Quest for a Pagan Paradise

For many years, I have had this fantastic dream of owning my own "Pagan Paradise".  I wanted a home settled on a huge amount of land in the middle of nowhere.  The problem is, my husband works in Detroit and I am a stay at home mom.  With a single income, our "Paradise" will not happen anytime soon.

With my health issues I have encountered this past year, our medical bills have risen quite high.  One of my prescriptions that is necessary for my kidneys costs $847 per month.  That is for only one prescription!  I take 12 different medications.  I am also getting ready to start a new one called Benlysta and I have no clue what that one will cost.

Photo taken in my back yard few years back. This is the smaller of the two trees that need to come down.
Its not as pretty now as it was when we first moved here in 2004.

So my idea of 80+ acres secluded from most of the "world" will cease to exist.  My quest for a cabin in the woods will have to wait until probably retirement (if we can even afford it then).  Over the past few weeks I have been trying to go through boxes of my books, tools, all sorts of items I was waiting to use until we found our "dream house".  Statues of the Gods and Goddesses that I own that were packed away for safe keeping.  Totes and totes of books that were in storage because I simply don't currently have the shelf space for any of them.

One of the items I was saving was my Triple Goddess Statue my husband gave to me for my birthday in 2011.

She's too freaking beautiful to be in a box.  She will be going onto my new altar in my bedroom.
The artist for this beautiful piece is Mickie Mueller and available at Sacred Source.com 

So these next coming weeks, I will plow through my home, open every box I have put away for those "rainy days" and take inventory.  Over the course of while these treasures have been in storage, I may have an immediate need for them (like quite a number of Coventry Creation Candles I purchased last year at ConVocation) and some items I purchased in Salem over a decade ago that are still in their original wrapping that I no longer have any need.

The books will be sorted into the ones I know I want for my library, ones I want to read prior to their departure and ones I know I no longer need.  Many of these items will either be sold at the upcoming SBS "Barter, Trade, & Sell" after the Mabon Ritual.  Some will be given to friends I know want them, and the rest will be donated to the Tempest Smith Foundation for their raffle for the 2013 ConVocation.

Thanks to the help of my Coven sister Katherine, she has already helped me in the process of sorting through some of my goods.

Why am I doing all this?  It is apparent that we will not be moving into our "dream house" anytime soon.

As I look around my surroundings, yes my home may be small to some, but it is indeed my home.  I live in a neighborhood that is very close to the one I grew up in (however the neighborhood I grew up in was predominately family).   I trust my neighbors around me with my life and that of my children.  There have been many occasions where I have needed the immediate help of a neighbor and they gladly gave it.  Should I need to wake them in the middle of the night, I know they are willing to help my family should I need to be rushed to the emergency room.  It's already happened.  There are four families around me that I know my children are safe with should I have to go to the hospital as well.

Should something happen to my car, I live in a community that I am within walking distance of my family doctor, dentist, grocery store, pharmacy, and general merchandise should I need their services. I could not get more "greener" living in an urban area by being able to walk to all my necessities.

 I live in a good community.  I am happy here.  When we bough this place we thought it would be a transitional home for just a few years.  However, now as I look at everything in our current situation I can see this being our "30 year home".  Some things need to be changed like a few trees removed that might not make it through the next few years of winter for the safety of our home and our neighbors (they are really really really big trees).

I also want to start landscaping and planting roots literally and physically.  I kept a few old plant catalogs to see what kinds of plants I want to plant next year.  I want not only flowers, but herbs, vegetables, and possibly a couple of fruit trees should I be able to convince my husband.  I would also like the addition of a privacy fence.

I don't know exactly how much land we own, its quite small.  I don't think its even a 1/4 of an acre, but it is ours.  But I do know I am happy here, yes I need to be a bit less of a pack rat, I save a lot of different things for special occasions or hold onto them because someone I love gave it to me (even though I might not like it at all).  I can see I am in a different kind of Paradise.  I just need to change a few things to turn it into my "Pagan Paradise".

My besom is hanging in my kitchen that my mentor Jackie made for me many years ago.

My mini-altar on the kitchen window sill.  You can see the second tree that needs to come down in this photo too. It only shows half of its trunk that is how freaking big it is. 

My favorite stained glass pent that my friend T.s. gave to me is above my kitchen window collecting the sunlight each and every morning as it rises.   I just need to organize and make better use of my space.  I feel a house clearing coming on as well as a new blessing for our permanent home.  Time to make the switch from "temporary" to permanent.  This is not only the house we live in, this is our home.  Now to make it one (instead of looking like someone just moved in with bare walls and more unpacked boxes than what is being used).

So the Quest for a Pagan Paradise is over....I've already found it.  I just had not realized it until now!  That is what I am thankful for this coming Mabon, having a good home, great family, and appreciating the things I do have in my life!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Blessed Be,
Crystal T.

ConVocation 2013

Howdy All!

This is just a short reminder that if you plan on teaching at ConVocation 2013, you better get those applications into the MEC quickly.  The deadline to submit workshops is almost upon us.

I have already received a few emails if I were going to present again on my Mooncycle Magic series and I have decided to NOT submit any workshops for 2013.

Why?

You see, one of my favorite authors will be presenting next year for the very first time at ConVocation!  With my past lucks of wanting to go to Guest Presenter classes (such as Dorothy Morrison, Selena Fox, and a few others) I simply do not want to miss any of her classes if I am able to have the opportunity to go to them.   In the past I was alwasys scheduled the same time as most of the classes I wanted to attend.  So I took myself out of the equation.  It will also give me more time to go see my favorite candle maker, owner of Coventry Creations, Detroit's own Hoo-Doo lady, Jacki Smith's classes as well!  I learn something new every year from Jacki!  If you haven't read Coventry Magic yet, you really should think about buying it!  It's one of my favorite books on the market!

It will be lots of fun going and not worrying about the stress that comes with presenting!  I always "freak" out the night before my workshops and sleep very little wondering if anyone would show up.  Of course when that happened a few times they had to bring in more chairs to accomodate the amount of people that did show up! 

The next few years I am going to be focusing on my health and my writing.  I am currently working on a few separate projects.  It's just focusing on one at a time to complete it is where I am having problems.  I just want to work on them all at once. Hahaha  Who knows maybe for 2014 I will have a new workshop or two to present for consideration in the following years.

So I am looking forward to just relaxing, attending classes, and hanging out with my magical family this coming year.  It's going to be a ball.  After last year, I do know now that I need to bring in my own food. I got pretty sick last year so no playing around this coming year.  Or I will need to research the restaurants in the area better to plan my meals.  When I made my reservation last year I did request the same room, it was an awesome room!

