Deborah J. Martin's Blog, page 13

Straining Herb-Infused Liquids

I was straining the latest batch of my hair rinse yesterday and had a “duh” moment.

I usually strain any herb-infused liquid by balancing a mesh strainer over a measuring cup (or jar) and lining the strainer with a coffee filter. (Yes, I know those aren’t reusable but they do degrade nicely in my compost bin. They have the added benefit of catching all but the tiniest particles of ground herb – something even an old nylon stocking doesn’t do.)

I wanted to strain directly into the jug I was goin...

Rearranging Social Media

My personal friends know but I thought I’d make it very public: I’m leaving Facebook.

For quite some time, I’ve been first frustrated, then disgusted with Facebook thinking they’re god (or at the very least, my parents). They decide what I can see when and that includes not showing posts from pages I’ve liked. If I’ve “liked” a page, don’t you think I want to see updates from them? I shouldn’t have to “get notifications” (and that doesn’t always work, either). Over the last several weeks I’ve...

A Cautionary Tale

Necessary disclaimer: This post is my experience and should not be construed as medical advice. Also, I know my own body. Some of my symptoms can be indicative of more serious issues. Please consult your healthcare professional for any health difficulties.

Three weeks ago, I got a urinary tract infection. It happens on occasion, sometimes frequently, as a woman gets older and her natural secretions dry up and even change pH. A real pain, to be sure.

This one didn’t respond quickly to my prefer...

On Cronehood

The Sunday Stew is looking for a crone to contribute to their weekly blog. (If you’re interested, contact Kallan or Jennifer through that site.) Not that I think I have anything interesting to say on a weekly basis but the call got me to thinking…

Google’s definition of crone is, “an old woman who is thin and ugly”. Merriam-Webster? “A withered old woman.” Dictionary.com? “A withered, witchlike old woman.” Ummm… Definition #2 on Wiktionary.com: “An archetypal figure, a Wise Woman.” Not unflatt...

Homemade Toothpaste

I’ve been making my own tooth powder (actually only baking soda with some Peppermint EO mixed in) for quite some time. It worked fine but just didn’t quite make my teeth feel squeaky-clean and I didn’t really enjoy waiting for all the powder to dissolve in my mouth. A few months ago, this recipe popped onto my radar. Ooh, a paste! I like that!

I don’t have any Xylitol, didn’t really see why I had to add something to sweeten it and finding really natural Xylitol is difficult. (Most of it is pro...

Once More Into the Breach

(Warning: I’ve spent an entire weekend trying to put something behind me. Didn’t work. I’m still pissed. Strong language follows.) /begin rant/

In a medicinal/health context, I’ve harped on personal responsibility & doing research in the past (here and here as examples).

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been posting – cough – interesting things I’ve found while reading The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation Including the Demotic Spells. They are spells & recipes from about 200 BCE to about...

A Familiar’s Tale, Part I

Fudge begins telling Amy his story. (Don’t know Fudge? The prologue is here.)

I came into being in the year you currently number 252 BCE. This is the year I was born as a cat in what you call the country of Egypt. When I opened my eyes, my mother knew there was something different between me and my other siblings and pushed me out of her nest, as one would do the runt of the litter who was not expected to survive.

As the Universe had planned, a young man was nearby and took pity on my mewling....

The 7 Stages of Witchcraft

Having been on a few fora dealing with witchcraft the last few years, I’ve noticed something of a trend. It has to do with your age (mostly but not always chronological) and how you view the idea of tools and other magical trappings. Have you noticed the same? I mean, think about it:

Child: if I blow on this dandelion I found in the yard and wish real hard, my wish will come true.

Teen: I want stuff but can’t have a lot because money/parents/room/other

Young Adult: I have my own place, can do my...

In & Out, Round & About

You may have noticed my absence from the Interwebs the last few weeks – or at least the “can’t think of anything to say except a primal scream” post on Twitter or Facebook. This is bad for an author – the “experts” say we’re supposed to be active on social media! While I’m not usually one to share a lot of personal crap, I thought I should let y’all know that while I’m still alive & kicking, there are things keeping me from having a lot to say:

I’ve been dealing with my mother’s illness (first...

A Familiar’s Tale, Prologue

If you’ve been reading the Ogre’s Assistant series, you know that Amy is a witch with a familiar. Below is a recent conversation between them as recounted by Amy:

“You tell me you’re older than Yoda. You must’ve seen some interesting stuff, huh?” I said.

My familiar, a chocolate-brown cat named Fudge, interrupted his never-ending bath and looked at me.

“It depends upon what you consider interesting. I have seen a lot in my time, yes.”

“I’m not doing anything at the moment. Care to tell me about i...