The Crow's Nest

Me and Tabitha in Salem, Mass

2011-11-23T16:21:00.001-08:00

Me, Kes and Tabitha spent the day in Salem, Mass braving the Snow!

2011-10-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Me and Kes spent the day talking with Raven Grimassi and Christopher Penczak. Both were very nice and informative people to meet. Kelley is looking into taking classes from Christopher. I am looking forward to meeting more people in the area.

Arkansas Pagan Alert

2011-09-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention that there was a convicted sex offender at the Arkansas Pagan Pride Event on Sept 10th at Boyle Park.

I was told that no one was informed of this even though the people putting on this event where aware of this fact!

The person, Thomas C., was convicted and incarcerated for raping a 4 year old boy as well as placing bomb threats to local school. He was released spring of this year.

I feel that if people in the Arkansas Pagan Community should be made aware of such things so they can make their own choices as to associate with said person.

Included in this post is a fairly recent photo of the person so you will able to identify them at any future events.

Train in North Little Rock

2011-06-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to see this antique train pull into North Little Rock.

GASLAND Trailer 2010

2011-03-03T17:27:00.000-08:00

Gasland Documentary

2011-03-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

After viewing this documentary about natural gas drilling and the toxic hazards it brings for the area where drilling takes place I felt this would be a great topic to explore. I will be talking more on this blog. If you are also a member of the members only blog you will be getting this on both.
http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/
Please take time to visit this site!

Clearing The Confusion about PPD in Central Arkansas

2010-06-18T21:31:00.001-07:00

I have encountered some confusion over the past 12 months over PPD. Due to the creation of the other PPD event being hosted by Uni; several people have questioned and have been confusing the age of the event. Let me explain a little and clear some things up.

In 2003, Central Arkansas decided to produce a Pagan Pride Day Event. Two of the groups in the area (The Green Ring and Werfriends) got together and selected Amber as the event administrator. Amber applied for and was granted Local Coordinator (LC) status with the Pagan Pride Project (a nonprofit organization). The event was called Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day (CAPPD).
In 2003, after that year’s event, Amber stepped down and turned things over to Uni and Pagan Pride Project (PPP) named Uni as the new LC for the CAPPD event.
In 2004 I was named as Co LC by PPP
In 2005 the event was turned over to Arkansas Pagan Pride (a different nonprofit organization).
On Feb 7th 2009 Uni and Eric turned CAPPD over to me and Kestrel. We then formed Arkansas Pagan Pride Day (a different nonprofit organization). **This would be the third time the event changed hands in a succession of Non Profit organizations . **

This change was announced on TGR and several other Egroups by Uni herself (post #10811 on TGR) Feb 7th 2009.

Post 10811 from Coven of the Green Ring Egroup on Feb. 7th 2009

Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day

Dear Friends,

As of February 7, 2009, Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day belongs to Silver Crow & Kestrel.

Uni & Wiz are going onto other endeavors.

--
May you have Many Blessings Bestowed upon you by your deity of choice,
Uni

www.werfriendsstudy.org
http://paganfyre.multiply.com/

Say as you think and speak ir from your souls.
Henry VI Part II - William Shakespeare

Going forward: Kestrel, Aleyna and I formed the board of Arkansas Pagan Pride Day (as noted above, this was a new nonprofit organization). That organization which, now hosts The Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day Event (CAPPD), will be celebrating its 8th consecutive year. We are the third Non Profit to sponsor it.

The current confusion over the PPD situation began when Uni announced that she was also going to host a Pagan Pride Day event ( this new event is what is now known as Arkansas Pagan Pride) using her nonprofit organization of the same name. That event will be celebrating its 2nd year.

We’re not certain why Uni decided to create a second event after announcing that she was “going on to other endeavors” but at no time did she contact us and say that she had changed her mind or ask for the event back. There was never any agreement made or conditions regarding the handover of the event –not even to change the names of the board members of the nonprofit organization. The new/second event was created and then announced March 27th 2009 -a little over a month following it being turned over to us.

What some people seem to be confusing is the age of the nonprofit organization sponsoring the event with the age of the event. The events are not the same as the nonprofit organizations and the nonprofit organizations are not the events.

So, to recap:

Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day/CAPPD

Sponsored by Pagan Pride Project/ PPP from 2003-2005
Sponsored by Arkansas Pagan Pride 2005- 2009
Sponsored by Arkansas Pagan Pride Day 2009- Present

Arkansas Pagan Pride

Sponsored by Arkansas Pagan Pride 2009- present

Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day is in full swing; we have scheduled a planning meeting for July 3rd. We are welcoming several new members from different parts of the Community as part of this year’s committee. Anyone who would like to be a part of the planning and/or take part in this year’s event are also welcome to attend. More detailed information about the meeting will be coming out shortly. We already have a great line up of workshops and performers, but there’s always room for more.

