Chasing my tail so much these days. But I feel Good Things are afoot, even if we ARE perhaps in a time of Trial and Scary Stuff. It seems to Americans, I believe, that still, because we've never BEEN invaded by a conquering army, that it really can't happen to us. But it COULD. I remind myself not to take anything for granted, including YOU and your heavenly sojourns into peaceful contemplation of Nature. Ohhh, thank you, thank you! I think most certainly I was, in "past lives" or whatever that might mean, a soldier, and maybe many times. I still FEEL like one...
HUGS AND HOT DRINKS AND CANDLES to you, lovely Barbara. xo xo
And yes, that SURELY does look like a great place for a bear to sleep! One of my Totem Animals is the Griz. And bears and dogs are... cousins! lol xo
Thank you for this, Barbara. I'm right there with you. 2nd day of a pretty deep mist and fog given the odd warm temps (good time to clean out wood-burning stove) after so much cold. LOVE IT ALL. A walk in the woods planned - I doubt I'll see anyone given the wetness and slush - which I'm so looking forward to. Though if I bumped into you that would make me very happy.
Winter blessings.🙏❤️ Love your posts.
And a PS - been meaning to write you, both my sisters loved your elderberry syrup Christmas gifts.😘 I knew they would.
Yes, January brings with it the halt of holiday madness (mine ends on January 4th because my twins made their earthly arrival that day) and it also brings the smell of a new start. And I’m always a sucker for a good new start.
Thinking of you this winter with your snow and forest and magic. ❄️ 🏠 🌲 💫
Wow, that must have been some hectic holiday when your twins were making their appearance!
Wishing you a much calmer year in 2025 than what you endured this year, Tonika - or should I say, what you triumphed over with so much Grace! What an amazing story you have to tell decades from now.
Much Love and Happy Wintering! Thx for reading! XOXO
This is what I need to hear, Barbara. I'm lying on my couch, asking my low back to let go of the grip it's got going -- I know it's a post-Christmas, post-MIL spasm.
Love the meme about blossoming. Like SadieJay, I miss the cold, do-nothingness of northern winters...
Hi Mary! Have you ever tried Solomon's Seal? It's pretty miraculous for back pain. That is no joke, even though I giggled at the MIL spasm reference. 🤭 Hope you're back in the groove soon. Sending snowy vibes down south your way. XOXO
I absolutely love winter. I have spent the last 4 falls and winters in FL, so that means I didn't have either and it really put my rhythm off. I appreciate the quiet snowy days and watching the creatures out all my windows. And the knowing that I have nothing I have to do or no place that I have to be is the best feeling ever.
When I moved, one of my top priorities was a four-season climate. I knew I wouldn't be very happy somewhere where it's always warm. Maybe some good wintery movies might help! Thx for reading, Sadie Jay. XO
Can I just say AMEN sister to all of this!? I read this while enveloped in a dense mist here that seems to be saying exactly what you are. And it helps too that you introduced me to PAKA for the magic of being outside in total comfort. Love you. (This is the first time I've commented on anything on substack btw!)
Yes, I love January because all the “partying” stops. Lol. We have a lot of celebrations this time of year and while it’s wonderful to celebrate with friends and family it is also good to get grounded again. I love my daily rituals and simple life. To restore myself I need to turn inward. A new year with new pursuits and plans can wait for now while I enjoy the stillness and quiet. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, by the way, Lovely You! xo xo
Happy New Year, Jaan! May it be a more peaceful one for you. XOXO
^_^
Yay, Barbara! I love your posties.
I need a sisterly nudge to SLOW DOWN and REST.
Chasing my tail so much these days. But I feel Good Things are afoot, even if we ARE perhaps in a time of Trial and Scary Stuff. It seems to Americans, I believe, that still, because we've never BEEN invaded by a conquering army, that it really can't happen to us. But it COULD. I remind myself not to take anything for granted, including YOU and your heavenly sojourns into peaceful contemplation of Nature. Ohhh, thank you, thank you! I think most certainly I was, in "past lives" or whatever that might mean, a soldier, and maybe many times. I still FEEL like one...
HUGS AND HOT DRINKS AND CANDLES to you, lovely Barbara. xo xo
And yes, that SURELY does look like a great place for a bear to sleep! One of my Totem Animals is the Griz. And bears and dogs are... cousins! lol xo
Jaan, you might enjoy this: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HtPVyDjlaNRG75C4c7MoM?si=JtfrcMhnRsyyCdlikg6p8A&t=1651
NOW I've got it... listening!
Ever heard of Pam Gregory? She's cool, too! Lovely. And very smart.
