Why it’s grease lightning!!
Current mood: amused
Category: Automotive

Some of you have really made me laugh with your responses. The general concensus is that the odds are around 3 million to 1 but that is based on the odds of a person being struck. Some folks don't believe that my car got struck by lightning and question how do I know... Well, lets see I saw it happen with my own eyes and there are spots where the cement is scorched and melted near the car.  Perhaps I should retell the occurance in greater detail.

Gywd, Desi (our merch girl)  and I returned back to our hotel on Saturday after the festival was placed on hold due to tornados. We figured it was a better choice to be 20 minutes away from the lakeshore then right on the marina. My car was parked in a flat parking lot with our little trailer attached to it. Now it was parked in a space that had two open spots so to accomodate the trailer but there were no other cars around it (atleast 3 parking spaces in both directions). About 60 feet away there was a flag pole and also a tornado siren (a bit taller then the flag pole).

We were in our room, the curtain was pulled back from the window; it was raining and I wanted to let in the cooler air. I was looking outside talking to Desi when I saw with my own eyes lightning strike the car. The bolt forked making it appear very fat. The fire alarms started to go off in the hotel, later we find that some of the upstairs rooms lost power.

Later when things calmed down and the weather had let up, Gwyd offered to go out and bring back some dinner for us. The car started but he "couldn't get it to go any faster then 2 miles an hour and all the warning dash lights you could imagine, were on. The next day the car wouldn't even start. Black Roger was kind enough to come get us and haul our trailer back down to the pier for Sunday's festival activities. He was our hero this weekend and I have my picture of him up as my profile picture to honor him.

 - Roger, thanks mate for the hospitality and kindess of you and your crew. Hope your carpenter is ship shape soon!

My car doesn't look like anything is wrong with it. It was wet when the lightning struck so the electricity went around it, but the computer is toast no doubt. I left my car at the dealership in WI and drove a rental back. I'll have to bring the rental back and pick up my car when it's ready (I am hoping for the weekend but my insurance company is going at a snails pace getting the paperwork going. It may not be ready to mid next week! Road trip anyone?)

We did have a great time at the Pirate festival and I still do love WI dispite the weather and luck we seem to have. And no one got hurt.

Atleast we have a great story to tell. And I did take pictures of the scortch marks of the pavement and took a few pieces of the rock that had melted and then hardened from the cement.  I'll work on getting them on here soon.

Thanks for all the love, support, and interest!  And if you have a theory on what the odds are, post them here. I love reading them!

Love and lightning bolts,

Sylver Fyre

4:58 PM - 5 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

What are the odds?
Current mood: catalyzed
Category: Life

We are in WI at Port Washington Pirate fest having a great time. We get to the end of a great day, when a tornado warning is declared. Now we are currently in a flash flood warning.Pretty exciting weather and yet I bet tomorrow will be sunny and beautiful. But that is not the reason for this bulletin. . .

So my car was parked in the parking lot and we were dry and happy in our hotel room haming it up, when a bolt of lightning strikes my  new car. 

No time for more details at the moment but I will be blogging the whole ordeal later this week when I return to Michigan. But I had to take a moment to share and ask everyone out there, what are the odds???

Send me messages, I'm interested to know what the odds are. It will also give me something to cheer me up as the week unfolds, because now we have to problem solve how to get not only back home with a trailer but also how to get the car back ,when it now ceases to work (I think the computer got fried). Stay tuned!!!!

7:35 PM - 9 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

My Car has a boo boo
Category: Automotive

So last week Thursday on the way home I got into a car accident.  No one was hurt, thankfully. The other driver was at fault and it has been one big pain in the butt. I am also thankful for the fact that the police officer at the scene was so nice. The Walker police department has some really upstanding officers and every one I have met or encountered has been nothing short of fantastic. Doesn’t hurt that alot of them are cute too.

For those of you who didn’t know, I bought my first new car back in October. Now my cute new Kia Sportage looks like this:

Allow me to be materialistic for a bit. I worked so hard to finally be at a point in my life where I can finance something nice and someone wrecked it.

 *pouts a little*

Okay I’m over it.

So lately I’ve been trying to play catch up with posting online, checking emails, getting pictures to people I promised, etc. Before you know it the busy season will be upon us, in fact it’s already begining to unfurl. I can’t wait to see you all on the road.

8:47 PM - 8 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

Knotty Bits Presents THE MOST DANGEROUS SHOW UNEARTHED!
Current mood: energetic
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural

All month long of Oct the Knotty Bits Sideshow will be performing at The Haunt in Walker, MI. We have new stunts and acts for the audiences this time 'round.

