentiful, easier to carve pumpkins ready substitutes for turnips.

One more interesting fact about Halloween.
Did you know that it was once celebrated on Thanksgiving?
You can read all about that on Mental Floss here.

*


I've been so busy knitting that I haven't done a lot of reading, 
but I did finish THE DEVIL'S DREAM by Lee Smith.
It follows several generations of a Southern family living in the Appalachians.
From simple hymns, old-time medicine shows, radio barn dances, sleazy rockabilly joints,
primitive recording sessions, to the Grand Ole Opry 
and tales of growing up in the Appalachian south. 
Lee Smith is a wonderful story teller and the lure of music is something I think
anyone can identify with. I even remember some of the songs mentioned.
Memories! 


*

Sometimes I think I visit Starbucks too often.
The barista knows what I'm going to order before I do!


*




This little fella flew in from Louisiana from one of my sisters by choice.
She knows how much I love owls and enjoy Halloween.
He's called a zipper owl.
I think you can see why.
I've never seen one like him.
He's a great addition to the Parliament!


Wishing YOU well, much joy and a Haunting Halloween!


Willy Nilly Friday
Five on Friday
Monday Social
Mosaic Monday

Remember:
"A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween."
~Erma Bombeck

* Information from the Old Farmer's Almanac.
You can see the entire article here.

This and That

I googled "subscription boxes" and was really surprised by what google found.

I had no idea there were so many.

There's KitNip for cats, Cat Lady for cat ladies, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh for food.

Bark for dogs. Birch Box for cosmetics.
Art Snack for artists (and wanna-bes).
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm sure if you can imagine a box, there is one. 


Why my sudden interest in boxes?
I heard about My Texas Market and decided to give it a try.

They send carefully-curated boxes filled with small batch, 

artisan items from local Texas businesses to subscribers every month. 

I started with their July box that celebrates My Texas Market turning one.

I had a good time opening the box.
A lot of information was provided about the contents.
There's cajeta from my favorite goat farmers at Blue Heron Farm.
Peach Jam from the The Peach Boys (too bad the sample jar is so small). 
A soy cupcake scented candle from Ecobabe.
Cookie mix (gluten free) from Bona Dea.
Cornucopia Popcorn, Patriot Pop.


All Texas artisans and small businesses and
10% of all profits are donated to the Houston Food Bank.
I like that! 

2. The Tour de France has started.
The countryside is so pretty.
Great history.
Armchair traveling at its best.
Let the cyclists do all the work!

Credit: Getty Images/ Chris Graythen)

3. Several years ago, I heard Martin Walker interviewed on NPR and I was hooked. 
I wait patiently (??!!) for him to write another book in his wonderful Bruno series. 
The latest is: Fatal Pursuit. 
Bruno is chief of police in the beautiful village of St. Denis.
The characters are "characters", Balzac is a wonderful dog, the food sounds delicious.
There is history of the area and of France ... this time WWII and a missing Bugatti.
A little bit of everything including gardening by the lunar calendar.
This is a mystery series I really enjoy.


4. Every time I go to the grocery, I always stop and check out the flowers.
If there are carnations, they come home with me.
This time, they are pretty in pink!

5. All wrapped and ready for the baby shower this weekend.
Done! 

 
Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Home Sweet Home

Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

SaveSave

This and That

I hope all my friends in the U.S. and Canada enjoyed their holiday weekend.
This is what happened around Twisty Lane. 

1. One last lunch to celebrate my birthday
and my friend's birthday.
We were about six weeks late, but it's never too late to celebrate.
We went to Little Liberty.
(Perfect for the 4th of July weekend.)

We both ordered the Hawaiian Poke
(raw fish salad appetizer)
with tuna, tamari, cucumber base, mango and avocado.
Delicious and it all was on my diet!

2. I finished reading Clammed Up (A Maine Clambake Mystery) by Barbara Ross.

A good read for the 4th of July weekend.
Clammed Up is the first in the series.
I thought it was amazingly good for the first book in a cozy series.
Clambakes, Murder and Recipes -- what more could one want??!!

3. I was ready for the 4th of July.

Uncle Sam was flying high over the bunting clad balcony.


4. I made a quick trip to Ross.
It's right next door to Michaels (more yarn).
I figured, why not!
Sometimes I find something, sometimes I don't.
I found these kitchen towels.

