Dear Phamily,

It is a task that I would rather not have to share that our Phoenix Phamily has lost a very cherishe sister. This morning at 11:00 our dear Dana Cavellero passed quietly into the next steps of her journey towards the One. She left two well-loved cats, who have been placed with close friends, and many of us who love and laugh at her ongoing antics and joy in life.

If you had the honor of knowing Dana, you will remember her silvery hair, her infectious laugh, her amazing intellect, and her Dragons. Through her art, she shared a wonder-filled life of dragons, fairies and other creatures that appeared from tubes of paint on everything from small boxes to canvases to chalices! She painted up until about four weeks ago.

She shared with me that two of the Phoenix Crones had saved her place at Hoggtown Fair this year by being her shoppe watchers, selling more of her work than she ever expected to sell. These two wonderful women where very cherished by Dana. They know who they are, but I don't know if they knew how she felt about them coming forward to help her in a very stressful time. Makes one even more proud to say they are part of the Phoenix Phamily.

Drumming takes me to My Bliss and My Bliss is Drumming Magic.

When I attended my first Pheonix Phyre several years ago I received multiple blessings. One was the experience of the Drum. The second was a great friend. Kimberli White Otter.

I attended my first Phoenix Phyre on my own. I knew no one. I arrived on a Thursday evening and after setting myself up and wondering about and attending the protection/blessing of the land ceremony I was "called" by the drums. I went and I danced. When too tired to dance, the only place that felt right for me to be was in the West with the drums. The next evening I was tired and had resolved to not dance but to save myself for the next night. And then there were the drums. They called. There was no sleeping, I had to go. During the day I had purchased a lovely rattle made by Eric Dreaming Trout. Now when I was in the West with the Drums I had my rattle as my rhythm instrument. Needless to say on Saturday night when this mass of amazing drummers were drumming through the rain and Little John and I held a tarp over "Charlie" while this lovely creature of a man held the heart beat and more for us all I was lost in that bliss totally and felt the drums and their magic. I remember standing there totally extatic wanting to pinch myself, hardly believing what I was doing or where I was - but my hands were full! I was hooked, I simply had to be able to do this myself.

I went home after a really amazing time with some special friends and great memories and found a drumming teacher. I learned to drum, not bad for a beginner and was back at Autum Meet and was a drummer myself and definitely not the worst drummer in the circle :-).

So now, we get to the drumming magick. There are many times I dont take the time to drum for myself. But goodness, get me in a sacred circle or a not so sacred circle with folks that love to drum with me, and the magic happens. I am exhausted and renewed. I am filled with rhytym, community, connection, power and I am living my Bliss. It is something that truly is in the moment and takes me to the God/dess within. I feel it now with a sweet smile as I close my eyes and feel it and type about it. Words simply dont do it justice.

It was with the Phoenix Phamily that I discovered my drumming magick and it has become a significant part of my life. I even found my Mate while drumming peace. I am a well blessed woman.

So again, thanks for two very special things Phoenix Phamily. KWO and my Rhytym. I am blessed to have discovered them both with you.

Many Blessings -

Amber

First and foremost, thank you to all the Phamily that attended the event. The phamily was amazingly drama free! (which, from a staffing point of view is wonderful in itself.)

The negative was the weather. Cold temps on Friday night and on Saturday night made the event a little more uncomfortable than we would have wished. There was a positive from this though. It was wonderful to see Phamily pull together, some did not anticipate the weather, or had issues on the road to the event that meant they didn't have the means to deal with the cold the way they would have normally. Phamily pulled together, dug out extra stuff, and supported each other as a community, it was wonderful! As a reminder, we do drag that BFT (Big @*^%$& Trailer) around for a reason - Staff has extra gear, pillows, sleeping bags, heaters, etceteras available for those emergencies, when needed, just ask anyone on staff, we can do it, or get you to someone who can.

I'd like to again, thank the merchants, auctioneers, and Phamily who purchased, donated, and Called the impromptu auction on Saturday. Those same extras, tents, supplies, radios, and other gear, are becoming very dated. The replacement of those needed items was becoming a real problem, and the monies generated will do a very good job of fixing all that... Again Thank YOU!

I've had a few after festival complaints (Two, actually) about the dropping of tribal council, but, far more people have told me they are happy that we don't do it anymore. This was event number three without a council, and I've had, to date, 6 people say they wish it was back, and over 40 who are glad we don't do it. (And I only counted Unkle Mark the once!) So, until we hear from you that we need to start it back, it's stays off the schedule. I personally like the sunday morning brunch and Social much better anyway, it gives me a chance to bounce around an talk to at least a few more of the people I've missed chatting with during the event... I don't know about everyone else, but that is one of the things I like about festival.

The phamily that came together for main ritual did a superb job. the phamily crafted main ritual continues to be a highlight of our events, it's community building, it's coopritive, and it has created some very, very good rituals.

