Being Pagan in a Mormon Family

I have never once ever felt the want to correct or go against anything my family has ever said to me.
After finding my own pagan path, I told myself I wasn't going to tell my family how wrong they were in their choices of faith... because that would make me what I hated most.So when my mom would say, "pray about it", or "just ask heavenly father" I just smiled and said thanks, because I knew she was just trying to help - not be spiteful of my beliefs.  We've lived in harmony like this since about a year or so after I became pagan. And other than a few small tiff's with my siblings over my choice in faith, we have equally gotten along and loved one another just the same.
However, today my younger sister posted something on facebook that really turned my stomach.  Again, I'll repeat, I have NEVER wanted to ever debate, or argue anything my sisters, brother, mom or dad have ever said or posted... because I know they say it out of love, and its their way of helping or trying to get a point across...
So what was this statement that changed all that?

"With all of the posts about same-sex marriage, there is something I want to point out. I love all of my friends, I also respect their choices. Do not take this the wrong way, but I noticed that some that are arguing for same-sex marriage are arguing that church and government should be separate. The word marriage originally came from a religious view point. It is a covenant between a man, a woman and God. No I am not condemning anyone. I have nothing against improving civil unions to allow partners to visit each other in the hospital. The point I'm trying to make is I have not problem with you being together, just please stop trying to call it marriage. If you don't like me after reading this it is your choice. I do not fear Homosexuality, and I do have the same right as anyone to fight for what I believe           - Robin"

At first I wasn't sure why this post upset me so much - but after spending all afternoon pondering on it, I realized it was because my younger sister, who to me has always been a smart girl, choose to disregard the rest of history - before Christianity and make a claim that marriage was created by religion.
I wanted so bad to reply with a comment to debate her on the subject - but I have never done that with family before. And it feels odd even to consider it. She is my blood. She is my little sister, who has always been so innocent.
I suppose her post also made me realize how not so innocent she really is... and I must respect her choice in beliefs, just as she and the rest of my family have so kindly respected mine.

So in place of a facebook comment, I post it here - just to get the feeling off my chest, and out of my head. --- So I can go back to feeling no ill will towards my little sister. Whom I love dearly, and miss very much (as she is away at College).

Thank you for the chance to rant a bit.

Blessed Be,
Faelyn

Today is brought to you by the letter L

"L" for late. Or for Letters, Love, Lazy, or Loopy. How about all of the above?

Late - "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No time to say "Hello", "Goodbye" I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!" (Alice in Wonderland). I wish I could say that I've been late to respond because I had something more important to do. However, even though I work 45 hours a week - I know I do have enough down time to stop in and say hello once in a while. So, no reasonable excuses there.

However, I was not late to PantheaCon this year. Thats right, I got to enjoy the awesomeness that is PantheaCon 2013! And I think I went to a total of 5 workshops. 4 on Friday, and 1 on Saturday (Wheat Weaving which I went to with Sparrow from The Wigglian Way and Mnemosyne Mars from Pagan By Nature). I'm pretty sure I felt like the luckiest girl ever! And Sparrow - is a riot, especially when wheat weaving after a drink or two... I love you Sparrow!  I was also able to spend most of the Con going in and out of the Vendor Room and the Hanta Yo (The I've Got Tits Ladies) Room with Sparrow & Mo Jo. I'm actually quite surprised they didn't mind spending so much time with little ol' me.

I made some great new friends  this year. Alas, still no friends near my newest place of residence. I sure do miss the community...   I also gave blood this year at PantheaCon - and almost passed out twice! Once during the giving of the blood and once after I was resting and eating snacks... I was so out of it when I almost passed out the first time I had  to ask if this made my blood donation invalid.... Wow. They kindly told me no, and placed a wet cloth on my forehead to help me out. Oh geez.

So, L is also for Letters! I have rejoined the awesomeness that is PaganSpace.Net - because of the lack of pagans near myself. And because of rejoining, I have found two amazing groups; Pen Sisters and Pen Pagans. In these groups you get to make friends and.... yes you guessed it... Pen Pals! I'm super excited! I've mailed out three letters today already. I'm working on a fourth - and now I get to chat with people about the Pagan-y side of my life - even though I have no connection in my town. I just think that is freaking awesome!

Love is in the air (or as Sparrow and Mo Jo say "It's all about the love!")  I am currently dating a wonderful guy. He is not of the pagan persuasion - but he makes me happy none  the less. However, we both work crazy hours due to our being Managers of Awesomeness.... So we only see each other a few times a week. Ah, well... it comes with the Job I susppose.

