altars & chill spaces's topics - tribe.net

anyone have backyard altar ideas?

lionjill — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 22:34:58 GMT

I am working on my yard, and want an altar/chill space. Anyone have any ideas?

posted in altars & chill spaces - 38 replies

Anomous Public Shrines.

vulcan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:21:48 GMT

Don't know if I spelled anonamous right but hopefully
it won't prejudice ya'll.

I have had an idea for a while to create small and not so small
public shrines/alters/public art things.
I'm in New Jersey; split my time between New Brunswick and Perth Amboy.

Most of what I have in mind is taking existing features like
the base of hallow trees and using them like the
niches of a chruch.
Found small "caves" in a stone wall that makes up a
train tressle in New Brunswick and thought it would be cool to
insert tiny Buddahs in them.

There's also a small mound of dirst under some trees visible from the side walk with
a fine stone on the side. Though it would produce a p[ositive effect to
move the stone to the top,
plant a rose bush at the base and put an image or arangement of
cinder blocks as if it were a japanese Garden Lantern.
Or perhaps something to hold bird seed to feed the local wild life?

Nothing one day then a shrine with the sun rise.

I'm looking for suggestions, assistance and especially encouragement.

Pedro of New Jersey.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 7 replies

meditation / gathering tents

andy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:17:42 GMT

i make tents that are protable, easy to set-up, and a great space for gathering, meditating, or just relaxing. contact me for more photos

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

meditation / gathering tents

andy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:13:44 GMT

i make tents that are protable, easy to set-up, and a great space for gathering, meditating, or just relaxing. contact me for more photos

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Altar to Dionysus

Atreides — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:55:55 GMT

Does anyone have pictures of an altar to Dionysus? I'd love to construct one, and need some ideas. Ivy, wine, masks would be appropriate, I'd think.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Modern / Simpelistic Altars

andro_cube — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:13:52 GMT

Browsing through a lot of altar pictures and descriptions, I find that most are based around a pretty traditional or oldskool layout, use, and method.
I have a small altar myself, however, this did not inentionally grow to become an altar, and as I don't really have a religion, other then being a psychonaut, though I do believe in a Godlike thing or being, my altar is not to praise a god, or bring an offering to them in particular.
But more in a whole to life itself and some things in particular, mostly about good luck and happiness.

My own altar:
http://altarsnchillspaces.tribe.net/photos/9dff71ba-f3e0-4bae-b35c-7853e733a698

These are all pretty random things, never intentionally gotten for the altar.
The stone mushroom statue was given to me when I was like 12 or something, I don't remember why either.
The plate is just a nice candle plate I got to burn candles and incense on, I got the incense burner from my dad not to long ago as a small gift.
The fake flower used to be part of a hairclip I made.
It had actually become a true altar for me, not too long ago, I bought the cactus not too long ago, I love cacti and I also have a San Pedro in the window till which is about 1,3 years old now and growing like mad :D this being part of my psychonautic side.

The glass cup with the pill wraps however, is a new addition.
Yeah, those are quite a lot of pill wraps. Though many people wouldn't be happy if they have to take 2 pills, twice a day, I sure am!

I've given all these small things a special place in my room, in front of a speaker, next to my favourite lavalamp, I burn candles & incense from time to time, partly as an 'offering' to the way my life has taken it's twists and turns, partly to the objects I encounter often.
The blooming and growing up to full potiential, represented by the flower.
Life itself and the durability and ability to sustain and protect itself, represented by the cactus.
The unknown, mystery, subconsiousness and higher spiritual being, represented by the mushroom.
My personal development and the reaching of goals, and sustaining that, represented by the growing amount of pill wraps.

What I mostly was wondering, who else maintains a more simplistic and modern, or 'religion-less' altar?
And what do you think of the concept of not perse offering, but instead praicing of the object's references on the altar?

Would love to hear more!
Greets from Lara

posted in altars & chill spaces - 1 reply

Festival for the Eyes 2008

Ekendra — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:53:41 GMT

Would you like to participate in creating a beautiful experience? This Gaura Purnima ISKCON News is putting together a 'Festival for the Eyes' that you're invited to help us put together.

On Gaura Purnima Day 2008 we're going to unveil a multimedia presentation featuring Gaura-Nitai deities worshiped in devotees' homes around the world.

We've set a goal to compile 108 photos so if you'd like to give our current readership of more than 3,500 weekly visitors a glimpse of the Gaura-Nitai deities who live in your home then dress them gorgeously, get the lighting just right and snap us a digital photo. (Try to avoid using a flash please.)

When you submit your entry you'll need to include the following details:

- What's your name? (Please make sure you spell this exactly how you'd like it to be presented.)

- Where do you live? (Include the name of the city and country.)

Send just one photo as an attachment to: editor AT iskconnews.com

Please try to keep the size of the file under 1 Megabyte. The best image resolution for our purposes is 800px by 600px.

Alternatively you could upload to a photo hosting site such as www.flickr.com and send us a link.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday the 18th of March 2008.

Only the first 108 photos will be presented so send them in today!

For more details please visit here: http://news.iskcon.com/node/931

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Pagan Ascension - a new yahoo discussion group

Devi — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 22:46:54 GMT

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/paganascension/

This group is for the discussion of beliefs, methods, and practices related to the Ascension Paradigm (also known as the New Age movement), as experienced by those who primarily identify as Neo-Pagans.

Topics that are appropriate include sacred geometry, DNA activation / recoding, ETs, channelling, Ascension, Light Body activation, merkaba, angels, vibrational healing, interstellar astral travel, etc - however they will be approached from the perspectives of Pagans.