Sincerely,

Crystal

J is for Jewels of the Craft

This weeks post is with the letter J.  I have not been able to keep up with the amount of research I like to do for my food entries so my posts for the Pagan Blog Project will not be entirely focused on food how I had hoped.  I will still be posting some food entries, just not necessarily every week as I have not been able to put in the hours of researching the food items I originally had hoped to work and write about. 

This week I am writing about Jewels within the Craft.  These are the people that have influenced my life in one form or another.  Now my "jewels" may not necessarily be your jewels and that is quite ok.  What I value in a person may be different than your values.  Every person effects another in one way or another whether it be good or bad.  Each and every person we come into contact with on a daily basis influences us in our lives and how we live our lives.

Here is my current list of the top "jewels" in my treasure box of knowledge.  They are not listed in any particular order and I have chosen to associate them with a common list of precious jewels that some people might have in their jewelry box just for added fun.  Here goes:

First lets start with the Jewels I personally know, they are my truest of treasures and for that I want them to know how much I love, value, and cherish them!

The Gold - My Husband and Sons

They are the light of my life and reason for living.  My husband takes pride in telling me my weirdness is what he fell in love with and has always supported me about my difference in faith.  He has never told me to stop and encourages me to follow my dreams.  My boys are my sunshine and make me happy whenever I am said by attempting to tell me a joke or kiss and hug me so I feel better when I am not feeling good from my ongoing battle with Kidney disease.  They are the Gods I worship the most and could not live without.  They provide the light in my life, my protection, my home, and my happiness. 

The Diamond

My blood (biological) sister Annette.  We may have had a rough relationship growing up.  She is a few years older than I am and who would want a baby sister following them around, getting into their make-up and playing dress up in her expensive clothes, playing her albums, and just wanting to follow her every place including wanting to go on her dates. LOL  After I grew up and moved to Michigan the distance surely made our hearts grow fonder for one another.  It wasn't until a trip to Salem that made us not only know each other as sisters, but also bonded us together as friends.  Now we speak to one another on a daily basis whether or not it be via phone or internet. 

The Hematite

My Coven sister Katherine Ravenswood. She is the one person that keeps me grounded (in a good way of course, LOL).  She nurtures my soul, helps me manifest my dreams, but also knows when its for my own good to bring me back to the ground when I am really over exerting myself.  She helps me keep myself and my health in check as we are on a  journey together to become healthy and live a longer life.  She is my "Magical MacGuyver" and can manifest into physical form whatever crazy concoction of a magical project I devise. 

The Amethyst - Amethyst Cat

One of my first mentors when I moved here to the state of Michigan.  We actually met on the internet a group that provided online learning.  We had so many other ways to meet in person for instance, I shot billards with her sister in law every Sunday for over 5 years and I was her other sister in law's assistant as a business I used to work at for about three years as well.  But it took the internet for us to meet and build up the confidence and courage to meet each other in person.  Of course we hit it off and I consider her a Magical Sister and apart of my Magical Family!   Just like the stone Amethyst is a correspondence of a teacher of all things spiritual, mystic and psychic. 

The Citrine - Ibisfire

Ibisfire correspondes to the Citrine in my jewelry box by way of her talent for Creativity, her example of enjoying life and living it to its fullest.  Her generous soul and gives everything she possibly can to whatever she is doing at the time.  Her love of the theather sparking the muse of creativity.  Finally her general overall goodness that seeps out of her aura, heart and soul.  I met Ibisfire through Amethyst Cat and also consider her a Magical Sister and apart of my Magical Family.  She inspires me to do more with my life and do more for others.  You can always find her helping out at her local communities Theater group whether she is staring, directing, producing, costume making, or mentoring the children in playgroup.  She is a star in her own right and among the brightest and sparkling of my jewels.

The Lapis Lazuli - Dawn (photo below with The Pearl)

Dawn is my Coven Sister and apart of Magical Family.  She is my rock when it comes to truthfulness, openness, accessing my Inner Power, trusting my Intuition and inner power.  She is a sense of mystery and my favorite Gypsy of all!  She breathes self confidence and psychic ability.  She is my favorite and most talented Medium helping me talk to my spiritual guides when I need a boost in power.   She is a no-nonsense, tell it like it is Moma who protects "The Pearl" with every bone in her body and ounce of her being.  She is our Moma Bear to our Coven. 

The Pearl - Autumn (photo above with the Lapis Lazuli)

Just like a pearl she is our Maiden in our Coven.  Daugther of Dawn, she is not only our newest Coven sister, but also adopted neice by Magic is you will.  She represents all that is pure in the world thru the eyes of our Maiden.  Her innocence is represented by her youth.  We hope to guide her with integrity and provide her with the focus to do well in life and concentrate on her studies until she gradutates.  Even though she is young, I can sense an old soul within her being that will be able to provide much wisdom as she grows into a beautiful woman just like her mother.  She reminds me what it is like to be young and enjoy the simple things in life.  She has such a bright future and I am lucky to be apart of it.

The Peridot - Pilar

My Peridot is my Coven Sister Pilar.  She and I are so much alike its funny sometimes.  We also act very silly when we are together as well.  She and I share our love for Raw Food, Herbs, and alternate healing.  Just like the Peridot, Pilar represents Healing, Renewal, Purification and Rebirth.  When I am stressed out, she can say something to make me laugh and the world seems like a better place.  She relaxes me and also provides me with the vigor to live a better life by going as green as I can.  She is my "Smoothie Sis" and understands my challenges with food and health.  She is my aspiring Healer! 


Now for those I treasure in the Craft that I value just as much even though I might wear these jewels every day....these are more the "special jewels" that I don't get to interact with that often.  Those I learn from physically on a personal level while attending a workshop at a larger convention or event, or by reading their gifts of knowledge in the form of their writing whether it be from a blog, book, or magazine article.


The Ruby:  Dorothy Morrison

I first met Dorothy when I was pregnant with my first son so that would be back in 2003.  My friend Wayland invited me to dinner with him and Ravenmyst.  When I showed at the place he told me to meet him, low and behold Dorothy was there!  (Wayland knew I was a huge fan of hers and neglected to tell me why we were meeting for dinner.)  Many of the books I have read in the craft were written by Dorothy.  Her straight forward approach to the craft opened my eyes to alot of possibilities in Magic itself.  Among my favorite books she has produced are In Praise of the Crone and also Magical Needlework where I first learned about Cross-stitching spells.  She is the witch holding the Ruby Shoes indeed!  She is the owner of Wicked Witch Studios and also the Flying Monkey Express.  Just like the correspondence of a Ruby, Dorothy fosters integrity for owning your own magic.  The Courage to do what is in your heart and leadership ability and power in her workshops and presentations I have also attended at Convocation in the past years. 

