Samhain

Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.

It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort.

Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.

This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. Any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits. Bonfires were built, (originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year) and stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning. The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person's fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, (that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch's New Year.

Symbolism of Samhain:
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.

Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.

Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.

Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.

Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.

Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.

Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.


I'll be working tonight, so I have no big plans to observe this Sabbat. But when I get home from work I'm planning on conducting a quiet ritual at the small altar I keep set up in my room, in honor of my late step-father, who died from cancer 6 years ago, and my friend Mary, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1991.


Merry ye meet
an' merry ye part!
Blessed Be!

Writer's Workshop

Why I write.

I write in my blog when I want to vent, bitch, talk about stupid shit no one else cares about, and to brag about things going on in my life.

When I'm sad or depressed, I write poetry. It's not that great, I don't think. But it does the job of getting my emotions out.

Also, sometimes - and I don't tell many people this - I write out of sexual frustration. I write my fantasies. I've found it to be a good outlet. Sometimes I'll let my closest friends read them, sometimes not. My best friend Chele read the last one I wrote, but no one else has.

So don't ask.

My lame-ass attempt at a post

Gr8Cookie71: colored my hair earlier
Capricorn***: this early?
Gr8Cookie71: yup
Gr8Cookie71: i was in my bathroom at 7:30 putting color on my hair
Capricorn***: what color
Gr8Cookie71: a dark red-violet
Gr8Cookie71: like a burgandy color
Capricorn***: hmm.k
Gr8Cookie71: Matrix SoColor 4RV, to be exact
Capricorn***: sounds like a car
Capricorn***: and car color
Gr8Cookie71: lol
Gr8Cookie71: i wish my car was that color
Capricorn***: why burgendy
Capricorn***: isnt that like a purplish red
Gr8Cookie71: yup
Gr8Cookie71: but its not bright or anything
Gr8Cookie71: it just looks dark brown unless the light hits it
Gr8Cookie71: i like it though
Gr8Cookie71: my nautral color is a very blah dark (almost black) ashy brown
Capricorn***: ok
Gr8Cookie71: i have some grey too, which i'm not prepared to share with the world
Gr8Cookie71: lol
Capricorn***: know the feelings
Gr8Cookie71: yeah it sucks
Capricorn***: although i am swearing that mine is not grey, its streaks of blond. random streaks of blond.
Gr8Cookie71: lol there ya go
Gr8Cookie71: denial at its finest
Capricorn***: not denial
Capricorn***: just revamping the situation
Gr8Cookie71: hahah
Gr8Cookie71: i like that
Gr8Cookie71: ill have to use that one
Gr8Cookie71: but its not like youve ever colored YOUR hair or anything
Gr8Cookie71: lol
Capricorn***: nope.
Gr8Cookie71: *coughbullshitcough*
Capricorn***: nope
Capricorn***: i just woke up and it was different
Gr8Cookie71: haha
Capricorn***: almost like rainbow bright would

New Kevin Smith movie!

I'm a huge fan of the films of Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Jersey Girl, Clerks 2). He's got a new movie coming out soon, and I'm stoked. It looks funny as hell.

The best text I got today

"i went and got a venti mocha frap with double whip cream at 6am...now im on a starbucks double shot expresso. im like a little spider monkey on crack."

Anyone wanna guess who that was from??

**coughJaredcough**

I also took this at work early this morning.

Yay for crappy camera phone pictures.

I also lost my front driver's side hubcap on my way to work yesterday.

It was there when I left the house. It was gone when I got to Startbucks 15 minutes later.

Now my car looks stupid.

Killing time before work

Yes, it's another one of those music shuffle thingies no one seems to do but me.