There is a growing interest in many aspects and theories surrounding the Ascension Paradigm within the Pagan community, but many do not feel that they resonate with the New Age context. This group will serve as a platform for interested Pagans to gather and discuss Ascension practices in an environment that is more familiar and comfortable. How these practices and beliefs fit into the NeoPagan paths will also be a consistently revisted theme.

Interested parties are encouraged to read "Ascension Magick" by Christopher Penczak for a fantastic introduction to the Ascension Paradigm for Pagans, including many meditations and practical exercises.

This list will serve as a safe-zone for Pagans to discuss New Age-elements that often are met with intolerance in other mainstream Pagan forums.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/paganascension/

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Garage Sale Gougers!!!

MacMorrighan — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:23:03 GMT

Ugh... Okay, today was West-Central Iowa's annual "White Pole Road Sale" [http://www.whitepoleroad.com/]-- stretching from Dexter to Adiar (encompassing both towns I grew up in: Stuart and Menlo)-- and I was OFFENDED by many of the prices that folks were charging for items that they simply wanted to get rid of (my 2nd. year in a row, too)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Consider that last year I was walking thr streets of Menlo (okay, poor choice of words; get your head out of the gutter!) and found a lovely ruby-red glass claret that I bought to hold a Protection Potion that I make. Anyway, I picked it up to get a better look at it, and didn't notice a price when, immediately, the woman sitting in a chair a few yards away barked, "That's five dollars!" I nearly gaged at the price...at a garage sale or yard sale?!?!?! WTF??? I mean, MAYBE if it had cost her $50 it *might* be worth that. However, it's clearly not an item that would have cost that! But, what conviced her to charge sucha price? Now, my mom is the Garage Sale Queen-- she'd put together enough of 'em while I was growing up!-- that even *she* was shocked by the prices people are asking for!

Now, let's fast-forward to this afternoon: I was walking the streets of Stuart when I came to a slightly larger yard sale when I saw a really good table that would have been PERFECT for use as a personal Altar to the Goddess and Old Horny! Yes, it would have beena fixer-upper, 'cause it looked rather skanky! It had some definate ware on it, and rough edges, as well as a poor paint job. Hell, the paint was hidious! You remember the original film, "The Amatty Ville Horror" when the dad went into the basement and found that creepy alcove painted a bright red color? Well, that's what color it was. I would have loved to have taken it home and stripped it, then stained it! But, they wee asking 85-fucking-dollars for it! Can you believe it? Keep in mind that it may have been built by the in-nates of the Iowa State Prison, but it was in poor condition, *and* it wasn't exactly the size of a dining room table! It was rather small, like the size of a starter family might have back in the 20s! I was soooo let down! Because of the lovely shape of the table-top I would have liked to have had a piece of glass cut and bevvled to put on top of it (to keep ax off of it!). *sigh* I seriously doubt that they paid $850 for it (at the low end). Though, that's not the worse of it!!!

Nearer the entrance was a table in great condition that was what one might have on the side of their bed-- a night stand-- and they were asking for 125-fucking-dollars!!! Can you fucking believe that shit!!! I mean, what do they think it is? Gold?!

As I said earlier, my common sense was fucking-offended! Hell, as a consumer I was OFFENDED!!! Blood nearly shot out of my eyes! Because mom was with me, I asked her how much they ought to *reasonably* be charging for the table that I fancied, snd she said, "About $10-- no more!"

I mean, don't these folks have a decent brain in their heads? Who do you suppose convinced them to charge SO MUCH money (especially for a fixer-upper)? Of all the nerve... I even performed a little research on-line when I got home to confirm my suspitions and found that one should NOT price somemore for more than 10-to-30 percent of what they originally purchased it for! However, what people often seem to be doing, now, is pricing a lot of their things what they might be if they were to see it for sale-- new-- on clearance sale, perhaps. But, still...

I WAS OFFENDED!!! And, it's not often that I am offended as a consumer, or that I have my common sensse offended, too! *grrrrr* What a pitty! And, I've been looking for a propper table to serve as an Altar to the Old Gods, too (something not TOO big, nor short like a coffee table, either!). Now, if only I'd had a job and was able to afford that price, I think I *might* have picked up that table. *sigh*

Ugh...I just wish I knew where there might be a wealthy neighbourhood so that I could go rummaging through their NICE and EXPENSIVE things on TRASH DAY (when you get to get rid of your stuff on the road side and it'll get picked up if no one wants it!). *EG*

PS-- On the way back I noted that the ditches along the highway between Stuart and Menlo were FILLED with wild roses [Rosa canina]-- Iowa's state flower.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 5 replies

Beer, Wine, Other Spirits?

Jendayi — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:53:36 GMT

Has anyone use liquor as an offering on their altar? What do you use, how do you display it, and for how long? Thanks!

posted in altars & chill spaces - 11 replies

Dorm Room Makeover?

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 22:12:26 GMT

My room is small and hopelessly white, and I want to make it a more relaxing and peaceful place without spending alot.

I'm working with a number of restrictions though:

I cannot remove any furniture, only move stuff around. I have a big desk, huge dresser, and my bed to work around.

No candles are allowed-or incense of course.

I cannot hang anything from the ceiling due to fire code.

I can't install any window treatments.

Right now my biggest goal is to make the room seem bigger or at least LESS WHITE. I can put whatever I want up on the walls, but cannot use an pins, only paint safe tape or sticky tack. I also want to make my bed less mundane looking-it has an ugly faded blue blanket on it right now t and a white pillowcase. I also want to have a small table for my Zen altar that I can at least put my Buddha statue on, but don't know where to get a little table cheap as there's no home depot nearby and I don't have a car to go running all over the place.

Suggestions?

posted in altars & chill spaces - 6 replies

crafty witches?

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:57:42 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/craftywitches

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Horned One, COME!!!

