Showing posts with label #Sam Curtin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Sam Curtin. Show all posts
Shiver Me Timbers!

It's a Trembling Tuesday here at the lair. It's also a Two-for-Tuesday with giveaways from Sosanna's Closet and from Hemlock and Garnet!!






Come see what we have to offer!







The winner of the author Sam Curtin  Book Giveaway is....

 

Sharon Rawson!




Today's Blogger: Author Sam Curtin


Spirit Meetups: Stanley Hotel

Every year I recount to you all my tales of spirits that I’ve come in contact with over the year. This year though is a little different; I’m going to focus on one place that I visited and the interactions and experiences I had there.  I am talking of course about my visit to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the hotel, it is one of the most haunted hotels in the country and was the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Naturally, it has always been on my supernatural bucket list to check out.

This past May my husband and I went out to Colorado to visit friends and attend Denver Comic Con (which is a whole other story). Our first day in Colorado was a whirlwind of touring Northern Colorado sites, including the Stanley Hotel. We drove up the winding mountain road up to Estes Park that was reminiscent of the road in The Shining. Surprisingly, once we got to the top, it was pretty commercialized; there was a McDonald’s not more than a quarter mile from the entrance. Regardless, the place exuded energy.

As we walked up to the hotel, you could almost feel the vibrations of energy coming from the mountains, echoing off the hotel itself. After a long flight and countless tours of other sites I was pretty tired; however, the energy from the Stanley seemed to wake me up. It was invigorating and I was geeking out in every sense of the phrase.

We gathered in the basement of the hotel, where the tours started. We were informed there was a private party going on and unfortunately we wouldn’t be able to tour the main hotel area. At first I was bummed because I was dying to see Room 237 and experience all it had to offer. I was not disappointed though as we started the tour. The amount of spirits I saw, felt, or sensed was astronomical and I barely am able to skim the surface with this blog post; however, I will highlight the most important ones that stood out to me.

First place we started was in the tunnels beneath the hotel. Now it’s saying a lot about how much I wanted to go on this tour by the shear point of me going into a tunnel in the first place. Boy was I glad I did. We were all given a “Dum Dum” lollipop to hold in our hands. We were told that there were spirits of children that roamed the downstairs, including the tunnels, and they loved to steal candy out of people’s hands.

Many people in our tour group tried it, most to no avail. One guy ended up having his lollipop stick moving a little bit. That’s what I saw her. Next to the wooden door I was leaning on, a small girl with sandy blonde hair appeared. She looked up at me and then disappeared. The lollipop in my hand was promptly lifted up and dropped on the ground. I smiled and I heard a few gasps around me.

Even though I didn’t see the little girl I felt her presence in front of me; she was also in head whispering to me. I turned to the tour guide and asked her if one of the children was a blonde named Emily. She confirmed that was true and immediately asked me if I was sensitive. I nodded as I heard a few scoffs from the group but the rest were dead silent staring at the lollipop on the floor.

We moved out of the tunnels (thank the gods) and went to a different building where the banquet hall was. The tour guides encouraged us to explore and take pictures. She even asked if anyone knew how to play piano. Grant remarked he did and she told him to go up on the stage and play. As soon as he sat down I saw a man sit down next to him. Now Grant is a skeptic (science first with him) so when I pointed it out to him he rolled his eyes and started playing. The man next to him sat there quietly, looking at the keys in front of him.

From there we went into the basement of the banquet hall. That’s where I felt an oppressive weight on me as I stepped down the stairs. Suddenly my body felt like it was falling through the floor. It took quite a bit of coaxing from the tour guide to get me down there. But I clutched my triquetra necklace with my essential calming amethyst and walked past the vortex in the floor and down the hallway.

Then we went to the room that I still think about every day, as it was one of the best spirit experiences of my life. The story went that there was a transient woman named Lucy who once was known to inhabit this room. The guide had us all sit in the room, in the dark, and she had me sit in the arm chair right by the door.

As soon as I sat down, I felt a presence next to me by the open door. The tour guide shut the door and I turned to see a figure standing in the corner. Without explanation a smile curled my lips and I suddenly felt very calm, a complete change to how I felt stepping down those stairs into the lower level.

