Samhain rit and crazy neighbours!

Last night the collective met at a local member's home for an open ritual. Many
of us dressed as witches of various sorts. (I was the most colourful amongst a sea of black)
It was a great ritual and included a walk through the nearby cemetary.
Unfortunately for my friend, her neighbour is the local crazy fundamentalist
Christian. And she's not crazy just because she's a fundamentalist or Christian. She refers to my friend as a satan worshipper and makes a lot of trouble for her and is always making trouble in the neighbourhood. Her house and car windows are covered in
text about the rapture and being saved by Jesus. She called the cops on us "satan worshippers" last night. They drove by, looked at the "witches" (really witches dressed as such) and "demons" (not really demons, but the children of witches) on the porch and laughed at the crazy lady and her friends as they continued on their way. I think the cops get a lot of crazy calls from her...
Poor crazy lady, I'm glad I don't live in her world. On her other side is the most wicked halloween house ever (wicked cool for me, wicked damned for her I imagine). That neighbour loved us singing down the street and admiring her decorations. She came out to turn more of the display on for us.
The crazy neighbour has also covered her house in plastic... apparently she gets egged a lot at this time of year because she harrasses all the local kids as well. Our other theory is she's trying to keep the demons out. I think she's creepier than the stereotypical old witch/woman in the haunted house... but then, I like haunted houses and witches.

After the ritual we had great food and shared ghost stories and crone stories, which was a lot of fun. Probably my best halloween/samhain yet. Crazy neighbour included - she just made it more interesting.

Robin's off at work right now bedecked in orange - complete with an orange troll-hair wig he found yesterday!! Crazy crazy. I wish I had my digital camera to take photos! I've taken film pictures, but I can't easily upload those and by the time I get them developed and to a scanner, it's far too late. Oh the joys of digital!! Maybe I'll get Robin to pose for the webcam when he gets home. I can take a photo with that. The quality is crap, but better than nothing.

End of October Update

Robin's birthday and thanksgiving weekend was quiet. We shared a yummy Thanksgiving lasagna dinner with Candace and Jon, Robin's cousins here. Our own turkey dinner plans were cancelled when nobody could make it :( Veronica was supposed to be in town with her BF, and we had originally planned our dinner to host our non-Canadian friends here, but they also could not attend. So no turkey for Robin and I. It was very very sad. Candace and Jon came over for a very delicious bakery cake to celebrate Robin's birthday a day early. (Again, nobody else could make it of Robin's acquaintences... hmm...) I had to work/TA on his birthday. Oh, wait, Chris did drop by on Robin's birthday while I was out.
Robin's dad visited just this past Thursday as part of a brief visit of family in Ontario. We had a wonderful day of walking the dogs (Darla and TJ - Alan's dog), visiting the St. Jacob's market, eating delicious food, and playing cards. (I kicked butt, not that I brag about such things. lol)
I needn't bother mentioning that I have been very very busy. That's not fun to write about. I did finally receiev a copy of my MA thesis in the mail. It looks so pretty and complete sitting on my bookshelf. Also framed my diploma and have my three diplomas so far hanging in my office.
I have ordered a laptop for my office from Dell. I was originally determined to get a Mac, an iBook to be exact, but I finally caved. It was within my budget and it had everything I needed EXCEPT I don't think I could live with a 12" screen as my primary office computer for all my writing... So I found an equally good Dell notebook with a 15" screen. My laptop will be even more powerful than my HP desktop here... I think that's kinda funny. More memory and faster processor (that will be awesome, although this one usually seems fast enough... and I'm quite hard on it, running many programs at once all the time). And I just realized that this comp is a celeron (yuck) while the laptop is a pentium (yay). Hey, what can I say, this computer was a great price, and has served me very very well.
Robin will like that he can chat with his friends in messenger more. And I'll like that I can be up in my office, as far from his noise as possible. That and closer to all my books, files, etc. We already have a wireless router (and the laptop is wireless) so networking will be easy.

