catholicpagan

Manhattan Book Parties Rock!

This witch flew into New York City ready for all it had to offer. The bright lights, the crowds, the hustle and bustle. 

I found the magic in the upper East side.

Manhattan's Sura and Jillian hosted two great book parties that rocked! The abundantly delightful and delicious hors d’oeuvres satisfied the guests as they arrived after work. The smells of baked goodies by Jillian wafted through the flat. The vodka punch was festive looking with cranberries floating between the ice cubes, red and inviting. All blended to perfection - giving more than enough wallop to raise the level of conversation, which became increasingly sparkling. The purpose of the party arrived and I settled to read passages from the book. The guests listened, some with eyes closed and I hoped not weary from a day's work but rather enticed into images the words describing the story. When I asked for questions or comments: questions were direct and sharp and comments candid revealing personal and varied life experiences about religious upbringings and spiritual insights. For two nights I met new people who were quite interested in my book – my story. Intelligent professional women full of laughter and life! Oh, a one sweet man. Everyone carried out a book or two and a promise to meet up in a month to give feedback and talk about "The Skye in June." Only wish I could go back to NYC for the affair. I couldn't have asked for more successful book parties. New York was happening for The Skye in June  

Thanks Sura and Jillian! Blessed be.

Brooklyn Reads Skye

Back from book tour ~ It was amazingly wonderful with so much interest in "The Skye in June"The Skye in June

The book party in Brooklyn) was hosted by my long time client and friend, Claudette Lopez Lewis and her husband, Matthew. When I arrived Claudette presented me with a gorgeous mystical goddess gown that she designed, hand painted, and sewed. On the gown are many symbols, ocean, moon, Gemini sign and more that I had told her was of interest to me.

Claudette then invited me to sit on "the Queen's Chair." 

Up I went to roost on it, feet on a small footstool. 

When the many guests were seated in Claudette's and Matthew's beautiful parlor the story began. The words flowed out from the pages in my best Glaswegian burr. They had become so familiar as though telling a tale to the eager audience, painting the life of the MacDonald family.

As in Manhattan there were many questions and shared observations from guests. An Italian teacher said that she'd like to translate the story to her language. Another said she was sending a copy to the Philippines when I said the book was in eight countries. Those who were or had been Catholics wanted to speak about their experiences and changes in religious views. Yoga teachers appreciated the mysticism - all, the psychic information in the book. Following the book read a Jamaican "ya man!" punch (what's up w/ NY & punches), wine and divine chicken/rice meal awaited them. 

By the end of the evening The Skye in Brooklyn shone brightly upon my novel!  

A very special Thank You to my husband, Jerry, for all his loving support and help in making this book tour a huge success. The photographs by Jerry Briesach.

Witch Child

While in Florida on my book tour I was invited to talk to a Girl Scout troop about witches.

 At first I hesitated wondering if I’d come home in a small box for my family to scatter my ashes. After all Florida is the south. Bravely I agreed but only with parental permission.

 Still uncertain, I showed up to tell the truth ––it isn’t easy to be a witch. Pagans and Wiccans are a tinge more acceptable. But a witch? Nope. Nada. Nyet. And all other forms of no throughout the world. Most cultures view witchcraft as really bad. Perhaps it was how some used their power. Power can go to one’s head. Just look at the politicians for confirmation on my observation. Most likely it’s fear of females having power.

 Arriving on Leap Frog Lane (not real name only more cutesy) to find a gaggle of girls from 6 to 13 scattered across the living room, lounging on a couch and chairs with sleeping bags. They had had a slumber party the night before.  

Was I the morning after entertainment?

Donning my black witch hat I asked what was the picture of a witch to them? They chimed “witches are young and pretty and have a lot of power.”  Power! I was surprised at that positive answer. Back in the day we thought witches as ugly old women but the TV “Charmed” has created a whole new image about witches. Never have watched it, I took the general consensus as a progressive sign.  

Taking off the witch’s hat I got down to the truth of being a witch…choosing to be a witch could result in people saying some pretty nasty stuff – you’re evil, work with the Devil, you must be nuts etc. Witches care about, and are active in, preserving the earth, have familiars thus are often animals right activists and stand up for the rights of women and children hence are community and politically consciousness.

 

Placing objects on a scarf I educated them on the symbolism of each assuring them that the power of the mind was the real magic. 

Cast spells with harm to none. Spells are like the law of attraction. Practice good/white magic. What you do comes back threefold times. Dark/black magic was like gossiping and saying and doing hurtful cruel things about others will boomerang back bringing bad luck. The majority of witches are in the gray area of magic – good but at times a bit naughty.

 

After the candles and incense where lit each witch maiden wrote what they wanted to happen –– a new friend, better grades, happier house, a vacation, a pet etc. One by one they came to the altar, knelt and burnt their spell in cauldron (an ashtray.)

 

We sang a parting song, “Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.”

 

                                              One girl said, “This makes sense” and all vowed to practice good magic.

 

 I felt like the wise crone keeping the truth of witchcraft alive.

Blessed be.

P.S. A special thanks to Gina and her book club for hosting the other Florida Book Party, which went beyond all parties in sales. And to Gina's credit, the book is now placed in Maui Spa & Wellness Center and Orchid Tea Room Boca Raton.