Pause and Pivot

 Well, as per usual life has thrown some new curves and I have had to learn new lessons on taking a moment and adjusting my goals to what can actually be done. So, some things have been put on hold, others chunked outright, and new plans have taken their place. Let me get into it and I'll try to explain it all... grab a cup of coffee and a comfy seat....

Ok, first things first. I began this over again last year, in June, but I never gave any explanation as to why.  Well, in May 2025, around Mother's Day, My oldest son had a heart attack/major seizure/stroke(not sure what came first or really anything specific about the event, doctors were useless with any real information.). At any rate, he lost most of the use of his left hand that had remained after the original seizure/stroke, which because of the loss, is why I lean toward it being another stroke or major seizure. That meant another month of rehab for him, in the care facility to get him back able to walk and care for himself as much as possible. So this past year and a half, has been learning to care for and support him in the ways I can. I have to be almost 24 hour care for him at this point, while he still is making adjustments figuring out how to do more for himself.

Also, I had to deal with the dispersal of my aunt's and mother's property (my grandmother's home). My grandmother passed back in the late 90's and my mother, in 2007. My aunt passed in 2024 and my cousins found out I was legally still half owner so dealing with them was..... fun, shall we say? The first tried to push me into decisions while I was in the hospital trying to get answers about my oldest son. trying to force me to make decisions when I knew I couldn't think straight. So I pushed back. Told them where they could get off, they weren't going to ambush me(3 of them against only myself). Anyway, that was the beginning, and it didn't get any better. But, we finally got everything sold by the end of the year, I won't even go into the feelings near the end of it, but I did not get what my half was worth, but I accepted it just to be done with it before it got worse, just to save my sanity. 

So This year, knock on wood, (literally, knock on wood!! I can't take any chances!!) has been relatively peaceful in that respect. I am currently trying my hand at game streaming, and growing a following for that, and I am using that to help collect funds to eventually, some day, get my cataract surgery. I am hoping sooner than later, because I am really noticing it these days. I have opened for memberships in 3 different levels, 2 different types one for gaming, and one for Reiki/witch stuff... and combos if you are interested in both. But again that is dependant on my following. I am also opening a shop as well and I also take donations. The link is  Witchy's Needful Mysteries ❤️ so I hope you will check it out, even if you just follow it for updates. So desparately trying to stay away from asking for donations or opening a gofund me of any sort. Its my fault this has been put off so long, granted some couldn't be helped, but I let other things take front seat over my own well being.

Other than that, my gardening, homesteading projects have been on hold, maybe to try again in the spring, maybe not. I am in the process of renovation a small house, the one my youngest was living in until this spring, and I am attempting to catch up repairs that he was supposed to do while he was there and for whatever reason, couldn't. Then my oldest son and I will be moving into it. ***We hope before the end of the year!!!***  I am doing my best to not stress over it, it will happen when and how its supposed to, but its really hard for me to do. 

I will be back to add more on all of this... right now its time for me to get moving again! No rest for the wicked!! 😂

Let Them

 

This photo and the article below hit home for me(they are not mine and I don't aim to claim any rights).  Due to trauma in my past, and perhaps just the way I was raised, I have always tended to be a "people pleaser", and this article really made me take a look at that, as well as healing from failed past relationships. I don't tolerate as much and I will not stand for being disrespected repeatedly.  Those that care, TRULY care about me, won't treat me that way, and those are MY people. Those that aren't my people, don't really matter... 

In this day and age of social media, this reminder needs to be shared far and wide... I see people who comment on social media just to make hurtful comments to posters... If you don't agree with something you see, you needn't be hateful or hurtful, just scroll on by... if it REALLY bothers you, snooze or unfollow that poster. But don't make hurtful comments. And flip side, if you are receiving hurtful comments, don't comment back, block them... or ignore them. and remember they are not your people. Their opinions really don't matter in the bigger scheme of things, or in your life, and most importantly, if they were that bothered, you likely are doing something right, because it hit a nerve, something they don't like in themselves.

Be kind to others, and remember, This is SELF-CARE as well!!

