Beautiful Wytch

As it is almost into minus shopping days to the 25th, I decided to open the shop even though its Sunday. I was not looking forward to doing it and would rather have had a snooze in bed. However, after dragging myself through the fog and ice, I arrived at the Wytch Cutting in Malvern to be greeted with a spectacular view of Bredon Hill poking out through the Dragon's breath that had descended into the valley below. What with the Solstice sunrise yesterday and this display of Mother at her best, I feel full of good expectations for the days ahead.

A Merry Yule and the Solstice sunrise.

I have just got back from the British Camp on the Malvern Hills after watching the Solstice sunrise. I got there at about 7AM to find the whole place in pitch darkness with a heavy fog. Finding my way to the top was eventful to say the least and twice I nearly fell A over T down the hills. My visibility was down to about 3 foot and, having forgotten my hat, freezing as well. I think the first photo of the pathway shows how bad it was. I reached the top and hailed the four watchtowers, hoping that it would warm up and clear a little in time for the sunrise. Just before sunrise I met two people called Anne & Jane who introduced themselves and waited alongside me. The wind by now was picking up and I could feel one side of my body getting number and wetter by the second. Then, slowly, the fog began to clear and a tinge of pink spread across the skyline. We weren't able to see the sun on the horizon but all the same the colours were beautiful. The fog began to lift and the sky was a deep blue behind us. By 9AM we thought we had seen the best of it and retired to lower ground and shared some of Anne's most excellent coffee. All in all, a nice sunrise and, more importantly, a feeling of grounding and a new beginning to the year. It was nice meeting Anne & Jane who, by the way, are from London originally and maybe I shall see them again, either at the shop or on the Hills.

A Merry Solstice to everyone and a Happy New Year.

Too tired to blog!

How time flies, but I don't know about the fun bit. What with the nights drawing in and lack of sleep, I am feeling very tired of late. Tree and I have been out and about a bit which takes its toll (It's me age you see). On Friday we went to a "murder mystery night" over in Ross on Wye. I had the character of Sheik Aleg and Tree was Candy Strunk, I think. Anyway, we all had to get into character, some more than most, and the game ended with me guessing the murderer correctly. It was Harry Houdidme. Its in the name if you think about it.

Saturday night we went bowling with Elliott, Kate, Mike, Torzee and Sandra. It's funny how Elliott, who hated when I taught him in the Y.B.C ( Young Bowlers Club), is now loving a game and correcting everyone else. A chip off the old block!! I enjoyed spending time with him AND having a bit of competition for a change!

Sunday saw Tree and I going to Westonbirt Arboretum to source more wood for signs, which seem to be in more demand than the mirrors at the moment, and to have a bit of a break really. I was so tired by then that I slept all the way home in the back of the car.

Ludlow Medieval Fayre

Tree and I chose to go to the Fayre at Ludlow and see if it was all that it is cracked up to be. We had thought of working this one, but were too late to apply. The layout within the castle grounds was well put together, ensuring everyone was under cover, and had representatives of most crafts. However, Tree and I were not overly impressed by the "Medieval" side to the fayre. Most people had not made much effort to get into the theme of the day and everything looked a bit last minute. But then we went into the side arena and found a couple, called Bryan and Donna, who make ceramic dragons, fay and mystic sculptures. Their work ranges from the fantastic to the humourous. The "smelly butts" incense burners are brilliant. You light an incense cone underneath a bottom, sticking up in the air, and you can guess where the smoke comes out! Needless to say, we bought loads of wholesale stock and found they were people after our own hearts. Bryan has a problem with pricing and Donna sorts out all the negotiating. Who do they sound like? Definitely worth a trip to the shop to see the work we bought.

