Deaf Community Reacts Idaho Falls ASL Mural

WATCH [CC] - Idaho Falls' new downtown mural gets thumbs down from Deaf community.

IDAHO FALLS -- KPVI News: A mural in downtown Idaho Falls is seeing a huge backlash in the Deaf community, after using American Sign Language incorrectly.

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Tucked away in an alley on the 400 block of Park Avenue, a mural that was commissioned for ACLU's 25th year in Idaho may appear to use sign language, but looks can be deceiving.



Alexander Low said "I looked at it for the first time and I thought oh... That's a really nice thought... I was impressed with that... Then I realized that I couldn't understand what it was signing I kept looking at it trying to figure it out..."



Backlash against the artwork has been strong, with several Facebook posts speaking against the mural.



The palms of the hand formation are facing the center, and not towards the viewer. This causes it to not actually mean anything.



Ricky Taylor said "So in ASL there are rules... There is structure just like any language. And so the artist has to show the palm orientation of the ASL has to be specific... When I see that mural it didn't really make sense..."



The art was supposed to represent understanding through different communications.



Many are saying it would have been better to hire a Deaf artist.



Taylor also said "There is a famous quote... You have to be Deaf to understand this experience... And so the artist herself is a hearing person... It doesn't mean that she is a bad person she's good... But she doesn't understand deafness... What it means to be Deaf..."



As it stands now, it is confusing and a misrepresentation of the language and culture.



The Deaf community is now looking for solutions, including working with them to fix the problem.



Low also said "I kept looking at it trying to figure it out... It looked like gang signs... The hand shapes of maybe some gang signs... It still wouldn't make sense to anybody knowing sign language... The colors are wonderful but I really think they need to re do the hands..."



The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation who was commissioned to make the mural did not want to comment but they are looking to talk with the public about how to fix it.



Alexander Low said "I looked at it for the first time and I thought oh... that's a really nice thought... i was impressed with that... then I realized that I couldn't understand what it was signing I kept looking at it trying to figure it out..."



Ricky Taylor said "So in ASL there is rules... there is structure just like any language.. and so the artist has to show the palm orientation of the ASL has to be specific... when i see that mural it didn't really make sense..."



"There is a famous quote... You have to be Deaf to understand this experience... And so the artist herself is a hearing person... It doesn't mean that she is a bad person she's good... But she doesn't understand deafness... What it means to be Deaf..."



"I kept looking at it trying to figure it out... It looked like gang signs... The hand shapes of maybe some gang signs... It still wouldn't make sense to anybody knowing sign language... The colors are wonderful but i really think they need to re do the hands..."



SOURCE - KPVI News



Related Posts:

#DeafNews

#RickyTaylor

Deaf Haunted House Story 'Nightmare Factory'

WATCH [CC] - Haunted House Story: OSD's 'Nightmare Factory'.

SALEM, Oregon -- Calvin Young, a Deaf traveler known as Seek the World on YouTube channel, exploring the world to discover and share amazing story about the Oregon School for the Deaf's Nightmare Factory.

Did you know Oregon School for the Deaf has the haunted house also known as the Nightmare Factory. It has been going for 31 years. 13,000 - 15,000 people coming through their haunted underground! It was featured and renovated by television show - Extreme Makeover! Check out some cool Deaf students' outfit and their thoughts on involving OSD's haunted house!



Follow @NightmareFactory:

Facebook - https://facebook.com/nightmarefactorysalem

Official Site - https://osd.k12.or.us/nightmare-factory



SOURCE - Seek The World



Related:

Nightmare Factory - Oregon School For The Deaf



Follow @SeektheWorld:

Facebook - https://facebook.com/seektheworld2015

Instagram - https://instagram.com/seektheworld

GooglePlus - https://plus.google.com/seektheworld2015

Patreon: http://bit.ly/stwpatreon

Pinterest - https://pinterest.com/seektheworld

Portfolio - http://bit.ly/stwphotography

Twitter - https://twitter.com/seektheworld_

YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/seektheworld

Website - http://seektheworld.com



Related Seek The World:

Seek The World, A Deaf Adventurer

INSIDER: Calvin Young, Deaf World Traveler

Seek The World: INES - Brazil's First Deaf School

Signing Merry Christmas In 57 Sign Languages

Signing Happy New Year in 76 Sign Languages

The World's First Public Deaf School in France

The Story of Katrina Deaf Survivor

Museum of Deaf - History, Arts & Culture

Deaf Haunted House Story 'Nightmare Factory'

Erik Jensen - The Deaf Keyboard Muralist

Dal's Poke - Canada's New Deaf Restaurant



Related Posts: #DeafTravel -- #DeafTravelers



BONUS: Free Game Online - The Halloween - Creepy and Scary Game



Related:

Top 10s Creepiest Urban Legends Compilation

Halloween The Ultimate Horror Video Compilation

Starbucks Opens First U.S. 'Signing Store'

WATCH [CC] - Starbucks opening its first U.S. 'Signing Store' catering to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers in Washington DC.

