Walking the Path

* Grab the nearest book.

* Open the book to page 56.

* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions if you want to.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.


"When Okeanos was portrayed as an old man with the horns of a bull, the prototype for this portrayal was Acheloos."

from: The Gods of the Greeks by C Kerenyi Chpt 3:10 Acheloos and the SIrens

Boy, do I look boring or what?

This is a question I have been trying to answer for several months now. After several failed attempts at friendship, I have determined the answer is, "yes."

I have always been blunt about who I am, what I believe, and what my intentions are with the people in my life. Recently, I have been trying to make friends with some people I met with similar beliefs, etc. Some of them are local, some of them are not, but it is proving quite difficult to become friends with other polys. I thought it would be nice to have people in my life with whom I can discuss the stresses and issues and emotions that are specific to the polyamorous lifestyle--people who would understand.

What do I think is the potential cause? Perhaps many of them do not have pure intentions when they make new friends, so find it hard to believe when I state as much--particularly since I am only currently involved in one relationship. Do all polys think I am looking for something more? Possibly. I typically do not have a hard time making friends, but it seems that when I meet another poly, the friendship never really develops. My life partner said that maybe I am so attractive that it is too distracting to be my friend. This is why he's my life partner. :)
Perhaps I come on too strong for them. I know that many of the polys I have met have a tendency toward mysterious that I do not share. Or maybe they just don't have time for new people in their lives, since they are in so many relationships in addition to the typical requirements of life as an adult.

How does it make me feel? Well, since polyamory implies that there is always the possibility that a relationship can evolve into more than a friendship over time, I fear that I am not attractive enough to entertain the possibility of a potential relationship in the future. I.E. if they are not attracted to me now or have no intentions of pursuing me romantically in the future, then there is no point in a friendship. I think this point of view makes me the most sad of all. A lot of really good friendships are being thrown away, or worse never started at all, because of sexual attraction. I think I am going to stop telling people about my orientation for a while and see what happens. I fear it will be hard to keep quiet since one of the first things that polys do is ask you if you are polyamorous, and I refuse to lie.

Whatever the cause, I am fortunate enough to have many friends who love me (not in that way) for who I am, and I plan on being friends with them for many, many years to come. Who needs new friends anyway?

I do... :(

You Are Duck

Exotic and unusual, you are a bit of a rare bird - literally. You're known for being soft and succulent, though at times you can be a bit greasy.

Interesting weekend. My mother come up on Saturday and spent the night with us. She left yesterday after dinner. This is significant for many reasons, but I don't want to bore you with the details of my life, so it's cut because I still need to write this. 

( I haven't seen my mother in over a year... )
May this time of year be full of hope and closure for anyone and everyone who lost a loved one--and may the relationships between those of us still here begin to heal before it is too late for that, as well...

...that I am not sure where to start!

Last weekend was the Ninth Annual All Fall Down Festival. This is a free local music festival co-hosted by my husband and some people we know. I played a forty minute set and was encored--twice! It was an excellent day. My autistic son made it all day, with only one trip in the car to help him fall asleep at nap time. My oldest son caught two fish, and my daughter was just the darling-in-pink all day. I made the food: steaks on the grill, potatoes, veggies, mushrooms, corn. Bonfire in the evening, and music, music, music! Excellent performances by all.

Sunday was the Grove Anniversary rite for Three Cranes Grove, ADF. I took my 5-year-old daughter with me. SHe volunteered to do Outdwellers. I love her. I did my first public prayer--I invoked the Shining Ones. It went well. I just used the words I would use at my shrine. The irony in me performing the Shining Ones was not lost on me. This position had me make an offering to the fire. For those of you who don't know, I have had quite a rough go about fire offerings. They make me nervous. But, it was a good rite with very positive omens.

Tuesday, my husband, brother-in-law, friend and I drove to Detroit to see Sigur Ros!!! It was, by far, the best show I have ever seen in my life. That is saying a lot coming from me. I have seen at least a hundred shows, if not more, in my time. (Music is kinda my thing.) From the first note, the performance was full of energy so intense that my eyes watered for the first three songs before I adjusted. I even found myself slipping into trance at one point and had to shake it off as awen rained down...

Wednesday was the first day of school for me. I am officially a college student now! I have five chapters to read by next week, two discussion posts and a math/essay question assignment. (Did I mention something raining earlier? It wasn't homework was it?) Wish me luck, because I am going to need it!