The Moonstone - Selena Fox

PSG 2008 LtoR: Me, Annette, Selena, Kathy & Dawn

What can a person say about Selena?  She simply is a version of the Goddess! 
Selena fosters happiness wherever she goes.  She always has a smile on her face and is glowing with energy every single moment I have laid eyes upon her.    She is very nuturing and mothering in her manner hugging every person she comes into contact with during conventions and festivals.  She makes you feel as you are apart of her magical family as one of the main sayings I learned and felt during PSG is that of "WELCOME HOME".  Like the Moonstone with its Humanitarian properties Selena has accomplished many feats for Pagans when it comes to recognition for a Pagan Symbol being placed upon Veteran Stones, Interfaith relationships, and spiritual insight and training in her way of Leadership Intensives which I feel is important to anyone that considers themself a Pagan Clergy.  There is alot of knowledge in the groups I have attended and networked with that I have been able to learn from, make friends with, and help others grow in their quest for knowledge as well.  She treats everyone as her equal and also as a friend. 

I believe this was taken my first year presenting at Convocation 2008
LtoR:  Christopher Penczak, Michelle Belanger, T.Thorn Coyle and me.

The Jet - Christopher Penczak

Christopher is by far one of the few men that inspire me within the Craft.  Maybe I am drawn to him as a Taurus since his birthday is the day before mine.  Christopher holds many of the same properties I feel the stone Jet possesses. Not to mention whenever I think of Jet, the first thing I think of is the beautiful necklace he wears made of Amber and Jet. He is very courteous and confident.  He is optimistic.  From the lessons I have learned from him through his writings and workshops is that to be balanced by not only working with the light but also with one's Shadow self.  He is a person I consider a leader and encourages postive growth within yourself.  He has taught me balance in my life both magical and the mundane.

The Tiger's Eye - Michelle Belanger

Michelle is someone I look forward to learning from every year at Convocation.  She embodies the energy of both male and female.  She is strong and beautiful.  She has taught me what I have learned about psychic energy and working within the spirit of one's own personal energy.  She has taught me about personal empowerment.  She is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and a wealth of knowledge.  I aspire to hold myself with the grace, integritiy, courage and ability to see things for what they really are in both the magical world and the mundane.  She is also one of my favorite singers and a brilliant performer.




The Silver - Amber K

One of the highlights in my life was meeting Amber K.  The reason why she is so special to me is that her book True Magick was the very first book I bought when I began my studies into the craft over 20 years ago.  When I served in the US Army in my early twenties most of my fellow commards in arms kept a pocket bible, it was her book I kept in my right cargo pocket of my BDUs.  I have always felt a connection to her and also to the Moon.  This past year at Convocation I was able to meet her in person and attend a few of her workshops.  My friend and treasured jewel Cat (written about earlier) can contest to the fact that whenever I seen Amber for the first time I was speechless, which for me is something that seldomly happens! LOL 

Amber's energy is that of unconditional love and nurturing.  She appreciates nature and that shows throughout the training she offers at Ardantane which I hope to save money for and go study with for for a time whenever my schedule and health allows it.  She is my Silver as that precious metal is sacred to the Moon, just like I think she is sacred to the Moon. 

There are so many more precious jewels I would love to share with you, but I don't want to turn this into a book.  Maybe each month I will focus on writing about the ones I hold dear, sacred, and look to as special jewels.

Who are the "Jewels" you hold dear to your heart?

As I close this post, I am happy that I have so many treasures within my life.  Today I turn 39.  Each of these people have helped me become the Priestess I am today.  I am thankful to them for what they have taught me, shared with me, influenced me, and those I know that love me as much as I love them.  I am a very lucky girl!

Blessed Be,
Crystal T.

Thankful Thursday, Convocation 2013 & Ellen Dugan

Today I am thankful that it is the birthday of my maternal grandmother Sophie!  She would have been 99 years old today if she were still among the living.  She does still live in my heart and know she is with me in Spirit.  Especially whenever I am cooking a meal for my family.  I feel close to  her!  Many of my memories are focused around food as she passed when I was a young child.

They include:

The smells of her making Fig Jam from the fruits from the tree in your yard.
The smells and tastes of her Catfish Coubillion (Red Fish Stew if you will)
The sound of her voice speaking in Cajun French because she knew very little English.
The old metal fan that would sit in her living room on the hot summer days.
The rag doll she gave me with blue hair that I named Priscilla after Elvis's wife...(I was a fan of Elvis and Dallas even as a young child).
Her rocking me on her lap singing to me to try to get me to fall asleep, and it was also in French.
Her beautiful white hair....it was so white it had the blue sheen to it!  How I wished I would be blessed with her hair.  (I think my sister was but she won't quit dying her hair to find out. LOL Love you sis!)


Today I am also thankful for a little bit of news I learned about via Facebook!

Ellen Dugan (one of my fav authors) posted she will be at Convocation 2013!

I am so stoked about this.  Ellen is among my top favorites in regards to the craft and herbs. 

So because of this news, please be aware that I will NOT be submitting any workshops for next year.  I will be taking the year off to ensure the opportunity to take Ellen's classes as well as have the opportunity to enjoy other classes I have been scheduled with at similar times like the Drumming workshops with Alex.  He is a wonderful teacher but I never get to take his classes because our workshops have been at the same time.  I have been able to take only one of his in the past 5 years. 

Many thanks to everyone that has supported me in the past with my workshops!  I am not stopping, just taking one year off.  Besides I should focus on developing some new classes to submit and focus on my book "A Pagan Pregnancy" and keep working on my next book "Gaia's Bounty" which focuses on finding the Magic in your Meals!

I can't wait to see who else is confirmed to be the Guest Presenters at Convocation next year!

Those I listed on my Wish List to the Programming Committee last April included:

Ellen Dugan - Confirmed!!!!
Mickie Mueller
M. Flora Peterson aka Charming Pixie Flora on YouTube
Susun Weed
Corrina Woods of Red Moon Herbs and also Earthaven Ecovillage
Crystal Blanton

In the past as well I have asked for many many people!  I would love for them to bring Nora Cedarwind Back, I miss my sister!  She has been very busy with the birth of a new grandchild and has alot of things going on right now....Nora if you are reading this, miss you my sister!  I think of you often and will be putting a little something special in the mail for you soon!