WASHINGTON -- Fox News' Lauren Blanchard on Starbucks unveiled on Tuesday its first United States-based store designed specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers near Gallaudet University in the D.C.

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Located in Washington, D.C., the “signing store” employs about 20 to 25 people - all of whom know American Sign Language. And to allow for easier hand movements and better communication, it features lower tables and counters, brighter lights and no background music.



“We’ll teach them some signs, ‘Here’s my name, what’s your name, pointing to the apron,’ Starbucks store manager Matthew Gilsbach said on Tuesday. “It’s a nice way to make that customer’s experience legendary, and that connection happen.”



The store also offers a picture menu so customers can point to which items they’d like to order, and an iPad so they can write down what they want.



Starbucks collaborated with Gallaudet University, the only one in the world that caters to the Deaf and partial-hearing community to create the store.



In 2016, the Seattle-based coffee giant first opened a “Signing Store” in Malaysia.



“This is a historic moment in Starbucks’ ongoing journey to connect with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, hire and engage Deaf and Hard of Hearing partners, and continue to find ways to be more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all,” Rossann Williams, the executive vice president of U.S. retail for Starbucks, said in a news release.



SOURCE FOX Business



Related Starbucks:

Starbucks Opening Café Staffed By Deaf Baristas

Deaf Woman's Video At Starbucks Goes Viral

Deaf Man Receives Note From Starbucks Barista

Deaf Customers Sue Starbucks Over Mocking

Deaf Korean Starbucks Barista The Signs

Starbucks Sued For Discrimination Deaf Employee



Related Deaf-Operated:

Kentucky Fried Chicken Operated By Deaf People

Deaf School Versus Mainstream School

WATCH [ASL/CC] - Hearing parents of a Deaf child: What are the differences between Deaf schools and Mainstream schools.

This video is for especially hearing parents of a Deaf child. This video shows and explains the differences between Deaf schools and Mainstream schools, hopefully to help you make informed decisions for your Deaf child, whether you should send your Deaf child to a Deaf school (also called a Deaf Institute, a school for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children) or if you should mainstream your Deaf child.

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For those who do not know what mainstream means, the mainstream definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary reads, “to place (a student, such as a disabled child) in regular school classes”. Basically, it means to send your Deaf child to a hearing school, or mainstream school as some people call it. There are a few different options of mainstreaming.



Few public mainstream schools have Deaf & Hard of Hearing (D/HH) programs at mainstream schools… some Deaf children stay in the D/HH program all day, some others are mainstreamed into hearing classes for a part or all of the day accompanied by sign language interpreters. Another option of mainstreaming is to send your Deaf child to a school that does not have a Deaf / Hard of Hearing program, meaning your Deaf child would be mainstreamed in hearing classes all day, usually accompanied by a sign language interpreter and sometimes that also means your Deaf child could be the only Deaf kid at school or sometimes there may be a few other Deaf students also. These mainstreaming options are not mentioned in the video but will be discussed in a future video.



Quick statistics re: Deaf children- 2 or 3 in every 1,000 children here in the United States are born Deaf or Hard of Hearing (nad.org) and most of Deaf children, more than 90%, are born to hearing parents. And about 86% of Deaf students are in mainstream schools.



This video features a short campus tour of a school for the Deaf, a residential school for Deaf children at California School For The Deaf in Fremont.



The tour guide compares Deaf schools and mainstream schools and discusses the benefits and advantages of attending a residential Deaf school vs. attending a mainstream school. The tour guide also shares about Deaf Education, how different Deaf education is in mainstream schools compared to Deaf schools, which is very different… a very informative video for hearing parents who are wanting to learn more about Deaf education and options for their Deaf child.



Be sure to watch the following video after this, an interview with a Deaf football coach who strongly believes that Deaf children should go to Deaf schools. In the interview we talked about the pros and cons re: Deaf schools- both benefits & advantages and disadvantages. Link here: https://youtu.be/YGaxh0P4Vb4



Here is a link to the list of Deaf schools here in United States including some mainstream schools that have Deaf / Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) programs: http://gallaudet.edu/clerc-cente



Gallaudet University’s Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center has more information and resources for hearing parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children: http://gallaudet.edu/clerc-cente



Subscribe Ashley Clark Fry Channel on YouTube for more videos.



