Spiritual Life Productions Midland Fair

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Elaine

Hi Folks,

This last weekend Spiritual Life Productions did their first Midland, Texas psychic fair. No, it was not the first one this group of vendors and readers had done there but the first that Marilyn Waggoner, owner of Spiritual Life productions had produced in Midland.

I want to share some of the funny and  frustrating things that happened and endearing people that entered our lives as this fair came together.

Marilyn, Yanie Brewer and I went to Midland on Thursday so that we could do an early morning radio show on Friday. Both of the host were wonderful! Their questions were on target and gave their audience great information about the readers, what we do and the wonderful vendors that were there to share their goodies.

The rest of the day was spent at the hotel getting the room ready for the weekend.

Let’s back track a moment…when we got there we saw that the recent rains in Midland had caused MAJOR roof damage in the main hotel and the rooms that Marilyn had reserved were not anywhere near usable and will not be for months to come. The hotel already had plans to do a major remodel to all rooms and areas of the hotel but this damage was unexpected. They say that it will be as good as new by the time it is all finished. Meanwhile, they put us in large community building that is on their property for the fair. Julie Wilson and Latrell Maples had used the same building in past years so a lot of us were familiar with it. There is lots of up close parking and we got a big, warm room.

The folks that work at the hotel tried at every turn to be patient with requests, needs and most of all finding the extra hands that we needed to get the room in order for the fair. It was obvious that it had not been used for some time, (or cleaned well after the last event). In spite of how short handed the staff was, a long time employee, VAN, was our hero. And, with the help of one other hard working young man it all came together in time for readers and vendors to set up. The two of them found a commercial vacuum cleaner and turned me loose with it for a short period of time.  Marilyn pulled me off to help her with the lay out so they took over cleaning the carpet.  Meanwhile, Van also needed to make the adjoining room ready for a huge family reunion on Saturday night. More on that later…

Moving the venue meant that Marilyn had to have directional signs made so off she went to do that as soon as she could.

As fast as he could, Van is hauling in tables and setting them up.  We needed table skirts and cloths asap so that Cindy and Dennis could start on their five hour set up. He was off to start the search only to find out that most of the ones that he brought back to the room were either dirty, moist (some were wet) or so discolored they were unusable. Bless his heart, he had just scooped them up after being told they were clean. We found out that the cloths had been removed after an event and had not been not washed as he was told. He just thought they were “damp” and would dry on the tables just fine! So, off he went again to wash and dry that bunch.  While he was gone he did manage to find enough table skirts to take care of Cindy and Dennis’ tables…

Oh, let’s not forget that the big room next door is waiting for Van’s undivided attention for the family reunion. He never once lost his patience or his cool all the while knowing that he had that obligation waiting for him.

By the time readers and vendors began to arrive the tables and areas were set up and ready for them create their space. Of course, their needs and wishes meant that a few of them were rearranged to suit them.  In fact, that goes on at a lot of events. There was even a move late Saturday afternoon because a reader was not comfortable where she was. Gotta keep the kids happy…:)

Saturday began with a BANG! Lots of people, some new, some returning to their favorite readers and vendors. It was indeed a good day for crew!  Until around 4pm…that is when the bands began to practice for the reunion! The hotel had promised us that we had quiet until 6pm, that was when the fair ended. Well, evidently they neglected to tell the reunion folks that because the bands were there in full force to make sure they were all warmed up for the night!  Of course, Marilyn went over to take care of the situation but one of the guys got very surly with her. After all, “He had a lot of influence here at the hotel and he had paid his money…blah, blah, blah”.  But, not before I saw Robert Baccus jump, and I mean jump, out of this chair and run down the hall. His table was on the retractable, thin wall so he and the others on the wall got it loud and clear on the first note! Well, the music did stop and all was well for a little while. They tried it again around 5:15. Poor Marilyn, off she went again. This time he was really surly! The music was gone until EXACTLY 6pm. By gosh, they could tell time and they were not going to waste one minute of it!

