I am so there! It is scheduled to open in 2009. Who is coming with me? Official website now open: Universal Studies Harry Potter theme park to open in 2009. Mugglenet.com has a write up about it.
I am very very very excited and I’m starting save up NOW! This would be the dream family vacation of a life time for us. I think I will shoot for going in 2010, by then everything should finished.
Magically yours, Lady Rose
Solitary Birthday Rite – Attracting Blessings and Releasing Habits (free ritual from New Moon occult shop)
Meant to attract “positive energies, love, light and prosperity”, to help “shed bad habits.” and attract other blessings.
Done as a solitary rite.
Simple ingredients for the most part, but calls for both a “good luck oil” and a “banishing” oil which you can prepare yourself, purchase at a local store or simply “make do” without.
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
Wander the Web Wednesday-Bunny Theater-Potter Puppet Pals-American Rhetoric
The idea is to highlight 3 to 5 links that you feel would be new to other readers. They can be daily reads, or personal favorites. They may even just be something fun or freaky or just plain fascinating that you wandered into recently. They can all be about one theme or all different.
If you want to “play along” make a list on your site and link to it in the comments. Of course I’d appreciate a link back. You may use the graphic above, (do not hotlink), simply save it to your own computer.
Lady Rose at Hogwarts
The 2 Witches and their Families at Hogwarts
Harry Potter Birthday Party Details – I am putting together all the information for the party so you can plan your own awesome celebration. (Details will be added over the next several days so be sure to check back often.)
There are over 300 digital photos so I just made a quick selection of about 40ish and put them on photobucket so everyone can get a quick idea of what the party was like. I also have a few disposable cameras I need to get developed – if there is anything really outstanding on those pics I will get them scanned.
It is going to take awhile to organize all of it – but for now here is a brief glimpse – PHOTOS HERE.
See also Mama Kelly’s party review post and Lady Roses’ party review post.
More to come in the not to distant future, Lady Rose
Lady Rose’s Harry Potter Party Review – Thank you Mama Kelly for posting a review last night (I was way too tired). Update – first batch of photos posted.
We are all happy and exhausted. The day was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better. Everyone of the adults who helped out went above and beyond the call of duty and the party was a huge success. A few minor bumps (as to be expected) did occur – but nothing dampened the Hogwarts spirit in the room. And most importantly Angelgirl had the time of her life at her 11th birthday party (and even had energy left over to open her gifts when we got home while mom and dad collapsed on the couch).
The fact that we had 22 kids in one room for 6 hours and they were smiling, laughing and behaving is a true indication of the success.
The logisitcs of getting all the handouts and projects out to the 22 kids for the nine classes was a bit overwhelming – but the four house mothers and two or three impromptu assistants made everything run smoothly.
One the fun surprises we did was having a BIG magic basket (covered of course) with lots Harry Potter items (small things like stickers, trading cards, bookmarks, penciles, etc.). At the end of each class a witch would call out three names and call them to the basket — the first three had no idea why they were being called to the head of the room. One by one they were brought to the basket and shown what it contained and allowed to pick out one prize. We told them it was a magic basket and no idea who or if any one else would be called forth. Everyone clapped for the winners and when the little chime sounded they all eagerly waited to see if their name would be called. (We of course knew each child would have a chance to peek under the hidden cover and get a prize.) The anticipation and surprise element were great.
Whenever there was a lag in the classes (getting handouts together or whatever) we made sure to allow the kids a bathroom break or to get snacks and drink. I think this really helped and kept the energy going too since no one was forced to sit still while classmates finished a project or whatever.
Another highlight for the kids was a chance to go outside. There was a big green side yard that we could use – Teacherman had the idea the day before to hide a snitch and let the kids all look for it. So after all the games to earn house points (we had four going) we got the kids outside for the hunt. We, of course, played it up that we had just received an owl from Hogwarts with a note saying that a snitch had gone missing and we think it landed near here (and of course we can’t let muggles find it!).
The student who found it earned 10 points for their house and got to keep the snitch too.
The timing went surprisingly smooth (it was hard to be sure how it would turn out with all the various things going on) - the feast was relaxing with plenty of time to eat, give out the house cup trophies (necklaces with a small gold trophy cup) to the winning house and the drawings for the Daily Prophet door prizes. And after the cake there was even about 30 to 40 minutes of time for the kids to play and run around, get any last minute face painting or tattoos, check out the musuem and other decorative details, etc. - which they did with giggles and laughters, running and playing with more energy then I could muster even on a good day let alone after 5.5 hours of partying already. As parents arrived, shouts would ring out MUGGLE ALERT, I would greet the parent and if they had a sibling along took them on a quick tour of Diagon Alley and gave them a few treats to take home too (I had a few things left over purposely to share with them – like extra wizard cakes and pumpkin cakes, big unicorn horn lollipops, pinwheels, etc.). I love watching the way their eyes light up, and that way they don’t feel totally left out of the fun.
