The Raven Mailbag

They are everywhere...

2006-04-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

For Heather

While in Seattle I was on the lookout for the beloved black one. Here another lover names their boat for the mysterious Raven.

Traveler’s notes:

2006-04-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

When approaching wild creatures like Griffins. Move slowly and do not challenge them with you eyes. Keep your eyes down.

Night rides are exhilarating, but keep all loose things tied down like hats and gloves, etc.

Bring sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers.

Stinging bugs can be discouraged with spray on Citronella oil

Virtual tours can interrupt your working environment. Magic headphones are available at your request.

Ancestors can drop by anytime, be prepared to offer tea and cookies.

Most bandits and ogres do not accept American Express.

An open window is an invitation for a night ride from good or evil.

Bring a good pen and a notebook that can take on the elements.

Wireless Internet in dodgy. The best reception is the top of the Faraway tree.

Cell phones are discouraged. The walking dead seem to find them attractive.

Towels and blow dryers are provided at registered bathhouses and hot springs

Wearing your heart on your sleeve is well received with other like-minded travelers.

MIA

2006-04-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Missing in action...I am recovering from a visit to California. I will try to post soon.

Love,
Luna

For Heather

2006-03-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is in the leaving behind that we must wonder at its value to us.
Ruins in Wapatki, AZ.

heather: HELP

2006-03-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH MY E-MAIL...and finally give up./ I want to enter trading treasures blog. Could you please put me in so I will start posting some of my tradeables. Love you and miss all your energy . Jane

New Idea - Hermitage Publications Trading Room

2006-03-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Pre-Loved Treasures Trading Room

For details see:

http://hermitagepublications.blogspot.com/

- click on the above link to go there.

Most of you are already members of this blog,

but if you would like an invitation, let me or Heather know,

Imogen Crest - Hermit

Ad-cent-less - a follow-up to Adsenseless and sensibility

2006-03-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

It seems I am not alone. A dear friend who runs a wonderful website and support groups for an orphan disease (very like mine) has now also been defrauded of what should have been earnings on advertising, earnings badly needed to help this retired widower run this site (=http://pspcommunications.org>http://pspcommunications.org and =http://neurosy.org>http://neurosy.org). It grieves me particularly because I was the one urging him to give this advertising a try to earn the monies needed to run the website which many of us ill with devastating neurological diseases depend on for up-to-date information and support.

Bilked by people who parade themselves around as some sort of champion of the common man. They had done the same to me some months ago, the article is archived here, http://my.opera.com/alettames/blog/show.dml/110757 , called AdSense and Sensibility. The villain in this case is Google, who owns the AdSense service, which places advertising on your website, collects money from advertisers which is then supposed to pay out to the owners of the various webpages hosting their ads for them. Their revenue depends on webmasters keeping interesting content and attractive design to bring more and more traffic to their ads. Many of us throw much of our energies into running websites as a means of generating income and/or providing a public service. The time and effort we spent on our websites benefited them directly. We could have been doing something else, we have been seriously taken advantage of. Any good and decent person is devastated by being accused of committing a fraudulent act, let alone the rest of it. We are suffering some considerable hurt.

Their tactic is to recruit you, collect up revenue from advertisers and then cancel your account and take you earnings themselves. We've been robbed, friends, pure and simple, and I haven't a clue where we can find any justice. So far I haven't one contact with any different experience, so Google is just making one hell of a profit from all this. Meanwhile we support the websites, and blogs which we keep interesting enough to provide their advertisers with foot traffic. It is a crime, and devastating to someone just trying to earn a bit extra and keep websites viable. They take full advantage of people who want badly to be part of the earning public, especially crucial when you live in a society which counts the marginal population as losers, no matter what the circumstances. The reward for these efforts is to be taken advantage of.

The advertisers have sued once successfully (http://www.internetoutsider.com/2006/03/google_clickfra.html ) to have monies returned to them which were found to have been fraudulently charged by Google, the blame for which they (Google) now gives these small time web site operators. The amounts they bilk from us after accusations (without proof) that we somehow fraudulently inflated clicks on those ads, we have no way of knowing if they have been returned. The amounts are low enough that no advertiser would even know about them. I suspect our earnings are being used by Google in whatever way they like, perhaps to pay the settlement to the larger (casino and porn) advertisers.

It is plain that reading article after article on the web regarding these tactics that the practice is commonplace, most particularly among the people who earn less than one hundred dollars a month. The big earners tend to get paid. Those of course would also be the people who might afford lawyers to bring litigation forward. The people being victimised by this practice are the small earners who work from home, quite often because of disability or homemakers needing the added income. It is not the casinos and porn cites that are being accused of fraud. Google takes advantage of the small website owner because they cannot fight back, and it will satisfy the powers that bee, because on paper it looks like Google is doing something to fix the problem of fraudulent clicks, they are trying to keep future litigation from starting up, and the ones they have lost looking for all the world as though they are "dealing with it".

Would their advertisers like it much if they knew that much needed earnings were being taken from people already being run into the ground by a marginal existence, or the charitable efforts of people like my friend who runs the website in the memory of his late wife who died of PSP? It is devastating to have accusations hurled at you that you've been a fraud and your accounts have been closed and your earnings confiscated without any benefit of recourse. Letters are not answered. I have sent them out routinely over the past couple of months and there have been no replies. I suspect as my other friends near the amount that a cheque should be sent with their earnings they will find themselves also being accused of a crime and monies confiscated by Google, judge, jury and executioner. I feel horrible that I suggested it, I did so in good faith. Faith, as my father often reminded me, belongs in church. He was so right. In future I will not suggest anything for which I have not already been paid (cheque cleared the bank).