Yeah I realize that four of them have a direct relation to plants but with next year's theme being the Sun, should it be a year to celebrate all that grows in its light? LOL

So I am thankful today that I will get the opportunity to learn from someone I hold in high regard.

If you attend Convocation and want to see someone specific, start sending in your wish list to their programming committee.  Also every year they have Feedback forms that you can fill out as well on who you would like to see at future events.  If you don't request the person you want to see, how will they know? 

Thank you MEC for booking Ellen Dugan as a Guest Presenter at next years event!  Thank you for all the hard work you put into booking the best speakers each and every year!  Thank you for everything you do!  See you next year!

Sincerely,
Crystal

E is for Elder - Amber K

Now I normally write about food as I am researching how food effects us spiritually. 
These past few weeks my thoughts have been consumed with a Pagan gathering called ConVocation.

February is one of my favorite times of year, I get to meet with a large mass of Pagans under one roof, drumming, workshops, great conversations, fantastic rituals, and meet alot of people I normally would not be able to meet under the everyday mundane life circumstances.

This year was no exception.  When I first started in the craft I was just entering the stage of life becoming a young adult.  I was a teen like most people I know when they turned to the craft.  I was in the closet most of my teen years with few people knowing that were closest to me during that time.  I went on to graduate high school and then entered into the military (Army).  One of the few books I had with me while in service to the United States was a small green book.  While everyone I knew in the Army carried a small pocket bible in their cargo pocket, my "bible" was this small green book.

In my lifetime I have purchased two copies of this book.  The first was when I was in highschool learning about the craft.  The second copy was to replace my first copy while in the Army when it got drenched in a training drill during hurricane season.  I learned to carry my book in a ziploc bag after that incident.  When I purchased my second copy, I paid $4.95 plus tax for a brand new book....that goes to show how much inflation has gone up during the years. LOL 

From this book is where I built the foundation for how I practice the craft to this day. From Amber, I learned about setting up my first altar, working with energy, plus many other things!  This book is so important to me that I still have the second copy I purchased over two decades ago as well.  This year at ConVocation, the MEC provided me with the opportunity to meet someone I consider an Elder in my life and practice of the craft, Amber K.    For me an "Elder" is someone that is influential within your tribe or community. This person has an impact upon your life in a positive way.    That is definitely what Amber is to me.

I went to one of Amber's workshops with my friend AmethystCat.  Prior to the workshop we had a few minutes where I had the opportunity to go and ask Amber to sign my book.  I was too nervous to do so.  It's not that often I am at a loss for words...this was one of the few rare occassions where I became shy.  After her workshop, I finally built up enough courage to ask her to sign my book.  She was even kind enough to let me take a photo with her.

This day is definitely one of my magical highlights within my life.  It is one day that I will never forget.  To learn more about Amber, you can visit her website at http://www.ardantane.org/ .

Detroit Pagans - ConVocation 2012

It's a magical time in Detroit, Michigan.   Right now I am at ConVocation!  Its the second day of this fantastic event and I am having a great time!   This year's Guests include Selena Fox, Amber K and Azrael Arynn K, Raven Kalendra, Jacki Smith, Michelle Bellanger, plus many others.  This year I am also a presenter (my 5th year presenting) providing workshops on Mooncycle Magic and also a workshop based off my book A Pagan Pregnancy called "The Pregnant Pagan Priestess". 

Yesterday I had dinner with my KOTH Temple family and friends (Katherine, AmethystCat, Ibisfire, and Jenn plus met her friend Umi.  Not sure if I spelled it correctly) as we always do the first night of the convention.  We share our meal together and discussed the excitement we have for the upcoming weekend, were in awe of Jenn's drink being a beautiful sunrise, and discussed what we wanted to do, what classes we were excited for attending, drumming, the masquerade ball plus many other things.

ConVocation is presented by the MEC here in Detroit.  This was our first year at a new hotel the DoubleTree Hilton Dearborn.  This hotel was so beautiful.  There is an old Model T car in the lobby along with a waterfall pond (wish I took photos of them!).  The Opening Ceremony was held in the lobby area and was very open and wonderful.  The Con Chair and her team performed a wonderful ceremony.  

Last night I was able to attend JoAnn's (aka GreenWoman) drumming circle.  This is the time of year when I am able to play my djembe with such a large group of people.  Those I circle with the most simply just are not into drumming...I am the drummer of our group.  So I tend to get excited when I can learn new rhythms from other people since I consider myself a novice.  Last year I was able to drum for hours at a time and not be effected.  This year was a different story.  Due to my illness (kidney disease and now Lupus) I simply did not have the energy to drum the entire time.  I tried to pace myself by my excitement got the best of me...after an hour I simply could not carry on.  Kathy (great friend, coven sister, and also my "Magical MacGuyver") called out recognizing that I was not feeling well and suggested that we go to the room to rest.  The constant looking up around the room and then looking at down at the face of my drum began to make me feel off balance.  It could also have been the enourmous amount of energy that was being created in the room during the drumming circle.  We were blessed as a group to be led by JoAnn and also were able to witness some very energetic and trance dancers feeding off of our energy and returning the favor by providing us with their energy of dance.  For once there were more male dancers than there were female.  It was a nice change to see some gentlemen let loose and move around the circle. 

This is just a short post today.  I really enjoyed the classes that I attended and will write another post later on when I can collect my thoughts and write more.  So tired, must sleep now!

Good Night all, good night to all my friends at Convocation. 
   

Sincerely,
Crystal

Wordless Wednesday

Convocation 2012

I have received word that I will be presenting two workshops at Convocation 2012.

Out of the classes I did submit the following are the ones that are tentatively schedule for:

Magical Moontime - Friday 2:00pm

A woman’s cycle has been referred to as the “Curse”. She has been taught for decades her body is dirty and the blood disgusting. How do you feel about your menstruation? Do you collect your flow for magick? There are few rituals that honor this special time women experience. Reclaim your sacredness.  Align your magical cycle by tapping into this unique power.  Learn your own natural rhythm.  Honor your Magical Moontime.  We will discuss Blood Mysteries, the creation of Moon lodges, Red Tents, blood magic, menstrual rituals, and cloth pads.

