Wow! All I can say is the two winners must have been absolutely SPECTACULAR to beat this. You've made something that is not only lovely, but absolutely unique. Be proud!

Wulf

So a complete wash-out this month in spite of everyone's best intentions! Well, better luck in May.

Wulf

Gnomes do count; some of them are just a little slow at it sometimes!

These are lovely! Since babies can't help making a mess, why shouldn't they look good while they're doing it? What did you use for the waterproof layer?

Wulf

Oh no! It might be just you alone, sum1smuma. I've suddenly had to move today's out-of-town trip to tomorrow, so I can't make it either. What a bummer!  

Maybe it'll work better next month when we get back to the first Sunday.

Wulf

KLK, that's a great tip about the vitamins for mosquito bites. I always react badly to the first bites of the season, and this is worth trying to see if the effect can be lessened. And scorpion traps?!! Just goes to show there are always worse problems than one's own!

Wulf

Worth waiting for, Edel! I particularly like the fact that both of these pages are about you, and the effect the "bastards" had on you, rather than being all about them. They were there, and now they're gone, and this is about you now.

Wulf

Yay, Rosita! What a sweetie! I hope we'll get lots of on-the-road stories.

And I know from my own frustrating experiences that there are a number of things that can drain your battery like that. (My most recent bout of that turned out to be caused by keeping the GPS plugged in all the time. Even turned off it sucked the battery dry in a couple of days!) Hopefully your local mechanic can find the problem.

Wulf

I have to add that it's really, really worthwhile to take part in any open rituals or pagan events you can get to. Reading about different paths and practices is one thing, but you'll learn much more if you experience them. These days there are Pagan Pride Days, pagan festivals, pub moots, open rituals, etc. all over the place if you look for them. This is where the Internet really comes into its own, and there are usually regional Wiccan or Pagan newsletters that list events. Most are free or by donation, and most are quite kid-friendly as we are all about fertility. (Our local Pagan festivals are always running wild with kids!) It's pretty intimidating to show up at an event where you don't know anyone and don't know what's going on, but I've always found people to be friendly and pretty welcoming.

I've recently discovered pagan podcasts, and I think I've learned more in a couple of weeks than in 25 years of reading! My current favourites are Druidcast and A Pagan Heart in Maine. Lots more are listed at the Pagan Podcast Index.

And finally, don't worry about whether you should have Celtic gods, or Greek or whatever. You can choose one pantheon if you like, or move across them according to need or occasion, or worship the God and Goddess without being specific. The Goddess On Duty will hear you even if you don't know what name to call her!

And as for paths... isn't this our path?

Wulf

Don't think I'm going to be able to go. Doing a bit of extra work on the weekend, and have some serious crafting to do that's not portable. (My best friends kid is turning 1.) Sorry. Maybe next month.

Oh, that's too bad. I'll be there even if it's just me (a good excuse to get downtown.)

Wulf