Isaac's Public Memorial

Last night I supported mage_imbroglio in helping prepare for Isaac's public memorial. Many others were more helpful than I: ludditeauthor was indispensable, as were siha_chan and padmaclynne. Looking around, I noticed people from many communities working together to make sure that Phaedra had the support that she needed while everything was made ready.

The memorial was well attended, with perhaps 125+ people present. I didn't count, but the room was full.

Phaedra asked mage_imbroglio to read this remarkable poem, written for Isaac just before his death:

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Watching my community mourn evoked a tremendous range of feelings and images for me. It was a wistful combination of sorrow and pleasure. Most of all, I felt proud to be part of such a deliciously vibrant, loving community.

Afterwards, Phaedra graciously opened her home to anyone who wanted to come and visit. crytolos ran out and bought munchies and drinks for everyone, and I am sure others also contributed. Many people came together to remember Isaac and talk about him and all the things they loved about life.

Later in the evening, I found myself among a small group of folks talking about "True Blood," vampire novels and the deeper currents beneath them. We also geeked extensively about the Buffy/Angel TV series and some new-to-me shows I had never directly encountered. It gave me intense pleasure, and I learned a great deal from everyone in it (V., J., crytolos, Michael and M.).

On the whole, it was beautiful.

Benefit for Phaedra, Isaac's wife: Boosting the signal

Our benefit for Isaac's family is a GO! The evening of Sunday, August 29th, at the Radisson of Piscataway.

http://turtlehillevents.org/isaacbenefit.html

From the website:

Isaac Bonewits Benefit Concert

7 pm on Sunday, August 29, 2010 in Piscataway, NJ

Please join us for an evening of music and fun, just as Isaac would have wanted. Our concert will feature the Gypsy Nomads and the White Elephant Burlesque Society.

Entry is $15 per person (give more if you can!), with all profits going to benefit his family in this time of need. Many of you have asked, what can I do? This is something real and tangible you can do to help Phaedra Bonewits and the rest of the family get through this tough time.

Come out. Enjoy the concert. Bring a friend. Hang out with like-minded folks. Laugh and tell stories. Meet Isaac's son, Arthur.

Location: Radisson Piscataway, 21 Kingsbridge Rd Piscataway, NJ 08854

In memory of Isaac Bonewits, October 1, 1949-August 12, 2010. Click on his name to learn more about this fascinating luminary of the neo-pagan world.

This event is being organized jointly by some of the folks who bring you Fires of Venus, THE Beltane Gathering and Wicked Faire, Steampunk World's Fair, and Midsummer Magick. We're honored to be able to be of service in this way and look forward to seeing you there.

Not Buddhist

And now for something completely different.

Non-geeks, non-nerds, non-gamers and those who scorn fantasy/science-fiction, please scroll down now.

I have no words to express the complete and total awesomeness of this movie, which has become one of my all time sadness-chasing, self-pity annulling, get-me-off my butt favorites:
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Hit-Girl's relationship with Big Daddy leaves me speechless, but in a good way. Also, I concur with Katie's (final) assessment of Kick-Ass.