Valerie's Variety Podcast

episode 94 season 2

...another audiobook Wicca Magic

Wicca Magic: the starter kit: a beginner’s guide to start practicing wicca herbal magic, crystal magic, and candle magic. This is the second book I've narrated with this topic of Wicca and honestly I found them very interesting. I wouldn't say I'm a religious person but I do believe there's a higher being than just us humans, I also believe in protecting the plants and animals around me (my hamster is going on 5 and my cat is going on 19) - as well as being kind to nature, growing plants and food.

When you think of Wicca you'll likely think of the sensationalized roles Wicca's play in movies like a bad luck black cat or satanism, but truly it's a nature based religion reflecting on old traditions of paganism, spirituality and things like mid-wifery. I did find this book and the other Wicca book interesting to ready so I hope I'll teach you a little something today about this nature based religion

Introduction to Wicca Magic, take a listen

Chapter 1 Wicca General Overview: What it is - PioneersChapter 2 Wicca Herbal Magic: Herbalism, basic herbs and teas and herbal baths like to cleansing psychic channelsChapter 3 Wicca Candle Magic: The most in-depth chapter: The Power of Fire, roles of colours, candle fragrances, getting ready for spells, preparing your sacred alter, personal elements, candle magic, love and money spells, help to feel your best spells, how to charge your candlesChapter 4 Wicca Crystal Magic What are Crystals? Charging them, crystal elixir bath spall and clarity.

Conclusion to Wicca Magic, take a listen- here's chapter 4 all about crystal magic, what they are, charging them and more.

What did you think? Interested in learning more, there's a link to this book in my show notes and if you have a moment leave me a comment or a rating in audible.

episode 93 part 2 season 2

Michael Montgomery, as featured on...

Originally interviewed Nov 2019 in Studio 17 - the home of Valerie's Variety Podcast

Welcome to part 2 with my guest Michael Montgomery we will delve more into his podcasts and the episodes that have impacted him, the human side of life - again he CREATEs a vision for people and helps them fill their future with a home. He's such a neat guy - enjoy this last part of my interview with Michael Montgomery.

In Part two, we get down to why he podcasts and the episodes and guests he's like the most, man is Mike ever genuine guy, he re-listens to his own podcasts because he constantly learns from them. The human side of life, people sharing their challenges, issues can be shared and learned, plus the connection is so much deeper.

Check him and his podcast plus all the guest notes here

ideasandstuff.ca

a podcast for Calgarians

Jennifer LussierMitch Jacobson

Check out Part 1 as this is the continuation of this great episode.

episode 92 part 1 season 2

Originally interviewed Nov 2019 in Studio 17 - the home of Valerie's Variety Podcast

Todays show is about this guy Michael Montgomery, a Calgarian with a passion for finding people with passions - Which fits my theme of CREATE perfectly. We start the show kind of in the middle of a conversation about co-work space and he plugs a couple that I'll share with you, we talk about podcasting and our themes. We talk about our own podcasts and who to interview. He's really focussed and I'm just getting there - as you can hear my thoughts about 2020 and coming up with a theme. He's into motorcycles and computers - talk about diverse. Enjoy this episode getting to know a fellow podcaster, he's such a genuine guy. We seem to like the banter so I hope you enjoy listening to us chat today. Get to know me further also as once you're an interviewer - always an interviewer Michael asks me questions...

We talk about passions and real estate market, remember I recorded this in Nov 2019 when the market was totally different than it is today...

Shared Workspace:

Work NicerThe CommonsInnovate Calgary

We share a liking of podcasts here's the list we talked about:

Someone Knows SomethingDirty JohnShrink Next DoorBad Batch

Part 1 of 2 parts for this InterView

To my followers I've had so much inspiration for this theme and where to go as you know I've now found this theme...this antique store, called The Iron Crow I found a project here but the whole process of trying to figure out a theme or a brand...

Here's a link to this show that I'm referring to Calgary Cold Case 1976 Patsy McQueen and Eva Dvorak - still lingers with me all the time...I have a follow up show in the works for this story and will be updating you on this.

Thanks for listening to Part 1, where we kind of settle into our discussion, tmro will air part 2 where we get more into Mike and why he podcasts, some of his favourite guests and lessons learned.

ideasandstuff.ca

a podcast for Calgarians

What's so neat when he sells a home is he gets to know the people - it's less about the house and more about the future goals for the family - not just what's in front of you but what is to come.

episode 91 season 2

Simple guide to learn & practice Buddhism meditation. Improve your happiness & reduce your daily stress & anxiety with mindfulness mediation training.