If you haven't seen our show, you need to. And if you have seen it... Go see it again!! (Did I mention new acts?)

The show is only $5 and tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or at the door (also ticket sales at the bally for those of you who speak sideshow). Details and directions to the Haunt can be found on their site: www.the-haunt.com

Here's some footage from opening night... look closely you will see some of Gwyd's unusual creatures and a little bit of mister mouse trap and mister tongue playing nice together.

http://video.woodtv.com/?video_id=8588

I'll see you there!

xoxo

Sylver

11:16 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A Summer Tale
Current mood: nostalgic
Category: Travel and Places

Wow it's been a very long time since I've sat down and wrote in here. The busy summer is coming to a close...

Just in time for another busy season, the Halloween season!

Gwyd and I just finished performing at a pirate festival in Muskegon, MI. Fun was had by all. We both were able to throw in a few new bits we have been working on. I with my dangerous stunt (audience: Ooooooooooooh!)

And Gwyd with his brilliant idea of trusting the audience with his hands... you know how important hands are to a performer?!?

Looking back over the summer we enjoyed each and every event. Mayfaire was a time of reuniting with familiar faces. It was also a time of goodbyes as we said our farewells to the Gypsy Mae who has spread her wings into this world. I know she will make everyone proud.

Next came Pirate fest in Port Washington, WI. We had the time of our lives. The people of Wisconsin really know how to make a performer feel welcomed! And a special thanks goes out to our boys of Scurvvy Dawgs. It was a very exciting weekend between our car losing it's tail pipe due to the weight of the Bed of Nails and can't forget the tornado that shut down the last day of fair! (no one was hurt thankfully). It may sound like a bad time to the ordinary population, but not for Gwyd and I, we love the road of life, bumps and all!!

Next came Derbyshire Rennissance fair. I was on a buzz from our trip to WI that it flew by so quickly! Gwyd and I camped even though it was close to home, just so we could spend time with our friends. Our tents were set up next to Sabrina & Trevor and Robin the Bard. All I can remember is laughing... the kind that comes from your belly and makes your checks hurt. The first weekend there was the boxing match; in this corner weighing in at 200lbs is Gwyd the Unsual!! And in this corner weighing in at 65lbs the camping shower!!---Gwyd was very excited about the camping shower he purchase just for little o' me (a dirty Sylver is a grumpy Sylver). So Gwyd has the whole thing set up and the water bag filled, he hangs the bag up and after a few seconds, Splat! The D ring gives way and the bag falls. Okay no big deal. The mastermind and engineer Gwyd is, this poses no problem. He rigs the bag to hang and exits the tent. Stepping back he admires his work and just as he turns to receive praise from me.... Snap! Twist! Kersplatie! The whole tent corkscrews and falls to the ground. The fiberglass poles snapped in half. Now ladies we know that this no time to laugh... but man did we. Gwyd was a trooper and just shook his head. Needless to say it went back to the store. Second weekend was filled with songs from "Rum the Musical" thanks to Robin the bard. He was on quite the creative streak. I can't wait for the CD.

Next we had the honor of performing for the Wizards Ball Make a Wish charity event in Grand Rapids. Wizards, witches, and a good cause. Sounds like my kind of party! They raised over $100,000 that will benefit terminally ill children.

Then came Carnival of Chaos. Gwyd and I were reunited with the Devil Dolls, performing at a hard rock concert fest. It was good to share the stage with the girls and shake our pom poms. Nothing like fire, schoolgirls and cheerleading to Rob Zombie.

This brings us to August... with Fairy Fest in Illinois. What a great event! Frances Mai-Ling and her father, the great De Yip Loo came out to see our show. It meant a great deal to meet them both. Frances is a talented musician and daughter to a historical magician. She used to box jump for her father when she was just a little girl. Gwyd and I hold them both in very high regards.

And coming full circle the Muskegon Pirate Festival. Speaking of visitors we also had the great pleasure of meeting Sideshow Bennie. He took the time to come see us perform as he visited our state. From first impressions I can tell you that this man has a big heart.

Thank you for sticking with me through my nostalgic journey. Big things coming up next... Stay tuned and keep your eyes pealed for the details. We are preparing for the grind!!

xoxo

Sylver

8:56 PM - 5 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Double Your Pleasure at Spectrum
Current mood: bouncy

Actor's Theater in Grand Rapids is hosting their 3rd Annual Fundraiser / Auction!

This year's theme is "Double Your Pleasure"  in salute to the musical SIDESHOW and the lead characters the Hilton Sisters.