The Soundrack To My Life

Openi​ng Credi​ts:
Synchronicity I - The Police

Wakin​g Up Scene​:
Situation - Godsmack

Car Drivi​ng Scene​:
Twisted Transistor - Korn

High Schoo​l Flash​back Scene​:​
Solve Et Coagula - Mudvayne

Nosta​lgic Scene​:​
All In The Name Of - Motley Crue

Bitte​r,​ Angry​ Scene​:​
Ringfinger - Nine Inch Nails

Break​-​up Scene​:​
Naked Sunday - Stone Tempe Pilots

Regre​t Scene​:​
Watching The Wheels - John Lennon

Night​club/​Bar Scene​:​
Ariels - System Of A Down

Fight​/​Actio​n Scene​:
Last Chance - Jet

Lawn Mowin​g Scene​:​
Alex Descends Into Hell For A Bottle Of Milk/Korova - U2

Sad, break​down scene​:​
Hate To Feel - Alice In Chains

Death​ Scene​:​
Let It All Bleed Out - Rob Zombie

Funer​al Scene​:​
Z - Mindless Self Indulgence

Mello​w/​Pot-​smoki​ng Scene​:​
The Patient Mental - Mudvayne

Dream​ing About​ Someo​ne Scene​:​
Black - Sevendust

Sex Scene​:​
Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie

Conte​mplat​ion Scene​:​
Mastermind - Mindless Self Indulgence

Chase​ Scene​:​
Falling Away From Me - Korn

Happy​ Love Scene​:​
Shut Me Up - Mindless Self Indulgence

Happy​ Frien​d Scene​:
Was It A Dream - 30 Seconds To Mars

Closi​ng Credi​ts:​
Over Now - Alice In Chains

Diva Hairstylists

I work with this woman. Let's call her D.

She's been doing hair for 20 years, and she's an excellent stylist.

BUT!

She is a fucking diva.

She used to manage her own salon, and acts like she manages ours. She does not.

She comes and goes as she pleases. As in, she'll disappear and not tell anyone where she went. So we don't know if she went to the restroom and will be back in 5 minutes, or if she went to lunch and will be back in 30.

One Sunday she and I were working the salon together. I came in at 10am, and she came in at 11am. We were both supposed to work until 6pm.

At 5:30 she'd finished up a customer and started packing up her stuff to go home. I was still in the middle of a haircut and there was still one waiting.

The conversation went something like this:

Me: You know there's still a customer waiting?
D: You know I'm going home?
Me: Do you know it's not 6 'o clock yet?
D: I didn't take a lunch break.
Me: That doesn't mean you get to leave early, especially when I was here an hour before you and there's still someone waiting.
D: You took a lunch break.
Me: So? I didn't keep you from taking one. You could've taken one at anytime. Now I'll have to stay late when I was here before you.
D: Well I'm still leaving.
Me: Fine! Go.

We were basically yelling at each other across the salon floor. After D left, I apologized profusely to the customers in my chair and the one that was waiting. They both understood and agreed I was in the right. But the lady that was waiting decided to leave.

And yesterday, she got all pissy because customers were coming in and requesting other stylists. It's their prerogative to have anyone they want do their hair. That's just how it is. She should know that. But instead, she decided she was going to go home for the day. Sharon, my boss, who didn't really want to deal with her crap, let her go. She did write her up though, for walking out.

I haven't really liked this girl from day one. She has a snotty attitude and acts like her shit don't stink.

I really hate having stress and drama at work.

I didn't do the Writer's Workshop this week

I blame Jared.

I soooo blame Jared.

Anyway!

I am ridiculously in love with this song right now.

And I don't even really like Coldplay that much. But that's a great fuckin' song!

I was told I was required to update every day

...so this is what you get. =]


If you married the person you last texted, what would your name be?
Cherlyn Leto.
hahaha

What is one fact about the last person who called you?
She's my boss

Baths or showers?
Depends on how much time I have

Are you getting engaged anytime soon?
Ha! Yeah right.

What's the best part about being single?
Not having to answer to anyone

Are you looking for a boyfriend/girlfriend?​
Nah, not really

How do you feel about public displays of affection?
I doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I'm a bit of a voyeur.

Last movie you saw in theaters?
The Dark Knight

Where was the first place you kissed the last person you kissed?
In his car

How long can you go without your mobile phone?
I'd rather not find out. lol

How many pills do you take a day?
None

Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Sometimes

What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee

Middle name?
Elaine

Name 3 emotions at this exact moment...
Surprise, amusement...that's really all I got. lol

Favorite place to be?
A concert at the NorVa

Do you want your boyfriend/girlfriend to strip for you?
If I had a boyfriend, sure. lol

What color shirt are you wearing?
Black and red mostly

Can you whistle?
Yup

Do you love where you live?
Sure

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Fucking inventory today...ughhhh

Have you ever met a gay person?
You betcha!

Have you ever intentionally made someone jealous?
Back when I was younger, sure

What's something you're excited about right now?
Mudvayne and Metallica shows

Do you think Dane Cook is funny?
Not remotely

Do you currently have feelings for anybody?
Yeah, I just haven't quite figured out what they are yet.

Have you ever dated someone older than yourself?​
Yup. Not in many years though.

