"We're in the Money," -- Not

Those of us that write on things esoteric, on blogs, on e-zines, for publications, make very little, if any, money. We do it for... all kinds of reasons. Because we like to write, because we're creative and find writing a form of creative expression, because we like to share and communicate with others, because we've had our own experiences and are trying to figure them out, because we like to think and ponder and wonder, because... many more reasons I haven't thought of. But one thing is clear, we aren't in it for the money. I don't expect money. Well, I expect money in the sense I'm hopeful and have intent and am not projecting negativity, just being realistic. We don't, most of us, write because we think we're going to make money. It's safe to say most of us wouldn't turn money down if it came our way, but it's not expected. It's not about money. If it were, we wouldn't be doing this.

So, in that context, I THANK YOU to all the contributors here at Women Of Esoterica. I am constantly amazed at the fact that everyone here: Kithra, Lesley, Richelle Hawks, Danielle Lee, Anya, Deirdre, Karyn Dolan, Farah Yurdozu, Tina Sena, and Chris Holly contribute to this blog for FREE. Thank you, thank you.

Moving on. . . while most of us write for free, or very little, and of course welcome any money that may come our way, we do it for the reasons listed above, and more. Hopefully, if we're serious enough, or rather, sincere enough, in our intent, in our journey, in our research, some respect comes our way. Genuine discussions on all this stuff; Forteana, anomalous, UFOs, paranormal, whatever . . . takes place. Some even get to make an actual impact somewhere beyond the fringe. That's pretty huge.

We all know there are plenty of clown shoes in this field. Some of them are downright thieving, nasty, lying, dung filled clown shoes.  On the other end of the continuum are the sincere, the honest, the genuine researchers and people who have dedicated themselves to exploration in this realm, and, while they may not be paid in money, they are deserving of respect and care. You don't just kick 'em out because they haven't performed produced the right amount of stuff for your personal agenda, be it bank account or what. Especially if you don't pay them in the first place.

Farah Yurdozu: Mary Poppins, Alien Abductions, and Gurdijeff.

Farah Yurdozu has a great article in the current issue of UFO Magazine. (Farah is one of our contributors here at Women Of Esoterica.) It's titled Mary Poppins, Alien Abductions, and Gurdijeff. Great title! When I first read the title, I thought it was intriguing and delightful, but couldn't imagine what the three had to do with each other.

While reading the article, I saw why. Farah weaves together these three elements in a way that makes sense. And, there are surprises; things I didn't know about the author of Mary Poppins, but, after reading about her, aren't surprising.

There were three books that had a vivid and intense impact on me when I was young; books that I read over and over again. I still visit them on occasion even now. The Secret Garden,Frances Hodgson Burnett, Jane Erye,Charlotte Brontë, and Mary Poppins, by P. L. Travers. I loved Mary Poppins! I read the other Mary Poppins books too ( ) but Mary Poppins, the first one, remains my favorite. (And, as Farah mentions, the movie, while enjoyable -- I'm a musical junkie -- is nothing like the book at all.)

Farah discusses one part in the book where Mary Poppins and the children see a bright star in the night sky, next thing you know, they're visiting other worlds. That was one of my favorite parts in the book. After reading Farah's article, and given my interest and experience with UFOs, aliens, and related phenomena, that connection between the three: Mary Poppins,Alien Abductions, and Gurdijeff, is easy to understand. And why I related so much to that part of the book. (It's not surprising that books such as Alice in Wonderland, the Oz books, and other books that transport the individual -- usually a child -- to another world resonate with many of us invovled in this area.)

This issue of UFO Magazine is interesting for all kinds of reasons, all the great columnists like Lesley (also a Women of Esoterica contributor), Nick Redfern, and Alfred Lehmberg, as well as the items on the Stephenville UFOs. But getting this issue just for Farah's article is worth it.

Farah Yurdozu: New Women Of Esoterica Contributor!

I am so excited to announce that UFO researcher and writer Farah Yurdozu is our latest contributor!

Farah writes for the print magazine UFO Magazine. She is the author of Confessions of a Turkish UFOlogist, and will be a speaker at the International UFO Conference in Nevada, February 23 - March 1. She's been interviewed on several podcasts, including Tim Binnall's podcast. Visit Farah's website for more information.

And, thank you Farah! Truly an honor.