Bits and Pieces

Whew! Yes, I’ve been busy! Working, dancing, protesting, teaching – I think I need one more project!

So here’s a quick rundown on what’s been going on : Oakshade Sanctuary is rolling along quite happily these days. I’m very proud to say our study group and rituals are growing every day, and having the influences and teachings of so many varied people has created wonderful discussions. Currently we are learning more rituals as they are being taught by our initiates (and soon-to-be initiates!). Several of us have also been invited to sit in on séances being held by another group here in town. Fun stuff!

After the New Year, we are going to start looking into a Pagan scouting group. I’ve worked with such a group in the past, and it was great for the kids to be able to get together and learn about the Gods and Goddesses and the Earth and Spirituality. Of course, it wasn’t all seriousness – there was Bubble Day, Water Balloon Day, Zoo Day – I’m looking forward to all of it!

In dancing news, it’s winter so we get to slow down…a little bit, anyway! Learning new choreography, teaching, brushing up on improvisation – it keeps us busy. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And yes, I am still very much involved with the Occupy movement. It’s become a matter of being heard, not even as a Pagan or a single parent, but as an American. And if you are only getting your information about the movement from the mainstream media outlets, trust me, you’re not getting the story. I invite you to look at some alternative news sources:

Truthout.com
Rawstory.com
Boingboing.net
Bbc.co.uk

That’s my soapbox for today. I know at times I can really preachy and annoying, so the rest of this will be a little lighter. Seasons are changing, and time of madness is upon us!

Yes, I love spending time with my family, both blood and extended. What I do not love is trying to buy the necessities of life while battling those nutjobs that think this time of year means spending yourself into debt. So here’s a thought for this year’s gift-giving – instead of buying a bunch of junk that most people don’t really need anyway, do something for your family. There’s always something I can do for the people in my life that won’t cost an arm and a leg, and it’ll be appreciated much more than something else that will catch dust on the knick knack shelf. Even if the only thing you can think of is a gift certificate for a massage or a manicure, it’s a personal gift, and the money stays local. The boys and I have decided to spend more of our dollars here with the wonderful local shops and services. After all, change begins at home.