Do you secretly like someone?
I'm not sure how much of a secret it is. lol

Was your last kiss drunk or sober?​
Sober

Why did your last relationship end?
He moved

Do you bump into someone's arm if you want to hold their hand?
Hell, I'm not 12.

What woke you up this morning?
The alarm on my phone

Would you take a bullet for anyone?
My mom

What do you want right now?
A lot of things

What's something you're looking forward to in the near future?
The 2 aforementioned concerts.

Television Confusion

Last night I was doing something that would have annoyed the hell of me if someone else had been dong it with me in the room.

I was flipping through 3 different channels watching 3 different programs at the same time.

On Comedy Central was The Colbert Report.

On MTV2 was Essential Metallica.

On FX was Urban Legend.

Stephen Colbert, Metallica, and Jared Leto, all on TV at the same time??

I'm sure you see my dilemma.

So since I couldn't pick just one, I watched bits and pieces of each. It was unfulfilling.

3 years ago today...

on October 19th, 2005, after 18 years...

I.

Quit.

SMOKING!

Well today was interesting...

When I got to work this afternoon there was this strange man waiting on me to cut his hair. Apparently I've cut his hair before. For the life of me, I didn't remember him. I'm normally really good with faces. I still don't remember him. But he was just...strange. Strange in that kind of way you really can't put your finger on. Something's just not right about him.


A bit later this woman brought her 10 year old daughter, with hair down to her butt, to get a couple of inches trimmed off. I was brushing through the girl's hair before the shampoo as I always do. The mother decided she didn't like how I was brushing her hair (???) and took her daughter and left.

What. The. Fuck? Jeeze, I know how to brush hair. It's not like I was hurting the girl or anything.


And now for the highlight of my day.

I was in the middle of doing cutting a woman's hair, and this guy was in there getting his hair trimmed by one of the other girls.

After he pays, he walks over to me, as I'm cutting this woman's hair, and says: "my name is Robert. Would you like to go out?"

Now might be a good time to mention he looked like a reject form ZZ Top. He also looked old enough to be my father.

My first instinct was to say: "Uhh...no."

But instead I said: "You know, I'm working right now." At which point he turned and left.

Ok, first of all, why would you go up and ask out someone when they're obviously busy?

Second of all, I'm oddly half flattered and half insulted.

Flattered because he apparently found me attractive. Great.

Insulted because there must have been something about me that made him think I'd be attracted to him. Do I look desperate or something?

So that was my day.

Wooptie-fuckin-doo.

Writer's Workshop

From Kathy's Blog:




This week I chose to write about something I did to get noticed. I have to admit, I enjoy getting noticed. Sometimes it upsets me when I'm not. The poem in my last blog is an example of that. But at the same time, I don't really consider myself an attention whore. There are things I could tell anyone who'd listen that would definately get me attention, but I choose not to, for many reasons.

But I digress.

Let's go back to the year 1990. It was the last semester of my Senior year in high school. Every spring we put on a musical, the cast mostly consisting of those of us in chorus. The lead roles nearly always went to Seniors.

The year before, my Junior year, we did South Pacific. My then-boyfriend/now-ex-husband Michael, who was a Senior, had the male lead. I played a nurse, a Polynesian girl, and was the understudy for the female lead. I completely learned her part because when we weren't rehearsing I was helping Michael run his lines. I never got to play that part though, because I was merely the understudy.

Now, when my Senior year rolled around and the time came to decide on the play, Wizard Of Oz was chosen. Not to brag or anything (ok, I'm bragging), but everybody pretty much knew I was going to get cast as Dorothy.

There was this other Senior girl, Gena, who decided to go up for the part. She was also in chorus. Even though she did have an amazing voice, she was only in the class for an easy A. Everybody knew it, including the teacher. Anytime a soprano solo came about, it always went to me instead of her. The teacher said that was because Gena didn't have the same passion for it as I did. Gena was obviously jealous.

Gena came up tome the day before auditions and said "Just a warning: I'm trying out for Dorothy. Don't get your hopes up." She was doing it just to spite me. But I'll admit I was a little nervous about it. Despite her bad attitude, the girl could sing. But I had every intention of showing her up.

For whatever reason, when they held the auditions, everybody tried out in front of everybody else. Gena went up before me. Her acting was ok. She sang really well. I thought she had a good shot. But I wasn't going to let that happen.

When my turn came, my acting was a bit better than her's had been (I was also in drama. She wasn't). Then I had to sing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." I absolutely crushed it. I sang my heart out.

The only time I sang it better, was 2 months later on opening night.