I did my Equinox rite, which I will write up later. I thought it went well, but my offerings were not accepted the first or second try. I was surprised by this because everything seemed to be going well. I'll have to reflect more and see what I can come up with.

All in all, it has been a whirlwind of a week, and I am grateful to have nothing scheduled for this weekend--including work! Two whole days with the family. See you all Monday! :)

So, studying the myths of the Greeks and whatnot, one cannot help but run into our beloved Eris, Goddess and Guardian and Causer of Chaos. *ahem*

Yesterday, a friend was discussing with me how terribly chaotic her life has been lately, to which I responded in all my wisdom and vision, "Chaos is good for you. It helps you reorganize and refocus when things around you become mundane. A little Chaos never hurts." (I'm sure you can see where I am going with this...)

Today, my husband woke me up at 6:45 to tell me the van won't start, and the alternator is bad. He missed work because of it. While he was trying to take the alternator out, it began pouring. I am standing outside in the white t-shirt I slept in, with no bra on, holding a wrench that I must not UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE let go of.

While we were doing this, my new puppy (adorable, cute, lovable puppy) rolled in what I am hoping is mud.

Couldn't get the alternator out, so we go inside. Stops raining.

I gave the dog a bath, and he jumped out of the tub and into my lap. Dog gets all excited and jumps up onto the counter, knocking my favorite coffee cup onto the floor--and into a million-billion pieces. Yes, with coffee in it.

I did find a ride to work, but I had to go two hours early and work my friend's shift. :( Kids weren't home from school yet when I left.

Work is a mess. There are only five people here to run seven benches (laboratory work). We barely got dinner breaks covered. We had to call someone in to help us catch up. Analyzer went down in Hematology. AND the guy who was supposed to come in at 7 is a no call/no show.

So, here I sit, in the gas lab where our no-call-guy was supposed to be while all of my machines are calibrating--at the same time. I am waiting to run this blood gas. Stat, blood gas. The nurse will be calling any minute to ask me where her results are.

And what can I do about any of this? Absolutely nothing.

*sigh*

Very funny, Eris....

I had a friend over last night who is having some relationship problems. She asked me to read her cards, which I, of course, did. I threw a set for myself, per her request, and I think my cards hate me. I pulled cards like "Cruelty" and "Disappointment" and "Failure" and "Debauch." My final resolution card was the Hermit.  Well, if I believed all this crap in my reading, then no wonder!

For those of you who know me well (on here there are not many), the idea of me being cruel and a failure is pretty comical. Also, I am a relatively happy person. There is no drama and no problems above normal everyday stresses in my life. Stuff like that doesn't get me down. I have been through some difficult situations, and these everyday jobs are not enough to even ruffle my feathers! 

I pulled some runes after she had gone to see what was up. Three Rune spread: past, present, future. I got Ansuz, Gebo and Wunjo.

So there, Tarot Cards!

Finished revising my nine virtues essays, again  (still waiting for feedback from a friend on Hospitality).
Finalized my essays on the high days.
Finished my Home Shrine Essay.
Finished my book report for A History of Pagan Europe.
Finalized essays for the three high days I have attended thus far.
Finished Shining Ones portion of Kindred essay.

Half-way through Being a Pagan.
Began Nature Spirits portion of Kindred Essay.
Began Dedicant Oath Rite text/completed two of the five songs.

Haven't started Two Powers Essay yet, though I have used it many times.
Still compiling journal entries for Mental Discipline and Nature Awareness activities.
Hearth Culture Chosen: Hellenic. Still compiling information. Reading. Reading. Reading.

I still have a long way to go, but I am moving at a good pace. The items I have finished will be reread in a few months, when they are not as fresh. I am pleased with my progress so far. 

I have not been able to attend as many of the Grove activities as I would like, but I knew when I started that I would spend quite a bit of time as a Solitary still. I am grateful that I have a Grove like Three Cranes who supports the solitary members of the local community. They allow me to be involved as little or as much as I can, and this freedom has helped me to flourish in a short amount of time. 

I encourage other Groves to reach out to the Solitaries in your area! The greatest thing you can do for them is show them you are there and constant, but allow them to be involved at their own pace. We aren't "cats that need to be herded." We are individuals who have different schedules and different patterns of privacy. We love our Gods, live fruitful lives, and just need the space to be who we are. Assimilation is not our strong point, but that doesn't mean we don't have anything to offer in the group setting. We can be resources for the Groves. We lead out own rites, so we understand the stresses of DIC. We can show you how to be organized enough to carry an entire Shrine for a high day all by yourself!  We write a lot of our own prayers and rituals, even songs and chants. Above all else, we are working on and completing the study programs, just like the Grove members. We study and pray and do all the same things the Groves do--we just do them alone. Let your Solitaries be examples of inner strength, discipline and independence.