Our digital camera broke the other day. It just froze up - open. The lens is exposed and it won't run on to shut down/close it! The nearest place to have it fixed in all of Southern Ontario is Missasauga and since the camera is open we don't want to ship it... so next drive out to Niagara Falls we'll have to swing by TO. So don't expect any photos soon.

I think that brings us up to date. Halloween plans include fun for me, sitting at home for Robin. I have an open ritual tonight and my coven ritual tomorrow night. So Robin gets to hand out candy. I suppose most people had their parties last night on Saturday. Candace and Jon are having a post-halloween party next weekend, but we already have a religious studies potluck to attend that night.
Darla goes in for surgery to be spayed on Wednesday and we will finalize the adoption that day as well. Then she'll be all ours!! :)
She and the cats get along great now. Between Darla and Gryphon I'm never walking alone. They're always at my feet and in and out of eachothers way. It's very funny. Gryph rubs up against her all the time as they both stare out the back window/door.

A final question for the comments section:
So what are you dressing up as for Halloween? (Or did dress as?) I don't care how old you are, everyone should dress up for halloween!!!
I'm going to be a "fluffy bunny" witch. I've got a pointed hat with colourful stars and moons. Colourful clothes. Tons of crystal and witchy jewellery layered on. Wings and a colourful wand (which I made for a Harry Potter viewing years ago). But the most fun part is all the buttons I made with foamy! They say things like "Gardener-arian Traditionalist" (on a flower), "Charmed Ones Apprentice" (complete with the show's symbol, which was fun to cut out!), "My name is Lady Serene Dancing Unicorn Dream Weaver", "I do not worship Satan," "Some of my best friends are muggles," "What would Goddess do," and "My great great great great grandmother was Burned in Salem [as a witch]. Never again the burning times." Okay, so some of this may be controversial, but it's fun. And of course it's satire, just incase anyone reading is starting to fume. I am fully aware that most of what I am wearing is stuff I own and wear, just not all together and in this manner... And for those who just don't get it at all... it's an inside joke in the Pagan community.

Running for the Cure

On October 2, Robin and I walked for the cure for breast cancer at RIM Park in Kitchener, Ontario.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored us with donations. We appreciate all the support we have received.




Here is Robin, in the midst of everyone waiting to begin...




...at the start line.




Here is a small section of participants coming over a hill in the background. We were somewhere near the front of the middle section.




Here I am, at the side of the trail we walked, in a stinky field. It was not a good day to wear black (too sunny), but it's my pink ribbon shirt.




Robin runs the last leg to the finish line...




...and joins the other runners and walkers celebrating their finish.




If you are realizing now that you forgot to donate... there is still time :) I've receieved more than one inquiry about this. Go to https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=1399027&languageid=1

3 More days until Robin's birthday... (October 6).

What's new

So, what's new...
school is in session.
The days and especially the nights are getting colder.
Yesterday was the autumn equinox.
Robin still works days Thurs-Monday. I have my school stuff and TA for RS100A.
Darla went into heat not long after we rescued her.





She gets along fine with the cats. Jenny goes wherever she pleases and makes Darla very jealous! Gryphon is less bold and generally avoids the dog, but he can also stand right next to Darla.

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And finally, we finished painting my office. Yesterday I completed it with a 4-drawer filing cabinet I bought from UW surplus sales for only $50.








We've also finished all the painting the bedroom, but it's not in photographable condition. And we replaced one of our ugly light fixtures (see office photo for example of ugly lights) - the one in the dining room. Just have the bedroom and my office to go...

Robin and I are the proud foster family for this beautiful dog. She doesn't have a name right now, but we'll think of one soon. She was labelled Cream by the shelter. Needless to say, I can't call to a dog called Cream. I am assuming they named her for her colour.
She has a great temprament. She is not aggressive or noisy or fearful or possessive. However, she has never learned any commands at the age of 2 or 3. So this is where our work comes in to prepare her for adoption :) She is a great dog! When I think that she was going to be put down because the shelter she was at was overfilled, I know that she is a very lucky dog. She of course does not know this.
She is a german shephard cross, perhaps with some stocky cattle dog. Her snout is quite foxish. She has a lot of energy, but she's also quiet and restful now when we are inside, even though she has not been here 24 hours. I am very impressed.
Who knows, we may even adopt her :) Although she's smaller than we are looking for in a dog. And I would be just as happy to find her a home elsewhere and be able to rescue another dog, no matter how much I come to love her. I'm certain I will love every animal I rescue - but if I were to keep them all I would limit how many I could rescue in my home.
We have yet to acquaint the dog and cats... the cats are hiding upstairs. They seem to come out when I walk the dog, because they are eating their food.

