Ha, caught your attention, did I? Maybe if I could make a good luck charm, I might produce pithier subjects than talking about my current plight.
I love the detailed historical blogs the other wenches produce here so regularly, but right now, I would have to research a detail to research. I’ve completed the School of Magic series for the moment, and for weeks, I've been staring at a blank screen. The isolation of this plague really has eaten my brain, and without travel or other people to stimulate my Muse, my head was vacant. I had no clue where to go next. (OK, I want to go to Italy, but that’s irrelevant at the moment!)
Writer’s block has not ever, ever happened to me. Never. My brain spills ideas like a pillow spills fea
thers. To prove my point, I dug into my computer’s bowels and dug out the 101 proposals I’ve shipped to my agent over the decades. I have ideas on top of ideas. Mostly, they’re too far out for normal markets. But ha! I don’t have to care about normal markets these days. I just need to give my readers a Patricia Rice book, one that tends to include eccentric characters, nuisance children, small towns, and the occasional paranormal touch.
And to my interest, almost all the unused proposals are contemporary. Many of them are mysteries. Most of them contain humor—which is really needed right now and has been elusive lately. So I thought maybe while I’m waiting for that trip to Italy, I could toy with a little humor. And what to my wondering eyes did appear—but a proposal for a contemporary, small town, humorous mystery with characters who could easily be Malcolms, written in the days before I’d created my psychic Malcolms.
It was a mess. I’d obvio
usly rewritten it a number of times to fit various markets until it didn’t fit anything. So having nothing better to do, I sat down and rewrote it with my Malcolm family background. And the book kept on writing itself. If you’re a writer, this is a Very Good Thing. My Muse was happy. I was happy. My characters had a few problems with each other and weren’t always happy <G>, but that’s the nature of conflict. Not too much conflict, mind you, because I’ve been too battered by the Universe this past year and really don’t want bloodshed and sorrow. But people dealing with real problems and resolving them—that, I can manage.
Except a contemporary doesn’t give me fun historical research blogs. I just checked my Google history when I sat down to write this. Today alone I have researched: ectoplasm, San Bernardino, mining and minerals, Mojave, Cajun French, apotropaic magic, amulets against evil, safety deposit boxes, and corpses under water. For a book set in South Carolina. And you’re really wanting to know what apotropaic magic is, aren’t you?
So, here’s my research blog for today: Apotropaic magic is 
represented by charms, amulets, or gestures designed to deflect harm or evil and avert misfortune. Even things like not walking under ladders or stepping on cracks—to avoid bad luck or breaking your mother’s back—is a form of apotropaic magic, along with crossing fingers and knocking on wood. So, see, you’ve been performing magic all along and didn’t know it! So my characters can hang blue bottles to ward off harm, if they like, although they’re much more likely to use them as targets or weapons. No one said magic has to work.
What apotropaic magic are you most likely to use? I have a tendency to knock on wood, admittedly. And I love my little evil eye amulet. How do you add a little magic to your life?
Humor may be in short supply lately, so thank you for giving us some. This is a fun post, Pat.
Apotropaic magic! (My mind will need some prodding to remember this name). I love that all these little things/actions we may do have a name, and are magical! The only one I routinely do is, like you, knock on wood. I only avoid walking under a ladder when someone is on it and sometimes I cross my fingers, though more likely I just say I am doing so. I am just delighted that I am involved with magic in some form and cannot wait to tell my grandchildren.
Humor may be in short supply lately, so thank you for giving us some. This is a fun post, Pat.
Apotropaic magic! (My mind will need some prodding to remember this name). I love that all these little things/actions we may do have a name, and are magical! The only one I routinely do is, like you, knock on wood. I only avoid walking under a ladder when someone is on it and sometimes I cross my fingers, though more likely I just say I am doing so. I am just delighted that I am involved with magic in some form and cannot wait to tell my grandchildren.
Humor may be in short supply lately, so thank you for giving us some. This is a fun post, Pat.
Apotropaic magic! (My mind will need some prodding to remember this name). I love that all these little things/actions we may do have a name, and are magical! The only one I routinely do is, like you, knock on wood. I only avoid walking under a ladder when someone is on it and sometimes I cross my fingers, though more likely I just say I am doing so. I am just delighted that I am involved with magic in some form and cannot wait to tell my grandchildren.
Humor may be in short supply lately, so thank you for giving us some. This is a fun post, Pat.
Apotropaic magic! (My mind will need some prodding to remember this name). I love that all these little things/actions we may do have a name, and are magical! The only one I routinely do is, like you, knock on wood. I only avoid walking under a ladder when someone is on it and sometimes I cross my fingers, though more likely I just say I am doing so. I am just delighted that I am involved with magic in some form and cannot wait to tell my grandchildren.
Humor may be in short supply lately, so thank you for giving us some. This is a fun post, Pat.
Apotropaic magic! (My mind will need some prodding to remember this name). I love that all these little things/actions we may do have a name, and are magical! The only one I routinely do is, like you, knock on wood. I only avoid walking under a ladder when someone is on it and sometimes I cross my fingers, though more likely I just say I am doing so. I am just delighted that I am involved with magic in some form and cannot wait to tell my grandchildren.
Fun post and a new vocabulary word. I also knock on wood, and when the salt spills throw it over my shoulder. I never walk under a ladder and avoid black cats, well all cats really, due to allergies. Crossing of one’s fingers in our family was a no no, I had one son who had a visceral reaction to seeing this, who knows why. It was enough that we just didn’t do it.