SOURCE - Signed With Heart



"Alone In A Hearing World" shows true to life scenarios of a young Deaf boy growing up in a hearing world. With family members who can't communicate and continuous misunderstandings by his teachers and coaches, he is forced to live in a world of isolation. However, when he pleas for his Mothers understanding and falls short, he ends up in the only place he seems to find acceptance.



"Alone In The Mainstream" (best seller book for the teachers) - A Deaf women remembers public schools - Gina A. Oliva in which a book is a part of education for hearing parents to understanding with Deaf children in the mainstream schools.



Related #AshleyClarkFry:

What It's Like To Raise A Deaf Child

Deaf School Versus Mainstream School



Related Mainstreaming School:

Deaf School Versus Mainstream School

Alone In A Hearing World

Mainstream School Lacks Communication Access

Dropout Rate Among Mainstream Deaf Students

Mainstream School Is Failing Deaf Students

Living In Between The Deaf And Hearing Worlds

Deaf Awareness 'Voiceless' Short Film



Related Bully at Mainstreaming:

Bullies Dump Deaf Student's Backpack In Toilet

Bullied Deaf Boy Forced To Leave School

Deaf Girl's Bullying In Mainstream School

Deaf Victim Of Bullying At Three Different Schools

Deaf Student Bullied at the AG Bell School

Deaf People Bullied By The AG Bell Association



Related Hearing Parents With Deaf Children:

Interview With Hearing Parents Of A Deaf Son

Educate Hearing Parents of Deaf Children

Early Language Acquisition of Deaf Babies

Deaf Awareness: One Deaf Child

American Sign Language For Babies & Toddlers

Cochlear Implants Is NOT A Cure !

Why Is It Important To Learn Sign At Birth For Deaf Child ?

Educating Hearing People About The Deaf World

Class Signs 'Happy Birthday' For Deaf Custodian

WATCH [CC] - Tennessee kindergarten class signs 'Happy Birthday' song to Deaf custodian goes viral on social media.

TULLAHOMA, TN -- NBC Nightly News: Kindergarten class learns to sign ‘Happy Birthday’ in heartfelt surprise for his 60th birthday, because beloved custodian Mr. James is Deaf, the kids at Hickerson Elementary knew they had to do more than sing “Happy Birthday.” They learned how to sign it.

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NBC News is a leading source of global news and information. Here you will find clips from NBC Nightly News, Meet The Press, and original digital videos. Subscribe to our channel for news stories, technology, politics, health, entertainment, science, business, and exclusive NBC investigations.



SOURCE - NBC Nightly News



Related: Deaf News

The Great October Book Giveaway - The Magic of Aidan Wachter

The lucky folks receiving Six Ways are:

Nichola
Jason
Lisa T.

Thank you again for joining me this year - you've made my autumn extra glorious!

************************************

The kind of weather that only deep October brings moved into the valley last night, winds tearing leaves from the trees and sending them spinning in fiery-coloured tornadoes. It rained lightly, but more moisture is on its way. I'm looking worriedly at the Halloween forecast, but the last days of October are always a roll of the dice. And in the end, the truly devoted creatures are out haunting the streets on the 31st no matter the temperature.

The month's completion brings us not only a parade of costumed revelers (and whatever celebrations we get up to ourselves) but for the past several years I've tucked my October festivities away with a final gift from my wonderful friend Aidan Wachter.

Aidan is a talismanic artist, author, dirt sorcerer, and an all-around fantastic human being. He is in the process of revising how he creates and releases his talismans to the world and is nearly ready to pull back the curtain on his shop again. While re-working his artistic process, caring for a small farm with his amazing partner, and hopping from interview to interview, Aidan found some time to sign a few copies of his first book and send them along for you.

Six Ways: Approaches and Entries for Practical Magic is an exceptional read. Offering solid methods for personal work, ritual ideas, and laying out how the author has formed and molded his own praxis over many years, Six Ways is an absolute gem. Whether you are new to magical practice or have been working your own system for ages, you will be sure to find something to inspire you in this book. It is compact in size but vast in scope - I've read it twice and have several dozen sticky flags all over it. It's also peppered with Aidan's wit and humour, which makes it wildly fun to settle in with, too.