So that's what's new here. Classes start again soon, although I just have the one I TA to attend Thursday evenings. The rest of my work is self-directed reading in preparation for my comps.

Nothing much

Not much to say, but it feels like it's been forever since I posted last. I think not soin reality. I've just been that busy. :) Well, sick and busy, so time takes on new measures.
Finally started painting my office so that I can eventually get all set up before the new term begins. It's definitely hard to work without a desk and access to my files and books. The office is going to look great! I'm very happy with the colour - orange. I'll never fall asleep at the books again! So far we've only done one coat of two walls. Using two slightly different shades for the sunny/less-sunny walls. It probably won't be noticeable, but I had to get 2 cans anyways, so might as well do the 2 colours. We still have to finish all the trim in the master bedroom as well.

Robin has us hooked on the INXS show now. Sorry mom, but it's far better than Canadian Idol. This week Idol was doing rock music as well, and there's just no comparison. After watching an episode of INXS and then catching a song on Idol, it was pathetic. Also caught the first episode of Tommy Lee going to college. Who thinks up these things??? Craziness I tell you. What is the world of entertainment coming to? What happened to the Muppet Show? (I don't know why that show came to mind).

Well, aside from some evening TV, most of the day you'll find me on the computer writing and researching. And telling the cats to bugger off. Gryphon took that a little too seriously and figured out how to open the screen door himself. He's obsessed with going outside now. He was not like this at the townhouse. I think it's all the trees and birds and squirrels and other local cats that entice him. He and the local squirrel have developed a "relationship". It's hilarious to hear the squirrel nattering at Gryphon from a tree after Gryph's been following her. I'd noticed our resident squirrel always on our deck a while back. Then this week I saw her on the deck again and thought, jeez, this squirrel likes our deck. Then I thought, hmm, Gryphon's out here somewhere. Then I saw Gryphon jump onto the rail behind the squirrel. lol. After I screamed at Gryph the squirrel got away to once again natter at my cat. Today I bought a second halter so I can let the cats go out together tied up, but mostly because I made a vet appointment for them down the street.
It's very convenient that a 2 minute walk away is a chiropractor, naturopath and vet. I'll be seeing the chiropractor next week to begin treatment. I'm looking forward to that! It's been 3 years since I had a chiropractor. Next I just have to find a hairdresser. My short hair is getting long fast.
As for Robin... nothing new to report. That's why I type these. :)

Bielefeld Photos

Well, I have finally uploaded some photos. These are more place photos than people photos, since most readers will not know any of the persons pictured.
Let us begin with Sharma's tour of the city on our last day, as this Tiger's journey illustrates my usual routine around town.



Sharma escapes from our Hostel room


And heads for the fish pond inside the hostel.


Sharma poses with the LinenWeaver statue in the Alt Markt infront of one of many churches...





...and then enjoys an evening bier at one of the cafes.


Sharma poses infront of the Nicolai church with a fellow monk. Yes, Sharma has decided to enter a monastery.


Meeting new friends (or saying goodbye)


Waiting for the regional train to take us to Hannover.


Saying farewell to the German landscape.

Here are more of Bielefeld:


A lovely square where a friend and I enjoyed a bier and icecream, luckily catching some sun. It was chilly and rainy for most of our stay. I had to buy dry clothes on one occasion and long sleeves.


Sparrenburg Castle, a few blocks from my hostel where a weekend Medieval Festival was held. Very fun!


This is on the old Rathaus (like city hall). I enjoyed seeing all the old buildings, especially gargoyles and these faces. I have many more photos... but I won't bore you!


This is one of many open air pedestrian shopping areas, and the one closest to our hostel.





