The Magic of Crows

  "The crow represents change or transformation. But much more than that, it refers more to a spiritual or emotional change. These intelligent birds give us valuable insight into situations around us and help us adapt as needed". - Crow Symbolism & Meaning

I grew up listening to legends and tales of animals from a neighbor who was a member of the local Chippewa tribe. The intelligence as well as the beauty of the crow always drew me in. Perhaps the attraction led me to write Crow Magic, where the hero is a Native American Crow Shifter. He uses his body and mind to cleanse a person’s soul; taking it from darkness to light.

Available on Amazon 

 Some cultures think of the crow as a bad omen. It has been said this idea came from the wars during the Dark Ages when crows would be seen after a battle picking at the dead. The Vikings believed it was the spirit of a raven that escorted the souls of the dead warriors to Valhalla. Story tellers simply put a dark spin on the tale.

The Native Americans consider a crow to be a sign of good fortune. Crows are cleansers of both the land and the mind. My Chippewa friends hold steadfast to this belief and always express joy when they see crows visit their feeders.

Since moving into the woods, we've attracted a variety of critters. For several years we were blessed with a family of crows. Seeing their antics and family dynamic up close was amazing. The hawks moved in for a couple years chasing the small murder away. However, the hawks moved out and by fall the crows were cautiously returning.

This spring brought two handsome couples into my office view. My building is located along the Flint River. A pair of eagles nest not far from here as well, but they haven't disturbed the crows. I'm not sure where the crows roost, but they come to our yard to feed. 

Do you have some unique critters visit your yard?

#Thursday13 - Autumn Date Ideas

I love FALL.  Everything about the season is wonderful! Acorn squash smothered with butter and brown sugar cooks in the stove while a hot apple pie cools. Burning leaves and then enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Here are a few ideas for you and your honey to have some time to yourselves.

1. Visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch.

2. Go apple picking then make caramel apples.

3. Bake an apple or pumpkin pie together then eat it before it gets cold. Have fun with the left over whipping cream. Enjoy a glass of local wine or brew.

4. Find your inner child and go on a corn maze and hayride. Rake leaves into a pile and jump in!

5. Make Apple Cider Floats and snuggle in front of a fire.

Apple Cider Float

1 cup of real apple cider

½ cup ginger ale

1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or a seasonal flavor such as cinnamon or apple pie

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

1-2 TBSP caramel sauce

Pour apple cider and ginger ale into a glass. Add vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle on nutmeg and cinnamon to taste and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve with straw and spoon.

 

6. If you are in a warmer climate, take your lap top and a bowl of popcorn to the backyard and watch a movie.

7. Have a thermos picnic at the park. Pack soup and hot cocoa.

8. Go on a Fall Foliage Drive. Pick up some pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy the ride.

9. Visit a local book store. Many offer special autumn displays and events.

10. Hop in the car and go for a drive to find a coffee shop or a local pub to visit.

11. Go on a Sunset Date. Grab a thermos of cocoa and a blanket then head off to a park to watch the sunset. If a park isn't in the cards, simply step onto your porch or back deck.  Weather permitting, do some star gazing too. Super romantic!

12. Have a “Power Outage” Date. Turn all the lights off, light some candles and have some fun.

13. Try a Spa Night. Take a bath together, give each other massages and put on your comfy-cozies.

What word do you use to describe this season? Autumn or Fall?

Click HERE for more super cool Thursday 13 lists.

Don't Throw Away Old Canning Jars

Fall is the time when many folks can produce collected from their gardens. When I had a big garden, I canned salsa and tomato sauce. I shared an extremely large collection of canning jars with my neighbor. The jars ranged in shape and size; some were even considered antique! (Look for colored Ball or Mason jars at yard sales!) Now that I live in the woods, my canning days are gone. However, instead of throwing out all those wonderful canning jars, I found a new use for them. Candles! I love the jars with some cut or pattern to them. Pick up some candle inserts that hold tea lights(I find mine at craft shops for around .40 each). Gently place the insert into a narrow mouth jar. I like to add items to the jar... changing with the season or my mood. If you are crafty, paint the jar before adding the insert. These make wonderful gifts! Take the larger sized, wide mouth jars - place a little sand or dirt on the bottom of the inside then add a brightly colored candle. I use a three of different heights placed on a silver tray with greens and metallic balls or ribbon as a decoration on my porch for the holidays. When they are lit, I find them to be very warm and welcoming to my guests. Get creative and have a great week!