As is a CAPPD tradition: Information, merchants and artisans booths are free. Attendance is free. Parking is plentiful, convenient to the event (and free!).

This year’s event is being held in Burns Park at the John Irvin Pavilion on August 28th 2010 starting at 9am. We chose to keep the event in Burns Park because of the security and lower profile it offers over more public locations. CAPPD recognizes and respects that there are many in our community who want to attend public gatherings without the possibility that their faces may end up on the local evening news (so to speak). The park is a beautiful place which offers a playground for our children and more natural surroundings- after all isn’t that what we are about?

For more detailed information, please check out our website: http://www.arppd.arkansaspagans.com/

OR join our Egroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ARPP Or facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Central-Arkansas-Pagan-Pride/1798945649

Great sunset

2010-06-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago I think it is a lovely sunset photo. I know that Summer can produce great sunsets but I do look forward to the Autumn and the crisp nights as opposed to the hot and humid nights we have now.

CPPD 2010

2010-06-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

Wow time passes by quickly. It once again time for PPD! I am looking forward to this years event. We have a few more people helping plan this years event making it feel more community oriented. As always we will be holding it in Burns Park at the John Irvin Pavilion on August 28th 2010 starting at or about 9am. This will be our Eighth consecutive year in Burns Park and of course it is free to the public ( both people who attend and Merchants/artisans ). Everyone is welcome to attend.

I have to admit I enjoy the openness and at the same time the privacy of Burns Park. In the past I have questioned if we should continue to hold the event in the park but know I have a better understanding of the protection the park offers. Most of those who attend the event don't really want their faces known beyond the event if we moved the event to a more "Public" place there may be many that question their safety and privacy. There was a question raised several months ago if we should move the event to downtown Little Rock after taking about the benefits and the drawbacks we decided to stay in the park. The overwhelming majority felt more safe and secure in the park then in downtown besides there is more Nature here, and isn't that what we are all about?

Now I wont say the event will never move but I think before it does there will have to be a lot more "open" pagans out there that want to make that move.

We have dancers, Instructors on many different subjects there will be workshops, demonstrations and lots of "Kewl" things to buy and take home. More to come on this and many more things in the near future, stay tuned!

Camping 2010...

2010-05-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I loved the camping this year and thanks everyone for the great time.

Congratulations

2010-05-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to congratulate Eliana for accomplishing her first degree last night. Thanks for everyone who attended it was truly a great time.

What a great time.....Looking forward to.....

2010-05-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry I don't post as much on the public blog as I used to. I will try to do better. Some people we know will be camping the 14th - 16th this month we might joining them. I have been looking forward to this for a while now, we didn't get to join them like we wanted to last year.

I have gotten a lot of positive feed back about PPD this year from those that I have been talking to locally. I have a few new ideas that I think will be great.

We had the best time last Friday (even with the weather) at The Arabian Nights Spectacular (as always).

Beltane was great what a beautiful celebration it was

Let's not forget about Pagan Fyre 2010, Looking forward to some great changes and new things there.

Shimmy Fest for Charity 2010

2010-03-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to take photos at Shimmy Fest for Charity this year. It was a blast

Computer work makes a long day

2009-11-21T16:07:00.001-08:00

I had a lot of graphics work today preparing for May, so much to do, so little time.

Great Weekend

2009-11-09T16:18:00.001-08:00

I have got to agree with my wife ( http://kes-brainpickings.blogspot.com/) we had a wonderful weekend, a little sore but the work was worth it.

Blessed Samhain

2009-10-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, This was the best Samhain ever, Both kes and I had a great time and met some new and familiar faces. Looking forward to next year. Blessed Samhain to everyone

Race for the cure 09

2009-10-25T10:42:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at Race for the cure this year!

Today

2009-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today we got to see a B-17 that was out at the North Little Rock Airport, after that we took a stroll in downtown Little Rock, WOW the trees are beautifu

Rendezous

2009-10-21T19:54:00.001-07:00

Looking forward to the Rendezvous at Petit Jean next month. They have some really great crafting supplies.

Samhain

2009-10-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

Great news, the Samhain Silent Supper/Party is on, and Planning is going well.
We have a venue, Guest List is looking great and everyone is looking forward to it. YAY!

Rain and more rain

2009-10-15T06:26:00.001-07:00

Wow I heard we are now the 8th wettest October since 1879, maybe this will help the trees that are turning nicely already.

Pagan Fyre 2009 success!