There are many, many more wonderful highlights and memories. I’ll be sure to fill you all in with more over the next few days, as well as the pictures to get posted. Hopefully the pictures will be online soon (my sister has the digital camera and promised to send them to me today). It will take us a little longer to figure out how to get a video online – but we will try to do it as soon as possible.
Today Angelgirl is going to be in a parade for the township (she is on her school’s twirling team). After that we are all heading over to clean up the firehouse. Though it’s mostly just packing up the breakable items and then getting the boxes to the car - a lot less boxes now then what was carried over – since a ton of stuff went home with our guests. Our friends and family helped out already last night by getting all the posters, blown up 5 ft wands, etc. down and even cleared all the tables that were used for the feast and class.
Over the next week or two, I will get the recipes and other info. better organzed and posted HERE, so keep checking to view the added updates. But if there is anything you want to know please let me know – I would be happy to help with ideas if you are planning a Harry Potter party.
Wishing everyone a magical, wonderful day, Lady Rose (the very tired, content, Assistant to the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts)
UPDATES: Harry Potter Birthday Party - all the information and details for the party so you can plan your own awesome celebration.
According to Roget’s Thesauraus, a melee is anything from a fight or a brawl (or hmm.. a fracas) to a list of odds and ends, a potpourri or assortment of something, a mixture, a variety… even a salad.
So each Monday, I and those participating, will use the following and appropriately assorted prompts, to create a post of interest.
1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.
The way so many find it so easy to make judgements about someone based on nothing more than what they may do for a living.
2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.
The National Do Not Call Registry. While it “stops” telemarketers it conveniently does not apply to charities, telephone surveyors, or ….. you guessed it ….. political organizations.
If the whole point of the DNC registry was to keep sacred the family phone why not allow someone to avoid these calls as well which are just as disruptive.
Additionally any fines collected if a company calls someone on the DNC list do not go to “the injured party” but go to the government.
3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.
My job. I stay because it allows me the flexible hours I need to manage going to school AND going to work AND taking care of hearth and home AND being around for my kids. I stay because my hourly rate is better than most hourly wage jobs in my area that would allow me similar flexibility. I stay because it is close to my home.
But with every day that goes by I hate it more and more. It is mind-numbing and soul-sucking. If that isn’t motivation to stick with it and get my degree I don’t know what is.
4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.
Lady Rose! Who threw the biggest, the baddest, the bestest Harry Potter Birthday Party ever. And she did it while working full-time and losing 80 lbs.!!!
She amazes me!
5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.
Well in a year I’ve lost 20 lbs. I wish it were more. But I am proud that I have lost, and kept off, SOME of the weight I need to lose. Granted I fall off the wagon and regain a couple of pounds but I have been able to stop myself and get back to where I started. Its not perfect but its better than I have been in a while.
I still have at least 60 or 70 lbs to go before I will be close to my “ideal weight”.
6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.
To wake up tomorrow full of energy and willpower so that I can get back on track with a healthy eating plan and start losing the rest of the weight I need to lose.
I have 2 events coming up in the fall that I wish were motivating me more. In September I will spend 10 weeks spending 1 day a week in the classroom, doing formal observation. In October I have my 20th high school reunion to go to. If I stick to my guns and, dare I say it, even get some regular exercize, it is possible for me to lose 30-40 lbs in time for those dates. I still won’t be at my ideal weight but I will be more in the category of overweight as opposed to obese.
Unfortunately I still find it all too easy to medicate with food. I have been off of all my mood-altering medications for about 9 months now and food it all too easy to use in its place.
Blessings
Mama Kelly
Awesome Birthday Festivities – I do not have the energy to download photos from our camera tonight. I do not have the energy to grab a program and talk about every detail of the party.
But let me say that every child there (22 in all) had an apparently awesome time. They were all well behaved and attentive and took part in each and every activity that Lady Rose had planned.
Every single child ate beyond their fill. There was a buffet table of snacks, a well stocked bar with gillywater and butterbeer and various other items, as well as the feast itself. I did not see one child complain about anything even once.
There were enough helpers in the end, though it would’ve given Lady Rose a few less grey hairs if there had been no last-minute cancelations.
She planned and manifested a totally awesome party experience. Of course it took a year of planning and shopping, 3 days of cooking and set-up, and nearly 72 hours without sleep. I know that I could never compete with what she pulled off.
Most importantly the birthday girl seemed to have the most wonderful time. By the end of the day she was glowing!!!
I await Lady Rose’s ”official” party overview and we both look forward to uploading photos for your enjoyment. (update see also: Lady Rose’s post party review and First Photos of Harry Potter Party.)
A very tired “Head of House”
Mama Kelly
UPDATE: Harry Potter Birthday Party – Lady Rose is putting together all the information for the party so you can plan your own awesome celebration.
Read more about the Blog Your Blessings Meme.
