Getting Lost

in my own backyard.

This morning, I was up and outside at the crack of dawn, greeted by a Pink (well, Pinkish-Orange) sky. Every time this happens, I think, “It’s a sign!” Today will be the day I get serious about writing my book, “Pink Is Everything!”

Then I fed the birds, fixed breakfast, ate breakfast, turned on my computer (mistake #1,) did a quick “check-in,” and made mistake #2 of looking outside.

Morning is my most creative time and when I have the most productive energy. Everything I love (or need) to do, including writing, running errands, doing chores, and walking in the woods, seems better and easier in the morning.

Guess what seems to win out the most these days?

It’s those Trees…

I hear them calling me. Drawing me away from tapping on my computer.

Remember my moving mantra?

“I want to live somewhere where I can walk out my door into the woods, and I want to see mountains.”

What’s the point of manifesting your mantra if you don’t take advantage of it?!

So I headed out, sufficiently bundled up in alpaca and merino wool, with a warm, yummy drink in my pocket.

This morning, I had a purpose - picking up sticks, White Pine cones, and Birch bark to light my woodstove. It’s one of my favorite winter chores. Chopping wood is another. Who would have thought??

Have I ever mentioned how easily I can get lost? That I have zero sense of direction? The only place I’ve ever remotely felt confident navigating was when I lived in Manhattan, except for the West Village. All bets were off when I got off the train or walked there.

I veered off the path, remembering that the last time I did, I found a downed Birch tree from which I could peel the bark. I found it and then meandered for a while before deciding to head back home. There was still time in my morning to write.

“Oh! Where am I?” I thought. I looked for the stone wall that used to separate the land (I love feeling like there’s a little bit of Scotland and Ireland in these woods), but it had disappeared.

I wandered a bit more and, at some point, decided to use the compass on my phone, but oops! I’d left my phone in the house. I would love to do this whenever I wander in the woods, but there are always photos to be taken, and it is a bit of a security blanket when I’m alone, which is always. It is turned off, however, except for picture-taking. So don’t judge me, you EMF gurus out there. You know who you are…

What did I do? I followed the sun! I vaguely knew I should head south-ish and what time it was. Guess what? I found my way back to the stone wall and walked alongside it until I came to my Nemeton and knew I was near home.

Before returning to the house, I relished sitting in my Nemeton in the silent woods without my phone. I often think of those of you who aren’t near a forest or even many trees. I wish I could bottle the Evergreen scent. The stillness. The crisp, cold air of winter. It’s different in the woods.

When I finally got up to walk back into the house, I noticed all different kinds of tracks in the now-frozen snow. I love to make up stories about what animal made those tracks (I’m not a very good tracker!) Often, I realize they are my tracks!

I heard a Tree whisper and was drawn over to the fallen Quaking Poplar lying on the edge of the woods. As I got closer, I heard her say two words to me.

“Go write.”

Ok. I thought about going into the house and starting my book. Really, I did. In just a few days, on January 11th, it will be ten years since hearing The Voice in my meditation say

“Pink Is Everything!”

Exclamation mark and all.

As much as I love to write, I never cared about writing a book. And yet, every time I see a sign.

Like this

I can’t help thinking I’m not honoring something given to me in this lifetime.

These clouds remind me so much of a Cy Twombly painting—my favorite artist.

I was going to save this post for January 11th but decided to send it today. I hope to be inspired to start putting it all together when that day arrives.

I only wish I had my worn leather chair, which was the scene of many important meditations. Sadly, I gave it away, thinking there wasn’t room in my little house. Maybe it’s somewhere with my missing paintings.

My apartment was filled with Pink balloons from my dear friend, Phaedra, who tried to motivate me.

Wish me luck, as I wish you luck in any endeavor or dream that you’ve been incubating for days, or months, or years, like me. I’ve heard through the astrology grapevine that 2025 should be a good manifesting year for us. Let’s support each other. I’d love to hear what you’ve been dreaming about!

Much Love,
Barbara

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