tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post1885819629117607224..comments2023-10-14T05:01:26.397-05:00Comments on Fort Smith Stylista: Wherein I Digress ... A LotAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630135395645059302noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-51916624819094734222014-03-12T03:31:11.464-05:002014-03-12T03:31:11.464-05:00Thanks for all that fascinating information so wel...Thanks for all that fascinating information so well presented! I am always interested in philosophies, religions and belief systems and enjoy reading about them though I don't formally adhere to anything myself. I can find some level of comfort in anything that has no literal theism but find no need to frame my life with anything that resembles a religion. I am a sort of pagan, non-believing Buddhist, pantheist who prefers not to spend much time in groups. I would probably make a half decent solitary witch but I am not attracted to rituals at all. I don't even eat or sleep with much routine.Shawna McCombernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-15234651472913240612014-03-07T17:56:57.664-06:002014-03-07T17:56:57.664-06:00Well, I did not know all that, Jan. Thanks for ta...Well, I did not know all that, Jan. Thanks for taking the time to educate me on some of the finer things in your life.paonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-3943368938036329752014-03-04T19:41:45.041-06:002014-03-04T19:41:45.041-06:00This is why I love visiting your blog. You are alw...This is why I love visiting your blog. You are always writing about such interesting things and I often come away feeling like I've learned something. I'm not a fan of organized religion for a myriad of reasons and it sounds to me like Druidism is something I could be cool with.<br />Debbie<br />www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.comDebbie Stinedurfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-64624984875270420052014-03-03T15:26:09.707-06:002014-03-03T15:26:09.707-06:00Well spoken, oh Druidess divne. Some of what you ...Well spoken, oh Druidess divne. Some of what you said sounds very much like the values taught at my childrens' "Classical Education" school wherein they "educate students for the lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty". I will have to ask the headmaster if they study any Druid scholars! <br /><br />xo,<br />AlyssaAlyssa W.http://matchymatchymidlife.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-30516374993108655792014-03-03T13:28:59.105-06:002014-03-03T13:28:59.105-06:00What an informative post!! I learned so much....w...What an informative post!! I learned so much....wow!<br />I'm of Scottish (mostly) and Irish/Welsh heritage with a smidge of German. <br />Anam Cara<br />(means "soul friend" in Gaelic)Tamera Ferguson Wolfenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-76841135634673279292014-03-03T10:33:36.774-06:002014-03-03T10:33:36.774-06:00What an interesting persepective, Natalia! The wh...What an interesting persepective, Natalia! The whole movement was really beginning to take hold here in the US in the eighties, as you say. <br />Hope you're having a great day and I wish you a fabulous week. Can't wait to see wha you'll be wearing!Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-85693990709101578872014-03-03T10:31:16.040-06:002014-03-03T10:31:16.040-06:00Have fun, Val. Thanks for reading. I'm very ...Have fun, Val. Thanks for reading. I'm very glad you enjoyed what I had to say. <br />Have a great week!Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-85297010637951521822014-03-03T10:30:17.077-06:002014-03-03T10:30:17.077-06:00So sweet of you, Seeker ... you are always so kind...So sweet of you, Seeker ... you are always so kind. No amazingness here, but I do get enthusiastic about stuff! I don't know a great deal about Reiki, but I do know that it's a great and honorable and very sane way to live. Thank you for reading and all your kind wishes. I return all of them to you with my very best intentions! Have a great week, and I hope your weather is treating you better! <br />(We're iced in for the day here!)Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-64983154054449887552014-03-03T10:23:04.542-06:002014-03-03T10:23:04.542-06:00Drop me an email if you ever want more info. I kno...Drop me an email if you ever want more info. I know what you're talking about. There's a lot of crazy out there. Don't mean to be judgy, but I do believe absolutely in a cultivated sense of discernment. Just sayin'.<br /><br />It usually takes a lot to be tossed out of most alternative group ... what did you DO? Yikes.Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-59835719453846338822014-03-03T10:07:19.953-06:002014-03-03T10:07:19.953-06:00I'm a pedant of the worst sort, sometimes, but...I'm a pedant of the worst sort, sometimes, but I'm glad you get a kick out of my goings-on. We'd like nothing better than to spend extended time in your end of the world. Newgrange is high on my list. Someday.Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-70080296777843329662014-03-03T09:57:31.642-06:002014-03-03T09:57:31.642-06:00I had to go back and look at what you wrote ... my...I had to go back and look at what you wrote ... my goodness; no offence imagined, taken, inferred, even for a second. It is actually a good question. There are groups where stratification is very important. In one of the oldest of the modern and international orders (not mine) the members belong to one of three areas of interest, Bards (music, poetry or the arts) Ovates (prophesy, the mystical arts) or Druids ( the civil arts, teaching, judicial, etc.) In typical American style, we lump things together and many of our organizations promote equality and non-stratification. Others need and build in more structure, similar to the UK versions. There were Celts in southern Netherlands, as well ... which I'm sure you know.<br />I'd have to note that I can see you are rich in your own creativity ... you have some strong aesthetics functioning in your own style! Appreciating and participating in the creativity in others can be creative in itself, IMHO.<br />Our recent (last 300 years or so) we know are from Ireland and Scotland in pretty much equal parts, a bit of English and a French cajun great grandmother thrown into the mix.<br />Glad you enjoyed my little basics-brief. Thank you for reading and writing!Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-91911183378687251442014-03-03T01:40:34.624-06:002014-03-03T01:40:34.624-06:00Dear Jan, this is such a wonderful article! I actu...Dear Jan, this is such a wonderful article! I actually read it out loud to my husband, and we both loved it! He knew about Druidism much more than I did, but I had a general idea. I think I read about it in late 80s back in Russia (after the iron curtain fell, we got an access to lots of information which was hidden from most of folk after the October Revolution in 1917). I do remember that I had a very warm feeling reading about this spiritual tradition back then, and I can absolutely relate to all of what you described here. I had no idea though that Druidism is still active in the modern world! I thought it is just ancient stuff. :) We are very down to earth people, Justin and I, and our believes are very simple - we just try to do our best to live life with love, live naturally, and be true to ourselves. I think we are on the same page (or somewhat close) with your believes. It was a beautiful concise article, and I truly enjoyed it! Thank you very much for sharing!Natalia Lialinahttp://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-55269665348493440572014-03-03T00:36:05.563-06:002014-03-03T00:36:05.563-06:00Hello, V! Thanks for dropping by. So glad you li...Hello, V! Thanks for dropping by. So glad you liked my little "short guide." I was surprised how many readers actually wanted to know more about it. It is extremely personal, but not entirely private. It has always appealed to me as the least crazy of the alternative Western paths. <br />Every year, on a national holiday (or the Queen's birthday, or anniversary, possibly Christmas or New Year ... can't remember which)The Eisteddfod of Wales sends the reigning monarch a sprig of mistletoe as a reminder of the bonds between England and Wales. Pretty interesting tradition, I've always thought.<br />Know you've been so busy with Fashion Week ... how cool is that? Looking forward to seeing and hearing more about it from your perspective!<br />I hope things are calming down, looking up and lightening up for you.<br />Very glad to hear from you, always.Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-34645276836195946882014-03-03T00:15:43.151-06:002014-03-03T00:15:43.151-06:00Thanks, Ann! Glad you found it interesting. Lots...Thanks, Ann! Glad you found it interesting. Lots of Grahams in the diaspora, but who knows ... perhaps we are related. You must surely come from the tall, willowy branch of the clan. I'm from the short, stubby Grahams. But definitely Scottish at some point. The name derives from the Norman invaders from southern England, and arrived in the far north a little later. <br />She wasn't a Texan or a Virginian was she?Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-48102892466494085722014-03-03T00:07:55.334-06:002014-03-03T00:07:55.334-06:00They've certainly made use of Stonehenge, but ...They've certainly made use of Stonehenge, but it's a lot older than the period when the Druids were priests and religious leaders, starting about 300 BCE. (It took from about 3100 to 1600 BCE to complete.) Lots more use since the 19th century, surely, because of the Celtic Revivals, and certainly by modern Druids and Neo-Pagans of all kinds. <br />Glad you found the little post interesting, Paula.Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-49966609369365109082014-03-02T23:42:17.666-06:002014-03-02T23:42:17.666-06:00This is really interesting. I realize now how litt...This is really interesting. I realize now how little I actually knew about Druidism. This make me want to do some research on my own. Thanks for your thoughtful and coherent explanation, Jan!Val S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-35045419632996888542014-03-02T23:08:18.929-06:002014-03-02T23:08:18.929-06:00Glad you liked it, Suzanne. Thanks for taking the...Glad you liked it, Suzanne. Thanks for taking the time to wade through it.Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-77822750916855655072014-03-02T22:55:59.173-06:002014-03-02T22:55:59.173-06:00Actually, Connie, I didn't know a single Druid...Actually, Connie, I didn't know a single Druidy-type in Alaska. I grew up among some of the flaky-lovely-hippy-tree huggers in California, but didn't come into contact with the American orders and organizations until the Internet made it possible. <br />Glad you enjoyed my little post, Connie. Lots of kindred spirits are out there ... we can love our oaks and our shoes at the same time!Jan Graham-McMillenhttp://www.fortsmithstylista.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-1723105794779840482014-03-02T20:44:33.688-06:002014-03-02T20:44:33.688-06:00Thank you so much Jan for such interesting article...Thank you so much Jan for such interesting article about this theme. I can see you living by theirs values and why. You're such an amazing person.<br />I feel very much related to the point... "as a philosophical or spiritual pursuit, or both". I also find myself being more of a spiritual person than religious. I try to live by the Reiki Principles, I'm just a second degree, I don't feel I'm prepared for being a master.<br />Well, you provoke my curiosity and I guess I will seek for more......<br />May spirit send you the comfort of the universe and a smile for your heart.<br />Namasté<br />xoxoSeeker .noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-36864827071834830722014-03-02T17:22:02.418-06:002014-03-02T17:22:02.418-06:00I really, really relate to this! I'm not an of...I really, really relate to this! I'm not an official "Druid" but maybe I should look into it. Do they take eccentric, half-Cuban, half French wheelchair girls like me? <br />In case you're wondering if I'm just being silly, I've actually been thrown out of or excluded from several different faith-based groups so it's a legit question.<br /><br /><br />Alicia<br />spashionista.comSpashionistahttp://spashionista.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-79534176154406140472014-03-02T16:00:16.984-06:002014-03-02T16:00:16.984-06:00How fascinating, Jan - it's an education comin...How fascinating, Jan - it's an education coming to your blog, and I really like that! Druidism clearly aims to be a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to life (holistic, as Veshoevius says) so I an see why it appeals to you. You really should be living here, you know - Vix is right, you'd adore Stonehenge and all the other stone circles around the UK and Ireland! xxxCurtisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-80233743912065813982014-03-02T11:08:05.014-06:002014-03-02T11:08:05.014-06:00My goodness, you are much more than a pretty face....My goodness, you are much more than a pretty face. I already discovered a little bit when you reveiled your art accomplishments. But this explanation makes me ashamed of my comment in your previous post. I did not want to be funny or judge or anything, but it still is a stupid remark after reading this. <br /><br />I can wholeheartedly applaud such movements. When I was reading Values, Virtues and Ethics I was already thinking "Oh that is me! I recognize myself in this". Until it came to creativity. I am afraid I will never rank high on that subject. I always say I have the creativity of a steel door. Whether I am intelligent and philosophical enough... hmmm I doubt it. <br /><br />Presumably you are a Kelt? Or your ancestors?<br /><br />GreetjeNo fear of fashionhttp://www.nofearoffashion.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-37952452557711089272014-03-01T16:43:15.171-06:002014-03-01T16:43:15.171-06:00Jan this was fascinating! Though I failed to comme...Jan this was fascinating! Though I failed to comment on your last posts the factoid about the druid orders was the one that piqued my curiosity the most, so thank you for sharing was is actually a very personal part of you. Who knew the Queen was a member of a druid order? I certainly didn't. I come away from your blog as ever newly educated and stuffed with interesting food for thought. The druid values and philosophy you've described seem very sound to me - and holistic too - I like that they value creativity as well as the scientific method.Veshoeviusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-14305178781991849532014-02-28T20:33:59.997-06:002014-02-28T20:33:59.997-06:00Very interesting Jan, thanks for sharing this with...Very interesting Jan, thanks for sharing this with me. I can relate to so much of what you describe here. Can't help but mention this on this post. My mother's maiden name was Graham. Who knows we might be related!<br /><br /><br />blue hue wonderlandAnn Woodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6864029619879531761.post-32488018796087177262014-02-28T14:09:57.386-06:002014-02-28T14:09:57.386-06:00I have been to stonehenge, and if i remember it wo...I have been to stonehenge, and if i remember it would have been the druids practicing there? Thanks for more complete background, Jan. i have wondered about modern druids actually. XoxoPaula Rutanoreply@blogger.com