Fun post and a new vocabulary word. I also knock on wood, and when the salt spills throw it over my shoulder. I never walk under a ladder and avoid black cats, well all cats really, due to allergies. Crossing of one’s fingers in our family was a no no, I had one son who had a visceral reaction to seeing this, who knows why. It was enough that we just didn’t do it.
Fun post and a new vocabulary word. I also knock on wood, and when the salt spills throw it over my shoulder. I never walk under a ladder and avoid black cats, well all cats really, due to allergies. Crossing of one’s fingers in our family was a no no, I had one son who had a visceral reaction to seeing this, who knows why. It was enough that we just didn’t do it.
Fun post and a new vocabulary word. I also knock on wood, and when the salt spills throw it over my shoulder. I never walk under a ladder and avoid black cats, well all cats really, due to allergies. Crossing of one’s fingers in our family was a no no, I had one son who had a visceral reaction to seeing this, who knows why. It was enough that we just didn’t do it.
Fun post and a new vocabulary word. I also knock on wood, and when the salt spills throw it over my shoulder. I never walk under a ladder and avoid black cats, well all cats really, due to allergies. Crossing of one’s fingers in our family was a no no, I had one son who had a visceral reaction to seeing this, who knows why. It was enough that we just didn’t do it.
and now I must research what they might have done to witches back in the day if they knocked on wood!
and now I must research what they might have done to witches back in the day if they knocked on wood!
and now I must research what they might have done to witches back in the day if they knocked on wood!
and now I must research what they might have done to witches back in the day if they knocked on wood!
and now I must research what they might have done to witches back in the day if they knocked on wood!
how very interesting about finger crossing! People are so fascinating that there’s never any end to the fresh quirks I can steal for my characters.
how very interesting about finger crossing! People are so fascinating that there’s never any end to the fresh quirks I can steal for my characters.
how very interesting about finger crossing! People are so fascinating that there’s never any end to the fresh quirks I can steal for my characters.
how very interesting about finger crossing! People are so fascinating that there’s never any end to the fresh quirks I can steal for my characters.
how very interesting about finger crossing! People are so fascinating that there’s never any end to the fresh quirks I can steal for my characters.
I don’t walk under ladders, nor do I step on cracks — but both of these are safety measures. And when I see a pin (particularly safety pins) I pick it up; again for safety reasons. I have always thought the first two were invented to teach children safety. The pins had a finacial reason when this was first coined. (My grandson doesn’t need pins — when HE looks down it’s a ten-dollar bill he finds! I don’t have that type of luck.) I also pick things up from store isles, for safety reasons, and because it helps keep down overhead.
Sue is so boringly mundane!
Well — I’m not interested in magic rituals in my life, but I’m on the lookout for magic that is true magic for me: a baby’s smile (even if I don’t know the baby); the beauty of early snowfall (even though I don’t wish to be snowed in, nor cold), and so on. There is LOTS of magic out there.
I don’t walk under ladders, nor do I step on cracks — but both of these are safety measures. And when I see a pin (particularly safety pins) I pick it up; again for safety reasons. I have always thought the first two were invented to teach children safety. The pins had a finacial reason when this was first coined. (My grandson doesn’t need pins — when HE looks down it’s a ten-dollar bill he finds! I don’t have that type of luck.) I also pick things up from store isles, for safety reasons, and because it helps keep down overhead.
Sue is so boringly mundane!
Well — I’m not interested in magic rituals in my life, but I’m on the lookout for magic that is true magic for me: a baby’s smile (even if I don’t know the baby); the beauty of early snowfall (even though I don’t wish to be snowed in, nor cold), and so on. There is LOTS of magic out there.
I don’t walk under ladders, nor do I step on cracks — but both of these are safety measures. And when I see a pin (particularly safety pins) I pick it up; again for safety reasons. I have always thought the first two were invented to teach children safety. The pins had a finacial reason when this was first coined. (My grandson doesn’t need pins — when HE looks down it’s a ten-dollar bill he finds! I don’t have that type of luck.) I also pick things up from store isles, for safety reasons, and because it helps keep down overhead.
Sue is so boringly mundane!
Well — I’m not interested in magic rituals in my life, but I’m on the lookout for magic that is true magic for me: a baby’s smile (even if I don’t know the baby); the beauty of early snowfall (even though I don’t wish to be snowed in, nor cold), and so on. There is LOTS of magic out there.
I don’t walk under ladders, nor do I step on cracks — but both of these are safety measures. And when I see a pin (particularly safety pins) I pick it up; again for safety reasons. I have always thought the first two were invented to teach children safety. The pins had a finacial reason when this was first coined. (My grandson doesn’t need pins — when HE looks down it’s a ten-dollar bill he finds! I don’t have that type of luck.) I also pick things up from store isles, for safety reasons, and because it helps keep down overhead.
Sue is so boringly mundane!
Well — I’m not interested in magic rituals in my life, but I’m on the lookout for magic that is true magic for me: a baby’s smile (even if I don’t know the baby); the beauty of early snowfall (even though I don’t wish to be snowed in, nor cold), and so on. There is LOTS of magic out there.