I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to the Sage and Crone circles. Both are beginning to move forward as entities of guidance and wisdom within our community. The coming of age rituals (Held each Spring, remember this, folks!!!!!) and the Sage / Crone rites (Held each fall) honoring the transitions of life that each of us go through have had a powerful impact for those making those transitions. Being available when Phamily needs experience and wisdom is proving more and more valuable as time goes on. Not just problem resolution, although some of you do that, but guidance as well... answering questions like "I want to go into business for myself, but what is the impact on my family going to be" or "Is there something I can do to help the babys teething pain?" or "Can you help me throw darts better?" <smile> Wisdom is wisdom and you are all full of it!

To our Featured Musicians, Emerald Rose... wonderful performances, wonderful interaction with the Phamily, you guys just Rock. Playing Bocca (sp?) in merchants row, general help and interaction with community - I don't know what to say but Wow! One anectdote to share. During the Friday night concert, a Phamily member came to me as I was wandering merchants row and said "They sound great, just like they were using a PA system.... How do they do that?" to which I had to reply, "Well, they are good musicians, but remember they are PAGAN musicians...." it was good for more than one smile that weekend....

Freedom, thank you again. the Saturday Dinner concert was wonderful, you put it all together very quickly and the results was fabulous!

Nybor and Elspeth, wonderful again. You been with this phamily for many years, and taught on many subjects. I could and do make a case for you two directly sculpting the methods and the paths this Phamily has taken. And thank you again for the gift of the portfolio.

Ivo, Jim and Jo. Ivo, you are always a delight, a fountain of knowledge, a good friend, and a lot more. Thank you for bringing a part of your Family to meet Phamily. We expected that they were going to be cool, how could they not? but they exceeded all expectations. Jim and Joe: Thank you, please come back!

To the staff!

Guardians: Dawn - You did a fine job as Coordinator, I'm very pleased that Phamily has a trained backup coordinator should Rowan be unable to attend an event again.

Rowan, John, Lena, Tim, Julia, and Kristin. Your work during the event was very good, I and the Phamily, thank you for your service.

Dr. Tom - thank you for your work at the first aid tent. It was refreshing how little you were needed - And I, for one, am happy to keep it that way! It's absolutely okay for you to have nothing to do... (I know you didn't quite make it, but we can strive for that, right?)

Site Management: Walker - good job Dude! The fire keepers, Thom, Nathan, Adrienne, and Barb did an exemplary job, I'd like to point out that Thom went above and beyond, he made at least two trips to Hidden River over the winter to drop off wood. We had plenty on hand, it was his fault!

The Drum Circle was mellow, was frenetic, was soft and was hard. Nighthawk did an excellent job of managing all of that.

Brian was right there every time something broke (and found time to play the pipes at Bardic too! How cool is that?)

Jeanie - Fantastic first event as Youth coordinator - you did Great!!! That whole "more volunteers than kids" thing is fine - please continue to implement that! Warning though, I've heard a number of Phamily mention that they left their kids at home, because they didn't know what their lil ones would do at a pagan event - now they know - and the Family is coming to be with Phamily!!! heh.....

to the kitchen staff - Morgan, Zephyr, Joanie, and our newest victim (uh.. Volunteer) Tree! THANK YOU! the food was great, almost always on time, and you were always pleasant and smiling.... One minor bit of criticism for the Chef: No, do not show someone where you camp and tell them to wake you if they miss a meal - the kitchen is closed at 3:00 am, dude... <smile>

To Our site managers: Todd, Jen, Cody, Jeff and Linda everyone of you did very very well, set up and break down went just about as smooth as I have ever seen it happen (with one exception, which I will comment on shortly). todd, in particular, I want to make a point of saying thank you, you brought your new family with you to meet your Phamily, and we all know how much of a handful two young boys in a new situation can be. You juggled a lot of eggs, and, although a few of them may have cracked a little, I don't think you could have done any better of a job than you did. Linda, Walker believes in a "jump in with both feet" sort of training experience - so he dumped a bunch on ya, and you handled it with flying colors. I do want to point out that when you were told that most problems can be fixed by "using your head" he didn't mean taking down a pavilion... I'm very glad you are okay, but remember the new montra "Duck!"

Lisa - the staff Booth, setup, breakdown, gopher, pretty much anything needed. The label "Shop Rat" is an inside joke that has a meaning of respect, and appreciation, as you well know. It's unfortunate that there were people who thought it was derogatory, it isn't and wasn't - you are the best Shop Rat there is!

And to our Registration staff:

Kate, you did great, you handled things smoothly while Dianne was off site, off radio, or just a little off <smile> Thank you so much for being there. Dianne.... what else can I say about you my love? You do a damn fine job of everything you touch. I appreciate you more than you can ever know.


