Chicken salad is one of my favorite summer treats, but they all taste so different, and many do not appeal to me at all.
I found this recipe in the July issue of Southern Living magazine, and it is absolutely amazing! (I've altered it a bit to suit my taste - it's excellent!)
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup green seedless grapes, quartered
1 diced red delicious apple
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup diced celery
3/4 cup mayonnaisse
1/2 cup honey mustard
salt and pepper to taste
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Passions...
Well, it's taken me longer than I imagined to get settled in here, and get back on track. Work and life tends to get in the way at times, and it's easy to lose sight of the things that ground and center you - the things that make you truly happy.
We've been through so many changes over the past few months! All of them are welcome, and each and every one of them have made our lives better, but it doesn't always seem that way at the time that you are going through the transitional period. I find I've left some things behind, or pushed them onto the back burner, and it's time to bring them back to the front.
I am a simple person. I do not need alot to make me happy. My family is the most important thing in the world to me, followed by my cat, and my hobbies. When life gets hectic, the hobbies always seem to get pushed aside, and they are such a huge part of who I am that it really affects me in a negative way.
So, I've decided to transform this blog to include all of my passions in life.
Cooking is right up there with tarot for me, and there isn't much that makes me any happier than spending time in the kitchen, preparing a meal for those that I love. I thought it would be nice to share a recipe here now and then.
We are also preparing to resume fish keeping, something we both have missed terribly. We are searching for decent stock at this point, and plan to start back breeding and selling African cichlids. This area is sorely lacking in aquatic pets, and it's something we both truly enjoy doing.
And, of course, there will always be my tarot cards...I recently acquired two new decks - Shadowscapes by Stephanie Pui Mun Law, and Heart of Faerie Oracle by Brian and Wendy Froud. Both are amazing, but I've barely found time to work with them.
So, right now, it's about focus and passion, grounding and centering, and getting back to basics!
We've been through so many changes over the past few months! All of them are welcome, and each and every one of them have made our lives better, but it doesn't always seem that way at the time that you are going through the transitional period. I find I've left some things behind, or pushed them onto the back burner, and it's time to bring them back to the front.
I am a simple person. I do not need alot to make me happy. My family is the most important thing in the world to me, followed by my cat, and my hobbies. When life gets hectic, the hobbies always seem to get pushed aside, and they are such a huge part of who I am that it really affects me in a negative way.
So, I've decided to transform this blog to include all of my passions in life.
Cooking is right up there with tarot for me, and there isn't much that makes me any happier than spending time in the kitchen, preparing a meal for those that I love. I thought it would be nice to share a recipe here now and then.
We are also preparing to resume fish keeping, something we both have missed terribly. We are searching for decent stock at this point, and plan to start back breeding and selling African cichlids. This area is sorely lacking in aquatic pets, and it's something we both truly enjoy doing.
And, of course, there will always be my tarot cards...I recently acquired two new decks - Shadowscapes by Stephanie Pui Mun Law, and Heart of Faerie Oracle by Brian and Wendy Froud. Both are amazing, but I've barely found time to work with them.
So, right now, it's about focus and passion, grounding and centering, and getting back to basics!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lost in Space!
Well, the move has taken more out of me than I anticipated, but I'm slowly getting things back to normal!
We left southern Ontario on February 3rd and arrived in Kentucky on February 4th. It has been a busy few weeks, trying to get settled in and both of us looking for jobs at the same time.
This week has been the first opportunity I've had to get back into my regular tarot readings. I hope to return to posting them soon!
We left southern Ontario on February 3rd and arrived in Kentucky on February 4th. It has been a busy few weeks, trying to get settled in and both of us looking for jobs at the same time.
This week has been the first opportunity I've had to get back into my regular tarot readings. I hope to return to posting them soon!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Gypsy Magic spread
This spread was done for a friend of my daughter. She just requested a general spread, so I automatically chose my favourite, a 21 card Gypsy spread.
I chose the Paulina Tarot for the reading, but I somehow goofed up the pic of the actual spread.
Column A represents her emotional state of mind.
The cards in this column were the Queen of Wands, The Star, and the Six of Cups.
I truly believe the Queen of Wands represents her. She is a woman who is very passionate about everything in life - someone who is competent and career minded, and always the life of the party. The Star is a very positive card. In this reading, and focusing on her emotional state, it's pointing out that she has difficulty accepting help from others. She's had alot of trauma in the past, and it's changed her way of thinking. She tends to think she's on her own, and that's not true. She may even be a bit depressed, but this is not something to worry about. Her true nature is to be hopeful and optimistic, and that will counteract those 'down' times. She knows that things are going to be okay again. She just needs to be aware that it is okay to accept help now and then!
She tends to reminisce and can be a bit nostalgic, and there isn't anything wrong with that. But she wants to make sure she doesn't dwell in the past too much!
Column B represents her home life, or her life outside of work.
The cards in this column were The World, Nine of Pentacles, and Page of Pentacles.