( Cut because most of you will not have an interest in reading this... )

Well, I did it. I took my daughter to her first day of kindergarten today. She is so sweet and cute and ltitle; can she really be ready for school? The answer to this question is a resounding, "yes." My son, Patrick, who is now 9 and in the fourth grade, cried piteously when I took him to school, AND I had to literally drag him to school for the next two weeks before he broke and realized he was just going to have to go. Not Jessie. She walked in there like she owned the place. It makes my heart feel full to see her so confident and self-assured. I know she will do well. She is bright and determined (nice way of saying stubborn, haha). I am so proud of her. I am also proud of myself as I did not cry one bit (a feat for me)!

I finally got my youngest son, Timmy's school assingment, and his new teacher is coming over to do an in-home evaluation on Tuesday. I am nervous to send my baby off to yet another school for therapy/pree-school, but I know it is important. I am hoping for seom good progress this year. Autism is not a disease that needs cured, but it is a disability for which he must learn to compensate. He has come farther than I hoped over the long summer days with speech and communication in general. Here's hoping for a good year!

I, too, officially registered for classes. I am finishing my bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology through an online program at the University of Cincinnati. I am a little nervous; I have not attended any classes in SEVERAL years, but I have high expectations of myself. (Don't we all?)

I hope that as we come down from our summer highs and wind down into the darker and quieter time of the year that we can all remain productive and full of joy. This summer has been one that will forever be special to me--it is the year of my homecoming, and the first year of the rest of my life, cliched as that is. I look forward to getting to know all of you better and see where this path will lead us!

Now, off to finish my article...

Wow.

This was my first pagan festival, ever, and I can't believe I have never done this before! My emotions after this is over are still stirred up by all the wonderful new friends I have made and the incredible strengthening of the bonds I am making with my new grove (Yeah, I'm a Crane).

( Description below the cut because I type as much as I talk... )

Overall, this has been an experience that is changing me and helping to set the course of my life. I feel more sure than ever that I am finally where I belong. Thank you, Druids, for being who you are. It turns out you are a lot like me. Who could ever ask for more than that? Hail!
  
PS) Thanks to Jim for saying the words "Poo-poo" and "Underwear" several times to ensure I didn't get too homesick. :)

Today, my autistic son got out of the house. I was frantically searching the entire neighborhood for him for twenty minutes before he was found behind the shed in my backyard. I was on the phone with 911 when my oldest son found him. Many things have been brought to light after this event that have left me slightly defeated, but I am choosing to remain hopeful.

I am re-babyproofing the house. He is too tall for some of the barriers and safety mechanism I had in place--and too smart for some of them as well. I am also considering a GSP tracker to keep on him at all times. His first instinct any time he gets the oppertunity is flight.  Right now, it is manageable, and as we learn what his abilities are, we put up new barriers to help keep him safe. 

The main realization that has me down today is this: my son is only three, yet it takes me several house-lengths to catch him if he gets his hand free from mine. What happens when he is 12? or 8? What am I going to do when he is too strong for me to overpower him when he wants to get away from me? 

I have sent a message to a mom's group about how other moms handle their autistic children with a desire to flee. I have hope that maybe he will respond to therapy. Speech might be beyond him for years, but we might be able to teach him more ASL words.  He knows what some of them are when I sign to him, but he doesn't sign back.

My most recent breakthrough in communication with him is promising. I have taught him to take me hand and pull me to what he wants. If it is out of his reach (like most things in my house), he puts his hands up, and I pick him up so he can show me what he wants. It is crude, but it is a huge breakthrough. One of the most difficult tasks in teaching communication to an autistic child is getting them to understand that they have to communicate. When they are little, the parents just do whatever needs to be done for them. We feed them, we bathe them, we love them. But when they get older and their wants lie outside of those necessities, they need to understand that if they want more than food or baths or love, like a specific game or a movie, they have to ask for it, or at the very least tell us what it is they want.

I want to say thank you to all the neighborhood kids and a few of the adults who set out to help me find him this afternoon. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I always thought that was a great concept, but now I know it is a necessity. And when you find yourself in a village willing to help you raise your children, it is a priceless gift. May all your neighbors be as good as mine!