To date no successful litigation or even an investigation into these practices has occurred (that I could find, don't hesitate to correct me if you know better). It probably won't. The best we can hope for is that more and more of the "bilked" will come forward and post their stories on the web, and sign the petition on line at: http://www.noodleware.com/adsense/

So, please if this incenses you, read the article, sign the petition, post your story, or least leave your comments here. also think about using other search engines, use www.Yahoo.com or www.Anwers.com, consider changing your www.blogger.com hosted blog, if you have one to another host such as www.my.opera.com or www.blogdrive.com, they are every bit as good, if not better. If you want advertising on your website to earn other income, try www.AdBrite.com, or affiliate programs such as www.CafePress.com (their cheque cleared the bank).

No longer a nice little old lady

2006-03-16T02:10:00.000-08:00

I've posted a new poem to the folk on Lemurian Mysteries, a battle won and lost a war. (:-)

Go West!

2006-03-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we rose before dawn to follow the moon setting into the west. I am loving Portland and I have happily lost myself in my paintings. I miss you all!

Love,
Luna

Isolating Experiences Along the Web

2006-02-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

Feeling somewhat isolated lately, I miss the correspondences in my inbox which stopped when our Yahoogroups moved to google. I suppose I should explain, that is why I might seem verly solitary these days. Please don't feel that I am withdrawing at all, and I certainly welcome emails directly from anyone who posts here.

After having had some problems with AdSense and Google over their unjust cancellation of my account and thus pocketing the few dollars I had earned by supplying them with and audience for the adverts, I closed all my personal blogs on blogger (owned by Google) and closed all accounts, such as googlegroups, which is why I've lost contact with with the group here, sadly. I feel however that it is important to stick to your guns. I feel I have been wronged and until and unless Google makes some effort to ad least enter into dicussion with me and treat me as a human being and not a number on the internet, I shall have to keep it this way. I will try to post here still, but it is much harder to remain connected wihtout the group correspondences that arrived by email when it was on Yahoogroups (not owned by Google). Why must they make life complicated and dehumanize us so?

So now I moved one former blog of mine to Opera Community - http://my.opera.com/alettames, where I post most regularly, though I do try to post here at least at the Hermitage blog.

It is still cold and damp here in Vancouver. Unexpectedly cold and I've been forced to spend much more time in be, to remain warm enough to function. That has resulted in a wealth of sketches, but away from the computer so mucyh there hasn't been much writing.

Well, I thought I should explain, and to say I do miss the corespondences, but have to stay true to my convctions also. If you've no idea what I'm talking about re: google you can read my epistle regards that topic at http://my.opera.com/alettames/blog/show.dml/110757

Not allowed

2006-02-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

I was not allowed on the wonderful art blog with Alletta's current paintings. Please everyone look for her wonderfully colourful works. I tried to say:O Alleta: keep on and on making such beautiful things for us. What a cure your work must be for the long dull Vancouver days I knew so well. Your colours make me want to sing out, shout. You have given me joy. May I print some? Fran

The elves have accepted the invitation

2006-02-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

The Elves inc. have accepted the invitation and are waiting for their owners to attend Elves Incorporated and find the elves have gathered with gifts in hand in front of the big tent screen. The Secretary

Belated Valentine Card

2006-02-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

I don't get mushy on Valentines Day.

So I was going to write a story ( as a joke...really a joke! )about a woman who wanted to give her love her heart so she gets this surgical tool and... come on it's Anita here so you probably know where this is going.

The I saw all these lovely images and poems and I thought..come on Old Girl there must be something you'd like to do for your Muses for Valentines.

So I thought really hard and decided everyone loves Kudos right? They don't make you fat, but boy do they taste and feel good! So that's what I'm going to do for my Muses.

It's Kudo Time!
Here we go...

No one else probably gets why I call these guys my Muses but they are and I'm sure they appreciate that after dragging me to write every single day I'm showing them off...so this is for them and if it grosses you out...too bad.

The guy in the hat is my husband,he belives I'm a real writer...How could you NOT be inspired by that?

Then there's my friend Heather...this represents the doorways she's opened for me. So a big giant Kudo for her too.

Happy Valentines to All My Muses
Anita Marie

A Formal Invitation

2006-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Elves invitation

2006-02-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

The elves have set up a circus tent and would like to send you an invitation to submit a suitable act for the main performance. Consultation with your own elf should be considered. The Secretary and the Superintendent

The donkeys addition

2006-02-02T04:11:00.000-08:00

Drop by to see the donkey from Paris and Jim's next poem. The Secretary

An Invitation...

2006-01-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

Cadavers and Crypts, Empty Graves and Dark Deeds...If you spent a night here in The Chamber of Horrors what Tales would you tell the next morning... if indeed there was a next morning?

Go ahead, give it your best (worst) and send it over to the Chamber of Horrors ( gargoyle642001@yahoo.com for an invite ) or better yet write in your own Nightmare Journal and bury it.

Only I'd advise you to Bury it by Moonlight of course.

Anita Marie

Invitation to Silky's for Afternoon Tea

2006-01-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Silky, the Elf who lives in the Faraway Tree asked me to give you this invitation.

