MAY 2004 APA Newsletter
Editress: Ginger Strivelli
The May Day Celebration report by Amber;
The APA May Day 2004 gathering was a success. (Of course, this was
my first.) From what I understand, Ginger and Beth were there early
to reserve the spot, so they hung out and read Tarot cards while
eating donuts. Then everyone started to arrive. (I believe that Sean
and my family pulled up at the same time.) Slowly group by group we
trickled in. (I'm not sure what order everyone arrived in.) The
weather was nice, not to hot, not to cold. We collected one can for
Ceres at the site, Ginger was going to add when she got home.
Once we were set up, there was a buffet of side dishes (coleslaw
soup, pasta salad and chips) as well as desserts (lemon cake, gluten
free white cake, pecan pie, the `official cake', my weird fruit
salad stuff.). All the food was delicious. The Strivelli children
got their potato chips, while Sybilsue informed my husband and I
that "Food is more precious than gold, unless you're going to buy
food with the gold."
Beth opened the circle; Ginger led the fertility rite and blessing
of the seeds, and Paula closed the circle. Ginger then saw to the
falling May Pole (wait till I get my pictures developed. ;)) and the
children danced and enjoyed themselves. After circle everyone (but
me and my weird gluten free family) shared in the 'official cake'.
The 'Official Cake' was a chocolate cake with 'Merry May Day'
written all pretty on top. Everyone finished the day enjoying each
others company by talking and sharing stories about family members.
After my daughter took a spill and split her scab open, we got on
the subject of putting vinegar on sunburns and home remedies for
scrapes and what not. Then slowly group by group, we left. Just as
we had came.
Not all of us made it but quite a few did, including Moss, who made
it right as Ginger and I were heading home ways. (Sorry Moss.) We
greatly missed all who didn't make it.
Merry Beltane, Y'all.
Amber
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FROM OUR BOOK OF SHADOWS;
Recipe submitted By Ginger Strivelli
1. 7-UP LEMON CHEESECAKE WITH Cherry GLAZE (No Bake!)
CRUMB CRUST:
2 c Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c Powdered sugar
1/2 c Butter; melted
1 ts Cinnamon
7-UP FILLING:
1 pk Unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 c cherry 7-up; divided
1 sm Lemon pudding & pie filling; - not instant
6 tb Sugar
2 Eggs; beaten
3/4 c Water
11 oz Cream cheese; softened
Cherry pie filling topping
CRUST: Combine well the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and
melted butter. Press onto bottom and part of the way up sides of buttered 9"
round pan; chill.
FILLING: Soften unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup cherry 7-up for 4 minutes. In a
saucepan combine pie filling, sugar, beaten eggs and water. Blend well. Add
1-1/4 cup cherry 7-up and bring just to a boil over medium heat stirring
constantly; remove from heat. Stir in softened gelatin; cool 3 minutes. Add
1/2 cup of this warm mixture to softened cream cheese; mash together. Mix
together with remaining cherry 7-up mixture and stir until well blended. Turn into
chilled crust and chill for at least 8 hours. Remove from pan and add
topping.
TOPPING: Brush top of chilled cheesecake with cherry pie filling.
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Sacred Sites Section:
Submitted by Joy Joza
The Great Smoky Mountains have long been considered a sacred
place for many reasons. It is sacred to the Cherokee Indians
and other tribes who have lived here in the edges of the
Great Smokies of NC for centuries and also to all those who
respect Mother Nature. All nature spots are sacred sites,
but some hold specific focused energy that, when
experienced directly, can awaken us to greater awareness
and self-realization. Being in nature can greatly enhance our
connection with the divinity of the planet. It is our
direct link to the heart and soul of Gaia, the Earth Mother.
These peoples consciously honored the Earth Mother in
their sacred ceremonies, and they sought out these
special places during their vision quests because they
could feel the focused spiritual energy and inherent
sacredness of each location. There are many waterfalls,
caves, a granite monoliths, rocky cliffs, and the awe
inspiring Linville Gorge where you could find divine
inspiration for your spiritual energy to honor the
sacred Goddess and/ God.
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