MacMorrighan — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:50:42 GMT

Hey guys, guess what? I was flipping through the latest AzureGreen catalogue (I rarely buy from them anymore unless I see something entirely unique), and I've found something that would make a breathless addition to any Altar devoted to the Horned One!!! It's an "Athame" (though, due to its lack of a black handle, I'd simply term it a "ritual blade") with a cloven-hooved handle!!! In fact, it reminds me of the one Doreen Valiente used to own, if I am not mistaken (hmmm...maybe it was the Farrars?)! Gods, I wish I had more money, so I could buy it! :o) Being jaded, it takes quite a bit to impress me anymore, but this sure as Avalon did the trick! Here's the link: http://www.azuregreen.com/index.html?stocknumber=RA413D So, if you have a love for Old Horny like me, perhaps you might like to purchase such a ritual blade-- it even has a Stag-Motif!

Now, if only their supplier of new Greco-Roman idolotry would carry an image of Pan! According to the owner of a local occult shop, who deals directly with the manufacturer of these same idols, they don't offer a Pan statue. But, she's written them a letter and proposed that they should! I should have asked her for the name of the company, so I could do the same thing! (Anyone, by chance, know the supplier? They look almost like marble, or perhaps even porcelain or alabaster.) Apparently, these images (and the Gods are posatively hunky, though, they cover up all the good bits with fig-leaves!) are inspired from Renaissance paintings of the Gods in question. Heck, were I a servent of Ares, I would have sooooo totally bought His idol! *drool* Heh heh heh... Though, I don't see that AzureGreen offers Him, there's a pretty arrousing image of Dionysos (incidentally, Priests dressed as Satyrs apparently had an endemic ritual role in both He and Pan's respective cults! Fascinating, no?). I've simply never seen a Pan statue that I like, but...if He looks as hunky as the idols I saw at Ancient Ways, I'd buy Him in a HEART-BEAT!!! He'd HAVE to be phallic, however-- anything else would simply be insulting!

Later,
Wade

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Lord Ganesha Speaks...

MacMorrighan — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:43:41 GMT

Well, I found a lovely store this morning (though, the Google Map was WOEFULLY inccurate!!!)-- it was called Namaste India; a diner/grocery store. Everything there is imported directly from India-- I highly recommend them!

Although, when I first arrived there, a few odd things happened: the store was open (as per the electric sign), but the door was locked, so one of the employees had to let us in; but after we were ushered inside they switched off the sign! (Even according to their flier it was busniess hours.) But, they really do have nice products there, such as floral waters-- including rose water, Indian delacacies, and the most scrumptious incense my olfactory system has ever been treated to!

Yes, while I was there, one of the employees went up and down the isles censing the store-- of course, that sent one of my friends running for the door, because she cannot stand incense in any way; it makes her incredibly ill! (Although, she did ask me an interesting question: If incense is such a strong part of their religion and culture, what do they do if somone cannot tollerate incense, such as she?) I thought the container he was using as a make-shift censer was interesting, also (and very perfect forthe job at hand): it looked like a pencil cup one might buy for school. ;o)

They even sold idols of the youthful avatar, Lord Krishna; and even Ganesha. Personally, I was surprised at how small they were; smaller than what I had expected. I was also hoping to find an idol of the Kali Ma in residence, too. ;o) So, I desided to pick up a Ganesha idol, because I am a writer. And, I asked the staff which of the many scrumptious incenses they have for sale does Ganesha like most: sandalwood was their answer! Of course, according to my research (on-line!) Ganesha was a child formed from the Sandalwood paste with which the Great-Goddess Parvati used to bathe. Well, guess what *I* bought? Yup, sandalwood incense, as well as some yummy-smelling lily incense!

Personaly, I don't buy pre-made incense if I can make it myself, but, darn it, this stuff just smalled sooooooo goooooood!!! *drool* It's imported from India through a company called Hem [located here: http://hemincense.com/]. Although, I don't know what it was about the stick incense I used to buy in college, but it gave me the worse migrane you can imagine! So much so, in fact, that I'd love to see what brand it was, so I might learn what was in it that made me feel so misserable! (I'd love to be able to blend an Apple Blossom Incense and Lilac Incense, though, haven't a clue what ingredients would create those specific scents.) Does anyone here have a favourite pre-made incense brand?

Ganesha is the God of scribes, intelligence, wisdom, and inspiration-- and that's for darn sure; it was shortly afterwards, upon finishing my shopping at the Half Price Bookstore, immediately after walking out, that I was deeply inspired to create a sacred talisman-candle spell: the thought occured to me to take a yellow 7-day pull-out candle and inscribe onto it (after drawing a schematicized variant) of a Hindu gesture of blessing (as per Kali Ma, if I am not mistaken, which always resembled the American sign language gesture for the letter "D"); with some symbol associated with inspiration, wisom and intellect upon the palm; and anoint it with sandalwood oil (which comes from white sandalwood-- a product associatd with the Moon, as is Ganesha; though some suppliers denote it as yellow sandalwood: yellow is also a sacred colour of Ganesha, as well as the Element of Air, the intellect, and the dawn). Hmmm...perhaps I will even formulate an Anointing Oil associated with Inspiration-- a form of Chanelling or Aspecting-- created with Sandalwood Oil (for Ganesha and other sacred and holy phenomina), Orris Root oil (sacred to Iris, the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow and messanger of the Gods), and other ingredients.

Heck, I'm even considering making my whole computer desk top an Altar for inspiration and writing! Hey, I could even dye some faberic yellow for a lovely runner benieth my computer monitor. :o) Wow, ever since I bought that idol the ideas have been flowing like syrup on a sultry summer's day! *G* Of course, this now means I'll have to-- *gasp!*-- CLEAN OFF MY DESK! Well, there goes *my* entire weekend! LOL...

