I'm taking it easy today. When I went to the gym yesterday, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I did a few machines before I just said forget it and got on the treadmill. That only lasted about 10 minutes before I threw in the towel and went home. I tried taking a nap, but I only slept for an hour and it seemed to make me feel worse. I'm better today, but I'm not pushing it. Normally, I would swiim today but I'm taking a day off. I really don't have time to get sick. My daughter's 7th birthday is on Saturday and my in-laws come tomorrow. I really want to go up to Oak Creek Canyon on Sunday! I've lived in AZ for eight years and have never been there. I have been to Sedona many times but never Oak Creek Canyon.
Am slowly getting the house in shape for our guests and party. Lexi wants a chocolate party so we're going to have games that use chocolate as well as order pizza (not chocolate) and cake (VERY chocolate). It should be a good time. Ok, time to get off my butt and clean another room.
Sunday, September 23, 2007, 07:20 PM MST [General]
What a roller coaster the weekend has been! On Friday, I cleaned the house and brought out some of my autumn decorations. I also found tapers that looked like Indian corn and a long tea light holder that was half-price, yea! My sister-in-law came over that night and we celebrated Mabon a few days early with pumpkin curry soup, wheat rolls, apple cake and champagne. It was a very nice evening and we all ate our fill and listened to music. Saturday was nice, my husband and I took the girls to Home Depot the to lunch, we all had a fun time together. Today, I got into a cleaning jag and have been dusting, washing and sweeping most of the day. My sudden interest in cleaning became clear when I realized that today was the autumnal equinox. About an hour ago, I sat down to pay the bills and got a NASTY surprise! Last week, my husband's company told him that payroll was messed up and so they were issuing live checks instead of the usual direct deposit (which he was told didn't go thruough). When he got home and handed me the check, I said, "But, it did go through, I just paid the bills this morning. Just take this back to the office tomorrow." On Thursday, he brings it back and says, the manager told me to keep it and use it for next week, direct deposit has already gone through for this week and it'll all come out even. I deposit the check and think that I'll just get a jump on the bills pay them now. Ok, so about two hours ago, I log on the the BofA site to do just that only to find a fraction of the funds that should be available. I click on the recent history, and there is a slew of overdrafts, WTF?!!! I go back a little farther and lo and behold, the company had reversed the direct deposit from last week and NOT told anyone! If I had known, that was a option, I never would have given the live check back--I guess that's what I get for being honest! Needless to say, I was screaming for the blood of the person that reversed the deposit and didn't bother to tell anyone. I got on the phone to the bank and told the CSR what had happened. She was wonderful! She told me that the bank had paid out what I had entered and would reverse the overdraft charges because it wasn't my fault, $310.00!! Blessings to her and her family! I know a lot of people have issues with BofA, but they have been nothing but helpful when I've called them with a problem. Several years ago, I got a notice that the mortgage payment was late and that I owed a fine, I called and said there was no way it could have been late because I had mailed it more than a week before it was due. Turns out that was when the Post Offices were closed down due to the anthrax scare and the mail was piling up and they got way behind. She waived the fee and helped me set up an account that the mortgage would come out of every month automatically so that wouldn't happen again...and it hasn't. My blood pressure has gone down now and when I do my celebration tonight it will be with calm thanksgiving. I'm so greatful that there are many in Corporate America that are still helpful and that (at least in this case) Customer Service isn't an oxymoron!
The final thing is that a read a wonderful book called Soul on Fire which is about an Episcopal priest who left the church and became a shaman. It was just wonderful and I highly recommend it. The author is Peter Calhoun.