Squizzer

I can't remember if I have mentioned before, but we have a grey squirrel that lives in the tree at the back of our garden. You can plainly see his dray, now the leaves have fallen, and he regularly comes down for a feed on the nuts that we put out for him. Usually he shoots off before I can get the camera but I was fortunate to have it nearby and got a couple of shots in. He sits on the bracket, by the side of the shed, and then swings down, grabs a nut and swings back up, all in one swift loop. Some would argue about the feeding of grey squirrels but there are a couple of myths attached to them. Firstly, it has been proven that they did NOT account for the decline of red squirrels and, secondly, that they damage trees. True, they will strip the bark from a tree when they are hungry, so my answer is to feed them. So far I cannot see any damage to the Sycamore which proves my point. Sorry the photos are blurry, but he's a quick mover.

Mind the Gap!

No I'm not talking about how Gap exploit children in India, but rather about my trip to the big smoke this weekend just gone. Tree and I decided to get "outta town" for a couple of days and settled on a trip to London. We stayed in Pimlico in a hotel on Belgrave Road, within shouting distance of the centre of London. On Saturday we started the day with a visit to Covent Garden Market and stopped by to see the stall of mirrors, and the man who inspired me to make them in the first place. It was here that I said "I could do that" , to myself, and did! At the time, I was in awe of his work but now I feel the pupil has surpassed the master (Tree's words, not mine).
The performing artists, outside the church, were amusing as ever and we stopped briefly before going on to Govindas, the Khrishna restaurant run by devotees, for lunch and to see the Khrishna temple. The food was exquisite, and Prasadam to boot, and we went upstairs afterwards to buy some incense. We had hoped to go into the temple but the landing outside was packed full of people. I went downstairs and left Tree to try and recover our shoes, from by the doorway, which was a mammoth feat. Some time later, Tree emerged, holding our shoes aloft, and looking red faced and triumphant. We retired to the embankment to watch the Lord Mayor's show but only managed to catch the end of it. This was rounded off with a fantastic display of fireworks, set off from barges on the Thames. We headed back to Covent Garden to see The Lord of The Rings stageplay at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The stage set was amazing as it came out of the stage and enveloped most of the boxes and stalls giving the feeling that you were part of the performance, set in Mirkwood or Fangorn! Coming back on the tube, we were the only ones around...very American werewolf in London!
Sunday was a lot quieter for us and we went to the Tate Modern to see Doris Salcedo's Shibboleth. Hence, mind the gap! The work was very powerful, not least by the fact she had actually carved a huge fissure the length of the Turbine hall. My best bit was a litle Dutch boy who rushed up to me and said" careful you don't fall in", which I thought was brilliant.
Also included in the trip were a visit to The Old Baily, Temple Bar, and to see some cool architecture, but I will blog on those another time.

Samhain blessings

Happy Samhain to one and all. Last Saturday we had the party, for Elliotts 21st, round at Sandra's house and decided to go down the horror route as a theme. I was surprised how well thought out some of the costumes were and full marks go to Elliott, Michael, Katie, Torzee and Jermaine. Elliott's mask had the ability to bleed but, due to a leak, managed to drop blood on the kitchen floor. Cool ! Tree cooked up a mean veggie hotdog and later Elliott and I put on a firework extravaganza. The highlight being the Catherine wheel that didn't go round ! All in all we had a good time and Elliott enjoyed himself, which is what it is all about.
Tree and I will be observing a more serious ceremony on Wednesday, but without the costume.
So blessings to everyone and remember to take time to think about what has passed and what will be. Make wishes for the future and honour those that have passed. Light a fire and make herald to the coming gathering in of the light.

Pumpkin Extravaganza and Elliott's 21st birthday

With Samhain just a few days away I have been busy with the preparation for Elliott's 21st birthday party today. He was actually born on Samhain but it was easier to have the party early this weekend. I have carved the first pumpkin and we did a test to make sure it worked as I have cut out the wrong bit before now and messed it all up. I am quite pleased with the result and my next attempt will be to use a three tone design and do a portrait maybe. I have also made a mask using an old gas mask and some odd bits hanging about. The teeth are luminous and the eyes light up from the inside. Again, this is my first attempt at using Fimo and I am happy with the finish.It is a little claustrophobic to wear, with all the wiring inside, but worth the laugh. I am on the look out for a voicebox to add that extra creepy feel to the whole thing. I will do a full post of the party photos in a future blog soon.