Here are two lovely links with information re: Ganesha, and some photos of His various shrines-- especially from His most-important of all Feast Dates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi According to Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone Lord Ganesha is the most popularly worshipped male deity on earth, while Kuan Yin is the most popularly worshipped Goddess!

LOL... I am also reminded (from years ago) of the time I went shopping at a local mall and enquired at a Chinese boutique of the idols of Kuan Yin. All I saw were lovely red idols, and asked if they had any white images, only to be rather rudely rebuffed, "No! Kwan Yin like red!"(sic.) Of course I known in Chinese culture red is endemic of good fortune (this is why I believe it would make, in some specific instances, a good candle on which to carve a Wheel of Fortune, or similar, pictogram!), however, at numerous Chinese restarants I have observed a lovely alabastre-white idol of the Goddess, holding out Her hands in a ritual gesture of blessings. Of couse, most deities, on one level or another, hold a soft-spot in my heart, regardless of the fact that I am a consecrated Priest of An Morrighan-- She chose me to serve Her and learn her Holy Mysteries! I am simply a fan of "religion", and adore seeing a multitude of Gods being worshipped and loved.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan
Wade(AT)MacMorrighan(DOT)Net

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

novena candles.....

sugarsink — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:46:53 GMT

I like to make my own. Tall candle in glass, Pens, watercolors, stamp stuff, a little glue, sticker paper. ....

I just posted a picture of a candle I made to Eros for creativity, eroticness, and just a lust for life. Again....shitty camera=blurry photo.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Weekly Altars / Intentional Altars

shivalicious — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:29:19 GMT

I build the weekly altars for Ecstatic Dance here in Seattle. Each week is a different intention, based upon mostly intuitive inspiration and intention.

I finally started taking pics of them so I posted here a few photos of ones I have done.

when i get my vastu shastra altars up in the home, ill photograph those too and share. currently working on romance and career altars.

thanks for the great tribe. its nice to share altar inspiration with others.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

mini alter

sugarsink — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 06:48:49 GMT

I'm new to altar building but I felt my room needed some kind of sacred space so I made a 5" by 5" miniture altar where I had some space on my bookshelf. I honor the 4 directions/4 elements (we are talking generic pagan here) and some very small cards of which i have written words of intention on.

It's cute. I wanna make a new one for the new year.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 5 replies

Vastu altars

dart — Tue, 22 Feb 2005 04:17:03 GMT

Hi, I'm working with the book Altars of Power and Grace and was wondering if anyone has worked with Vastu altars before?

Thanks,
Lori

posted in altars & chill spaces - 8 replies

ED ROSENTHAL'S WONDERS OF CANNABIS FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN GATE PARK 10/28-10/29

Jason Redhawk — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 23:24:27 GMT

Hi Ya all!
The next festy is the Wonders of Cannabis in Golden Gate Park. Hope to see some of ya there. Love and Light!
Redhawk

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

BOOK: chillout

mrwiggles — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:42:32 GMT

This is an amazing book on chill out design. I own it, and have gotten alot of good ideas on small party design by leafing through it.

http://www.amazon.com/Chillout-Alejandro-Bahamon/dp/3936761043/sr=1-3/qid=1158525514/ref=sr_1_3/002-4114040-2900033?ie=UTF8&s=books

I also noticed this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Chillout-Spaces-Ana-Canizares/dp/9076886164/sr=1-1/qid=1158525514/ref=sr_1_1/002-4114040-2900033?ie=UTF8&s=books

and was wondering if anyone has read it or could recommend it.

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Live @ Shambhala 2006 - Living Room Stage

Nori — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 02:04:56 GMT

This is the live recording of our set at Shambhala this year. Its a mash up of psydub, ethno fusion, psydm, idm, prog psy and just a lot of great music. This was an honour to play and an even bigger honour to have so many amazing souls present. A huge thank you to all those who were there with a gigantic thank you to miss saratonin for being our vocalist through this set. Congrats sara. We hope you enjoy and would love to hear any and all feedback. Oh and the most important shout out of all...to Lion-s and Hoola Hoop for having us!!

Sons of Aurora

download mix at www.Area709.com

Tracklist:
1. Raja Mati – Nada
2. Infusion (Bombay Mix) – Adham Shaikh
3. Olelo – Kaya Project
4. Sirens – Koan
5. Big Bang – GMS vs Jimbo
6. Darkness – Phutureprimitive
7. Incense – Kick Bong
8. Oceans One – Human Blue
9. Dubuasca – Bassnectar
10. Close (feat Bede) – Lideres Band
11. Numbers – Nada
12. Somptin Hapnin – Adham Shaikh
13. Embers – Hibernation
14. In Habana – Don Peyote
15. Glass Shattering Under Water – Seven Ark
16. My Winter Vacation (feat Dose One) – Populous
17. Cry Osaka Cry – Arovane
18. W.A.A.C. (DX) – Diagram of Suburban Chaos
19. Ent The Dexo – Populous
20. Safemode – Deru
21. Canoe Camoa – Populous
22. Ask You – Lusine
23. A Panel of Experts (Lowfish RMX) – Solvent
24. Deep Like Airline Failure – Proem
25. Homeworld – Protoculture
26. Overload (Putput Mix) – H.U.V.A. Project
27. Transparent Thought (Remix for Percussion Bullet) – Side Liner
28. Indu – Abakus
29. Indigo – Tripswitch
30. Sea of Green – Slackbaba

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

Goddess altars

Somaadi — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 23:40:20 GMT

Goddess bless

posted in altars & chill spaces - 1 reply

My latest commission - a moment of both pride and humility

Fragile Industries Studios — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 20:52:34 GMT

Hi altar tribe:

What a cool tribe -- and one perfectly matching my art, a style I describe as "participatory altered art." My favorite work is with shrines, altars and other devotional objects.

