Hey all!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am sorry for not being around lately. Ever since Sunday evening, my community has been hit hard by brush fires that have erupted and many homes as well as damaged others while desecrating much land and natural environments.
Not only have people been affected, but wildlife as well and I have spent the past several days collecting much needed donations for those affected and in shelters since they lost everything, thanks to dry conditions and the ill actions of a suspect being held in custody. Arson seems to be the culprit of the chaos and it behooves me to even contemplate the actions, let alone the consequences of spite.
No matter how hard things seem to get, I have this (no pun intended) burning desire to help those less fortunate than I - for it gives me purpose and reason, as well as brings me back to the basics and essentials of respect and honor for the gift of life. I am humbled to serve those in need and share what little I have, but by dedicating time and effort, I have extended myself to the community into accepting me and my deeds as a pagan to not only those affected, but to many diocese that have been helpful with community organizations to combine the efforts of the Red Cross, Federal Aid, Emergency Response and Rescue and humanitarian as well as animal efforts.
Working with the Catholic Charities, the Baptist Missions and Methodist Churches and other local community outreach programs has enabled us all to break down the barriers of race, creed, color, sex and united us all as one race - the human race. Blatently displaying my pentacle, tree of life and Goddess pendants and "pagan paraphernalia" while knocking on doors, collecting donations and goods, going to businesses for basic essentials for the temporary shelters and coordinating with a multitude of individuals and charities in my community has raised more than a few eyebrows but has also inspired several pastors, ministers, deacons and priests for this weekends sermons.
I was asked if I was a believer, and prayed to be saved by many - yet my responses struck a chord with many that I have to share my answer to "Why are you doing this for those that judge you?" question...
I do this all because I can, am willing and am able to do so... for we are all one race - the Human Race, and with the smoke and ash consuming so much of what my neighbors have fought to obtain, it pains me to see their loss, and any comfort I can give in their time of need, brings my brothers and sisters together in their time of need. For we are all connected, and have but one mother and father - Mother Nature and Father Time. It is the present and I am here for a reason and paying it forward. A gift to be opened and appreciated for nothing is constant but change.
My desire is to change the perceived misconceptions of "witches" and pagans through actions and unification of the basic needs of all life - food, water, shelter and love. After 9/11 - many of us who got out alive were covered in ash and debris we were not able to tell the difference of color or economic indications - a true humanitarian instinct that does differentiate us from the selfish implications of greed among the rest of the "deadly sins". We helped on another and it continues to be the sole/soul purpose of my very existence.
I have a light that burns so brightly within and my desire to be that beacon of light for those lost in the dark that I cannot help myself and hope that the ripple effect of my actions is as contagious as the black plague (albeit differently named) and a positive influence to those whom I come in contact with. The effects just may make a difference and change this world. I know it's just a hope, but with hard work, painful effort and many tears of both sorrow and joy we can all make a difference in another's life and thought process - eradicating bias and prejudice.
On top of all this mayhem and chaos, I did take a time out for myself and did get to my first drum lesson playing the bass Congo drum Tuesday evening and got a side lesson on the Maat - the Egyptian style of frame drum versus the Celtic Bodham and met up with a few of my local pagan group members on Wednesday so we can coordinate efforts to assist in the community.
I am also working to help my friends in a group from Australia called Spiral Dance to get some name recognition and attention with some contacts in NYC for some promotional possibilities and keep plugging away on my human and animal rights campaigns.
Today, California has lifted the ban on Gay Marriages and yesterday, the polar bears have been given threatened status by the powers that be. There is still much to do on many levels and causes and if you know me, I'm there fighting for what many fear lost or do not care about as passionately as I do. All life is sacred, yet do not dictate to me what my freedoms and liberties have already been fought and won at the blood, sweat and tears of those before me. Goodness knows I love my country, but fear my government and it's up to each and every one of us to make a difference and change.
May you all be well, be safe and again, forgive my absence and rant. It does feel good to purge and share and I hope I have not bored anyone who choses to read this to death...
Brightest Blessings to all! {{{HUGS}}}
