Thoughts On A Winter's Evening

I've not posted on here in a bit, so thought I should write a brief update. It's been an odd few weeks in my part of the world. Sadly, my grandmother passed away yesterday morning after a long illness. I'd gone to see her on Saturday (she was being cared for at home) and it was clear then that the end was near. Even though, in a way, it's a blessing that she is no longer ill, it's still always hard when somebody dies. I don't think, even with advance warning, you can ever really be ready for something like that. I've burned a candle for her, and said my prayer for the dead, and I am sure she's found her way now into the next world.

Because of that and other events, I've not been doing much Christmas/Yule related stuff. My sister and I finally bought a tree for my mother last night, and decorated it today. We've always had a live tree, and we didn't want this year to be the exception. I'm going to be doing a lot of baking this weekend, as I always give cookies for gifts, but I've not quite decided on what. On the Witch-related end, I've been pondering opening a small internet shop where I could retail my magical goods and wares; I've started making oils and ointments more and more, and have been considering whether or not I could sell some of the ones I have large amounts of. It's something I'm thinking about, I just need to see how much of an initial investment I'd have to make.

Finally, I rather belatedly ordered, and got, the November issue of "The Cauldron." It had some WONDERFUL articles in it, including pieces about the Witches of ancient Greece and their herbal knowledge, the Black Faced God in in Traditional Witchcraft, and about Aunt Caroline Dye. In addition, I've also learned that there's now a revised and updated version of Gemma Gary's classic "Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways" which has been getting phenomenal reviews. I am a huge fan of the first edition, which I have, and fully plan on purchasing the new edition just as soon as some money comes in.

I do hope everybody is well, and having a good Holiday season.