So, I'm Yoda...

I took this random quiz...now, a little backstory first:

A long, long time ago, in a trailer court far, far away...

Ok, short version. I've never watched Star Wars. Not even once. Not the newer ones, not the old ones, none of it. So what I know of the verse is limited to what I hear from friends. But this was actually pretty cool, because it's where I want to be (mostly) in life. It's what I'm striving towards, and it brings up some stuff that I don't think about often...but when I do, I realize I want my life to go that way.

I know, I know....could you vague that up for me? ....(sorry...big fan of BtVS)

I've been on a spiritual path since I was 15, when I realized that Christianity didn't make any sense to me, and I decided to become a Wiccan. Until I realized that Wicca is just a little too "love and light" for my tastes, and went instead with Egyptian Paganism, mixed with a healthy reverence for the Winter Sidhe and the old Druid ways. So there's that. I'm finally in a place where, while I'm still learning, I am able to teach what I've learned to others, as well. 

The same can be said for my massage therapy career. I have honed my skills, come up with my own techniques, and am at least mildly successful at being self-employed.

As is true with my training at the Kojokan dojo. The fact that I've stuck with it as long as I have astounds me. And I've been told, not just by my instructors but by other students, that I've progressed to a level wherein I'm actually capable of explaining and demonstrating forms and sparring exercises (mostly) correctly, and to do so well enough that the person I'm demonstrating to can understand and learn from it. This astonished me, the first time one of my Sensei's asked me to teach a new student something. I freaked, and said, "Wait...I'm not good enough at it to teach it." And he looked at me, and very seriously said, "Yes, you are. You have this, and you're better at explaining than you think." So, I gave it my best, and the new guy actually learned from what I said and did! It was awesome!

Anyway. So...here's the picture from the quiz, and the link to take it yourself is below. :D

Which Star Wars Character Are You?

(Side note: I tried to publish this before, and hit save at the wrong time, deleting it. But!!! I found a cached copy of the post! Squee!)

New design!

Yep, that's right. That's Elsa from Disney's Frozen you see behind this post. I love the movie, and the character. I happen to be a huge Dresden Files fan (the books/audiobooks, NOT the show), and Elsa is a perfect representation of Mab. Oh, and that fortress she builds? Yea, exactly how Arctis Tor is described. 

But it's more than that. I'm somewhat of an eclectic Pagan, and the Queen of Air and Darkness is not just a character in a book. The power and elegance of the Winter sidhe is something that has started to resonate more with me than it had before. So, when I look at this awesome movie, I can't help but feel a connection to the power Elsa wields. 

I Have Returned...again...

So, my last post on here was over a year ago.

I graduated from Massage Therapy school at Capri College, and started my own business as a massage therapist, working mostly at home, in September of 2012. I've since traveled and worked at conventions in Kansas City, and will be doing so again this year (I'll be at Naka-Con, so come get a massage from me!)

Never really bothered to tell y'all about me...

My name is Crystal Shepherd, though I occasionally go by Crystal Fier, as that's my modeling name. I have done gothic and artistic nude modeling, occasionally managing to make some good money doing it. No, I don't mind saying that, either. I'm not ashamed of it.

Like I said, I'm now self employed as a massage therapist. I have my own table, and usually work at home, though I have some clients who I go to their house instead. 

I train in Kenbujitsu (battle field samurai sword) in North Liberty, and have done for the last 2.5 years. It has done so much to bring me out of my shell, and taught me a discipline I never knew before.

I spent the majority of my life not knowing what it was to have friends...literally...I had no clue. But about 5 years ago, I met a ton of amazing people, and now I have a huge group of great friends, and two or three who are very close, practically family now. I have no idea how I got so lucky to be friends with these people, or what I would've done without their love and support over the last 3 years.

There's lots more to tell, if you really want to know, so if you have questions or just want to get to know this crazy-goth-samurai-massage therapist-chick, just let me know!