Dear Guests of Riversleigh.
Everyone at Riversleigh is invited to come to afternoon tea with Moonface and I at 4:00 p.m. You will recognise my place as you climb the tree. It is the one with the lantern and flower pot near the front door.

The Land of Dreams is arriving at the top of the tree today and Moonface and I thought you just might want to join us for a short visit.

Looking forward to seeing you all and to hearing what you think of our tree.

love Silky

There will be a crowd of us so I think I will take something to share for afternoon tea. Perhaps I will make some Salmon and cucumber sandwiches.

Rhonda does the happy dance

2006-01-13T20:41:00.000-08:00

The mail man was late today. Again. I almost didn’t think he had anything for us when we went out to dinner at 5:30 this evening. But, low and behold, there it was, half-falling out of our mailbox – The Faraway Tree Collection! It finally came!! And of course I had to leave it behind when I went to eat but now that I am home I plan on curling up on the bed, no doubt surrounded by one or more of our four cats, and reading it into the weekend. I am so excited to see what these stories are about! I got the edition that has the 3 stories in it: Enchanted Wood, Magic Faraway Tree, and Folk of the Faraway Tree. If I don’t surface for a few days, you know where to find me!

looking at some old blogs...

2006-01-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

and finding the Baba Yaga one... world has come full circle no doubt. I remember stories of Baba Yaya from when I was a very young child... my grandparents telling me that bad children would be sent to her... and seeing pictures in books of that hut with the chicken legs. You see my grandparents were children of Russians and although they didn't keep much of that culture, there were still a few stories and myths that survived... and Baba Yaga was such a strong one.
And then later, in 9th grade I had a social studies teacher who taught us Russian History and played wonderful Russian music (like Pictures at an Exhibition) while he regaled us with stories of the tzars and revolts... and Baba Yaga was again present in his stories...

And now here she is again. Like I said, full circle.

Elfs and elfs

2006-01-05T00:55:00.000-08:00

Some elves are at their castle, Elfinsand and can be seen
near the castle on the Island of the Great White Owl. The Sec and Supe

2006-01-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

North Star Studios on Duwamish Bay is under new management and will be officially reopening on Saturday January 7. If new owner Gail Kavanagh - that's me - can do half as good a job as AshleyShea in making this gallery something Duwamish Bay can be proud of, she will be a very happy woman!
As you enter the gallery on Saturday you will notice a shining new plaque by the door. It states that the gallery is dedicated to AshleyShea's brother Stan and will forever remain so.
The good fairy Providence has elected to stay and keep the gallery sprinkled with stardust so that your wishes can be granted.
If you want to send art for sale or display at the opening or at any time, just send your images to me (click on my name for the info) and they will be posted in the gallery.
Now I am off to gather some art for the opening, because Providence has gone mad with the fairy dust and it's making me sneeze!
But at least I know my wish will come true...

North Star Studio for Lease

2006-01-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

The North Star Studio is for lease. The current owner is off on another one of her adventures. Her spirit won't allow her to stay tied to one spot too long because she cannot say no to the siren song of her Muse of Journeys. The studio was left in great shape and even comes with a helper fairy named Providence. The towns people would love to see this studio open on a more regular basis.

Happy New Year Heather

2005-12-31T16:16:00.000-08:00

To the sweet lady who loves the one that stole the sun

Peace

2005-12-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

Season of Renewal - Best Wishes to All

2005-12-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

Wishing all travellers in this realm

the best of the season,

Imogen Crest, Hermit - Lemurian Hermitage.

Questions Questions Question It All

2005-12-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

JUST A QUESTION TO MY FRIENDS BACK HOME

OKAY, THIS IS A WORK OF ART...RIGHT?

WELL I FOUND THIS IN THE CATACOMBS AND I HAPPEN TO THINK IT'S A MASTERPIECE
SO I'M SHARING IT ALL OVER THE PLACE.

LOVE FROM
ANITA MARIE

More Masque Ball Guests

2005-11-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

Summra and Wintra, the Duwamish Conjoined Twins, who regularly perform at the Marina, are dressed, ready to go to Baba's Masqued Ball

More Authentic Darlink

2005-11-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

Koschey knows I hate clowns with a passion. So, of course, the wretch has insisted upon coming as a clown to the Masque Ball. Well you won't get me anywhere near him and I'd advise the rest of you to avoid him and that Party Punch he is in the habit of distributing all over the world. No wonder everyone is suffering from increased anxiety.

It can't be true...

2005-11-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

Look at what I found in the Mailbag today! He's cleaned up a bit....

Swinging bachelor with private mountain hideaway

seeks special, darlink lady to accompany me

to a Masqued Ball.

I will make all of your vishes come true, darlink,

and you will never in your wildest dreams find someone

as handsome as Koschey.

Call me!

A Masque Ball in the Boudoir

2005-11-07T03:20:00.000-08:00

Baba has been thinking and when Baba thinks anything is likely to happen. She has been wary of all these artistic types who have descended upon her and has decided to test them a little. She is planning to have a Masque Ball in her Boudoir. Everyone is expected to come in full costume, make a grand entrance and amuse Baba with a short act. Is that a distant cackle I hear or that old rooster crowing joyfully?

Message From The Silk Road

2005-11-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Just an update from the Silk Road from your faithful Storyteller...