During the curtain call at the end of the first preformance, Michael, who was my finace by then, came up on stage and gave me a bouquet of roses. Everyone's eyes were on me.

I felt amazing. Invincible. Beautiful.

I felt like I should blog something

...but I couldn't think of anything interesting to write about. Seeing as my life, as of right now, is completely uninteresting.

A couple of you have shown interest in reading some of the poetry I've written. So I decided I'd share something I wrote a couple of years ago. It's about feeling like you don't belong.


A Foot In The Door

I'm standing outside
With a foot in the door
I can never quite squeeze through the crack
They see me
Come and say hello
Stay for a while
Then walk away
They found someone more interesting
To talk to
Or something better
Or more important to do
Please see me again
Let me in
Don't shut the door
In my face

Today is going to suck

I had a horrible time getting to sleep last night.

I laid down around midnight. Tossed and turned for an hour.

Around 1am I got up too look for the NyQuil. I knew if I took a shot it would knock me out. There as none to be found. Then I remembered my mom had it in her bathroom, which I'd have to go into her bedroom to get. I was so not going to do that.

(note to self: buy NyQuil)

So I got back in bed and tossed and turned some more.

The last time I looked at the clock it was about 2:30am. Then I put something in front of the clock so I couldn't see it anymore. I'm pretty sure I passed out shortly after that.

I had to be up at 7am.

Why does this shit only ever happen when I have to be up early the next day?

Today is so going to suck.

I dare you not to laugh!

I found this on youtube yesterday. Absolute awesomeness.



I ♥ those boys.


"You have a nice barrel on that gun of yours!"

Writer's Workshop: When I'm Upset

From Kathy's Blog:




I do a lot of different things when I'm upset. They vary depending on if it's angry-upset or sad-upset. Sometimes anger will morph into sadness. Or vice versa. I've found I tend to deal with anger better.

Sometimes I'll listen to loud, angry metal music to help vent aggression.

Sometimes I'll cry. This goes for both sadness and anger. If I get so angry I cry, watch your ass. Because then I'm only one step away from throwing things at you. I rarely miss.

Sometimes, especially when I'm sad, I'll intentionally do things to make myself more upset, to the point where I'll cry. The reason for that is simple. Crying makes me feel better. It's a release. Sometimes nothing does the trick like a good cry.

Sometimes I write cheesy, emo-angsty poetry that no one will ever read.

Sometimes I vent to whoever will listen.

Sometimes I blog.

On my last blog I was asked:

tell me if you've ever seen another hair stylist's hair that was so awful that you were like "you're not coming near me, nor is the person who did that to you!"

The simple answer to that is yes.

But here's the thing: the majority of the time a stylist's hair is jacked up, they did it themselves. Or the person that did their hair did exactly what they were told, and it got messed up.

I went to cosmetology school with a girl who had a different hair color every week. She'd bleach it out and dye it pink. The next week she'd bleach it out again and dye it blue (She had to bleach it out first to get the really intense colors, you see). Her hair was a fried up mess because of all that bleaching.

My hair got completely fried many years ago because I got a perm on top of highlights that I had. I didn't blame my co-worker that gave me that perm. It was my own damn fault. I knew there was a good chance it would fuck my hair up, but I wanted it anyway. And that's why I now only use demi-permanent color on my permed hair.

There was also a lady that worked at my salon a year ago or so that just did not have good hair. It was fine and curly and she never did anything with it. It was always in a ponytail. A lot of people would look at her hair and not want her to do theirs. But she was a damn good hair stylist. She just couldn't be bothered with her own.

So you see, appearances don't always mean everything.

I was bored

...at work today. So I flat ironed my hair.

Behold shitty camera-phone picture.


Yeah...

My lunch today

Grilled chicken nachos from El Pollo Loco.

I believe that's Spanish for "The Crazy Chicken"

But I digress.

It has pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, jack & poblano queso, and their special flame-grilled chicken over tortilla chips.


A-fucking-mazing.

Ugh

Tonight at work was pretty slow. It's usually busier during the day on Saturdays than in the evening. But I'll normally at least do something. I didn't do a single head of hair between 6 and 9pm. That's 3 hours, sitting on my ass, bored, doing nothing. Fuuuuuck!

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Best monologue ever

In caps.

BEST. MONOLOGUE. EVER.

Writer's Workshop: Before The Internet

From Kathy's Blog:




Before the Internet, or rather, before I started spending a lot of time with it (which was sometime in 2004), my life was pretty different.