I watched all the fireworks at home on tv -- switching between channels.
No way was I going out in the heat, humidity and crowds.

5. Several of you wanted to see the crochet lovie blanket.
I finished one of the owls and have a panda started.
Too cute!
All finished in time for the baby shower.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

Home Sweet Home

No Place Like Home

Make It Pretty Monday

I'm Feeling a Bit Moldy

1. Im feeling a bit moldy after rain all week. 

April showers bring May flowers. 

In my case, April showers bring more May showers. 

Lots of tropical downpours meaning I'm taking water OUT of the pond. 

I don't want the water going over and the fish going over, too. 

2. I just finished Journey to Munich: A Maisie Dobb's Novel by Jacqueline Winspear. 

I've read each and every one of the Maisie novels. 

I'm happy to report that Maisie is back. 

She is dealing with the deaths of her husband and child. 

In Journey to Munich Maisie is sent undercover to Berlin to bring back a British citizen who has been imprisoned in Dachau. 

3. The regular home season for the Rice University baseball season is over. 

I'm going to miss my little buddy Sofie. 

Sofie is six months old and is in training to be a service dog. 

Her people are parents of a Rice baseball player . 

Sofie is a great baseball fan and I'm going to miss her (and her people).

4. I finished another knitted shawl. 

I'm calling it a shawl/scarf as it is smaller in size than the shawl I finished earlier.

 The pattern is free and can be found here. 

5. I've been gathering my index cards. The 2016 version of ICAD (Index Card A Day) will start on June 1. This will be my fourth year and it is always fun. A little bit of art every day is good for everyone!  

Meow 2013 ICAD

Wishing YOU well and much joy.

Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

Random Five Friday with Nancy

Rainy Days and Sunshine

Zinnia in Musashi's Garden

1. Finally, the rains have come to an end for a few days. No more flooding. We can dry out a bit before the chances of rain go up again. Figures. Just as the rains stop, Daily OM sends out an email about rainy day ideas! So, to be prepared for the next time, here is that email.

May 2, 2016
Rainy-Day Ideas
Uplifting Showers

by Madisyn Taylor


The arrival of one or more rainy days can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and contemplate life.

The simple miracle of water falling from the sky has been interpreted in many ways by many cultures. In various areas of the world, rain was viewed as a nourishing gift, given by well-pleased deities. Rain also served as a symbol of emotional cleansing and represented the unending union between earth and sky. Today, rain is often seen as an annoyance—something to be borne doggedly while attending to one’s usual duties. But the arrival of one or more rainy days can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and contemplate life. When Mother Nature darkens the sky and causes drizzle to fall, freshly opened buds close and many animals settle into their nests for a period of repose. We can honor rainy days by following the example put forth by the flora and fauna around us. Even if we must venture out into a shower, we can still slow down and appreciate our connection to nature. 

A rainy day spent indoors can be wonderfully uplifting. As the rain pours down, fill your home with light, sound, and comfort so that you can fully appreciate the loveliness of being snug and dry during a downpour. Storms literally change the energy in the air, and you may feel driven to follow suit by burning incense or sage, ringing bells or chimes, lighting candles, or singing. You may even feel compelled to talk to each room in your home in order to express your gratitude for the protection they give you. If, however, you feel claustrophobic rather than calm because you cannot venture outdoors, you can clear away negative energy by getting rid of clutter, sweeping away dust, and freshening your up spaces. The happier you are in your home, the more beautiful and wondrous a simple rain shower will seem. 

A sheltered spot like a covered porch, sunroom, or bay window can provide you with a wonderful vantage point from which to meditatively observe raindrops as they make their descent to earth. And the pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop or car window can even be a therapeutic and soothing sound—one that reminds us that while the unforeseen will always be a part of our lives, we should never forget that nearly every cloud that comes into our lives will have a silver lining.

From an email from Daily Om.

At least, with all this rain (the wettest April in recorded weather history here), it will keep the temperatures down a little. We will still hit the 90s but maybe the 100s will be few and far between! 

2. We are enjoying the last of the cool mornings until next October.  It's been a perfect time to plant. For me, my garden is not complete without zinnias. Zinnias remind me of my Granny and that makes me smile. I picked up a flat of yellow zinnias and some dusty miller. Can't forget the herbs. I added some dill and chives to my already full herb pots by the back door.