2009-10-11T18:34:00.001-07:00

It had been a long time since I was last at Denby Point, after looking the campsite over it was just as beautiful as it ever was.

Pagan Fyre 2009 (Fyre Storme) was a great success. Both I and Kes would like to thank all those who attended this year?s event. We really enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone and look forward to next years event.

Thank you all

2009-09-28T12:41:00.001-07:00

I have decided to make some changes to my personal blogs.
The issues that I posted to this blog, issues that have developed between unicorn lady and I, have gained an overwhelming following. Since Feb. of this year this blog is regularly seeing 250 unique individuals viewing it every month- which is very amazing since in all of 2008 this blog only got 5 individuals all year.
Since bringing on the ?members only? feature onto the blog we have gotten another surprise- that feature alone boasts a following of 34 people now.
I feel that this is more than enough of a following to move the focus of this blog now. We will retain all past postings but most of the future posts on the differences between me and Uni will only be visible on the members? page as there is a greater response and an ongoing debate there.
Again, no need to feel disappointed- I will not be closing down this blog only changing its focus.
Thanks to everyone for their support in not only viewing my blogs but also in your contributions and moral support. I hope you will continue.

Celibrating My Birsary !

2009-09-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

I am celebrating my birthday and my and Kes's third anniversary. I got a great present that year that I still cherish to this day very much. I would like to thank all the well wishes from email, face book, my space and the groups. Thank you very much. I wish everyone a great day!

Pagan Fyre Weekend

2009-09-19T06:48:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have not posted much on the public blog but, It has been a long time since I have gotten to camp this time of year, I am so looking forward to it. Fall is already here the leaves are turning its very beautiful this time of year. So much to do, and so little time, just need to stop and make sure I don't let it pass by unseen

See what I see

2009-09-12T06:23:00.001-07:00

I just received an email from Bryen, now keep in mind I have not contacted them in anyway. I just want to show people the side that they are not seeing of the people we list here. Maybe this email will better help people to understand, this email was sent by Bryen high priest Nefer-Per-Nejer:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bryen *****-***** [mailto:**************@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 10:54 PM
To: Silver Crow; Kestrel*******@gmail.com
Cc: Fran McIntosh; Kremt Vidje
Subject: "Silver Crow Free"

David and Kess,

I know that this may seem confusing for some of us who may have rode the short bus as a child, but "Silver Crow Free" refers to the fact that you Silver Crow in no way are participating in our event. Not that you really ever have in the past but that is not the point. Just thought I might make that clear.

Thanks, BSK

Bryen *****-*****

My Reply:

Bryen,

I understand you may not fully understand the meaning of “Silver Crow Free Event” but it means a event that I support that has no cost to those who participate in it, I know you are just kidding about the other meaning because that would be seen by other pagans as hateful, misleading and against the principles and spirit of PPD.

Ever mind the rule of three,
Merry part and blessed be.

Silver Crow

Pagan Prides misleading people

2009-09-10T13:25:00.001-07:00

It was brought to my attention that the other two pride websites are attempting to mislead people in to believing that I have anything to do with their events. They are both leading people to believe that they are one of my free events and they are not!

Accept no imitations - Be sure that if it says that it is one of my free events, that it really is. please feel free to contact me to help clear us this confusion!

Making Progress

2009-09-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

We believe we have an identity of someone who was with the couple in the vehicle. We believe that person to be one of NeFer-Per-Netjer's officers. however we are not 100% positive yet. If this is true it is very disappointing that another pagan group would be involved in this so directly.

we also have a photo of the type of car they were in. As soon as we know more we will let you know.More detailed photos can be found on the "members" blog.

This Post is to help clear up the rumor that the people where postal workers as claimed by Debra R.

Comment not signed

2009-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know I have rejected a rebuttal on my last post about PPD. Unfortunately the person who posted it did not read the July 21st post on this blog. You must Identify yourself when posting a comment. Otherwise your comment is not valid and will be rejected. If your comment is a true statement you should have no problem standing behind it.

Remember it does not have to be all bad news here, if you have something positive we would be happy to hear from you!

PPD 2009 Central Arkansas Ends, PPD plans 2010 begins

2009-08-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, another PPD down, another one to plan.
We already have the date; we have the place and all of the vendors that attended this year said they would be back next year, Yay!
The Goddess gave us the perfect day for a PPD-bright and clear with a wonderful breeze- we must have been doing something right! We got to see old friends and made new ones and have plans for more upcoming events that will be disclosed later this year.
We only had one disrupting incident to mar the great day; a couple attended representing Arkansas Pagan Pride & Pathways Sanctuary (which are two groups also holding PPD events this year). Thanks to fast thinking by the people there, the incident was contained and the two left quickly. We will be posting the photos of the couple taken at the event to aid in identifying them and prevent them from inflicting any further harmful disruptions in the future.
Being an open event we are as prepared as we can be for trouble and, up until now, we have had none from any source let alone from another pagan group.
This was a very disappointing moment but we will not let one hateful act stop us from keeping the event open and hosting our eighth PPD next year.