Pregnant Pagan Priestess - Saturday 11:30am

Are you a Pregnant Pagan Priestess or know someone who is?  Come discuss ideas what you can do for yourself or that special priestess during this magical phase you’re in your life.  Celebrate becoming a Mother.  Topics covered include different types of rituals for Fertility to Delivery, Creating a Magical Nursery, celebrating the Sabbats as a Pregnant Priestess and so much more!  

Please make sure to check the Program book and Message boards for any possible schedule changes. 

I look forward to seeing you there!

Also with any luck I will have copies of my book "A Pagan Pregnancy" available for purchase there as well.

Sincerely,

Crystal

PS. The location has changed for Convocation 2012, make sure to check out their website for importanat information! 

www.convocation.org

Or you can click the title link of this post and it should take you there as well!

Convocation 2012

In the past few weeks, I have recieved a number of emails asking if I had submitted my application for Convocation 2012. 

At first, with my current health condition, I was going to consider not applying this upcoming year.  Seriously, I was not going to do it.  But after all the emails I have received, plus a few phone calls, I have gone ahead and submitted my application for the MEC to consider for 2012. 

So those of you that asked me to do it, thank you all for your constant encouragement and support!  It is greatly appreciated and makes me humble that you think I am worthy to present these topics in our community and that they are actually desired or needed!

I have asked to only present one to two classes max, but submitted three for their consideration.  They are as follows:

Workshop: “The Pampered Pagan’s Pantry”

Room Set Up: - Open to any style available

Equipment: Table

Length:  90 minutes

Category:  All

 This year we will focus on making an Esbat Body Scrub! You will have your choice of one of three magical moon blends or create your own.  Did you know you might have all the ingredients you need to in your own kitchen pantry?  Come and learn a simple recipe that will help you rejuvenate and pamper your skin.  Take the time to pamper yourself, use your home spa to lift your spirits and howl at the Moon!

Workshop: “Pregnant Pagan Priestess”

Room Set Up:  Any style available

Equipment: None

Length:  90 minutes

Category: Women Only Please

Are you a Pregnant Pagan Priestess or know someone who is?  Come discuss ideas what you can do for yourself or that special priestess during this magical phase you’re in your life.  Celebrate becoming a Mother.  Topics covered include different types of rituals for Fertility to Delivery, Creating a Magical Nursery, celebrating the Sabbats as a Pregnant Priestess and so much more!  

Workshop: “Magical Moontime”

Room Set Up:  Any style available

Equipment: None

Length:  90 minutes

Category: Women Only Please

A woman’s cycle has been referred to as the “Curse”. She has been taught for decades her body is dirty and the blood disgusting. How do you feel about your menstruation? Do you collect your flow in your magick? There are few rituals that honor this special time we women go through. Reclaim your sacredness.  Align yourself within your magical cycle by tapping into this unique power and learn about your own natural rhythm.  Learn rituals honoring the Magical Moontime.  We will discuss Blood Mysteries, the creation of Moon lodges, Red Tents, blood magic, First Blood rituals, sea sponges, cloth pads, and Earth bleeding.


So if there is a specific one of these you want to see,  make sure to write your request into the Programming Committee at Convocation!   Also, if you are wanting to present a workshop at Convocation 2012, you better submit your proposals soon!  Deadline is September 1st!!!!

Working on Book 2 Outline

Well the past few weeks I began my research for my second book and also on my working outline.  It's coming along alot easier than I thought it would.  I am excited about writing on this topic which is so close to my heart!  I am also working on a workshop to accent what I am writing and will plan on submitting it to the MEC for consideration at the 2012 Convocation in Troy, Michigan. 

So keep your fingers crossed for me!

Convocation - Masquerade Ball - Saturday

I am new to the world of Steampunk so I let my friends dress me.  Originally we were going for a Steampunk Goddess theme, but alas I was unable to pull a costume together myself and had to rely on my temple sisters for kindness.

Steampunk Mad Hatteress with my sturdy "tea" cup.

Steampunk Goddess Bast

Steampunk Goddess Brigid weilding her iron working tools

Party on dear....party on!

Ravenswood getting her groove on!

Our moma wanted a photo of her girls, so here you go Moma! Chris kissin her older sis!

I always feel well protected because I have Ibisfire's back and I know she has mine!

Me trying to dance with Ibisfire and friend Jen

Convocation - Day 2 - Friday

Being a born and raised Cajun, I opted to attend Dorothy Morrison and Jackie Smith's Swamp Witchery class.  As I did not know what the ladies had in store for their workshop, it had nothing to do with the swamp and what I personally consider to be "Swamp Witchery".  It was more about using things that you have on hand and not spending alot of money for a specific herb in a specific spell.  Being more flexible with what you have on hand (which is something I already do). It was more like "Swap" than "Swamp". It seemed to be a combination of each ladies' past workshops from past years along with some new information as well.  As always both ladies were charming in their mannerisms and could hold the audiences attention to its fullest extent.  I did enjoy the class very much. 

The next class I attended was Christopher Penczak's Descent of the Goddess.  I really REALLY enjoyed this class!  I liked the fact that he took his turn on the tale and compared it to other religions, paths and examples from being an Alchemist to a baker making bread.  The only thing I did not like about his class was something that Christopher has no controll over, his magical voice as able to send people into deep meditation (just listen to his many discs in the Temple series) sometimes has such a powerful effect it can put some people to sleep.  The gentleman sitting directly behind me began to snore.  So that is my only gripe.

The afternoon was filled with my own workshops that I presented back to back.  First off was the Pampered Pagan Pantry, which I must say thank you to everyone that was in attendance.  It was triple of what it was the previous year and I did not have enough materials for everyone to make their own salt or sugar scrub.  Should I submit this class next year I will be prepared for 30+ in attendance so that everyone present will be able to leave the class with something.  I think we may also be out growing Suite 118 as the poor MEC staff member on hand had to carry many chairs into the room to accomodate my guests.  Thank you young man, whomever you are.  You left without me being able to do so in person.  I also think I recognized someone from the Pagan Center that is one of Domestic Witch's YaYa's but not exactly sure.  So if you were there, let me know that I am not out of my mind.  I wanted to say Hi, but then again, I was not sure if you were who I thought you were....next time I will be more brave, tap you on the shoulder and say, Hey don't I know you from somewhere? LOL

After a short break, it was time for my second class of the day, a workshop that I presented for the very first time, "The Pregnant Pagan Priestess".  Though we only had 13 women in the workshop it was more than I would have thought would attend this first time workshop!  Many thanks to all that attended and I am so sorry that we ran out of time.  I am hoping to get my newsletter up and running this year and will send it out prior to each sabbat for ideas on how you can celebrate each Sabbat as a Pregnant Pagan Priestess.  Many thanks to all the women that came to the workshop as well, those that are seasoned Moms and those that are trying to become moms.  I wish everyone the best of luck and MUCH fertility to those who wish it!

