Monthly Wrap Up - October 2019

It's the first Monthly Wrap Up, so I thought that I would take a moment to explain my goal with these posts before diving in. As I have shared in this space before, I have some issues with both anxiety and depression. In an attempt to not let either of those bad guys win, I want to be both more thoughtful and more thankful for the things going on in my life. To do that, I want to do a wrap up of each month to remind myself of the fun things I did or goals I was able to accomplish!

October is by far one of the best months of the year, every year. Maybe it just has to do with Fall being my favorite season, but I swear it seems like nothing that bad happens during October and I finally get out of my end-of-summer funk.

Here are some of the highlights from my month:

Spicer's Orchard Trip

There's nothing like a Sunday morning at the apple orchard with your bestie to make sure your October starts off the right way. I am very lucky to have a local orchard close to where I live, and to have awesome friends who love apple picking too!

We even went into the corn maze! I had some serious flashes to that episode of The Office where Dwight creates Hayworld and Kevin gets lost in the maze, but thankfully we only got a little lost.

And of course, no orchard trip is complete without first getting a cup of cider and a donut. I mean it. If you go to an orchard or cider mill and you don't end up getting a donut, you are seriously missing out my friend.

Homemade Apple Butter

What better way to use up half a bushel of apples than to make some delicious homemade apple butter! I had never made it before, but it was super easy and it tastes delicious. Click here for the link to the recipe I used that I found on Pinterest!

The best part? I honestly had no idea how it was going to turn out. I used three different apple types (Northern Spy, Gala, and Jonagold) and I was a little worried it wouldn't be sweet enough, but it was absolutely perfect.

All things considered, making apple butter takes a lot of time, but boy is it worth it! My favorite way to enjoy it is on a slice of lightly buttered toast.

Have you ever tried apple butter? What about making it yourself?

New Job

Even though October was very fun and eventful, it also felt incredibly stressful because I was in the middle of a job search. Since the summer, I had been submitting job application after job application, but it wasn't until just about two weeks ago that I was given an interview and then after that, a job offer to be the social media coordinator for a company near me. 

Someone finally took a chance on me and I am beyond excited to take this next step in my career!

Actually, while you are reading this, I am already at my desk during my very first day on the job. Don't worry: you will definitely be getting an update in a later blog post!

All in all, I would say that October 2019 was full of ups and downs, but it really ended on a positive, hopeful note.

How was your October?

Lowkey Samhain - Ideas for the Lazy Witch

Samhain is less than a week away and if you still have no idea how you want to celebrate the holiday, or you need to do something small because you are still in the broom closet, I have a few ideas to get you started.

Do a short tarot reading/rune pull - Since Samhain is the time of year that we typically consider the easiest to get in touch with the spirit world, it is a great time to do a little divination. So grab those runes or your favorite tarot deck, and find some time to do a quick reading for yourself. 

Not sure what to ask? Since Samhain is the Witches' New Year, consider asking for advice for the year ahead or for guidance on how to proceed in a particular area you want to focus on.

Have a bonfire - As one of the Celtic fire festivals, bonfires are quite common on Samhain. Consider inviting a few friends over, share some treats and wine (responsibly), and be sure to set some aside for as an offering.

Do a small banishing spell - No one wants to take unnecessary baggage or negativity into the new year. Write down anything that no longer serves you (bad habits, small mindsets, etc) on a piece of paper. Then, light the paper on fire (fire safety is always important, folks). As it burns, visualize the thing on the paper leaving you and then scatter the ashes, if possible.

Decorate your altar with photos of loved ones no longer with us - Like I previously mentioned, Samhain is the perfect time of year to connect to the spirit world. Consider decorating your altar with photos of loved ones and beloved pets that are no longer with us, with flowers, candles, and other reminders of them.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, I hope you all have a blessed and relaxing Samhain!

Crafting a Samhain Ritual

Samhain is just over a week away and if you are a serial procrastinator like me, you might not have your ritual ready yet. If that is the case, have no fear, because I have a few ideas to get you thinking about the holiday and what you can include in your ritual to celebrate.

When you start thinking about Samhain, there are a few themes you might want to consider hitting in your ritual: remembering the dead, goal setting, and divination

First, Samhain is considered to be the day when the veil between this world and the spirit world is the thinnest, so it is the perfect time to honor our loved ones and relatives who have passed on. Add something to honor them in your ritual, like an offering of food and drink.

Second, Samhain is the Witches New Year, so setting goals and intentions for the next year would be appropriate. Make a vision board or even a simple list of goals that you can refer to for the rest of year.