Sahmain and the Dragon's breath

It's coming to that special time of year when you can tangibly feel the change of the seasons as we approach Sahmain. Tree and I were talking about how we will celebrate it this year and may decide to travel to Moseley Bog to join in with an open ritual there. We will light a fire of Oak at the very least.
The mornings have become particularly beautiful with the sun hanging low on the horizon and the shadows stretching out like fingers of grey. The Dragon's breath catches in pockets around the dips and valleys on the West side of the Malvern hills and reminds me of the mist that encircled us at Stonehenge for the Summer solstice in 2006.
Yesterday I met with a man called Yogiman Singh who read my fortune, but took no money, and said today and the 27th of December would be very lucky for me and Tree. Tree has a job interview today so we will see. I am a bit of a sceptic but I must admit he was very charismatic. He told me the initials of my parents surnames and their ages correctly. He also numbered how many children and siblings I have as well. Add to this that the name Lilly had significance, twice in my life, ( Grandmother and nieces names) and I was beginning to wonder if I was part of some huge wind-up. To cap it all, he told me Tree's name as my partner!! He told me I will live to a very old age, with no pain when I die. He left his phone number and said to call him when I became lucky with money and he would take a small token for his reading then. And then he left!! Curiouser and curiouser!

Hanbans all growed up.

It seems like only yesterday that Hannah was a little girl and yet, on Thursday, we went to the Kings Charles restaurant to celebrate her 18th birthday. Looking around the dining table, it was striking to see how all of our nieces and nephews have "suddenly" aged. It is nice to celebrate a new age in their lives and watch as they tread the well worn path laid out before them.( I sound like a right aging hippy). Joy and Nige came round on Sunday and we caught up on all that is happening with them. You can visibly see they are so much more relaxed. On the shop front, we are booking into a Xmas craft show at Croome estate on the 17th & 18th of November ,which is a relief as we weren't sure where to go. Ludlow Medieval fayre had looked promising but getting accommodation for the night was a problem. I have just got to make loads of mirrors and stuff ready in time. No change there!!

Back to grass roots.

Well more like hedge roots as I didn't get to cut the grass after all. Sunday was spent catching up on all the gardening, getting ready for the winter. A long delayed job of tackling the honeysuckle was the main priority and took the most time. Tree said I looked more like I was fighting the bush rather than pruning it! We had a visit from Dan, Sarah, Wills and Lydia in the afternoon, which was nice as we haven't had time to meet up for a while.

On Monday we went to Marchington to see our crystal wholesaler and just take a day out for us really. For the first time on record, we actually bought within budget and got a good deal at that! The shop always looks better when it is full of new stuff.

Mikes 16th Birthday.

Busy as ever, Tree and I found time to go to our Nephew Mikes 16th birthday party on Saturday. "It seems like only yesterday...", was the thought of the day as it hits you how quickly time flies. Highlight of the evening was watching Tree get drunk and end up having a fight with Cain, one of Mikes friends, using a refresher bar as a weapon. No guesses who cleared that one up! I spent most of the evening fending rather drunk teenagers away from the vodka stash and confiscating drink. It's funny how life goes full circle!

Lady in the mist.