Friday night was our pizza party in the KOTH room.  Here is a photo of some of the gang.

Convocation - Day 1 - Thursday

Thursday morning I woke up excited that this day was the first day of Convocation.  My wonderful inlaws showed up at my home early to get the boys so that way I had a bit more time to pack and prepare for Convocation.  As soon as everything was packed and the car semi-loaded to the brim, my sister and I set out to go get one of our friends from the airport. 

Nora was able to fly in without any major problems, but had to deal with her inital drive to her airport in white out conditions and later that evening told us that its not normal for them to have that much snow.  What is normally a 2 hour drive turned into a 6 hour drive just to get to her airport for her first flight.  We then proceeded to the parking garage and then loaded the car up to the brim with all of our luggage and supplies for our workshops. (Mental note: next year take photos of the back seat....oh wait I can take photos on the return trip home. There will most likely be even more stuff from our shopping excursions! LOL)

The GPS decided to take us an alternate route it never took me from the airport to the hotel.  And to make matters more difficult or humorous pending how you looked at it, we had also invited Nora to help with the GPS on her phone to see what it would say.  The two devices could not agree on directions! LOL  One would say it was 7.5 miles and the other would say it was only 7 miles.  Happily, we did make it to the hotel in one piece thru Detroit 5pm traffic in record time!

We got to the hotel where we were greeted by our friends AmethystCat, IbisFire, and Ravenswood.  They along with a nice gentleman named Chance, helped us unload our car and drag everything into the hotel.  (Thanks again ladies and Chance for coming to my rescue!)

We brought items to our room and knowing that Nora had not much to eat, we decided to take our annual night out to Red Robins for Thursday, since we are getting hit by a big storm on Friday.  Good food and laughs were had by all.

Nora trying to decide what to eat.

Autumn and AmethystCat

IbisFire and Ravenswood

Keep your eyes open and smile pretty for the camera!

Me and my gal pal IbisFire!

So after dinner we hurried back to the hotel for Opening Ceremonies and Ritual.  As always the MEC crew did not disappoint!  They had a new way of having the people come in and Michael stated he was excited to find a way to incorporate a disco ball into ritual.  They shut off all the lights and the ball acted as a mainframe for shooting stars across the ballroom's ceiling.  We were serenaded by musical acts and it was beautiful.

Afterwards, a few of us went to some evening workshops, much more offered on Thursday night than normal!  Kudos to MEC again!  Nora and I headed to the local grocery store to stock up on supplies before the pending storm that is going to hit on Friday.  Later that evening, it was late night snacks in the KOTH room of Tabouli, hummus and awesomely good pita bread from Taboons thanks to Ravenswood with a ton of their garlic butter!  Oh I was in heaven!  We called it a night shortly after the midnight hour to get some shut eye for our busy day (really today since its Friday morning when I write this) today.

We wiill be going to the Artshow room as soon as it opens at 9am to go and purchase some new goodies my friend Heidi said she crafted and had a limited supply.  Then it is off to the 9:30 morning ritual of Swamp Witchery by Dorothy Morrison and Jacki from Coventry Creations!  We are looking for to having alot of fun today as well as I am presenting two of my three workshops today.

So until later tonight when I blog again, have a wonderful and magical day!

Blessed Be,

Crystal

Convocation

Convocation is almost here!  Less than three days I will be at the largest indoor Pagan event East of the Mississippi!  I say East because Pantheacon is slightly larger. 

I plan on Tweeting about this wonderful event, so if you want to catch my tweets, make sure to follow me @crystallunaroug !  There is going to be a ton of excitement and fabulous Guest Presenters such as Dorothy Morrison, M.R. Sellars, Christopher Penczak and my personal favorite mentor and friend Nora Cedarwind Young! 

You can also check back here for updates as I plan on blogging about each and every day at the event once I get there.  You have to love WiFi! 

So if you are attending Convo yourself, make sure to look me up and say Hi!  I would love to meet you and chat!

Its going to be a busy few days from now until then.  Picking up KOTH's High Priestess Autumn Starr (http://www.keepersofthehearth.com/) who is also my biological sister, not just a sister in the craft.  We are a magical family!  Getting some quality time with her alone before I have to share her with the rest of the community. LOL

KOTH has a larger crew attending this year, we have AmethystCat and Ibisfire from the Rhea Lur Coven, we got Terry and Jenn from the Sacred Birch Society, as well as my fellow Women of the Willow sister Katherine Ravenswood!  Our big night out for dinner will happen, most likely the Thursday night because Friday and Saturday are just so dang packed with all sorts of wonderful things to do! 

Its going to take me all three days to pack!  Especially since today was a snow day in Michigan and my two boys are home biding for my attention. LOL  Mental note, pack at night when they are asleep!  Where are those suitcases anyways?

Special Note to anyone reading this that is attending Convocation....please be kind and share the luggage carts!

Blessed Be!
Crystal

The Spring Cleaning Begins

Well I am currently taking a short break to enjoy some "Mommy Time" while the baby is down for his nap.  Its been a rough few days as he is teething and hopefully experiences the outburst of his final two teeth that have not come in yet.  (Fingers crossed they make their debut very soon!)

Today I have been working on the beginnings of my Annual Spring Cleaning.  I go from room to room, wiping down walls, dusting everything in sight, changing linens, going thru closets for clothing that no longer fits, etc.  Today I also cleaned up the baby's altar in his room.  While I was pregnant I began the construction of the baby's altar.  Not knowing what I was going to have in the beginning, I used a yellow flannel receiving blanket as an altar cloth upon the dresser that would become Shaun's.  Above the cloth I placed a few various items that changed throughout my pregnancy.  I wish I took photos back then, but honestly I never really thought about doing so.  Guess I could re-create a few of them to show you as an example if there is interest in it.   

