We are always so serious when we petition Papa Legba. We ask him to 'open the path', 'help me communicate with…', etc. Why not take just one session with Papa and ask him to bring you some roll-around-on-the-floor, knee-slapping, laugh-until-you-can't-breathe FUN? What a great stress reliever that is!
Love and Light – and Fun,
Khouzhan Echo
Hey there!
Every once in a while I come across a recipe that just screams PAPA LEGBA to me 😉 And since we are coming into the season where sweet potatoes are everywhere, I have a feeling this might be something that he would enjoy. Actually, I think just about anyone would enjoy this, it is just yummy! I made a batch using uncanned sweet potatoes, and it was quite delicious. I just baked it a little bit longer than what is listed below. Warm, southern style comfort food. If you try it, post a comment here on my blog and let us know what you think 😉
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Coconut Sweet Potatoes.
TO PREPARE:
Combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, 2 Tablespoons butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl. Mash until blended. Spoon into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Combine the coconut, pecans, brown sugar and flour in a bowl and mix well. Stir in 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Spread over the sweet potatoes. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.
If Ogoun had a parrot, I think it would sing something like this 🙂
Love,
Sister Bridget
Good Morning!!!
Hope you all are doing well and are enjoying this lovely summer!
As some of you know, I have been working at times to settle some matters dealing with my father's estate. Estate stuff, at least in this situation, tends not to be very simple. I often have an idea or thought or plan of how things will go with a certain issue, and then, well, God Laughs!
Driving home yesterday, I certainly was feeling rather frustrated. I got to thinking alot about this feeling, and I really don not like it! It sucks, basically. And I think I would really rather not feel it so much anymore. I did a little surfing when I got home, to see if there are some tips on dealing with frustration. I would like to share with you what I have learned….
First, just to help clarify – Frustration is a feeling that arises when something occurs which keeps us from reaching a goal or expectation. There are other feelings which can occur as well, such as disappointment. BUT mix a little anger with your disappointment, and you have frustration.
"Expectation is the mother of all frustration"
…… Antonio Banderas
Second, we can experience different levels of frustration in different parts of our lives. Some folks are more easily frustrated in the work enviornment, some with family, some in more social settings. It seems to be the more intense a situation, the more important the goal is to us, the more easily we can become frustrated.
Anyone out there working on a love situation? How important is it to you that it resolve successfully?
Third, how we handle our frustration can definitely directly influence how much frustration we could be feeling in the future! Huh, you say? I said that the first time I read this as well. But look at it this way….if we learn to handle our frustration productively, and that leads to a positive resolution to our situation, then there will be nothing to get frustrated about in the future!
Of course, frustration is not always a bad thing. It can be quite motivating and can help us figure out steps so that we can reach our goals. But it is how we choose to express our frustration may cause more stress in our life and the lives of others.
So, how do we handle our frustration? What are some good tips to practice or skills to develop?
I found this wonderful article by Judith Orloff about Frustration, and ways to handle it. Dr Orloff has 4 tips for handiing frustration with people. Here is an exerpt:
Tip #1. Focus on a specific issue—don't escalate or mount a personal attack.
For instance, "I feel frustrated when you promise to do something but there is no follow-through." No resorting to threats or insults. In an even, non-blaming tone, lead with how the behavior makes you feel rather than how you think the other person is wrong.
Tip #2. Listen non-defensively without reacting or interrupting.
It's a sign of respect to hear a person's point of view, even if you disagree. Avoid an aggressive tone or body language. Try not to squirm with discomfort or to judge.
Tip #3. Intuit the feelings behind the words.
When you can appreciate someone's motivation, it's easier to be patient. Try to sense if this person is frightened, insecure, up against a negative part of themselves they've never confronted. If so, realize this can be painful. See what change they're open to.
Tip #4. Respond with clarity and compassion.
This attitude takes others off the defensive so they're more comfortable admitting their part in causing frustration. Describe everything in terms of remedies to a specific task, rather then generalizing. State your needs. For instance, "I'd really appreciate you not shouting at me even if I disappoint you." If the person is willing to try, show how pleased you are. Validate their efforts: "Thanks for not yelling at me. I really value your understanding" See if the behavior improves.
