The Hit List - On the internet nobody knows

The internet is a strange place. While I find it to be a useful space for gathering information and making connections, sometimes I feel it’s like the wild, wild west.

There are outlaws out there. People who feel they can take what they want or say whatever they want without repercussions or any thought of who they are affecting on the other side. It’s rough going especially for sensitive types.

Take this week for example. The other day I posted a quote on Instagram using one of the nifty squares that my designer, Jacquelyn Tierney, created for me a few years back. (Her work is awesome by the way. Check her out.) I noticed that someone had left a comment so I took a peek, expecting one of my friends or fans sharing a thought or a heart emoji.

Instead, some fellow tarot person, whom I have never met before, left a comment accusing me of copying someone else’s branding. Ironically, the person they accused me of copying was someone who lifted some of my web copy a few years back.

I’d like you to imagine my reaction for a minute.

If you pictured rage, you were right.

If there’s one thing I don’t like it’s being accused of something I didn’t do. The other thing I don’t tolerate: rudeness. Who was this person and how or why would they make a public accusation when they don’t know me – or the backstory between me and the other person? Why did they assume that I was the one doing the copying when the person they were defending is the one who not only helped herself to my web copy but also did a recent rebrand…using the same colors I have been using for years? (Note to copycats: if you’re going to do a rebrand, it’s wise to pick colors that are different than those of a colleague who has a beef with you.)

This put me in the very awkward position where I had to defend myself and my work on a public space – and now, unfortunately, it unwittingly named names and put the spotlight on a situation that I preferred was long gone. It was like rubbing internet salt on an old wound. Ouch.

A few comments from peers and friends who knew the backstory later and I got an apology. But the damage was done.

I’m sure the person who decided to leave that remark was only trying to defend their friend. I get that. I wish they would have checked in with me privately before making assumptions. But ah, that’s the internet. It’s a place where assumptions are rampant and people often click-click-click on that keyboard without thinking first.

I guess the moral of this story would be to think before you hit that keyboard. Pause before you leave a comment or take a picture or add your 2¢. Better yet, get the facts. The facts might surprise you. (PS I’m like James Comey – I keep a paper trail. Trust me, I have facts. And screen shots.)

The end.

Light the incense, purify the air, bow to the gods and burn it all away. Ashé Oya!

Other stuff:

This week, I’m chatting with Bryce Cameron over at Music & An Interview about tarot ‘n music.

Nylon has a list of 14 flicks to check out. Top of my list of movies to see this summer: Hounds of Love.

Must read: The painful truth about teeth.

I adore Todd Rundgren. Can’t believe this guy is almost 70!

Vogue has the tips: how to buy vintage jeans.

Turn it up + get turned on with this hot conversation between Gala Darling and Alexandra Roxo about sexuality.

Coming Out Tarot wrote this GREAT post on how to get things done using the four elements.

Good stuff from Lisa Boswell: Clients who scam the psychics.

I Was the Other Woman—but I Still Feel Sorrier for Myself Than for Her.

According to Gordon Ramsay this is the one thing you should never order at a restaurant.

Maddy Elruna talks about the most feared card in tarot.

Loving this from Rebelle Society: The price of pleasing.

The Mesquite Tarot looks uh-may-zing! I’m a deck minimalist but I MUST back this one!

Digging this convo between Halsey and Debbie Harry: Halsey Talks Mental Health, Feminism, and Friendship With Debbie Harry.

Twin Peaks comes back this Sunday and Gabriela Herstik has everything you need to know.

I’m a Feng Shui fan (although I need to work on this clutter). Amanda Gibby Peters has the most accessible, relatable feng shui site called Simple Shui. This week she shares the story of how she got started – and she’s got something cool coming down the pike.

What is your zodiac sign’s tarot card?

I love Danielle Cohen so much! She’s my #1 photographer. Check out her latest post + photos.

New from Hiro Boga: That thing: the creative boo!

What people get wrong about incarcerated mothers.

Adding this to my wish list: Feminine Genius: The Provocative Path to Waking Up and Turning On the Wisdom of Being a Woman by LiYanna Silver.

Jaymi Elford’s Triple Goddess Tarot is the hottest new tarot deck!

I really dig the work of Vanessa Van Edwards. She just released Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People.

The Tarot Coloring Book Tour continues! Here’s where I’m heading next:

June 17-18th 2017: The Hermit’s Lamp in Toronto, Canada. Book signing and Celtic Cross Tutorial. Join me on the 17th for a book signing and then come again on the 18th for an in-depth workshop on how to rock the Celtic Cross (the Celtic Cross workshop is SOUL-ED OUT)!

June 19 2017 6-8PM: Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Join me for Celtic Cross Boss, a two-hour tutorial that will have you mastering the Celtic Cross like a BOSS. $25.

July 9th 2017: Brushes + Cards. Special tarot + creativity workshop with intuitive artist, Chris Zydel of Creative Juices Arts – Oakland, California. Join us for a full day of painting, tarot, intuition work, and gourmet food! SOUL-ED OUT!

July 14 2017 6:30-8:30PM : New Renaissance Books in Portland. Details coming soon!

August 4 – 6th 2017: The Omega Tarot Conference: Masters of the Tarot – Five Approaches to Reading the Cards. I’ll be co-teaching at this event with tarot legends Mary Greer, Rachel Pollack, Sasha Graham and Barbara Moore!