The figure moved closer to me and put a hand on my shoulder. During most of the time in this room, Lucy stayed by my side. The tour guide tried to get different people to call out to Lucy and even had us sing “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Still, Lucy stood next to me, not leaving that space between the arm chair and the door. To no avail, the tour guide switched gears and tried to get the children to come to the room. A couple people in the group said they heard and/or felt something scurry past them.

The tour guide tried with Lucy again, this time asking anyone if they had a picture in their mind of what she looked like. At first I kept my mouth shut, wanting to see if anyone else would speak up. Then I sighed and told her I knew what she looked like. For some reason I had a picture in my head of a thin woman with long, wavy, strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes. I saw her wearing a long, ethereal teal dress and walking barefoot around this room. The tour guide had whispered the description to one of the other group members who then parroted back almost exactly what I had said (apparently the dress was more blue than teal).

Still Lucy remained next to me until we turned on the lights and started to exit the room. Upon exiting everyone noticed that those lollipops they had in their hands, in their pockets, next to them, etc. were now gone. Instead, they were piled up in the corner by the door, right next to where Lucy was standing. This made me smile as we left to go back to the main hotel.


The experiences I had and the feelings I felt while in the Stanley were unlike anything I had felt before, and if you have been reading these blog posts the past few years, you know I have experienced a lot in my almost 26 years of being alive. One day I hope to go back and explore more of the hotel.




Song of the Day with Jennifer Rasmussen


This piece is just so fitting for the season! I was going to go with the 1980s cartoon version but why do that when you can find a Tim Burton mashup to go along?



Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong
This is the last soup recipe I’m going to share with you this year.  It’s a good one!  If you like it less spicy, cut back on the jalapeno. 
Chicken Tortilla Soup

 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium jalapeno pepper, chopped
1⁄2 medium green pepper
3-4 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
2 cups frozen corn
1⁄2 cup dry white wine or 1⁄2 cup water
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce

 Topping
1 cup tortilla chips 

 Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeño and green pepper with olive oil in a large pot until soft.
Add all the rest of the ingredients to the large pot and bring to a boil.  Then turn down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or even more!
*Place this in a crock pot after it’s boiled as well and keep on low if you’d like.
Serve, topped with crushed tortilla chips 

 It’s so Good!  Enjoy!

 Blessing and Love,
Autumn
Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!

Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson



Fuchsite



Fuchsite is green in color and is available from specialist stores. This crystal is great for channeling information regarding herbal treatment. 

This stone deals with issues from past and present lives. It is great for those who fall into savior or rescuer mode. 



Fuchsite is a great crystal to amplify the energy of other crystals. Helps to release blockages and shift energy into positive channels. 





Today's Giveaway#1 from Sosanna's Closet

Two inches tall including bail - 1/2 inch wide - Wrapped in 20 gauge copper wire tarnished with tarnishing liquid.  One of a kind piece.  Includes satin cord. Retail value: $65.00






Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)



Visit Sosanna's Closet . Come back and comment on this blog post about your favorite item. 



Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).



Want extra entries??


1. Follow Sosanna's Closet on Twitter. Come back and comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

What was the name of Canada's flag before the Maple Leaf?

This giveaway is open until 9pm EDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!




Giveaway #2 from Hemlock and Garnet

Grunge Pumpkin just wants a home to stay in. He says that he doesn't light up but that he does bring the spirit of Samhain with him and that he is quite handsome with his wrinkles and black accents.

Grunge is on a 6 1/2" x 9" wood plaque, mixed media. He features a swirl of autumns colors with a polka dot background, and dirty leaves rest under him. A braid of twine edges the plaque and the smell of cinnamon encases Grunge, for a hint of the season every time you walk by.

Value: $30.00

 Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)



Like/Get Notifications on the Hemlock and Garnet Facebook Page. Come back and comment on this blog post about your favorite item. 



Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Follow Hemlock and Garnett on Twitter. Come back and comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

What is 7x7?