Third, like I previously mentioned, Samhain is the day when we are more connected to the spirit world. Because of this, it would be great to incorporate some divination into your ritual. Whatever tool you prefer, do a reading for yourself, just don't forget to write it down and any impressions you get from the reading.

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started. There are countless ways to celebrate Samhain, and what is important is that whatever you end up doing feels right to you. It doesn't have to be showy or elaborate - unless you want it to be.

What are your Samhain plans?

Creating Your Own Rune Set

Divination has been a growing fascination of mine over the past year, and I have especially been drawn to learning more about runes. I find the whole system of 25 different symbols so interesting; the ways those symbols can be arranged, their different meanings.

One thing I have learned is that the best tools for divination are the ones that you make yourself or that are gifted to you, so I decided to try my hand at it.

Here are the steps I followed:

1. Choose 25 rocks - I chose stone for my runes, so I had to collect 25 stones in total. You could also use small nuts you've gathered or pieces of wood, just be sure to ask for permission before collecting them.

2. Wash them in warm, soapy water - To get my stones ready, I washed all of the dirt off of them in warm, soapy water and rinsed.

3. Cleanse them in salt water - Once washed from the physical dirt, you need to wash the psychic dirt and negativity off. To do this, I soaked the stones in salt water for at least one hour.

4. Let them air-dry - Once cleansed, I put the stones on a towel to air-dry completely.

5. Draw one rune per stone - Once the stones are totally dry, on the flattest side of the rock, draw the rune. I used a black Tombow pen, but you could also use paint or a Sharpie pen.

6. Charge before use - Before the runes are totally ready for use, they need to be charged. To do this, I left the runes on my altar, in full view of the moonlight, for a full lunar cycle. If you don't have a full moon cycle to wait, consider charging them with your own energy.

Have you ever made your own runes before? What did you use?

Samhain - The Witches' New Year

Samhain, pronounced SOW-en, is a pagan holiday typically celebrated on October 31st. Regarded as the third and final of the harvest festivals, this day is hugely important to many, as it is the beginning of the shift from one half of the year to the next. Many aspects of Samhain play into contemporary Halloween celebrations.

As a Wiccan, I, and some others, refer to Samhain as the Witches New Year, and use the day to start setting intentions that will manifest over the next year - similar to New Year's Resolutions people set on December 31st.

Samhain is the day where the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. Because of this, many use this day as an opportunity to contact the other side. This is done in different ways from tarot readings, to rune pulls, and using spirit boards.

It is also a great day to remember your loved ones that have passed on and are already in the spirit world. In a similar vein to Day of the Dead celebrations, Samhain is the time of year where many witches and pagans alike decorate their altar space with pictures and other remembrances of loved ones to honor them. Due to the belief that the spirits of loved ones are closer to us at this time of year, it is also common to see some weddings and other big events happen, so those members can be there.

And this is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of different views on the holiday and ways to celebrate. Curious for more information? Here are a few links to other resources you might want to check out:

Samhain Lore and Traditions

Celebrating Samhain

How do you plan on spending your Samhain?

Beautiful Flint - Fun Things in the Vehicle City

I love the city of Flint, Michigan. I have had the pleasure of going to school here at the University of Michigan-Flint, and of living and working here. And what I have to say about the City of Flint is very simple: we are more than what you see in the news.

Flint has a vibrant arts culture, as well as a thriving downtown food scene and even a local soccer team.

Looking to visit the Vehicle City? Check out some of my suggestions of things to do while you are here!

Arts & Entertainment

Art Walk - Flint City Art Walk takes place the second Friday of every month and is totally free! Event goers are welcome to visit various locations downtown, snack on some light snacks and beverages (yes, still free), and take in tons of great art from local artists.

Flint Institute of Arts - Art museums are one of my favorite places to visit; they are one of the few public places where you can just be quiet, clear your mind, and look at beautiful things. There are some collections that are there all the time (the glass paper weight collection is a personal favorite), but they always have something new to see! What's even better about the Flint Institute of Arts? If you go on a Saturday, admission is free!

The Capitol Theatre - Newly-renovated, the Flint Capitol Theatre is truly a downtown gem. If you are a play-goer, you definitely have to go to a show here. Even though it has been newly redone, they were careful to keep much of the decoration old-school and I absolutely love it.

Food & Drink

Cafe Rhema - Cafe Rhema is by far my favorite coffee place downtown. They make amazing drinks, including the Barista's Choice latte - all you do is order and trust the barista working to make you something delicious! I have never been disappointed - and don't worry, they ask what flavors you like first. The food is also incredible. From delicious bagels to Belgian-style waffles, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Not only do they have great coffee and food, but the atmosphere is everything you look for in a local coffee shop: big, comfy couches, warm colors and dark wood, soft music, and the delicious smell of coffee in the air.

