⛥September Q&A⛥ (Patreon)

It's a warm day in September. Something that virtually wouldn't happen in Germany, but here in Missouri, summer is struggling to let go. The other day I had my first pumpkin spice latte. It was from Scooters, imho the best pumpkin spice flavor. And now I'm excited for pumpkin season and all the delicious treats that come with it. But more than anything I'm excited for the beautiful photos and videos I will be taking. It makes me a little nervous because now that this is my job, I feel pressure to succeed. And whenever I'm about to start a project that pushes the limits of my capabilities, which is all my projects, I get so nervous and worry that I won't be able to accomplish anything good. But I'm slowly becoming more comfortable with filming videos in general, despite the fact that I am terrified of being seen. I figured that out after I got triggered the other day and realized this is why I get anxiety attacks every time I go live or go outside. And yet the lifestyle I'm building involves going outside almost daily. That's where nature is and all the beautiful things I want to share with the world. I don't want to be held back by my fear. I don't want the painful, hurtful things I went through to stop me living the life of my dreams. In some way, I wish that feeling didn't exist. But I can't deny it. I know I'm not going to give in and just never face anybody ever again. But what will the difference be? Knowing this is the way I feel and feeling it so close to the surface and still going forward with all the things that scare me? What will the difference be between that and shutting it down until I just don't feel it anymore to do all these things? From here it seems as though the outcome would be the same. But we will see.

For today, I'm going to answer your questions and see about working on the next easiest thing.

Have you read strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? No.

Does Jack like to read? Yes.

Do you like roasted chestnuts? I've never had a roasted chestnut. I know it's a very common wintertime treat in Europe but I've never got around to trying it. I actually tried making some myself but the chestnuts I bought at the store didn't last very long before growing mold so I gave up.

Do you have any favorite chicken dishes? I must admit I don't like the flavor of chicken at all but I'm fond of any dish that can make chicken taste like not chicken. This month we had general tso's chicken and bourbon chicken from our favorite Chinese restaurant and both were absolutely delicious. Also rotisserie chicken is great with the spiced, crispy skin.

Have you read Pride and Prejudice? No.

Do you like martial arts or any action movies in particular? John Wick was pretty great.

Do you like watching sunsets? Sometimes. I like anything that causes my mind to slip into a romantic daydream, that allows me to feel like life is good even just for a short moment. Sunsets, the smell of autumn air, the warmth of a summer night, fields of wild flowers, moonlight on my skin, natural bodies of water, music that resonates with my soul... It's funny how romanticism is shunned and demonized in this day and age because if you take that away from me, you take away the thing that makes me tolerate life. I can't imagine I'm the only one who feels this way. How come only the painful and ugly aspects of life are seen as valid and realistic? Why can't dreams and magic be just as valid and real? Why can't beauty and poetry be just as important and serious? How come the things that make us want to be alive are treated as nothing more than childish concepts with no merit in themselves? It makes society cold and sick and soulless.

Do you like baked apples? Yes.

How many crystals do you have in your possession? Hundreds, I'm sure. Everywhere you look in my house, you will find multiple crystals and rocks and minerals. Their energies make a huge difference. Protective energy, joyful energy, focused energy, dreamy energy, cleansing energy, relaxing energy, invigorating energy, healing energy... a crystal for every occasion.

Do you have any favorite fish dishes? Sushi.

Do you like to wear hats? Hats are the perfect companion for a bad hair day. I like the idea of hats - my head is very small and as a result, the slightest breeze knocks them right off. But I enjoy the class and style they add to any witchy outfit.

Do you like waffles and pancakes? Yes omg I'm so hungry

Which spices do you usually use during cooking? My most used spices tend to be salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. After that, paprika, nutmeg, mace and chili pepper. Cumin is another hard favorite, but just doesn't get used as much. I discovered mace as a spice after moving here. It's very fragrant and unique, reminiscent of nutmeg with a peppery chili spice kick.

Do you like Spiders? Spiders are friends. I respect them, even appreciate their existence, but I'm not dying to adopt a pet tarantula or anything. I have little fascination for the creatures.

Do you have any favorite birds? Crows and ravens - they don't take shit from nobody lmao. I'm not a bird person so I don't have any strong feelings, just casual opinions. I like the attitudes of crows and ravens because they're so unapologetic. I also think parrots are possessive assholes and I prefer to be around birds that don't make a ton of noise given my career choice.

Do you find gardening therapeutic? I find gardening to be very fulfilling. I raised a sage plant from seed this year and it's thriving. I love the flavorful and magical addition to my cooking. Now I'm working on purple basil and arugula - hopefully they will become big lush herbs come spring.

Do you prefer to hike in forests, mountains or both? It depends on the place. Here in Missouri we have forests galore and I've only ever hiked in mountains twice and only one time was enjoyable as I didn't freeze to death and was able to meet my needs on the trip. The other mountain adventure wasn't so comfortable as it consisted of me trying to keep up with a bunch of my mom's acquaintances in the freezing cold with 0 of my needs met. I don't think it'll ever get this bad again as my permanent companion now likes to be prepared and comfortable, just like me. So I'd be down for hiking trips in mountains again, especially if there are beautiful streams and waterfalls and plants and scenery to shoot. Photography isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle! But I still prefer the protection and shelter the woods provide and I love exploring all the little paths and hidden corners of the nearby national forests.

Do you like crime fiction? We're still binge watching The Blacklist every night so I think yes.

What's your favorite stone? Smoky quartz. It has been the crystal I've been most drawn to since I learned about crystals. Something about smoky is so gentle yet powerful, focused without being aggressive, grounded and spiritual at the same time. It just speaks to my soul.

Are you good at archery? Not particularly. But it's fun.

Have you ever made your own candy? Define candy. I have been making chocolate truffles for a few months now. For October I'm working on a pumpkin spice salted caramel pecan flavor. September was cappuccino flavor and Jack just devoured the last few the other day. I also made cashew fudge. I'm a little salty that all these weird diet blogs (keto, vegan, paleo, what have you) keep saying it tastes like salted caramel fudge - but healthy! No, Sarah, it doesn't. It tastes like cashews. It's an ok snack and my body likes the healthy fats, but it is no fudge. Your "healthy" versions are not fooling anyone who has consumed regular food in the last 20 years.

Are you two doing alright after Hurricane Ida passed through? It seems to have affected some parts of your state as well. We're fine, we got nothing more than some strong winds. Which made me want to go out cause it was raining and blowing.

Do you like sourdough bread? Yes, it's one of my favorites. I got a sourdough loaf from the farmers market once and man, it made for the best grilled cheese I've ever had. The bread was so airy and fluffy yet a little chewy and fried in butter it made the outside so crispy and delicious while still being light and easy to eat. With some cheddar and colby jack it was nothing short of ambrosia. I'd like to get it more frequently but it was $6.

That was all for today, thank you for posting your questions. The next post will be available at the start of October and I'm sure it'll be just as much fun to answer. I'm so hungry now after answering a bunch of food questions. I hope you're eating well and sleeping well and doing things that bring you joy. See you soon with more content