Because we were not in the main hotel we needed security for the room until after the family reunion. There are many doors off the galley way and some of the locks were questionable, so human security was an absolute need. Bring in Diane, the event manager at the hotel. She sat in the room until no telling when. I do believe that her husband joined her at some point. Now, that is being a real trooper for the hotel’s clients!

Sunday morning we arrived to a parking lot full of beer bottles, cans and trash. Marilyn got there first to put out the signs and immediately began cleaning it up. But, not before she picked up the trash in the bath rooms. Thank goodness one of the hotel staff came over to actually clean and replenish them before the Sunday crowd began to arrive.

Sunday was a little slow but consistent. There was more time to visit with our clients, do longer readings, etc. I was glad to  see several of Saturday’s visitors return and bring their family and friends on Sunday.

By the time we were ready to pack out, Marilyn and Dennis had noticed a garage door in the other big room. Their curiosity lead them to figure out how to open it so that cars could back in and be loaded! That room had not been cleaned so the tables were still set up. No problem!  We made a wide swath big enough for Dennis’ big van and in he came. Talk about a time and energy saver for Dennis, Cindy and several others! Wow!

We were all out by 8:30pm or so. Now, Midland is a town that closes down early. That means if you want a nice meal it needs to be before 9:30pm for most restaurants. (Denny’s is the exception).  We opted to eat at Outback.  We, meaning eight of us readers. Everyone else had headed home or had plans somewhere else. Food was great, service nice, company wonderful!  Nice way to end a productive weekend.

Most folks do not know or care what happens before an event. The public certainly does not realize, for the most part, what goes into making that day happen. That is why I wanted to bring attention to the efforts that Marilyn Waggoner made to make this weekend happen as if there had been no challenges.  Then there is the hotel staff that is already under staffed and over stressed because of the condition of the hotel, those of us that traveled with Marilyn and pitched in and to say nothing of the other readers and vendors that offered their support and energy when needed to each other. This fair was a true team effort and as a reader I am most grateful for all of you.

I bet the public never had a clue that anything was out of order or amiss! And, that is the way it should be…

The event appeared to be smooth and calm. Well, with the exception of the unwelcome music for short bursts. Looking back, I can find things to giggle about that were not so funny at the time.

I will leave it up to you to decide what would have been funny or frustrating to you had you been there.

Would I do it over again?  In a heart beat! The public that joined us, being with our wonderful community and being given the opportunity to do our work makes all the effort in the world worth it.

Thank you all for being there for one another….

Blessings, Elaine

 

 

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Posted on September 21, 2011 by Elaine

Spiritual Life Productions Metaphysical Fair

Saturday, November 4th 10am-7pm

Sunday, November 5th, 11am-6pm

Holiday In Austin Midtown

6000 Middle Fiskville Road

Austin, Texas 78752

512-451-5757

$5.00 at the door (each day)

Spiritual Life Productions 512 247-9887

Gemstones        Aura Photos       Jewelry       Massages

INTUITIVE READERS       AND       FREE LECTURES

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Good Bye, Evelyn…

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Elaine

Sometimes lessons and realizations come when we least expect them. That was my welcome experience this week.

My ex-mother in law’s spirit left her body a few days ago after making great use of it for 91 years. She was of strong German stock as some would say who practiced the belief of hard work, family, God and dedication to serving others. She did this with her first husband, TyB while raising their only child, Joe, my ex-husband and the father of my children.

By the time TyB passed she was ready to retire and begin another phase of her life. In walked her second husband of 21 years. With this sweet man she got to travel, dance, play all of the dominoes she wanted, (she won many ribbons), and over all had a more relaxed life than the first 50 plus years.

I had not seen her much after my children got older. That’s what happens when  court ordered visitation is no longer an issue. But, I did keep up with her via my son. I heard of her travels, parties,  interactions with her step children and their families. I knew when her health was not well and when her husband passed. Although she did not need assisted living at the time she joined him in the same care facility for a while before he passed. Then she was alone except for family that visited and took her home for holidays and special occasions. It was good that she was able to walk the halls taking coffee and food to her friends. She played and laughed with them until time and age slowed her down.

