A reading to start the week

I have decided to start each week with a single card reading, posting it here for you. This week's card is “The Messenger” and comes from “The Heart of Faerie Oracle” by Brian and Wendy Froud.

The message I am getting is “People do not value that which they get for free”. Ask yourself, is there something you are currently offering for free that you really ought to be charging for? Sometimes, our talent comes easily and thus we do not value it in the way we should. I was that way with my writing, offering to help people write this and that at no charge because I didn't feel right accepting payment. But I recently grew to value my talent and realized that there should be an equal energy exchange. Sometimes that involves money, other times it is another form of currency.

I did a “Wheel of the Year” reading in exchange for a beautiful handmade quilt. Both parties felt the exchange was equal and fair.

I did a bit of writing for a friend's business in exchange for a scone and a cup of tea while in Ireland.

With regard to the exchange of money for my services, I have yet to find anyone who takes issue with my fees and many who say I don't charge enough. So I am taking a look at that and making adjustments accordingly, including adding two packages to my freelance business that I will be launching soon.

This also applies to your career. The first step in asking for a raise or searching for a new job is to decide your salary. It's time to stop settling for “enough to get by” and start asking for a number that fairly represents what you bring to the table.

I offer private readings starting at $40. Options vary, from a three card “Past/Present/Future” reading to something more in-depth. You receive photos of the cards, as well as a detailed write-up. Please message me privately for details. Sidhe.Writes@gmail.com

Top 5 Reads For All Hallows Eve

Samhain.  All Hallows Eve.  Halloween.  A time when the veil between worlds is thin.  A time when you disguised yourself to blend in with the spirits who roamed the earth, in order to avoid being taken back with them.

For some reason, we love being scared.  We may deny it, but it's true.  Having said that, the level of fear that each of us can tolerate definitely varies and each of us has a limit.  Are you ready to test yours?

I was given this copy of "Bitten" at a booksellers event.  In an age of sparkly vampires, some will see this werewolf book and scoff, but I encourage you to give it a chance.  

It isn't easy being the only female werewolf.  But Elena has decided that it isn't going to stop her from having a "normal" life.  But when the Pack reaches out, she has to decide if she's going to embrace her true nature or turn her back on them for good.

I read this book in two sittings and immediately started recommending it to anyone who would stand still long enough to listen.  This is the first book in Kelley Armstrong's "Women of the Otherworld" series and a fantastic introduction to the world she has created.  

"Dark Inheritance" is extra frightening because it's entirely plausible.  It involves a group of scientists who are asked to conduct an experiment, raising bonobos chimps in their homes.  This story makes you think about how far people are willing to go in the name of science and whether or not we're willing (or even capable) of dealing with the consequences when the experiment moves in a direction we weren't expecting.

"The Dwelling" isn't a gore-filled, terrifying white knuckle ride.  It's worse.  Fabulously spooky, this is a ghost story in it's pure form.  The kind of tale you'd tell around a campfire.  I absolutely love this book and have re-read it five times.

While you go into the story knowing the basic premise (haunted house, people move in but they never move out, etc.) The intricate web woven by Susie Moloney soon pulls you in and refuses to let go.  Just when you think you know the whole story, you get to the last few pages and... POW!  

Next, "Comes the Blind Fury" by John Saul.  I could have easily had 5 John Saul titles on this list.  He's one of my favorite authors and a master of ghost stories.  My Mom was a member of the Doubleday Book Club when I was growing up and I still remember taking her hardcover copy of this book off the shelf and reading it in about three sittings. 

His stories are filled with beautiful old houses by the sea and characters who, while they seem quite "normal" to their neighbors, often have secrets-upon-secrets and hidden agendas.  John Saul's books kept me awake many nights, yet I can't stop myself.  Much like revisting old friends, I re-read them on a regular basis.

"Comes the Blind Fury" involves a little girl whose family moves to a big house on Paradise Point.  It seems like the ideal life, until she finds an old doll in her closet.  Then Amanda comes forward through the mists, whispering to her, promising to be her friend if she'll just do one thing for her...

The quote on the bottom of the cover says it all.  This book is REALLY scary.  Probably the scariest book in my library.  In fact, it is so scary, I haven't been able to read it a second time.  Yet, I can't bear to part with it because it's so well written.  

I could have easily made a Top 10 list, but I thought that may be a bit much.  Besides, I want to save something for next October.  So tell me, what is your favorite read for All Hallows Eve?

My Favorite Autumn Read

Autumn in Alberta is unpredictable.  You could be enjoying "sweater weather" or you could be treated to a foot of snow.  Either way, the chill tends to lead to cozy nights wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book.  So, without further adieu, I present my Favorite Autumn Read.    

"When Autumn Leaves" by Amy S Foster.

"In the picturesque Pacific Coast town of Avening, it's hard not to believe in magic. This is a town where the shoes in the windows always fit, where you can buy a love potion at the corner shop, and where local lore seamlessly mixes with the supernatural."

The story centres around Autumn, a local shopkeeper and member of the Jaen Sisterhood.  She has received word that the time has come for her to move on.  She has been charged with the task of choosing her successor.  But who among the women of the town will be up to the task?

I read this book in three sittings and loved it so much, I immediately bought a copy for a friend.  This book is a fixture on my "re-reads" shelf and I look forward to visiting Avening again very soon.

What is your favorite Autumn read?  Do you find you re-read books at a certain time of year?