Crystal Aura Gaze

Ocean Grove

In early July, I went on my annual family vacation to Ocean Grove, Jersey Shore. It’s always a very fun and relaxing time. We have a lot of traditions that we do each year, but there’s also something new every year, with businesses opening and shutting down. It’s always sad when your favorite spot closes down, but there’s always a new place opening up to look forward to — whether it’s a shop, restaurant, or bar.

This is the first year that my little nephew Marco was here with Scott and Mariel. And next year, will be another little one, my cousin’s Joe and Kristen’s recently newborn baby Dario. I’ve been going here every summer since I was a baby, memories of my older siblings and cousins who were still kids and I was just starting my school years, and now everyone is all grown up and we’ve got new generations coming in.

It always brings back a feeling of warmth and nostalgia to be at a place full of so many loved ones, those who can’t be here anymore. I can still feel Gram’s presence here, and of course my Mom. There were times of emptiness when I wished Mom could be here and then there were other times when it felt like she was right there with us.

Lunar Faire

The Lunar Faire is a festival that takes place during full moons and new moons, twice a year during the warmer months. They alternate locations in the north Jersey area. I saw that one was coming up and it was a drivable distance (1.5 hours… sometimes their locations are 2-3 hours from me, so I thought that wasn’t so bad.) I have only gone once, almost two years ago, with a couple of friends. I really wanted to go back — especially when I saw that the theme was tarot!

I ended up going alone — all by myself! I asked around but a lot of people couldn’t make it. It was on a Sunday night, which is understandable! But I wanted to go so badly that I decided I would just do it on my own. I really struggle with going to events alone because of my social anxiety. On once, I went to the movie theater alone, and even that was a little terrifying. I have never been to a concert alone, and one time I bought tickets for something but ended up not going because I was just too scared to go alone! But I’ve talked to so many people who do things alone and they say it’s awesome.

I’m so glad I went, even though I was extremely nervous! There are pros and cons to both sides, maybe I could’ve gotten more photos if I’d gone with friends (although I still got plenty), the cool thing was that I could do whatever I wanted and do it on my own time. Standing in line to enter the festival was a little awkward, but not as bad as I’d imagined, and once I got inside I’m sure that no one could even tell that I was there by myself.

I totally made the right choice to go because I had a ball! It was the full moon in Capricorn. When entering, they had you pull a random tarot card, and I got the sun — which is the most positive card! There was a cute setup where a professional could take your photo. I headed to the potion lab for butter beer (all potions are nonalcoholic!) and then had delicious four-cheese grilled cheese for dinner. Then, there was a witchcraft ceremony that I watched. There was also some live music. Of course, tons of booths where people were selling handmade goods, and I picked up a few things. Gotta support the local witches!

So, if you are ever too nervous to do something alone, but it’s what you really enjoy, then you should not let anyone stop you. It’s always fun to do stuff with friends but there’s a lot of freedom in going by yourself! In the future I plan to do more things alone and not feel like I have to depend on others to do what I love!

Happy birthday, Venus!

Venus turned 8-years old on July 23rd!

I can’t believe Venus is already middle-aged! She doesn’t look a day past four! Venus has a very youthful spirit, she is incredibly active and extremely vocal, she does not like to rest for too long.

In the past couple of years, Venus has been losing weight while Luna gained a lot. It’s quite stressful managing your cat’s weights when they both have different needs. Luna likes to eat her meals all in one sitting while Venus likes to graze and go back and forth throughout the day. I’m going to try feeding Venus high-fat kitten food separately so that she can gain a pound while I keep trying to limit Luna’s intake, who is currently on a weight management high protein diet. Eyeyeye!

July has been a great month with lots of vacation time! August will be a little more work and a little less play. Getting super excited for autumn! We are halfway through summer and almost there!