And, she had a great friend in her roommate of four years. Sweet lady that is going to miss her dearly.

When I heard that she was not doing well I knew that I needed to go see her. So, I did just 3 days before she passed. Now, this is where it gets interesting for me. Evelyn had been a thorn in my side off and on my entire marriage to her son. Even at the young age of 18 I knew she would be a challenge! I know now that she thought she was coming from a place in her heart and that she was always right because she was the older generation, the parent figure if you will. Yes, she was stubborn and no one was going to be good enough for HER son but still she thought she was doing the right thing in all things concerning her son and grandchildren. She did love those grand kids.

Suddenly I realized that I was enjoying sitting there making small talk and helping her with her Mexican food lunch (this fabulous cook declared that the beans were to dry). She told me who had called and been by to visit. She was looking forward to getting her hair dyed and nails done that following Thursday. I even enjoyed looking around her half of the room. It was lovingly decorated  with pictures of family and her domino first and second place ribbons. I recognized some of her treasures sitting around and the pictures brought back fun memories.

All of a sudden I realized that nothing she had ever done or said made any difference any more. She was a soul in a body that had always been destined to leave earth one day. Our journey, our responsibility to one another, what ever it was is now over. Every now and then she would stop and look at me with intensity and  peace in her eyes. We didn’t discuss the past but it was hanging in the air between us. As of that day we were simply two older and wiser women who had shared lives with the drama and laughter that lives are supposed to have. We knew that we did not need to,  the need to talk about any of it had dissolved over the years into the wisdom that we now share because of those days in the past. I know now that she was always a gentle soul,  just one with a warrior side learning how to defend those she was learning how to share love with.

Evelyn had made all of the decisions and arrangements for her burial. Her coffin, dress, jewelry, head stone, everything. She did not want the kids to have to do anything except show up and say, “Good Bye”. And, they did. The viewing was  attended by family and friends made up of many generations. There was almost a party atmosphere. The grave side service was a smaller, closer knit group of remaining sisters, family and friends with a more somber energy. The minister was her favorite who lead the group as we sang her favorite songs and read her favorite words from the Bible.

She looked lovely in the pink outfit that she had selected.  Her cherished Bible was in her hands as were a few pictures. They had done her nails but unfortunately not dyed her hair. I am sure she is not happy about that! Keith, her youngest grandson even noticed that they had formed that natural little pout on her bottom lip.

I am so grateful for all of the lessons learned from having her in my life. She was there for the kids, her family and countless others that needed her along the way. Her strength, advise and sense of humor was always at the ready…whether you wanted it or not…:)

Most of all, I am grateful that I got to say, “Good Bye” with her and to her in a time and manner that we both could appreciate.

I’ve learned that sometimes, saying, “Good Bye” is really saying, “Hello” to another level of Spiritual growth.

So, for now, Evelyn, with love and respect I say, “Good Bye”.

“Skieter”

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Welcome, Spiritual Life Productions!

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Elaine

I have been in Austin for over 5o years and have seen a lot of changes as to how psychic/metaphysical fairs have evolved.  So, walk down memory lane with me if you please…

The first gathering of psychics that I know of was the heart beat of Numerologist, Rita Brown. That was back in the early 70′s. She had read for a member of the Acqua Fest Board of Directors and that lead to an invitation for her to invite a group of us to do readings at the Fest. She got eight of us to do four nights of readings at the old Palmer Auditorium. The public loved it!  We started every day at noon and read until 9pm. There was a line all day long. There was one line and the reader that was available was who the person went to. Different from now, huh?  They would even help us pack up every night and want us to read for them as we went to the car!

That lead to us being at the 290 Flea Market. I know, sounds odd but we always had a ball there. We would be there just on Sundays but busy and well fed. Seems that folks believed that we needed to eat all day as well as do readings.  Lots of nice memories for those days.

