I am a public Witch

As seen in Juice magazine, (a local Des Moines publication that targets 21-30 somethings) I am now a public witch. I was interviewed and spoke of Wiccan and Pagan beliefs for about 20 minutes. Brianne, the journalist, then plucked two, two minute segments of my dialoge. My motivation was to open up the conversation so that others would not be afraid or ignorant about what we stand for.

To check them out click on the links below...

http://dmjuice.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/JUICE09/301170007/-1/videos

http://dmjuice.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/JUICE09/301160005/-1/videos

Inspiration for NOW!

Whenever you need to be inspired watch this awesome show. The goosebumps on my arms did not go away for 5 minutes after watching this short program. You are going to love it!

http://www.duirwaighgallery.com/inspiration_aknock.htm

Beastly Encounter

What a lovely day today was, with temperatures in the upper 50's. The sun shining brightly and the warm wind was a great reason to go for a walk. My little man loves to talk walks with his mama so I had no problems getting him up and out the door today.



Just a quick jaunt around up our street and down the next is enough for my short legged son. We had quite the time on some of the sidewalks as they were slippery from the melting ice. Little did we know that the sidewalks were cake compared to the beast we were about to encounter.



Now my son loves dogs and he is always wanting to pet them. When we rounded the corner and I saw this large, brown dog, I knew he was not wanting love and affection. This older, Labrador mix was brown with white fur around his ears and muzzle. At first I thought it was the neighbors dog and that they must have an invisafence. That would have tamed the beast. No such luck. He kept coming and fast. I told Ivan to keep walking away hoping the dog would stop once we were off the property. No such luck



My son was so brave, never once did he get scared or start crying. I thought the dog was going to attack as he was only a few feet away. When I turned to face him he was barring his teeth, growling and barking. Looking really mean and hungry. Immediately I put up a mental shield of fire and decided I had to think defensively. I quickly scooped up my son in one arm, shielding him from the beast. The dog persisted. He followed us for about 10 feet getting closer each step. He was only a couple feet from us when I raised up my other arm making my hand into a claw. I visualize myself as a huge giant bear while putting on my meanest face and growling right back at the dog. He stopped and backed off just enough for me to grab a four foot branch that was conveniently laying on the right side of the walkway.



When I picked up the club the dog a first lunged towards us. I didn't swing because I was in defense mode, not offense. I didn't want to give that mangy mutt any ammunition to start biting. I continued to make noise and shout like a banshee, waving the awkward branch back and forth.



Thankfully the dog ran away and our beastly encounter was over. My son wasn't ever scared and really neither was I until after it was over. My knees got all wobbly and I felt very shaky for many hours afterwards. Next time I take a walk I will bring my beast repellent and a walking stick.


When researching how to protect oneself from an angry dog I discovered I did everything right except yelling at the dog. I should have spoken softly. If you want to hear what the majority of articles out there tell you, check out this link... http://www.ehow.com/how_2060774_deal-angry-dog.html

Ten Days of Transformation

Recently I have been given a gift of ten days off before I start a new job with a new company. (check out the link if you are job surfing in Des Moines, IA) When I entered my former manager's office to give my resignation notice I was unprepared for her response of telling me I could leave immediately and would receive full compensation for my remaining time.

Needless to say I was very upset and considered the action completely unprofessional and vindictive. She actually called security on me when I told her I needed some time to send a few emails out and pack my things. I was being treated as if I had been fired. She wanted me to grab my purse and leave. I was shocked!

Since then I have distanced myself from this anger and anxiety about the way I left. I performed a personal ritual to release these bad feelings. Writing my former manager a letter and then burning it to release to the universe and banish those feeling of ill will forever. During this ritual I realized the way I exited was symbolic of the relationship that had formed between her and I. I have chosen not to retaliate by complaining to HR or managers in high places. Instead I have given to the universe the duty of making sure what comes around, goes around.

She never liked me and didn't appreciate my talents. I knew she had it out for me months ago and I had started to journal actions and things she had said or done against me. (Conveniently this journal was thrown away after my speedy exit.) She frequently would come out to the department and socialize with other team mates. She never did that with me. I had documented numerous times she had singled me out and made me uncomfortable in different situations. I even called a meeting with her to bring these times to her attention. This improved nothing. When I heard of this new job I knew it was my chance to break free of this controlling, manipulative person in my life. So I jumped at the chance to change. Thank the Divine that I got the job!

This free time has been an excellent opportunity for transformation. Not only with my new career but with the new year. I have spent the last few days reuniting with friends, reading great books and spending great times with my family. Many great things are to come in 2008 so stay tuned!

Check out this great clip. It sums up my post brilliantly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8kOpfw-lcM