This blog would have contributors from all walks of life and different Pagan perspectives, and would celebrate the season with recipes, crafts, songs, giveaways, etc... It would be a gift of love from those contributors to the rest of the Pagan community. It would have the feel of inclusiveness, rather than just featuring one person and making it all about him/her. And, because of the most wonderful and lovely group of people I could possibly hope to know, that idea became a reality through Samhain's Sirens.
Back in July, I began asking some people if they might be interested in doing this. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were quite a few who wanted to participate. October is a busy month for most Pagans/Witches, and yet these folks jumped in with both feet, ready to do whatever it took to make this happen.
Loren Morris and Vickie Lesperance took on the calendar and administration. Kestril Trueseeker (who already does so much by contributing to the Sunday Stew) agreed to do 31 days of music. Snowy Morrigan (my bff) jumped in and offered to be the Grand Prize Giveaway keeper. Stephanie Fox took on recipes. Sam Curtin jumped in to create a post-Samhain workout for us. Sosanna (my sister) took on Saturdays with her Craftacular Saturday fun. Bella Foxglove, Kourtney Leaf, Alan Heartsong, Heather Brooks Ray, Danni Suplicki, Nalaya Oddly, Eliora (Lorelei) Gumbiner, Tess Muin, Sabrina the Inkwitch, Loren Morris, Morningstar Fd Bhrat Bhrighde, Tiffany Boggins, Jen Rue, Angie Holz, Kelly Anton, and Shelby Dilley all pitched in with blogs and/or giveaways. Their generosity was overwhelming, to say the least.
Tara Barnow Smith (PiP Designs), agreed to create the design for us. The Sirens all voted on their favorite and the majority ruled.
As we opened, Sally Dubats (fabulous witchy author) offered one of her books (autographed- no less!) as part of our giveaway. She then sent us that very sweet Samhain greeting to post as well.
Snowy reached out to Dorothy Morrison who most graciously gave us not one, but two signed books for a giveaway.
Deb Garnet from Twysted Thystle reached out and offered to do a giveaway for us as well.
Nyx DarkSky from Pagan-mart (and who also runs the Pagan-Place community) offered up a giveaway as well.
And of course, I would be totally remiss if I didn't give a shout out to one of my favorite writers and people, Magaly Guerrero who offered to write up our final post (you can see that today on the Samhain's Sirens blog).
Most of all, there was someone who stayed behind the scenes, helping me gather up the information and pull it all together every day. Someone who kept all of us straight with her fantastic organizational skills and who had to deal with things like people not meeting deadlines, unruly vendors (not mentioned) etc, all with grace and class and style. My most humble and overwhelming thank you goes to Vickie Lesperance for her unwavering focus and hard work.
Each one of these wonderful people contributed their own Siren's Song to the symphony, and made it beautiful. I cannot adequately express how much each of them means to me. And, they want to do it all again next year. They gave of themselves and contributed so much, and made this so much more than I could have envisioned.
Many of them went through some serious trials, illnesses, etc... during the time we prepared and then delivered this. There were glitches and challenges, and at times, it wasn't so easy. But, not once did this group ever give up, there were no fights or arguments or displays of bad manners... this was a cohesive group that gelled together like none I've ever seen. The support for one another (and for me) was tremendous. And, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had in making a project come to life.
We also had some of the most amazing, wonderful, phenomenal guests and participants who made it all worthwhile. For those of you who came to visit there, thank you so much. Dora, I couldn't have made it through without your daily "coffee's on". Jonquil, you were always so supportive. Katy, your bubbly comments were inspirational. Star Firewitch, your graciousness is amazing. Gina, your thankful comments were so sweet and kind. Hex Parker- always a pleasure whenever you comment. NC Dad, you are the best! And those are just a few of our great visitors. I hope all them will return next year, and will help us celebrate again.
I am touched and honored to have been a part of this experience. This truly was a labor of love.
Thank you all.