3. Fresh Market is closing its stores in my city. I'm sad. Fresh Market was the closest grocery to my neighborhood. I'll miss a lot about this store ... the classical music playing. The welcome of the flower shop as you entered -- always beautiful orchids. The produce -- especially the already prepared "sides" of veggies .. especially the asparagus seasoned and ready to be roasted. The smell of the coffee as I made my way around the store. The great selection of cheese. Italian Roast Beef by the pound. The wonderful bakery -- breads and pies. The smiles on the employees faces. You get the idea. Too bad they never advertised! I knew the specials because I was on the email list. There was never an ad in the paper like the rest of the groceries in town. 

4. I am knitting another shawl -- different pattern. I'm calling it a scarf shawl. Also have a baby blanket in the works with the crochet hook. 

5. I am reading The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. I should finish it in a couple of days. The English countryside before the war. The study of a town and it's inhabitants. Characters that will steal your heart. The end of innocence as the war starts. I loved Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and knew I'd have to read The Summer Before the War. Two different books. Each charming in their own way. 

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Amy at Five On Friday

Random Five Friday with Nancy

Never Too Early

I figure it is never too early to try out patterns for possible Christmas gifts.

I found a lovely KAL (Knit A Long) shawl by Marly Bird 

and sponsored by Red Heart Yarn (using Red Heart Soft).

I haven't done any knitting in some time so it was an adventure for me.

But it is done and I really like it.

I learned some new tricks (you CAN teach an old dog new tricks),
and finished the shawl with the Icord bind off.






Love the texture of the shawl.
Now to weave-in the ends.

So, now that the shawl is done what's next?
Don't worry -- I have two more projects in the works!
But today I'm going to take a break.



*





With summer soon to be upon us - lets dream of gardens by reading
 GARDENS OF AWE AND FOLLY  by the delightful and talented Vivian Swift.
I love all of Vivian's books.
Wonderful journal like travel books with watercolor illustrations done by Vivian.
Gardens of Awe and Folly is her newest travel book.
I actually squealed with delight when the book arrived.
Now I can settle down with my tea and kitties and travel to Paris,
Key West, Marrakech, New Orleans, Long Island, Edinburgh, London, and
Rio De Janeiro
all in the comfort of my home.
I might even learn something new and something about life itself. 

Open the book, any page, and you'll find illustrations like these.

Beautiful!


Wishing YOU well and much joy!

No Place Like Home with Sandi
Yarn A Long with Ginny

This and That

1. Rain, Rain go away. We'd like to see the sun today! 

It got so dark in the middle of the day, the lights in the garden came on. 

2. No flooding on my block, but my favorite independent book store, Murder By The Book, had to remove their carpet. No books were damaged. Just enough water to ruin the carpet.

3. Speaking of books, I finished BLOOD ORANGE: A China Bayles mystery by Susan Wittig Albert. Believe it or not: number 24 in this series. I've read them all and enjoy visiting with the "friends" I've made over the years. Cozy reads (not too cozy), filled with information about herbs and gardens and a recipe or two. In BLOOD ORANGE, China finds that medicare and hospice fraud may have caused the murder of a nurse. 

4. Do you "recycle" books? My god-mother loves the China Bayles mysteries and would be disappointed if she didn't get the latest for Mother's Day. My copy is all wrapped and waiting for the trip to the postoffice. And, yes, she knows I "recycle" and approves. 

5. Today is Earth Day and I'm off with some electronics to recycle -- some very old phones and one of the very first iPads. 

The sun came out! 

Willy Nilly Friday

Amy at Five on Friday

Random Five Friday with Nancy.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

This and That

1. The new lily in the water garden is blooming. 

2. One rainy day and I was able to finish Dimestore, Lee Smith's memoir.  Smith has been telling the stories of the Appalachian south for 45 years. Dimestore is her own story. From helping in her father's dimestore, to her son's death, to teaching, to the importance of local cultures, this book was a winner. A  small delight for all Lee Smith lovers! 

3. On my morning walks, I've noticed that the blue jays and mockingbirds are having a grand time "out mocking" each other. What a noisy group!