First I'd like you to meet some of my new friends:

Marie Guzman has just embarked on a Journey she believes she's in control of...but if the Baba Yaga is involved, well, who's really in control is very much opened to debate and we'll have to see exactly what happens there.

I've shaken the tree and who should fall out but those Nasty Malloy Sisters ( God love 'em cause no one else does! ) that challenge me whenever I try to write about them.

And I've heard a rumor that that Summra and Wintra... two Sideshow Performers from Duwamish Bay have hit the Silk Road because, if I understand it correctly the Curiosity Shop in Duwamish Bay is sick.

In fact its dieing

Don't ask me how a building is dieing, I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.

I just wanted to let you know that I've taken to listening to these old radio shows on tape...Mystery Theater, Lights Out...so I'm totally inspired to write these Weird Tales in a new...er, you know vein.

Time for me to grab my notebook and hit the road...

Anita Marie

Zoologic

2005-11-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Secretary has been searching the files and found
a series of Animal stories by Jim Cornish. Please find a sample
in the Donkeys Incorporated and let me know if you would like
more posted. The Secretary (Jim Cornish is our sometimes
photographer and author of the Donkeys' Song)

Travellers Heading to Baba's House

2005-11-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

The Amazon Queen has heard that Baba is organising the Advent Calendar this year and has 'all hands on deck'. So she has made haste to be at Baba's and help with the preperations. The Golden Spinning Wheel will be heard whirling late into the night.

The skies above Baba's are full of traffic as travellers make their way to her house to work on the annual Advent Calendar. Going to the House of Baba Yaga will be like attending an artist's convention and Baba is, frankly, excited. She has her Soul Hands working their fingers to the bone to have the place ready for such distinguished visitors.

A Story of an Australian Raven

2005-11-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

Gail is so lucky to meet and talk to a raven
I am not so fortunate
They do not like the sea winds
They do not like travelling over white capped waves.
I must seek them out inland
No often seen for me in my territory
Unless I go to where they nest
High high up perhaps 40ft in the tree tops.
nesting in their little houses made
of wool,bark and sticks
If I go into parks of tall trees
I will hear them ,with their little ones
between August and December...
So it is now I must go to hear them
I look up my Gould book of Birds
To know what their call is like
It Says......
The Australian Raven wails,it rattles and it frequently makes loud deep slow
calls that sound like "I am half starved" and with a gargle
on the end......How wonderful I thought.
This should be a breeze
I will walk with my ears open wide
My eyes to the sky
being carefull not to trip over protruding tree roots
and obstructions of all sorts.
A Mother raven and a Father raven will quite often be together
when searching for food to feed the little ones
But beware they are quick of flight and very direct in their destination, they do not dally to talk to us
So Gail you must have had your thought conversation at a time when there were no dependants in the nest.....How fortunate you were..

Life is good for Ravens a very smart bold bird I think.

Lois (Muse of the Sea) 2/11/05

My Halloween Conversation With A Raven

2005-10-31T00:54:00.000-08:00

For Halloween, I thought I would share this tale with you. It actually happened, just as I tell it…

I took my early morning cup of tea out onto the balcony, and sat down to admire my favourite tree. A raven flew down and perched on a branch. He turned a beady eye on me, and I, as is my wont, bid him good morning. I don’t actually talk aloud to birds, you understand – I direct my thoughts at them.
Having bid him good morning, my mind wandered to the line from Poe - ``Quoth the Raven, nevermore…”
The raven at once turned his back on me.
``Ok,” I thought, ``Poe didn’t go down too well.” I hummed a few bars of the Scottish ballad, Twa Corbies.
The raven still resolutely refused to look at me.
I now leaned forward and directed my thoughts in a more concentrated manner – but this time I thought before I thought, if you see what I mean.
``OK,” I said, ``ravens have had bad press from Poe and folklore – you’re sick of hearing that stuff. Tell you what I’ll do – I’ll write a song, a poem, in praise of ravens – of all black birds. I’ll sing of their beautiful shining black feathers, the perfect way their wings fold back against their bodies, their courage, their protectiveness – I’ll sing of the way ravens have helped people, and how they take it upon themselves to be a warning, to be associated with bad luck, because they are noble birds that do not think of themselves first…”
By now the raven had turned round. He was looking at me, disconcertingly, from either side of a slender twig, two bright yellow eyes looking at me…
``I’m not as famous as Poe,” I thought at him, ``and not a great poet, but my words are sometimes heard and sometimes travel over vast distances, and I know a woman who loves ravens and will be glad to let others know of my song.”
He hopped around the branch, closer to me, his bright eyes still fixed intently on me.
``I will sing of the beauty of the raven,” I promised. ``You are surely the handsomest bird of all.”
We continued to observe each other in comfortable silence for a couple of heartbeats, and now, here is the spooky bit.
``You have my word on it,” I said. ``From now on, I will sing in praise of ravens. No more quoting Poe, I promise. You can go about your business now.”
And he flew away.

Dragon seed

2005-10-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Haste you at once to the Gypsy camp to meet Glais, the dragon. I hope that our donkeys quickly learn to recognize the friend and still beware of the foe when they reach the stage for the performance. The Secretary

A noble visitor has come to the Island

2005-10-21T01:46:00.000-07:00

The Queen of the Romanys has been paying a visit to the Great White Owl. The Secretary

Baba Awaits the Arrival of Travellers

2005-10-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

Having heard from le Enchanteur and the Amazon Queen that there are many travellers in the realm, Baba Yaga stand, at her boudoir door, waiting expectantly.