As Knotty Bits, Gwyd and I will be performing some of our signature acts.

The event goes from 6:30-10ish with performances from the musical SIDESHOW between 9-10. There will be an Art Auction, Delicious food from local resturants, Cash bar, and lots of entertainment and Freaks! (coughs) Ahem.. that would be us.

Come support the arts in Grand Rapids and have fun too!

I'll see you there!!

xoxox

Syvler Fyre

6:12 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Bad luck and my birthday
Current mood: grateful

Thank you so much to all of you who wished me a happy birthday!

The love and attention has been wonderful and has made me feel very special.

I will share with you something that few know about me...

I have a history of having bad luck on the anniversary of the day I was born. I don't know why but it's been a reoccuring theme since I can remember. There have been a few years that the bad luck streak was broken by the love and support of those in my life. (those of you that bare witness to it know who you are and an extra thank you go out to you) So thank you so much for the positive energy.

Hopefully this year, with all your wishes, the streak will be broken and it will be caused by all of you in my life that took the time. I've got a good feeling that this year will be a good one.

Just goes to show you what little things can do.

xoxo

Sylver Fyre

7:33 PM - 5 Comments - 5 Kudos - Add Comment

Bunnies Bunnies Bunnies
Current mood: nostalgic

It's in the air.  The past few days I've been feeling it.

I take a deep breath of that fresh spring air and memories I haven't thought about in ages come back like it was last week.  I pop in an old tape from high school while I'm driving and I can remember the voice of an old friend. Or a moment shared that I had forgotten.

And I swear I can smell a carnival.

It's Ostara! (Spring for the rest of you) and I feel this excitement building, one that makes me a child again.

For any of you show folk, you know we feel it stronger because our season is upon us. Carnivals, Summer Festivals, Renaissance Fairs, Art Fairs, and spending as much time out doors performing as possible. And seeing old familiar performing faces and meeting new ones.

Now if you live in a state that is warm year round, you may not experience this spring fever quite like the folks in colder states do.  There is nothing quite like it.

I gotta go outside and soak up some sun now,

 if you can, you should too!!!

I Love Spring Time!!!!  Bunnies bunnies bunnies!

The SpringTime Cracked out Sylver Fyre

11:16 AM - 10 Comments - 11 Kudos - Add Comment

American Red Cross Charity Event - Feb 8th
Current mood: grateful

Come see me perform live for a good cause!

There will be Music,  Live Performers,  Cajan Buffet, Dessert, Cash bar, Prizes and more! Plus West Michigan's premiere of the film Hurricane on the Bayou.

We as a nation were all effected by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans felt the blow. Without support, Your support, the American Red Cross would be unable to help those in times of strife.

Please come out and show your support.

$50.00 Per Person - All proceeds to benefit your local American Red Cross

6:31 PM - 4 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Bullies Part Two

So for those of you who wanted to hear the rest of the article... By request here it is.  And remember that this was written in reguards to the "magical bully" but I feel it applies to work, home, friends, and any organization or social circle.

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Does this sound like anyone you know? Bullies cause a great deal of stress wherever they live, work, worship, and play. This stress becomes unhealthy for people who have to deal with them on a daily basis. So, the question is: How should we deal with such a person? Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves?

First and foremost, once you make a determination based on the character points above, you should not hesitate:  Vote her out of your group or community. Do yourself a favor and keep her from threatening you and your spiritual beliefs ever again. And do not let her charm her way back in to your circle or community. She is not going to change. This behavior is a pattern that no doubt goes back to her childhood.

As a special warning to coven and community leaders:  The (magical) Bully will want to be your special friend. She wants to have your authority and respect, but she doesn't want to work to get it. She will present one face to you and another to your coven members or community. The end result is that your members and community will resent you for not seeing through this bully. And once you lose your standing in the coven or community as a result of constantly praising, rewarding, or defending your bully while your coven and community members are being maligned by her, the bully will move on to another group or community and she will have nothing good to say about you.

After reading this, you may be thinking, well this bully behavior applies to people in my workplace, in my family, and in my circle of friends who have nothing to do with the magical community. All I can say is: Bingo!

Bullies are bullies. You must recognize them where you find them and them out of your life. They are everywhere.

The European community is miles ahead of the United States in recognizing the destruction that bullies cause. They have legislation for dealing with such people in the workplace and community. I can only hope the United States will follow their example some time in the near future.

-Taken from "The Magical Bully" by ShadowCat in Llewellyn's 2003 Magical Almanac

1:51 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment