I'm trying to make peace with the bugs, but the only place/time they seem to leave me alone is when I'm on a journey and chilling in the Otherworld. :) I wish Turtle could fly and eat the bugs...That's Dragonfly's job...
I still pinch myself that I ended up here. Life is truly amazing.
It was so nice to see all those emails from you this morning, Tonika, leaving your kind comments! XOXO
You already know how much I love this post and your beautiful offerings, but I’m beyond excited for the wider world to have the chance to sit with you.
Barbara, you are somethin' else! I had no idea you were so well-versed in all these spiritual, animal and healing remedies. (I did know you were very knowledgeable of the Ayurvedic way of life, and was appreciative of info you had sent me. ) Anyway, I loved your story, I loved the photo of your house at the bottom of the mountain across the lake, just like in a fairy tale. I loved the turtle video. It was captivating. Reading it all just took me to a happy place, and I needed that little escape at the moment. In fact I'm remembering the first time I ever read one of your posts, I was so enthralled, I didn't know what to make of it. Since then I know where to come when I need that kind of respite. Thank you for the gift you give to all of us. xox
Thank you, dear Ronnie! It has been the greatest gift on Substack to be meeting such wonderful souls such as yourself. I'm so happy and honored that you get some peace from what I share. It means the world to me. XOXO
I LOOOOOOOVE the turtle stories and ALL the critter stories... I smiled when I saw the black bear... looking rather cute, I say! Well, we dogs are related to bears... ;)
Actually, I love ALL your stories, and I look forward to them. It's like you create an invisible forest in my mind when I read, and it's magical there. It's the same kind of "Oh, goodie!!" feeling I knew as a child. And your description of the woods... It's how I feel when I am in the woods. And that is saying something, as I love the woods *profoundly,* and the critters and... even the bugs! And speaking of bugs, my dear pal, I've read somewhere that MINT OIL is a good deterrent...
Anyway, glad you had a nice rest and revival bit of time, and are now back and rarin', as they say.
And fyi, I'm in a good place now, a biggo farm house, w/roomies and a place to make scones (maybe we could arrange a trade, as I could use some help shedding some effects of trauma)--
We can think on it. Anyway, I am in the boonies, at least, and I have a wonderful park very nearby that is just WOODS. YAY!!!
Also, maybe I'll give mint oil a go. I could infuse wild mint and Yarrow together. I've tried just about everything, and essential oils are too strong for me, so I go the other route, which some say is better, and that is not to have any scent on at all. The black flies go for our carbon dioxide, so.... :(
There is so much here that resonates, Barbara. Actually, it may be all of it. 😂 I guess what I want to say is... I'm proud of you for stepping forward, past your "should I say this?" and into the fullness of who you are. Because WOW, you are a magical being, with so much experience and wisdom to offer. Of COURSE you're a healing guide! You have that effect -- through your words, through your art, and now through your coaching -- because your spirit is always attuned to a higher purpose. (That's how it seems to me, anyway.)
I'm filled with admiration at your courage, and joy for your journey. I want to hear more and more and more... xoxox!
Thank you, Mary! It means the world to me to read your words. I know you're not a bs-er! :)
Turtle made me do it! I'm so grateful that there are fellow believers like you and the others who leave comments and resonate with what must seem like madness to some. I'm over caring about that and have found that revealing who we truly are draws in others so we can mutually feed each other's souls. XOXO
This is IT: "revealing who we truly are draws in others so we can mutually feed each other's souls." Revealing who we truly are also drives away those with whom we're no longer -- if we ever were -- a match. Both are necessary for growth!
Hi Mary, I love this quote. I think recently I've come to realize how true that is, but it's also risky, but worth it if we want to deepen our connections with each other and have more meaningful relationships. Thanks for sharing it.
Oh my. What an amazing yet unsurprising story. I smiled broadly through most of this - how could I not?
And I laughed out loud - literally - when I heard you say 'Oh no, people' which I so relate to. (I tell everyone it's essential to get into the woods, but don't want any of them in MY woods.)
What a pearl this is and I'm so glad you're getting out of your shell as a healing guide. Sounds exactly right. I am already so happy for those future fortunate clients who will no doubt benefit by your wisdom.
I always learn from you, Barbara. Truly you have that fairy-ish quality about you, so I wasn't surprised to hear Amanda reference it. And at the same time, a very grounded presence. A reassuring presence actually.
And I want to add that I so appreciate you mentioning the periods where we seem to flounder, can't do much or create something. Because what's clear in listening to this, and as you point out, they are so necessary to the creative process. No point in resisting.