Good News

2009-08-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

Things better then expected on many different levels, I have to admit that I am impressed about the size of CAPPD this year. The board members outdid themselves this year.

I also expected others to be attacking me over this blog to try to take the focus off of what they did and try to keep people from turning out at CAPPD but no one is doing that, Cool! It looks to have a great turnout this year. That is something that this community needs.

I will be posting more about what happened soon, Maybe after the full story is known, the healing can begin. But for now, I have a PPD to help with.

Just a side note...

2009-07-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

There are times when being something of a pack rat comes in handy. Some time ago, I loaded one of my old hard drives with e-mail archives (I have an ongoing email archive from '97 of EVERYTHING I have sent or received) and I found these tonight. Just thought I would let you all see a little of the real Uni- the one no one sees until they get on her bad side. This has happened to Gypsie, it happened to Aleyna, it happened to Sequoia and his wife, it happened to Al and many others. She is trying to do it to me (not working this time I stand up for myself) It will happen to you too- just as soon as you don't give her what she wants, or what she feels you 'owe' her:

-----Original Message-----
From: Unicornlady [mailto:unicornlady13@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 2:58 PM
To: Silver Crow; Barbara
Subject: Venting

You know that twit called Gypsie, sure seems to have gotten awfully big for her britches these days. I have complained to the meetup people, even though it probably will not do any good.

She has managed to kick in my vengence mode and I have talked to her or been to any of her events in over a year. I am gonna hurt that little twit. How, you might ask? I do not know yet, still in the planning and thinking mode. Wait until I tell Eric what that little twit is up to again. I know I need to be PC and I will be, she won't even see it coming and she WILL NOT know it came from me. She will blame David again, he is the convenient scapegoat these days.

Why can't she just crawl back under whatever rock she was born from and stay there?

Ok it is out of my system for the moment.

Thanks for listening
Uni

__________________________________
Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday!
Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/

This one was sent to me informing me of her actions with her alternate profiles (There was a joke between us, that Uni does the deeds and I get blamed for it):

From: Unicornlady [mailto:unicornlady13@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 1:53 PM
To: Silver Crow
Subject: Emails

Ok I have been playing in the Pagan Clergy of Arkansas group. Several of those members wanted to join Arkansas Witches and Traditionalist Witches. Wonder who will make it and who will not. I bet it gets under Albion's skin. These members can always unsub later. So you can go check out the groups all by yourself and legimately say I did not put those on there.

If their profile has them in NLR, it has been changed to another location in AR as not to look too suspicious.

Members like Celtic Runereader (considering a move to AR), Magick R Us (looking for others), and Young Gal 53 (traveling Exec. passes through occasionally on business and ends up staying for weeks on end.)

Now you can go play with all the blonde brain people.

Uni

Do you Yahoo!?
Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page. www.yahoo.com

Things getting a litte rock..y

2009-07-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well, after the meeting with Uni that day in February, we went directly to Little Rock, phone calls made on the way to Fran to see if she and Bryen were interested in coming on as new board members. They were and our first Pagan Pride day meeting was a success. Fran, Bryen and I now comprised the new CAPPD board and there were a lot of ideas put out. We already had a date and a place so that was set. In order to not over load any one person, we had each taken responsibilities for the various areas of PPD. After that, all I had to do was contact the Frosts to see if they would be appearing at the Central Arkansas Pagan Pride day event.
Many of you will remember the following email: It was sent out to most of (if not all) the groups to which Uni posts.
Uni’s resignation email:
Dear Friends,

As of February 7, 2009, Central Arkansas Pagan Pride Day belongs to Silver Crow & Kestrel.
Uni & Wiz are going onto other endeavors.
--
May you have Many Blessings Bestowed upon you by your deity of choice,
Uni

www.werfriendsstudy.org
http://paganfyre.multiply.com/
Say as you think and speak ir from your souls.
Henry VI Part II - William Shakespeare

I should tell you that during this time, beginning almost as soon as we parted company that day, Uni systematically began going thru all the groups that we co owned together and taking them over. Most of those groups I had created and then invited her to as co owner as a courtesy only. She, however, did not see it that way. She treated them all as if she had created them. She never made any attempt to ask which groups were whose, she just took them. I watched her for a while and let her do it before I began pointing this behavior out so that others could see for themselves just what sort of person I was dealing with. Most of what I lost wasn’t that big a deal but when it came down to the groups I valued (AAFCC, TGR, etc) I was concerned. I know Uni very well: she will take something over and then she works to exclude those who disagree with her in any way. She does that in Werfriends, she attempted to do that with Central Arkansas Pagan Pride, and she will continue to do that with any group she has any say in.