And Finally:

Vendors, Presenters, Staff, Listeners, Talkers, everyone on site. It was an amazing event. I had one ofthe best times ever, and I keep saying that. We had a string of events with major drama of one sort of another back around the turn of the millennia. We're done with that, we've grown, moved on, and moved forward. It's all because of you. We are not putting on a show, we're following an idea. Thank you, becasue it takes every single one of you to make it happen. I want this to continue. We celebrated 15 years of doing this, I should have 15 or 20 more in me at least. But, I also want to make sure this thing survives me. that is why we chronicle, that is why we ask for volunteers for staff, that is why we have tried to pursue permanent land. If you value this thing as I do, lets take some time out to reflect on what we can do to make it permanent. How can we pursue land, intentional community, replacements for the breakable bits (like Wade), and any other thing you can think of that will contributetothe betterment and longevity of this community.

Again, I THANK YOU ALL for PhoenixPhyre 2007. My batteries are recharged, I'm ready to face the world once again.


WAde Berlin, Proud Phamily Member.

Pagan Night
For the, Phoenix Phire Family April 2007

Souls journey from beyond the miles,
Hearts seeking unto familiar smiles.
Within the pines the energy now awakes,
Here we find blessings none shall forsake.

Together we are drawn to the rhythmic sounds,
As unseen forces make our hearts beat and pound.
By the wisdom of the ancients we do aspire,
To summon the flames, the Lord of the Fire.

Our family united as one spirit in light,
Celebrating together on this Pagan night.
The drums echoing hidden memories past,
As we dance within our circle of energy cast.

With blessings and honor we summon in dreams,
Through stories of magick and life to be gleamed.
Lord of fire, give unto us thy magickal sight,
To see beyond the veils of this Pagan night.

Lanterns and candles dance to give light,
Calling unto our spirits now to take flight.
Smokey images float on the fragrant air,
Now is the time for our hearts soar without care.

In the veils before our eyes, in the darkness we see,
Visions of people and places in this world unseen.
Circling together in a spell beckoning trance,
Smiling like shadows they join in our dance.

The wind sings in a thousand voices strong,
Spirits of those now past joining in our song.
Distance veils unlocked to all that seek within,
Hearts forever opened by the love of a friend.

Around and around the drums move us on,
Beckoning to the light of the breaking dawn.
Flames leaping high in the dark Pagan night,
Soon we must end our mystical flight.

Bonfires now burning to an amber glow,
Echoes of darkness give way to mornings flow.
Now we see the blush, of the morning light,
Bringing the end, to this Pagan night.


By; Lady Abigail
Copyright © 15042007

As you may, or may not, know.....at AutumnMeet, I was crying on Wynette's shoulder about a room in my home I could not use because of water damage to walls and floor and a mold problem in there. I was just venting to my cuz, because my Fred works his butt off at his job and didn't have the time, energy, or skills to fix the room and I couldn't/wouldn't vent my frustration on him anyway. He does all he can already. Cousins come in handy that way. But Wynette went and told Wade. Then Wade comes along, with a gloomy face on, and says I hurt his feelings. I ask what the hell I did now......and he said he was hurt because I didn't let him know I needed help. Then I cried a bit. Then Wade arranged a work weekend at my home, Dragonwood.

To all of you who came, who de-constructed, and who re-constructed the room on our house..........a million thank you's are not sufficient to express my graditude./r Beginning with my Big Brother, Wade; the lovely Diane; the supremely competent Lisa; the fascinating Squeeky-bird (who helped keep me from pestering Wade!)........and....

John and Dawn and Jeannie and Todd (and his big truck) and Jimmy and Jenanne and Nikki and Alex and Panther and Jim (who is the electric and phone go-to man) and Marty and Mike and Jeff and Adrian (how's the poor thumb?) and not forgetting..../r Dee and James and Wilser and David (the other David, not Dee's husband) who hauled off burnables and burned them, and hauled stuff to the big truck and who chopped elephant ears and ginger out of the way and did many other things I did not see because I kept having to go sit down.....

Zephyr, Wynette and Steph who kept the Gator-ade, water, and sodas flowing and sandwiches and pizza handy to fill bellies.....and Jesse who kept me sane...and Ariel who trotted around doing whatever anyone needed a small girl-child to do....and Shelley who fetched in water in those handy little bottles.........

To all of you....my eternal thanks.

There was blood shed, and sweat.....there were feet going through that old rotten floor, there were muscles strained and tempers frayed.....but as far as I'm aware, there were no serious injuries....for which I am grateful. I felt enough guilt for having to ask for help, I'm just glad I don't have to feel guilty for anyone getting seriously hurt.

And I must say I never saw so many tools that make a job easier to do! Amazing! The only hand tools I've ever seen that worked by air compression are the wrenches a tire man uses to loosen the nuts on tires. I should have known Wade would have the most efficient tools around!

So, there's a new floor in there, and new walls, and electric outlets and phone jacks, and the ceiling is fixed, and the sheetrock is "taped and mudded".....and there is a ceiling light where there was none before, and a switch by the door, which I find very cool! It will take us a little time to finish off the room, but now it is manageable with the skills we have.

As my Circle-sister, Dee, said....that gang rocks!!!! And I only recall one time Wade had to tell me I needed to be someplace else! Ardy