(shared from a friend)

This is something that took me a very long time to learn.  I used to tolerate a lot because I didn't want to lose people. I learned the hard way if they were really my people they would never treat me like that.  Don't make the mistake of being so understanding and forgiving that you overlook the fact that you're being repeatedly disrespected.  

Let them be upset.

Let them judge you.

Let them misunderstand you. 

Let them gossip about you,

Let them ignore you.

Let them be "right."

Let them doubt you.

Let them not like you.

Let them not speak to you.

Let them run your name in the ground.

Let them make you out to be the villain.

Whatever it is that people want to say about you, let them! Kindly step aside and LET THEM.

The hard truth is they know how much they are hurting you. They just simply don't care. They did it knowing it could cause them to lose you. They did it anyway.  People that love you care about how they make you feel. 

The end. 

Let them go. 

There will be people that would rather lose you than be honest about what they've done to you. Let them go.

The lack of respect was the closure.  The lack of apology was the closure.  The lack of care was the closure. The lack of accountability was the closure. The lack of honestly was the closure.  Let them go. 

Make the decision to no longer sit at tables where you might be the topic when you get up. Let them go. 

You can still be kind. You can even still love them deeply. But do it from the distance they created in their words and actions. Access to you is a privilege they have proven they can’t be trusted with. Let them go. 

It’s taken me a long time to get here. Sleepless nights, countless tears, managing a range of emotions filled with anger, disappointment, confusion and deep hurt.  Lots of self reflection, self preservation, deep prayer and seeking wisdom from those much wiser than me.  

If you are struggling with this please know you are not alone.  We will never understand why hurt people hurt people. But we can do the hard work to grow ourselves.  Because healed people do in fact heal people. 

Don’t you dare let them steal your joy. 

Don’t you dare let them steal your light. 

Don’t you dare let them steal your peace. 

You are in control of that. 

Hold tight to what you can control and release your grip on what you can’t control.

Let them (...do what they will, but without YOU.)   🫶🏻

✨ If you’re feeling called to deepen your healing journey, I’d love to work with you. You can book a Chakra or Reiki session with me through my Facebook or Instagram pages, The Healing Witch—you’ll find both linked right on my Linktree. That’s also where I’ve gathered the magical tools and products I personally use to bring more harmony, healing, and enchantment into everyday life. 🌙💫

👉 Check it out here: The Healing Witch

Garden Planning - Fall

Pull up a cozy chair and let’s chat all about planning your fall garden. Imagine we’re sitting at my kitchen table with a warm cup of tea, the perfect cozy vibe as the leaves start to turn. There’s something magical about fall gardening, isn’t there? It feels like this sweet little secret, a chance to slow down and prepare for the cooler months ahead while still getting a fresh harvest.

So, first things first — where to put your plants? If you’ve got space in the ground, think about which spots get the best sunlight in the fall. Most veggies still crave a good 6 hours of sun, so pick your sunniest patch. But hey, not everyone has a big garden patch, and that’s totally fine. Containers are your best friend for fall planting. Plus, they’re easy to move around if the sun shifts or if you need to protect your plants from early frosts.

Now, let’s talk specifics. For a fall garden, you want to focus on those cool-season crops that love the crisp air. Think leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuces — they’re fast growers, usually ready to munch in about 30-45 days. Radishes are super quick too, often popping up in just 25-30 days, perfect for impatient gardeners like me! Then you’ve got carrots and beets, which take a bit longer, roughly 50-70 days. Planning your planting date is key — aim to sow seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected frost. This timing lets them grow and mature without rushing or freezing your little green friends out.

Now, I want to give you a little secret: companion planting. It’s like creating a garden dream team. Certain plants actually help each other grow better or keep pesky bugs away. For instance, planting marigolds near your veggies can act like a natural bug repellent (plus, they add a pop of cheerful color). Try pairing carrots with onions — the strong onion scent can confuse carrot flies. Also, kale and herbs like dill and cilantro can grow harmoniously and keep aphids at bay. In containers, it’s great to mix herbs and veggies this way; your basil will love hanging out with your cherry tomatoes, making your small space super productive and pest-resistant.