This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winners will be announced tomorrow at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!
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Welcome back to our October Celebration!

Who doesn't want a few minions, particularly if they clean the house for you while you plot world domination in a bubble bath?


Come check out our offering today!







The winner of the Secret Life of the American Witch Tarot Reading giveaway is...
Debbie Mann!




Today's Blogger: Melissa Chicky Cassick


The Hallowe’en Workout

My husband is a personal trainer, and I often find myself knee-bend deep in conversations which contain terms like hyperlipidemia and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Maximizing physical potential is a fascinating subject, but I’m all about putting fitness to practical application. We need a sensible, comprehensive program, geared toward results we can use.
If you start in early October, you can be ready for any Samhain activity. No one wants to spend November nursing a pulled muscle or psychic strain because they were not properly prepared. Here is a simple routine that will have you in Sabbat shape and ready for ritual in no time!
  1. Party Prep - Dress in loose-fitting clothing. Pointy hat should be worn to improve your balance; brim weights are optional. Hold one arm out at the side (whichever hand you generally use to hold a mug of spiced cider.) Allow shoulders to relax. Side-step lightly to the left, then to the right. Hips can rotate in a semi- or full circle. If you wish to indicate that you don’t care, feel free to wave your hands in the air. “Monster Mash”-ing and doing the “Time Warp” are recommended ONLY for advanced students.
  2. Front Porch Dash -Place a bag in either hand. As you progress with this exercise, you can begin  to add weight - start with lighter Kit-Kats and MalloCups before attempting Snickers and          Hershey Bars. Lean forward, and sprint for 20 feet. Keep your elbows out to knock shorter people out of your way. Come to a complete stop, open bag, close bag, then turn and sprint again. Repeat this exercise as often as possible.
  3. Apple Bobbing  -It’s a good idea to find out what capacity tub your host will be using. There’s no point training with a ten gallon tub only to find your host has placed her produce in a twenty gallon. Slow neck rolls and lower back stretches before training are imperative! Apple bobbing is an intense physical activity. Kneel on the floor, hands behind your back, and bend at the waist. Once your head is parallel to the floor, rotate your neck around on your shoulders, in both directions. Familiarize yourself with different varieties of apple: Galas, Macs, and Cortlands all have a different consistency, and will require a different jaw technique. You should work daily on lengthening the time you are able to hold your breath. This can also be a useful skill if a jack-o-lantern happens to set the house on fire.
  4. Carving Conditioning - Pumpkin carving is an activity which requires excellent wrist flexibility and lower arm strength. But don’t neglect those upper arms and shoulders! You’ll need them to lift your pumpkin onto the table, and get some leverage while you carve. Aim for three sets of wrist raises with a set of kitchen knives. You should start working out with a butter knife, and advance to a paring knife when you can slice a cantaloupe in less than a minute without breaking a sweat.
  5. Ritual Readiness - Decorating an altar and partaking in sacred rites doesn’t have to leave you breathless! Regular sessions of Yoga poses like the Triangle and the Standing Crescent can reduce muscle strain from bending to light candles, or reaching for a chalice. Remember: if you leave an offering of food for a loved one, make it a healthy one, and take into account their dietary limitations.  

With some foresight and dedication, you can make your Samhain safe and injury free. Join us in December, when I will share tips for Yule -  including tree-topper stretches, aerobic carols, and long-distance wassailing,

Visit Brian Cassick Fitness at http://www.briancassickfitness.com/ 
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BrianCassickFitness



Song of the Day with Jennifer Rasmussen


Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I feel like somebody's watching me.


Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong
I love October mornings! Especially the ones with the blue skies, fluffy clouds, dappled sunlight through bright colored leafy trees, and a nip in the air.  This bread is decadent and perfect for those kind of mornings. Especially the ones you don’t have to go anywhere right away…or for a sweet treat by the fire on a harvest moon night!