Letter To the Gypsy Chief, Lavengro

2005-10-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Gypsy Chief, Lavengro

Lavengro,
Greetings, old friend. Your band has been quite busy I hear, with the newcomers trickling in, regaling you all with stories and other talents they possess. Not to mention the Festival of Lights you are getting ready for. It should be quite fun and spectacular.

I hope to be there in time with my traveler in tow. I don't want to miss it and I don't think Treasa will either. She is a fun, quirky, spunky soul, who is quite flummoxed and awed by the Soulfood Silk Road. She talks to a grandmother who passed away recently and to Jack the Chatterbox Donkey--whom she got for a ride. It's been quite an interesting trip thus far, unlike the one other I've had along this road. Treasa is enjoyable and she and Jack have been entertaining, to say the least. She's never ridden a donkey before, so we've been slow going, trying to help her get a riding rhythm established...when she hasn't been knocked or hasn't fallen out of the saddle.

After two days Treasa finally began to get the hang of it, but she's gotten so stiff and sore, poor thing, that we're still going slow. We're about three days from your camp--if you're still in the Valley of the Temples--so expect us hopefully by twilight's fall then. Treasa is enjoying, despite her discomfort, the scenery of Umbria and the temples of the valley. Apparently, she is very into Roman and Greek mythology, which is another reason we're taking a bit longer than normal to reach you. She's enjoying the history and tales Jack is telling her about each temple, and she's regaled all of us in turn with myths and legends she's learned or read about. I'm very happy I was asked to be her guide.

See you soon.

Best wishes,
Ophelia

Donkey portraits by Alleta

2005-10-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

Do have a peek at our new donkeys. The Secretary

New October Menu

2005-10-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Travelers,

Come for a rest or a visit to Tea, Tree & Quills. We have planned an October Menu with seasonal delights. The October menu is the current special but we can whip up almost anything at your request.

A local coven of witches has come by to spice things up a bit. Please don’t be surprised if you bump into a few on them on your visit. They especially like Medusa’s Butternut Squash Spice Soup. I look forward to seeing you. Please contact me or the Enchantress for permission to post a poem or letter, if you are not already a member.

Many Blessings,
Luna

Goddess of the Month

2005-10-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

This morning, before rejoining the journey after an absence of too many days, I turned my Sage Woman: A Year on the Goddess Path calendar to October and wonders of wonders, the featured Goddess of the Month turned out to be Baba Yaga. I couldn't believe it … here I was getting ready to make my way into Her realm and here She is showing up in my real life hide-away in Apache Junction, Arizona. Is this a message? I like to believe that it is, though what it is I don't know.

The message of the month begins with a prayer to Baba Yaga:
Blessed Baba Yaga
Help me grow old
With wisdom,
Power, and veneration.

The rest of the message of the month reads as follows:

The Russian Crone Goddess, Baba Yaga, is the archetype of a witch flying through the air in her magical mortar and pestle. She is the one who stirs things up, keeps the adventure moving forward, and presents challenges along the spiritual path. Remember the tales of the witch deep in the forest, whose cottage should be approached with great caution? Baba Yaga dwells there and she wants to teach you about setting boundaries, about listening to your intuition about what is and what is not safe, and about respect for elder wisdom. As the wild autumn moon rides high in the tempestuous skies, watch for Baba Yaga and feel your own wild magic answer her call.

Courtesy: 2004 Amber Lotus Publishing
2004 Sage Woman

Quite a coincidence, don't you think, my returning from a trip to Minnesota to find Baba Yaga waiting for me to turn the page of my calendar?

Vi

No Gypsy membership

2005-10-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to step
inside a Gypsy caravan
Do you suppose if I come by
someone will brew
tea
for me? The Secretary

Memo from the Secretary

2005-10-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Two of our donkeys, Jack and Agnes, have riders assigned for the journey. Jack and rider are well underway. Agnes is ready to meet her employer.

To Baba Yaga's House

2005-10-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Baba sits waiting in front of her house on chicken legs, hands out reached, beseeching travellers to come and help make this year's All Saints Day and Halloween a real success.

Everyone gathers, expectant inside the Cave of the Enchantress.

The Enchantress comes and announces that we have to go to the House of Baba Yaga and help prepare for Halloween and All Saint's Day. She says that to reach the House of Baba Yaga we will have to pass through the Mountains of Myrrh, which the writer of the Song of Solomon (1V6) said he wanted to retreat to.

The Enchantress provides each person with a small bag. Each bag contains spectacles, a candlestick, a tiny anchor, a compass, a medallion with the imprint of the Unicorn and a set of wings. However, the bag also contains something that has been chosen specifically for the recipient. It also contains a map showing where the Gypsies are currently camped

This bag is very important. Should you become separated from the group these things will become essential. You may choose to wear the spectacles for they are purported to have fairy like qualities which reveal wonders to those who wear them.

The Enchantress also gives you a doll. (Find a doll or make one) Her final words are to use the things we have in our bags and that if we should lose our way, or be in need of help, all we have to do is ask the doll what to do. She says that the doll will assist, that we must keep her with us at all times, that we must not tell anyone we meet about her and that we must feed her when she is hungry and give her drinks if she is thirsty. She tells us that we must travel by donkey and that it will take many days before we reach the house of Baba Yaga

You greet your doll and introduce yourself and when you look up again everyone has gone.

