Life is often likened to a witch, full of mystery, unpredictability, and spells that can either enchant or harm us. This comparison suggests that life can sometimes be challenging and difficult to understand, just like a witch and her wicked ways. However, there is also an element of magic and fascination associated with the witch, as there are moments of joy and beauty in life that can arise unexpectedly. The notion of life being a witch implies that we are constantly at the mercy of external forces beyond our control. Just as a witch possesses a power that can cause havoc, life can throw unexpected curveballs that disrupt our plans and leave us feeling helpless. We encounter obstacles, disappointments, and setbacks that can test our resilience and endurance.
"When you are accused of witchcraft, it's a loss of dignity," says Samata. "And to be honest, I just feel like ending my own life."
If she had been found guilty she would have been forced to submit to another, far worse ritual cleansing ceremony - drinking a concoction of chicken blood, monkey skulls and soil. We have to do a lot of work with their communities so that they are able to return without being lynched or subjected to reaccusation, for example if a cow jumps over a fence and knocks down something, says Adwoa Kwateng-Kluvitse, ActionAid s country director in Ghana.
We encounter obstacles, disappointments, and setbacks that can test our resilience and endurance. It is during these times when life feels like a challenging witch casting spells in our path. Nevertheless, in the midst of life's trials and tribulations, there are also moments of wonder and enchantment.
Mariah Carey and Chopard Debut a Flutter of Diamond Butterflies
On the 25th anniversary of the release of Butterfly, Carey and Chopard introduce two jewelry ranges that evoke the elusive chanteuse’s whimsy, wit, and love of all things lepidoptera.
September 16, 2022 Photograph by Koto Bolofo for Chopard. Save this story Save this storyThis will surprise no one, but it’s an absolute joy to talk with Mariah Carey about diamonds.
“I don’t have birthdays, but if I did, they would be my birthstone,” Carey told Vanity Fair recently over Zoom (camera off, name set to “Mimi” and accented with a blue butterfly emoji). No small part of that joy is purely sonic. The warm depth of her voice is a pleasure to listen to generally, but there’s also a brightness that rings through it when a subject she likes comes up—like diamonds and when to wear them, for example.
We’re discussing Carey’s hypothetical birthstone because she collaborated with Chopard on two collections—Chopard X Mariah Carey Collection and Happy Butterfly X Mariah Carey. Working with Caroline Scheufele, the luxury horologist and fine jeweler’s co-president and artistic director, Carey designed pieces that feature ethical stones, arranged whimsically in the shape of butterflies, another one of the performer’s favorite things.
“I don’t want to say, Oh, everybody in the world can wear this because we all know everybody can’t afford everything. I grew up with nothing, so let’s not get it twisted that I think everybody on earth can afford diamonds,” Carey said. “But if you can and you make an investment in a quality piece, this is something that I think people could wear with multiple types of looks. Whatever your vibe is for that day.”
Courtesy of Chopard. Most Popular Done Deal: Here Is What’s in the New WGA Contract and What It Means By Natalie Jarvey The Strange but True Story of the Pioneer Woman’s Link to Killers of the Flower Moon By Eve Batey Travis Kelce Is All Good with Taylor Swift’s Security Team, “Blacked Out” on Saturday Night Live By Kase Wickman“I’ll be sleeping in it,” she added. “And there’s no doubt about that.”
The collection was two years in the making. It began with a phone call from Scheufele, during which the artistic director sketched out a glamorous butterfly collar.
“Working with Mariah was such a pleasure, but it was a bit different for me, as we had to do everything virtually, since neither of us were able to travel. We worked together on Zoom, on email and on WhatsApp, collaborating to make sure everything would be perfect,” Scheufele said. In her sketches, she was guided by Carey’s love of the butterfly and Chopard’s own Happy Diamonds range. Not a terrible way to spend a pandemic, and symbolic, too, if you frame the shutdown as a period of metamorphosis on the other side of which emerges this bright and sparkling thing.
