Friday, June 4, 2010
Taking Care of Business
Wellspring really motivated me to delve deeper into the study programs I'm working on. I kept making excuses for why I wasn't working harder. Some of them are arguably valid, such as being tired after work, but I only work for five days out of seven. There are two days that I could easily get something done.
Tonight I started to edit a book review for Oak Leaves, continued my work on the muse essay for the Artisan study program, and did a full ritual. I used ogham to seek guidance from the Kindreds and they seemed to have a lot of positive things to say about my desire to do a ritual every week. All signs point to it being the best thing for my spirituality. The Kindreds seem to be saying that in doing so, I will grow closer to the land, myself, and the Kindreds in general. I made an oath that, so long as I'm physically able, I will perform a full ritual once a week. Should I fail, I will give up the internet (my biggest time sink) for the following week. The only exception to that is my work email. Otherwise, no surfing or checking status updates at all. I've been pretty good about keeping my oath to do a devotional every day unless I participate in some other ritual. Oaths motivate me.
So I feel pretty good about myself and my spirituality tonight!
In other news, my garden is doing so well! The marigolds are starting to blossom which adds some much needed color to what is otherwise a collection of green. I can't wait until my forget me nots blossom!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Tonight I started to edit a book review for Oak Leaves, continued my work on the muse essay for the Artisan study program, and did a full ritual. I used ogham to seek guidance from the Kindreds and they seemed to have a lot of positive things to say about my desire to do a ritual every week. All signs point to it being the best thing for my spirituality. The Kindreds seem to be saying that in doing so, I will grow closer to the land, myself, and the Kindreds in general. I made an oath that, so long as I'm physically able, I will perform a full ritual once a week. Should I fail, I will give up the internet (my biggest time sink) for the following week. The only exception to that is my work email. Otherwise, no surfing or checking status updates at all. I've been pretty good about keeping my oath to do a devotional every day unless I participate in some other ritual. Oaths motivate me.
So I feel pretty good about myself and my spirituality tonight!
In other news, my garden is doing so well! The marigolds are starting to blossom which adds some much needed color to what is otherwise a collection of green. I can't wait until my forget me nots blossom!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Musical Meme
Day 12 - A song from my favorite album
Hmmm... This is kind of tricky. I like a lot of bands...
I think I'll have to choose "Ready Steady Go" from the Smile album by L'Arc-en-Ciel. They're one of my favorite bands and I've already used two or three Beatle songs for this meme... This song is probably one of L'Arc's best and most well-known thanks to "Full Metal Alchemist." It always makes me happy.
Day 13 - A song I listen to when I'm angry.
Hmmm... I tend not to listen to much when I'm angry. I usually just take a shower or try to watch something funny...
But if I were to get really angry about something - like a social cause or something like that - and I had to fight for my rights or beliefs, I can see this song being really motivating. It's called "Morrigan" by Omnia.
I still get goosebumps whenever I listen to it...
Day 01 - Your favorite song
Day 02 - A song that makes you happy
Day 03 - A song that makes you sad
Day 04 - A song that reminds you of someone
Day 05 - A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 06 - A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 07 - A song that you can dance to
Day 08 - A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 09 - A song from your favorite band
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 11 - A song that describes you
Day 12 - A song from your favorite album
Day 13 - A song that you listen to when you're angry
Day 14 - A song that you listen to when you're happy
Day 15 - A song that you listen to when you're sad
Day 16 - A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 17 - A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 18 - A song that makes you laugh
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Hmmm... This is kind of tricky. I like a lot of bands...
I think I'll have to choose "Ready Steady Go" from the Smile album by L'Arc-en-Ciel. They're one of my favorite bands and I've already used two or three Beatle songs for this meme... This song is probably one of L'Arc's best and most well-known thanks to "Full Metal Alchemist." It always makes me happy.
Day 13 - A song I listen to when I'm angry.
Hmmm... I tend not to listen to much when I'm angry. I usually just take a shower or try to watch something funny...
But if I were to get really angry about something - like a social cause or something like that - and I had to fight for my rights or beliefs, I can see this song being really motivating. It's called "Morrigan" by Omnia.
I still get goosebumps whenever I listen to it...
Day 02 - A song that makes you happy
Day 03 - A song that makes you sad
Day 04 - A song that reminds you of someone
Day 05 - A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 06 - A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 07 - A song that you can dance to
Day 08 - A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 09 - A song from your favorite band
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 11 - A song that describes you
Day 12 - A song from your favorite album
Day 13 - A song that you listen to when you're angry
Day 14 - A song that you listen to when you're happy
Day 15 - A song that you listen to when you're sad
Day 16 - A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 17 - A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 18 - A song that makes you laugh
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
My 21 Lessons of Wellspring
Emerald, our Bard Laureate of ADF, posted her "21 Lessons of Wellspring" on Facebook and I thought it was a lovely idea! Here are my own. Enjoy!
