48 Comments
May 31Liked by Barbara Sinclair

First, you know I have to laugh!!!!! For some reason your humor about the bugs is my favorite. Secondly, this would have been my Mothers favorite post ever!!!!! The pictures and everything. She is the one who pointed out to me the " misty greens" ( that's what she called them) that appear overnight and only really last 1, 2 days at the most before the full green has arrived. You and her would have been the best of friends 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚 xoxox!!!

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So my misery makes you laugh?! 😂 That’s ok. I seriously don’t remember Michigan bugs being so bad. Oh how I wish I could have met your beloved mom, Jamie. Big hugs, my friend. Thanks for reading and always leaving your sweet comments. I love you so much! 🧚💕

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May 30Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Hey Cuz, I see you have maple trees ~ have you tried making syrup. We tap around 100 trees up north. We love it, and so does everyone who is lucky enough to be gifted with a jar LOL.

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Hi Sue! No, I leave that to my neighbors and then support them by buying theirs. :) Hope you're well! XOXO

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Hi Barbara, Well, you've done it again, but I just want to say how much I love your photographs. They are so mesmerizing. And the story you tell so captivating.

Today, I was reading a book of poems and one of them was titled, "The Sublime Optics of Claude Monet" and a copy of his painting "Water Lilies---The Clouds" was embedded. I looked at it and immediately was reminded of your photograph/video from the Turtle Pond story which included lily pads. So, "sublime optics" is how I'd describe your photos too. In fact, your "stuff", words and all are just as sublime to me.

In that same "Pond Love" piece you wrote, you talked about your favorite pond, "Gone-Away Pond."

I'm going to say your substack could be referred to as "Take-Away Substack" because when I visit The Quaking Popular, it's like the old TV commercial "Calgon, Take me Away". I never have a thought about anything other than what I'm reading and viewing. It's bliss, really. Thank you.

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Oh, Rocket...I love all of the comments readers leave me but yours is extra special. It's always nice when people "get you" and you did just that. You know, I've been an artist all of my life - a painter mostly. But I never paint anymore. I would never call. myself a photographer - I feel more like an artist who likes to take photos. I've had people say "put the camera down and just enjoy Nature." Well, I do that, too, but when I look through the lens of a camera or (ugh) my stupid phone which has a killer zoom (I finally caved and upgraded after seeing a friend's photos,) my heart literally starts beating faster. There is something so mesmerizing to me seeing things through a lens - esp. up close. It's that energy of creativity.

I love the new name you've given this newsletter :) and it fills my heart with joy to know that what I'm sharing takes you to a blissful place. What else could a writer ask for?

Much Love,

Barbara XOXO

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May 29Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Thank you so much, Barbara, for this reply. So, it would seem that you're just an all-round artist with many talents, and your substack is the perfect place for you to incorporate all of them at one time or another. Keep it up!

I live about 10 mi. east of Albuquerque up in the Sandia Mountains, in a place called, Tijeras, about 50 miles from Santa Fe.

Where were you "back in the day"?

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Oh how lovely! I was in Santa Fe and also spent a lot of time in the Sonoran Desert in AZ. I don't remember specifically where I was :) - it was mostly during my energy healing study days so I just went where I was directed! What a lovely place to live...esp. up in the mountains where I imagine it's cooler. XO

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I'll admit... I ache a bit for the greening. FL has its charm, but I miss the seasons -- said millions before me. 🙄

I love the concept of "dressing accordingly, and being open to miracles." There's a VERY deep truth nestled within it, no? Like, that's how we'll all get through this mess!

I love you, you forest sprite. BTW, the one photo that seems to be missing is of YOU, all dressed in Forest Sprite Gear. You could offer that to paid subscribers... 😂

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HAHAHA! Wouldn’t that be a bonus?! NOT! You make me laugh, Mary and I love you back! 🧚💚

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Oh my goodness, those bears! What do you do if you meet them on your walk?

I talked about you today to someone and then when I went into the first preserve with my son, you were in my thoughts as we walked through the Greening so I was not surprised to find a post by you. Im with Kathleen- your posts put a smile on my face. And I get to experience all this beauty through your eyes and perspective! For surely, I would have liked Mr. Snake to slither away as fast as can be and no, I wouldn’t be talking to him, but the fact that you would, I enjoy very much. Yet again, I’m worried about them bears, Barbara!

So nice to see the birds coming to give you a nod. The bugs on the other hand… perhaps this would be the one big deterrent for me. Mosquitos and I are sworn enemies to boot. And you say they aren’t even the worst?!? Sheesh!

Happy Spring, dear Barbara! 💚

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Hi Tonika! Here's the thing...I'm all talk about the Bears. 🐻 I've yet to meet up with one in the woods - only in my yard and one came to my screen door last summer while I was sitting having breakfast. But these black bears are generally very non-aggressive and all it takes is a "hey, move along now" and they scoot away. If you read this older post you will understand just how much my relationship has evolved with these beautiful creatures. https://barbarasinclair.substack.com/p/mama-bear-medicine?utm_source=publication-search

In the woods, they likely hear me coming first. But, I'll definitely let you know if it ever happens! We see them a lot when we're out and about on the road, too.