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy... almost too lazy to write this portion of the blog... Ah... I know virtually no one down here in my new town of Gilroy... and yet I still find myself wanting to do absolutely nothing. I'm hoping it is a rut I will soon find my way out of... To help me be un-lazy (or more lazy depending on your thought process), I have begun watching a TV Series called Lost Girl - if you have seen this fantastic show, you know what I'm going to rave about... if you have not - please, sit back and let me explain.  The main character is a Fae which in this series is a race of humanoids with specific powers. Her name is Bo, and she is a Succubus! However, through out the show you see Sirens, Shifters, Telepaths, Garuda (eagle of fire anyone?) and more! They even have a character called The Morrigan - which is the leader of the DARK FAE.  Because their are two sides you know... Light Fae and Dark Fae! ^_^  If you have not seen this fantastic, super amazing show, I suggest you go add it to your Side Reel feed!

And lastly, I may be a little Loopy, and you may be seeing me use the words Super, Fantastic, Awesome and Amazing quite often though out this blog post. Just know it is a happy Loopy - and I just want to express my excitment for all that is my life right now. Haha --- Look at that, another L word... Life. 

Thanks for reading & Blessed Be!

-Faelyn 

NEW - Home, Job... Life

It has been three weeks today since I made the big life move from my life long home in the Sacramento Area to the South Bay Area. This post finds it way through my fingertips during a time where I am probably not very coherent... But let me start where I think it makes sense.

In the beginning of November I received a phone call from a DM in the Central Coastal Area of California. And I don't think I knew then how much of a life change was ahead of me. He mentioned he found out from my Zone Director that I might be interested in a Store Manger position, within my company. He had been given my name and was interested in interviewing me for an open position in the South Bay Area.   Having wanted to receive this opportunity for almost as long as I have been an Assistant Store Manager, I quickly responded with a "YES!"

I was given the weekend to think over his proposition and to research my potential new home. In which I wasted no time in doing so. I remember going home and pulling out my netbook. I opened up my browser and opened up Google Maps. I typed in my new city and began planning my life from that moment forward.

I had such certainty that this is what I wanted that I placed myself, in my head, in my new position, in my new home, in my new town - and I held onto that until it was reality.

I went through three interviews in a period of 24 hours - and waited an agonizing four days for a fourth interview - which never came. However, on that fourth day I received a phone call from that same District Manager - and he offered me the position. I remember being so shocked, and in a daze that the idea I had originally sent out into the universe began swirling around in my head. I began to throw all possible situations together in my head and began the stressful process of picking up my life and dropping it in a completely foreign area.

I was given a week off work to find a place to live, and get settled. I managed to find a place on the first day. I had no intention of falling behind and slowing the process down. I dived in head first. I found my place, went back home - finished packing up what little remained unpacked of my life and began to say my goodbyes.

It didn't hit me then. I actually don't think it even hit me until my moving party (friends) had all left my new apartment - and I was still there, unpacking alone. I didn't even have the comfort of my cats with me. I had been forced to leave them in the capable care of my mother while I got settled.   So, being alone I did the only thing I could think of... I called my friends I'd left behind... which delayed the feeling a little longer...

I began work on Monday, November 19th. I met my team for the first time... and I got thrown into the craziness that is Retail on the week of Black Friday. However, don't worry... I survived the madness. Only to be thrown into more madness as it gets closer to Christmas. I am quite looking forward to the changing of pace from December to January and the even slower pace of January to February.... because there is so much to do.

My new store has so much potential. And it has so many good things going for it - all I want to do is jump in head first and change EVERYTHING... but I know that is impossible.  However, my new District Manager has made me feel quite at ease, very quickly. He has mentioned he already notices a difference, and is very pleased with the direction. I have been able to - on my first visit with him get a 3- as a rating and four visits later get a 2.  I know that doesn't seem like much. But it makes me feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment.- Now I must make sure that 2 isn't temporary.

This store has every potential to be a constant 2, or better. But it will take time  -  which is fortunate - because time is all I have.

I am fully immersed in the knowledge that I am completely alone down here. I am trying to branch out - and to make new friends... but the timing is off - due to my crazy holiday work schedule - and I know I must wait til the new year to fully allow myself to spread some roots.

I do however, have plans to actually get out and spend time with someone who lives down here tomorrow - and I am looking forward to a slight change of pace to keep me sane. I would, however, love to meet some more spiritually like minded people to keep myself connected. I have PantheaCon in February - but unfortunately that is two months away and I'd like some immediate relief if possible. So I send out my energy in hopes of bringing in some form of spiritual relief.

In the mean time I have made a promise to myself to stay connected this way in the very least. If I type/write, I can get out my feelings, and hopefully that will be enough of a release to keep me sane until the physical manifests itself. And I must say, it feels good to get it all down.

Until next time, Blessed Be.

Mr. T (Daddy)

Changes

It's amazing how much life can change in a matter of months. In the past 6 months my life has changed significantly in all points that matter most.

