Cultural Labels: Imperfect But Important

Common Space versus the Bubble

Teo Bishop just called us out. Pagans live in a bubble.

What does this mean “living in a bubble?” The idea brings such negative connotations to mind that I become claustrophobic just thinking about it. Excuse me while I step outside to get some fresh air. Pop!

Now that I’m back, I will bravely engage in this conversation. So, what is this bubble? For me, “living inside a bubble” has always meant confinement and limitation. The bubble is a constraint created by the self or by others. I have no love for shackles of any kind – even in a pretty bubble form.

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Where is Patrick Swayze when you need him?

In my mind, the bubble creates a homogeneous lifestyle with no challenges or excitement. Each day is the same. There is a cap on what you can do and where you can go. I’m getting a rash just thinking about the very idea. Continue reading →

March 27, 2013Heather GreenePermalink Leave a comment

The Importance of Small Gestures

Often we talk about our human duty to give through political activism, campaigning for the environment, donating to charity, championing one cause or another with blood, sweat and tears. No doubt, most of these projects are worthy.

However, it is easy to get lost in the sheer magnitude of most global ventures. I sometime ask, “Is my money really helping?” ”Did my time actually affect any type of change?” I would guess that I’m not alone. Often charity goals are so big that they are out of sight or can’t be realized in one lifetime. Activists often burn-out when there are no signs of progress. Donors stop giving and move on, putting their funds in new projects. Continue reading →

March 6, 2013Heather GreenePermalink Leave a comment

PantheaCon Blues

I’m stuck in the East. It’s out in the west,
Gotta mess with with TSA and you know the rest.
Only have the dime to make this rhyme.
Can’t get out to the Conference this time.

I’ve got the PantheaCon blues! OH… I’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.
There’s no use breaking rules when you’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.

There’ll be lectures. And points to argue.
And there’ll be parties. And probably booze.
But I’m stuck here, staring at this screen.
Only digital Dell love for me, you know what I mean.

I’ve got the PantheaCon blues! OH Yea! I’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.
There’s no use breaking rules when you’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.

Now, they’re all there, starting to schmooze.
I’m left tending hearth and singing the blues.
No use a-crying, Yea. C’est la vie!
But, by my word, I’ll see ya next year in Cali.

I’ve got the PantheaCon blues! OH Yea! I’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.
There’s no use breaking rules when you’ve got the PantheaCon Blues.

(Above Photo by Feliciano Guimarães)

February 14, 2013Heather GreenePermalink Leave a comment

Lyrics: Circle Magick

Born of darkness, born of lightness
How we come into this world.
See the joy in life before you
Form of boy or form of girl.

Feel the fire ignite within you.
The blood, the heat, the passions rise.
While the darkness forms around you,
A sacred light pours from your eyes.

Circle Dancing, Circle round
Circle Magick is all around
Circle Dancing, Circle round
Circle Magick is all around

Let the waters cleanse your body
And the winds flow through your hair.
Spirits talk in gathered whispers
They know the power of life is there.

The dawn of knowing comes to all.
A day of fighting, A day of love.
A dusk of finding true connections.
A night of all that is above.

Circle Dancing, Circle round
Circle Magick is all around
Circle Dancing, Circle round
Circle Magick is all around

January 31, 2013Heather GreenePermalink Leave a comment

Cultural Labels: Imperfect But Important

Once upon a time, I was told that I was not a real Jew. I had never been so angry or offended. My friend wasn’t trying to be hurtful. In his mind, he was making a simple observation. I didn’t attend temple therefore I was not a real Jew. Unfortunately, his painful declaration felt like a demon reaching inside to steal a part of me, something that I had proudly weaved into my identity. Instantly, I was being denied access to my Jewish friends, my family, my heritage and a part of myself.

However, I have learned a lot since that moment. I’ve learned that labels are imperfect, dangerous and tricky; but they also are quite necessary. Continue reading →

January 9, 2013Heather GreenePermalink Leave a comment