One of the side streets near the hostel.


The hostel is in the background, under the rainbow.


As the Linenweaver is the city's symbol (along with Spurrenburg tower) you'll find replicas painted brightly around town.


A typical evening at the hostel with my fellow participants in the FD program.


Prof. Streib lecturing... we spent many hours on campus...


Ralph Hood, guest lecturer, speaking on Fundamentalism.


Our first excursion took us to a Castle in nearby Detmold...







And an open air museum of old farm houses and villages. I wish I had a photo of the windmills handy. My batteries started dying and I knew I could get photos from friends, so I saved my photos for pictures I didn't expect others to take. I particularly liked all the hearths.










But the highlight of that day was the Externsteine. See this lovely ancient Pagan altar - The sun rises through there on Summer Solstice. And there are other astronomical events, which you can look up :)





On another excursion we visited Herford, home of the oldest Christian settlement in the region (all of Germany?). Keep in mind I was in Germany studying Faith Development theory, hence all the religious sites.








Munster Cathedral


Holy Tree Stump - has to do with a vision of Mary and the founding of this church. They really have enshrined the tree stump.


The Altar on the Hill... in the rain... somehwere near the Mary church and having to do with its founding, but the rain was beating us into the ground and so I never did hear the story. But I did hear something about ancient pagan site, so I snapped the photo hoping to hear more later.


I have played with this picture's contrast trying to highlight the image on the stone.


One of the many churches we saw that day had gargoyles all around





I enjoyed the details more than the churches as a whole.


An old chapel.


I liked the detail of the woodwork.



Well, that should be enough photos to share. I'm sure you're sick of them already. I didn't bother putting images of me sitting from 9-6 in lecture rooms. Not very interesting photos.

Hallo - from Germany

Here I am in Germany. I have many photos but not uploaded yet... I will post them, have no fear.
This is the second day of my second week, but it feels like I have been here forever.
I am finally adjusting to the different keyboard... see, I have new keys like ä and ö and € and other regular keys are in new places.
But you don't want to hear about the keyboards.
I am here for a 2 week workshop on Faith Development theory and research methods, which has turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I was afraid they would try to indoctrinate us into some type of theory/methodolgy, but the project coordinators are asking questions about this theory/methodology to revise it and asking us to participate in the process.
There are 15 international persons (students, researchers, professors) here for the workshop, plus a few research assistants (also students) from the project - including my friend Chris who suggested this workshop in the first place.
Two additional students are from WLU - so Waterloo-Laurier has a strong representation :) Others are from Turkey, the Netherlands, Rome, Wales, the U.S., and local. And research interests and background cover a wide range of traditions, which is very useful as one of the goals of the project here is to make Faith Development research more applicable across religions and cultures. (Needless to say there is a lot of work to be done and it is questionable whether this is even possible).
We have classes from 9 am until 6pm daily. So far Sunday has been our only day off. We have things planned eveyday until Sunday afternoon when the workshop ends. Granted, 2 of the days are excursions (field trips).
Our first excursion was last Saturday when we visited the Castle of Detmold (where a prince still lives (in half of it, the other half is a museum) decorated in Baroque style), the Open air museum in Detmold (with complete 18th and 9th C farms and farm houses and villages arranged on a vast area of land, working old wooden windmills, old farm animal breeds, and a delicious bakery) and finally, the Extern Stones. The stones were my favourite of course. (here is a brief intro: http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/germany/externsteine.html)

Sunday I attended the local Medieval Festival at Spurrenburg Castle (rebuilt ruins) here in Bielefeld (BTW, that's BEE-le-feld) with friends. Yep, I have made several new friends. We bonded over "bier" and bagels.
This is definitley the land of beer.
Free alcohol was served on the flight here! And beer is very very cheap. But nobody uses bier steines... it's all tall beer glasses (sorry Robin).

Thursday is our second excursion when we visit historic churches in the area and see a Frank Gehry building (some architect).

I will be home Monday after another long flight... I was up for about 33 hours on the way here because I arrived in town just in time for the first lecture and had to stay awake for the rest of the day - and then there was a social event (with beer of course). It put me back on a schedule, I just lost a night of sleep.

