Dancing the Spiral and getting lots done

is what I have on my weekend to do list.

Last night the husband and I had a productive evening at the table with copper foil tape and solder. When we were finished we had a nice tidy stack of ornaments ready for a final polish and some documentation. After the shoot last week I'm going to have to rethink how I'll be doing that this time around. One of my options is to move the studio set up to the kitchen table, I've been using the Peanut's table next to the living room window and the low height isn't working for me. If that doesn't work it's back to the drawing table.

In any case the ornaments look amazing and I can't wait to share them with you. So, in the next few days I'll be wielding the camera again.

On the list today is some paper mache with the Peanut. We've narrowed down our Halloween costume choice to a mighty pterosaur. Fortunately I have wings ready for the job, all I need to make is a beak and crest mask/hat and we'll be all set. Once that's on the go we'll also be carving the first of our two pumpkins to light tonight at the dinner table.

Tomorrow is the Annual Samhain Spiral Dance. I'll be going to honour those who have passed through the veil, to welcome the new ones who have come along and to celebrate the Pagan New Year. This celebration is one that I look forward to all year long.

I also want to mention a few giveaways that I've come across. First up is Mother Moon's All Hallows Eve Giveaway. Not even including the super secret items that will be a surprise to the winner; this giveaway has so many amazing things included that those secret items are just too tantalizing to resist. My favourite items (other than the candies which are on my no eating until the Bean gets here and then only in small amounts) are the bell charms and the fairy star.

And I can't mention giveaways without including Mrs. B's giveaways. Up for grabs today is Giveaway from Somnamblant!: "This giveaway is from Somnambulant!The winner will receive Somnambulant Skulls! This mixed media piece is so cute and creepy that you'll have to click on the link to see it for yourself. Also being given away on Mrs B's blog is The Way of the Horned God: The Way of the Horned God by Dancing Rabbit; a book geared towards young men who are seeking a Pagan path.

I'm off to get started on my to do list! What do you have lined up?

On the 24th day of Hallowe'en:

one of my photographs is up for grabs at Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween while you're visiting her blog you can also check out the Haunted Blog tour and the Guest blogger.

Yesterday I received one of the giveaway prizes I was lucky enough to win over at Mrs. B's I'll be posting pictures of my booty (read: my winnings and not my behind) tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, I'm headed to the Samhain Spiral Dance. This year I'm going with a friend who's never been, and I'm excited to be able to share it with her.

Head on over to Mrs. B's now and enter to win my photograph and see what else is up for grabs!

It's on

the weekend that is. Yesterday I mentioned that this week is a little special. Yesterday's rundown of our trip into the underworld was just the kickoff, this weekend is chock full of Halloweeny goodness; starting with Mrs B's 31 Days of Halloween and ending Sunday Night with the Reclaiming Tradition's Samhain Spiral Dance.

Mrs B has been putting on one excellent month long celebration with giveaways galore, fun crafts, guest bloggers and a Haunted Blog tour and tomorrow I get to participate further than just entering to win the fabulous giveaways; I'm offering the prize for one of her giveaways in tomorrows celebration and I'm very excited.

Ending my weekend will be the Samhain Spiral Dance. My first experience with Wicca and witchcraft was during this public ceremony and it opened my eyes in more ways than one. Although the one I attend is not as big as the one shown in the link; It was a deeply moving experience for me and one I look forward to participating in again.

Since the arrival of the Peanut, finding the time and energy to put into my spiritual practice has been a challenge. I'll have to admit that in most cases I've lost the thread completely. It's not hard to believe, growing up spiritual matters were not at the forefront of daily life and when you're getting used to another person, one who needs your attention almost 100% of the time it's easy to let that part slip in favour of getting more sleep, cuddling the baby, toddler and now preschooler, this year is the first since her arrival that I've felt the call of the moon, the earth supporting me and the fire within me. These things have been there all the time; but I'm finding that the world around me is poking me in the ribs in different ways so that I'll start to pay attention again.

So this weekend will be a busy and full one for me, the Weekly Artist feature usually scheduled on Fridays will be set up a little differently for the next while to focus on holiday shopping but will return again soon. Make sure to drop in on Mrs B's blog tomorrow, I'll be dropping by to post a link too before I get on with all the prep for and fun of the weekend.