Spicy October Morning Pumpkin Bread
*Makes 2

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
2/3 cup chopped walnuts

 Preheat oven to 350º.
 Combine flour and the next 7 ingredients (flour through cloves) in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine sugar and the next 5 ingredients (sugar through pumpkin) in a bowl, and stir well with a whisk until smooth. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaves in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Sprinkle a little natural sugar on the top. Cool loaves completely.
If you are lucky enough to have a wonderful neighbor like I do, send the extra loaf over to them! They’ll love you for it!
Blessings and Love,
Autumn


Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!


Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Emerald

Emerald is an amazing crystal. It is not only a wisdom stone but helps to bring to the surface what is unknown. 

If you deal with claustrophobia then this is the crystal for you. This crystal also helps to overcome the misfortunes in life and can heal negative emotions.

If you are working on your psychic abilities this stone can help with clairvoyance.

Emerald is a great choice in helping to open the heart chakra and is very calming.



Giveaway from author Sam Curtin

One Signed Copy of Summer’s Hollow ($8 value)


High school is hard enough for a teenage girl as it is. For Rylie Bradford, she has the added stress of being flung into a world of vengeful spirits, bloody apparitions, and mysterious deaths. It all begins when Rylie and her friend Andy find an amulet that belonged to the legendary town witch. It looked simple enough; little did she know that it would cause murder and mayhem to ensue on the town of Summer's Hollow.


Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Sam Curtin Author Page. Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Follow Sam on Twitter. Let us know you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!


CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!

Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

Who wrote the lyrics to Canada's national anthem?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow  at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!
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Welcome back to our October Celebration, you wayward wanderers!

You've stumbled upon a party, and you're the guest of honor. What happens here, stays here.. but, so much you ;)

Not to worry, we have plenty of things we can do to with you.


Come on.. don't be shy...





The winner of the Hemlock and Garnet giveaway by artist Loren Morris is....


Fearless Fallen Angel





Today's Blogger: Kathleen Lane

Change will Come

I have always heard the saying that "Change is the one certain thing in life". Looking at this time of year always reminds me of that saying and this has certainly been a year of change in my life. My husband has retired and rather than being gone for half the year, he is home for good. So one way of life has ended and a new one begun.

As this summer rolls to the inevitable end and the new winter comes in, the wheel keeps turning and new things come in with it. I was going through some papers and found my old bucket list. Looking at it I wonder why some of those things were important to me and I realized that I need to throw it out and start a whole new list. Some of the things I have already done and some of them just don't seem relevant anymore.

What would be something important in your future that you would like to achieve or experience? Is there someplace you have never been or something you have never done and it is still waiting? Did you start something and never finish it? Do you remember promising yourself that someday you would climb a mountain or write a book or take that trip to the Costa Rican rain forest?

Let each year end with a positive finish to some goal and if you can't decide what your future should be, let this time of the thinning of the veil guide you in your choice. Those who have gone over the bridge already can sometimes see our future in a clearer light. Listen to what they are telling you and open yourself to what they tell you.


The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen


Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I feel like somebody's watching me.


Today's Recipe with Autumn Earthsong
I love October mornings! Especially the ones with the blue skies, fluffy clouds, dappled sunlight through bright colored leafy trees, and a nip in the air.  This bread is decadent and perfect for those kind of mornings. Especially the ones you don’t have to go anywhere right away…or for a sweet treat by the fire on a harvest moon night!


Spicy October Morning Pumpkin Bread
*Makes 2

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
2/3 cup chopped walnuts

 Preheat oven to 350º.
 Combine flour and the next 7 ingredients (flour through cloves) in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine sugar and the next 5 ingredients (sugar through pumpkin) in a bowl, and stir well with a whisk until smooth. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaves in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Sprinkle a little natural sugar on the top. Cool loaves completely.
If you are lucky enough to have a wonderful neighbor like I do, send the extra loaf over to them! They’ll love you for it!
Blessings and Love,
Autumn


Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how she brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!


Stones and Crystals with Jennifer Hodgson


Emerald

Emerald is an amazing crystal. It is not only a wisdom stone but helps to bring to the surface what is unknown. 

If you deal with claustrophobia then this is the crystal for you. This crystal also helps to overcome the misfortunes in life and can heal negative emotions.

If you are working on your psychic abilities this stone can help with clairvoyance.