1) Next year, pack less clothing. It's not like I really need to wear it there anyway...
2) Sarongs are the BEST item of clothing ever invented.
3) Regardless of whether or not sun screen causes cancer, I need something on me or else I will burn burn burn!
4) Hanging out with naked people is actually not awkward at all!
5) People in ADF are some of the nicest, most hospitable people ever.
6) Drumming makes rituals more exciting!
7) Dancing barefoot in sand is a great way to exfoliate your feet.
8) Stoicism is basically common sense but talking about it really puts things into perspective.
9) Use your diaphragm!
10) There are a LOT of vegetarians in ADF!
11) People with a cane and a leg brace are still capable of dancing!
12) Skip can dance! I've seen it with my own eyes!
13) It's actually a lot of fun to run back and forth between a freezing pool and a boiling hot tub!
14) Kirk does look pretty in a tiara.
15) Whenever I say "regalia" I have to look around and prepare myself for a spanking.
16) Vegan marshmallows make people really uncomfortable.
17) 6'5" men in nothing but leopard print sarongs and purple fairy wings make people even more uncomfortable.
18) Druid Sticks looks really scary.
19) I do believe in reikie! I do! I do!
20) There is a boy Grey!
21) Pack less clothing but bring more blankets!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
1) Next year, pack less clothing. It's not like I really need to wear it there anyway...
2) Sarongs are the BEST item of clothing ever invented.
3) Regardless of whether or not sun screen causes cancer, I need something on me or else I will burn burn burn!
4) Hanging out with naked people is actually not awkward at all!
5) People in ADF are some of the nicest, most hospitable people ever.
6) Drumming makes rituals more exciting!
7) Dancing barefoot in sand is a great way to exfoliate your feet.
8) Stoicism is basically common sense but talking about it really puts things into perspective.
9) Use your diaphragm!
10) There are a LOT of vegetarians in ADF!
11) People with a cane and a leg brace are still capable of dancing!
12) Skip can dance! I've seen it with my own eyes!
13) It's actually a lot of fun to run back and forth between a freezing pool and a boiling hot tub!
14) Kirk does look pretty in a tiara.
15) Whenever I say "regalia" I have to look around and prepare myself for a spanking.
16) Vegan marshmallows make people really uncomfortable.
17) 6'5" men in nothing but leopard print sarongs and purple fairy wings make people even more uncomfortable.
18) Druid Sticks looks really scary.
19) I do believe in reikie! I do! I do!
20) There is a boy Grey!
21) Pack less clothing but bring more blankets!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Musical Meme Catch up
Day 6 - A song that reminds me of a certain event.
"The Hills They are Hallow" by Damh the Bard. It reminds me of Wellspring. :)
Day 7 - A song that I can dance to
"Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga, or really just about any song by her. I love her style of dress, music, and dance. To me it's all about being true to yourself. Sure she may not dress or dance like most other people, but it's refreshing. I can't help but move when I hear her work.
Day 8 - A song that makes me fall asleep
This is a tricky one... I generally cannot fall asleep to any music... I'm going to skip this one. If I think of something, I'll come back to it.
Day 9 - A song from my favorite band
"Helter Skelter" by the Beatles. It's one of my favorite songs by them. I always have to sing and shake my head when I hear it.
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect me to love
"The Little Drummer Boy" - Performed by Celtic Women in this video. It's one of my favorite holiday songs and I think it's what Christmas is supposed to really be about. It's such a beautiful story, too. I try and remember this song when I get mad at Christianity in general and think about all the Christians I know who are more in touch with this simple message than all the crap that is out there.
Day 11 - A song that describes me
This could be seen as a cop-out, but I really couldn't think of anything better. Everything else is probably more how I would like to be seen or completely inaccurate.
Woo! I think I'm all caught up. Sorry for the huge post! Remember, if you're on lj, you can't see the videos unless you actually click on the below link and go to my blog.
Day 01 - Your favorite song
Day 02 - A song that makes you happy
Day 03 - A song that makes you sad
Day 04 - A song that reminds you of someone
Day 05 - A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 06 - A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 07 - A song that you can dance to
Day 08 - A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 09 - A song from your favorite band
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 11 - A song that describes you
Day 12 - A song from your favorite album
Day 13 - A song that you listen to when you're angry
Day 14 - A song that you listen to when you're happy
Day 15 - A song that you listen to when you're sad
Day 16 - A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 17 - A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 18 - A song that makes you laugh
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
"The Hills They are Hallow" by Damh the Bard. It reminds me of Wellspring. :)
Day 7 - A song that I can dance to
"Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga, or really just about any song by her. I love her style of dress, music, and dance. To me it's all about being true to yourself. Sure she may not dress or dance like most other people, but it's refreshing. I can't help but move when I hear her work.