(end exerpt)
I will be trying some of these techniques with the various realtors, inspectors, lawyers, etc associated with my dad's Estate and let you know which ones I have found helpful. If you try any of these tips out, I would love to hear how they worked for you :-)
Love
Sister Bridget
Happy Monday, everyone! I cannot believe that Papa Legba Month is coming to end here at www.spellmaker.com! Of course, we honor, serve, and call upon Papa throughout the year, but his month is always so special to us all. 🙂
But luckily, it isn't over yet! There is still plenty of time to participate. 🙂
We are still accepting petitions for our two last events:
1. Our online Papa Legba ritual will take place on June 27, 9 pm Eastern time (that is 8 pm Central time, 7 pm Mountain time, and 6 pm Pacific time). To join in or to send in a petition, please see the informational page at www.spellmaker.com/prayer.htm
2. Our last in-house ritual to Papa will take place on St. Peter's Feast Day, June 29. This is a ritual that we do in house and you are welcome to send in a petition. For information, please see the page at www.spellmaker.com/legba.htm
Remember, Papa is the great communicator, the translator of all languages, the opening of door, and the clearer of paths! He is so much more, but those are the main things for which we know him.
He is also known as one of the kindest, most understanding lwa – he wants to help you with your problems!
So, please, feel free to join us as we wind up this great month!
Love,
Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com
Happy Friday!
Do you want this….
or this?
I came across this artlcle last night just before bed, and I had to restrain myself from getting up right then and there and posting the link! Over the past few years, I have seen this exact thing happen over and over — some of you who I have read with will remember me telling you to get off of FB and stop looking at certain people's profiles — For The Good of your Case! I am so glad that there are people looking into this issue of the impact of FB and the whole new level of knowledge or exposure we have about other people in our lives. Being able to look into someone's life this closely was not heard of 10 or 15 years ago – and of course, people were not sharing this much information then either. Balance is everything!
I do hope this article is helpful to some! And have a great weekend everyone!
Love
Sister Bridget
Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and
maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging
to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri
School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to
experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative
relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.
In their study, Clayton, along with Alexander Nagurney, an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo,
and Jessica R. Smith, a doctoral student at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, surveyed Facebook users ages 18 to 82 years old. Participants were asked to describe how often they used Facebook and how much, if any, conflict arose between their current or former partners as a result of Facebook use. The researchers found that high levels of Facebook use among couples significantly predicted Facebook-related conflict, which then significantly predicted negative relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, and divorce. "Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton said. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."
Clayton says this trend was particularly apparent in newer relationships.
"These findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less," Clayton said.
"This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured. On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook use may not be a threat or concern."
In order to prevent such conflict from arising, Clayton recommends couples, especially those who have not been together for very long, to limit their own personal Facebook use.
"Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to
newer romantic relationships," Clayton said. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other."
This study is forthcoming in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-06-excessive-facebook-relationships.html#jCp
Good morning, everyone! I wanted to share one of my favorite poems/prayers with you today! If you aren't familiar with the works of Alexander Pope, it might take a bit of re-reading to get some of his meanings! You know how it with these things written in the 1800's since we just don't talk that way anymore.
I love his interpretations of God! My favorite stanza is the one that starts with "What blessings thy free bounty gives." The idea that God is "paid" when we enjoy the bounties we are given really resonates with me. I also enjoy the references to free will, the idea that we are not alone in the universe, and especially the thought that it is not our job to go around chastising those who have ideas about God that differ from our own. 😉
There is also a sense to me that Mr. Pope saw God beyond the usual Christian beliefs; he interprets him more as a universal energy that sometimes extends beyond our scope. That is also somewhat of our Vodou/Voodoo way of seeing God – not so much the guy sitting in the clouds metting out justice and favors, but rather an overwhelming sense of Beingness with whom we are allowed to forge our own relationship.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this prayer – I love that it is so rich in spirituality without being preachy about religion. Also, it isn't a bad way to start the day!
Love, light, and peace,
Mambo Samantha Corfield, www.spellmaker.com
BY ALEXANDER POPE
Hi there-
Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It was pretty snowy and cold where I am, so I spent a little time watching movies. I rewatched a classic – Cool Hand Luke. Paul Newman and those baby blues — Oh My!
This scene below has been staying on my mind, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It is the epitome of determination, the fighting spirit, and to just keep on swinging, no matter how things seem.