Shortly after I was pregnant I wanted to do something special for my pregnancy.  During Convocation while I was pregnant with Shaun, I came across who is now my favorite candle maker Coventry Creations (http://www.coventrycreations.com/).  She had a set of candles for a baby blessing. I immediately purchased them. It was a set of three candles so this became my Goddess, God, and Spirit candles.  I also placed upon the altar a baby's brush to represent the wand as well.   I have a few other things upon it as well.  Today I gave Tauret a good dusting.  Tauret is the Egyptian Goddess of pregnant women and childbirth.  While I was pregnant, my sister came to visit and she gifted me with this present to place upon my baby's altar while I was pregnant.  She gave me a purple hippo in the form of a stuffed animal.  It was perfect for the baby's altar.  Tauret was very dusty so she received a spring cleaning today along with the rest of the baby's room.  The brush which was representing the baby's wand has now been replaced by a home made wooden branch sling shot that his daddy will teach him how to use when he gets older.  I do also have other items upon it that have found its way Shaun's altar.  A white nosie maker is now the symbol for Air and four packets from the baby's protection spell that was gifted to us by my friends from the Rhea Lur Coven are now in a mason jar upon his altar.  The packets contain herbs and gemstones within them that were put in the four corners of Shaun's room but now that he is mobile and putting things into his mouth that he should not do, they have found their home upon his altar.

Well that is all for today, if you have children, do you have an altar that is for them?  What is on it?  I would love to see photos of other children's altars out there.

Blessed Be,
Crystal LunaRouge

Convocation 2011

It's that time of year again!!!  Convocation is almost upon us! 

This year I will be hosting three workshops!  Can you believe it?  THREE!

For the very first time I will be presenting a workshop based upon my book, "The Pregnant Priestess".  I am very excited to be doing this and hope the turnout is high in attendance.  Also being presented for the first time is "Child's Play"  where children (of all ages are welcome) to come and participate in the building of a Book of Shadows out of coloring pages.  I have been graciously accepted and given permission to use many of the original artwork from Pooka Pages by Lora Gaddis!  I am very excited!  I look forward to seeing my little pal Damon and his mom Julie (if you are reading this! HAHA).  In Child's play we will also be making Salt Dough Ornaments or whatever the children choose to make out of it.  Finally returning for a second year is the "Pampered Pagan's Pantry"!  The turn out was so wonderfully recieved last year, I will be presenting it again at many of last year's attendees requests!  Thank you for asking me back!

If you would like to learn more about Convocation, you can either click on this entry's title link, or go to http://www.convocation.org/. 

I look forward to seeing my friend and mentor Nora Cedarwind Young, who is an acclaimed "Death Midwife".    Above are photos of us from last year's KOTH Girl's Night Out at Convocation.   Pictured are myself, my sister Autumn, and Nora.  See you both soon sistahs!

If you would like to know more about Nora, please visit her website at http://www.thresholdsoflife.org/ and tell her that Crystal sent you!

Convocation 2010

Greetings All,

Today I received an email confirming the two workshops I will be presenting at Convocation 2010.
It is with great honor that I am presenting once again. This is my third year in doing so! Once again, the Magical Mad Hatter Tea Party is on so do not forget to bring your own tea cup this year (and yes a tea cup, not a coffee mug) because we will be doing tea leaf readings this year folks! The other workshop I will be presenting is called the "Pampered Pagan Pantry". Stick around and you will find out more about what that one is all about. It is alot of fun and can get a bit messy. LOL


Those that know me, realize that this is my favorite time of year. It is a chance to share my knowledge with others and also a unique opportunity to learn from others as well. Last year, I enjoyed many different classes, but more particularly was one on Pagan Homesteading by Raven Kalendra. He was extremely charasmatic and able to keep my attention on the subject at hand during his workshop. For the past year I have been focusing on what I could do as far as Pagan Homesteading.....I mean, I don't exactly live on a farm, or even in a country setting for that matter. Living in the city does make more difficult for one to "homestead". Taking some of the information he taught me, and a desire for becoming a better "housewife" and SAHM (Stay at Home Mom), I have been working on a different selection of living the Wheel to it's fullest.

With the fast winter approaching and threat of snow this coming week, I will soon be in full hibernation mode and making my plans for the next coming spring. Being indoors does make me do one thing, it makes me take stock of my life and "clean house" both figuratively and spiritually.

I am very thankful for the things that have happened to me this year. As I have embraced my newest path in life, many doors keep opening up for me. I am grateful to the Goddess and God for all they do to bless me.

I hope everyone that can will experience Convocation once in their lifetime. For anyone that wants to be apart of the larger Michigan Pagan Community, this event is the up most fun one can have during the freezing temperature weather of Michigan during the month of February. If funds are tight, they do welcome volunteers. By volunteering you can be refunded the entire registration fee should you be willing to work the number of hours required for refunds. If you decide to do it, try to get into the Registration booth, or Hospitality Suite, you will meet many people and possibly make new friends.

Sincerely,
Crystal

Convocation 2009

Greetings All,

One of my favorite times of the year has now come and gone. Convocation has passed. Another wonderful year with many fantastic classes as they have produced in the past. My personal highlights were meeting Jacki Smith of Coventry Creations and Motor City Hoo Doo along with attending classes presented by Raven Calendra.

On Thursday, I started out the event by doing a little bit of self decoration with the help off my Coven sister Ravenswood. We along with my sister a Mhendi Workshop by Helen P. She was a wealth of information and gave me a tip or two about Mhendi that I did not know. To this day, my artwork is still visible and I can't wait to adorne my belly during my 8th or 9th month of pregnancy. After the class, we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed down for some drumming with Dr. Bombae. The drumming circles that happen at Convo are simply magical and the largest I have ever seen at any event I have attended.

Friday:
We woke up and prepared ourselves for a long day of workshops and shopping. We started with Hoo Doo 101 with Jacki Smith. Jacki has such a wonderful and vibrant personality that makes waking up early worth doing! The room was packed full of people both new and experienced in Hoo Doo. She kept my attention as I continiously wrote notes throughout her workshop.

Next we attended a workshop by M. Macha Nightmare. It was very informational and a continuous addition to Autumn and my Interfaith Training which we started with Selena Fox last summer at PSG. We were able to meet many people during that workshop and I was able to learn about a new and exciting method that will be taught by my friend Soulara of the Ravenmyst Tradition. So I have signed up with Soulara to learn more about her new opportunity that she is providing to the community for HP and HPS. I forgo the 2pm classes needing to take a rest due to my lack of energy these days being pregnant. So I with a few others enjoyed a lunch and went back to our room to relax and prepare for the next round of classes.