As you know, I've been dabbling into the wonderful world of audio books, now publishing more than 20 titles, I'll feature these on my show every so often and maybe entice you to give a book a listen you wouldn't typically think of. Maybe it's Buddhism to improve your happiness, maybe it's Wicca and learn about this nature based religion - maybe it's about Keto the newest yet oldest way of eating. There's links to all of these books in my show notes. Enjoy listen and leave me a review if you feel so inclined.

Todays Feature is

Buddhism for Beginners: Simple guide to learn and practice Buddhism meditation. Improve your happiness and reduce your daily stress and anxiety with mindfulness meditation training.

In this book you will learn

Introduction - the different types of Buddhism: Schools, Theravada, Burmese, Mahayana, Nichiren, VajrayanaSpread of Buddhism and the course of events of the Dharma: Course of Events of the Dharma, Current Buddhism as in Buddhism todayImpermanence In Buddhism: principle of impermanence and what it is plus rehearsingThe Simple Guild to Learning: Right View of Life, Advantages of Right Understanding, a life plan, obstructions, unwinding, 5 precepts of controlling being careful with bias and propaganda, family life, practice of benevolence, liberating the mind, mindful breathing, confronting death with equanimity, the good buddhistPracticing Buddhism Meditation and types: Mindfulness, adoring kindness, empathy, grateful joy, composure practice, concentration meditation, zazen, reciting practices, TonglenMeditation Techniques for Beginners and Others: Concentration, Body Scan, Self Metta (loving kindness), Strolling, being Open, Qigong, Day by Day Task, Thinking While drivingMeditation Positions: Posture, positions for Beginners, Quarter Lotus Pose, Burmese Posture, Kneeling Meditation, Sitting in a chair, Lying Down, level flat on the ground, straight spine, full lotus, standing and strolling meditationAdoration and Kindness - cultivating an open heart, loving kindness, cherishing kindness, traditional betta meditation, cherishing kindness in daily life, How to Meditate: getting results and regular practiceMindfulness in Daily Life - mindfulness listening, careful listening, halting and listening, planned questions, reflecting backCareful Eating: Benefits, Techniques and reflections, when and the amount to eat and being tuned in when eatingMonkey Mind - what it is and working with it, perceive the monkey mind, utilize the breath, develop metta (loving kindness), practice self-compassion, notice reactions to monkey mind, use awareness triggers, practice mindful consumption

Yes there's a lot in this book but it is so valuable especially if you haven't given this religious practice much thought in the past. I know I haven't but I do reflect more on the mindful spirit now and being kind. No complaining, staying positive. Once time, someone said if you can think of something that made you smile - a few times a day - it sets you in a better mood. Think of this, a cute kitty or a dog, rolling around in their own moment, in the sun, doesn't this make you smile? See I told you! or how about this one...see a baby giggle yep gotcha, it makes you feel good.

Here'a preview of one of the chapters, enjoy

there's a link to this Audiobook, Buddhism for Beginners that I've narrated and produced on my blog - in these show notes so check it out and if you feel so inclined, leave a review! Follow me on Instagram - Facebook - Pinterest

episode 90 season 2

As featured on, The On Being Human Podcast

So, yours truly was recently interviewed on a podcast called On Being Human, host Brandi Fleck posted the question about have a near death experience on a fb group. I reached out saying no, but I saved a life!...here's what she wrote:

Valerie Moss of Calgary, Alberta Canada is a podcaster, hosting Valerie’s Variety Podcast. She’s an audiobook narrator for books you can find on Audible, and a wife and mom. She’s many amazing things, but what Valerie is not is a paramedic or healthcare worker. However, she’s saved a life anyways… while on her honeymoon… while wearing a string bikini. Hmm… what happened so that the stars aligned that the circumstances were what they were?

In this episode, you’re getting a truly heartfelt retelling of the time Valerie saved a life, and all the emotion that goes with it. By talking to Valerie, I learned that a person’s experience of certain events may be completely different than what you’d imagine, having never been in the other person’s shoes. 

What you will get from listening to Valerie’s story is little glimpse into the heart of a fellow human. Every bit closer you get to each heart on Earth, the closer you get to understanding why we are the way we are and how we’re all connected. 

What does being human mean to you?Valerie, we are here today to talk about that one time you did a little thing ;) - saved a life! Before we dive into that, please introduce yourself to our listeners. Who are you and what do you do?