What is it with everyone rushing off like this? The doll says that you have to go through the woods. She assures you that she will know how to get there. Having read all your fairy stories you realise that going to Baba Yaga's could prove interesting.

Baba Yaga is the fearsome creature, the crooked woman whose nose is hooked like a bird of prey. Her name means 'to know, to see, to forsee' and she is the seer associated with the moon crescent. The Baba Yaga has the power to transform herself into a myriad of shapes, often a toad, sometimes a hedgehog, frequently a bird. The Baba Yaga is often depicted as an evil old hag who eats humans, especially children, but she is known by many to be a wise, prophetic old woman. In appearance she is tall, bony legged, pointy headed and has dishevelled hair.

Worse the doll informs you that the hut she lives in has a fence around it made of human bones and topped with human skulls and eyes intact. The gate is fastened with human legs and arms instead of bolts and a mouth with sharp teeth serves as the lock.

According to the doll, who seems to be a font of information, one person who lived to tell the story said that "she commands the sun and it obeys her, she changes the stars in their course, she causes clouds to form in the air and makes it possible to walk on them and travel the country. She can turn herself into a young woman and then, in a twinkling of an eye turn herself back into an old woman. She has to the power to turn a man into an animal and she likes to move freely along roads and valleys and over mountains. Her business is to cast spells, gather herbs and stones, make pacts and agreements."

Bravely you head out from the Cave on the back of a donkey that insisted you ride upon her. (Make sure to check with Donkey's Incorporated to see that the donkey is registered).

The donkey tells you her name and talks to you about the coming journey. Within moments you find yourself within a heavily wooded forest. Gnarled branches spread their long arms across the path, whispering as you pass.

The words of the Enchantress ring in your ears and you touch your bag to make sure it is still with you. Everyone is quiet and contemplative and the hooves of the donkey seem to be beating a tune as you travel on the well worn path.

Suddenly the quiet is shattered. A group of hooded riders surround you. Chaos breaks out. Before you know it you are being whisked away by hooded riders who do not reveal their identity.

All you know is that there is purported to be a Gypsy Camp in the vicinity and you hope you will find it. Maybe your doll can help you. One thing is certain! There will be hell to play if you don't arrive at Baba's house in time to make yourself useful as she prepares for the festival.

The Amazon Queen has arrived at Baba's to plan for All Soul's Night on November 2nd. It may be a month away but all hands will need to be on deck to make sure it is a success. Baba's Soul Hands, upon hearing this, appear to listen to what the Queen and Baba are planning.

Maybe if you can reach the Gypsy Camp you will be able to encourage the Gypsies to take you to the House of Baba Yaga.

Find a way to the Gypsy Camp and sit by the camp fire and tell the Gypsy Chief about your journey. It would be a good idea to prepare so that you can provide a song or dance or tarot reading for the Gypsies who are gathered there. If you need some costumes remember to check out Pandora's Wardrobe for useful items.

The Gypsy Camp is on full alert. Travellers are coming on donkey back along the Silk Road, headed towards Baba Yaga's. The Gypsy Chief has suggested we ask the Hooded Riders to snatch the unsuspecting ones and bring them to the camp for an 'initiation' into the ways of the Romanyi.

Note from the Secretary

2005-10-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

The Donkey and Owl choir is practicing for the concert on the quay. They are in need of a skilful choreographer for the dance. Can anyone help?See Donkeys Inc.

CrowsNest Studio

2005-10-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Travelers!

I am currently up to my elbows in paint. Just finishing up some freelance work. But I dream of painting lovely costumes for many parties in the near and far future. With Halloween so close I will try to work on that idea. I am sure there is a party being planned somewhere.

Blessings,
Luna

New Art and Words For Sale - Hermitage Publications

2005-10-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

Original Art and Words For Sale....

The collection is growing, blooming every day.
Your invitation unlocks the door - fresh brewed coffee and florentines always available. View original works birthed out of amazing journeys of imagination...

So It Begins!

2005-10-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

There are some tasty new additions over at the Chamber of Horrors Halloween Party!
Hope to See you all ...please stop by and help yourself to some of our treats and feel to bring some of your own decorations , music, poetry and stories and add to the atmosFEAR!

Anita Marie

note

2005-09-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

In case some of our readers have missed it, do take time to look at the drawings Aletta has sent to Mnemosyne. A special childhood in very special drawings. Fran

Riders Wanted

2005-09-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Donkeys Union have offered services in polishing the dancing platform. They need helpers. Price for one chaff sack ride: one apple, or ten cores. The Secretary

Just When You Thought It Was Safe....

2005-09-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Guess what I've been doing?

Oh yes indeedy, I'm back....see you all very, very soon
Anita Marie

Hermitage Pulications - Create, Create..

2005-09-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

Create, Create....the journey is all...

copyright word and image Monika Roleff 2005.

New Service available

2005-09-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

The Donkey Port now has overnight communication as posted. We hope this new service will be used. The Secretary

Anniversary at the Gypsy Camp

2005-09-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

You all know Sibyl Enchanteur! She is never one to be coy and shy and loves to make a grand entrance at a party. Tonight she looked spectacular in a blue gown and shawl, studded with luminous black pearls.

This photograph was taken as guests arrived at the Gypsy Camp's party for Carol Abel who is celebrating her pearl anniversary. Raven bought Carol's present in her beak and presented it to her. Carol looked particularly radiant but she couldn't stay long because Paul whisked her off to an exotic destination as a special treat to mark the event. Everyone else danced and sang long into the night.