Well, quite a bit has been going on in my life. I have been a little preoccupied lately, and it has caused me to be distant from my extraneous projects (like livejournal entries).

Work has been a NIGHTMARE the past few days. I am the cause of a mandatory meeting on Monday about professionalism and respect for coworkers. My husband has also had to deal with bouts of unprofessionalism at his place of employment. I wonder if there is something in the water here...

My neighbor had to have his dog put down. She was an eleven-year-old rottweiler--the only one to survive from the entire litter! She had a malignant tumor a few months back. That was removed, and she was doing well. Last month she relapsed and had several cancerous growths. She was laid to rest yesterday. My dog is almost thirteen, and so far, praise the gods, I have not had any health problems with her. She is adjusting well to the new puppy. Both dogs got a bath today. I am trying to make the puppy like water, because Roxy weighs 55 pounds and giving her a bath can be quite a feat! Buddy is going to be closer to 80 pounds or so, so I am hoping I can train him to hop in the tub on his own and stay there until I am done. My whole bathroom smells like wet dog still...yar.

Kids are doing well, mostly. Timmy has been very autistic the past few days--increased hand-flapping and decreased eye contact and understandable words. I guess we all have days like that, huh? 

My brother-in-law (my husband's twin brother) is moving to Philadelphia. It is about 7-8 hours away from here. He is moving because his girl got a job there. She is a music teacher, and with all the music program cuts around here, finding a job has been impossible. I get choked up every time I think about it, so one to something else...

My Great Aunt fell again. She has lost a lot of weight and is growing weaker. We are going to visit her tomorrow. 

My sister is losing her kids to children's services, and I say it is about time. This is a long story. I feel terrible for what her children are about to go through, but I am hoping that it will be a means to a positive end--stability in the lives of three children ten and under.

On a Druidry-related note, I have been busy writing. I am currently writing an article for Oak Leaves, I have finished the book and am writing the review of A History of Pagan Europe, and I have ordered a few titles to consider for my hearth culture study selection. I will read them all eventually. I need to review them and see which order will promote the most understanding and retention. 

My omens of late have been good, but I have been pouring my little heart out to the gods about all the drama going on around me, so I think they may be having mercy on me. :)  I have also spent some time thanking them that the drama is going on around me, and for now, I have been spared. I realize the potential for disturbance and unhappiness in my life, and I see the way things tend to work out in the end for me. I know that these "resolutions" are gifts, and I can only hope that someday I will have enough to give back to the Kindred in exchange for the innumerable gifts they give to me each day. Above all, the greatest gift I have been given is indeed peace. Even when I am up to my earlobes in piss and vinegar, I have learned how to find an inner peace to help me walk through the cesspool with wisdom and grace.

So, in short, I am grateful that I have the vision to see the potential and the good in times of stress and tribulation.

I am so ready for Summerland.....

In an attempt to "rally the troops" recently, we have been discussing quite a bit on the ADF Solitaries list. It seems that many of them are interested in fellowship and community of sorts, almost grove-like affiliation with one another, while others are very against any attempts to "herd the cats." I find both of these points of view to be very interesting.

Firstly, let me discuss the Solitaries in search of fellowship. I understand them. I am one of them. I have recently become affiliated ("Friend of the Grove") with the local grove here. I was a lonely solitary. I spent all my high days alone, when in my mind there were huge feasts and bonfires and dancing and music. The live high day rites I attended were not like I had imagined, either. Funny thing is, even if you don't find what you thought you wanted, you may realize that you found the best thing for you. All this aside, I will never give up my solitary practices. Solitary work is the backbone of my faith. It is during this time that I foster relationships with my Patrons. This is the time I use to find out where I am and where I need to be going. So, in the interest of the Solitaries looking for fellowship, I think that having an active place for them to commune with like-minded individuals is an excellent way to fulfill this need in their lives. I furthermore feel that having a quarterly newsletter that lets you tell other Solitaries what you are doing is an excellent way to foster unity among the members of the most diverse group in ADF.