My work is mostly created by commission for custom work, as I most enjoy creating pieces with the recipient in mind and according to their personal desires. My website can be seen at http://www.fragileindustries.com.

My most recent commission was for a wedding shrine for an outdoor wedding in Oregon. Usually, when I create a shrine / altar / devotional object, it is a three-dimensional assemblage with a wood base somewhat like a wall or tabletop cabinet, shelving or box, preferably with doors and drawers to open and interact with. It can be a memory object, including momentos or photos of the client's own choosing, and I build thematically from there. In the case of a wedding, special event or occassion, a shrine can memorialize a past wedding or be a part of the ceremony and/or event itself. They can also be wonderful gifts for such occasions.

This piece was for inclusion in the wedding ceremony and celebration, a three-day event which sounded like one part Burning Man, one part Renaissance Fair, and a great portion of the creativity and originality of the delightful couple themselves. The bride and groom wanted their guests to complete the shrine with embellishments I provided in keeping with their theme. I duplicated the beautiful colors of the invitation and painted the base with varying intensities and degrees of transparency. The base was a intricately carved antique wall cabinet about 18"x9"x4" with two doors opening into a large interior recess, and two drawers underneath. I applied a collage of images, both those provided by the couple, and from Asian and Indian art (their theme) on flat areas of the surface, and applied gold leaf to the molding and elements of the carvings. I antiqued the finish with a variety of glazes and shimmery acrylics, and sent it off with more collage images (peel and stick), handmade paper on which the guests could write their good wishes to put in the drawers, and three-dimensional objects that would coordinate well, such as hand-blown glass beads, Asian coins, hand-painted and embellished tiles, pressed flowers, and so on. I even included an easy-to-use adhesive method (Glue Dots) to avoid sticky mess. The couple was ecstatic and the guests had a great time helping to create a completely personal work of art that will have great meaning for years to come.

More than any money received, more than the confidence boost of actually completing a paid commission at last, I was humbled and honored to contribute to such a special moment in the lives of these wonderful young people. Artistic creation and spiritual Creation, especially when shared, are very close to the same thing.

Selected photos of this semi-completed work and its embellishments as I sent them out can be seen on my Tribe photo album (accessible by a link under my photo on my profile page) I'd post the link, but the posting system here on tribe doesn't seem to accept long URLS, and I can't figure out how to post photos directly to discussion. I will include photos from the ceremony and the finished product when I receive them. My Tribe album also includes selected images of my other work: altered books and shrines in various styles.

If you are interested in a more detailed look at my work and descriptions of my process, along with explanations of the practice and theory of altered art and assemblage, visit http://www.fragileindustries.com, or contact me at info@fragileindustries.com. I look forward to hearing from other artists and those interested in obtaining a unique and personal work of their own.

Cheers,
Lisa at Fragile Industries

posted in altars & chill spaces - 0 replies

ABC Television Casting--$20,000

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:20:43 GMT

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I am a Casting Producer for ABC's Wife Swap. We are currently looking for an alternative family to feature on the show. We want tattoos, piercings, goths, etc. Families must consist of two parents and at least one child between the ages of 5-20 still living at home. Families that appear on the show will receive $20,000, and if you recommend a family that makes in on the show, ABC will give you a $1000 thank you. If interested, please call ASAP. My number is (212) 404-1470 or email me at michelle.silva@rdfusa.com. Thanks!

posted in altars & chill spaces - 2 replies

Dharma seminar with Tibetan Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche in SF

OmniscientBlue — Wed, 17 May 2006 23:36:27 GMT

Cultivate your True Being while living in the Hotel Karma

A Dharma talk given by
Tibetan Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche, the Ninth

Wednesday, May 24th
7-8:30PM
at Danzhaus in San Francisco

* This will be Rinpoche's last talk in the Bay Area before departing for her summer teaching tour in the Midwest *

If the Eagles had sung about the Hotel Karma, what would they have said? Domo Geshe Rinpoche teaches that we arrive in this world, this Hotel Karma, with a full suitcase of personal lessons to be learned. Experiencing what we do in life and progressing on our path, we unpack the suitcase and resolve the issues. What will be in your suitcase when it's time to check out?

Contrary to popular belief, it isn't necessary to live out all of your Karma in order to evolve spiritually or become Enlightened. Even though sentient beings are filled with unmanifested Karma, we don't have to experience EVERYTHING in order to grow or before we stop incarnating. So how do we move forward? Find out the ancient Tibetan teachings of how to resolve negative karma and enhance your greatest inner treasure, your seed of spiritual progress.

* All seekers and practitioners are welcome *

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Domo Geshe Rinpoche teaches the joyful path. Through humor, wit and penetrating insight, she reveals to students their own capacity for clarity, understanding and compassion. Rinpoche is a reincarnate Lama of the Geluk tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Her lineage includes Je Pabongka Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, junior tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She has accomplished extensive training and retreats in the traditional manner. The current Western incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche has arrived through rare and powerful tantric methods in order to transmit the authentic Dharma within Western culture. She currently teaches and leads retreats in many places around the world.

Rinpoche is also available for one-on-one appointments. If you are interested in seeing her, please speak with Jugney (the one in robes) before or after the teaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Location: DANZHAUS (aka The Gingerbread Warehouse)
1275 Connecticut St. @ Cesar Chavez St. in San Francisco

* * * Some seating is available, but we recommend bringing your own cushion * * *

Danzhaus is a large, open professional dance studio with ample free parking in a centralized SF neighborhood between the 101 & 280 freeway Cesar Chavez exits. The #19 Muni line will drop you right on the corner if you don't drive. For more info and directions: danzhaus.tripod.com

Suggested Donation: sliding scale $10-$15

White Conch Monastery & Dharma Center
707-571-0321
CAinfo@white-conch.org
white-conch.org

To view this listing, click here:
http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/listing/Dharma-seminar-with-Tibetan-Lama-Domo-Geshe-Rinpoche-in-SF/san-francisco-ca/a2c103c0-b04d-476a-bf8e-e15aff58c17d

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Reclamation

00smittenkitten — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 19:51:34 GMT

Having lived in a variety of abodes over the last decade plus all of which have the common theme of being public temples, I have finally come to the point where I am able to pass on this honor to another member of my community. That said the temple will be moving and while I originally believed myself to be moving also, this now appears to be not the case.

