Today was AWESOME! I took my son on a little journey to a quiet town about 30 miles away. I had heard that they were having a Pow-Wow and wanted to see what all was going on. There were so many Native Americans, Shamans and Pagans there and we felt so welcome. It was like we never met a stranger there. So, anyway, I'm walking around and I see a guy (and his kids)  from one of my classes that I took last quarter. I don't know who was more surprised, him or me. During the months that he and I were in class together, and even though he and I talked EVERY DAY, neither of us knew that the other was Pagan. It just wasn't a subject that really came up between us. So, it was a pleasant surprise to know that there was someone else there that has similar beleifs to mine. Anyway, there was a woman there who was dancing in a ring of fire..It was AMAZING to watch her move as the flames crackled and snapped around her. I was mesmerized. In the back of my mind I kept thinking of Jim Morrison and The Doors. To anyone who has ever watched The Doors movie, you know what I'm talking about. I just couldn't help myself. I had to think about him. Jim Morrison was a sensual, passionate poet. But, there was more to this Pow-Wow than that the dancing fire chick..lol. I met a Shaman man named Okhanai and I was impressed by his bead work. I can't even describe the magnificent detail and the deep love that he has for his craft. It was absolutely stunning. Everyone was so nice to eachother there. It was like stepping back in time where there was no government to dictate what you could and could not do. A time when Native Americans were still allowed to roam free with the buffalo grazing on green grass and thistle. The view was breath taking at the foothills of the Smokies. There was no hatred there, no religious intolerance or racial slurs, just people mingling together. Laughing, talking with one another, children chasing eachother through the grass and trees. There was singing and dancing and happy times. I needed a day like today to refresh & recharge my soul. Moments like that are priceless..seeing the dull reflection of the flamees on my son's face as he watches a dance that was created under the moon hundreds of thousands of years ago by ancestors we've never met, but whose blood runs thick and red in our veins. I felt connected to them by hearing stories that may have passed through their lips at one point in time. Tears of pride in my heritage streaked down my face and I swear, I could almost hear them call my name. Even now I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. It was truly a magical experience.

Blessed Be.