Now, along the way there were various producers that would set up one day fairs in bars, restaurants, hotel lobbies, people’s homes and any other venue that would welcome psychics. In those days we had only a few vendors with us, if any.

One of my early favorites were the smaller fairs on the front lawn of the original location of the Book People store on Rio Grande Street.  Whole Life Books also let psychics set up in a mini fair manner.

Texas Parapsychology Association presented fairs at their office on Justin Lane and later in hotels.  The Dallas based North Texas Parapsychology Association headed up by John Catchings, (son of long time Austin psychic Birdie Catchings), came to town and included local psychics and vendors at their fairs. They stayed in town at least twice a year for a couple of years.

Pat Cuney created wonderful Goddess based events that brought fabulous vendors, healers, authors and readers to Austin.

Apple Productions set up fairs for a few years. They moved their operations out of town and I think they still produce fairs, but not here in Austin.

Body, Mind and Spirit Expo and later Body, Mind and Soul Expo have been in Austin with larger fairs.

Recently Kim Keeton has been producing fairs in Austin and the surrounding areas. She is presenting more of a Holistic approach for her events but does include psychics.

In the 80′s, a wild, red headed woman, Julie, with a heart as big as the out doors came into town. She was from the Midland/Odessa area and had already been doing fairs for a couple of years when she decided to try the Austin market. Her fairs were big, busy and fun. She brought out of town readers and vendors but she supported the locals.  For the first time in a long time lectures were presented for free. Her philosophy was one of teaching the public what Spiritual stuff was all about. She didn’t put up with any one’s nonsense, readers, vendors or hotel staff. Her fair was a tight  ship. You either loved her or ran away from her. And, when she loved you it was from the heart and forever. That is the way she was about the fairs and her beloved crystals. There were often ten plus tables of crystals, pewter statues and other goodies for her to teach the public about.  She would share her huge bags of chocolate with all of us because she knew how much energy it takes to do the fairs, grin…!

When  cancer found her and she could no longer do the fairs she handed them over to Latrell. She is the red head that many of you see at the front door taking door fees. Often her long time companion, Jimmy, is there with her. Latrell has had the fairs for twelve years now or more and she has pretty much kept the fairs as Julie presented them. Of course, along the way readers and vendors have come and gone. But, she has always tried to give the public the best that she could find. She has supported all of us as we grew in our individual fields and was there if we needed a hand up. Latrell took us to Midland, Corpus Christi, Waco, San Antonio and some towns I am sure I have forgotten. All were fun and all were worth the trip. I want to thank Jimmy for all of the wonderful food that he has prepared for us. He is known for his bar-b-q, fudge and my favorite, divinity. His food and his constant smile where always there for us.

Now it is time for the fair to move on to another set of more than capable hands. This time Latrell is handing it over to Marilyn, creator of  Spiritual Life Productions. Marilyn has been a part of the metaphysical world for at least twenty years. Like Latrell and Julie she is not a practicing psychic but she is a sensitive, smart woman who honors our community and is determined to continue the philosophy that Julie set up. Marilyn wants the public to learn about the Spiritual world. She wants the readers and vendors to have a safe space to share their talents and knowledge.  And, a safe place where the public can interact with us and know that they are not crazy when they see, hear, smell or feel something out of the ordinary.

You will see some changes along the way. There will be a smaller room with fewer readers and vendors for a few fairs.   In the last couple of years the attendance has been smaller so we really do not need the larger room. However, we hope after the next 2-3 fairs the public will be back and we will need that extra space again.  You will see more advertising, printed, on television and hear it on the air ways.

She may other positive and fun changes planned so you will have to come to the fairs to check it out!

Many of your favorite readers and vendors will  still be at the fairs.  And, if one is not, let Marilyn know who you would like to have back. Oh, she is not a red head. Look for a short haired brunette at the front door desk.

Latrell and Jimmy will still be at the fairs as helpers and will continue to give us all their support. We are very grateful to both of them for the years that they produced the fairs.

So, as this new chapter for the Austin Fairs begin come by and welcome Marilyn. Please know that we appreciate your support as the fairs are evolving.

