(Spiraling Shadow's founder/host)

 

My name is Shannon, though many know me as Gypsy~Rose. I started the gatherings in 1998 in Manchester, NH. My husband, though new to Paganism then, has become an integral part of the gatherings now, also. His name is Alb.

I am a work-at-home Mom/artist and also the founder of the NH Renaissance Faire & Samhain Celebration. Over the years we have met most of our friends via the gatherings, since I haven't worked outside the home... makes it difficult to meet people. :)

We have enjoyed the gatherings and the people therein. We have met many folks with similar intrerests: gaming, music, anime, medieval/renaissance "stuff" etc.. I have even met one or two other artists through the gatherings.

As with any group things shift and change as the years pass by. We have done our best to shift with them and to work with the gatherers to give everyone something they enjoy, which can be very tricky at times. We think it's due to the fact that we are receptive to other's thoughts and ideals that we have survived and thrived over the years.

On a more personal note., since this is pretty band thus far huh? LOL I was born in NJ and raised in central NH from age 3 through the beginning of college. I went to Maine College of Art and got a 4 year, (BFA), degree in Metalsmithing and Jewelry. I have been supporting us with my art, (with my husband's combined efforts as his emplyment also), since 2001.

I was raised by a teacher and a social worker who then got counseling Masters when I was in high school. Right now they are both prepping to be Guardian Ad Litems. My parents are wonderful people with very strong ethics, something they have instilled in me. My sister works in administration for a non-profit health center in NH and my brother just became a Master Sargent in the Air Force! He and his family are in VA.

My husband was imported from Ohio, :), we were one of the first couples I ever knew of that met online and got married. I know, sounds cheesy. We were married on Samhain, 1997, (he chose the date... I found it cliche, LOL). He was raised Methodist and I was raised basic Protestant, (my parents were both raised Catholic). Luckily my husband and I both had good experiences with our pastors growing up so, unlike some unfortunate people we've met, we have a positive view of Christianity and recognize that it's a good path for some... just not us. We are teaching our children about multiple religions as they grow, letting them decide what they'd like to know more about.

Spiritually my interests are toward the ghost/other worldly "stuff". I am pretty feline on the whole whereas my husband loves rats, we currently have 3, (Nomad, Foaly and Artemis... see if you can get the reference on two of the names). We likes animals, on the whole, though. As for other spiritual stuff I prefer the basics over a lot of pomp and circumstance. Talismans are probably the most intricate work that I do and I have had very good luck with them, knock on wood. :)

 

I hope this has given you a little insight into who I am and who the group is... though online it's hard to really get a feel for people. Folks are welcome to e-mail me if they have any questions and, for those nervous about coming to someone's home that you've never met you're welcome to bring a friend or a spouse as long as they're open minded and receptive to the Pagan path. They don't have to be Pagan, just Pagan-friendly. :)