Be sure keep up with Aidan online or subscribe to his newsletter in order to hear when his shop re-opens and he begins to release his wild magic once more.

I have three copies of this fabulous read to slip into your hands as October fades away and the Wild Host rides us into the November chill. Please leave a comment before 9pm Pacific on Thursday November 1st. Alternately, you can use the "make contact" form above if the Blogger comment platform isn't playing nice. You can get your name in the hat a second time if you want to share a link to this giveaway or any of Aidan's wonderful work. Just pop back around to let me know and I'll make sure you get entered again. As always, please ensure that there is an email attached to your comment or account in some way so I can get in touch with you if your name is pulled.

Thank you again for joining in the autumn fun with me this month. Every year I get so much joy out of sharing the wonders I find, and it makes it all the more festive that you get such a kick out of playing along. I believe that in the end, I will have sent out a total of twenty packages of October cheer this month and it wouldn't be nearly as grand without the generosity and kindness of some of the artists and authors who help me pass along their work in this yearly celebration.

I hope the last days of this magical month are exceptionally good to you.

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop

The Great October Book Giveaway - A Life Enchanted

Edited Oct 26/18


The following folks are taking home books:

Earth Works - Heidi and Misty F.

Italian Folk Magic - Shell

The Enchanted Life - mxtodis


*******************

The days of October slip by too briskly each year and I find myself caught in a whirlwind of activity, trying to eke out as many sweet and magical moments as I can before the month expires. I have been to a spooky corn maze, lingered by bonfires, perused fall markets, nibbled warm cinnamon-dusted doughnuts (purchased to keep my cold hands warm, as much as for the taste), and am still planning a selection of Halloween-themed jaunts as we race toward that bewitching evening.

But I also understand that the enchantment doesn't end when October does. It lingers in our daily lives, in the wonder of nature and the seasons beyond our doors, through the tides of our years. It is in our stories, our family lore, our personal practices. It is in how we make a home and feed ourselves (and others). It flows through our gifts and celebrations and is something to be acknowledged, sought, cultivated.

When you stop believing in magic, in the wonder around every corner, when you stop leaving a plate out for ancestors or St. Nicholas, if there is no joy in gardening or mending or singing charms...when a feather is just a feather and flowers no longer heal...then you are in trouble.

This year three books came out that were good reminders that enchantment can be found everywhere - even in the places it can be difficult to look. These books speak of family, folklore, strength and healing. They offer personal stories and more worldly tales. There are recipes and ceremonies and spells to weave. There is deep wisdom here, and I'm wildly happy to get to share them with you.

Take a closer look at these beauties here:

Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time by H. Byron Ballard

"Earthwork" is a word used to describe a constructed bank of dirt, often raised in ancient cultures as a means of defense. Earth Works is a book of essays and rituals for a time of deep cultural change, a shift that author Byron Ballard calls "Tower Time." The first part of the book explores scenarios in these chaotic times and suggests possible reframing to understand the historic underpinnings and the long-term effects on both the planet and its inhabitants.

The second part of the book--called Berms--consists of tried-and-true rituals and ceremonies for communities, small groups and individuals to improve resilience and face inevitable change with courage, consideration and humor. 

Ballard has decades of ritual experience and brings that understanding to the practical and esoteric considerations of making ceremony both personal and powerful. You will find ideas here and inspiration--and something like hope.


Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fuhrun

Italian Folk Magic is a fascinating journey through the magical, folkloric, and healing traditions of Italy with an emphasis on the practical. The reader learns uniquely Italian methods of magical protection and divination and spells for love, sex, control, and revenge.

The book contains magical and religious rituals and prayers and explores divination techniques, crafting, blessing rituals, witchcraft, and, of course, the evil eye, known as malocchio in Italian—the author explains what it is, where it comes from, and, crucially, how to get rid of it.

This book can help Italians regain their magical heritage, but Italian folk magic is a beautiful, powerful, and effective magical tradition that is accessible to anyone who wants to learn it.

The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday by Sharon Blackie

Enchantment. By Dr. Sharon Blackie’s definition, a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world, a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life. Enchantment is a natural, spontaneous human tendency ― one we possess as children, but lose, through social and cultural pressures, as we grow older. It is an attitude of mind which can be cultivated: the enchanted life is possible for anyone. It is intuitive, embraces wonder, and fully engages the mythic imagination ― but it is also deeply embodied in ecology, grounded in place and community.