Emerald is a great choice in helping to open the heart chakra and is very calming.



Giveaway from Touch of the Goddess!


Whether you are anointing candles or tools, taking a ritual bath, or setting up protected space, this set has the oils you need all in one place. Sanctuary, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water are for working with those respective elements and the Elementals. Solaris and Luna give you help in working with these Celestial bodies and their associated Gods and Goddesses. Prosperity, Entice! Indulge your workings with the real essential oils. Frankincense, jasmine, cinnamon, just a few a the scents and magical essences all a part of this collection! Never again have to search for just the right oil, they are all right here together in one box!

9- 5 ml cobalt blue bottles in a a pretty turquoise box
Value: $35.00

Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Touch of the Goddess Facebook Page . Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did. 

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Visit the Touch of the Goddess etsy shop. Comment here and tell us your favorite item in the shop.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!


CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!

Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question: 

Who wrote the lyrics to Canada's national anthem?


This giveaway is open until 9pm PDT (midnight Eastern)tonight. Winner will be announced tomorrow  at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!
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Welcome back! Woohoo, it's Friday and time to get our Freak on!

We have some really delicious recipes for you to start your weekend off right, and one of the best Halloween songs to get your feet a'movin.

Don't forget- tomorrow is our Craftacular Saturday!

Now, let's get to it!







The winner of the Charissa's Cauldron Giveaway is...

Jonquil Alexia!




Friday's Forget-Me-Not

In honor of the thinning of the veil, we're going to take each Friday to honor a magical someone who has passed through to the other side of the veil.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring them, even if you hold them in your heart, even if only for just the time you read the blog post.

Thank you in advance, and may you always be remembered through time.

We are asking the community to submit your own forget-me-nots for loved ones who have passed through the veil for our final Samhain post. Send your tributes and photos to samhainsirens@gmail.com no later than Friday, October 23. We look forward to helping you honor them through this venue. If you have any questions, please use the "contact us" form at the top of this page.



Today, we honor Deborah Ann Light. She was a Hedgewitch, feminist, environmentalist, philanthropist, and Pagan elder active in national and interfaith work.

Per Circle Sanctuary:
"In 1985, Deborah received a Master's in Religious Studies from Norwich University in Vermont.  Her thesis was one of the first in the emerging field of Pagan Studies to examine contemporary Goddess Spirituality in the United States.Deborah supported a variety of feminist, environmental, Pagan and other organizations, projects and endeavors over the years.  She was founder and executive director of the Thanks Be to Grandmother Winifred Foundation, which for nine years funded projects by older women that benefited women.Deborah was a longtime member and benefactor of Circle Sanctuary, its Nature Preserve, its cemetery, and other work.  She was part of the Pagan Spirit Gathering in its developing years and was among the founding supporters of the Lady Liberty League, which works for Pagan civil rights and religious freedom in the United States and internationally."
May she always be remembered.




Today's Recipe: Football Munchies

October also means football Sundays to my family.  We make excellent muchies to enjoy throughout the day, whether it’s just my hubby and I, or we have family and friends over.  Here is a couple of simple recipes everyone will love!

Smoked Sausage Bites
1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa sausage, cut into bite sized pieces
3/4 cup ginger ale
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup of your favorite barbeque sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays!)
Place sausage in a greased 9” x 9” baking pan.  Mix together ginger ale, brown sugar and barbeque sauce in a small bowl; spoon over sausages. Cover with foil and bake at 300* for 90 minutes
*Serves 6
** You can do this in a crock pot all day too!


Crabmeat Party Spread
1 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
2 Tbs mayonnaise-style salad dressing (Miracle Whip)
1/2 cup minced onion
1 clove minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
3/4 cup chili sauce
1 lb imitation crabmeat, diced
Crackers

In a bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and blend well.  Spread on a serving platter.  Top with chili sauce; then spread crabmeat over that.
Serve with crackers, or celery sticks.