You can keep up with Spiritual Life Productions schedule and other information at www.spirituallifeproductions.com.

Blessings, Elaine

 

 

 

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Metaphysical Fair

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Elaine

Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, Austin 21st, 2011

Saturday  10am-7pm

Sunday  11am-6pm

NOTE: New, longer hours on Saturday.

$5.00 at the door for each day.

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown

6000 Middle Fiskville Road

Austin, Texas 78752

512-451-5757

Gemstones, Aura Photos, Jewelry, Massages, Intuitive Readers and Free Lectures.

Spiritual Life Productions  512 247-9887

Please call 512 922 4723 to pre-schedule an appointment for either day.

Hope to see you there!

 

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My new project…Go Spirit Masters Membership Site

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Elaine

I am very proud to announce this new membership program!

Tiffany Masters is the master mind behind this concept (pardon the pun) and what a wonderful way to enjoy the services of Psychics and Healers that are Masters in their fields.

Not only is it affordable, in fact I think very discounted rate, you have access to us 24/7. You send us your questions and we respond in written form.

The advantage of the Membership Program is that it will keep your costs down when you need help while providing you with access to top Masters in their fields. Yes, we will be adding a variety of Masters as the public requests them. We think that you will be pleased with the services we offer, and the extremely affordable prices. Your membership in Go Spirit Masters helps us to maintain both accessibility and availability to an excellent staff of Service Providers.

All of the providers in this membership program are considered to Masters in their fields. They are professionals with they own businesses who have agreed to participate in this program, as they believe in the Mission and Vision of Go Spirit Masters.  These providers are hand-picked by Go Spirit Masters founder Tiffany Masters, and have long histories of working with people.

The basic cost for membership is $4.00 per month add $10.00 to that for 3 questions to be answered monthly and $15.00 for 5 questions.

And, there are Daily Healing Prayers, Ultimate Heal Meditation-one time fee of $11.00, and discounts to events that we may be participating in.

Go to www.gospiritmasters.com for more information and to find out how membership in our site will benefit you. And, you will see profiles for all of the providers.

Check it out and let me know what you think of it! I hope you will join us!

Blessings, Elaine

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Fire Walking…

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Elaine

Saturday, February 18, 2011.

What an exciting day for me! Sioux Storm and Kandis Hill had a Miracle Day at their home in the country that included walking on broken glass and fire walking. I say included because before our group of six could walk on glass or fire we talked, laughed and challenged ourselves to breaking a board with our hand, snapping a cedar practice arrow with our necks, and bending a 6 ft. plus piece of construction grade re-bar.

I have seen many demonstrations of board breaking and always respected the concentration that I know it takes to do even one board. Never did I think that I would be offered the opportunity to do it. This time the twist was the exercise of breaking through our self imposed limitations. Sioux suggested that we write on one side however many issues that we wanted to “break through” and on the other side write the opposite of the limitation.  We all did that and discussed those before the first person  stepped up to break the board for themselves.  I wrote three things that are important to me.

After Sioux demonstrated her method for us, and successfully broke her board the first time, one by one we knelled at the board and took our turns. I watched as almost all broke theirs the first time and wondered how I could possibly do it. The board looked thick to me and was I ready to let go of any resistance that surround the issues that I wrote on the board?  I did notice that for several of them it looked as it the board began to bend before their hands ever hit the wood. That was the power of the Spiritual Energy that they brought into the flow of intent to break the board. For others that did not break it the first time, they did the second time after figuring out what could be preventing their success. By the end of the session all but one had broken the board and the one that did not understood perfectly why they couldn’t. Sioux stepped in and did it for her with the explanation that, “sometimes we all need to depend on someone else for a little help”.

On to the arrow snapping. Now, this is a little different because it meant that we had to put it in the sweet spot, as Sioux called it, at the v of the throat. Yes, that bony part of the neck at the top of the chest. There is delicate skin and other tender goodies inside that neck area. We put a folded cotton scarf there and held the point of the arrow in the folds. Then put the feather part on a tree! After concentrating on what we wanted to break in our behalf we pushed into the tree and snapped the arrow. Yes! We all did it! Again, I was surprised that I trusted myself enough to do this exercise.