4pm classes come around. We were prepared to attend a class by BriarFox on Alchemy. While waiting for the class to start, I struck up a short conversation with a lady from Llewellyn. It was the first time I have seen a representative from Llewellyn at Convocation. She gave me her business card along with another sheet of paper with their submission requirements and asked me to send her a sample of my work. My original plan was to submit my work completed in its entire form. Maybe I am brave enough to submit it after I think about it some more. Due to a family emergency, BriarFox had to leave Convocation, so the workshop never took place. We hope everything is ok with their family and have them in our thoughts.

Friday night dinner break with dinner with members of Keepers of the Hearth. We had four hearths together under one roof at Red Robins and it felt good with us all together. Autumn and I presented our ladies to an amulet of the ankh that symbolized the four elements which is also a symbol of KOTH. After eating way too much food, it was back to the hotel.

At 8pm we were able to witness Ravenswood "ride" in the Besom Brigade with M. Macha Nightmare. She was cute with her emerald green besom! I have pictures too! After that we were wowed by a performance of Dana Piper plus a few others demonstrating Dancing with Weapons. I have always been interested in Poi and may pursue it after the birth of my second child.

At 10pm it was a combination of Karaoke with DJ TommyToony and then getting our beat back on with drumming to spiritual ecstasy with Dana P. He is by far one of my favorite drum leaders and always look forward to drumming at Convocation. The beat was so intense, I think the baby was even moving to the beat!

Midnight! For once, I finally stayed wake to attend Mateyo Empie's Cone of Power. It was a great experience, especially witnessing Ravenswood in action as she is one of Mateyo's students as well as Mateyo's assistant. There was a light that came on in her and shown the whole entire event. It was also nice to be once again joined with Soulara as we stood next to one another during the ritual.

Saturday:
Once again, I was glad to wake up early and be greeted by a workshop by Jacki Smith. All I can say about her, is that she is definitely worth waking up early for! If you ever have a chance to attend one of her workshops, do yourself a favor and GO TO IT! This one was on Candle Magic. Once again I learned a few tips that I had not seen or heard before, especially when it came to honoring Ancestral Altars!!! I look forward to visiting her physical store in the future as she is pretty close to me geographically.

I forgo the 11:30 classes since I needed to prepare for the afternoon of teaching myself. I went and had lunch in the hotel's restaurant. Their French dip was actually pretty good. After lunch, I went upstairs and began going over my notes for my two workshops which were once again back to back (I like it that way, especially since I am in the same room).

Once again I had a better turnout than expected for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. I even had some "repeat" attendees. That made me feel pretty good. I think the overall class went well and was actually requested to do next year's tea party (if I am approved for a third year in a row) to provide Tea Cup Readings as part of the lecture. So if anyone has any "formal" tea sets they are not using and want to get rid of (for free if possible), please contact me! If I get the attendance like this year 20-30 cups will be my goal to obtain by next February. Some people remembered to bring their own cups this year which was a great help in the effort of keeping Convocation green this year as we strive to do every year! Thank you!

My second class was Mooncycle Magic: Embracing the Darkside of Moontime. Its my women's only class and an extension of the topic I taught last year. The second chapter of the story if you will. Once again the attendance shocking pleased me. Autumn assured me that she liked this one better than last years. My nervousness seems to be going away as a presenter and will keep striving to become better. The class went well and once again a few different ladies stopped me to ask where they could purchase my book. (I am working on it ladies! Please be patient). So instead I am offerring my workshops notes again to those that attended. I am pleased about the response I am having with this topic and continue to research and develop more!

5:30 The Tempest Smith Foundation Raffle
Those that know me, this is my primary choice for the organization I donate every year too. All year long I save my change and put it into a large wicker basket. A week before Con I go to the bank and cash it in. Due to being laid off last August, my contribution was not as much as I have done in the past, but still fairly large for someone with no income. Lady Dame of the Eagle Coven was the MC of the auction and did a fabulous job of keeping things moving with the largest amount of items donated to date! Thank you Lady Dame for keeping things running smoothly and using your beautiful voice to announce the winning numbers. I was lucky enough to be blessed by the Goddess once again (THANK YOU!!!). I won the entry donated by Heidi Sutton of one of her beautiful boxes, many poppets and dream catcher with an extremly large doll that Autumn fell in love with so I did my best to win it for her (Love you sis!) and also a charming puppet of a wizard that my brother in law would fancy (love you too D!) Joy Joy was also blessed being a "Convo Virgin" winning the one item she talked about the most, a cast iron cauldron set of salt and pepper shakers, they were so cute!!! Cat won a beautiful altar table, and I think Helen won as well, but can not remember what at the present time. So all members of KOTH were once again blessed by the Goddess. It was an emotional year with the loss of Denessa last summer. She was honored by a moment of silence and then all of us screaming her name as Lady Dame pointed out, Denessa Quiet? yeah right! LOL so that is when we all yelled afterwords.

Saturday night.....Once again my pregnancy taking over my body, I was extremely tired. So Autumn and I opted for dinner at Charlie's Crab Shack due to the snow storm and not wanted to leave the hotel for dinner. We had a fabulous meal and retired to our room. Luckily we were greeted by our sisters of Rhea Lur and went visit them for awhile in their room as they gussied up for the Masquerade ball. I was even treated to a massage by Joy which was fabulous! Thank you so much! Back to our room and due to the location of our room, we were able to witness and hear the Peruvian Fire Ceremony Ritual outside. Ravenswood arranged for one last year for my birthday and it is definitely a magical experience. I was just not prepared to go outside in all the snow, and opted to remain indoors. It was an early night to bed to prepare for tomorrow's departure.

Sunday:
We attended the Pagan Homesteading Workshop by Raven Kalendra. He is a great speaker and keeps your interest in the conversation like no other. I hope the MEC brings him back for future events. I plan on purchasing his cd for Pagan Homesteading as well. I loved his topics of explaining the wheel of the year with the historical ways of harvesting food. It has peaked my interest and both Autumn and I want to learn much more!

After his workshop, we hurriedly packed the car and ran out of time to make it to the last class we wanted to attend, so we opted to go out for lunch since we (Autumn and I) were both famished and did not want to eat once more at the hotel. So we headed back to my home and had lunch with my husband and son.

I really enjoyed Convocation, as I always have in the past. I look forward to next year's event and attending it with my children for the first time. Yep I am going to be brave and go with the boys! The next year I will be focusing on children's classes and running ideas by friend and fellow Convo Mommy Julie. So later in the year I will talk more about my children's classes. Right now Autumn and I are developing and idea for the children in KOTH and if it works out, maybe it will turn into next year's proposal for consideration to the MEC for Convo 2010.