I don’t walk under ladders, nor do I step on cracks — but both of these are safety measures. And when I see a pin (particularly safety pins) I pick it up; again for safety reasons. I have always thought the first two were invented to teach children safety. The pins had a finacial reason when this was first coined. (My grandson doesn’t need pins — when HE looks down it’s a ten-dollar bill he finds! I don’t have that type of luck.) I also pick things up from store isles, for safety reasons, and because it helps keep down overhead.
Sue is so boringly mundane!
Well — I’m not interested in magic rituals in my life, but I’m on the lookout for magic that is true magic for me: a baby’s smile (even if I don’t know the baby); the beauty of early snowfall (even though I don’t wish to be snowed in, nor cold), and so on. There is LOTS of magic out there.
You are so right, Sue, about the magic of the world we live in. And you are not mundane! Keeping people from hurting themselves is your particular magic.
You are so right, Sue, about the magic of the world we live in. And you are not mundane! Keeping people from hurting themselves is your particular magic.
You are so right, Sue, about the magic of the world we live in. And you are not mundane! Keeping people from hurting themselves is your particular magic.
You are so right, Sue, about the magic of the world we live in. And you are not mundane! Keeping people from hurting themselves is your particular magic.
You are so right, Sue, about the magic of the world we live in. And you are not mundane! Keeping people from hurting themselves is your particular magic.
Thanks for a fun article, Patricia. You also taught me a new word today. I’d call that a magical talent!
Thanks for a fun article, Patricia. You also taught me a new word today. I’d call that a magical talent!
Thanks for a fun article, Patricia. You also taught me a new word today. I’d call that a magical talent!
Thanks for a fun article, Patricia. You also taught me a new word today. I’d call that a magical talent!
Thanks for a fun article, Patricia. You also taught me a new word today. I’d call that a magical talent!
I think it does take a certain magic to write a book! Thank you for sharing how you overcame your writers block! I do knock on wood for luck. I don’t avoid black cats since I have had black cats in my life since childhood! I never knew the meaning of the blue bottle tree. There is a bottle tree down the street from our house. Hope your writing continues to flow for you!
I think it does take a certain magic to write a book! Thank you for sharing how you overcame your writers block! I do knock on wood for luck. I don’t avoid black cats since I have had black cats in my life since childhood! I never knew the meaning of the blue bottle tree. There is a bottle tree down the street from our house. Hope your writing continues to flow for you!
I think it does take a certain magic to write a book! Thank you for sharing how you overcame your writers block! I do knock on wood for luck. I don’t avoid black cats since I have had black cats in my life since childhood! I never knew the meaning of the blue bottle tree. There is a bottle tree down the street from our house. Hope your writing continues to flow for you!
I think it does take a certain magic to write a book! Thank you for sharing how you overcame your writers block! I do knock on wood for luck. I don’t avoid black cats since I have had black cats in my life since childhood! I never knew the meaning of the blue bottle tree. There is a bottle tree down the street from our house. Hope your writing continues to flow for you!
I think it does take a certain magic to write a book! Thank you for sharing how you overcame your writers block! I do knock on wood for luck. I don’t avoid black cats since I have had black cats in my life since childhood! I never knew the meaning of the blue bottle tree. There is a bottle tree down the street from our house. Hope your writing continues to flow for you!
You knocked on wood to alert the dryad within to protect you. That one goes back to Greek mythology.
You knocked on wood to alert the dryad within to protect you. That one goes back to Greek mythology.
You knocked on wood to alert the dryad within to protect you. That one goes back to Greek mythology.
You knocked on wood to alert the dryad within to protect you. That one goes back to Greek mythology.
You knocked on wood to alert the dryad within to protect you. That one goes back to Greek mythology.
Modern child averse to fingers crossed? Sounds like a time slip novel to me.
Modern child averse to fingers crossed? Sounds like a time slip novel to me.
Modern child averse to fingers crossed? Sounds like a time slip novel to me.
Modern child averse to fingers crossed? Sounds like a time slip novel to me.
Modern child averse to fingers crossed? Sounds like a time slip novel to me.
So basically making the sign of the cross – at least the way a lot of people seem to do it, to ward of evil – is also some kind of apotropaic magic? Who would have thought. Very interesting post and a new word, yeah.
I too knock on wood, I press my thumbs for luck. Which is the German equivalent to crossing your fingers, since crossing your fingers behind your back has a totally different warding effect, namely you can lie and it doesn’t count. As for black cats, since I have two of them, I actually think they bring luck 😉
So basically making the sign of the cross – at least the way a lot of people seem to do it, to ward of evil – is also some kind of apotropaic magic? Who would have thought. Very interesting post and a new word, yeah.
I too knock on wood, I press my thumbs for luck. Which is the German equivalent to crossing your fingers, since crossing your fingers behind your back has a totally different warding effect, namely you can lie and it doesn’t count. As for black cats, since I have two of them, I actually think they bring luck 😉
So basically making the sign of the cross – at least the way a lot of people seem to do it, to ward of evil – is also some kind of apotropaic magic? Who would have thought. Very interesting post and a new word, yeah.
I too knock on wood, I press my thumbs for luck. Which is the German equivalent to crossing your fingers, since crossing your fingers behind your back has a totally different warding effect, namely you can lie and it doesn’t count. As for black cats, since I have two of them, I actually think they bring luck 😉
So basically making the sign of the cross – at least the way a lot of people seem to do it, to ward of evil – is also some kind of apotropaic magic? Who would have thought. Very interesting post and a new word, yeah.