We took a break for just a few minutes and talked about what walking on broken glass is all about and what to expect from the exercise. Wow! I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive but not worried about doing it, even when I heard the crackle and crunch as the others walked on it. I realized that the out side sensory perception of something that could hurt has a powerful grip on me! Think about the smells, sounds and assumed feel of a new challenge. You KNOW that broken glass can cut you, leave scars, cause infection and heaven knows what else. Just like heavy contact with the board could have broken the tender bones on the side of the hand or the arrow could have pierced that tender area of the neck. But, do we always let those sensory perception keep us from doing new things? No, we do not. However, we do use that perception and common sense to avoid events that can be harmful to life and limb.

The glass path was set up on a palette in the living room. It was approximately 5 feet long and thick with clean, broken, small to large pieces of glass. Sioux and Doug offered to walk beside us if we needed to balance ourselves on their arms. The method is to place one foot solidly on a spot, balance yourself then pick up the foot. One does not push off like you do when you are walking. Pick up the foot and place it in another spot, moving forward. Sounds easy, right? It was daunting for me! Not scary, just “What is it going to feel like?” I accepted the offer of balance and began the walk. I did not hurry, just slowly placed my feet where Spirit lead me. I was so happy to be at the end of the walk! After everyone finished their first time, some of us went again so pictures could be taken to validate that we really did walk on glass. Yes, it was a very satisfying feeling to have completed the walk.

Another break that gave time to move the glass walk and visit over the feelings and thoughts thus far…

I knew that we were supposed to bend re-bar but I had no idea how, except it was to be done with our necks. Long pieces of the steel were laying on the front porch and looked very threatening to me. How on earth were we going to bend that steel?

We had the fire building ceremony, visited a little bit and moved on to two member teams. Again there was intention within the actual bending of the steel. What did we need to bend, to control? The method is to put the ends of the steel in the same sweet spot on our throats. Sioux told us that once we started moving toward each other and it began to bend we needed to fully commit and move toward each other into a hug. That is a complete, moving forward with out hesitation. The thought of seeing it “melt like butter” was suggested. And, just as some of the boards seemed to bend before they were touched, the rods began to bend before there was any pressure applied by the teams! Absolutely amazing! Lots of happy squeals and yes, relief when they were finished. I bent one with Doug and another one with Sioux to honor a project that we have together. My two pieces are in my garden as a daily reminder of what I can do when I make up my mind to it!

Meanwhile, the fire is burning nicely and beginning to fall into it self.

The Mother Drum that Dough had built for Sioux and her partner Kandis was brought outside. The stand and rim of the drum is cedar and the skin is Elk. We sang chants, shared stories and drummed until the fire was ready for us to spread in preparation for the walk. Sun down came faster than expected. The stars were beautiful, the evening air perfect.

Staring at the stars I knew that all that we had accomplished that afternoon was to give us the confidence to walk on fire. And, to take with us all that Spirit needed us to hear, know and feel. I knew that I would do it but had no idea how I would get around my serious, extreme fear of the element of fire.

When it was time to begin the ceremony, chants were lifted into the air by Kandis and Mother Drum. We were called into a circle and walked slowly around the fire until Sioux announced that the fire was open. It was up to us individually to decide when we entered the fire ring. Sioux lead the group with her walk. I do not remember who followed but after what seemed like a long time I stopped at the entrance and glanced at Dough. He knew that I was asking him to hold Sacred Space for me. Sioux was at the other end waiting as she had done for the others. It felt like Spirit nudged me and I moved onto the coals. Fabulous feeling, but no feeling on the feet at all. I was both terrified and lifted beyond belief. After that first walk I continued to join the circle. Several did the walk a second and third time. I knew that I had to do it a second time and without the absolute fear that I had the first time. This time I made a point of putting my feet where no one else had stepped. The coals were thinner by now and I did feel the heat.  But, I did it!