Taking as her starting point the inspiration and wisdom that can be derived from myth, fairy tales, and folk culture, Dr. Sharon Blackie offers a set of practical and grounded tools for enchanting our lives and the places we live, so leading to a greater sense of meaning and of belonging to the world. To live this way is to be challenged, to be awakened, to be gripped and shaken to the core by the extraordinary which lies at the heart of the ordinary.


I have two copies of Earth Works, signed and gifted directly from the exceptional Byron Ballard, and one copy each of Italian Folk Magic and The Enchanted Life to give away. You have until Friday, the 26th of October at 9pm Pacific to get your name in the hat. Leave a comment or send me off an entry via the "make contact" form at the top of the page. If you want better odds, feel free to share this giveaway or the authors' books/pages around and then swing back and let me know and I'll enter you a second time. (And you are always welcome to let me know what book you prefer if you win. I try to match the names drawn with preferences, whenever possible.)

I've had so much fun this month, and it's not quite through yet! Let's see what else October has for us, shall we?

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop

The Great October Fetch Giveaway

Edited October 21/18

The person welcoming home Jade is... RheaWhite!

Do follow Polly in her assorted haunts on the web to see more of her divine art.

As for me, I've had house guests, corn mazes, and too much autumn fun this weekend, and now I'm off to dream of popcorn balls and candy apples... You'll have to wait just a few hours longer for the next giveaway - it will be posted tomorrow morning (October 22nd)!

 ********************************

Bring me all of your dreams, 

You dreamer, 

Bring me all your 

Heart melodies 

That I may wrap them 

In a blue cloud-cloth 

Away from the too-rough fingers 

Of the world.

The Dream Keeper, Langston Hughes

This next giveaway is something very special, and one of my favourites for the past three years. The extraordinary Polly Lind has created an enchanting creature for a very lucky someone to adopt. Polly is a fabric artist living and practicing her art in New Zealand. She creates designs centered around folklore, nature, spiritual practices, and whatever moves her own creative spirit.

This year, Polly introduces us to Miss Jade Islington Hawthorn.

"Jade Islington Hawthorn was born during that time of awake and sleep, where your deepest wishes and dreams are hidden.

Her power resides in the elusive place, where dream memories slip from our minds, as we rise into the waking world. Jade has abilities to help you find the way through the realms of the dreamtime both sleeping and awake. And she will guide you when you are ready to manifest your dreams into this world.

In her bag she carries white sleep sand that she acquired from the sandman, she has maps of both the waking and dream realms, as well as a tarot deck that she uses as a guide to see your deepest dreams.
she has a dream journal, a key, a letter from home, a lace parasol to shield you from the falling nightmares"

"Miss Jade Islington Hawthorn is a hare Fetch, She stands at 21 inches tall, and is wearing a white dress and socks, white, silver, black and gray satin boots and white hooded cloak. she has a lace parasol umbrella, a kete bag (woven bag) with cloud and a silver key attached. In her bag is a rolled up map, and a folded map in a white pouch. a bottle of white glitter dream-sand, a deck of major arcana tarot cards a dream journal and a letter from home. and an authenticity certificate."

Miss Jade is singular and extra special because Polly is no longer taking custom orders for the Fetches (or Faeries or Poppets) she makes. Instead she will be creating her own creatures twice a year or whenever the spirit moves her. Do keep up with her on social media or at her website to hear news of her creations!

You can find Polly here:

www.Pollylind.com
On Instagram
On Pinterest
On Twitter
On Tumbler
Facebook Page
Patreon

This ghostly dream-guide will find her forever home on Sunday, October 21st. Your comment counts as your entry or you can use the "make contact" form if you prefer or if Blogger is giving you a hard time with comments. Please make sure there is a way for me to contact you if you win. If you would like a second entry, please feel free to share Polly's work (any of her links/sites) on your social media or blog and then pop back here and comment again. I'll put your name in the hat a second time.

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop

The Great October Graphic Arts Giveaway

Update October 16/18

The following folks are getting something lovely in their trick or treat bag:

Ravenous - Issue I - cartermaryd

Ravenous - Issue II - Debra N.

Pam Wishbow pack - Melody S.

Pam Wishbow pack - Noreen S.

Trickster - NG

Yay for you all! I'll send an email along to collect your mailing address.


And the next giveaway begins now...

*****************************

This month of revels was originally centered around books, and only books. Nonfiction tomes, primarily, which reflected my interests and some of the wandering directions of this blog (mostly herbalism, witchcraft, and folkore). While bound stacks of paper make my heart sing, traditional books are not the only published material to speak of those topics that spin my mind into whirlwinds of glee. There are a great number of graphic artists that tackle the mystery and otherworldliness of nature and the occult.