This is an email conversation that I had with Uni over her stealing of the Pagan Fyre Egroup.
I said:
I need the ownership restored to me on the Egroup for Pagan Fyre and the Google group for Pagan Fyre. If you wish to post out and invite people or invite them off the member list that's fine.
I also need control of all the Pagan Pride Egroups and Google group if you would be so kind and the same applies there as well, if you wish to stay on the groups you are welcome to.
Uni Replied:
1 - I am sorry to all that David is involving in this.

2 - I agreed you take the name Pagan Fyre, nothing else. As for the yahoogroup it is changed and you can start your own group.
I said:
The deal was I keep Pagan Fyre you rename your event. That means you start your own groups and invite everyone to join it and be a part of it, not to take the group I started. If you look at my membership that group was one I created. The easy way to solve this as it stands is for you to create a new group. Invite the members of the Pagan Fyre group to that group. Change the name of the group back to "Pagan_fyre" Egroup restore me as owner and in three months I will regain the original name once again.
Now I have no problems leaving you on the group as a moderator, you can invite people who join to group to also join yours as well. I will have no problem posting links to your event on the front of all Pagan Fyre groups and website. I will be moving Pagan Fyre to a date that does not compete with your event. That way no one has to make a choice of which event to attend. We can have to wonderful events in Arkansas.
Uni Replied:
1 - Once again I am sorry to all that David is being this way.

2 - Once again, read this slowly - I DID NOT agree to anything concerning yahoogroups. The group is changed, David go start your own. I am not going to keep saying the same thing over and over again. I consider this matter closed.
I said:
Uni, that was not the agreement, I started that Egroup, you are a better person than this. Please do the right thing. I would rather have peaceful cooperation than a conflict. I am sending this to everyone to ensure the there are no rumors involved in this transition.
Uni sent Fran this who then forwarded it to me:
Dear Friends,

I am sorry that David is not handling the fact that Eric & I stepped back from him and the festivals very well. Eric & I would like the festivals to go back to being about being Pagan, being social and meeting other people. Instead of what can David do for you. In one meeting we had with him recently he made everything very clear to us what he has been doing for everyone else and how much more he would be doing. I remember that David was made at a particular pagan in Arkansas for using the word 'I' over 100 times, well that was the conversation with David. (Ask the other Werfriends Board Members, they will tell you).

Eric & I along with other people involved in Paganfest formerly known as Pagan Fyre want a new direction and back to the basics of being Pagan. Not about an individual and what they can do, we want to get back to the community as a whole.

Once again I am sorry that David has seen fit to involve you all in his disagreement with me and Eric.

Blessings
Uni

But, I digress …allow me to get back to our event. I contacted the Frosts; they wrote back to both me and Kes that they would be happy to attend our event. I forwarded the information to Fran so that she could begin to coordinate the Frosts activities with the board.

From the Frosts:

Greetings, Silver and Kestrel.
What great news! We've inked in the date of September 12. Now tell us when and where you'd like us to report, presumably on the 10th or 11th. This will depend on whether you need to get more advance publicity by doing such things as perhaps a book signing, an interview with the religion editor of the Little Rock newspaper, any TV or radio or news work. Once we are in Little Rock, we're yours to do with as you wish ... within reason. So if you'd like us to talk to your group or to anyone else, just say what you want. We're quite, quite shameless.
Of course there may also be a couple of college classes in perhaps comparative religions, whose teachers could use us for an hour or so. Here we state to you, and will also state to them, that we do not do this work to recruit but only to brief--perhaps to unpucker some puckered minds. Further, the more people whom we can acquaint with the idea of Pagan Pride Day as a meet-and-greet, the better.
It will be good to see you troops again. Thank you right now for the work you're doing for the Craft. We promise: It will not go amiss; They are aware.
Until that happy day, blessed be both.
Gavin and Yvonne

I forwarded this to Fran giving her their contact information. As she had volunteered to host them in her home, it was agreed that she would be responsible for scheduling various appearances for them. Kes and I had agreed to assist her in anyway she needed with home repairs/preparation, food, etc..