This is a big question, but what is life story - what has life been like that makes you who you are today?What is the most important thing in life to you?How long ago did you save a life?Ok Valerie - please tell us the events of your whole story from beginning to end. What happened that resulted in you saving a life, from the beginning of noticing what was going on, why you decided to help, how you helped, and how it all ended?What emotions did you feel in the beginning, middle, and end of saving a life?Did any spiritual phenomena happen before, during, or after you saving a life?What happened in the days following?Do you think of this event often now in your life, and if so, what makes it come up?Do you still keep in touch with the person you saved, and if so, what is that relationship like? How has this event changed your life?Do you have any closing wisdom to leave for our listeners?

Please visit my show notes to a link to the full episode but as a favour I asked Brandi to share a 7min click for my listeners to review...check this out?

What did you think? Wanna hear more...Visit On Being Human show 44 for the full episode by clicking on the link in my show notes.

Have you had a near death experience either by an accident or surgery - do you want to share you story, let me know or get in touch with Brandi. She has an amazing gift of asking just there right questions...getting to the nitty gritty of the details and makes you wanna share...

Until next time,

as featured on, The On Being Human Podcast

During this Covid time, make sure to take care of your mental health.

episode 88 part 2 season 2

A Player with Paint

Since this new season is all about EAT | READ | CREATE this is the perfect time to not only interview an amazing creator but her name is also Valerie - enjoy part 1 of 2 over the next couple of days as we get to know this incredible painter Valerie Butters from Pemberton, BC, CANADA

We talk about her studio, places she worked and got fired - shameless, is a good word to describe this Valerie - she lived in Greece and is still connected to them...and Albanians and they are the toughest people she's ever met - lovely people. She speaks Greek in an Albanian tone. She turns the questions on me, once thing about Valerie's is - they love to asks questions too...enjoy part two and the final part of these episode with Valerie Butters...check out my site with maps of where she lives (wine country)and places she's lived for short spurts. Here's a bit of a disclaimer in this episode, a couple of swears are present and some of the content is adult only...be prepared to laugh your *asses off, we're a bit hard on her mom but it's all in good fun! And guess what, you'll learn a little about me to along the way...enjoy the show, visit the show notes for links and details as usual it's all on my website!

Valerie Butters amazing works of painted art!

Instagram @ValerieJMoss Pinterest @VJMoss and Facebook @ValerieSwainMoss

(Because this show was recorded in August of last year, there's been a wealth of changes in life since then as you know...And we both have very old cats her Mimi is 20 and my Tig will be 19 this year! and she also has a Jim-Bo)

episode 87 part 1 season 2

A Player with Paint

In this series on the show the ‘Valerie’s series where I’m combing through the Emily’s, Christine’s Danielle, Jennifer’s and Michelle’s looking for the Valerie’s of the world. I rarely come upon women with the same name as mine. Once in Calgary and she ended up being a Valora. 

Since this new season is all about EAT | READ | CREATE this is the perfect time to not only interview an amazing creator but her name is also Valerie - enjoy part 1 of 2 over the next couple of days as we get to know this incredible painter Valerie Butters from Pemberton, BC, CANADA

Also if you follow her on Instagram you won't be disappointed she shares stories, her amazing works of art. her cat, Jim she's always providing commentary and life lessons, reflective comments oh year and so much humour!

Valerie Butters IG feed...incredible artist

Thank you for listening today and visit my show notes for details from todays show...also follow me on - the second part of this Valerie Butters showcase will be released tomorrow..stay safe at a distance people!

Follow me On:

Instagram @ValerieJMoss Pinterest @VJMoss and Facebook @ValerieSwainMoss

(Because this show was recorded in August of last year, there's been a wealth of changes in life since then as you know...And we both have very old cats her Mimi is 20 and my Tig will be 19 this year! and she also has a Jim-Bo)

The ultimate guide to Balancing and healing your Chakras, guided mindfulness meditation to open your third eye and radiate positive energy through reiki teaching - vagus nerve.

episode 85 season 2

Spring Finally, let's refresh some pillows!

Todays show is all about CREATING - freshening up for Spring with a finished quilt top and matching pillow cases - this pattern I'm going to share with you today will be available on my blog and details here...if you're not a sewer or a quilter, don't fret just pass this episode onto those people and they will be forever indebted with this valuable information JK, just showing a little Spring in my step today for you to share with your friend or family member that is a crafty sewer. - and yours truly will give away a set or two to whoever tells me their favourite Spring Story - it could be about easter, gardening, spring cleaning, you tell me and I'll make you a set of these pillow cases (in your favour colours and in the size of your favourite pillows - sound good?)

So..years ago I made this quilt, Truly Scrumptious by Cinderberry Stitches as part of my block of the month program when I ran Pastimes Online. This quilt was The date of this post was Oct 2010, yes so many years ago now. BUT when I made this quilt I was hoping to be pregnant this year and was secretly or openly hoping for a girl...