This year I searched for wonder and wildness in unusual places, and I found it. Not just in my own woods and odd heart, but in the creative visions of some astonishingly magical people. Let me introduce you...

photo pamwishbow.etsy.com

The first artist I'd love for you to meet is Pam Wishbow. Pam is an illustrator who is owned by cats and has a mod witchy vibe - she feels very much like an aunt who has a tea-leaf-reading parlour but who can also clear spooks from an old manse and break any zombie love spell you might be under. She offers the most wonderful selection of art, from her own graphic zines to small oracle decks, and cool little charm packs that seem quaint at first but can give you pause as you discover what is really haunting you (hint: it's not your dead grandfather).

The next item I have for you is, in fact, a book. But it's a special sort of reading experience. Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection, was curated and edited (as well as illustrated in one story) by Cartoonist Matt Dembicki. Matt searched out storytellers from First Nations communities that were willing to share their tales and write for this anthology. Native American artists were also employed for many of the 24 legends which dig into the trickster lore that exists in so many cultures. The collection is visually gorgeous, with rich tales that will pull at the mischievous spirit in you.

The graphic arts are home not only to illustration, of course. Photography and design are just as comfortable in this crowd. A new magazine to hit the witchcraft scene this year is Ravenous, a stunning 'zine' by Ravenous Media. Dripping with sumptuous photographs, and elegant layouts (check out their Instagram feed to get a feel for their style) the first two volumes are more art-book than glossy mag.

From the site:

Ravenous zine is a printed magazine for women* to connect with the wild within. through visual art, feature articles, and interviews, with an emphasis on activism & self care, it explores the archetype of the wild woman as put forth by Clarissa Pinkola Estes in her iconic work, Women WHo Run With the Wolves.

The zine is populist & Earth focused, yet it contains a highly stylized woodsy, dark aesthetic that mirror the wild, earthy, feral elements of femininity that are absent from modern mainstream culture. At its core, it's about reconnecting to our wild nature by gathering in circles, participating in activism, cooking and making crafts. it's a manual for face-to-face, in person gatherings in this age of social media and physical disconnection.

*I would like to add that this magazine is for any women who identify as women and/or anyone who finds femininity enchanting.

Instagram photograph @ravenouszine

For this Graphic Arts giveaway I have up for grabs:

Two gift packs from Pam Wishbow that include her art zine "Give," (which is a double-sided publication that includes "Hunt," by artist Leigh Luna) as well as a hex-breaker charm and your own 'house ghost' card.

One copy of Trickster: Native American Tales.

One copy of Ravenous Zine, Volume I: Craft.
One copy of Ravenous Zine, Volume II: Sisterhood

My small post here hardly does these artists' work any justice, so please do follow the links to get a better look at their amazing projects and art.

Five names will be pulled from the hat on October 16th at 9pm Pacific. You can let me know in your comment, or your entry via the "make contact" form up top, which item(s) you prefer and I'll see if I can match the winners to their fave choices. Please ensure that your comment includes a way for me to contact you if you win!

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop

The Great October Herbal Giveaway

October 11/18

The folks taking home herbals this month are:

Liz D - Botanical Folktales 

Mel - Southern Folk Medicine

Sharon from October Tea Society - Blackthorn's Botanical Magic

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to enter. If your name wasn't drawn this time, don't fret...the next giveaway is ready for you!

****************************************

When I was around eight years old I went camping with my grandparents. It was the height of summer and I excitedly ran through an open grassy expanse of land that was dotted with red clover...and bees. I inadvertently stepped on one poor creature and it stung my foot. I limped back to the campsite, tears streaming down my face, and my grandfather attempted to get the stinger out, to no avail. My grandmother took one of the potatoes we were going to be having for dinner, cut it in half and placed it over the wound. Within minutes the sharp pain had lessened and the stinger came right out. That was the moment I discovered that plants were magic.

A few years later my grandmother would teach me about gardening (weeding first, which I never enjoyed until much later in life), and the joy of growing my own food. Aside from the potato miracle of my youth, there weren't too many other folk cures that I can recall in my short number of years with her, except that a cup of orange pekoe tea made everything better (as did ginger-ale). There was always a sugar bowl on her counter (even though she would rarely let us near it), a box of Borax in the entryway, and a kitchen witch hanging in her window. I knew that there were uses beyond the mundane for these things. I wish I'd had her around longer to ask more questions of, but she gave me enough of a start with gardening to encourage a lifetime love of growing things and wild curiosity of herbal medicine and magic.

