Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
bufanda knossos

it before, but it's worth rpeaeting!)Carl, welcome! I've been a fan of your writing for some time, and I've recommended your book to students (back when I had students!) and friends ever since it first came out. The good news/bad news is that it is, of course, already out of date--and that I imagine you will not be releasing a revised edition of it, since your path has since led you from Paganism to Catholicism! I'll admit that finding a Pagan whose ideas meant so much to me going "over the wall" into Christianity has been pretty disconcerting... But I've also been struck by your integrity in owning the changes in your leadings. I hope to follow my own with equal integrity. Though I currently consider myself a "both/and" Quaker and Pagan, I find myself very appreciative of the stories of Pagans who have, like me, tried to do clear discernment around the boundaries of their religious experience. In addition to your example, I'm very drawn to the process I find in Ali's --a Christian Druid blog I find remarkable for its thoughtfulness, and that of Yvonne, who still considers herself Wiccan, though not Pagan per se, since acknowledging the call of Jesus. She maintains two blogs that reflect her personal journey, and , in addition to being the genius behind , a comprehensive listing of Pagan blogs.Finally, if you haven't yet discovered them, allow me to plug Michael's two blogs, and , both of which I find deeply moving.There is something about those who are willing to be led by Spirit, rather than dictating to Her what form She will take, that often is very resonant for me. Needless to say, that doesn't always take the form of both/and spiritual journeys, or of stories of religious conversion or convincement. But, perhaps for the same reasons that liminal zones between two or more ecosystems are often particularly fertile areas (think, tidal marsh) it does often seem to be the case.Thanks again for stopping by. It was so nice to see your name!

Dear One,Thank you.This morning I exneciepred again the impromptu ritual I seem to need every week or so.I awoke with the clutch of unidentifiable anxiety and grief in my chest.I pushed myself through limbering exercises and tai chi. Tried to sit in meditation... and could not.Got down on my knees, forehead to floor... waiting... knowing there were sobs which needed to come out.I don't even bother to ask "What are these about?" anymore.I just know I dare not suppress them. If they don't come, I moan aloud until they do.Eventually the sobs came, and--unsurprisingly--it was about again.I've just read your Nora piece during lunch and found tears welling again... but I thank you for that. You've answered a puzzle.Part of the disconnect of grief for me is that it is my sister Margaret, 300 miles away in Pensacola, who is doing the part you and your family did with Nora.I was the hometown son who helped Mom during the 20+ years she was independent and living alone.She was my "special person."Now I "know" what is happening to her. My sister, blesse8d evangelical Baptist angel that she is, shares the joys and struggles by phone.But I don't see it. I don't hold Mom's hand.The loss is an "idea" that stirs in the pre-dawn and grabs me as I am waking... but I have to hunt for it and name it again every time.Thank you for giving me a better clue.Blesse8d Be,Michael BrightCrow