Yes, I love Pam G 💕
Me, too! I wonder if SHE’s a Sag, lol. I think not, tho, but I donut rememble.
Oh, I clicked it but it didn't work... something about "overflow." Maybe I can try later.
I'll check it out, heading out the door inna minnit... ;)
And Bears and Dogs 4 EVER! 🐻 🐶 XO
Yeah, fear is not good. Nature is such an antidote for it. Big hugs, Jaan! 🧚🌲🌲💚
Thank you for this, Barbara. I'm right there with you. 2nd day of a pretty deep mist and fog given the odd warm temps (good time to clean out wood-burning stove) after so much cold. LOVE IT ALL. A walk in the woods planned - I doubt I'll see anyone given the wetness and slush - which I'm so looking forward to. Though if I bumped into you that would make me very happy.
Winter blessings.🙏❤️ Love your posts.
And a PS - been meaning to write you, both my sisters loved your elderberry syrup Christmas gifts.😘 I knew they would.
Yes, we are getting the same warm weather weirdness, but the sunrise over the misty hidden mountains was spectacular! Yes to "LOVE IT ALL!"
Thx for reading, Kathleen, and I'm so happy your sisters love the syrup! 💜💜
It would be fun to bump into you out there as well! XO 🌲🌲🌲
Yes, January brings with it the halt of holiday madness (mine ends on January 4th because my twins made their earthly arrival that day) and it also brings the smell of a new start. And I’m always a sucker for a good new start.
Thinking of you this winter with your snow and forest and magic. ❄️ 🏠 🌲 💫
Wow, that must have been some hectic holiday when your twins were making their appearance!
Wishing you a much calmer year in 2025 than what you endured this year, Tonika - or should I say, what you triumphed over with so much Grace! What an amazing story you have to tell decades from now.
Much Love and Happy Wintering! Thx for reading! XOXO
Much love, Barbara! ❤️
I love that you live in a winter wonderland that reminds us all to slow down. I miss living in a colder climate.
You have surely endured a lot of heat this year. Hope it cools down in January! 💕💕
This is what I need to hear, Barbara. I'm lying on my couch, asking my low back to let go of the grip it's got going -- I know it's a post-Christmas, post-MIL spasm.
Love the meme about blossoming. Like SadieJay, I miss the cold, do-nothingness of northern winters...
Hi Mary! Have you ever tried Solomon's Seal? It's pretty miraculous for back pain. That is no joke, even though I giggled at the MIL spasm reference. 🤭 Hope you're back in the groove soon. Sending snowy vibes down south your way. XOXO
I've never tried it! I'll get some tomorrow! Thanks 🙏
Here are two good sources, Mary. It is very potent, and I find that only a few drops help. Not for everyday long-term use.
https://woodlandessence.com/products/solomons-seal-root-liquid-root-extract
https://www.cortesiaherbalproducts.com/
You can also use it topically as a balm. XOXO
Sooo helpful, Barbara, thank you. Xoxoxo!
You're welcome, hon! XO
Wait, what's post-MIL? Mother in law?
Yes :)
I absolutely love winter. I have spent the last 4 falls and winters in FL, so that means I didn't have either and it really put my rhythm off. I appreciate the quiet snowy days and watching the creatures out all my windows. And the knowing that I have nothing I have to do or no place that I have to be is the best feeling ever.
When I moved, one of my top priorities was a four-season climate. I knew I wouldn't be very happy somewhere where it's always warm. Maybe some good wintery movies might help! Thx for reading, Sadie Jay. XO
I am in Idaho this winter and it only made it hit home how much I have missed it. ♥
Can I just say AMEN sister to all of this!? I read this while enveloped in a dense mist here that seems to be saying exactly what you are. And it helps too that you introduced me to PAKA for the magic of being outside in total comfort. Love you. (This is the first time I've commented on anything on substack btw!)
Awwww! It’s my Christy!! Staying warm makes all the difference doesn’t it?? Thank you for reading/listening and love you back! So much! ❄️🌲🧚💕
Mega outdoor transformation !!! Thank you loveee! 💕✨️❄️⛰️
Yes, I love January because all the “partying” stops. Lol. We have a lot of celebrations this time of year and while it’s wonderful to celebrate with friends and family it is also good to get grounded again. I love my daily rituals and simple life. To restore myself I need to turn inward. A new year with new pursuits and plans can wait for now while I enjoy the stillness and quiet. Happy New Year!
Yes! There were no parties for me this year, but I used to love it when it all stopped. Enjoy the peace and quiet, Heide! XO