Whispers of Magic and Memory
Finding my way home……
In 2003, a spell was cast when I created a blog called The Windesphere Witch. It all began at Windesphere, my beloved 19th-century farm, in Burton Ohio, where history and creativity danced hand in hand. It was a beautiful little farm with a gorgeous old bank barn, built in 1848 by a gentleman named Samuel McBride. Windesphere was always more than a home—it was a sanctuary of life, love, and inspiration. Jim and I bought this farm 6 months after we wed, and we raised our son Alex there. It was such a special place to raise a child. Horses grazed the pastures, barn cats prowled the gardens, and loyal dogs kept watch over it all. Every spring the lake was filled with the sound of peepers and blackberries surrounded the entire property along with ancient apple trees, quince and wild grapes. And of course, there was my guard duck Kirby—yes, a guard duck—who kept a close eye on things, quacking his warnings whenever something seemed amiss.
Some of my most cherished memories are of the magical harvest dinners we held up in the pastures, where the evening sky stretched wide above us. The table, set with care, was lit only by the soft flicker of candlelight. We gathered around at the old hand hewn picnic table sharing the season’s bounty—fresh vegetables, crusty bread, and wine—while the gentle glow cast an almost otherworldly light over our feast. Horses grazed nearby, and the cats would weave in and out, curious as ever. The dogs lay quietly by our sides, and Kirby kept a vigilant watch over the evening.
But Windesphere’s magic didn’t end with autumn. In spring, we welcomed the earth’s rebirth with lively dinners, and in the heart of winter, we gathered around roaring solstice bonfires, celebrating the turning of the year with warmth, stories, and reflection. Each season brought its own kind of magic, and the witch? She was always there, lingering at the edges of our gatherings, whispering inspiration on the wind.
Although I no longer live at Windesphere, the land is always with me, no matter where I go. Every year, I return on Halloween to lay flowers and candy corn on the graves of the McBride ancestors, who lay in the small family cemetery. I never miss the county fair either—another tradition that keeps me connected to the land and its rhythms, no matter the miles in between. This year, I’m excited to take my grandson, Wolfie, to the Apple Butter Festival, just like I did with his father. We’d get up every morning and go straight to the century barns, bring out the huge copper kettles, and light the fires. I’m thrilled for Wolfie to have his first experience making apple butter the old-fashioned way, with brown sugar, cinnamon, and the scent of woodsmoke filling the air.
Today is Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox—a day of perfect balance, when day and night stand equal, reminding us of the cyclical dance of life. It feels so fitting to reintroduce The Windesphere Witch on this day of reflection and harvest, as Mabon is a time to give thanks for the abundance we’ve received while preparing for the quieting of the earth. Just as the season turns, so too does my muse return, bringing with her the promise of renewal, creativity, and magic. This moment of balance makes it the perfect time to honor her reemergence and the next chapter in our shared story.
She is my muse, an enchanting and mischievous spirit who has flowed through my writing from the very beginning. The Windesphere Witch remains my most beloved creation to this day, drawing visitors still like moths to a flame. She even inspired the title of my book, Stirring the Senses. She adores all things luscious, green, and magical. She loves cats, fine food, children, perfume, gorgeous dishes, beautiful gardens, horses and of course, some good hearted and sweet magic. A creature of cozy corners and woodland paths, she’s playful yet kind, always stirring up something delightful.
Over the years, I’ve tried to make her fit more conventional ideas, but she resists. Recently, she’s been whispering in my dreams, reminding me that it’s time for her return. And with the magic of the season upon us, the timing feels just right.
So, I’m excited to share that The Windesphere Witch is back. Her witchy, sparkling spirit will be woven into every post, and soon the sections will be merged, bringing a bit of her magic to all that I share. You’ll find her presence here in this newsletter and across my Instagram as she reclaims her rightful place.
Because, as she reminds me, there’s nothing more magical than living true to who you are.
Sending you warm Autumn whispers of Savory & Sage,
Beth