For some time Tree and I have been travelling to work via the West Malvern Road. The views from here are much better than on the Worcestershire side and there is far less traffic. As Tree will be changing jobs soon, we will not be going that way and I thought it was time to mention the lady in the mist. As you come up to the bend before the Malvern Hills Hotel there is a lady, with a cloak hood pulled over her head, who stands by the edge of an Oak tree. She takes on a different appearance each day, according to the light and time, and looks most striking in the early morning mist. I shall miss seeing her every day, as will Tree.( You will need to click on the photo and enlarge it to see her)

To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

I couldn't resist the pun on the Byds song when you consider the weather and what I am about to say. Last weekend, after many a month searching, I finally found, and bought, a woodturning lathe. The particular model is a Kity 663. Those in the know will be going "Ooh, aren't you lucky" whilst everyone else will be none the wiser. This model is German in origin and is one of the best, quiet running, lathes you can get. It belonged to a wood turner in Rotherwas and was sold to me by his grandson after his grandfather's death. An absolute snip at £50, especially as I was given about £100 of drills, scrapers, G clamps, spokeshaves and a benchstop, for free, because his grandson wanted to see it go to a good home. The motor is very sound and I spent most of Monday cleaning it up, oiling and greasing everywhere. If I was to buy a restored model now it would set me back about £600. Above is a photo of the lathe as it was found in the lock-up and I will post subsequent shots as I use and restore it further.


On a totally different note, it was Nick Waller's wedding on Saturday. Tree and I were running behind all day and didn't get to the reception until quite late. But we managed to see Nick and "fornication" Dan, who was his best man, Sarah and Lydia. It reminded us to pay more attention to keeping in touch with people. It is getting bad when it comes to just seeing people at weddings, funerals, etc.

Equinox greetings.

Is it that time of year again? Where has it gone? I guess starting the business has meant that my time has been taken up so as I wouldn't notice. Anyway, glad tidings for the Equinox tomorrow and may you enjoy whatever form of celebration you observe. I'm not sure that I will be out at 4AM trying to balance eggs but rather tucked up in bed instead.
On a crafty note, I have been invited to submit some of my work for exhibition at the Cracked Cauldron in Chester, which I am dead chuffed about, and they will take commissions for me as well ,in return for a small percentage. They review the situation every three months to give other craftspeople a chance to exhibit. I also have had some interest in the chairs from the Jinney Ring craft centre! It would be nice if I could get to the point where I just do the festies and gallery work. That way I could concentrate on some more adventurous projects I have in mind.
Talking of festies, we are already looking ahead to booking next years festivals and have already booked Blissfields, even though we don't know for sure where it will be!

Feel Me now as Mother Earth

I am your rock of strength.

Rest at this space of balance, where day and night

are equal and prepare to journey with me

into the dark.

I am the setting sun. I am the waning moon.

I am the Autumn leaves

as they fall into me,I am Earth.

Feel My presence, firm beneath your feet.

Treat Me with respect.

I will hold you safe in the darkness

of your journeying.

I am your rock of strength.

Wendy Andrew.

Jinney Ring Craft Centre Sculpture Trail

Tree and I took the day off to go to the Jinney Ring Craft Centre and take it easy for the afternoon. When we got there we found they have moved everything around and set up a Sculpture Trail in the gardens. We had a lovely, quiet, lunch and spent some time looking at the sculptures. Inspired and fired up with some new ideas, we went inside and had a chat about the possibility of selling some of my work. They seem quite interested and I was given a contact to discuss it further. So, fingers crossed, I could be exhibiting there soon!

A well earned rest!

Tree and I took time out to go to Wales for a couple of days break at a campsite/spa. Basicly, you get to camp and have use of a pool, sauna and treatments, like massages, etc. I certainly was in need of a good back massage and felt loads better for having one. We had a day out and about at Tresaith, where the waterfall comes out of the cliffside, and I spent some time studying the magnificent organic forms in the rocks. One resembled the remains of a bizarre sort of animal draped on the rocks. Another, looked like the grain of a tree that had been petrified. All this has inspired me to create some more works! We also made the effort to go and find Jon and Trudi Finch's studio and look at their work. We will be stocking some of their artwork in the shop, soon I hope. Jon is in the process of building an Oak framed eco-house near the studio and they will then use their current house to run workshops. Brilliant idea!

Spirit of the Oak - redux

Just a small update to the previous blog re the mirror I made with the Dryad face. Since making it I have come across a piece of agate that matches perfectly with the colour and size of the eye in the mirror. This has added a whole new dimension to the piece, I think you will agree!