She feels as if she's stuck in a rut right now. She doesn't like change, at least not the kind of changes she's been through lately. She feels like things aren't coming to a satisfactory conclusion - there are areas she needs closure in. Her home life feels kind of stagnant to her. She needs to step back and take a look at things. There are changes that need to be made, and these changes will be very good for her. She needs to realize that she can rely on herself, and not be afraid to do just that. She's stronger than she knows. If she can make the necessary changes and begin to trust in herself and believe in her self worth, she will find a happiness and contentment that she hasn't known in quite some time. (These changes all seem to involve new living arrangements and redecorating!) There is also a very strong indication that her financial situation is going to improve. I get the impression that she is considering some sort of business venture on her own or in addition to her current job. Somehow, an opportunity is going to arise to increase her income.
Column C represents her present desires, hopes and questions.
The cards were the Ten of Cups, Two of Swords, and Eight of Cups.
These cards are very strong in relation to her family and emotions. They are all about love, personal values, shared happiness, and fulfilling relationships. These things are very important to her. There are some things in her past that she's really working on leaving behind. It's going to happen! She shouldn't let these things reflect on her future choices. She needs to let the past go. Again, these cards also point to a change in residence.
She's feeling uncertain about which way to go right now - there's a choice she needs to make and she's having a hard time deciding whether to go with her head or her heart. She needs to ask herself what she really wants...Let this one choice be all about her - that's not something she usually does.
Column D represents her current expectations.
The cards were the Ace of Wands, Ten of Swords, and Four of Wands.
She wants a new life. She wants to feel optimistic again. She wants new experiences. She wants to stop being sad. She has something she really wants to let go of. She wants the worse to be over, and it is! And, once again, she wants a new home, because this is part of her new beginning.
Column E represents what she does not expect / what surprises her.
The cards were the Five of Swords, The Emperor, and the Ten of Wands.
Someone around her may begin to act in a negative or destructive manner. They cannot be trusted. I believe it is a teenager, or a very young adult. She needs to be careful not to let them pull anything over on her.
She must also be careful not to bite off more than she can chew! It's easy to take on too much at once, and the only person who can control this is her. I feel like this is work related, and may interfere with her personal life if she isn't careful.
There is a man who is very controlling and very rational. I can't tell whether this is someone she already knows, or someone she has yet to meet, but I really think she already knows him. He's very blunt and direct, and really likes to be in charge. (Maybe someone she works with, but it may be something involved in the legal system.) He will give her very good advice and be a major help to her in making important decisions.
Column F represents her immediate future.
The cards were The Fool, Five of Cups, and Queen of Cups.
She is going to start this new phase of her life out with lots of enthusiasm. She's getting a fresh start and she's going to sense alot of changes in herself. She has endured some intense emotional pain, but that's going to end as she moves forward with her life. An old friend or lover from her past may make an appearance, and this will be a very good thing for her emotionally. There is a strong female figure in her life who is going to play a significant role in the near future events. I can't say for sure, but this may be someone she's just met recently, or are about to meet. She'll be nurturing and compassionate and very in tune with her, and she will become a very dear friend.
Column G represents the outcome and long term prospects for her.
The cards were the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, and Death.
She will see many changes - she's going through some major transformation. Financially, she's going to see significant improvements. She's also going to meet someone (she may already know them) who will be an amazing partner for her, and make her very happy. The relationship will be secure and very sensual. Her health is going to be very good!
I chose the Paulina Tarot for the reading, but I somehow goofed up the pic of the actual spread.
Column A represents her emotional state of mind.
The cards in this column were the Queen of Wands, The Star, and the Six of Cups.
I truly believe the Queen of Wands represents her. She is a woman who is very passionate about everything in life - someone who is competent and career minded, and always the life of the party. The Star is a very positive card. In this reading, and focusing on her emotional state, it's pointing out that she has difficulty accepting help from others. She's had alot of trauma in the past, and it's changed her way of thinking. She tends to think she's on her own, and that's not true. She may even be a bit depressed, but this is not something to worry about. Her true nature is to be hopeful and optimistic, and that will counteract those 'down' times. She knows that things are going to be okay again. She just needs to be aware that it is okay to accept help now and then!
She tends to reminisce and can be a bit nostalgic, and there isn't anything wrong with that. But she wants to make sure she doesn't dwell in the past too much!
Column B represents her home life, or her life outside of work.
The cards in this column were The World, Nine of Pentacles, and Page of Pentacles.
She feels as if she's stuck in a rut right now. She doesn't like change, at least not the kind of changes she's been through lately. She feels like things aren't coming to a satisfactory conclusion - there are areas she needs closure in. Her home life feels kind of stagnant to her. She needs to step back and take a look at things. There are changes that need to be made, and these changes will be very good for her. She needs to realize that she can rely on herself, and not be afraid to do just that. She's stronger than she knows. If she can make the necessary changes and begin to trust in herself and believe in her self worth, she will find a happiness and contentment that she hasn't known in quite some time. (These changes all seem to involve new living arrangements and redecorating!) There is also a very strong indication that her financial situation is going to improve. I get the impression that she is considering some sort of business venture on her own or in addition to her current job. Somehow, an opportunity is going to arise to increase her income.