The Good:

In my job I got a promotion, I broke up with my boyfriend of a year and half, met my amazing current boyfriend, moved into my own one bedroom apartment in Suburbia and met a great group of like minded people and we meet up once a week.

The Bad:

My dad, who has Cancer (Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma), has reached a significant low. His spirits are up and down depending on the day. And the additions to his life "Frank the Tank", and "Fred the Bed" - though they have cute names, they are an instrumental part of keeping my dad comfortable. 

And with the good and the bad I wonder where the next six months will take me. 

In other news I decided to start my own Podcast. We'll see how well it turns out. Episode 1 is out right now on iTunes and Podbean. The title is By the Light of the Moon. Check it out - and let me know what you think.

The Future:

In the two weeks I will be in San Jose for PantheaCon. Are you going?! Let me know!

News Of Note: "Where Have You Been?!"

Look at me, away from the blog-o-sphere for far too long again. A thousand apologies - again. I'm beginning to understand what keeps me from writing a blog entry more often than I currently do... So I must explain.


A few blog posts ago I mentioned I was living with my parents again. I do believe I mentioned it was only for a short period of time. However, that short period of time turned into a semi-permanent situation. After moving back home to help get money under control my Mother and I had a sit down - she asked for my help taking care of my very ill Father.
I am a very family oriented person, so I will never turn down a plea for help. She asked that I move home, or at least closer to home to help her out while she continued schooling at the local community college. I put in a 30 days notice for my place - about 30 miles up the freeway from my parents - and began the long process of packing my life into a storage unit, again.
I've lived at my parents ever since, but have failed to settle in and get comfortable. Living here is like having a second job, so my time to practice my faith is limited. Not to mention the privacy is almost non-existent. Even though I am out to my family, as a pagan, I fail to feel comfortable practicing much of my faith around them. So, I do what I can - and the rest falls to the wayside.
About a week ago I was offered a promotion at my work - which helps with the money situation, but means that I have longer hours and more responsibility. -- In no way does that hinder me at work or make the job any less appealing -- but it subtracts a little more from the little amount of time I had for my faith already.

Overall, Ten hour days at work, One hour a day getting ready for work, one hour a day winding down from work, 3-4 hours a day helping around the house to help the family, leaves only 8-9 hours left in a day for me to eat, sleep and spend some time with the boyfriend. --- Needless to say I cherish the time I have for myself - when I do - and that time does not always include practicing my faith.

What has changed? I knew I was - with no blame placed on my family - being suffocated by being here - so I decided that, with my raise from my new-found promotion, I would finally rent my own place out near my parents (which I previously couldn't afford). I found a decently sized one bedroom apartment five minutes from work and about 10 minutes from my parents. It has a washer, dryer and dishwasher inside. A wood-burning fireplace, a gas range, and plenty of storage. The complex has a great pool and spa, tennis court, basketball court, racquetball court, tanning bed, 24 hr fitness center, picnic areas with gas grills, and some other amenities that I'd have to look up to count.

What this means? Hopefully, within a month I will be able to relax in the privacy of my own home in my new apartment with my two wonderful kitties and begin to work a little magick back into my life. I'll be able to cook again (and experiment with new recipes), unpack my altar and supplies, celebrate the Sabbats in the comfort of my own home, and work with the new energies that come with a new place. The great thing is that I move in on October 15th - which leaves me plenty of time to prep for the first Sabbat in my new place, Samhain! How perfect is that? A new place for a new year.

In other news... the Second Annual Pagan Podkin Supermoot is fast approaching and I'll be on a plane this Friday afternoon to spend a weekend with some of my favorite Podcasters - In Salem, MA!!! (<-- yes, it called for three exclamation points!) I hope to post much from that journey - including pictures!

For now I bid all of thee farewell and I hope everyone has a blessed Mabon - as you won't hear from me until its come and gone!

New Life Brings Joy

Hello!!!!! It has been a few... Yeah. I'm sorry about that....

So, where have I been? What's going on? Tell you, right? I'm sure that's what you're all (three followers) are asking.


Yesterday night, at 10:06pm - my 5 lb 14oz little nephew was born!

The day started normally yesterday, work in the morning, home in the afternoon. Just around 4:30pm I received a phone call from my Mother telling me my sister was being induced due to some complications.
My younger sister and I jumped into my car and drove an hour and a half to the hospital my sister was staying at.
When we got there she was fairly drowsy as they had already placed her on a large amount of medication.
It wasn't long til the doctors came in to tell her, due to some blood tests, that it was more likely she would have to have a C-Section for her health. About 15 minutes later they were talking Emergency C-Section for the babies health.

A half an hour later my baby nephew was born. And an hour later we were all happy to hear both Mommy and Baby were doing just fine.

After being up for almost 24 hours I left the hospital to get some sleep and returned in the morning to actually get to hold my little nephew for the first time. Enjoy the pictures and expect another update in the near feature.