Hope you all have a great week!
Love
Sister Bridget
Hello All!
I hope you all have been enjoying your Autumn. I just returned home last week from a visit with Mambo Sam and Parran Matt for Fet Ghede and more 🙂 It was a really wonderful ten days, and even though it was a whole ten days, boy it went by fast! I have alot to report, and alot of photos to share, including a really awesome trip to a local New Mexico cemetary which included a big sign from my dearly departed Dad. Lots of new posts to come!
As I get back into the swing of things here, I would like to start off with some information about the Chakras, and how they influence our life and our well being – both physically and emotionally. I have a series of articles ready, which will walk us through each chakra, it's associations, and also the life issues which may be manifesting if we have a chakra that is a little "out of whack." This will be something that we can discuss over a few weeks, and I really do welcome questions and comments. Please feel free to post a comment here on typepad, or on facebook, or even email me directly at bridget@spellmaker.com
Chakras are energy centers within the body that affect our physical,
emotional, mental and physical well-being. Chakras come from the
Sanskrit word meaning "wheels of light." Chakras are like a blueprint of
energy for individuality. These energy centers hold a vibration and
color, like a human rainbow.
There are many ways that can help balance your chakras (and we will get to this!)
But first, do you know if you're out of balance?
When you work on
the chakras that are closed or weak, you'll be directly influencing that
particular area of your life, for example, finances, sex life,
self-esteem, compassion, expression, intuition and spirituality.
Are
your finances in trouble? Are you feeling insecure? Do you need to
perform better at work and get that raise or promotion? Strengthen your
Root or 1st Chakra.
Do you want to spice up your sex life or feel more passionate and creative? Unblock your Sacral or 2nd Chakra.
Want to feel more self-confident and powerful in achieving your goals? Strengthen your Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra.
Want
to feel more love, be able to forgive past grievances, and connect
better with your spouse, kids, friends and co-workers? Work on your 4th
or Heart Chakra.
Afraid of public speaking? Want to be able to express your truth and be understood? Balance your 5th or Throat Chakra.
Want
more inspiration on which path you should take in life? Want to
increase your intuition and psychic abilities? Open your 6th or Third
Eye Chakra.
Want to feel at one with all there is? Have more peace, harmony and connection to spirit? Work on your 7th or Crown Chakra.
If
you want to get balanced, get centered, get energized, get relaxed, get
inspired, get clear, get connected, get going… chakra healing can be
your answer. When your chakras are balanced, your life will also feel
balanced.
When we learn to balance our chakras, we learn to craft
our lives the way we want them to be, rather than living in constant
reaction to forces outside of us.
These spirals of energy are
wheels that heal, feeding the body good energy and relieving it of that
we do not want. Chakras cannot be held, stroked or bottled up like a
genie, yet our physical bodies soak them up thirstily and they
profoundly affect our metabolism, emotions, sensations and behaviors. In
addition to their roles in the physical realm, chakras work on a higher
plane, waking us to the realization that our body, mind and spirit are
forever and inextricably linked.
Ok, that is enough for one day! Please look for more new posts to come, and even some new products in the works as well!
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Love
Sister Bridget
www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm
bridget@spellmaker.com
Hi There!
With all of the Spellmaker Family Papa Legba Festivities going on this month, I have been looking for some new and different Coconut items that Papa might enjoy. On my last trip out, I came across these three.
Trader Joe's Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins — these cookies smell divine! They look incredibly scruptious!
Coconut Water with Pulp — I found this at the local health food store for less than $1! It has real pieces of coconut in the bottle. I always seem a bit clumsy when I try and cut open a fresh coconut myself, so I think this is a neater option for me 🙂
Voorman's Coconut Cookies — found these at the dollar store! It is a rather large bag, and these cookies are chock full of coconut and also smell heavenly.
These are just some examples of new coconut items I thought Papa might like. He also like Mounds bars, rum, coffee, all of the usual suspects! We have a bit more information about Papa here, in our Information Board. Remember, anything offered with a grateful heart is fanstastic 🙂
For more information about the monthlong rituals to Papa Legba, please see www.spellmaker.com/legba.htm
Also, our Spiritual Power Magick Prayer Group is focusing on Papa as well this month! Please join us on June 27th!
Enjoy!
Love
Sister Bridget