Eye of Nuit will be taking a much needed break next week.  As many of you know, Eye of Nuit is a sole proprietor business.  Nuit & I work very hard at keeping the store stocked with fresh and innovative product - creating fun and exciting projects and gatherings, and making Eye of Nuit a place for all witches and pagans to gather and just be themselves.

With the rough economic times we're in, it's not possible to hire even a part-time employee, much less pay myself.  I keep the faith that I can make it through the rough first few years, with the expected "running in the red".  The Goddess had a plan for me, and for this store - and I'll see it through wherever it leads.

I am very blessed with the generous helping hand that Dave lends me while working his own very demanding full time job.  He gives of his time and energy, and his only compensation is the love, appreciation and support of you, the customers - as well as from Nuit and myself! 

I cannot thank this man enough for his support of me in this endeavor!  As we all know - a little appreciation goes a long way in making someone feel valuable.  So honey, here's to you!  *raises a cup of coffee in a toast*

In addition to Dave's helping hand, I am blessed with two other individuals who give generously of their time to help keep the doors open.  They know who they are and they know that I am more grateful than words can express!  Yes, Sarah and Jodee, I'm talking about you! :-)

Next week, our store hours will be limited.  Please check the Store Hours link for more information.  I will be taking some time to finish implementing the new and improved online store, so look for that in the very near future!  Beginning Sunday, September 25th, our store hours will change.  More details are on the website:  Eye of Nuit

We are coming up on our one year anniversary, and plans are in the making to have a celebration!  In the coming months, look for new products, a redesigned storefront, and fresh additions to our line of ScentWerx™ which includes handcrafted soy wax candles, soaps, body lotion, bath salts & more!

Last night was a smashing Witches Night Out success!  Many came out to this special Craft Night and made some beautiful God’s Eyes.  Our deepest heartfelt thanks go to Sarah, Pete & Jodee for their help in making this a fun and crafty evening!  Nessa Rose was on hand to help, but got detoured by the fresh Catnip growing in the store and ended up leaving everyone to their own crafty devices.  This was probably a good thing.

I’ll be announcing the next Craft Night soon, and information on our next public ritual.  Don’t miss out on these wonderful witchy gatherings!

The Visionary Art of Paul B. Rucker

This past week was filled with many highs and lows.  Today, I'm going to concentrate on the "high".

One afternoon, while waiting on a customer, I heard the tinkling of the bells on the door and in breezed this extraordinary man.  His energy was colorful, happy and joyful.  While talking to my customer, I noticed he sat down in the Big Comfy Chair by the library and was browsing through our magazine selection.

I bid adieu to the customer and this gentleman rose up from the chair, and seemingly floated across the room to me, charging the air with a rainbow of electric energy.  He placed a magazine on the counter that he wished to purchase, then proceeded to introduce himself by holding up the most recent copy of Circle Magazine we had on the shelf and saying "Hi! I'm Paul Ruckert and this is my artwork on the cover!"  He had a smile on his face that brightened the already well-lit room. 

Paul B. Rucker is truly a visionary and deeply spiritual artist.  His works are vibrant, eclectic, and imaginary.  Without a doubt, his presence and personality are infused into each piece of art that he paints.  His art work has been featured on the cover of such publications as Green Egg, Hecate’s Loom, Mezlim, Psychedelic Illuminations, Tapestry Journal, and Reclaiming Quarterly.

"I think of myself as part of the Tribe of Dream", he quips on his website.  And when you see his pieces, I think you'll understand what he means.

The afternoon was spent chatting with Paul about a wide variety of subjects, including his ideas on marketing, and me teaching him how to incorporate simple hula moves in his spiritual expressions. 

The best part of the day was the opportunity I had to purchase some of his pieces of art, to sell here at Eye of Nuit!  I do hope you'll enjoy them as much as I enjoyed picking them out - and the magickal afternoon spent with the enchanting Paul B. Rucker.

Queen of My Own Damn Life!

In the World Of Snowy (hereon known as WOS) there is one absolute:  I am Queen of My Own Damn Life.  Sound egotistical?  I think not.

It takes a LOT to become Queen of Your Own Damn Life, and it's actually a title that every woman can assume.  And that's peachy keen in your own life, but when you cross over into the WOS, respect the crown!  LOL!!

For those of you who truly know me, you know that I am the LEAST egotistical person in the world.  My BFF Kallan Kennedy has to remind me over and over again what talents I possess, what my true calling is, and what I have to offer the world.  The Honey is consistently my rock when I am feeling down.  (The Honey is that wonderful man I share my life with)

My belief is that we need to not only believe in ourselves, but we have got to learn to think very highly of ourselves.  Appreciating, loving & nurturing our Queen Selves goes a long way in our overall well being and survival.

I recently told The Honey that for the past several years I've allowed myself to be a punching bag for others with deep seated personal issues.  Trust doesn't come easy for me anymore.  The WOS has been rocked several times when out of nowhere, people I've placed trust in have just hit me so low, it was like a TKO!  I've blogged (probably on several occasions) about The Lie Monster.

The Lie Monster is that energy that is created by those who lack self esteem, harbor petty jealousies, and covet The Good and Wonderful that you possess.  They just can't get it for themselves and have NO CLUE where to start.  So - they lie! 

On another note:  I also came to the realization recently that I am very spoiled by my Black Forest Clan training.  But... that won't make sense to a lot of people.

Have you felt like a punching bag for others?  Do you think you are not worthy of A Good Life?  My advice to you is to get your head out of the sand and start being Queen of Your Own Damn Life!  Speak up for yourself, let no one take your Personal Royal Power, and polish that crown!

Be proud of yourself, even for the smallest accomplishments.  Remove that which does not fulfill you on a spiritual or emotional level from your life.  Fill your life with people who uplift you, who honor and respect you, and who just think you are the best thing since sliced bread!

Give of yourself, your time, and your energy - but do so wisely.  For, to continually give of yourself with no appreciation in return, you are breaking the Code of The Queen!  Rid yourself of Emotional Baggage (THAT is a tough one!!)  and fill your cup with The Spice of Life.

Are YOU the Queen of Your Own Damn Life?  If so, tell us about it - if not, let us know what we can do to help you!