Monday, September 10, 2007, 08:53 PM MST [General]
Well, my year and a day of study will end this month. When I set out to learn more about wicca, I never dreamed I would be following the path! I just wanted to know about it so I would be able to know the difference between what the religion was as opposed to what the hype and superstition was. I've learned more about the world (both seen and unseen) and myself than I ever imangined--and I can imagine a lot. I'm still happy with my decision to switch paths and my husband (who is Lutheran) is just fine with it. Many things have fallen into place with regards to my feelings about the Divine, revealed religions and the reality of Goddesses and the role of women both in religion and the world. I've felt for a long time that women need to find a way to bring themselves up without putting men down; I'm more sure of that than ever now. The Goddess talks to me quite often, Yaweh and Yeshua barely spoke a word to me. The biggest challenge was to un-learn 30+ years of patriarchy and dogma. I wasn't raised in a religious home but it's very much in the culture. I remember very clearly reading a 101 style book about wicca and in my mind's eye, I was lifted from a sidewalk and pulled into outer space where I could see the Earth slowly rotating. It gave me a better perspective. I realized in that moment that by following a narrow path (christianity) I was missing out on a great deal. I got into a fairly heated discussion with a missionary who came to my door about creation and evil. She was a JW and was naturally trying to convert me. I had told her I had no intention of doing so but she persisted. She asked, "Can we agree that the world was created by and evil God?" To which I said, "No, of course not." She then asked, "What if the air outside was poison and would kill you instantly and there was a knock on the door. Would you answer it?" I replied, "What if the poison was coming from the mouths of those you were surrounded by and it was God knocking on your door asking you to come outside to the beautiful world He had created for you?" Well, she wasn't listening and ended the debate. It happened several years ago and I still remember it. I've never been able to understand how anyone could look at the wonders of nature and think for a minute that it was inherently evil or a temptation of Satan. Many things about christianity confused me and seemed contradictory. I asked questions but the people I asked would talk in circles. It seemed like they were parroting what they had been told but really didn't have an answer either. Wicca by no means answers all the questions, no religion can. The search for answers will lead me down a path where I have yet more questions but along the line, I'll be asked, "What do YOU think?" Personal responsibility and looking inward for answers has given me great freedom and I know that not all questions can be answered by an outside source and some won't be answered at all....the best thing is, that I've learned that it's ok. Samhain will be the first sabbat I celebrate after my year and a day study--fitting I think. So far, all I have in the way of "tools" is a wand and assorted candles. I told myself that since this is a life change and path, I wouldn't hurry things along or rush to get "everything I need to practice correctly". I know the God and Goddess understand and have laughed with me as I stumble along at times. Good thing they have a sense of humor! Ok, fairly long and rambling blog but I wanted to share my feelings. I feel so much better and happier having changed paths. It's like a weight was lifted. Wicca isn't easier than christianity by any means. There's a great deal to know and learn and I'll never learn or know it all--how wonderful. A life of learning, growing and (hopefully, one day) teaching. Can't ask for better than that!
Went shopping today with the family. It was really nice for all of us to be together. We went to Fashion Square in Scottsdale. Very large indoor mall with LOTS of dangerous stores! We parked next to Nordstrom and I got in trouble right away! You have to walk through the shoe department to get to the mall entrance--need I say more? Well, I will. I saw some gorgeous giraffe print stillettos! The giraffe is my animal. I love them. I have leopard but have never heard or seen giraffe. Well, needless to say, I bought them. Now, all I need is zebra to complete my safari collection. Also in the mall is a wonderful candle store called Illuminations. If there's one near you, go! They had all their Halloween stuff out. So much cool stuff. Ghost candles that change color, 18" tall iron witch statues holding a pumpkin lantern, candle-abras, iron bats hanging upside down with a place for a votive....well, I could go on. They're probably on-line but haven't checked yet. I was in black hat heaven! So many fun things to buy. I had just spent all my money on the shoes so I didn't indulge in candles--this time. Will definitely go back next week. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
My new PanGaia came today, yea. The debate topic was, "Should Pagans Build Churches?" I read all the views and can see both sides. Do you have an opinion? I would like to see a Community Center-perhaps renovating an existing building and giving it new life but beyond that, I'm not convinced. I can understand the need for privacy and I agree with Taliesin's view that Pagan clergy should be voluntary. Not a big fan of commitees and boards that are a requirement for a church. I sat on the board of my former church for three years and have had enough pettiness and of those who would hold on to any small bit of "power" to last several llifetimes! Huh, guess I do have a opinion of a "church" setting. The idea of a Community Center does appeal to me though. To have a place to go for books, counseling, ritual and ceremonies not to mention the out door spaces....For those of us with extreme weather such as snow or high heat, indoor practice would be nice. A place big enough for celebrations like The Witches Ball, Yule celebrations, etc....What's your view?