Secondly, the individuals who find this idea to be negative are harder for to understand. I can accept that the Solitary list is there, but it's presence does not mean that it is doing it's job. There have been entire months that have gone by without seeing a single post to the Solitaries List.  I really feel that we are at a point where we must take action to attempt to network the solitaries and make us feel more of an integral part of ADF. After all, Solitaries statistically make up over 50% of the members! In addition, if a solitary member does not wish to participate in things geared toward Solitaries then why join a solitaries group? Besides, the projected activities are not requirements. Every person has the right to chose whether to take part or not in any activity we suggest. There seems to be some unresolved anger issues regarding attempts to unite the Solitary ADF members, and I might be too new to understand. For now, I am afraid I will have to just agree to disagree with this vein of thinking.

Finally, I would like to note that I have probably just created a lot of work for myself in regards to archiving solitary rites and the like on the Wiki, but I want everyone to know that it is worth it. I only wish someone else had done this before I was here. I think a resource like this a few months ago would have made a big difference to where I am today.

The responsibilities of family lead me to miss the rite for Lughnasadh with Three Cranes this year, so I found myself in the position of solitary Druid for my first High Day since becoming a Druid. After working with the COoR for a few months, this was not as difficult a task as I thought it would be. There are a few minor details I missed, because I tried to do it all from memory, but other than that it went very well.

I gathered together my materials and did my Rite outside by my fire pit. I found enough sticks and such around the yard to have a small fire—but big enough for my purposes. I set up an altar with a pitcher and a chalice for the Waters of Life, three candles for the Kindred. My wand, and a bowl of water for the Well.

After grounding and centering, I stated my purposes. I offered dried lavender to Garanus (in the fire) and opened the gates. I offered steel cut oats to the Earth Mother. I read a poem about the Kindred and lit a candle for each in turn. Then I offered sticks of a special type of incense to the fire, one for each Kindred.

The main deities of my rite were Lugh, Rosmerta, and Tailtiu. I read a poem written by MJD from Three Cranes about the Marriage of Lugus to Rosmerta. I also told a story that I improvised about Tailtiu clearing the land and sacrificing herself for the people—just as a King does. Like mother, like son, eh? I also offered a shot of Wild Turkey to the flame—which was quite dramatic since it had died down considerably during the first part of the rite.

Omens. Beautiful. The first was Laguz. Offering accepted. The second was Eihwaz, and the third was Perthro (again). The message I received is one of moving forward but slowly to build a solid foundation that enhances life with change, not causes constant turmoil and chaos (though occasional chaos can sometimes work in your favor). The primary layers must be strong and sturdy in order for the rest of the structure to be solid and lasting. It also seems I am on the right path.

I performed the return flow for the Waters of Life and drank a measure that I poured into my chalice. This is not something I do during daily devotionals, so I used a scripted piece I found as a reference.

I dismissed the Kindred and closed the gates. The rite was ended!

A few notes: I did not use much music. I was outside by myself at 11:00 at night, and the mosquitoes were terrible. I also did not use a full two powers meditation because the mosquitoes were too distracting. Instead, I used an old breathing pattern technique I have used for years to calm and center in preparation for a performance—which is a lot like being DIC. There is a lot to do in a ritual for a high day. I definitely could have used at least one other person to assist with tending the fire and making the offerings readily available. I had to turn on the flashlight to find things several times! All in all, I am pleased with this Rite. I have learned a few things that will help the next time I have to do a solitary high day—which I am sure will happen. Being the only Druid in a family of five can be difficult, but I know that the gods don’t care where I am when I call to them—only that I call.

Offerings accepted—hooya!

Yup, that's how things are going in my spiritual life. Swimmingly.

I recently took up Runes (again), and it is going much better than I had ever hoped. I have been keeping a "rune diary" to track my progress, look for trends, evaluate my progress, etc. I have noticed several runes showing up for me everyday for a while, and then being replaced by another rune that will appear habitually for a while. Sometimes, a rune will appear several days in a row, but change positions in my spread, which I have noted indicates progress in that area.

Today, I finally did a rite specifically to honor the "spirits of place" in my home. I purchased my home in January of 2002, and it has never occured to me that spirits in my home might be interested in a ghosti relationship with me. I offered them crackers with honey and said some lovely words about the peace and prosperity that has been in my home since we moved here. I was gracious and open with my thanks and specific with the details for what I was thanking them. I also explained to them that I included them in my heart when I give thanks and offerings to the Nature Spirits, for that is what they are to me. My omens were very positive: Laguz, Fehu and Perthro. I feel great after having done this, and I look forward to developing this relationship in the future.

Oh, and puppy is awesome!

All is well at La Casa de Burchfield...