Instead of posting my blessings … Today I am going to use this meme as a reminder to myself to simply be grateful. To remind myself to look for the little things each day that are right and good and turning a blind eye (when possible) to the things that are less than ideal.
That being said …. I found this prayer on Pagan author, Dianne Sylvan’s blog and then again on the World Prayers Prayer Wheel within a 3 hour period a few days ago. It seems to sum up well the attitude I wish I could better hold on to.
welcome morning – anne sexton
There is joy in all:
in the hair I brush each morning,
in the Cannon towel, newly washed,
that I rub my body with each morning,
in the chapel of eggs I cook
each morning,
in the outcry from the kettle
that heats my coffee
each morning,
in the spoon and the chair
that cry “hello there, Anne,”
each morning,
in the godhead of the table
that I set my silver, plate, cup upon
each morning.All this is God,
right here in my pea-green house
each morning
and I mean,
though often forget,
to give thanks,
to faint down by the kitchen table
in a prayer of rejoicing
as the holy birds at the kitchen window
peck into their marriage of seeds.So while I think of it,
let me paint a thank-you on my palm
for this God, this laughter of the morning,
lest it go unspoken.The joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard,
dies young.
Blessings
Mama Kelly
Under 11 hours to go before the guests arrive for the best ever Harry Potter Birthday Party.
It’s almost 2 a.m. and I can’t sleep — even though I’m exhausted. We spent another 12 hours setting up yesterday — but when we left it was so awesome I can’t even explain how cool the hall looks – the 15 posters (or more), the dozen 5 foot wands, lots of gold stars, the Hogwarts museum (table with all my collectibles on it – gryffindor sword, mirror of erised, etc.; Diagon Alley – lots of potion bottles, owls, robes and witches hats, magical books, a huge Honeydukes display, etc. Then with the music playing, the lights low, and the big light ball going it really “felt” magical.
I still have a page full of notes for last minute details – things that just can’t be done till morning (i.e. add water and measure out gel for soaking for a potions class, make the pumpkin juice punch, etc.)
I had a few snags of course yesterday. My brother had helped out on Fri. – he told everyone else in the family we were almost done and didn’t need any more help so no one bothered to show up all day Saturday! He had no clue! We still had about 12 huge boxes to move, the wands to get blown up, all the posters to hang, all the shop stores to decorate, all the nine class materials to organize, etc. etc. etc. My one sister called in the early evening thank goodness and she came over with her husband – at that point I could barely move, my feet were so sore, my legs ached — but with their help we got it all done. Hubby was just as tired, luckily he had his nephew with him to help with the big stuff. My best friend B. of course had been there most of the day – helping out with little things (she is in her 60s and I didn’t want to exhaust her!) and she made sure Angelgirl got something to eat and drink as needed. After all Angelgirl is the birthday star of this whole party so I wanted to be sure she didn’t get overloaded and stressed.
Another problem came up with my photographers — again hubby didn’t make it clear about what was needed today (like with the orignal bartenders I had (hubby’s friend and his wife), who weren’t planning on coming till 3 p.m., two hours after the party started!) – hubby had told me his nephew and his wife would do photos and video — but his nephew who stopped by to help out moving the big boxes etc. didn’t know — they have plans for later in the day today. So when he left yesterday and asked if I needed him today for the morning – I was almost in tears I was to tired to deal with it, but he said no problem that he and his wife would come help out with the photos and video for a few hours – and I have my sister who will also be doing pictures – so so hopefully she can handle the last two hours or so by herself.
My sister also said the cake would arrive around three p.m. and cost was $125.
Hubby checked the sodas behind the bar (suppose to be included in the rental fee) – not much worked and some were flat. So all we have is ginger ale, diet coke, and root beer. But at least we know NOW – so in the morning he will go out and get lots of bottles of soda.
I plan on arriving at the firehouse about 10 a.m. (bringing the costume and will change closer to 1 p.m. when guests arrive). I have lots of lists to make notes on about staff (who will do what jobs), and I want to walk through everything once or twice. I woke up now thinking uh oh — we need butter for the small ears of corn. So, I want to very certain I review one or two more times so I don’t forget anything. I still need to make the pumpkin punch and the potions (koolaide with flaked jello) – but overall the food is done and ready to be heated. Hubby is in charge of food and hopefully we will have 2 or 3 folks helping him in the kitchen.
It was totally awesome seeing the hall come alive last night — after a year of planning and picturing in my head, it is even better then I could have imagined.
As I end this I JUST remembered I have to add to my list — PICK UP BALLOONS — hubby took the mylar balloons to the shop yesterday so they could fill them and have them ready for pick up today. And I know I’ll forget if I don’t write it down — we have a 44 inch Hegwid, and a few other Harry Potter mylar balloons.
Well let me try to at least rest and maybe I’ll be lucky to get a little more sleep. I am so excited hehehe I keep practicing my welcome speech in my head and picturing how to teach the classes — I can’t wait to get all dressed up.
Have a wonderful, magic filled day! Lady Rose
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