To that end, does anyone have any suggestions for reclaiming space in my home? I’ve lived here for about the last seven years. And may well be here for another two.

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Altars of Power & Grace

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:12:12 GMT

Hi All,

I just found the most amazing book. It is a work of art! I actually bought one, read it a few times, made a few new altars...and then bought another one, because I make collages and the book was soooo beautiful that I had to cut it up for a gorgeous collage! Hehehe....I thought I'd pass it on. It has been such an inspiration for me.

http://balancedbookspub.com/altarbook.htm

I've been creating altars for years, yet these altars are based on Vastu Shastra, the Vedic Science from India that Feng Shui stems from. So interesting! It has recommendations for colors, dieties, placement, yantras, mantras, etc.

InJoy!

Daiva

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Church of Questions [invitation for tuesday eve]

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 05:43:39 GMT

You're invited to the very first service of the Church of Questions

Tuesday the 31st of January 2006 from five to eight o'clock

Union Square in downtown San Francisco

5PM gather & ask questions like: How's it hangin? Why'd we come here?
6PM watch the State of Confusion address
7PM topple 30-foot Bush statue, go shopping

featuring 2 reverends, 2 professors and a poet:

* Kevin Padian: President of the Board of the National Center for Science Education; Curator of the University of California Museum of Paleontology; Professor of Integrative Biology, UCB

* Rev. Charles Tigard, Associate Pastor, Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco

* devorah major, former Poet Laureate of San Francisco

* Rev. Taigen Dan Leighton, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

* MC: Tony Jackson, Professor of Psychology, Skyline College

(Church of Questioners: look for curious chico with a peace sign)

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So...it's almost Valentines day...

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 06:48:51 GMT

yes it's over commercialized but lets admit that its so much fun to buy that special someone in your life something unique for V-day! My new website may be the perfect place to find something fun and romantic! Many of my items are wax hand cast, sterling silver little buddhas, rings, earings, pendants, belt buckles and so much more! :)So come by and see if anything interests you! www.fullcirclecreation.com

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first altar of 2006

prairiekittin — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 08:44:44 GMT

I was thinking what I need the most in 2006. There are a lot of things I want, but what I *need* is a job. No, what I *need* is money. So, my first altar of the year is a prosperity altar. It has a dark green velvet cloth, green stones in a Green Man offering plate, a green candle, Yule lights around the edges, a prosperity symbol, a couple of pentacles and the ace of wands for a new job. Kokopelli, the fertility god, oversees the altar from his place on the wall right above it.
What is your first altar this year?

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Yule altars?

prairiekittin — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 07:46:35 GMT

Anybody have any Yule altars up? I'd love to hear about them.
Kittin

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An Altar for Young People

Maha-Leena — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 23:28:11 GMT

A group of young people did a altar at a sweatlodge this past spring. I thought I would post it as inspiration.

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Temple Night @ Intention Retreat

sobey — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 02:12:49 GMT

If you haven't heard of Intention yet check out www.intention7.com.

Bellow describes the final night....

Temple Night, Blue Electric Night (Jan.1)
On Blue Electric Night/ Jan. 1 2006, Camp Elphinstone becomes

The Temple of Intention

Intentionites will light the night with lanterns to illuminate the year ahead with deepest intent. An electric night to dedicate service and activate dreams of abundance and inner knowledge.

Technicians of the sacred are sought throughout planet Earth to help design this temporary temple with music for the psychic realms ahead

atmospheric drum and bass-idm,downtempo conscious hip hop, abstrakt hip hop, elvish psybient, glitch-hop,cliq-hop, psyhop,downbeat,psydub and a good dose of deep ambient textures and experimental fuzz tones...

We are seeking music purveyors who can take us on soundscapes, mindmapping forays, provide background musical context for the most futuristic and present conversations we will be remembering all year and beyond. Prepare to form a groupmind with a consortium that will be moving rapidly but stealthfully through the night through dreamtime and waking life.

Temple designers, lantern makers, altar keepers, temple dancers, oracles, bodyworkers, lightworkers,sacred artists, sculptists, visual artists, visionary artists, visionary art models rise and step to this if you feel called.

Citizens of the Temple...

prepare to live in post-integration of the history of Earth. Make your lanterns and/or be the lantern.

Snuggle with intention and respect for boundaries. Report anything that will keep us all safe. Model integrity of highly evolved intimates.

add your prayers after the dotted line..............................................................................

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A personal altar

Maha-Leena — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 01:48:23 GMT

I just posted this photo of an altar I've had for years, that is personal. I change the items on it occasionally, but the wicker little shelves always remain. Great for containing me, since otherwise the whole house would be an altar.

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Fall Alters

Sat, 12 Nov 2005 14:48:36 GMT

Does anyone have pictures of their outdoor Fall Alters? Would love to see what others have done.

Blessings >!<

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Alluvium Altar

outrunner — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 00:58:37 GMT

I just uploaded a picture of a Four directions Green Man altar that I built for a party in the spring (Alluvium). I wish I'd gotten a clearer picture.

It's a style of altar building that I've been playing with where I build a support structure on the ground and use clay to form the actual altar, with the crystals incorporated directly into the design.