May the pearls of memory be blessed

2005-09-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

For Carol and Paul on their wedding anniversary : May happiness be with you always, Fran

Notice from the Secretary for Lois

2005-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Meeting of donkeys on Donkeys Inc. Hoped to live up to your standards of care for donkeys. The Sec.

Hermitage Publications Seeking Submissions

2005-09-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Invitations soon to be sent out, or email if you would like guidelines....golden opportunity to have your original ideas recognised.....Imogen Crest, Hermitage Publications, Hermitage Regions.

For those interested in pencil drawing

2005-09-24T04:02:00.000-07:00

A blog site devoted to pencils, history, drawings and tidbits :http://pencilrevolution.com/

A friend recommended this and it has some very good bits of information and some drawings that I enjoyed. Fran

Invitation

2005-09-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Travelers,

We have posted the new Menu of the Week at Tea, Tree & Quills. Please stop by for a rest and a spot of tea. It is our first week and we would love to see you! Don’t be alarmed when things go missing. The dear brownies find it very funny to “misplace” things. Keep looking, it might be in a forgotten pocket.

We have a lovely view overlooking the creek. Some darling mermaids have taken to sunning themselves nearby. They don’t mind being observed or sketched. I hope you enjoy yourself here. Please contact the Enchantress for permission to post a letter or a poem.

Many blessings,
Luna

I am here...I am here

2005-09-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Just checking in. I am around and am working on some art and some writing. It has been the beginning of the school year and I have been side-tracked as I needed to work with my daughter to get her back into school. There were a couple of rough episodes but I think I have her settling in alright now. phew! I have also been working with Seniors in our town doing crafts in preparation for their "Fall-Ball" at the Seniors Center next month (so hey! I guess I am making art a daily practise aren't I??? hee hee)
I'll be joining back in very shortly now that the crisis period is over!

hugs to you all,
Bobbi

Postcard Home - Safe with Nature's Signposts

2005-09-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Reporting assistance from nature's signposts,

chattering parrot and pointing flower....

safe journeying.

The secretary reports

2005-09-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Fran, secretary of donkeys union, has a description of her visit to the Isle of Ancestors on that site.

Letter home

2005-09-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Letter home
Dear Mum and Dad,
you will remember that I talked to you of Lemuria when we last met. Well, a number of travellers, including myself, set off at the end of July from the Lemurian Abbey with Heather as our enchanting leader, on a creative journey. So far we have been to the Sybilla's grotto in Umbria, to the House of Serpents where we saw the fountain of forgiveness and performed for the Gorgon. She was so pleased with our performances that she gave each of us a snake to be our guides for the week that we were staying there.
From there we went on the most exciting night ride imaginable. I went to the tree of crystal souls.

We were then encouraged to go and visit Baba Yaga who lives in an extraordinary cottage perched on chicken's legs and surrounded by a fence of human bones, topped with skulls. Unfortunately, while we were staying with her we were all kidnapped and carried off to Koshchey's lair from whence we were rescued by 3 knights. We're now back at Baba Yaga's where we will probably stay until the rest of the travellers have caught up with us. In the meantime we are busy working on a tapestry along the lines of the Bayeux tapestry.

Rumour has it that a Shakespearian troupe will be setting up tomorrow so hopefully we'll get some good entertainment.

So far the trip has been quite extraordinary. The other travellers have had a wide variety of experiences - some delightful, some not so pleasant. Heather is an excellent guide and the enchantress is something of a hard taskmistress.
That's all for now,
love
Traveller
PS I hope to be trying out my skills as a cartographer

Query from the Secretary

2005-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have been resting and meeting with ancestors on the Isle of Ancestors. It appears, however, that a lot of playful donkeys and a few naughty owlets are kicking up dust and making life a misery for The Great White Owl. Will someone please send me a report via Donkey Corp. in order that I may take immediate disciplinary action? Signed, The Secretary c/o the Ferry Women

Greetings from Luna

2005-09-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Travelers,

I have been sleeping in a pile of leaves. I think the fey have been playing with me. Once I saw them through my enchanted spectacles they loved that I could finally see them. I will try to join you all soon!

Love,
Luna

2005-09-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

Found a beautiful spot to camp for a couple of days. Sitting on my step and waiting to see donkeys..Tinker sends his regards to the Donkey Union, says he has learned much from them...

Notice from the Secretary

2005-09-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Donkeys Union advises the users of this post that the Grand Mistress of the Tall Tower has established a business headquarters for us. You will find us at http://donkeyincorporated.blogspot.com/. The Secretary is proud to announce that we have already had an inquiry for rental of a donkey with cart. Thank you Gwen

The Secretary send word

2005-09-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

The entire membership of the Donkeys Union have said farewell to the Hermitage and its dear Mistress. They have instructed me that they will want to have word from the Tower regarding their next stable as soon as their Secretary's magic slate is within range. Fran has AirPort and can relay emails. The Secretary

House of Baba

2005-09-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

Baba is exculsive
she won't let me in
and I don't know where
that invitation can be hiding

Of course the reason may be that with me are twelve donkeys with wings that talk a lot
and gossip
and four blessed dolphins that like to eat a lot of fish but are willing enough to carry the load
when the passage is by water.

Gillian's funeral parade has had to be postponed for a day
because the secretary has been climbing too many stairs
and had to go for xrays, The secretary of the Donkeys' Union, and the dolphin rider.

Notice from the Secretary

2005-09-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sad news posted on the road to the House of Serpents. The Donkeys' Union Secretary

Note to Koschey

2005-08-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Koshchey the Terrible,

See you soon,
Love Anita Marie

Donkey Union message

2005-08-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Portraits have been added on The Road for Anabel, Christabel, Yuji and Agnes, the brave. Rumer has it that a small mule is likely to appear in the near future. The Secretary

Finding my way back

2005-08-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hello,

MIA here. The strep throat knocked me off my socks and then I got "surprise" visitors for several days. I am going to spend the rest of today reading through everything and try to get a little bit caught up with you all.

hugs,
Bobbi

~Dreams~

2005-08-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

~Departing the Bath House~
After a long stay, I am ready to depart the bath house and continue on the journey.
Agenda: Attending Wedding
: Dinner W/ Snakes
: ?Donkeys?
Code: Notre Dame Drive
... 23 ... 23 ...

Ms. Lovelace (Patricia)

From the Donkey Union Secretary

2005-08-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Posted on the road to the House of Serpents: messages from the following Union members:

Augustus, Moonbeam, Regina, Mehitabel and Dawn
The members request that you let them know if they are received.
These bosses are very demanding but they wish you to know that
they hope you will all ride again.

A message home

2005-08-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

A message via raven post.

Was having a wonderful time,

Baba Yaga is a slave driver.

I have worked my fingers to

the bone. I managed to sneak

out to the bath house, where

Mme Eclectica prepared a

rosemary bath for me. I would

highly recommend it if you get

the chance. Talk to you all soon.

Megan xxx

Word from The Road

2005-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

To All My Friends Back Home,

I'm on my way to the House of Baba Yaga...or the House of Bones as I've been calling it. This is my first stop, it's a house in the middle of the Desert outside of town called Cavern. Isn't that a weird name?

The locals tell me it was built by a Devil. Not THE devil...but "a Devil". They seem to take some weird sort of comfort in that.

I'll be in touch soon,
Anita Marie

New Face - Hermitage Postcard

2005-08-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Travellers all, thought you might like a picture postcard

of a new face spotted at the Hermitage....Imogen Crest, Hermit.

To: Ebony Wilder--Lemurian Abbey

2005-08-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Ebony,

I wish I could say I'm having a wonderful time on this tour but, believe me, it's been difficult to say the least.

I've just gotten over worrying about Baba Yaga and now there are rumors that Koshchey the Deathless is after us. I'm so glad I didn't bring Oreo and Tookey, but I miss them terribly. Please look in on them and reassure them that I'll be coming back. Oh, I hope I'll be coming back--Koshchey is supposed to come as a whirlwind and there's something strange in the air tonight, I can feel it. I'm going to close the windows after I write this.

Take care of my sweet pets, please. That sound, I wonder if the others can hear it--it's like a wail, a shreek in the wind---------I've got to close that window.

Too late. Noooo!

Resting Before the Feast

2005-08-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm resting before the feast, which I know will be an exciting affair.

I'm looking forward to celebrating with the serpents. They are, you know, special creatures and were held in high regard in the Goddess Realms.

When I lived in Eastern Oregon, this is a number of years ago now. I spent many pleasurable hours working as a docent at a local Natural museum. I worked with raptors first, learned how to handle them and, later, taught visitors about the magnificence of these regal birds. The experience was thrilling, for me, it was a dream come true.

Later, I moved on to work with snakes and found that experience to be was mysteriously spiritual. Could it be because of their connection to the Goddess? There are some creatures that identify with the soul, raptors, ravens, and serpents fall into that category. The fact that I have had close-up encounters with those creatures has expanded my horizons. Raptors are regal, ravens of course are shape changers, messengers of the Goddess. But there is something about serpents that is beyond the obvious.

When I was handling snakes and stepped forward to show them off, it seemed most adults took a step back backward. Most of the children crowded closer. Some, mostly little girls, didn't want to touch the reptile because they had been taught that they were slimy and cold. By the end of the session, I was able to prove to most of them how wrong they were. Tentative stroking of a snake opened little eyes in wonderment. I like to think that those children grew up to be caring humans, beings that respected all creatures, be they crawlers, flyers, swimmers, or runners.

Well, I've rambled on long enough. I must go now and prepare for the feast.

Vi

From the Donkey Union

2005-08-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

An Invitation From Home

2005-08-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

PLEASE COME TO A PLANNING
PARTY
AT
THE CHAMBERS OF HORRORS

HELP TO CREATE THE WONDER OF THE AGE: BRING TO THE CHAMBERS A SERIES OF UNIQUE IMAGES, STRANGE TALES, MAGIC AND MYSTERIES FOR OUR FIRST ANNUAL ALL SOULS EVE PARTY.

ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING YOUR STORIES, THOUGHTS AND TRADITIONS AND REMEMBRANCES OF HALLOWEEN TO THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT.

OUR THEME THIS YEAR WILL BE:

" a curious COLLECTION of
ANOMALOUS HUMANS "

This CONGRESS OF ODDITIES WILL BE THE EVENT
OF THE SEASON
please contact Anita for your
party planners pass.
gargoyle642001@yahoo.com

A postcard from the road...

2005-08-20T17:40:00.000-07:00