Note

2009-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to note that I sign all posts here, there is no anonymous postings made here. I stand behind the validity of all posts and make no allegations that can not be backed up. I also invite comments on each post if anyone has any questions, However no comment will be posted unless they have a verifiable name attached to it.

NO flaming Comments will be posted please phrase your comments accordingly.

Thank you.

Silver Crow
Blessed Be.

Welcome

2009-07-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome new readers. I will be posting more soon. This Blog is meant as an accurate accounting of the latest happenings in the local community to help those who may have had questions get answers. We will be adding recordings of encounters later on the blog to back many of the posts you will see here.

Silver Crow
Blessed Be.

Eye opening news

2009-06-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is when we learned about a troubling practice that Uni had been doing over the years. See Uni was always the person who went around and collected the door prizes from all the vendors at PPD. Fran told us that Ty (from Frendzco) had told her that the door prizes he and others had given Uni were not the same ones that she handed out.
Fran said that Ty had told her that Uni would keep the really good door prizes and give out some of her merchandise in its place. I contacted Ty and he confirmed what Fran had told me. It seems her practice was well known around the vendors and considered the price for doing business with Uni. I told him that I could assure him that nothing like that would happen from now on. Stealing will not be tolerated. He said it wasn’t a big deal but I said that it was a big deal to me and that it wasn’t going to happen at CAPPD ever again. Ty thanked me and said that Frendzco would vend at CAPPD.

Details

2009-06-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Uni set a date of Feb. 7th 2009 to meet about Arkansas Pagan Pride. I really didn’t know what to expect at the meeting but me Kestrel and Tabitha went to the meeting. Just as a precaution I took my digital voice recorder to ensure that everything was above board. Well we sat down and got down to business. Uni told me that that she and Wiz was not doing PPD this year because of “lifestyle changes” and then they both resigned from ARPP.
Uni proposed that I agree to turn over Pagan Fyre and, in return, I and Kestrel would take Arkansas Pagan Pride.
I declined.
I informed Uni that Pagan Fyre was my concept and that she hosted it. I also told her that if she wanted to host a pagan camp out she could call it anything she wanted but I was not turning over Pagan Fyre to her. I asked her if she was sure that they didn’t want to stay on – she then said again that she was not doing Pagan Pride and that the event was now mine and Kestrel’s.
After the meeting I had a TGR meeting where I asked Fran and Bryen to join the board of ARPP. They agreed. (That same meeting set the new board members of TGR)
Upon returning home, I discovered that Uni had removed me from owner of the Pagan Fyre egroup and found it renamed Pagan Fest. I emailed Uni and informed her that this was not part of our agreement. She refused to return my egroup. That was also the day that Uni had posted out to the community via several e-groups that me and Kestrel now had the Central Arkansas Pagan Pride day event.

Not long after wards, I began working with Fran and Bryen to bring together Central Arkansas Pagan Pride day. Fran was placed in charge of contacting the Frosts, arranging an appearance schedule for them and then reporting back to the whole board. Bryen was tasked with involving the people of Hot Springs and assisting in advertising. I was tasked with contacting local vendors and speakers and advertising. We had entertainment, vendors and speakers committed. We had a date and venue- we were excited, committed and ready to give Central Arkansas a new and improved PPD. We were set!
And then the problems started.

Continued...

2009-05-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

Aleyna and Uni were not only neighbors and friends before this happened but were also business partners. They did everything and went everywhere together…to the extent that Aleyna had once taken her own money and bailed Uni out of jail after she was arrested on a hot check warrant - that’s how close they were.
After she was told that she would have to report the sexual abuse by the psychologist seeing her children, Aleyna tried to keep that friendship even with the knowledge of what had happened. She recognized that this was only between the children that Uni was not to blame and said more than once that if she were asked, that she would ask for no jail time for the young man who had harmed her children only counseling. Despite all Aleyna’s efforts, Uni would not do the same. She contacted people throughout the pagan community to discuss this with them even after they had both agreed to keep it between their selves. I had phone call after phone call, email after email asking what is up with Uni, having to explain without knowing just exactly what they already knew was difficult for me. Aleyna and her family were forced to move but the harassment didn’t end - as mentioned earlier, Uni even made a call to Aleyna’s employer in an effort to get her fired.

Because I had told Uni that I was not taking sides: communications between me and Uni deteriorated dramatically- while I saw an increase in the communications with the people around Uni. At this point I still trusted Uni and had no problem with her co-owning several groups that I had placed her as owner with me as a courtesy. I took her silence and distance as stress and focus on the defense of her son and tried to respect that. Since I had nothing else to go by, as far as I was concerned the plans for PPD and Pagan Fyre were on with Uni, Wiz and I as event coordinators.