I too knock on wood, I press my thumbs for luck. Which is the German equivalent to crossing your fingers, since crossing your fingers behind your back has a totally different warding effect, namely you can lie and it doesn’t count. As for black cats, since I have two of them, I actually think they bring luck 😉
So basically making the sign of the cross – at least the way a lot of people seem to do it, to ward of evil – is also some kind of apotropaic magic? Who would have thought. Very interesting post and a new word, yeah.
I too knock on wood, I press my thumbs for luck. Which is the German equivalent to crossing your fingers, since crossing your fingers behind your back has a totally different warding effect, namely you can lie and it doesn’t count. As for black cats, since I have two of them, I actually think they bring luck 😉
Pat-Fun post! I cross my fingers for luck and knock on wood. I’m also wary of offending the gods, so ‘ware the evil eye. I do not avoid black cats. However, I think my real magic talent is finding money. For years I have stopped in my tracks to pick up pennies, whether they’re face up or face down. I’ve also found coins of larger denominations. Once I found. $5 bill in a library book I’d checked out. And the capper for me was the S20 and $1 that I found in the baseboard of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. I also occasionally find lost objects, like the marcasite earring my mother lost in Grand Central Station, or the garnet Jewish star that had been given up for lost decades earlier.
Pat-Fun post! I cross my fingers for luck and knock on wood. I’m also wary of offending the gods, so ‘ware the evil eye. I do not avoid black cats. However, I think my real magic talent is finding money. For years I have stopped in my tracks to pick up pennies, whether they’re face up or face down. I’ve also found coins of larger denominations. Once I found. $5 bill in a library book I’d checked out. And the capper for me was the S20 and $1 that I found in the baseboard of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. I also occasionally find lost objects, like the marcasite earring my mother lost in Grand Central Station, or the garnet Jewish star that had been given up for lost decades earlier.
Pat-Fun post! I cross my fingers for luck and knock on wood. I’m also wary of offending the gods, so ‘ware the evil eye. I do not avoid black cats. However, I think my real magic talent is finding money. For years I have stopped in my tracks to pick up pennies, whether they’re face up or face down. I’ve also found coins of larger denominations. Once I found. $5 bill in a library book I’d checked out. And the capper for me was the S20 and $1 that I found in the baseboard of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. I also occasionally find lost objects, like the marcasite earring my mother lost in Grand Central Station, or the garnet Jewish star that had been given up for lost decades earlier.
Pat-Fun post! I cross my fingers for luck and knock on wood. I’m also wary of offending the gods, so ‘ware the evil eye. I do not avoid black cats. However, I think my real magic talent is finding money. For years I have stopped in my tracks to pick up pennies, whether they’re face up or face down. I’ve also found coins of larger denominations. Once I found. $5 bill in a library book I’d checked out. And the capper for me was the S20 and $1 that I found in the baseboard of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. I also occasionally find lost objects, like the marcasite earring my mother lost in Grand Central Station, or the garnet Jewish star that had been given up for lost decades earlier.
Pat-Fun post! I cross my fingers for luck and knock on wood. I’m also wary of offending the gods, so ‘ware the evil eye. I do not avoid black cats. However, I think my real magic talent is finding money. For years I have stopped in my tracks to pick up pennies, whether they’re face up or face down. I’ve also found coins of larger denominations. Once I found. $5 bill in a library book I’d checked out. And the capper for me was the S20 and $1 that I found in the baseboard of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. I also occasionally find lost objects, like the marcasite earring my mother lost in Grand Central Station, or the garnet Jewish star that had been given up for lost decades earlier.
Sorry to hear that the pandemic has had such a negative impact Pat. It is writers like you who provide the sunshine that helps the rest of us cope. I can only suggest trying mindfulness meditation to focus the mind … it works for some.
On apotropaic magic I recently read ‘Some Science Adventures with Real Magic’ by William Tiller. He particularly describes experiments in which psychics were able to focus on a physical object and change its properties in measurable ways. For example the acidity (pH) of water was changed significantly. He also found that it was possible to imbibe an object with intention and then place the object near the material that is to be changed … and it worked! These experiments challenge mainstream science so tend to be ignored by many but to my mind they demonstrate that there is real magic at play in our world. The challenge is to understand it!
Sorry to hear that the pandemic has had such a negative impact Pat. It is writers like you who provide the sunshine that helps the rest of us cope. I can only suggest trying mindfulness meditation to focus the mind … it works for some.
On apotropaic magic I recently read ‘Some Science Adventures with Real Magic’ by William Tiller. He particularly describes experiments in which psychics were able to focus on a physical object and change its properties in measurable ways. For example the acidity (pH) of water was changed significantly. He also found that it was possible to imbibe an object with intention and then place the object near the material that is to be changed … and it worked! These experiments challenge mainstream science so tend to be ignored by many but to my mind they demonstrate that there is real magic at play in our world. The challenge is to understand it!
Sorry to hear that the pandemic has had such a negative impact Pat. It is writers like you who provide the sunshine that helps the rest of us cope. I can only suggest trying mindfulness meditation to focus the mind … it works for some.
On apotropaic magic I recently read ‘Some Science Adventures with Real Magic’ by William Tiller. He particularly describes experiments in which psychics were able to focus on a physical object and change its properties in measurable ways. For example the acidity (pH) of water was changed significantly. He also found that it was possible to imbibe an object with intention and then place the object near the material that is to be changed … and it worked! These experiments challenge mainstream science so tend to be ignored by many but to my mind they demonstrate that there is real magic at play in our world. The challenge is to understand it!
