Hi all,
Since the story of Sherris disappearance hit MM, I have been unable to look away. I think this is because I had also been following the horrible, tragic deaths of two other runners, Karina V. and Vanessa M.
Like many, due to the pictures and family interviews, I felt major doubt that shed ever leave her children. Still, as I mentioned previously, people wear masks, and beneath them many suffer. I know what its like to be lost, overwhelmed and unwell, so I naturally shirk judgment about what a person would or should do. What others see as rational thinking may be impossible to do sometimes, even when you can still hear the truth of your soul.
I considered, like many here, that there could be something beyond the airbrushed version we all see. So, I went in search of something
who knows what
until I thought perhaps I had happened upon something of value. I know as much as the rest of us claim to, which is not much.
After much thought, I have decided to just throw something into the ring. I hesitate because I feel my ideas have been dismissed by some as well, nonsense. Jokes have been made a few times at the expense of my suggestions, which totally surprised me. I joined WS because its a community that requires and maintains communication standards. Thankfully, I feel that most follow those guidelines.
Anyhow (without much commentary) here are my offerings:
Sherri wrote that Mabon-Samhain is her favorite time of year; this is a Wiccan harvest festival.
She has pinned much re: owls, including a specific one about the owl as a spiritual guide. The picture of an owl is accompanied by this text: The Owl is connected to wisdom, journeying and death. It is associated with the need to retreat from the world, look inside of ourselves for the answers we seek
for embarking on meditation and study
linked with night and moon magic.
Within the last 8 months, it looks like she has become very interested in Native American topics, including the denial of Native American history in popular culture
the push of Native Americans to reservations
false history, violent treatment, etc. This is not anything appropriate, or useful for childrens curriculum/holiday projects.
Also, references to Native American wisdom and medicine appear like Paganism, Earth-based wisdom. Also, there is a pin about smudging, a Native American and spiritual technique (also used by Wiccans) to "bless, cleanse and heal" people, objects or environments. The use of sage in smudging is used to help one "start anew" and "combat negative energy." I have experience with smudging, but I took those phrases from websites related to spirituality.
There are two pins about moon cycles and how they relate to women from a Wiccan Tumblr.
She is following Witches Garden and Pagan and Proud.
To me, it appears she was, at one time at least, questioning traditional religion and exploring other types of spirituality. There appears to be a very complex woman beneath the big, beautiful "All-American" smile. Perhaps this growth wasn't supported in her typical circle.
As we all know, and there are many more examples if you explore beyond her basic board, guns are everywhere. Concealed carry holsters, garter concealment, ornamental weapons including a Tiffanys glock multiple firearms, including one that appears to be an automatic in a well-concealed flag case on a wall (not hers). There are many political type of pins, including one that states children shouldnt know anything about politics. Theres the Killary one, etc.
There is also a survivalist axe and other similar items as has already been mentioned.
Not that this means anything, but I went through a period in my own life when I was 32/33-ish. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey that was born from a need for coping skills, meaning and purpose. I wanted to know my place. I began to value the Earth, explore Paganism and alternative ways of knowing and living. Funny, my animal guide was, and is, the owl. I was raised Catholic, and though I was connected to pieces of my religion, I question/ed much of it.
Anyhow, that is what I have. I am not proclaiming anything or stating this has similar significance to my experience. I hope this post comes across with respect, as intended. Thanks for reading.
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