I really went bonkers with some paper goods this year. I created several types of notebooks, all perfect as stocking stuffers for our favorite witches, as well as a set of Yule cards. I always carry a journal with me for spontaneous writing and sketching and these are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse without taking up too much room.
And for those who aren't sure what they'd like to get for a Pagan friend, I have gift certificates available. These are good for all my products, special orders and commissions!
Our celebrations were quiet and personal this year. We carved our pumpkins and dressed to the nines to visit a very well done and elaborate haunted trail. I trimmed my hair and welcomed the Dark Half of the year modestly and as usual was stricken with a cold. Truth? My gods have been quiet and it's a welcome silence for once. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with spirits buzzing in my ears constantly and they've quieted down now to a dull whisper; much more manageable.
I find that being overly in tune with nature you tend to pay attention to the little things. The way the leaves move, how a passing animal looks at you, weather patterns, planting, blooming, fruiting, harvesting, seeding. Without this consciousness we cannot call ourselves witches.
I nearly missed this bumblebee as I went out onto the balcony to replant the strawberries (I've been meaning to for weeks, just haven't gotten around to it) plus clean up and sweep the outside altar. He was sleepy so I moved him from the floor to the iron table outside where he sat, little purple wings glistening in the sun. We have a nest of bumblebees outside my altar room window and they see and hear many of my spells and rituals. I find them rooting around my plants and outside altar. They slam into the windows like little drunkards. And they come to me often. Sometimes as an omen, sometimes to say hello.
For those curious of the sidebar link to the right, I decided to put my doll projects over there at Spirit House to keep things separate since I have a vast amount of doll related projects and I didn't want it to muddle the good thing we've got goin' here. Go take a look, there's a few things there already and plenty more to come including the doll lovely above.
First, the Ancestor Altar created on our less than used dining room table. It holds several ancestral items, the book, the owl, and the small German Skull, as well as keys and lanterns to open the door and find the way to this world to visit us. There's also some black, silver, and white Mardi Gras beads from New Orleans on the table, sort of a nod to the Ghede. When it gets closer to the thinning veil I'll add food and flowers to this space. The denim vest hung around the chair is also an ancestral item but it stays year round. The Virtual Boy in the other seat is, well, a Virtual Boy. Heh.
Next we have the House Altar, residing on the kitchen counter, which changes from holiday to holiday. It keeps our house spirit, the little Knight. 
He is currently fighting a dragon with his unicorn steed at his side. Joey found him in his store one evening and took him home and since I added him to the House altar we've had no home trouble. Sometimes he fights other things but I think he likes slaying the dragon best.
The Working Altar in my Studio/Altar room. I use this altar for my work and it's where I make most of my products. The top has all sorts of trinkets; found feathers I've had since childhood, squirrel bones, graveyard dirt, candles, etc. The bottom is in homage to the Dark Gods arriving and the Light Gods leaving. The Earth is returning to dormancy. The glass stemware holds natural objects found in the Thicket or close by; Crepe Myrtle bark, Rowan Berries, Yarrow, and a seashell. Also found here is my cauldron, mortar and pestle, several rosaries and crosses (given to me by my amazing Mom. I keep them there because they are filled with her love and protection), and my lanterns. The brass boxes hold charcoal disks and matches.