Tom Harvey and the Pershore Plum Fayre

The title of this blog sounds like a fairy story although, trust me, it is not. Tree and I went to the Pershore Plum Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday to sell some of our wares and set up a lovely pitch in St Andrew's garden. The weather was good and we put all the mirrors outside. This attracted a lot of people, especially to Tree's lavender bags and weaving kits, which sold well. I then started to get a variety of people saying "Are you Tom Harvey then", having looked at my mirrors. This went on for some time until I finally had enough and said to one, particularly annoying, old gentleman," Who is Tom Harvey"? It transpired that there is a tree in the Abbey grounds that was crowned after a storm. Left with just the trunk of this huge tree the abbey paid for a sculptor called, you guessed it, Tom Harvey, to carve it. I went and had a look and was very impressed, not least by the fact that everyone thought I was him, after seeing my work. I wonder if Mr Harvey would feel the same way in reverse.

Phew what a smell II

Yesterday I ventured, for the first time since the floods, down to Pitchcroft Racecourse on my way into town. Racecourse seems to be the wrong term to describe what is now left in the aftermath of the scourging flood waters. Everything is covered in a layer of smelly slime! Any part of the grass raceway has been destroyed. I think it would now make a good track for dirt bike speedway!! That's if they can get rid of the smell first!

Spirit of the Oak

I can only apologise for the lack of blogging but I have been busy, as the proverbial bee, getting ready for the plum fayre in Pershore. I have made about another half dozen mirrors and Tree is well on the way to making another batch of weaving sticks. One mirror, in particular, has fascinated me as I have worked on it. It is a piece of waney edged Oak about 2' high.As I cut and polished further into the surface, lo and behold, a face appeared. Could this be the Dryad spirit of the Oak itself..who knows! I have put the two photos just in case you can't see the face and think I'm mad!

Anniversary joy!

Today is Tree and my Third anniversary, so I am a happy bunny today, despite the weather. Later on, we hope to be able to light a fire and watch the Perseids before they disappear.

Otherwise, there is not much going on, apart from making loads of stuff for the Plum Fayre. I have found myself turning my hand to new skills of late including weaving dream catchers and making felt mice, to go in my mirrors. I am also in the midst of making a scrying mirror.

Tree and I took time out to go to Glastonbury, last Sunday week, and on the way Tree spilt coffee all down her front, as you do. The only thing we had in the car for her to wear was a piece of Indian cloth we used to cover the seats. Tree was, needless to say, not happy with this. However, on walking up the high street, she soon realised that no-one even noticed and the cloth matched in with her top, so much so it looked like she was some kind of festie hippy chick in a sarong. She wore it, quite happily, until we bought a skirt.

Whilst there, we got chatting to someone from the Witches Emporium who, after explaining about the Druid's war and the in fighting, put us off taking up one of the new units in The Gauntlet arcade. Instead we shall carry on where we are as it seems to be picking up nicely now.

Happy Lammas and Phew! What a smell.

Well the flood waters have finally receded and what have we got left..a great big stink! You know that smell that you get at a festival, when the grass has been trodden down after the rain, well magnify that by 300 and you might be close to what Pitchcroft racecourse smells like. A combination of dead fish and rotting vegetation. I am happy on two points. Firstly, Tree and I haven't got an allotment by the river anymore and, secondly, we don't live in a flood plain. What amazes me is that you still hear adverts on the radio saying "Come to Worcester racecourse and get your heart racing". Trust me, you'll be lucky if you can breath with that foul stench.

On a more cheery note, I have started doing house and name signs for people and the first attempt isn't too bad, if I say so myself. Business is better as well, partly due to punters arriving for The Big Chill at Eastnor this weekend.

And most certainly last but not least, Happy Lammas! time to gather in the harvest both literal and spiritual. Take time to see where you have been and where you are going. Goodbye to the Sun and welcome the coming change. Be thankful and celebrate the fruits of your labours.!