I bought three books this year that speak to the wonder of plants, their history and lore, and their potent personalities. And of course I picked up a copy of each for you too.

The first book is the absolutely enchanting Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland by Lisa Schneidau.

I’ve written a collection of folk tales with a difference: all the stories involve trees and plants. 

Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland is a story journey through the growing year, with folk tales of the land and the wild trees and plants that surround us through the seasons, in countryside, town and city. 

A lot has been written about modern and historical British plant folklore. Most of this is fragmented: for example, we know that the elder tree has always been associated with witchcraft, or that nettles should be grasped by the stem. These are interesting connections, but they are not stories. It’s my search for these stories that has led to this project.

The next book is one I have been so excited to get my hands on, since the wonderful Amy, of Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends, first announced it. I've been working with essential oils in my small apothecary for almost ten years, and I'm always thrilled to learn more about oils I adore, and to have an introduction to a handful of oils I've not used before. I love the lore, recipes and myriad uses laid out for each entry in this delightful collection!

Blackthorn's Botanical Magic by Amy Blackthorn.

Here is the first contemporary guide to the transformative powers of essential oils for use in spellcraft and the cultivation of ritual power. From rose-scented rosaries to the lingering aroma of frankincense, and the cleansing energy of white sage, Amy Blackthorn— the woman behind Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends —will take you on a journey beyond the soothing, healing power of scents into their hidden realms and their use in prayer, meditation, and shamanic journeying. One of the very first of its kind, this book includes:

• The rich history and lore of scent-related magic

• Over 135 essential oil recipes and craft projects

• An explanation of how magical aromatherapy can enhance divination with tarot and runes

• Practical information regarding the purchasing, blending, and storing of essential oils

The final book I gathered up for you is Southern Folk Medicine by Phyllis D. Light. There is a healthy emphasis on medicine in this book, with wonderful personal stories, history, and folklore of the Appalachian peoples. 

This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine—the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system’s last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand.

Any of these tomes would be a treasured addition to your bookshelves. There is deep wonder here and a true appreciation of nature and its magic, mystery, and healing touch.

You have until Thursday, October 11th at 9pm Pacific to drop your name in the witch's hat, via a comment (and be sure I have a way to contact you if you win) or send off an entry with the "make contact" tab above. You can let me know which book you prefer and I will do my best to pair winners with their choices, if possible.

Legal Bits:

* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America,  who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law.  Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.

*  Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada).  The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =

*  This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.

*  This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.

* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.

I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself.  I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone.  This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop

Dems Spurn Deaf Candidate Over Allegations

WATCH [CC] - Breaking News: Kansas House candidate loses support from Democrats after multiple women accuse him of abuse.

OLATHE, Kansas -- Chris Haulmark, who could be the first Deaf state legislator in Kansas, lost the support of Democrats after multiple women accused him of emotional abuse. He's admitted to having "done some things" he isn't "proud of."

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After multiple women have come forward with allegations of emotional and mental abuse, Kansas Democrats have pulled their support from a state House candidate poised to make history.



Chis Haulmark - running for a state House seat in Kansas’ 15th congressional district – would reportedly be the first Deaf lawmaker at either a local or national level if elected. But he’s been publicly accused by multiple women, including former girlfriends and roommates, of emotional abuse and manipulative behavior.



Tonia Jimmerson, who said she previously dated Haulmark, claimed in a Facebook video he threatened to run her over with a car, burn down a camping tent with her young daughter inside and leave her and her children in a national park in Montana. She also alleged he had threatened her with a gun during the relationship.



“Time and time again, you lied to us. You manipulated us. You made us feel low about ourselves,” she said in a separate Facebook post. “You threatened us. You threatened our children. You took advantage of our kind and fragile hearts for your own benefit.”



Haulmark told The Kansas City Star he never threatened Jimmerson with a firearm, and said some allegations stemmed from Jimmerson taking his remarks during arguments out of context.



Candy Villesca, a former roommate of Haulmark's, also claimed he was emotionally abusive and manipulative years ago, The Star reported. Villesca alleged he “brainwashed” her into thinking she had a mental illness.



“Chris should not be in the kind of role he’s running for, with those types of habits of hurting women,” she said.



Haulmark lived in the home of Jennifer Carlino from April 2017 to January 2018, The Star reports. Carlino alleged he “threatened [her] into silence” during that time.



“He even confessed to me that he is very capable of taking revenge on people if he didn’t get what he wanted,” Carlino said in a Facebook video, according to The Star.