Then Sioux announced that the fire walk was closed. We wandered off to quiet spots for reflection. There was a lot to feel, think about and ask our inner being about.

Sioux surprised us by washing our feel with warm water and rubbing them with lavender oil. Her consideration and pampering where appreciated by all of us.

Then to the front porch for quiet conversation and sharing of our reactions and feelings about the day. We had shared a lot in the six hours that we had been there. At the beginning of the afternoon four of us, Dough, Eva, Mark and me were strangers to one another. Not any more. Our souls are connected forever. And now,  all of us are connected to Sioux Storm and Kandis Hill. But, then maybe we have always been connected and this was a reunion…

I have the pieces of the board and arrow in a basket in the living room. Every time I look at them I will be reminded of that day. I will hear again the whispers of Spirits’ teachings.

Thank you, Sioux and Kandis for making the Day of Miracles happen for all of us.

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How Was Your Thanksgiving?

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Elaine

Thanksgiving is THE day designated to Give Thanks for all that we deem valuable to us be it family, friends, material items, etc.

But, are we not giving thanks in honor of people and things every time we spend time, money or effort to please people? Do we not show appreciation for material items when we care for them, say clean them?  In my opinion we are giving thanks in all of those ways.

I have several friends that do not celebrate Thanksgiving because it is not in their culture and a few others that have not so pleasant memories of that particular day so they just skip it.  Doesn’t mean that they are against it, just that they would rather not participate in the festivities. One of my friends even made side dishes and sent them to her friends but she did not join them.  She ordered pizza, watched television, read and otherwise entertained herself. My friend is not alone. Millions of people are not involved in holidays for one reason or another.

So, why am I bringing this up? It is just a reminder to not let anyone make you feel bad or ungrateful or lacking in appreciation just because you do not make a big deal out of the national holiday call Thanksgiving.

You know how you feel and how you treat your loved ones. You know who you pray for and dream good things for.

No one knows better than you how thankful you are for all that is important in your life.

So, there….:)

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A Day With Drums

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Elaine

On Saturday, November 6, 2010 I spent the entire day with a variety of drums. The wonderful, primal, beautiful sounds of drums. I gifted myself with a day filled with their voices and the people that love them. There is always joy at Drumz and colorful dances at Powows.

After breakfast with good friend, Robin, we went to our Djembe drum class at Drumz here in Austin. This bright yet cozy shop is owned by Sherry Gingras. She is also our drum teacher. She sells drums made in Africa and along the African coast. Drums used by Belly Dancers, the Turkish style drums are sold and taught by her as well.

This is not a “let’s get together and beat a drum” class.  Our class is a mix of women, guys and a child or two. We are easy going but dedicated to learning and enjoying the energy that the drums share with us. Learning how to play the Djembe has been on my “to do list” for a very long time so I am very excited about this adventure. I plan on continuing to take classes from her for as long as she will have me there! Oh, the Djembe is the slender, often lap tall, standing drum. The Turkish style drums are the ones that are held in the lap or under the arm.

Sherry is teaching us the language of the drums and about the cultures that they come from. I am learning a new respect for the drums and the people that still use them in their daily lives. In spite of computers, phones and faxes drums are still used to call folks to the market! This is just one of the many rhythms that they use to talk from village to village.

If you are interested in learning more she has several CDs out. One is an instructional CD, Drumz by Sherry Gingras. This is “A collection of rhythms, exercises and grooves to develop hand technique and expand your rhythmic vocabulary!”

Additional information about her and her group The Djembabes, can be found at sdrumz@austinrr.com or 512-453-9090.

After a quick lunch I headed to the 19th Annual Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival at Sunset Valley here in Austin.