Well made the quilt, did get pregnant and then promptly tucked the top away for another day when I could finish it....well people this quilt is now finished with...matching pillow cases.

Tie ClosureTie ClosureSpring Pillow, #2Spring Pillow, #1Spring Pillows with matching Quilt, Truly Scrumptious

Step one fold, fold into 2press and fold together hiding the raw edgesince finished edge showingMaking the Ties

Made for LondonLove MomApril 2020my labels have changed to this style...can you see it?

FIRST

Dig out that old quilt top that you haven't finished :) then prepare to sit down & listen to a good book, I listened to a new book by Joy Fielding, The Bad Daughter and go through your thread stash, find your favourite colours to match and bobbins wound and enjoy your time finishing this new quilt...well new because it's been stashed for so long.

SECOND

Quilt until your hearts desire, and then bind, bind, bind...one of my favourite parts, I love this finishing touch, it's so rewarding, tucking in that final raw edge and completion the border, smooth and crisp.. But when it comes to a label I always groan, now I have to write something up and add a separate piece of fabric to the back - where to put it and make sure you don't stitch through to the front...

Here's another one I did years ago 2013 for my niece and I just love the way it turned out...if you can do free motion, you can do this label on the front of your quilt, just find a good spot and measure out your words (first) then just have fun. I pull the bobbin three to the front, leave it long then tied it scrappy, make sure you date it and put your name...especially if you want to show off all of your hard work ;)

label from the backfree motion quilting label, with tied endsfree motion quilting label idea, shown on front of quilt

THIRD

The Spring Pillow Cases...

These just turned out so cute, and were actually very easy, I haven't made pillow cases below, except some small ones with 1 fabric, but nothing scrappy and fun like these, London mentioned, since these were for her, that she would like ties :) I have a set of sheets that I decorated with ties and London just loves how these look - so... no problem we added ties.

Here's the Pattern

Measure your current pillow case - mine is 29" x 19" (one side)Pick out your fabrics, they can be matching or not (one for you and one for him, maybe?)If you are a quilter, you'll have fat quarters kicking around which measure 18" x 22" - notice anything? The 22" is basically the width you'll need including seam allowance, yes they might be an inch or so larger per side but this works, trust me it's perfectAs you can see in my example, I striped pieced these, you will need two of each strip to make this mirror on the front and backCut strips into 6" sections or the same width of your ruler to make it easy (see a pattern here, easy)Some of these sections are small just pick your fabrics and make sure they add up to approx 29" (then make two, front and back)The bottom strip is a single unit so the end of the pillow case, the part that is at the bottom, so only one piece is needed here.So, in the below example I have 2 (red dots (cuff 2"), teal strip (3"x2), orange dot (4" x2) pink model (6"x20, Strip (6"x2), teal stripe (3"x2), white (6"x2), dark teal (6"x1) = 32"Red Dot Cuff - the first pillow case I just turned the edge and finished it, the second pillow case I cut the cuff 6" and folded it to 3" then stitched this on the pillow case so the cuff was thicker and nicerif you want to have ties - which are super cute. Cut 3" strip - will give you 4 ties (with the 2 pillow cases I used the red dot as the connecting fabric, so they sort-of looked like a set- when you are adding this cuff tuck the ties into place, make them secure by backstitching over top of the spot, lay their end buried inside the seam in the same direction - it's a bit tricky to top stitch the seam allowance as in step 12 but just take your time and go over it - it looks so nice!sew all of the strips together, same order on both sides (so they are a continuous stripe through the pillow case), press seams open (you want them as flat as possible), so now you have a 22"w x approx 64" long rectangle.to make this pillow case look 'finished' and 'professionally completed, proceed to change your stitch length to a longer top stitch length, you can use a walking foot if you like ( I didn't) just an open toe foot and I proceeded to first do a loose top stitch on both edges this will hold the pressed open seams in place, then top stitch each seam on either side, I did it about an 1/8" away - to catch the seam at the back - this will reinforce all of these for longevity with the pillow case, years of love and washing.Then press, press, pressConnect the two sides, I started with the bottom (un-open side) and then stitched to the cuff end, make sure to pin all of your seams so they match up exactly, the stripe will be continuous front to back...Fold corners so they lay flat, then turn pillow case right side out - press, top stitch the two long sides (just do this as close to the edge as possible, I just used my open toe foot as the measurement) start at the bottom and work you way to the opening, back stitch both ends.top stitch the cuff in two lines

U R Finished!

Striped Pieced Pillow Case for Spring!

Top Stitch your seams...it's so pretty!