Day 8 - A song that makes me fall asleep
This is a tricky one... I generally cannot fall asleep to any music... I'm going to skip this one. If I think of something, I'll come back to it.
Day 9 - A song from my favorite band
"Helter Skelter" by the Beatles. It's one of my favorite songs by them. I always have to sing and shake my head when I hear it.
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect me to love
"The Little Drummer Boy" - Performed by Celtic Women in this video. It's one of my favorite holiday songs and I think it's what Christmas is supposed to really be about. It's such a beautiful story, too. I try and remember this song when I get mad at Christianity in general and think about all the Christians I know who are more in touch with this simple message than all the crap that is out there.
Day 11 - A song that describes me
This could be seen as a cop-out, but I really couldn't think of anything better. Everything else is probably more how I would like to be seen or completely inaccurate.
Woo! I think I'm all caught up. Sorry for the huge post! Remember, if you're on lj, you can't see the videos unless you actually click on the below link and go to my blog.
Day 02 - A song that makes you happy
Day 03 - A song that makes you sad
Day 04 - A song that reminds you of someone
Day 05 - A song that reminds of you of somewhere
Day 06 - A song that reminds you of a certain event
Day 07 - A song that you can dance to
Day 08 - A song that makes you fall asleep
Day 09 - A song from your favorite band
Day 10 - A song that no one would expect you to love
Day 11 - A song that describes you
Day 12 - A song from your favorite album
Day 13 - A song that you listen to when you're angry
Day 14 - A song that you listen to when you're happy
Day 15 - A song that you listen to when you're sad
Day 16 - A song that you want to play at your wedding
Day 17 - A song that you want to play at your funeral
Day 18 - A song that makes you laugh
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
DP
My husband is amused whenever anyone talks about finishing or nearly finishing the DP (Dedicant Program in ADF lingo). He says, depending on his mood, his first thoughts are usually about Dr. Pepper or double penetration.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Wellspring 2010 - A Reflection
Like many, I don't really know how to describe my time at Wellspring. The word that keeps popping up in my head is transformative. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot about myself. I feel closer to my grove, the ADF community, and the friends I've made there.
It was great to finally meet so many people who I've only known online. I spent some time with the Daws and Lesley who I know through Facebook and the ADF chats. I also met my lj friends athenamsb and Thread_of_Song. It was amazing to spend time with them. I briefly spoke with Michael Dangler, Seamus, and Jamie. I also saw Robb for the first time in a year or so! I wish we could have talked more but such is the nature of a festival I guess!
Weretoad and I spent a lot of time with our friend Parallax who moved out to Albany earlier this year. We've not been able to see her as often as we'd like to, so having her at Wellspring was great! Her husband wasn't able to come but we're already plotting plans for next year!
I feel that Wellspring was transformative for me because not only did it increase my bonds with ADF as a whole, but it helped me to better understand my own insecurities and then deal with them/move past them. I thought that being in a clothing optional campground would be hugely stressful. In the end, it became very normal and even relaxing! I felt more at ease and secure in my own beauty and worth than I ever have. Like Michele said to me in the hot tub, eventually a switch goes off and you realize that there's a definite difference between nudity and sexuality. This was also my first time camping so I learned a lot and know better what I do and don't need next year.
The rituals I attended were wonderful. Kirk's installation as Arch Druid was moving and powerful. I've never seen so many Druids in one place! The symbel on Sunday was a lot of fun and different from any ritual I've ever been to. My husband's favorite was the closing ritual on Monday. He liked that it was more relaxed and that he could sit (he liked that about the symbel as well).
Goodness... What else happened?
- I attended several helpful workshops including the Daws' lecture on Stoicism and Kirk's basic ritual skills. I got a lot out of them!
- Several of my dolls were for sale in the ADF Store. I even sold six of them! I hope that everyone enjoys them!
- I entered the doll at right, Manannan mac Lir, into the Artisan Competition and won first place in the Sacred Art category! Woo!
- Weretoad and I fell in love with sarongs. I think they're now our favorite form of clothing.
- I bought several sarongs, a dragon statue for my garden, and the book Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits.
- I enjoyed the annual meeting. I especially liked Kirk's idea to honor some of the most helpful people with certificates and rewards at the end. It's good to acknowledge the many dedicated volunteers!
- I did a LOT of dancing and it felt wonderful! My grovies want me to do a workshop on dance sometime.
- Candee and I spoke a bit about reiki and she did some on my face because I was feeling so sick on Sunday. It really helped and I am so grateful to her!
All in all, I had such a spectacular time and am so amazed with the hospitality of everyone from Stone Creed Grove to the solitaries! I am honored to be a part of ADF and I cannot wait until next year! Congratulations to everyones accomplishments! Hail to the folk and our Kindreds!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
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