Toffee Apple Dip

8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 Tbs powdered sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla
8oz pkg toffee bits, divided
Sliced apples and/or graham crackers

Combine cream cheese and butter in a large bowl, beating with an electric mixer at low speed until well blended.  Add sugars and vanilla; mix well.  Set aside 1/4 cup toffee bits and add remaining bits to the cream cheese mixture. Stir in until well blended.
Cover and refrigerate overnight, for best results.  Just before serving, sprinkle with remaining toffee bits.  Serve with apple slices or graham crackers.  (those little goldfish graham crackers are great for this!)
*Serves 8-10?  No….not that many…make a double batch for that!

Your football fans will love these recipes!  Who Dey! Go Bengals! 

Blessings and Love,
Autumn


Autumn Earthsong is back for the 3rd year as our resident Kitchen Witch. You may have seen her recipes in Imramma Magazine and The Sunday Stew as well.  Autumn has been a practicing Witch for 17 years and hails from Ohio. She is a wife, mother of two, and Nana to three busy little grandchildren.  Samhain is a favorite time of year for her….with her name indicating what Season she loves!  Cooking for family and friends this time of year is also a joy…..Especially this time of year!   Hearth, Fire, love of family and good food is how She brings Magick to her home.   You can also find her blogging at www.autumnearthsong.com.   She looks forward to sharing her recipes with you all and hopes that you have a very Blessed Samhain Season!



Paleo Recipes from Paula Lancaster Lupi


I am not a big fan of the dark meat of chicken, but this next recipe is one I do make an exception for.  And of course bacon is good with anything!

Bacon-Wrapped Smoky Chicken Thighs from Practical Paleo

Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
8 slices of bacon
2 tsp Smoky Spice Blend (yes I included this recipe too)
Smoky Spice Blend:
1 TBS chipotle powder
1 TBS smoked paprika
1 TBS onion powder
½ TBS cinnamon
1 TBS sea salt
½ TBS black pepper
Combine all spices in a bowl, and store them in a small container.  Makes 5 TBS


Preheat oven to 375 F
Sprinkle the chicken thighs with 1 tsp of Smoky Spice Blend. Wrap each thigh in 2 strips of bacon. Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining Smoky Spice Blend, and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F.



Cocktails with CL

Butter Beer
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
6-8 tablespoons butterscotch sauce (depending how sweet you like it)
3 cups apple cider
1 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
2 cups ginger beer
Whipped cream, for garnish
This recipe makes a very large batch which is great if you are entertaining! But if it is a party of one then I would recommend using the recipe blow. Unless you’re really thirsty.

1 Tablespoon Butterscotch Sauce
½ Cup Apple Cider
1 Jigger Bourbon Whiskey
1/3 Cup Ginger Beer

Directions:
Heat cider, bourbon and butterscotch syrup in a medium saucepan until the butterscotch dissolves and the mixture is steaming hot. Remove from heat and stir in the ginger beer. Ladle into mugs and serve with loads of whipped cream on top.



Yes yes, I know. Harry Potter fanatic! But I also really wanted to try someone’s concept of Butter Beer! If we’re being honest here, though, I am not a huge fan of Bourbon. Or whiskey in general! I tried it with the original recipe and just couldn’t get behind it. Deciding I couldn’t accept not enjoying Butter Beer I set about tinkering with the recipe and came up with a few other variations, both of which were fantastic! At least in my humble opinion.

The first experiment was with Apple Brandy. I had some on hand for another recipe and thought it had a nice caramel apple type of sound to it. Granted it didn’t taste like a caramel apple but it was fabulous nonetheless!

The second experiment involved the same recipe only subbing Hiram Walker’s Pumpkin Spice Liquor for the bourbon whiskey. Now this had Autumn flair and flavor and was delicious to boot!
I honestly don’t know which one of the two experiments was my favorite; pictured is the Pumpkin Spice variation. No doubt the variations are endless so go forth and try them all! It’s research doncha know!


The Siren's Song with Jennifer Rasmussen

Thriller by Michael Jackson





Today's Giveaway from Author Sam Curtin!