I watched way too much daytime television. My mornings consisted of Good Morning America, Live With Regis And Kathie Lee (later Kelly), Maury Povich, and The View.

I read a lot more books.

I read the newspaper and watched the Weather Channel, Discovery and Animal Planet.

I would actually stand in line to buy concert tickets.

I paid for "adult entertainment."

There was no way I would have made friends with people who lived in Ireland, Norway, Romania, or even California or Arizona.

When I discovered the Internet, I was forever changed. I'm still not sure if that's good or bad.

Jared said I should update my blog

Be careful what you wish for.

What are your initials?
CEP

What is your favorite thing to wear?
I bum around the house in pj bottoms and band shirts.

Last thing you ate?
Seafood salad

Name one thing that scares you:
Being forgotten

I say Shotgun, you say:
Bang!

Who was the last person in your bed?
Umm...me.

What were you doing at 7:00am?
Sleeping

Last person you hugged?
Mom

Does anyone you know want to date you?
That's a good question...I don't know.

When was your last encounter with the police?
A couple of years ago when I got a speeding ticket.

Have you ever driven without a license?
I unknowingly drove with a suspended licence.

The last place you went out to dinner?
Subway

Do you like your name?
I like that it's different. I don't like that it's misspelled and mispronounced all the time.

What time of the day is it?
Almost 12:20

Who/What made you angry today​?
Nothing so far

Baseball or Football?
If I had to chose, I'd chose football.

Do you want anyone?
Mhm

Do you like birds?
Sure

Favorite holiday?
Samhain.
That's Halloween to you non-Pagan folks.

Do you download music​?
Sometimes

Do you care if your socks are dirty​?
Of course

Opinion of Chinese symbol tattoos?
Not for me. I'd be worried that it didn't mean what I thought it meant.

What are you doing tonight?
No plans

Do you like to cuddle?
Yup

Do you love anyone?
I love a lot of people.

Whose bed did you sleep in last night​?​​
Mine

Have you ever bungee jumped?
Fuck no

Have you ever gone whitewater rafting?
No, but I would

Has anyone ten years older than you ever hit on you?
Yeah

How many pets do you have?
None =[

Have you met a real redneck?
My 1st husband.

How is the weather right now?
Really nice. I love autumn in Virginia.

What are you listening to right now?
Nothing

What is your current favorite song?
I have 2 that I'm listening to constantly: All Nightmare Long by Metallica, and Stronger by 30 Seconds To Mars.

What was the last movie you watched?
Blown Away

Do you wear contacts?
Yup. Near-sighted like a mo' fo'.

Where was the last place you went besides your house​?
Grocery store

What are you wearing?
Grey pj pants, Static-X shirt.

What's one thing you've learned this year?
Love is not enough

What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Depends on my mood. Yesterday it was a venti, non-fat, raspberry mocha with 2 Splendas.

Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes

Have you ever fired a gun:
Yes

Are you missing someone?
Yeah, always

Favorite TV show?
Days Of Our Lives

What do you have an obsession with?
Music in general

Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Not in many, many years.

Who ??
Back in the early 80s I got Pat Benatar (had the haircut), and in the mid-80s I got Lisa Lisa.

Who would you like to see right now?
I could think of a couple

Ever had a near death experience?
Almost accidentally stepped in front of a semi-truck a few years ago.

Are you afraid of falling in love?
No

Have you ever been caught doing​ something you weren't supposed to?
My mom came home from work early one day and caught me smoking a joint on our back porch when I was 17. I should probably mention we lived in military housing...

Favorite smell?
Patchouli and leather

Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently?
Not recently

Our Lady Peace or Nickelback​?
Nickelback

What's something that really bugs you?
Stupid people

Do you like Michael Jackson?
Yeah, back when he was still black.

Taco Bell or Burger King?
Taco Bell

Next time you will kiss someone?
Who knows

Favorite baseball team?
LOL

Ever call a 1-900 phone number​?
Not that I recall

Nipple or Nose rings?
Nipple rings on guys are freaking sexy.

What's the longest time you've gone without sleep​?​​​​​
Maybe a full 24 hours. Possibly more. I'm not sure.

Last time you went bowling?
In June

Where is the weirdest place you have slept​?
A friend's bathroom floor. It was alcohol-assisted sleeping.

Who was your last phone call?
I called mom from the store to ask about something she needed

What does your last received text message say?
"check your text inbox"
It was actually an email to my phone.

What's the closest orange object to you?
I actually don't see anything orange in this room.