Yule is on its way... home made decoration

I am really trying to get my Yule preparations and stuff done as early as possible. As a solitary Witch, Much of my learning, comes from books, and the Internet (I start my searches at sites I have learned are "respectable," usually starting by following links from websites and blogs run by well-respected members of the Montreal Pagan Community.

The book, "Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth" by Dorothy Morrison is a good source of arts and ideas for Yule (and Christmas) celebrations. I use other resources too, but this is one of the first ones I refer to

Easy-to-Make Sun-Catcher - from "Yule" by Dorothy Morrison

• Wax Crayons
• 2 sheets of waxed paper
• 2 sheets of construction paper (black suggested, but can used whatever color you wish)
• Large Paper bag
• Saucer
• Compass, pencil, pencil sharpener, hole punch, scissors, Glue
• Ribbon
• Iron (& Ironing Board)

1. Use saucer to trace circle on each sheet of construction paper, AND each sheet of waxed paper.
2. Place the compass point in the center of each construction paper-circle and draw a 2nd circle (about 1/2" smaller than its measurement. Cut out center, keeping resulting paper "rings"
3. On top of of paper bag, place 1 waxed paper circle.
4. Insert different colors (your choice) of the crayons into sharpener, allowing resulting wax shavings to fall onto the circles.
5. Arrange crayon shavings as desired, ensuring there are small mounds with a bit of space between. When done, place the 2nd circle of waxed paper on top.
6. Plug in the iron, set to Medium heat. Gently slide iron over top of waxed paper circles until the crayon-shavings melt in-between.
7. Allow to cool for a minute or two, then glue the construction paper "rings" to the front and the back.
8. Punch a hole in the top, thread the ribbon through, and tie it into a nice bow.
9. Hang decoration in a sunny window, and enjoy.

**The beauty about this craft (or any craft) is that although colors may be written in the instructions, it should never be considered to be set in stone... Use your imagination, and allow yourself the freedom to modify the craft according to your preferred colors...

Extra Ideas: sprinkle sparkles in along with the wax crayon-shavings.

For example, my major colors of preference for decorating my home for the Yuletide Season are Deep Blues & Gold... but I do add some complementary colors in appropriate places

My "Domestic Goddess" idol

I have decided to outwardly acknowledge my "Domestic Goddess" diva, and mentor in this blog. That would be, and always has been, my sister. But today, in particular, I must acknowledge, and shout from the hilltops. "Butthead, you are my idol!!!!!!"

Not only can this true Domestic Goddess work full-time, and maintain a nice clean home. But today, she's making lasagna, and closing down the snow-blower all in the same day! I bow down in awe, and pray to the Gods that I will become even half as awesome as you!!!

On that note, I plan to start blogging regularly again, actually more regularly than before.... consistently... as that is one important thing I am striving to make a part of my life. I have also decided that I will blog more about progress, of course, in my Domestic Goddess training, and, as it can sometimes hinder or help my development, about the challenges of Bipolar disorder. I will aim, not to make this a "bitch-fest", where I complain, and where the energy is negative. My aim will be to bring fun and laughter where I am able, and to help educate more about the good and the bad that can come from having Bipolar Disorder.

I refuse to use this illness as an excuse, or as a crutch, and at this point I am actively working to turn and to use, what might be seen by some, a s0-called hindrance into a precious gift. A good metaphor I can think of comes from Eckhart Tolle's book, "The Power of Now," I have decided to learn the art of alchemy... to turn base metal into precious gold. I have a few books lined up to read, and when I actually have them in front of me, I will give a more detailed list. Although, I can start with the following which are all by Eckhart Tolle:

1. Practicing the Power of Now (I've read "The Power of Now", and it was awesome...I will be reading through it again.)
2. Stillness Speaks
3. A New Earth

I also have a book to read about Bipolar II (which is how I'm classified):

Bipolar II: Enhance your highs, Boost your Creativity by Ronald R. Fieve, M.D.

More to come...