Sorry to hear that the pandemic has had such a negative impact Pat. It is writers like you who provide the sunshine that helps the rest of us cope. I can only suggest trying mindfulness meditation to focus the mind … it works for some.
On apotropaic magic I recently read ‘Some Science Adventures with Real Magic’ by William Tiller. He particularly describes experiments in which psychics were able to focus on a physical object and change its properties in measurable ways. For example the acidity (pH) of water was changed significantly. He also found that it was possible to imbibe an object with intention and then place the object near the material that is to be changed … and it worked! These experiments challenge mainstream science so tend to be ignored by many but to my mind they demonstrate that there is real magic at play in our world. The challenge is to understand it!
Sorry to hear that the pandemic has had such a negative impact Pat. It is writers like you who provide the sunshine that helps the rest of us cope. I can only suggest trying mindfulness meditation to focus the mind … it works for some.
On apotropaic magic I recently read ‘Some Science Adventures with Real Magic’ by William Tiller. He particularly describes experiments in which psychics were able to focus on a physical object and change its properties in measurable ways. For example the acidity (pH) of water was changed significantly. He also found that it was possible to imbibe an object with intention and then place the object near the material that is to be changed … and it worked! These experiments challenge mainstream science so tend to be ignored by many but to my mind they demonstrate that there is real magic at play in our world. The challenge is to understand it!
Found myself nodding all the way through this wonderful browse among pandemic frustrations and then seeing you find the path to recovery. Very heartening, and thanks, Pat!
Cheers to all,
Faith
Found myself nodding all the way through this wonderful browse among pandemic frustrations and then seeing you find the path to recovery. Very heartening, and thanks, Pat!
Cheers to all,
Faith
Found myself nodding all the way through this wonderful browse among pandemic frustrations and then seeing you find the path to recovery. Very heartening, and thanks, Pat!
Cheers to all,
Faith
Found myself nodding all the way through this wonderful browse among pandemic frustrations and then seeing you find the path to recovery. Very heartening, and thanks, Pat!
Cheers to all,
Faith
Found myself nodding all the way through this wonderful browse among pandemic frustrations and then seeing you find the path to recovery. Very heartening, and thanks, Pat!
Cheers to all,
Faith
Oh I love that, especially since I tend to knock on the block of wood that’s my head.
Oh I love that, especially since I tend to knock on the block of wood that’s my head.
Oh I love that, especially since I tend to knock on the block of wood that’s my head.
Oh I love that, especially since I tend to knock on the block of wood that’s my head.
Oh I love that, especially since I tend to knock on the block of wood that’s my head.
or a pedantic nature!
or a pedantic nature!
or a pedantic nature!
or a pedantic nature!
or a pedantic nature!
the bottle trees always fascinated me. At one point, they were blue milk of magnesia bottles. I think these days, it just tends to be fun.
the bottle trees always fascinated me. At one point, they were blue milk of magnesia bottles. I think these days, it just tends to be fun.
the bottle trees always fascinated me. At one point, they were blue milk of magnesia bottles. I think these days, it just tends to be fun.
the bottle trees always fascinated me. At one point, they were blue milk of magnesia bottles. I think these days, it just tends to be fun.
the bottle trees always fascinated me. At one point, they were blue milk of magnesia bottles. I think these days, it just tends to be fun.
I should look into the sign of the cross. I know what it means to the church, but is this another instance when they borrowed from the pagans and gave the sign a Christian meaning? I’ve not heard of pressing thumbs for luck, but I prefer the wards for good than the ones against evil. And yeah, we cross our fingers behind our back when we lie, too. Apparently there is powerful magic in fingers!
I should look into the sign of the cross. I know what it means to the church, but is this another instance when they borrowed from the pagans and gave the sign a Christian meaning? I’ve not heard of pressing thumbs for luck, but I prefer the wards for good than the ones against evil. And yeah, we cross our fingers behind our back when we lie, too. Apparently there is powerful magic in fingers!
I should look into the sign of the cross. I know what it means to the church, but is this another instance when they borrowed from the pagans and gave the sign a Christian meaning? I’ve not heard of pressing thumbs for luck, but I prefer the wards for good than the ones against evil. And yeah, we cross our fingers behind our back when we lie, too. Apparently there is powerful magic in fingers!
I should look into the sign of the cross. I know what it means to the church, but is this another instance when they borrowed from the pagans and gave the sign a Christian meaning? I’ve not heard of pressing thumbs for luck, but I prefer the wards for good than the ones against evil. And yeah, we cross our fingers behind our back when we lie, too. Apparently there is powerful magic in fingers!
I should look into the sign of the cross. I know what it means to the church, but is this another instance when they borrowed from the pagans and gave the sign a Christian meaning? I’ve not heard of pressing thumbs for luck, but I prefer the wards for good than the ones against evil. And yeah, we cross our fingers behind our back when we lie, too. Apparently there is powerful magic in fingers!
Wow, Binnie, I always knew you were special but it sound as if you have a Finder’s magic!
Wow, Binnie, I always knew you were special but it sound as if you have a Finder’s magic!
Wow, Binnie, I always knew you were special but it sound as if you have a Finder’s magic!
Wow, Binnie, I always knew you were special but it sound as if you have a Finder’s magic!
