text: PantheaCon is a gathering that takes place over the President's Day weekend each year in San Jose, California in a large Doubletree Hotel.
  This has a special significance for me as I was born in that city and every chance I have to return there is a bittersweet emotional recharge for my spirit.
  This year's PantheaCon marks my first as a presenter on the main program schedule. I have given presentations and workshops before but never as part of the main program and never to an audience that size. I was an equal mix of excited and nervous.
  Most of my work as a writer has had, as an underlying motivation, the drive to show that there are practical, affordable, workable, effective, and magical ways to achieve our goals, work our crafts, and celebrate our spiritualities without having to "make do" or feel lesser because exotic ingredients or expensive tools are unobtainable. This being the case, I gave a presentation on "Supermarket Witch Crafts" to show how to make custom, expensive-looking, homemade blank books, magnets, and spell bottles using everyday materials.
  Overall, I think my presentation went well and I had a great time conversing with people after it was over. For me, the best part of PCon is connecting with people.
  Kristoffer Hughes, Melanie Marquis, Tiffany Lazic, and John Beckett gave great presentations that I was able to attend. There is always so much going on that no one person can go to everything that they want to, but I managed to see my favorites.
  Aside from the main program, different organizations host hospitality rooms throughout the hotel on the 2nd, 9th, and 10th floors. My favorites were the OBOD room run by the East Bay Druids, the Sisterhood of Avalon room, and of course, the Llewellyn room. Each are run by wonderful people that create such an atmosphere of welcome and fun.
  Reconnecting with friends from all over is as vital a component of PantheaCon as the presentations. James, Erin, Thea, Elysia, Kat, Tiffany, Kristoffer and Ian, Melanie, & Motherbear; many thanks for your friendship. I was also so happy to formally meet Jhenah and Starhawk, and to meet Bill K in person. Wonderful people all. You're all fabulous and it is a blessing to know you.
  The vendor area was fantastic with the Milk & Honey store's booth being my favorite.
  Overall, this PantheaCon was a spiritual hug that bolstered my resolve to continue trying to give as much back to the Witch and Pagan community as I can whether it be through writing, teaching or other means.
  Huge thank yous to all who came to my presentation, bought books, and talked with me in the halls, suites and everywhere. I am humbled by your kindness and I hope that you enjoy my books.
  May the magic always bring blessings.