I am pleased to announce that my family and I got a new puppy this morning! He is a full-bred Golden Retriever. The kids have christened him "Buddy." He is absolutely adorable! 

I have never considered myself a dog person. I like dogs, but I have never been prone to be affectionate with dogs that I don't know. I have a dog. She has been mine since she was weened from her mom. Actually, runt that she was, she was  pushed out by her siblings when she was 4 weeks old. We took our larthargic little puppy home, and I fed her dog food soaked in milk from a spoon for weeks! She has been my dog for almost 13 years, and I love her.

My husband has decided that we should get another dog before Roxy gets too much older (or dies, heavens forbid!) so the puppy will have a role model and Roxy can have a "youthful inspiration" around her. Really, I think he just wanted a puppy, but he didn't have to tell me twice! 

So, we toted the kids down to the animal shelter and didn't find any dogs of a fitting disposition. We ended up at (gasp!) a pet store near my house where we get all our supplies for our existing animals (Roxy, parrot, fish). We were originally looking for a Labrador, but settled on possibly a German Shepard until we saw our little fur baby. He was sleeping in his cage, all curled up in a ball in the corner. I knew he was mine when I saw him. He has been gentle and fun and happy all day so far. He likes his crate, as they said he would, so we don't have to worry about him getting into trouble at night or if we have to (rarely) leave him alone. 

Interestingly, I would like to add what I have learned about Godlen Retrievers. They are loyal and gentle-spirited dogs. They are often companions for disabled or mentally insufficient individuals. Having an Autistic child, I could not be more happy with our choice of pet. Timmy has been giving him a wide berth so far, and he won't stay out of the cage (I know, right?), but other than that, I hope they can learn to play together. It will be excellent interaction therapy for my little boy.

Thank the gods for the companionship of animals. They really do make life on this plain richer, fuller and more rewarding.

 "The Big Read" says that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they printed. (Seriously?)

1)Bold the books you have read.
2)Italicize the ones you intend to read.
3)Underline the books you loved.

Firstly, this list contains entire series of books that count as one selection. 
Secondly, there are several books that I would include on a more general reading list. 

What of classic tales like The Jungle Book or Robin Hood? We get Winnie the Pooh but not Mary Poppins? How about the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe? I personnally recommend Mary Stewart's version of the Arthurian Legends from Taliesen's (Merlin's) point of view--The Crystal Cave is the first book. And the Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel is an excellent book. Also, if you are going to include Mitch Albom's Five People You Meet in heaven, why not Tuesday's with Morrie? It was a much more popular and influential book, esp. in the lives of middle-aged men all accross the country. I also sadly note the absence of anything by Anne Rice. If you liked Interview with a Vampire, you should read some of her other books. It was by far not her best work (though it is good)--just her first.

44...I'm happy with that. Several of the ones I have not read I do not plan on reading, but others might peak my interest eventually...

 

I did another full ritual today, and it went just as well as the first. My new meditation is doing wonders for centering and entering into the proper mind frame before I begin.

Omens for today were just as good. 
Offerings accepted? I drew Ingwaz. Yes! 
Gifts in return? Gebo--gifts, sacrifice.
Further needs the gods have of me? Raidho--journey.

I am not exactly sure what they are requiring of me, but I do know that they are there and taking part in my spiritual journey. It seems they are going to meet me where I am and help me move ahead from there. I guess they were just waiting for me to prove to them--and to myself--that I am serious about this...

Here's to an even brighter tomorrow!

I played my first gig with Team Estrogen in eight months over the weekend, and it went very well! We played at a private nursery/art show at the Scioto Gardens in Dublin. I forgot how much fun it is to play live. We did an entire two-hour set (no set break), and we were very tired by the end. But it was well worth it! The music tent was located in between the Natural Beeswax candles and the food tent. It smelled really good in there! The tables were set up in front of our tent, so the lunchers had a nice view of our show. Plus, it was high traffic, so our audience was never empty. It was exhilarating to see smiling faces every time I looked out into the audience.

I got some very good compliments, as well. Many people walking by thanked us in between songs for "the nice addition to an already great atmosphere." I heard one woman tell my counterpart, "I've never heard anyone cover the Indigo Girls as well as you two." And a woman stopped me later and told me how impressed she was with a cover I did of an Evanescence song: "I can't believe you covered 'My Immortal!' I heard those first couple of chords and realized what you were playing and thought, Good luck! But you nailed it!"

Ahhh...it feels good to have your ego boosted!