Wow, Binnie, I always knew you were special but it sound as if you have a Finder’s magic!
I think my gardening operates much the same as meditation, but after a year of this…it’s just hard.
And as you know, I write the magic books because I do believe the world possesses energies that science isn’t ready to accept. And when they get into Quantum theory… we get quite lost.
I think my gardening operates much the same as meditation, but after a year of this…it’s just hard.
And as you know, I write the magic books because I do believe the world possesses energies that science isn’t ready to accept. And when they get into Quantum theory… we get quite lost.
I think my gardening operates much the same as meditation, but after a year of this…it’s just hard.
And as you know, I write the magic books because I do believe the world possesses energies that science isn’t ready to accept. And when they get into Quantum theory… we get quite lost.
I think my gardening operates much the same as meditation, but after a year of this…it’s just hard.
And as you know, I write the magic books because I do believe the world possesses energies that science isn’t ready to accept. And when they get into Quantum theory… we get quite lost.
I think my gardening operates much the same as meditation, but after a year of this…it’s just hard.
And as you know, I write the magic books because I do believe the world possesses energies that science isn’t ready to accept. And when they get into Quantum theory… we get quite lost.
Keep smiling and take care!
Keep smiling and take care!
Keep smiling and take care!
Keep smiling and take care!
Keep smiling and take care!
LOVE that bit about the dryads in wood. But all the rest is fascinating, too. Thanks, Patricia and everyone who’s added to it. My husband and I lived in Greece when our first-born was a baby. A neighbor heard I would be flying home and immediately went out and got a charm with the “evil eye” to pin to my daughter’s clothes. After we traveled safely (!) I was loathe to break the spell. I took to sticking charms in all my kids’ backpacks, etc., as they grew, and each of their current residences has one, thanks to my conversion!
LOVE that bit about the dryads in wood. But all the rest is fascinating, too. Thanks, Patricia and everyone who’s added to it. My husband and I lived in Greece when our first-born was a baby. A neighbor heard I would be flying home and immediately went out and got a charm with the “evil eye” to pin to my daughter’s clothes. After we traveled safely (!) I was loathe to break the spell. I took to sticking charms in all my kids’ backpacks, etc., as they grew, and each of their current residences has one, thanks to my conversion!
LOVE that bit about the dryads in wood. But all the rest is fascinating, too. Thanks, Patricia and everyone who’s added to it. My husband and I lived in Greece when our first-born was a baby. A neighbor heard I would be flying home and immediately went out and got a charm with the “evil eye” to pin to my daughter’s clothes. After we traveled safely (!) I was loathe to break the spell. I took to sticking charms in all my kids’ backpacks, etc., as they grew, and each of their current residences has one, thanks to my conversion!
LOVE that bit about the dryads in wood. But all the rest is fascinating, too. Thanks, Patricia and everyone who’s added to it. My husband and I lived in Greece when our first-born was a baby. A neighbor heard I would be flying home and immediately went out and got a charm with the “evil eye” to pin to my daughter’s clothes. After we traveled safely (!) I was loathe to break the spell. I took to sticking charms in all my kids’ backpacks, etc., as they grew, and each of their current residences has one, thanks to my conversion!
LOVE that bit about the dryads in wood. But all the rest is fascinating, too. Thanks, Patricia and everyone who’s added to it. My husband and I lived in Greece when our first-born was a baby. A neighbor heard I would be flying home and immediately went out and got a charm with the “evil eye” to pin to my daughter’s clothes. After we traveled safely (!) I was loathe to break the spell. I took to sticking charms in all my kids’ backpacks, etc., as they grew, and each of their current residences has one, thanks to my conversion!
I always thought it was “ see a PENNY, pick it up and all the day you have good luck”. 😊
I always thought it was “ see a PENNY, pick it up and all the day you have good luck”. 😊
I always thought it was “ see a PENNY, pick it up and all the day you have good luck”. 😊
I always thought it was “ see a PENNY, pick it up and all the day you have good luck”. 😊
I always thought it was “ see a PENNY, pick it up and all the day you have good luck”. 😊
Then we made up – “If it’s tails, give to a friend so your luck won’t end. “
Then we made up – “If it’s tails, give to a friend so your luck won’t end. “
Then we made up – “If it’s tails, give to a friend so your luck won’t end. “
Then we made up – “If it’s tails, give to a friend so your luck won’t end. “
Then we made up – “If it’s tails, give to a friend so your luck won’t end. “
OK, where do I find charms? And does an evil eye charm bring luck or an evil eye?
I knock on wood. I would not walk under a ladder, ’cause I reckon it would fall on me.
I do not win things. I could buy 99 lottery tickets out of a hundred, and someone else buys 1,it would be a guarantee they would win.
But, I am healthy and my children and grandchildren are all healthy. Here in Texas when 2 million have been without power, I have had electricity all along. That is a big deal when the temps go down to near zero. We are in a terrible condition here in Texas, and I am OK, that is magic.
I have been fascinated to read about all the magic. And I believe as has already been said…there is magic everywhere, we simply need to see it.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
That is especially important right now.
OK, where do I find charms? And does an evil eye charm bring luck or an evil eye?
I knock on wood. I would not walk under a ladder, ’cause I reckon it would fall on me.
I do not win things. I could buy 99 lottery tickets out of a hundred, and someone else buys 1,it would be a guarantee they would win.