One Signed Copy of Return to Summer’s Hollow ($8 value)

Rylie has everything she could want in her life: a PhD in archaeology, a job at one of the top institutions in the country, and a man to spend the rest of her life with. What she doesn’t have is closure from those events that happened thirteen years ago in the small town she left behind. Plagued by visions of the spirits she thought defeated, Rylie journeys home to Summer’s Hollow and discovers that legends never die. Rylie comes face to face with both her inner and outer demons, as she attempts to silence the Pascal family once and for all during this twisted reunion.






Here's how to enter: (Canadians, skip this part and go to your section)

Like/Get Notifications on the Samantha Curtin Author Facebook page . Come back, comment on this blog post and tell us that you did.

Remember to add your email address to the page (if you don't want to post it publicly, simply send it via the contact form at the top of the page).

Want extra entries??

1. Follow Sam on Twitter. Come back and comment that you did.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your tweet.

3. Blog about this giveaway. Comment with the link to your blog post.

4. Follow Samhain's Sirens on Facebook. Comment, and let us know you did (if you're already following, just comment and say so!)

5. Follow this blog so you'll be in on all of the fabulous fun throughout October! Comment here that you did.

That gives you 6 chances to win this fabulous prize!

CANADIANS: LOOK HERE!
Canadians, your country requires that you answer questions instead of participating the American way ;) So, we're bringing you some good old-fashioned trivia about your country this year. Answer the question correctly in comments (don't forget to put your email address in the comment!) and you'll be given 6 entries in the giveaway!

Here's your question:

What is 1+1?

This giveaway is open until 9pm EDT tonight. Winner will be announced Monday  at 9am EDT. Remember, we have to notify the winner in email first, so those email addresses are critical for you to qualify for the giveaway!

Good luck everyone!


REMINDER: All entries will go into our Grand Prize Giveaway from LaPulia Studio. Here's a sneak peek at what you might win!


See you tomorrow for our Craftacular Saturday!
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Happy Moonday, Malevolent Monsters!

It's the last one of this Samhain Siren Season. Let's do it right, and have a blast!

If you have any questions, be sure to email Serena or use the contact form at the top of this page.

As we begin winding down, we ramp up the fun :) Remember, every one of your entries counts toward our Grand Prize Giveaway to be announced on October 31!

Here is a sneak peek of our giveaway from LaPulia Studio!

This book sells for $504.98, and will come in green :) So, be sure you get in on every chance you can to win this grand prize!






The winner of the Sally Dubats giveaway is : Jonquil Alexia!

The winner of the DJ Martin giveaway is: Rogue Riversong!






Archeology of Samhain
By: Sam Curtin from Chronicles of an Anthropology Nerd (http://anthrobum.blogspot.com)

When it comes to explaining the origin of practices – religious or otherwise – most of us anthropologists look to the archaeological record for evidence of these practices. Artifacts used in rituals, religious sites, and texts from the origin period are helpful in shaping this knowledge of practices. When it comes down to Samhain, there really isn’t much evidence in the archaeological record. We have evidence of many sacred sites in Ireland and we have texts that reference the practice of these rituals, but finding tangible evidence has been something archeologists have struggled with.

However, there is one site that is referenced a lot in medieval text: the Hill of Ward or “Tiachtga.” This hill is located near Athboy which is now in the modern county of Meath. This site has been referenced as a host for the feast of Samhain. It is characterized by its prehistoric ringfort (an ancient circular fortification of earth or stone, found especially in Ireland) and is 380 feet in height. The legend goes that the druids would journey up the hill to light huge fires; this would signal the start of the Samhain festivities. Evidence of these fires go back to pre-Christian times.
There is a good amount of medieval manuscripts that refer to “Feis Teamhrach” (also known as the feast of Tara) which was rumored to be held three days before and three days after Samhain. This feast was held at another important Irish heritage site: The Hill of Tara. It is thought that this was also a site for Samhain rituals but there is little evidence to back up those claims.

When you think about it, it kind of makes sense that there isn’t much archaeological evidence surrounding Samhain. The Celtic pagans didn’t worship in temples or erect large buildings to practice their rituals. They celebrated in nature, feasting and praying the gods/goddesses of the nature around them. Most of Celtic Paganism is routed in Nature with a “harm none” philosophy. This would mean that if a site was laughed trashed with artifacts after a ritual, they would be going against all that the rituals stood for.