TTFN,
Mandy

PS I no longer have access to my primary email account, as of a week ago. I am working at building up a new address book. I can be reached at mandyfurney @ yahoo.ca

Mandy's Mini Survey - thanks

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my totally informal survey about religion. I have enjoyed reading all the interesting mail in my inbox. I should have thought of this years ago!
So far I have to say that Steve Bruce is wrong... people are not indifferent about religion as whole - though clearly some people do not like organized religion. Which is exactly what I thought already, and is the majority view in religious studies.
Well, I must keep this short. [note after writing post: HA!] There is so much to do before I fly off to Germany. I've got Euros in my purse, a plane ticket, passport, a destination, notebook... (still have to pack my luggage) and I'm ready to go! I'm a little scared - this is my first big trip and looking at the route to get from the Hanover airport to the university in Bielefeld is daunting. It includes a 7 minute walk to get to another station... except the instructions on the trip itinerary don't come with a map! So where do I walk to??? I still have a few kinks to iron out... My time in Germany looks fully mapped out. There are events from 9 am until 8pm almost everyday, though three of the after dinner events are listed as social events :) The rest is all workshops centred around faith development theory research methods. It will either be very interesting, or sleep-inducing. I'll let you know when I return.

We've cleared out of the townhouse now. Finished all our cleaning today. Looks as good as when I moved in - better actually because it lacks the construction dust and it's been aired out. (Well, the walls are worse for wear, but I blame the crap paint for that, the paint I couldn't wash without it peeling off!)
I had managed to clear out most of the boxes around the new house until a few days ago when they piled back up. So I'm back to doing that and organizing the house. We still haven't painted the trim in our bedroom (haven't yet chosen a colour - either dark green or brown), but we set up the furniture in the meantime. And have yet to paint my office, so it's half in the spare room. Had to move some into the office in order to make the spare room functional when my grandparents come to drive me to the airport this weekend.

And on top of that I've still got my research and a final paper to write.
Life is busy. Hence I have not responded to individual emails lately. I still anticipate more time in September...
Until I return from Germany,
Mandy

A Visit to Winnipeg

We returned to the great Prairies this July. As we drove to Carberry on Friday I thought I would take a couple photos for our non-Manitoban friends. You really can see for miles and miles, plus no smog!









I mentioned a surprise photo in an earlier post. Here it is, from our second day in Winnipeg at Bo and Jen's wedding.





Yes, my long hair is all gone! And with 40+ humidity back here in Kitchener, I am so happy to be free of the weight and warmth of my hair.

Here is a photo of mom and Robin watching neighbours cut down a huge tree... we waited for the tree to hit one of the cars nearby, but it never did. Apparently they either actually knew what they were doing (one 70 year old man at the end of a rope to direct the tree's fall? I dunno) or were very lucky.





For some reason Robin didn't want his photo taken above. But he smiled for the camera as we waited for dinner at the Rib Shack:





And here he is again at Jen and Bo's wedding... I really like this photo... lol






Finally, we took all three family dogs (Jesse, Rollee, and Hudson) to the dog park. It was messy fun. The best part was at the end when Robin was moving the car to the other end of a field where the truck was parked, and Corey, the dogs and I were supposed to walk across the field to meet him. Jesse was afraid that her car was leaving her and chased it the entire way down the road!!









I have 130 photos from Jen and Bo's wedding, so if anyone wants digital copies, drop me an email. I suspect most people already have a pile of their own, but maybe I have a few shots you would like. I know from my wedding that more photos are better - because many of them don't turn out, or someone's not smiling etc. So if you have THOUSANDS then you are bound to end up with a few good ones :)

On the home front, we have half moved into the new house. The master bedroom walls are painted. Just the trim remains to be done. Main floor and the basement are half done and functional. Moved the BBQ over and set up the patio set. Have the internet and x-box live set up now. We're still waiting to hear about getting our phone hooked up - in the meantime messages can be left at the townhouse and we are elaving MSN and Yahoo messenger on 24/7.