Yesterday, I started reading the next book in the Holmes and Hudson series, by Martin Davies. Its title is Mrs. Hudson and the Blue Daisy Affair. The thought came to me that I should make a pair of earrings to, I don't know, match or celebrate the book. I looked around for ideas for the earrings I wanted to make and came up with a plan, which I will start making shortly. This morning, my laptop wallpaper changed to daisies, and I thought to look in my botanical deck

Today went on a tangent. I think it's just that sort of day. The wind is at high speeds, and I've been across the street a few times to pick stuff up from my yard. So, I thought I would just pick up the fragments of my mind, too, and do a project. During the pandemic, I did a lot of sewing for local places that needed masks. As a singer, I figured out how to make a singer's mask, and I also got asked to make scrub caps for medical staff. I couldn't actually find a patter

Have you seen the news lately? Have you looked at my life recently? Trying to just stay calm is nearly impossible. My mind wanders to Tibetan monks, and it feels like the requirement for staying calm is isolation. While I am very tempted to adopt that kind of life, not all of us can thrive in that scenario. As often happens, my imagination has built an entire environment and is walking alongside and observing this conjuration of a monk, based on the information I have co

I catch myself smiling as I picture a soft glow emanating from me and gently spreading outward to join the light of others. Then, my bubble of warmth begins to warp, and I find that someone else is trying to move me out of my own space by taking it over. Now, I have worked very hard nurturing this bubble so I can stand in my own space, but it is still a fragile existence since it is so new. Without realizing it, I begin to decrease my boundaries, pulling in so the encro

Often, when someone says the word connection we think of making a line between people. Introverts begin to panic inwardly, and many others envision the group building exercises that seem to be a trend among business leadership. Perhaps, though, the most important connection is between the fragmented pieces of ourselves. A larger percentage of us are really good at distraction and procrastination, and we try to convince ourselves that we have a good life. Our heart tells u

There are some days that feel satisfying, like putting the last piece of a puzzle in and lovingly patting it flat, just a warm, content feeling. This day was not one of those. My emotions have felt shredded, and it is unsettling. I usually analyze until I find a way through, but I haven't been able to sort it out. Somehow, I feel like I let everybody down today. Maybe I didn't feel a particular connection like I often do when I am with people. Interestingly, I had a mom

As I look around my room, one thing catches my eye: a sparkly butterfly ring. My therapist asked me if I was a creature, what would I be? Butterfly. I seem to find deep resonance with these gentle creatures. In the way that my mind works, lyrics to a Tinkerbell song floated through my heart, "Butterflies and fairy sprites, come to me". Naturally, the butterfly oracle deck called to me as well. Now, it has to be said that this deck has lovely art and symbolism, but not m

Yesterday was a busy day in my thoughts and actions. I grabbed a notepad and started writing while my mind struggled to keep up with the needs of the day that required physical action. I nearly lost the thread of what I was writing several times. I did manage to hold on to the thoughts and intended to put them in a post, but when I got home, I was exhausted. Today, my thoughts travel to why I was so tired yesterday. I didn't think I did enough to merit being tired, but

A little over a week ago, I was describing my life to a friend. I told her that I felt like the universe just cleared my chessboard, I mean, took it and dumped all the carefully planned moves on the floor. It's been a tumultuous couple of years with a great deal of change, and it's been unsettling at best. I have always lived within the parameters of a typical life. There are certain non-variables in life, like you have to work to make money so that you can pay bills and

While growing up, I can remember that a lot of people used imitation vanilla, but it wasn't the same quality as real vanilla extract. I had to ask myself why people didn't just use the real thing. All it takes is a little look into history to explain. The world has been through two great wars and many other smaller ones, and that takes a toll not only on people but also on the land that nurtures us. It took me a while to understand that the fields of France didn't grow we

Apparently, I love projects. Not just projects but creative ones. Organizing my life in writing helps me see how many things I enjoy doing, and they don't get completed in the order they were started and that's ok. It means I am listening to my inner needs and allowing life to flow rather than forcing it into a shape that looks normal to others. While I have a main book to read, I actually read quite a few others along with it. It's the same with other aspects of life as

As the winter guardians of ice and snow draw back to make way for the spring ambassadors of greenery and flowers, we are all inspired to hope for more free days. The once magical snowfall has now become dismal and the habits of wearing coats seem smothering instead of warm and we look to the mornings that are no longer cold but scented with the fragrance of freshly blooming flowers. In our hearts, these days will feel much lighter and more care-free and our minds travel to

Today I finally made space to put my hair mask on. Several days ago I put some Walnut shells into water to soak so that I could make this mixture for my hair. The shells only needed to sit for six hours, but I guess the tint needed more intensity because they have been sitting for days. I mix it with Amla powder and make a runny paste to apply. For anyone wanting to try it, I developed this recipe from extensive research into natural hair dyes so, it is a dye, but it also

Why can't it be both? While coaching in the Learn to Skate program at my ice rink, I encounter all sorts of people. In this particular class, there were quite a few children making it quite chaotic. At some point one of the little girls was crying. As an empath, I reach to hurt so I did my best to make her feel safe and heard. When she got comfort from her parents she returned to the ice and kept coming over to me and giving me hugs. I found this in sharp contrast to an

Lavender carries the energies of balance and renewal. It guides us to quiet the mind and listen to our inner voice, bringing focus and easing anxiety. This humble plant teaches us that true strength can be found in calm and that even in the busiest times, we can create our own peace. Many times, reflection, growth and wellness work so closely with each other that it's hard to tell the difference. Yesterday, I saw them work hand in hand as I implemented the strategy I set

Let go of old dreams that no longer resonate with your current path. You may have spent years working toward a goal that no longer aligns with who you are. By releasing that dream, you open yourself up to new opportunities that are more in tune with you now. The sacrifice here is not a failure but a sign of growth, and it allows you to pursue what truly brings you fulfillment. This week I have started on a deeper journey to release and rejuvenate. So far, I have been prac

When you feel stuck or stagnant, take a moment to reconnect with the elements around you. Step outside, breathe in the wind, and feel the earth beneath your feet. This morning, I chose to light a candle to welcome in my day. As I focused on the flame, it reminded me that my flame is still burning, no matter how much negativity tries to snuff it out. A simple cup of coffee warmly cupped in my hands as I gaze out the window to the distant field where the deer stand sentry