What a gorgeous share. Thank you, dear friend. XOX
Oh my goodness, Kathleen - thank you so much for your kind words! I actually thought of you when I wrote that about "people." LOL. Two Nature-loving peas-in-a-pod. Believe it or not, I used to say that everyone should experience living in NYC once in their life. Now I say that everyone should experience being in the woods alone! Oh, how we change and evolve.
I have struggled with creative droughts all of my life. My energetic Vata/Sagittarius energy doesn't like that feeling, but it's there for a reason, like all things in life. Maybe that fixed Taurus sign has wanted me to stop and take my time building something.
This was one of those "gulp posts." Should I be sharing this? But, I know there are souls like you who truly understand that there's so much more to this world than meets the eye.
And...thank you so much for ordering some Forest Oil! 🌲🌲🌲 The faeries are busy getting the package ready right now! 🧚🧚🧚
I used to say the same. LOVED living in NYC, though feels like another life-time now. Today, couldn't even imagine it.
So glad you moved past the 'gulp' and did share this. It's important for us to realize as this old world goes, we are moving towards something better. And you really shine a light on that. ✨
We would have had fun in NYC together! We could have taken the train up to the Park, wandered our separate ways for a while, and then gone to one of the millions of cafes for tea or lunch! XO
🤣 you make me laugh!!!! AND swoon 🥰🥰🥰 Barbara, this is absolutely amazing!!! I am so looking forward to what comes next. 🧚♀️🧚♂️🐻🐢🌲🌳🎀 Also, Amanda is amazing too💗💗💗 I love you both!!!!!!!
I‘m convinced nature has chosen you to be its sprite in those particular woods! How can it be otherwise?!?
Turtle presence seems wise and content. Possibly a reflection on how you’ve grown a part of your forest. She comes to acknowledge a sage soul.
Can you talk to those darn flies though? They can just buzz the heck off!
I'm trying to make peace with the bugs, but the only place/time they seem to leave me alone is when I'm on a journey and chilling in the Otherworld. :) I wish Turtle could fly and eat the bugs...That's Dragonfly's job...
I still pinch myself that I ended up here. Life is truly amazing.
It was so nice to see all those emails from you this morning, Tonika, leaving your kind comments! XOXO
You already know how much I love this post and your beautiful offerings, but I’m beyond excited for the wider world to have the chance to sit with you.
Aww, thank you, Amanda. You are such a dearheart. XOXOXO
Barbara, you are somethin' else! I had no idea you were so well-versed in all these spiritual, animal and healing remedies. (I did know you were very knowledgeable of the Ayurvedic way of life, and was appreciative of info you had sent me. ) Anyway, I loved your story, I loved the photo of your house at the bottom of the mountain across the lake, just like in a fairy tale. I loved the turtle video. It was captivating. Reading it all just took me to a happy place, and I needed that little escape at the moment. In fact I'm remembering the first time I ever read one of your posts, I was so enthralled, I didn't know what to make of it. Since then I know where to come when I need that kind of respite. Thank you for the gift you give to all of us. xox
Thank you, dear Ronnie! It has been the greatest gift on Substack to be meeting such wonderful souls such as yourself. I'm so happy and honored that you get some peace from what I share. It means the world to me. XOXO
I LOOOOOOOVE the turtle stories and ALL the critter stories... I smiled when I saw the black bear... looking rather cute, I say! Well, we dogs are related to bears... ;)
Actually, I love ALL your stories, and I look forward to them. It's like you create an invisible forest in my mind when I read, and it's magical there. It's the same kind of "Oh, goodie!!" feeling I knew as a child. And your description of the woods... It's how I feel when I am in the woods. And that is saying something, as I love the woods *profoundly,* and the critters and... even the bugs! And speaking of bugs, my dear pal, I've read somewhere that MINT OIL is a good deterrent...
Anyway, glad you had a nice rest and revival bit of time, and are now back and rarin', as they say.
And fyi, I'm in a good place now, a biggo farm house, w/roomies and a place to make scones (maybe we could arrange a trade, as I could use some help shedding some effects of trauma)--
We can think on it. Anyway, I am in the boonies, at least, and I have a wonderful park very nearby that is just WOODS. YAY!!!
Also, maybe I'll give mint oil a go. I could infuse wild mint and Yarrow together. I've tried just about everything, and essential oils are too strong for me, so I go the other route, which some say is better, and that is not to have any scent on at all. The black flies go for our carbon dioxide, so.... :(
I didn't know, don't know, anything about these things... Just that bugs that bite are not welcome on me. ;)
I pity the people who flock to NH in spring and summer for some fun time in Nature...
Indeed. I almost feel thankful that there ARE bugs, with all the 5G… But that’s no consolation for swarms and bites!!