When possible, I like to find local naturally occuring clay, so that I can let the action of rain return the altar to the earth (after removing any foreign materials).

Creator willing, someday I might be able to start building massive clay medicine wheels using a large number of community crystals. Big enough to dance in, (makes drooling sound). I like building altars that you can stand in, a la old Egyptian temple practices, with the energy centers being represented (in ascending order) so that effectively you are within a model of yourself.

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New pictures

Blue93 — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 20:12:06 GMT

Hi!
I love this tribe. I added a couple of shots of some of the alters in my room.

namaste

Blue

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Money magnet altar

anastajah — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 08:40:15 GMT

Hey friends!
I'm creating a prosperity altar, and would like any radical (or conventional) ideas that would attract abundance.. I'm thinking: my checkbook alter, credit card shrine;), etc. Any reverent or irreverent ideas Welcome! Lemme at 'em!!

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Orisha shrines

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 16:43:13 GMT

I just posted a pantload of pictures of my Santeria/Lukumi Orisha shrines over on the Santeria tribe ... http://santeria.tribe.net ... if anyone would like to take a look.

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Queer Spirit

Fri, 24 Jun 2005 06:17:37 GMT

I just uploaded a pic of a Queer Spirit altar I just added to the zillion other altars around my house. It features my one-of-a-kind sculpture of two satyrs (made of Sculpey!) and a Black Heart of Innocence paten by the wonderfully talented Chas Bogan of Faerywolf-Carnivalia Studios (http://www.carnivalia.com). It is also in my personal photo album.

Scy Rosenberg

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New pic

swami108 — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 17:43:08 GMT

~enjoy!

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Small Massage Room, chill ideas?

koalala_orange — Sat, 21 May 2005 18:53:15 GMT

Hello! One of my three jobs is in a chiropractors office and even though it is a doctors office I would like to bring a soothing element to the room without overwhelming clients with clutter. Any ideas would be great :)

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THE ALTAR / THE SHRINE

deviant_sagacious — Tue, 03 May 2005 02:36:44 GMT

Given your interest here I figured perhaps some of you would also enjoy a similar tribe...
I happily invite you to: "THE ALTAR / THE SHRINE"

http://portland.tribe.net/tribe/b71bdffa-0755-42ba-bb75-afe916813f89?r=10288

This tribe was created January 19, 2004 primarily as a place to post pictures of your own personal Altars and/or Shrines and also as a place to discuss, (talk about, share ideas for, and educate,) Shrines and Altars of every possible kind. This is a very friendly and open tribe. You do not need to share personal info or pictures if you do not wish. No subject related to Altars, Shrines, Spiritual Spaces, is taboo.

I hope to see you there soon. We have been waiting for you!

Love,
Curt

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Photos??

lindabelly — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 21:05:41 GMT

Does anyone have photos of their altars to share? I'm curious to see what your creative minds have made and what they represent to you.
I'll attach mine to my profile. I made an altar for Dia De Los Muertos here in LA at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to honor my ancestors. It was a replica of a chuch called Chimayo in New Mexico, which is a healing chuch, and I put photos of my loved ones on the cross in the center of the courtyard. My altar was a huge success and people came back to it again and again.

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Mandala lovers

Mishka — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 08:50:24 GMT

new tribe getting started... any lovers out there want to join us...mandala alters???

mandala.tribe.net

Blessings,

Mishka

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Fairie Lair

lionjill — Fri, 04 Mar 2005 03:28:16 GMT

I am in a small group that has our chill spot in the form of a fairie lair. We set up at Renn Faires and the like, but someday I would love to have a more permanent home to chill. I really am inspired by the photo album!

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my winter altar

69 — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 08:30:40 GMT

Hey folks, I think I'm going to try changing my altar to fit each season. I'll start off with a green base altar cloth, then a red one in the middle, and then a strip of silver shimmery fabric over that. The colors of the altar cloth really help set the mood. Then I'll cover it with pine boughs, holly berries 'n' branches, pine cones, deer antlers, my New Millenium Gaia deity and my Pan deity, as the Horned Man. Then I'll hang a wreath and mistletoe over the whole thing and brighten it up with red and white candles and white Christmas lights. If I had a pentagram symbol of some sort, I'd add that too, but I think this setup should work until springtime. Yay!

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Butterfly altar

prairiekittin — Sat, 22 Jan 2005 20:36:16 GMT

Seems it's the time to be going through transformations.

I pulled the Butterfly card from my deck of Animal Spirit cards. Here is what it says:

The metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly embodies the principle of physical and spiritual transformation, and the butterfly lighting upon a flower in the very essence of joy, beauty, and freedom. The butterfly has been symbolic of the soul, conjugal bliss, and change and joy. In early Minoan and Mycean cultures, the butterfly goddess was a key emblem, symbolizing new life after death.

I have been going through a major transformation and rebirth, emerging from my coccoon after the symbolic death dealt to me at Steve's hand. And, what a transformation!! A new job, a new car, a new motorcycle, a new me. I forgot myself and my spirituality for a while, too, but I'm back now. I hate to admit this out loud and in public, but I think Steve actually did me a favor. (Shhh.... you didn't hear me say that, and I will deny it if asked!)

I caught a glimpse of myself in a store window today at lunch time. I started when I realized that woman was me! I looked like a professional business woman! (The downside of this... the bums never used to hit me up for money. I think they thought I was one of them. Now, I get hit up on every corner! LOL!)

So, how are all the rest of you experiencing this Butterfly energy??