Column C represents her present desires, hopes and questions.
The cards were the Ten of Cups, Two of Swords, and Eight of Cups.
These cards are very strong in relation to her family and emotions. They are all about love, personal values, shared happiness, and fulfilling relationships. These things are very important to her. There are some things in her past that she's really working on leaving behind. It's going to happen! She shouldn't let these things reflect on her future choices. She needs to let the past go. Again, these cards also point to a change in residence.
She's feeling uncertain about which way to go right now - there's a choice she needs to make and she's having a hard time deciding whether to go with her head or her heart. She needs to ask herself what she really wants...Let this one choice be all about her - that's not something she usually does.
Column D represents her current expectations.
The cards were the Ace of Wands, Ten of Swords, and Four of Wands.
She wants a new life. She wants to feel optimistic again. She wants new experiences. She wants to stop being sad. She has something she really wants to let go of. She wants the worse to be over, and it is! And, once again, she wants a new home, because this is part of her new beginning.
Column E represents what she does not expect / what surprises her.
The cards were the Five of Swords, The Emperor, and the Ten of Wands.
Someone around her may begin to act in a negative or destructive manner. They cannot be trusted. I believe it is a teenager, or a very young adult. She needs to be careful not to let them pull anything over on her.
She must also be careful not to bite off more than she can chew! It's easy to take on too much at once, and the only person who can control this is her. I feel like this is work related, and may interfere with her personal life if she isn't careful.
There is a man who is very controlling and very rational. I can't tell whether this is someone she already knows, or someone she has yet to meet, but I really think she already knows him. He's very blunt and direct, and really likes to be in charge. (Maybe someone she works with, but it may be something involved in the legal system.) He will give her very good advice and be a major help to her in making important decisions.
Column F represents her immediate future.
The cards were The Fool, Five of Cups, and Queen of Cups.
She is going to start this new phase of her life out with lots of enthusiasm. She's getting a fresh start and she's going to sense alot of changes in herself. She has endured some intense emotional pain, but that's going to end as she moves forward with her life. An old friend or lover from her past may make an appearance, and this will be a very good thing for her emotionally. There is a strong female figure in her life who is going to play a significant role in the near future events. I can't say for sure, but this may be someone she's just met recently, or are about to meet. She'll be nurturing and compassionate and very in tune with her, and she will become a very dear friend.
Column G represents the outcome and long term prospects for her.
The cards were the Ace of Pentacles, Six of Pentacles, and Death.
She will see many changes - she's going through some major transformation. Financially, she's going to see significant improvements. She's also going to meet someone (she may already know them) who will be an amazing partner for her, and make her very happy. The relationship will be secure and very sensual. Her health is going to be very good!
3 card daily draw - Thursday, Jan. 28th
This is my personal 3 card daily draw done with the Circle of Life Tarot. It's nice to see some different cards for a change! I am really enjoying working with these cards!
The Moon
Knight of Chalices
Two of Swords
Today, I need to be both passive and receptive, and heed my intuition, most importantly. An important event may occur today that will touch me on an emotional level. It will be easy for me to become overwhelmed today, and indecisiveness may be an issue.
5 card Trend reading
This reading was requested by a friend who is trying to make a choice in her career. I chose to use the Circle of Life tarot for this reading. The spread is a simple 5 card spread. This is a follow up reading to one I did for her several months ago.
Card 1 represents what she has at this time.
Five of Pentacles
She's disappointed, and she feels as if she is missing out on something. Right now, she's feeling left out in the cold.
Card 2 represents what she is looking for.
Five of Swords
She may be having difficulty admitting her limitations and viewing things realistically at this time. She wants someone to tell her what she should do, but this is a situation that she really needs to work through on her own.
Card 3 represents what she should do career wise.
Seven of Wands
Teaching and writing are very good choices for her at this point in time. This would also be a good time for her to consider furthering her education, to allow herself more options.
Card 4 represents what she really wants.
Knave of Chalices
She'd like to cultivate some hidden talents - this is something artistic or creative, but something she hasn't really given much attention in the past. There is a project she has been considering starting, and now is a very good time to do this. I'm getting a strong sense of teaching again, or possibly writing children's books.
Card 5 represents what is important for her now.
Two of Pentacles
Right now, her priority is to relieve the financial balancing act she's having to deal with. She may need to take on two jobs in order to bring things under control, but this will be a temporary thing.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
3 Card daily draw - Wednesday, January 27th
This daily draw was done with the Circle of Life Tarot by Maria Distefano. This is a new tarot deck, and this was my first time using it. It's a round deck, and the art is mesmerizing. I think I'm going to like it alot!
The Devil
Eight of Cups
Three of Cups
I need to work on controlling my negativity. This is very important at this time. I know that the reason I am having problems with this is because we have had so many problems with this entire immigration ordeal, and it's very hard for me to believe that things are finally going our way. I will work on this. The Eight of Cups is making an appearance for 3 days in a row...I am leaving an unhappy unsatisfying situation and moving on to something new. It's time to allow myself to be happy about it and prepare to celebrate! Good times and good fortune are ahead!
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