BUT…then came the Werfriends board meeting, I was sent a email letting me know that there would be a Werfriends board meeting in February 2009. Traditionally, these meetings were done via email and phone out of respect for finances & the distance that some members had to travel. But this time was different and my physical presence was required. Based on a combination of the length of our friendship and what I had seen her do in the past, I knew what Uni was angling at. (I had seen her do it with so many other board members that she had problems with no matter how little the problem.) I was philosophical about what was coming: I have more websites then I can manage, so having one less was not a bad idea for me. I told Kes that even if this was not about me (which was very unlikely) I would still step down as webmaster and board member because of the friction between Uni and me.

Turns out that I was right, engineering my removal was Uni’s plan. She even went as far to change rules of the group just to do it (kinda made me feel special). But in the end the vote was unanimous to relieve me of webmaster (I even voted to remove me). Because of a promise to Uni a long time ago (if I was no longer the webmaster she could keep the graphics and logos) and I upheld that. In fact, she still uses some of my stuff but has replaced the majority with her own things.

Well, with that behind us we had one more meeting the following weekend. This was to be about ARPP. I really didn’t know exactly what to expect there…

still more to come soon!

More Soon!

2009-04-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a few moments to thank all the people who have contacted me about this blog as of late. To the ones who’ve asked: Yes I will be posting more soon. To the ones that have called offering support, thanks

This is not an attempt to ‘smear’ anyone. It’s being posted as a record of the events that have happened and are still happening. (Several of you have contacted me about your concerns)

I ask that, while you read this, you keep in mind that the people who will be causing a fuss about this blog are only doing so because they do not want you to know what they have done or are doing and to distract you from it.
Everything posted here can be backed up with hard proof. I am not spreading rumors.

Changes continued...

2009-04-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Changes, yes there have been many changes in the community lately. Most of the changes have been done by only a few people and for reasons some known, some unknown.

The changes we encountered personally began just before the last PPD in Central Arkansas. However, they go back further than that…to approximately February 2008.

This is when Uni’s youngest son was accused (and eventually arrested) of two different allegations; one was the sexual assault of a five year old child and the other was as a suspect in a terroristic threatening case dealing with bomb threats to schools.

The first issue was the sexual assault; this was between her child and another one of our friend’s child. We were informed of the situation because my wife and Aleyna (the mother of the victim) dance together and are the founders of a belly dance troupe and Aleyna didn’t want us being caught in the crossfire without some clue as to what was causing the tension between her and Uni. My position, which I made plain to both parties, was the same as when Uni and Al had their issue with Al’s car: I was not taking sides between friends.

Aleyna immediately agreed and we never heard her bad mouth the other party.

At the time of the conflict between her and Al, Uni had no problem with me taking that position. However this time when I informed Uni that I did not want to hear her putting down Aleyna, that I was taking no position on their issue and that it was between them, Uni got upset and started acting pissy.

When Uni and Eric wrote the belly dance troupe three days before CAPPD 2008 to inform them that Aleyna would not be welcome at ARPPD, I had a serious problem with it. Not only was it completely against the ideals of PPD but it was done as a board decision when no meeting was held.

After PPD, things went down hill, Uni got more spiteful. She felt the need to hold a combined AAFCC and Werfriends board meeting knowing that I would be unable to attend because of my prior commitment to attend the Fayetteville PPD and go with my wife to see my step-daughter at her college. She sent an ‘anonymous’ email to Aleyna’s workplace and made what was ultimately viewed as unfounded accusations in an attempt to get her fired. The tip was made using information that only Uni would have access to and when Aleyna informed her superiors of what was motivating the so called ‘tip’, the complaint was summarily dismissed.

(This is a long detailed accounting of issues and actions and will take several posts to cover. The purpose of this is to head off or clear up any misinformation that people my have been exposed to. More parties will be included at this as this unfolds.

To be continued…)

More Changes...

2009-04-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot more changes.. Working on listing them soon!

Changes

2009-02-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

Several Changes have been made in the Arkansas pagan community.

I have stepped down as facilitator of TGR
Kestrel was elected as the new facilitator of TGR ( congratulations)
There are new officers in TGR and a new outlook, I think its great!
Arkansas Pagan Pride board has changed - the members are now

Silver Crow - TGR - North/Little Rock
Fran - Nefer-Per-Netjer - Cabot
Bryen - Amethyst Moon - Hot Springs

Pagan Fyre has changed its venue from Guy Arkansas to a venue that will be announced shortly and we are moving to the Autumn part of the year.
There is a brand new Pagan Camping event happening in Guy Now, it's called Paganfest. We wish them all the luck that we have enjoyed with Pagan Fyre.