The altar cloth is a scarf with a butterfly on it. On the altar, I have my Snake Goddess drum on the wall; Mama Gaia on some bricks in the corner. The bricks represent stability, and the Goddess is pregnant with possibilities; next to Her on the bricks is a red candle and a stone that is broken, but still beautiful. The stone represents me. Below the bricks and the Goddess is an incense burner to offer homage and sweet scents to the Goddess. Going deosil around the altar, I have a ruby chalice with a dragon medallion hanging on it. The dragon represents my trial by fire, as does the red chalice. Next to that is a red candle in a pentagram candle holder. Along the front is my wand. Another candle. A large quartz crystal we use as a fertility crystal in my family. Along the back is another candle. In the middle of the altar is a butterfly card from the Animal Spirits deck, Grim's amethyst, a small bottle with homemade rose incense in it, my spirit bell, a rock that looks like an owl to draw the wisdom I'm going to need to get through this, a bottle cap that says "Fearless" on it, a crystal and feather wand to symbolize flight from below to above, and several stones: bloodstone for healing, chalcopyrite for prosperity, clear quartz for spirituality, hematite for grounding, an eye stone to watch my back, a moonstone heart for spiritual love, an aventurine heart for physical love, and some blue beads left over from my pagan rosary.

I uploaded pictures in the Tribe photo album, if anyone wants to see them.

Kittin

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canada rocks

siouxskylightning — Sun, 09 Jan 2005 05:38:24 GMT

hello fellow chillers

a couple of years ago I coordinated a giant outdoor chill space as part of a Canada day weekend event. Members of the community came out and took a hand sized rock from the giant mandala we created, painted the rock and replaced it. It was a really great community builder!
The rocks were to be cemented into a comunity garden project, in a large four quadrented mandala with planting plots within, but then the city (bureaucracy stuff) shut down the garden
Any way...
the rocks still exist under a tarp at the art centre I work at..
anyone with simple or extravagant plans for what to do with them is So welcome jump in and help find a home for them!
~tigerlily

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Winter Solstice Altars

sobey — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 12:51:56 GMT

Anyone want to join in a brainstorm of things for winter solstice altars?

Its for a gathering also called Luminance which will feature a screening of Dances of Ecstasy.

i am imagining holly and ivy, an image of the Green Man, some kind of Winter Queen too..

challenge to incorporate light aspect without using open flame...

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north wall

prairiekittin — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 16:25:46 GMT

I just posted a picture in the tribe album of my North wall. I live in a VERY small place, and there just isn't room to set up much of an altar.

North is the direction of abundance for me, so here is what I have:

On the floor next to the heater is a Green Man offering plate. Next to it are some rocks and an old iron piece of something (?) I found while out walking one day. On the heater is my representation of the Hermit. He is surrounded by stones that represent grounding: petrified wood, obsidian, marble, onyx. The bandana on the front of the heater was given to me by my mother. It is held in place by celtic magnets. On the wall is my drum, surrounded by pictures of my daughters. Next to that is my household guardian, Hoss. He is made from a coyote bone I found. The wooden boxes next to the heater contain some of my books. On top of that is a "wish" altar. There is a picture that reminds me of the Strength card, a little house from a Monopoly game, a motorcycle figurine, a wooden cup with a brown stone egg in it to represent emotional grounding, a piece of silver ore and iron pyrite for prosperity adn another offering plate to the Green Man. In the top shelf of the box, is a cow horn, a Green Man representation, some green rocks, a stone bowl filled with sage bundles I gathered last summer, a piece of sweet grass, and my name plate from when I was manager of a motel. On the floor in front of the box is a metal thing with my dad's name on it, a rock that I can't identify, although it looks kinda like chert, and a cast iron piece that survived the fire at my daughter's house.

All of these things have meaning for me, and are associated with the North in my mind.

In the East, I have a bookshelf and a collection of swords and athames, in the south, there are Christmas lights and a window. The south is hard to do for me. There is only a window and almost no wall space at all. I can't put candles in the window because they melt, so I strung Christmas lights instead. In the west, I have a dolphin fountain and several "water" type pictures. My Yule altar is in the northwest corner of the room.

Kittin

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glorious nourishment

anastajah — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 04:57:23 GMT

Does anyone have suggestions as to how a food altar space could be decorated? Fabrics, different heights of platters, pottery, flowers, rocks, etc. I am not fully inspired, and I committed to making a beautiful altar!
Thanks,
love and light

posted in altars & chill spaces - 5 replies

Isis Temple in N.Cal?

ladyroe — Wed, 15 Sep 2004 19:37:43 GMT

Greetings! Has anyone here been to the Isis Oasis Sanctuary in N. California?...i am thinking about a drive up there to pay my Lady her respects and just wondered about the temple space....

Sunshine On Your Head,

Roe Griffith
Circle of the SacredFeathers
www.geocities.com/sacredfeathers

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Another New Photo

nemea_arborvitae — Mon, 13 Sep 2004 04:24:59 GMT

This is the altar that Dragon created for our handfasting in June. Enjoy!

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New Photos!

69 — Fri, 10 Sep 2004 10:40:24 GMT

hope y'all like them!

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photos

david — Fri, 25 Jun 2004 00:04:25 GMT

hello to all, i just posted two photos, one of a small installation area at the end of my bed and one is a shelf full of curious items that i have collected and cherish. hope you all enjoy....david a....panther

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newbie in tribe

david — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 01:48:34 GMT

hello all, i am david and now reside in asheville, nc. i love fun junk and stuff and am a collector and seller on ebay to keep my bills paid. i have gone thru many collections and things i adore and now i am drawn toward more and more interesting items like but not limited to,,,, bones, horns, feathers, fur, rusty items, human hair, big eyed and sad eyed items from the 60s and 70s, compo dolls, elephants and giraffes, devils and angels and black/african american items, elfs and sprites, kewpies, teddy bears, scrapbook clippings, old fans, mannequins and pieces from 50s and before. bizarre images and items and masks, and so much more. i just joined and am excited about being a part of this tribe. happy to be here. bye for now. david a

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