The New Lodge

In April 2009, an EF3 tornado tore through the small town of Mena (I live about 5 miles outside of town and was spared any destruction). This tornado destroyed over 600 homes and numerous businesses, as well as severely damaging hundreds of other buildings. Read about it here.

But the town is well on the way to recovery. Various organizations have given of their time, energy and money to help rebuild what was lost. Read about it here.

The local Masonic Lodge was a total loss. There was a meeting of the Ladies Masonic Auxiliary (Order of Eastern Star) the night of the tornado. One member was killed.

But the Masonic members came together to rebuild. They purchased a vacant brick building which once housed the post office, gutted the interior and spent the next 15 months rebuilding their lodge.

The first meeting was held in the new Lodge on October 21, 2010. A very proud moment for the members because all the work done has been accomplished by volunteer labor. With the average age of the volunteer being 60+ years. The Lodge meeting room is the only room totally completed at this point with several other interior areas 90% finished. 

The Lodge was officially dedicated on November 20, 2010.  

And like a Phoenix, they have risen ........

And I would like to tell you of the man who spearheaded the rebuilding - my dear Hubby. He spent countless hours working on the building, on the phone getting bids for materials, organizing the work crew, and a multitude of other tasks. And has attended college full time through out the whole process. 

 He should be most proud of what he has accomplished! 

I know I am!

Mighty Oaks ...

From Little Acorns Grow.

I was the very lucky recipient of this set of Acorn jewelry from Wendy of The Year of the Cats.

I had entered her blog giveaway as a spur of the moment thing and surprise! I won. WOW!!!

I can't begin to Thank You enough Wendy! They're gorgeous!!

And look at this really nice bag that the jewelry came in.
It reads ~ If the Broom Fits, Ride It!
So cool!

Stop by Wendy's blog, click here. She is currently giving away a lined recipe book and lovely Kitchen Witch print by Lora Craig-Gaddis and she will make a donation, in the giveaway winner's name, to the cat rescue site Alley Cat Allies. What a great cause!

The Acorn jewelry was made by Next Chapter Boutique located on Etsy. Click here. So many beautiful items.....

AND...... In addition, I received a really cool bookmark (how did you know I needed another one?) from Theresa of Faerie Moon Creations.  The bookmark reads, "curiosity" "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"  Something I must ponder today....
Click here for Faerie Moon Creation's shop.  More beautiful things.....

And now for some synchronicities...

1)  I live in the little hamlet of Acorn which is outside
of Mena, Arkansas.
2)  The local Acorn School, which we live next to, has the motto, Mighty Oaks From Little Acorns Grow. 

2) Hubby will be graduating from college in under three weeks. He will be setting off on a new career. And like a Little Acorn he will grow into a Mighty Oak (well.... make that a Mighty Computer Genius).
4)  Wendy's gift arrived two days before my birthday!
A most  AwEsOmE  present!

Faerie Magick ... 101d

I hope you have been practicing your grounding and your meditation. They can both come in quite handy over the upcoming holiday season!
Now on with some bits of information about the Fae....

• The Fae dislike verbal "Thank Yous". It's better to show thanks with a bowl of milk, a few cookies, some tobacco, or maybe a small treasure. *Very Important* Once you have given an item to the Faeries, you cannot take it back!
• DO NOT show fear when in the presence of Wee Folk. It can be misconstrued and seen as a sign that you do not want them around or even as a sign of weakness.
• You are ALWAYS in control of Fae encounters. 
• The Faeries lack many of the joys which we humans are able to experience. Assisting a Witch with Magick helps them feel connected to us and our lives.
• Faery Folk can have their feelings hurt quite easily. So always be mindful of what you say and how you say it. Always show respect.
• Set up an area either inside the house or outside for the Faeries. A shrine of sorts. Place items such as pretty rocks, small mirrors, photos, sculptures, a Faery Door or Faery furniture in this area. 
• The Fae will protect a home from the elements as much as possible. They will also help to rid the home of unwanted negative energy and bring a lighter, happier tone to the house. Remember they live there just like you!
• The Little People can hear your thoughts if you concentrate. Concentrate on your need or problem and a solution will be given.