I have to keep my doors locked and I have bells on them so I can hear if they should try and come into the house - which does happen. I swear to you - the mice scare me more!

I've had a few pretty prophetic Snake dreams and so I'm sure that's why they don't terrify me. They've all been black.

I know that we humans think we're the boss of this planet but we're not and maybe the pesky bugs are here to remind us of that!

Love you, Tonika, and so happy to hear you've been getting out with your kids. Thank you for reading and for taking the time to leave a comment. 🐻🐍💚

P.S. Oh my goodness, Tonika! As I'm typing this a Mourning Dove is calling!! WOW!! 🕊️🩷

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Love it!! Morning Doves are cooing in my yard too.

Thanks for sharing the bear post, it makes more sense now. I’d forgotten that your little house was called The Bear Den. It was probably in the first post I’d read of yours.

Thank you for this world of wonder! This magical natural world! What an oxymoron but I find it apt anyhow!

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Hey, we have morning doves in NM too, ya know! In fact on World Labyrinth Day, I offered another opportunity to walk the labyrinth and the wind was blowing like crazy. Again I was so disappointed, but as we started the walk, lo and behold, the wind died down and a dove cooed the entire time, until we had all finished walking, and then the dove stopped cooing and the wind resumed apace. Pretty cool, uh?

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Barbara and I were noting how the morning doves seem to be wanting to communicate something lately! How cool, Rocket!

Where are you guys finding these labyrinths to walk? I need me some!

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May 29Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Tonika, I'd suggest you look for Episcopal Churches. They seem to be really "big" on labyrinths. Or you can do a search for Churches near me with labyrinths. Also, you could check out the World Labyrinth Locator website where you can put your location in and they will give you a list of labyrinths in that area. Good luck! I hope you find some near you.

On the other subject of the doves wanting to communicate something, a friend of mine said the same thing, and her neighbor suggested she ask the dove what it was wanting to say, which she did, and the dove actually spoke back, LOL. The dove said these three words distinctly, "It's all crazy!" Hahaha! Sounds right to me! What do you say?

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Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out!

And I agree with the dove, it is all crazy, indeed!! I’ve been listening to NDE experiences on YT and they all talk about how we’re here, having the is lifetime, but it’s just Earth School. And I just really like that.

So, I’m gonna check out some labyrinths!

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Oh, I love that story, Rocket! 🕊️ I have walked a few labyrinths in New Mexico back in the day. What part of NM are you? XO

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I'm going to send you an email and tell you what else just happened!! 🕊️XO

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Oooh, yes! I love the Greening, too. So outrageously eye candy!! But now, tell the truth... Have you ever actually SEEN a snake sunning himself in shorts and a tank top??? I want a photo of THAT. lol

Hey, I meant to say this on your last post... I think I forgot! Did I? It's this: MINT. I like mint oil in my coffee sometimes, but BUGS HATE IT. Try that on your ankles and wrists and neck... Works for me.

And thanks for this, it wasn't "too long" at all, and as always, delightful. And yes, I have the same delirious reaction to Spring. And every other moment of the year. xo xo xo

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HAHAHA, Jaan! I was waiting to see if anyone caught that! 😂 As I was reading it I caught it and thought I should change it but decided to leave it in. 😂 I'm sure the Snake would never stoop to that idiocy - he or she can just lay in the sun butt naked like nature intended.

Thx for reading, Jaan. 🐍💚

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

It does make for excellent Internal Mind Cartoons…

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

LOL The pleasure is always mine. Snakes stooping… there’s another one, LOLOLOL. This is why I could be very wealthy as a proofreader, ha.

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I too love the green and the Greening! Having lived most of my life in the SF Bay area, Spring in the South strikes me as downright magical! The sheer number of leaves on so many tall, varied trees is inspiring. New beginnings, indeed. Thank you for a lovely read! I feel almost like I came along for the walk.

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I've only been to that area once - many years ago - and Spring must be beautiful there! Thx for reading and leaving a comment, TCM! 💚

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Thank you so much for your posts, Barbara! They make me so happy and are medicine to my soul. You are such a good reminder of the things that really matter.

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Thank YOU, Olivia for reading and taking the time to leave a comment. It makes me so happy to hear that I could share a little Nature medicine with you! 💚

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Thanks for sharing. I too live in a forest. So i get your enthusiasm completely. I read somewhere that the human eye is optimized for green. It can discern more shades of green than any other color. Don’t know for sure if that’s true but it makes sense from an ancient survival point of view and especially with green being the heart chakra color.

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Oh, I love that, Mike! Thx for sharing (let's just assume it's true because it makes so much sense.) I had to add a P.S. to my post after recording it to say that I realize these pesky bugs have their place on this planet and we humans are not the bosses we think we are. :)

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Ah the bugs. I view them as a necessary annoyance. They have their role and what we see and enjoy is in some way the result of what they do. I haven’t found any effective repellant that does not have some negative side effect. My strategy is to let them go about their business, observe their habits, and avoid any activity that may disrupt them or call their attention to me. But total avoidance is not always possible if we are to fully blend with forest. Some of my observations.

Mosquitos. Avoid shadows. Stay in the sun. Walk in the stream. Walk when breezy. Long sleeves. Go out in the rain.

Flies. Stay in motion. Shew shew shew. Long sleeves. Deer flies are the worse I agree. But they seem to only frequent areas with a lot of large animal activity.

Bees. I am badly allergic to bee stings. But I’m not afraid of them. They are very focused creatures. Leave them alone and you can coexist. Whatever you do, don’t disrupt their nest. Unless intentional and you are armed, protected, and have an escape plan. Don’t ask how I know this. I have watched my bears decimate Yellowjacket nests.

Ticks. They can be anywhere from high grass, to shrubs, to small tree canopies. Especially along animal paths and bedding areas. Usually can get while moving up leg, inside arm, or scalp after walk. I can feel/ sense their movement on my skin. I don’t freak out about their bites either. They usually only bite after they’ve travel on you a ways and under some cover. Never had any adverse effects but others should exercise caution.

I just noticed they’re all solved by walking in the rain. And I love the forest in the rain. And when it stops you can feel the energy change as all the plants grab their share of water.

Just some of my observations.

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I love this so much, Mike and couldn't agree more. In fact, this morning when I woke up I realized that I forgot to say one important thing in the post and so I added a P.S. at the end. Was too lazy to re-record. That being that we humans think we own this planet but we don't and of course, the wee bugs have their own purpose.

We all probably have our bug freak-outs - mine are the ticks, but not because I'm afraid of Lyme. That podcast I posted in a previous article really helped alleviate any fear. I just find them terribly gross and when you live alone it can be challenging finding them and removing them. That being said, I can't complain too much considering the beauty around me.

Your suggestions are duly noted and appreciated. It's "funny" that black flies like to attack when you're standing still and deer flies love movement.

The other day I pulled a bag out to take to the farmer's market and there was a sleepy bumble bee inside. Yes to what you said about the bees. And we all know how necessary and precious they are. I'm trying a new experiment and when/if I get a bite or sting I'm going to take a couple of capsules of activated charcoal because it's good for histamine reactions. My friend has used it successfully for a child when he has a food allergy reaction.

And lastly, yes to walking in the forest in the rain! It's just the best. 🌲🌲🌧️

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

Thanks for the charcoal tip. I generally have it around for chelation

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Thank you for taking me on your greening early morning walk. The photos are green and gorgeous and the wild life is truly a gift!

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Thanks for reading, Bonnie! And, I miss our chat walks. One of these days!! XOXO

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I used to really love Wintertime....I'm a bit of an introvert. As I've matured to 65 years old, I have become much more fond of Spring, Summer and Fall. The greening is here, but in the Pacific NW, that''s most of the year. LOL. Still after a dreary Winter, the greening is highly appreciated! Now to prepare some greening foods...all those lovely fresh herbs begging to be consumed and stored. Chive blossom vinegar, lemon balm tincture are on the shelf. Green garlic pancakes and a kuku sabzi soon to go into the oven and be enjoyed. Thank you Barbara, for sharing your world.

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Fellow introvert here, Heide! Thank you for reading and for your comment. I've never been to the Pacific NW but it sounds so beautiful! And all that you mentioned sounds DELISH!! 💚

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To keep things in perspective...we don't have many bugs but we have loads of slugs and lots of brambles and nettles. More than a village could use. But it is home, just like anyplace you have settled yourself. Come visit!

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I literally could not get the smile off my face reading this!!

"I could’ve just stayed in the house, afraid of all the bites I might get if I ventured out, but this is my reward: going out early, dressing accordingly, and being open to miracles around me."

Thank you, thank you, Barbara. What an absolute delight - I love all the photos and media - and I just love your big heart sharing your big love of Nature. Your readers are so fortunate to have found you!!

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May 28Liked by Barbara Sinclair

How am I not surprised to see you here? YAY!!!

I went to Bainbridge Island today, and walked on the beach, and said Thanks for Kathleen! to the Puget Sound. ^_^ xo xo

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😘

How sweet of you, WH! Thank you. Instant heart-swell, that is. XOXO

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Oh my goodness, Kathleen! Thank you for this beautiful comment! It's so nice to have a kindred Nature spirit like you here! 💚

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Ah, this is so lovely! It was such a visual journey. I had looked for beech leaf sprouts in the early spring and didn’t see any. How cute are they?! I so enjoyed reading this.

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They're called SPROUTS! I love that! Thank you, Amanda, for reading and for having such a mutual deep understanding. I love you so much! 💚

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I don’t know actually, it’s just what came to mind. So cute!

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Sprouts they shall be!! XO

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