4. The Rice University baseball team is home this weekend. Games Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I think I enjoy going to the games because watching these kids keeps me young! Ha!

5. I'm almost done with my KAL shawl. Hope to show it off next week. My hands have lived through the knitting, but are starting to complain a bit. I will take a break for awhile when this one is finished.

Joining Nancy's Random 5 Friday.

Five On Friday

Willy Nilly Friday

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Yarn A Long

One of my sisters-by-choice is a member of Annie's Creative Woman Kit-of-the Month Club.

She doesn't crochet and since I do, she sent this kit to me.

I'm between yarn projects (just finished an afghan).

I needed an easy project while I decide what I want to try next. 

When I'm finished I'm going to send the scarf back to her!
Surprise!

When I need to take a break from the crochet hook,

I grab a book.

I'm reading Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod.

I was lucky enough to visit Paris with my knight in shining armor.

The Louvre with its amazing art collection 
and the crowd around Mona trying to get a picture of her.
The amazing windows of Sainte Chapelle.
I could spend days just sitting there.
Notre Dame
The amazing gardens and parks.
The Eiffel Tower -- it seems to hide and then suddenly -- there it is again.
The bread.
And, last but not least, 
I can still imagine the taste of the lemon tart I had in the little store on the Rue St Honore.
One must remember not to hurry these experiences, but stop and enjoy.

In Paris Letters we learn that Janice has job burnout.

She wants an answer to the question:

How much money does it take to quit your job?

She finds out, gives the reader suggestions,

and plans to spend a couple of years traveling in Europe.

She finds romance and a new business. 

Janice has a blog that you can find here.

I also follow Carol Gillott's blog.

She is another Paris lover and I enjoy her adventures in the city.

Wishing YOU well, much joy, lots of new yarn and a good book! 

Yarn A Long with Ginny.

Potpourri

- I love daffodils!

- I love iris.
My Granny and my Mother grew the most beautiful bearded iris.
All different colors. They were amazing.
I have not been able to grow bearded iris here, although I do know folks who do.
Perhaps I'll try again.
But, I did try growing Louisiana Iris and have my first blooms.

- The Louisiana Iris is a native American iris.
This is Black Gamecock.
I planted the rhizomes 2 years ago and this is the first year they have bloomed.
Dark and dramatic, it's really hard not to touch the velvety looking petals.

- I've been walking into the village early in the morning to have breakfast.
The earlier the better as the heat and humidity are arriving.

- Time to have the AC serviced.

- Do you like urban fantasy or magical realism?
If so, I've found a new author for you ... at least he was new for me.
Alex Bledsoe.
I started with The Hum and The Shiver and recently completed Wisp of a Thing.
The Hum and The Shiver was named one of the Best Fiction Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews.
Set in the mountains of Tennesse. Who are the Tufa? Lots of music and myth.
You'll ask yourself if you feel the hum or the shiver!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

A big THANK YOU to Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.

Nana Stamp of Approval

Mini-Daffodil in Musashi's Garden

- Last year when I went daffodil hunting in the grocery stores, I found mini-daffodils in a pot at Trader Joes. When they had bloomed themselves out I took them out of the little pot and planted them in a big pot outside. I thought if they lived, maybe they would bloom again, but really didn't expect success. Surprise! I've been watching for weeks. Lots of green, but no bloom when WOW. All of a sudden there was one blooming mini-daffodil. Too cute! More on the way! 

- Did you know that the dandelion is one of the first spring foods for our precious bees???
I have a nice crop of dandelions growing in my little garden.

- I was hoping all the rain from last week was over. Alas, that isn't true. It's been raining again and this time with thunderstorms. The kitties don't like the thunder. Can't blame them.  The trees are doing their "thing". Pollen everywhere. Cars are covered with yellow dust. Sniff, sniff, sniff.

- When the rain ends the mosquitoes will be here in abundance. UGH. I guess I needed something to complain about!

- I'm reading A DRAGON'S GUIDE TO THE CARE AND FEEDING OF HUMANS by Laurence Yep and Joanne Ryder. It should be no surprise to anyone that my grandson likes dragons almost as much as his Nana. I, of course, have to read his dragon books first in order to give the Nana stamp of approval.

Wishing YOU well and much joy.

A BIG thank you to Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.