I am SO happy for you, Jaan! Good for you to be able to put some roots down finally. And a farmhouse, no less! Bravo for finding your way there! XOXO
Thanks.
There is so much here that resonates, Barbara. Actually, it may be all of it. 😂 I guess what I want to say is... I'm proud of you for stepping forward, past your "should I say this?" and into the fullness of who you are. Because WOW, you are a magical being, with so much experience and wisdom to offer. Of COURSE you're a healing guide! You have that effect -- through your words, through your art, and now through your coaching -- because your spirit is always attuned to a higher purpose. (That's how it seems to me, anyway.)
I'm filled with admiration at your courage, and joy for your journey. I want to hear more and more and more... xoxox!
Thank you, Mary! It means the world to me to read your words. I know you're not a bs-er! :)
Turtle made me do it! I'm so grateful that there are fellow believers like you and the others who leave comments and resonate with what must seem like madness to some. I'm over caring about that and have found that revealing who we truly are draws in others so we can mutually feed each other's souls. XOXO
This is IT: "revealing who we truly are draws in others so we can mutually feed each other's souls." Revealing who we truly are also drives away those with whom we're no longer -- if we ever were -- a match. Both are necessary for growth!
Hi Mary, I love this quote. I think recently I've come to realize how true that is, but it's also risky, but worth it if we want to deepen our connections with each other and have more meaningful relationships. Thanks for sharing it.
I think I wrote it because it's what I need to hear, too. Funny how that works...
I just realized it was MY quote! And then you added on! LOLOL XOXO
Oh no... Ronnie, did you think I wrote the whole thing??😂
Oh my. What an amazing yet unsurprising story. I smiled broadly through most of this - how could I not?
And I laughed out loud - literally - when I heard you say 'Oh no, people' which I so relate to. (I tell everyone it's essential to get into the woods, but don't want any of them in MY woods.)
What a pearl this is and I'm so glad you're getting out of your shell as a healing guide. Sounds exactly right. I am already so happy for those future fortunate clients who will no doubt benefit by your wisdom.
I always learn from you, Barbara. Truly you have that fairy-ish quality about you, so I wasn't surprised to hear Amanda reference it. And at the same time, a very grounded presence. A reassuring presence actually.
And I want to add that I so appreciate you mentioning the periods where we seem to flounder, can't do much or create something. Because what's clear in listening to this, and as you point out, they are so necessary to the creative process. No point in resisting.
What a gorgeous share. Thank you, dear friend. XOX
I LOL'd, too-- oh, no, people! ^_^
Oh my goodness, Kathleen - thank you so much for your kind words! I actually thought of you when I wrote that about "people." LOL. Two Nature-loving peas-in-a-pod. Believe it or not, I used to say that everyone should experience living in NYC once in their life. Now I say that everyone should experience being in the woods alone! Oh, how we change and evolve.
I have struggled with creative droughts all of my life. My energetic Vata/Sagittarius energy doesn't like that feeling, but it's there for a reason, like all things in life. Maybe that fixed Taurus sign has wanted me to stop and take my time building something.
This was one of those "gulp posts." Should I be sharing this? But, I know there are souls like you who truly understand that there's so much more to this world than meets the eye.
And...thank you so much for ordering some Forest Oil! 🌲🌲🌲 The faeries are busy getting the package ready right now! 🧚🧚🧚
Love you, Kathleen! XOXO
I used to say the same. LOVED living in NYC, though feels like another life-time now. Today, couldn't even imagine it.
So glad you moved past the 'gulp' and did share this. It's important for us to realize as this old world goes, we are moving towards something better. And you really shine a light on that. ✨
My pleasure! Thank you faeries!
Love you too, Barbara. 💜
We would have had fun in NYC together! We could have taken the train up to the Park, wandered our separate ways for a while, and then gone to one of the millions of cafes for tea or lunch! XO
No doubt.
I did cover every bit of Central Park living there. Such a gem.
I'll hold a vision for a shared cup of tea in our future Barbara.
XOX
Yes!! XO
Is it possible we were all there at the same time?? My dates were Sept. '87 to Sept. '96. And you two?
🤣 you make me laugh!!!! AND swoon 🥰🥰🥰 Barbara, this is absolutely amazing!!! I am so looking forward to what comes next. 🧚♀️🧚♂️🐻🐢🌲🌳🎀 Also, Amanda is amazing too💗💗💗 I love you both!!!!!!!
Thanks for always reading AND leaving a comment, Jamie! I love you, my friend. And, yes! Amanda IS amazing! Big big Lilac hugs to you! XOXO