Speaking of pests, fall gardens usually have fewer troubles than summer ones, but they’re not immune. Slugs and snails love the damp coolness, so keep an eye out and maybe scatter some crushed eggshells around your plants — it’s a gentle little barrier they dislike crawling over. Also, try to water in the mornings so leaves dry quickly; damp leaves overnight invite fungal issues.

Okay, let’s imagine your garden layout — picture a rectangle bed or a grouping of containers. You could have a sunny corner with kale, spinach, and lettuce all snug together. Next to those, radishes and carrots, since they grow underground, won’t compete for space with leafy greens. In containers, try a tall pot for herbs like rosemary or thyme with a wider, shallower one for lettuces and spinach. It’s all about layering and making sure each plant gets its needs met without stepping on its neighbor’s toes.

Before I forget — when you harvest, do it gently! Pick your leafy greens early in the morning when they’re crisp and full of flavor. Harvest radishes and carrots once their tops peek out of the soil, but don’t wait too long or they get woody. And remember, some plants, like kale and collards, actually taste sweeter after a light frost, so if you can, let them hang out a little longer.

So, with a little planning, a sunny spot or a couple of containers, and some thoughtful companion planting, your fall garden can be a peaceful, productive haven as the world cools down around you. I hope this cozy little chat gives you the spark to get those seeds in the soil and your hands a bit dirty. Fall gardens truly have a special kind of magic — and I can’t wait to hear how yours grows! 

✨ If you’re feeling called to deepen your healing journey, I’d love to work with you. You can book a Chakra or Reiki session with me through my Facebook or Instagram pages, The Healing Witch—you’ll find both linked right on my Linktree. That’s also where I’ve gathered the magical tools and products I personally use to bring more harmony, healing, and enchantment into everyday life. 🌙💫

👉 Check it out here: The Healing Witch

Breads

 

European Breads vs. American Breads: What’s in Your Loaf?

European breads are renowned for their simplicity, flavor, and time-honored baking traditions. From French baguettes to German rye and Italian ciabatta, these breads are typically made with just a few wholesome ingredients: flour, water, salt, and natural leavening agents like yeast or sourdough starter. What sets European breads apart is their commitment to quality and purity—qualities that stand in contrast to many mass-produced American breads.

In the United States, the commercial bread industry often includes additives and preservatives that are banned or heavily restricted in Europe. Commonly used ingredients like potassium bromate, azodicarbonamide (ADA), and certain emulsifiers are legal in the U.S. but banned in the European Union due to potential health risks.

• Potassium bromate, used to strengthen dough and promote rising, has been linked to cancer in animal studies and is classified as a possible human carcinogen.

• Azodicarbonamide (ADA), known as the “yoga mat chemical,” is used to bleach flour and improve texture, but it's banned in the EU and many other countries due to concerns over its byproducts.

• Other additives such as BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol are used to extend shelf life or improve mouthfeel but are restricted or banned in European food products.

European regulations prioritize consumer health and transparency. Bread labeled “artisan” or “traditional” in Europe typically adheres to strict standards that limit chemical processing. In contrast, many store-bought American breads can contain 15 or more ingredients, many of which serve little nutritional purpose.

As more consumers in the U.S. become aware of these differences, demand for cleaner, more traditional bread options is growing. Choosing European-style breads or brands that commit to clean ingredients can be a simple step toward healthier eating—and more delicious bread.

✨ If you’re feeling called to deepen your healing journey, I’d love to work with you. You can book a Chakra or Reiki session with me through my Facebook or Instagram pages, The Healing Witch—you’ll find both linked right on my Linktree. That’s also where I’ve gathered the magical tools and products I personally use to bring more harmony, healing, and enchantment into everyday life. 🌙💫

👉 Check it out here: The Healing Witch

Starting Over

 

Ok, Life be lifing over here like all kinds of crazy, so I am late this year, pretty much too late for 

anything but planning ahead for this fall or next spring... Bear with me, while I begin sharing my plans 

and getting ready to get this thing going!!

So far this year has thrown hospital stays and changes in work and financial things, time is so short to squeeze everything in, and some things fall by the wayside...

I am trying to plan my time better this summer and be ready for the next attempt instead of having to 

try and change plans on the fly... that never seems to work out for me, no matter how flexible I try to be.

Anyway, come back for updates!!