What we are left with is the texts and the stories from that time. Even those have their problems since most of history was influenced by the Roman Empire who were Christian. They focused on the “evils” of Samhain rather than the historic significance. Modern day pagans know about Samhain through the oldest form of history: storytelling. Stories of Samhain rituals have been passed down from generations but “word of mouth” isn’t something that can be added to the archaeological record.
References:
Archaeology Magazine: “Halloween’s Celtic Rituals” by Jenny Butler
Dictonary.com















I don’t know about you, but I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!




The Witches’ Kitchen by Autumn Earthsong

For entertaining this time of year, besides crockpots full of soups, dishes of toppers, and warm spiced cider….I like to serve some type of appetizer.  These little toasted Crostini just fit the bill.  They are sweet and wonderful and perfect for an Autumn party!  Great for an after dinner treat too!




Apple-Brie Crostini

1 loaf French bread, thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
13.2 oz pkg Brie cheese, thinkly sliced
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced

Arrange bread on an ungreased baking sheet; bake at 350* until lightly toasted. Set aside.
Mix together butter, sugar and walnuts.  Top each slice of bread with a cheese slice, an apple slice and a teaspoonful of butter mixture. 
Return to baking sheet; bake briefly until cheese melts.  
*Makes 24-30

**Variations….a sugared pecan with a drizzle of honey to top it…or a nice dollop of apple butter!  

ENJOY, Autumn

Read my blog at www.autumnearthsong.com
Visit my herbal shop at www.etsy.com/shop/verbenalaneshoppe




Touch of the Goddess Muse Giveaway!
The Muse of the Thinning Veil is here to help you with your Divination skills. She will guide you to strengthen you intuition thru practice and trust. She lifts he Veil and peers into her scrying mirror, looking forward and backward, communing with the ancestors that have gone before her.Her beautiful wine colored dress is hand beaded and hangs over a black marabou feather petticoat. Her veil is black sheer crinkle and hangs over her lush black yarn hair. Let her be your guide. She is 10 1/2" tall  x 5" wide x 2 1/2" deep. She would look great hanging as a standing alone piece, or displayed as I have her here in a frame. She would be great to add to an altar or in a grouping of other Muses or your favorite pieces of art. She is an original and one of a kind! If you lift up her robe on her back and look on her skirt, there is a message just for YOU! She is a one of a kind polymer clay sculpture formed over an armature.
Value-$110.00



Rules: (READ CAREFULLY)

YOU MUST PROVIDE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS. If you choose not to share it in the comments, please use the contact form at the top of the page to provide your email address. You must provide your email address once per giveaway.

Drawing is held by random number generation and winner will be notified in email (that's why you have to have an email address listed). Announcement will be made in tomorrow's post.

Note: These giveaways are open to the U.S., Canada and where allowable. Void where prohibited.
Canadian residents, please pay close attention as by law, you have to use a different set of rules. Not to worry, we have you covered :)


CANADIANS READ HERE: You will be given the same number of entries for answering the following (remember, we STILL NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS):

What is the answer to life, the universe and everything?

U.S. Citizens, and others- READ HERE:

1. Go to the Touch of the Goddess Site.  Look over the site and tell us which product you like best.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (USE SEPARATE COMMENTS. If you throw them all into one comment, it counts as one entry only)

2. Be a follower of this blog. Comment that you are following us.

3. Like the Sirens FB page (come let us know you did in comments)

4. Like/Get Notifications for The Touch of the Goddess Facebook Page. Let us know you did.

5. Blog about this giveaway (comment with the url for your blog entry)

6. Tweet about this giveaway (come back and give us the url for your tweet)

So, all in all, you get 6 entries for this giveaway! The deadline for entries is midnight eastern time (11 Central, 10 Mountain, 9 Pacific) tonight. Announcement tomorrow, same time, same bat channel ;)

Questions? Email Serena.

See you tomorrow!
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