This is a huge gathering of Inter-Tribal Nations that is centered around the sounds of several big drums. Without the drum there is no powwow. The drum consists of the instrument and its singers. It is the center of the arena and the center of attention. The drum sings songs for the occasions-from a contest song, to a birthday song, flag songs, memorial songs, veteran’s songs, intertribal songs, etc.  They are up to 26 inches or more across, made with a wooden rim and natural hides. Up to eight men will sit at the drum and sing it’s song. All songs are original and are never repeated at an event. Women stand or sit around the drum and are not allowed to hit the drum.

At this event the host drums were the Southern Drum Zotigh Singers. Ralph Zotigh, the lead singer of the Zotigh Singers, was instrumental in bringing the powwow tradition to the Southwest. Their voices are amazing!

The Northern Drum was Saste Takoja. Saste means “which means Little Finger’s grandson’s”. The name of the their group comes from the grandfather John Little Finger who is the 16 year old survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Often there are guests drums from around the nation or even from other countries.

In addition to the drums there were dancers, story tellers and artists that shared their talents and crafts. Even though this was not my first powwow it was a treat to be a part of the sounds, smells and beauty of all that the event had to share.

More information about powwows can be found at http://www.austinpowwow.org.

My day ended back with Sherry and the Djemebabes, her all woman group as they entertained the crowd at Central Market. Djembabes play a variety of drums and include woman singers. Their music celebrates all kinds of events of life from births to death and every thing in between.

Just like the Djembe, the Indian drum is the center of both cultures.  My day with the drums was a reminder that they are needed to carry on the traditions of their people and that the sound and feel of drums are a part of our genes no matter what culture we are a part of this life time. They are the base beat for most of the music that we dance and sing to. We have all heard the sound of drums at the most joyful and the most sorrowful occasions.

Some consider the sound of the drum to be the center of all emotions.

Could it be that their precious sounds are indeed the heartbeat of Mother Earth?

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The Final Fair of 2010: The Fair of the Canes

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Elaine

What a fun fair!

However, the last fair of the year is always a mix of sadness and joy for me.  another year of gathering as a metaphysical community is coming to an end. For many of us this is the only time that we get to see each other.

Let’s talk about Metaphysical fairs, psychic fairs or what ever they are called in your area. If you have attended more than one over the years you may have noticed that they are not as busy as when they began so many years ago. Our fair hours are from 10am-6pm. There was a time when readers would begin sessions at 10:00am and not have time to get up until the fair doors closed. Now, we do half or less than what we did then. Why? Good question. The main response is that psychics and other metaphysical arts are more readily available these days and there are many, many more to select from. And, we openly advertise. There was a time when advertising just did not happen. Our names were passed discretely from client to client.  Now, one can pick up the phone and call one of hundreds of Psychic Lines, go to book stores and crystal stores to get readings.

Why am I talking about this? Because I want to thank you for continuing to attend the fairs, whether you get a reading, go to the lectures or buy from the wonderful vendors. Thank you for supporting us and the work that we do. We love it when you come. That tells us that you are interested in what we do and that you are willing to learn about your own growth. Thank you, thank you!

Now, why do I call The Final Fair of 2010: The Fair of the Canes? Because this is the first time that so many of us had to use a walker or a cane to get around! As you can see by the picture we did try to have a little fun with it. There is one reader missing, Victoria Wolf.  She was resting her back when we all had a chance to get together. We were all uncomfortable to some degree but honestly, she was the one in the most pain.

Left to right, Linda, Yanie, Aura Mom and Elaine.

One of my clients asked if I thought the canes were a metaphor for so many people “limping” out of 2010. Even thinking of that possibility makes me sad. Yes, it has been a tough year for way to many families but I am so strong in my belief system I know that there is a reason for every thing that happens in life. And, thank goodness there is a “cane” to help us move along! What is your “cane”? Is it laughter, meditation, prayer, sharing your knowledge, entertaining? Whatever it is, I, for one, would be grateful if you shared with anyone else who might need it.

The next fair will be in January of 2011. Now, that is exciting for me!

I invite you to go to at least one fair in your area next year. If you attend one in the Austin area please come by and say, “Hi”.

Have a great Thanksgiving. Safe travels if you are on the road.

Thank you for being with me this year. You are appreciated!

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