But, I am healthy and my children and grandchildren are all healthy. Here in Texas when 2 million have been without power, I have had electricity all along. That is a big deal when the temps go down to near zero. We are in a terrible condition here in Texas, and I am OK, that is magic.
I have been fascinated to read about all the magic. And I believe as has already been said…there is magic everywhere, we simply need to see it.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
That is especially important right now.
OK, where do I find charms? And does an evil eye charm bring luck or an evil eye?
I knock on wood. I would not walk under a ladder, ’cause I reckon it would fall on me.
I do not win things. I could buy 99 lottery tickets out of a hundred, and someone else buys 1,it would be a guarantee they would win.
But, I am healthy and my children and grandchildren are all healthy. Here in Texas when 2 million have been without power, I have had electricity all along. That is a big deal when the temps go down to near zero. We are in a terrible condition here in Texas, and I am OK, that is magic.
I have been fascinated to read about all the magic. And I believe as has already been said…there is magic everywhere, we simply need to see it.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
That is especially important right now.
OK, where do I find charms? And does an evil eye charm bring luck or an evil eye?
I knock on wood. I would not walk under a ladder, ’cause I reckon it would fall on me.
I do not win things. I could buy 99 lottery tickets out of a hundred, and someone else buys 1,it would be a guarantee they would win.
But, I am healthy and my children and grandchildren are all healthy. Here in Texas when 2 million have been without power, I have had electricity all along. That is a big deal when the temps go down to near zero. We are in a terrible condition here in Texas, and I am OK, that is magic.
I have been fascinated to read about all the magic. And I believe as has already been said…there is magic everywhere, we simply need to see it.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
That is especially important right now.
OK, where do I find charms? And does an evil eye charm bring luck or an evil eye?
I knock on wood. I would not walk under a ladder, ’cause I reckon it would fall on me.
I do not win things. I could buy 99 lottery tickets out of a hundred, and someone else buys 1,it would be a guarantee they would win.
But, I am healthy and my children and grandchildren are all healthy. Here in Texas when 2 million have been without power, I have had electricity all along. That is a big deal when the temps go down to near zero. We are in a terrible condition here in Texas, and I am OK, that is magic.
I have been fascinated to read about all the magic. And I believe as has already been said…there is magic everywhere, we simply need to see it.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
That is especially important right now.
yes, I’ve heard the penny, good luck part. I like the tails addition.
yes, I’ve heard the penny, good luck part. I like the tails addition.
yes, I’ve heard the penny, good luck part. I like the tails addition.
yes, I’ve heard the penny, good luck part. I like the tails addition.
yes, I’ve heard the penny, good luck part. I like the tails addition.
yes, that’s where I picked up my evil eye! Glad to know it works.
yes, that’s where I picked up my evil eye! Glad to know it works.
yes, that’s where I picked up my evil eye! Glad to know it works.
yes, that’s where I picked up my evil eye! Glad to know it works.
yes, that’s where I picked up my evil eye! Glad to know it works.
I am so glad to hear you’re weathering this storm while safe and warm! It’s an awful time to be without electricity.
I think the evil eye is meant to chase off bad luck. We got ours in Greece. Not sure where they can be bought here but sounds like Texas may need a few!
I am so glad to hear you’re weathering this storm while safe and warm! It’s an awful time to be without electricity.
I think the evil eye is meant to chase off bad luck. We got ours in Greece. Not sure where they can be bought here but sounds like Texas may need a few!
I am so glad to hear you’re weathering this storm while safe and warm! It’s an awful time to be without electricity.
I think the evil eye is meant to chase off bad luck. We got ours in Greece. Not sure where they can be bought here but sounds like Texas may need a few!
I am so glad to hear you’re weathering this storm while safe and warm! It’s an awful time to be without electricity.
I think the evil eye is meant to chase off bad luck. We got ours in Greece. Not sure where they can be bought here but sounds like Texas may need a few!
I am so glad to hear you’re weathering this storm while safe and warm! It’s an awful time to be without electricity.
I think the evil eye is meant to chase off bad luck. We got ours in Greece. Not sure where they can be bought here but sounds like Texas may need a few!
I guess saying “Gesundheit” or “Bless You” when somebody sneezes is also a form of apotropaic magic? And I think this is mostly a Jewish custom, but whenever you talk about something bad that might happen, it has to be prefaced by “God forbid”. Even Jewish atheists do this.
I don’t pay attention to the usual stuff like black cats and throwing salt, but I do have some lucky objects, like amulets that I hang from my rearview mirror, and a lucky pair of socks that I reserve for special occasions.
I guess saying “Gesundheit” or “Bless You” when somebody sneezes is also a form of apotropaic magic? And I think this is mostly a Jewish custom, but whenever you talk about something bad that might happen, it has to be prefaced by “God forbid”. Even Jewish atheists do this.
I don’t pay attention to the usual stuff like black cats and throwing salt, but I do have some lucky objects, like amulets that I hang from my rearview mirror, and a lucky pair of socks that I reserve for special occasions.
I guess saying “Gesundheit” or “Bless You” when somebody sneezes is also a form of apotropaic magic? And I think this is mostly a Jewish custom, but whenever you talk about something bad that might happen, it has to be prefaced by “God forbid”. Even Jewish atheists do this.
I don’t pay attention to the usual stuff like black cats and throwing salt, but I do have some lucky objects, like amulets that I hang from my rearview mirror, and a lucky pair of socks that I reserve for special occasions.
