• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Disclosure
    • About Me
  • Blog
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Pinecones and Acorns

  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Disclosure
    • About Me
  • Our Home
  • Food
  • Fashion
  • Finds
  • Health & Wellness
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop My House
    • Fashion Finds
    • Plaid Finds
    • Holiday Finds
    • Health & Wellness Finds
  • travel
  • Blog Friends
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

My Grandmother the “Witch”

October 30, 2011 By Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns 6 Comments

I’ve lived a magical life and I am lucky because I have always been surrounded by love, imagination, colorful story tellers and taught to believe.

Image from The Graphics Fairy

From the time I was a small child my grandfather wove tales of our heritage to amuse as well teach us. In addition to my relatives, Hocus Pocus Johnny Mocus, the alligators in the basement that guarded the barrels of money and the shark that bit off the tip of his finger, my grandfather loved to share tales about my grandmother who was a “witch” and lived in a beautiful tower.

via Martha Stewart

 He claimed that after we went to bed, she took her long black hair down, hopped on her broom and rode off  to see the city and perhaps to visit her friends before going to sleep in her tower castle and then coming back by morning to see us.

Image from Wicked Faerie Queen

He often took us driving by her beautiful tower and when we asked if we could go in the answer was always no, you could only go in at night and the only way in was to fly on your broom to the top window.

via Pine Cones and Acorns

Being of a young, fertile mind I thought perhaps the story was true because after all, my grandmother did have long, black hair ( most witches do), it reached her rear end, and she always wore it in a bun, she also always took it down at night and would brush it, 100 strokes to keep it soft.  In addition, she did a lot of sweeping with a really cool broom ( witches have these too), and sometimes when she wasn’t looking we would take it outside to the garden to see if we could get it to work.

Marvelously Messy

Then, there was her tower which was perched on a hill, overlooking the beautiful Lake Michigan and surrounded by beautiful houses and a park, clearly visible for all of Milwaukee to see, even those far out to sea. 

Visible for all all to see, even the ships out to sea!

My grandfather would drive us by the magical tower and although we could see the beautiful windows and the architecture there was no door that I could ever find.

I dreamed of visiting her here!

 Most importantly, every time we asked her if she was a witch, and I can tell you there were many times, she just smiled and said we should “believe in things we cannot see.”

I never really had reason to doubt these stories because I did often see my grandfather come out of the basement, from a room we were never allowed  into, and he always came out with a box of money, which he gave us a quarter from every Friday to go the penny candy store (dating myself here…now a days that doesn’t get you much). He did take us to meet Hocus Pocus Johnny Mocus, a distant relative who gave us candy and soda and was a magical man. And my grandfather was missing the tip of his index finger. Clearly evidence to a small child and her siblings to believe any and all tales.

Image Graphics Fairy

I also had other reasons to believe, my grandmother was from a family of 13 children, and she had 10 children herself, from a stock of hard working, land owning, German, Catholics. She was magical, because whenever you were with her she made you feel like the most important person in the world and she made you feel loved. She was a hard worker, industrious, intelligent and she loved to read, which is a magical gift that she passed on to me. 

 She worked magic in the kitchen and would whip up delectable treats, Cinnamon buns, Christmas cookies, cakes, and tasty morsels for family and friends, and often she let her little apprentices stand side by side with her, rolling dough and frosting cookies. Even when times were tough, she always used her magic and faith to find ways to feed her children and to make sure they had a wonderful life.

My grandmothers “slab apple pie”

 She instilled in us the value of family, the importance of love, and a zest and joy for life. She also taught us about the magic of tradition and to always be there for one another and the fact that there is “no place like home.”

Image Pinterest via Etsy The Meek Boutique

 I believe and think that is the most magical of beliefs. So my guess is that if she was a witch she was the best kind there is…a Good Witch.

Image The Wizard of Oz via Pinterest

I think of her often and miss her all the time but mostly when I see her tower which I visit each time I am in Milwaukee. I stand there and imagine her up high with her friends sharing a cocoa and a cinnamon bun looking down and smiling at me.

Image Pine Cones and Acorns

Happy Halloween!

 Be safe and Enjoy! I hope you do not eat too much candy and tasty treats!


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Grandmothers, Halloween, Magic, MAking memories, Memories, My grandmother, Stories of Life, Story telling, Witch

You might also love

  • Chocolate Mummy Cake with Buttercream Bandages
  • Cute Halloween Finds
  • 4th of July Memories
  • Flower Finds for Mother’s Day
Crazy Saturday »
« Happy Halloween!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Unknown says

    October 30, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    So enchanting! Happy Halloween.

    Reply
  2. leah of sang the bird says

    October 30, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    This is such a lovely tale. I was thoroughly engaged. How blessed you are x
    leah

    Reply
  3. Sunday Taylor says

    October 30, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    My grandmother also told me lots of magical stories and I have the most wonderful memories of that. I will never forget how serious she looked when she told them, nor how much I believed them. I loved your retelling of your grandmother's story about being a witch and also the great images you used to illustrate it. Hope you have a spooky and fun Halloween!

    Reply
  4. YONKS says

    October 30, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    S=Both she and your grandfather sound magical. You have written so poignantly here, and you are left with such magical memories, their job was done well!
    Much Love
    Di
    x

    Reply
  5. Palomasea says

    October 31, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    Elizabeth Dear,

    I left a comment yesterday on this beautiful post, but it is not here!
    I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this, and what a gift it is to have these magical memories. I can imagine a little book based on these stories!