Sounds perfect doesn't it?

Soggy Bottom Bar - Coffee not really your thing or are you looking for something with more of a night-life vibe? Soggy's is where you need to go. The best bar in Flint, Soggy's has great atmosphere and killer drink prices. Not only that, but their kitchen is phenomenal. They are constantly coming out with new specials and are always trying out new recipes, including vegan options!

Sports

Flint City Bucks at Atwood Stadium - Now, I am not much of a sports-ball person (except hockey), but there is something about having a local soccer team that can change that. My boyfriend loves soccer, so when we first heard about the Flint City Bucks, we had to go to a game at their home field, Atwood Stadium. 

It was beyond fun. From the amazing fan section, lovingly called "The River Rats," to the delicious Halo Burger food truck on the side of the pitch, we are definitely getting season tickets next year. If you are in the city come next season, you need to go to a game!

Currently Reading: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

My current read for the beginning of October is Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. It is probably one of the most well-known vampire novels of contemporary times, but just in case you haven't heard of it, here is an excerpt from the synopsis from Goodreads:

"This is the story of Louis, as told in his own words, of his journey through mortal and immortal life. Louis recounts how he became a vampire at the hands of the radiant and sinister Lestat and how he became indoctrinated, unwillingly, into the vampire way of life. His story ebbs and flows through the streets of New Orleans, defining crucial moments..."

Who doesn't love a good monster novel to get ready for Halloween and spooky season? I know I do, but this book is more than that to me. Interview with the Vampire was one of the first books that I can remember loving while I read it. It was one of the first that kept me totally absorbed from start for finish.

Aside from the story centering around vampires, I found the New Orleans setting intriguing. I had never read a novel before this one set there, so when I eventually got to visit the city as a teen, after having read this book, it made it that much better. Rice does a great job of describing the city, from the narrow winding streets to the buildings of the French Quarter.

Rice's writing style is another reason why I find myself coming back to this novel time and time again. Not only is she incredibly descriptive, but she can go between styles flawlessly. When the vampire Louis speaks, he truly sounds like something that has been around for centuries, as opposed to the boy in the novel who speaks like we do now. That level of attention to detail is a delight to read and I am not surprised so many people loved this novel when it first came out. 

Have you ever read Interview with the Vampire? Do you like vampire novels or do you think they are a bit overdone at this point?

Leave a comment with your current read!

October 2019 Bucket List

October is by far one of the best months to plan a lot of fun, seasonal activities. From typical Fall things to spooky things to get us all in the Halloween mood, there are so many possibilities to get together with friends and make some memories! 

Here are a few of my suggestions:

Go to an apple orchard or cider mill - Nothing says Fall better than taking an early morning trip to a local orchard/cider mill. There is just something about hot apple cider, warm cinnamon donuts, and a hayride that get me in the Fall mood. 

And once the hayride is over, of course you have to buy at least 3 gallons of apple cider, a dozen of your favorite apples, and some more donuts before heading home.

Bake pies/other Fall treats - Now that you have tons of apples from your orchard visit, you might as well put them to good use and bake a pie, like these Glazed Apple Hand Pies. Or if apples aren't your thing, bake some other kind of seasonal treat and share it with loved ones!

Make a soup - Savory a little more up your alley? Try making a soup using seasonal ingredients, like an Autumn Wild Rice Soup!

Have a bonfire - As the weather gets colder, the nights become perfect for a nice bonfire in the evening. If you are able to safely (and legally) have  bonfire, do it! Invite some friends over, have some mulled wine or cider, and roast some marshmallows. 

Collect fallen leaves or nuts for easy DIY crafts - Looking for something to do with all of the beautiful leaves and nuts that you find everywhere? Here are a few craft ideas for the spoils of your next Fall nature walk

 Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holder  Acorn Necklaces

Carve pumpkins - Would it really be October if I didn't mention carving pumpkins? Whether you do this with friends, your partner, or by yourself, it is one of the most tried and true ways to get in to the mood of the season.

Watch scary movies - If you can handle it, watch some scary movies - preferably not alone. Classics like Nightmare on Elm Street or Scream are great ones to check out. If scary movies aren't really your thing, the cult-classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, is a seasonal favorite of mine, and despite the name, is not scary at all.

Visit a Halloween store - Halloween stores are a whole different level of fun. I always get excited when you are driving around and you see that empty store finally taken over by a Halloween store. Definitely go check it out! Even if you don't get something there, you will have a great time looking at all of the different costumes and decorations.

Be sure to let me know which ideas you try out this month! What things that aren't here are you doing this October? Leave a comment!