I guess saying “Gesundheit” or “Bless You” when somebody sneezes is also a form of apotropaic magic? And I think this is mostly a Jewish custom, but whenever you talk about something bad that might happen, it has to be prefaced by “God forbid”. Even Jewish atheists do this.
I don’t pay attention to the usual stuff like black cats and throwing salt, but I do have some lucky objects, like amulets that I hang from my rearview mirror, and a lucky pair of socks that I reserve for special occasions.
I guess saying “Gesundheit” or “Bless You” when somebody sneezes is also a form of apotropaic magic? And I think this is mostly a Jewish custom, but whenever you talk about something bad that might happen, it has to be prefaced by “God forbid”. Even Jewish atheists do this.
I don’t pay attention to the usual stuff like black cats and throwing salt, but I do have some lucky objects, like amulets that I hang from my rearview mirror, and a lucky pair of socks that I reserve for special occasions.
Yes, I heard the penny version (why I mentioned my grandson’s luck in finding “real” money. But it began with pins. And that is a helpful reminder of how things change. When the expressions were first coined, pins were expensive! Worth more than pennies are today.
A Mercedes Lackey story about a girl learned to be a bard, mentions that on her street corner she is often paid with pins thrown into the hat. After she straightens then she can barter the pins for food.
Historical details are fun to remember; they also throw a different light on things.
Yes, I heard the penny version (why I mentioned my grandson’s luck in finding “real” money. But it began with pins. And that is a helpful reminder of how things change. When the expressions were first coined, pins were expensive! Worth more than pennies are today.
A Mercedes Lackey story about a girl learned to be a bard, mentions that on her street corner she is often paid with pins thrown into the hat. After she straightens then she can barter the pins for food.
Historical details are fun to remember; they also throw a different light on things.
Yes, I heard the penny version (why I mentioned my grandson’s luck in finding “real” money. But it began with pins. And that is a helpful reminder of how things change. When the expressions were first coined, pins were expensive! Worth more than pennies are today.
A Mercedes Lackey story about a girl learned to be a bard, mentions that on her street corner she is often paid with pins thrown into the hat. After she straightens then she can barter the pins for food.
Historical details are fun to remember; they also throw a different light on things.
Yes, I heard the penny version (why I mentioned my grandson’s luck in finding “real” money. But it began with pins. And that is a helpful reminder of how things change. When the expressions were first coined, pins were expensive! Worth more than pennies are today.
A Mercedes Lackey story about a girl learned to be a bard, mentions that on her street corner she is often paid with pins thrown into the hat. After she straightens then she can barter the pins for food.
Historical details are fun to remember; they also throw a different light on things.
Yes, I heard the penny version (why I mentioned my grandson’s luck in finding “real” money. But it began with pins. And that is a helpful reminder of how things change. When the expressions were first coined, pins were expensive! Worth more than pennies are today.
A Mercedes Lackey story about a girl learned to be a bard, mentions that on her street corner she is often paid with pins thrown into the hat. After she straightens then she can barter the pins for food.
Historical details are fun to remember; they also throw a different light on things.
Yes, I think Id put those catch phrases under the magic umbrella as well. Youre wishing away the evil! I can remember when people carried a rabbits foot for good luck, until everyone realized it wasnt very good luck for the poor rabbits!
Yes, I think Id put those catch phrases under the magic umbrella as well. Youre wishing away the evil! I can remember when people carried a rabbits foot for good luck, until everyone realized it wasnt very good luck for the poor rabbits!
Yes, I think Id put those catch phrases under the magic umbrella as well. Youre wishing away the evil! I can remember when people carried a rabbits foot for good luck, until everyone realized it wasnt very good luck for the poor rabbits!
Yes, I think Id put those catch phrases under the magic umbrella as well. Youre wishing away the evil! I can remember when people carried a rabbits foot for good luck, until everyone realized it wasnt very good luck for the poor rabbits!
Yes, I think Id put those catch phrases under the magic umbrella as well. Youre wishing away the evil! I can remember when people carried a rabbits foot for good luck, until everyone realized it wasnt very good luck for the poor rabbits!
I do love the connections to history and that you can recall all these details. Id forgotten that about the pins!
I do love the connections to history and that you can recall all these details. Id forgotten that about the pins!
I do love the connections to history and that you can recall all these details. Id forgotten that about the pins!
I do love the connections to history and that you can recall all these details. Id forgotten that about the pins!
I do love the connections to history and that you can recall all these details. Id forgotten that about the pins!
Pat, all I need is your name on the cover and I’m sold! Looking forward to reading this contemporary mystery. Sounds like a lot of fun
Pat, all I need is your name on the cover and I’m sold! Looking forward to reading this contemporary mystery. Sounds like a lot of fun
Pat, all I need is your name on the cover and I’m sold! Looking forward to reading this contemporary mystery. Sounds like a lot of fun
Pat, all I need is your name on the cover and I’m sold! Looking forward to reading this contemporary mystery. Sounds like a lot of fun
Pat, all I need is your name on the cover and I’m sold! Looking forward to reading this contemporary mystery. Sounds like a lot of fun
argh, I may lose all my readers should I dare to publish… G
argh, I may lose all my readers should I dare to publish… G
argh, I may lose all my readers should I dare to publish… G
argh, I may lose all my readers should I dare to publish… G
argh, I may lose all my readers should I dare to publish… G