Wall of Shame?

When the Vox put up my Faith and Children series, I discovered it's publication by the emails that inundated my in box. I started reading them half expected to be yelled at. However, they were all praise. I printed them out just to have something of it to hold and sat reading through these physical reflections of my work. Then I took out some tape and put them on the wall right by my desk.

The publishing world is extremely harsh. Put brilliant people in a limited space and harsh is the nicest word for it. It is easy to listen to naysayers who tell you to quit or that what you have to say isn't important or necessary. It is these little words of encouragement that make the difference for me. It reminds me of the mothers and fathers and partners out there trying to raise children and practice a faith that has deep meaning for them in a hostile environment.

I told Stone my goal was to fill the wall, top to bottom and any space tape would stick to with people who are glad I wrote what I have and are speaking and teaching about Family Coven.

Don't ever think your favorite author doesn't want to hear that you enjoy their work. Encourage them and be part of their inspiration and creative process. Authors are unseen artists and the most easily criticized...after all everyone can write, right?

Thanks for my Wall of Encouragement. It helps focus and inspire me!

Update and Picture Winners

So I have some regular gigs writing these days. New Ager and Spirit One are publishing my articles on a regular basis, as is Celtic Whispers. I have submitted to a few others; however, my hands are pretty full at the moment. In addition, The Witches' Voice has featured Part I of Faith and Children and the response has been overwhelming. I'll write more about this in another blog.

I have signed a lawyer, Jonathan Ware. I like him and I don't think he is an ass. This is important to me. Diplomacy is an art not all esquires have acquired. I am getting ready for a great Yule with my Family Coven. Some of my Coveners from other places are going to be popping in and possible some guests. Tree Bear, Stone and I are really excited. I am not writing a ritual because I feel like we can do ritual without some complicated plan and it will likely go better. I want to greet the sun and so does Tree Bear. I wish we had a fireplace so I could learn how to roast chestnuts. I've never done it and have always wondered if chestnuts roasting on an open fire made a POP! POP! POP! sound. If anyone knows drop me a line and tell me!

Christmas Day I am going to my BFF's house and celebrate with my three goddess daughters and their large extended family. Stone has hinted around that he has made some kind of reservation for New Years since Tree Bear will be visiting with his biological father.

Some of you know, I had professional pictures done by Troy Bell. I put the pictures temporarily up on my website and took a poll to see what pictures were the best liked. Let's of people have asked me which ones I chose, so here is that announcement.

Before I announce them; however, I would like to address the question of my bare feet. If I can help it, and upon lots of advice, I will ask that my bare feet be part of reproduction of these shots. Truth is, I just didn't have any shoes on me that fit the outfit and I didn't even think about the fact that my feet would be seen. Odd huh? I guess Troy got something of my nature out of me despite how nervous and upset the whole affair made me. The winner for full body are in this article.

Thanks to everyone who voted! Let's hope that is not necessary again anytime soon!