    A magical Halloween to you…I have a little treat for you here: http://lovelyreveries.blogspot.com/
    I hope you enjoy sweet friend!

    xoxo,
    – Irina

    Reply
  6. Barbara says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Could please let me know where I could get a copy of the photograph of the two school girls. Thank you.

    Barbara

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Elizabeth. I'm "mad for plaid", a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and my pups. Join me as I find the beauty in life and elevate the everyday.

Currently Pinning

  • Blue and White Inspiration

Search

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Grief is just love with no place to go.” Thank y Grief is just love with no place to go.” Thank you my friends for all of your kind messages, thoughts and prayers. Even though it feels as if we are all alone in our pain it is a balm to the broken heart to have you walking along side of us. #grief #greiving #thankyou #kindness #friendship #kindwords
This is how I feel tonight, as if I am seeing life This is how I feel tonight, as if I am seeing life through the blur of tears and sorrow. Sunday night my friend of 34 years lost her husband of 36 years, because of Covid he did not get to meet or hold his newborn grandson. Then just an hour ago we received a call that my husbands best friend died of a massive heart attack this morning. Sometimes life just knocks you to your knees and all you can do is pray for the  loved ones you’ve lost, cherish their memories and let your time with them sustain you until you meet again. Then you ask God for the strength to get up and move forward. #life #loss #givemestrength #givemestrengthlord #pray
Although I see signs of spring, a daffodil popping Although I see signs of spring, a daffodil popping up from the ground, bright and colorful flowers in the garden center the weather and the calendar tell me otherwise. So I am hunkering down and taking solace inside enjoying the details of a collected home and life. This tapestry is a piece that we purchased over 25 years ago in Paris, it hang in the dining room and makes me smile every time I see it because it reminds me of such a happy and beautiful place. What do you collect? What brings you joy in your home? #collectedhome #collectedlook #homedecor #myhome #homesweethome #interiordesign #frenchprovincial #france #frenchdecor #tapestry #instahome #instahomedecor #acolectedlife #collection
Good afternoon friends, it’s a frigid day here. Good afternoon friends, it’s a frigid day here. How is it in your “neck of the woods?” We took a long road-trip a few weeks ago to the beautiful @colonialwmsburg . I love this place, there is so much to see and do and even wearing masks and social distancing you can still enjoy the history and the beauty of this living museum. Today I am home doing the weekend chores, and of course doing a little baking. I hope that you have a fabulous weekend. #colonialwilliamsburg #williamsburg #colonialhouse #livinghistory #livinghistorymuseum #museum #winterfun #roadtrip #wanderlust #weekend #weekendvibes #weekendmood
Soups on! Chicken and wild rice soup with kale! It Soups on! Chicken and wild rice soup with kale! It’s what’s for dinner and it’s in the blog. #soup #soupseason #soupweather #souprecipe #soupforthesoul #chicken #chickensoup #homemade #healthylifestyle #healty #healthyfood #dinner #lunch #kale
“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~ “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~Percy Bysshe Shelly  my answer to that is I hope not! This has been a strange winter and I am sure that for the 4 million people without power in19 states they are hoping spring is sooner rather than later. I hope that you are all well and keeping safe. I’m praying for all of you without power and heat and hope it is restored soon. #pinkaesthetic #art #acrylicpainting #painting #details #artistsoninstagram #artwork #artworld #color #artoftheday #quote #quoteoftheday #quotestoliveby #artofinstagram
Happy Monday friends! Did you have a nice weekend Happy Monday friends! Did you have a nice weekend and a Valentine’s Day? I hope that it was everything you hope and more. Sharing my day and other Monday musings on the blog. Come over and tell me about your day. I’m also sharing a few sale items that I found for Presidents’ Day. #hearts #heartcookies #cookies #cupofcookies ##pink #pinkaesthetic #pinkandred #sweet #sweetreats #sprinkles #tjmaxx #monday #mondaymood
Tell me about your Valentine’s Day treats? Did y Tell me about your Valentine’s Day treats? Did you bake something sweet or purchase something from a favorite place? Are you a cookie, cake, pie fan? Did you get a box of chocolates? I only like the caramels and the nougat, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve poked a few holes in the bottom of the chocolates I’ve the years to find my favorites. I hope you are having a wonderful day. #cake #cakesofinstagram #valentines #sweettooth #sweettreats #chocolate #chocolatecake #fudge #fudgefilledcake #ilovecake #valentinesday2021 #instafood #foodporn #foodie #food #foodphotography #balance  #itsallaboutbalance
Sweets treats. #sweets #sweettreats #candy #cookie Sweets treats. #sweets #sweettreats #candy #cookies #candyanscookies #valentinesday #candyandcookieboard #love #hearts #candycharcuterieboard
Happy Valentine’s Day friends. It’s a rough ho Happy Valentine’s Day friends. It’s a rough holiday for many, some love it, some hate it. No matter which one you are, the most important thing is to show yourself some love. Love yourself first, last and always. #valentines #valentinesday❤️ #happyvalentinesday #hearts #pink #red #marshmallow #cupoflove #love #loveyourself #thegiftoflove
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Pinecones and Acorns · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy
Disclosure: We utilize affiliate widgets including Amazon, Rewardstyle and Shopstyle and may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.