For the first time in a long time I feel that the community is on the right track and there will be a lot more cooperation between groups and individuals in our community. the clouds are clearing!

Blessed Be

Silver Crow

2008-01-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

The Green Ring a non profit I administer just turned five years old this weekend. It was rather exciting. It’s a great accomplishment for something that started out such a small group. Happy Birthday to TGR !

I am in the middle of redesigning all my websites. It is a huge undertaking with new graphics and programming. I will be adding members sections to the websites in time. Right now I am just trying to make them easier to navigate and read.

It seems to be quite on the Witch War front in Arkansas, I take that as a good sign. After four years of hateful comments and actions is winding down. I just attended a great meeting of one of the groups I belong to the AAFCC. It took me back to the good ole days when meetings were fun.

Pagan Fyre is coming up fast. We have already received so many conformations of people who want space to attend, its getting a little scary, each year it is growing so much. I feel if this keeps up we will have to find a larger venue or start limiting attendance.

Things in Arkansas are looking up for the Pagan Community, Pagan Fyre is around the corner and PPD's will be next. It will once again be time to get out and meet people and get to know them.

Blessed Be

Setting the Rumors Straight!

2007-11-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

I was faced with a very daunting task, how to respond to allegations brought by people in our pagan community without spreading negativity or hate. My major concern has always been when responding that is would promote more fighting and negativity on the group or forum that is was first brought forth. Then I would also have to take into account that people would believe what was being said if I did not step forward to "set the record straight".

Well, the answer was right before my eyes, this blog. It has no members to offend and will also let me present my side of any allegations.

I am not doing this to "protect my good name" that is intact. I am doing this to help people take a good look and ask questions about what is being said. You have to take a look at the person that is making the allegations against another, ask yourself why? Why here? What is he/she gaining from it? Is this a personal matter that should be handled in private? Does this have anything to do with spirituality? Is this something that should be handled by law enforcement? There are many questions you should ask. Being a member on an Egroup, msn group or Google group should not mean you are going to be brought into someone's personal vendetta every time one person gets upset at another. However that does happen.

If you would like more insight into why and what to do about situations like that or if you find yourself caught up in a similar situation, please visit the Witch Wars section of Arkansas Pagans it helps explain this type of behavior and how to combat it.

Now let me address some of the rumors going around about me as of late:

(1) I am a "self proclaimed leader" - False
I was elected to my position in The Green Ring (a religious non-profit organization) by unanimous vote.

(2) That I invited myself to a private ritual and was told I was not welcome. - False
I never asked to be at any private ritual. I never contacted anyone requesting such a thing. In fact, I was unaware that the ritual referred to in this allegation was even being held until it had already occurred. I didn't know anything about it until it was posted on an Egroup that I am a member of.

(3) I have been accused of infidelity against my wife. - False
This allegation is totally unfounded, untrue and does not have any bearing on the pagan community.

(4) I have been accused of black balling someone from progressing/obtaining their recognition (degrees) in their path out of spite. - False
This is a false statement, which could be easily checked by the student contacting their teacher.

(5) I have been accused of "outing" someone in the Pagan community - False

I have never outted anyone in the pagan community. (Outing is the divulging of an individuals religious identity to others not within the community). - False
I only congratulated this individual in a private newsletter.
Her magickal name was the only name used.
There was no photograph displayed.
The information I got was posted to a public Egroup I am a member of, and in fact the message itself stated that it was a "Public" announcement.
This individual signed up for this Newsletter requesting to use the email address it was sent to.
This individual for a number of years displayed a pentacle sticker in the rear window of her car.
This individual owned an operated a metaphysical store.
This individual is presently listed on The Witches Voice website.
This individual is presently listed on Arkansas Pagans Website as a clergy and public speaker.
This individual is known to the state of Arkansas as a formerly Named C.R.A (certified Religious Assistant) for Wicca in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The individual hosted a Pagan Pride Day Event (which you must state in order to put on an PPD that you are out of the broom closet before you can host one).
This event and individual was on the local TV station and newspaper as hosting this event.

This is all I will cover in this Posting, More to come….

Ever mind the rule of three, Merry Part and Blessed Be
Silver Crow

Autumn In the Air

2005-10-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today Was one of the nicer Crisp Autumn Mornings, the air smelled of Autumn. I am just waiting for my Dad to want me over to help rake the yard LOL

Silver Crow

Blessed Be

My Profile

My Website

My Group

Welcome

2005-10-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome TO the Crows Nest!

I started this blog to open communications links with people throughout the blog community. To learn from and to have another venue to reach Pagans throughout Arkansas and from cost to cost.