More personally, the collection weaves the warp of Carey’s aesthetic loves and the weft of her manifold accomplishments: She just celebrated the Diamond certification of All I Want for Christmas Is You, and she’s also celebrating the 25th anniversary of her seminal Butterfly, the album for which Mariah Carey emerged as Mariah Carey, and one that made her a lepidopterist for life. The result, in the performer’s own words, is “major.”
The two collections are available for high-gifting season, excellent timing considering Carey famously loves Christmas. “I asked my daughter—I was like, Who do you think loves Christmas more: me or you guys? Because of course it’s all about my kids now, where I just used to do this for like my friends’ kids or my friends. My daughter was like, I think it’s equal. She didn’t say I loved it more. But you know, for a kid to say that it's equal, you know, that’s huge.”
I wanted to ask her who might be receiving one of her Chopard pieces this holiday season, and in doing so, called her the “undeniable queen of Christmas.” This was a bit of a misstep, considering another singer who specializes in Christmas tunes had recently made headlines by attempting to prevent Carey from trademarking the title “Queen of Christmas.” But Carey has been doing this too long to allow words to be put in her mouth, and she was quick to correct in a sing-song cadence: “I did not say that. Some other lady that I had never heard of said something like that. Other people have said that.
“I will tell you this: I love Christmas, and it’s my favorite time of year,” she said. “But I’m just the queen of my own self.”
In any event, Chopard’s Mariah Carey Collection would have a home in any gift wrap, and this year, Carey herself is “hoping to find a fabulous gift under the tree from this collection.” Right now, as summer recedes and the leaves begin their own transformation, is an excellent time to start wishing for such a thing.
"The camps are a dramatic manifestation of the status of women in Ghana," says Professor Dzodzi Tsikata of the University of Ghana. "Older women become a target because they are no longer useful to society."
Just as a witch can use her magic to create beauty or bring about positive change, life can surprise us with joyful and transformative experiences. These moments of magic can be found in the smile of a loved one, the beauty of nature, or the fulfillment of achieving our goals. It is these instances that give us hope and remind us that life, like a witch, is not solely dark and foreboding. Ultimately, life being a witch reminds us of the unpredictable nature of our journey. We cannot control every aspect of our lives, just as we cannot control the spells cast by a witch. However, like any protagonist facing a witch's curse, we can always choose how we respond to life's challenges. We can either let adversity overpower us or harness our own inner strength to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. The choices we make and the attitude we adopt can shape our experiences and determine whether we flutter with grace or stumble in darkness. In conclusion, life is indeed a witch, with its blend of darkness and light, challenges and magical moments. The comparison highlights the unpredictability and powerlessness we may sometimes feel. Yet, it also emphasizes the opportunity for growth, resilience, and joy that can arise amidst the trials. Life's witchery encourages us to embrace the unknown, find beauty in unexpected places, and embrace our own ability to navigate the enchanting unpredictability of existence..
Reviews for "Embracing the Witchy Rituals: Nurturing the Soul in Life"
1. Mary - 2 stars
I did not enjoy "Life is a witch and then you flutter" at all. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also a bit confusing and hard to follow. Overall, I found the whole reading experience to be dull and unengaging.
2. John - 1 star
I found "Life is a witch and then you flutter" to be extremely boring. The plot was predictable, and the humor fell flat. The main character was unlikable and the supporting characters were forgettable. The pacing was slow and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "Life is a witch and then you flutter". The story lacked depth and the world-building was weak. The concept had potential, but it was poorly executed. The writing style was dull and lacked any unique voice. I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping for something to capture my attention, but I was left unsatisfied. Overall, this book was a letdown and I regret spending my time on it.
4. Alex - 1 star
"Life is a witch and then you flutter" was a complete waste of time. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue was cliché. The plot was predictable and offered nothing new or original. The pacing was slow and the story dragged on unnecessarily. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and well-written story. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.