“I will admit that I haven’t always been the best boyfriend, husband, co-worker or friend,” Haulmark said in a Facebook post, adding that he’s sought therapy for several years to work on his relationships.



Haulmark denies over allegations as well as he puts allegations to rest and focuses back on winning the election.

“With that said, I am far from perfect. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve said things I regret, I’ve done some things that I’m not proud of … Some might say that would disqualify me from running for office,” he continued. “I say it makes me a better representative to those in my district.”



In a separate Facebook post, Haulmark revealed he’s been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and has sought treatment for the illness. He also said he's staying in the race because his Republican opponent, John Toplikar, “would be a detriment to our district.”



“I truly believe in making things better. I truly believe in change. I truly believe that my story can help change other stories,” he said.



According to The Star, Kansas House Democrats have since pulled their support for Haulmark, calling the accusations “deeply troubling.”



“This pattern of behavior disqualifies Haulmark from being a standard bearer for the Democratic Party,” the Democrats said in a statement.



Haulmark told the newspaper it’s “understandable” for the party to distance itself from him “given the political climate.”



SOURCE - FOXNews

Video Credit: Kansas City Star



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Police Pepper Sprays Deaf Man

Watch raw footage of the Paterson police using mace and for other tactics as they arrested a man many in the crowd told them was Deaf.

PATERSON, NJ -- Police can be seen in a video using pepper spray on an apparently Deaf man, forcing his head down during the process.



Now the mayor and the county prosecutor are looking into whether the police took the proper steps during the arrest, after the video has gone viral.

Police were on Godwin Avenue making a traffic stop that resulted in a drug arrest, law enforcement sources told NorthJersey.com. The website cited law enforcement sources identifying the man arrested as Raaseon Adams, who was not involved in the drug arrest, but was in the area at the time.



The video was taken by a Facebook user who identified himself as Moet Spa, and who gave New Jersey 101.5 permission to post a copy with profanity edited out.



In the video, the street can be seen jammed with cars and a moving truck, with a man, Adams banging on the trunk of a car before approaching the officers. Adams, who appears in the video unable to speak clearly, approached the officers with one asking "can I help you?" People in the area can be heard telling the officers that Adams is Deaf. Several videos on Adams' Facebook page show him communicating strictly through sign language or by typing in the comment section.



A woman can be seen approaching Adams and telling him "you bugging" as she tries to move him away from the police and calm in down, in order to avoid having him arrested. One officer yells at him: "Yo, walk away," as Adams approaches." A minute later, the same officer appears to be laughing as Adams makes groaning noises and yells incoherently.



Eventually, Adams can be seen walking away and toward a police vehicle when three officers sweep into view and attempt to arrest him. It's not clear in the video what he did immediately prior to that moment.



Adams appears worked up and is shouting, and eventually goes down on the sidewalk with several officers around him. Despite pleas from the crowd not to mace him, and telling Adams to relax, an officer can be seen appearing to spray him at least once while Adams is on the ground and seems to be at least partially restrained.



Shortly after, with two officers appear to be trying to pick Adams off the ground, when he and the two officers move sharply back down; it appears Adams' head may bang the sidewalk with the cops' hands on the back of his head. As one officer tries to circle around, another still holding Adams hits him in the back of his head with his elbow or forearm while yelling something - possibly "give me your arm" or "give me your eyes."



At points during the struggle, Adams appears to be pointing to his leg while trying to say something. Several people in the crowd say he has a bad leg.



As the incident continues the crowd also becomes louder and appears to grow. At one point what looks like a glass object is thrown near the officers and can be heard shattering.



Eventually, Adams is handcuffed and led away by police.



One officer can be heard telling the person recording the incident that there's "no need for this," and that the man behind the camera "should have controlled this."



Mayor Andre Sayegh told NorthJersey that since learning of the incident and the video he has been in contact with "numerous community leaders" ensuring them that an independent investigation would be launched. He was expected to hold a meeting with community leaders on Monday and did not return a call or email seeking comment from New Jersey 101.5.



Chief Troy Oswald told the website that his officers exercised "great restraint," but said the incident would be investigated.



Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale told New Jersey 101.5 that the matter had been referred to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mary Catherine Ryan confirmed that the incident had been sent to the prosecutor's office, but said any questions about the status of the officers should be directed to the police department.



NorthJersey.com said law enforcement sources confirmed Adams was charged with resisting arrest. The names of the officers involved have not been released, but the website said all are still on duty as the investigation continues.



SOURCE - New Jersey 101.5



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