Goodbye & Hello

As I say goodbye to September, I open my arms and welcome the changes of October. 

 

While visiting with my elderly friend last weekend, we walked around her yard looking at her fruit trees talking. Twice she stopped and asked; "What's that?" I looked about and questioned what she was looking at, but she just shook her head. Whatever 'it' was, vanished. 

Then she pointed; "They keep flying over your head." 

I looked up and there was Dragonfly. 

"Well, hello little one. Did you follow me all the way from Albuquerque?" 

As of late, I seem to have an attraction with Dragonfly. No, I think I've always had a relationship with her that waxes and wanes; Dragonfly stopping by when I need a reminder to 
connect and feel the joy and light - be more adaptable. 

She showed me that day to be open to the changes coming my way. Although I've been a little off since I returned from my trip, I know however slow, I am indeed evolving and transforming. 

The more time I spend quietly in nature, the more I experience myself differently and welcome my new journey. 

 

Change is around the corner - the fall colors; the crisp air; all reminding me that change is never ending and to try and control change only hinders my ability to answer the Universe's calling 

 

May you discover a new, positive and joyful perspective of yourself. 
WS

Ducks Fly Moon

Today is the first day of Autumn  and a brand new moon on the Medicine Wheel; Ducks Fly Moon. Fall is my second favorite time of year - the first is spring. This time of year reminds me to be grateful for the many gifts of the summer (the harvests of my fruits and plants;  the time hiking and communing with nature, etc). 

The power animal representing this moon is Raven, and the power plant is Mullein. 

Raven and I have a history that goes back to when my grandfather journeyed into the next realm. While hiking in Walnut Canyon, a Raven called out to me from a tree he was perched, near the path I was on. I looked up and smiled. I asked what he wanted, and in a loud croak he laughed. I laughed back and thanked him. I said I needed to keep moving, and as I continued down the trail, Raven flew ahead to the next tree. He and I continued chatting, laughing and ‘walking’ together for quite some time. To this day, I’m certain my grandfather was Raven telling me to quit being so serious while showing me how to laugh and let go. 

Raven also comes to me with warnings, like the time I abruptly woke in the morning to find the neighbor’s yard across the street from me filled with Ravens; on the roof; in the front yard; and in uniform marching across the driveway. But that’s a story for another time. The message was very clear and what I was shown came to pass within a couple of days. 

Depending on who you talk with, Raven can be a good omen or be a messenger of bad news. I have had both experiences with Raven, and I welcome him regardless of the news he brings. 

Mullein is a plant I’ve only recently started a relationship with when a friend dug up some plants from her yard and gave them to me. I recently went hiking where Mullein was growing abundantly on the hillsides. I was able to harvest a bag full of wild Mullein flowers which are now infusing with garlic in oil. When the infusion is ready, I will use it for my 4-leggeds' ears. Mullein oil is great for human ears, as well as warts, bruises, sprains, chapped skin, and other ailments. 

From Mullein, I’m learning to explore the ‘smooth’ and healing parts of my nature. By bringing my attention to the softer side of my demeanor, I’m able to move forward more openly with whatever I am doing at any given time. 

May you enjoy the wonderful colors of Autumn, and may the messages of nature bring you joy and healing. 

Teach a Child or Adult

I think many American ADULTS cannot identify a plant or animal…

I was hiking in the mountains with my drummer one time so we could take some photos for our album cover. I scoped out a nice cliff, overlooking the valley 10k feet below with more mountains in the background. I asked ‘special k’ to take her place on the rock.

I walked back down the trail and started setting up my tripod and camera when K screamed bloody murder at the top of her lungs. I looked up just in time to see her whiz by me screaming “SKUNK!!!!”  I shook my head and walked to the rock to investigate.

As I reached the cliff, I saw some branches move in the scrub next to me. I looked down and was greeted by a gray SQUIRREL. She told me she didn’t mean any harm, she was just gathering food for her winter  cache.

I’m laughing hard just reliving this event!!!

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you’re probably aware that I have an enthusiasm for plants and animals. In fact, I have conversations throughout the day with my cat and dog and I’m always singing to my plants or talking with them as well. Notice I said ‘with’ my cat and dog, and ‘with’ the plants.

Ever notice a dog cock her head to the side while you’re talking ‘to’ her? Well I believe the pup is trying really really hard to understand me. And I think she does. Did you know that the average dog can understand about 165 words, possibly more with training? Well let me tell you about my pup Lakota. She speaks dog, and understands English, ASL, German and Spanish. When I say that I have to go to work, she immediately goes to her pillow and blanket on the couch. My cat is very vocal. I can ask her if she wants to be held or if she wants food, she’ll answer back. Of course I have to ‘guess’ what she really wants.

Plants are amazing! They’re alive and provide us with all kinds of benefits; clean air, medicinals for our apothecary, beauty. I can tell when my plants are happy (when I talk and sing - and of course feed and water them). I also believe they communicate, if you learn to listen.

Did you know that plants communicate and interact with each other, both above ground and below? Well they do. Some click, some release a chemical/odor to warn of insects, and they use their own telephone line below the surface via a fungus that connects the roots of the plants.

Speaking of connection, have you ever looked at a line of Quaking Aspens on a mountain side? Any group of Aspens you see next to one another are not just a bunch of single trees, but a single root system called a clone; all of the trees in the same clone are genetically identical. If you cut one down, the others feel it. 

The Aspens remind me that all are connected; humans, plants, animals, rocks (and the list goes on - like the energizer bunny). So why not get out there and talk with some plants and perhaps a skunk or two?

Go ahead; grab a plant, animal, bird, insect, geology guide and have fun communing with nature.

Namaste,
WS

Communing with Mother Nature

While out walking the pup earlier in the day, 3 Blue dasher dragonflies appeared. I love dragonflies and have had many interesting interactions with them. I even witnessed one as it hatched and unfolded its wings to dry before taking off from the dock. 

While sitting around a pond at a winery with a friend, a Flame Skimmer with its bright orange wings landed on the armrest of my chair. I spoke with it for awhile until I started getting hot in the sun. I told the dragonfly that I needed to move into the shade. I stood up and moved to a different chair. The dragonfly flew up and perched itself on the armrest of my new chair. Even when I got up a bit later to stand near the pond, the Flame Skimmer flew next to me. My new friend. 

One thing I've learned from dragonfly is to pay attention to 'things' coming to the surface. I indeed feel a shift in the air, so while working in my yard yesterday, I decided to listen; changing my frequency to a higher level in hopes of receiving more messages from mother nature.

I usually see the Blue dasher - especially when hiking in the foothills, but my true love is the Flame skimmer. Any time she stops by, I get excited and am like a child with a really big grin on my face. 

Yesterday was no different. While working in my flowerbed in the front, Flame skimmer stopped by and kept me company for quite awhile; flying up close to check me out and then back to the middle of the yard. I think she was supervising my weeding. 

I saw her fly near the rain barrel, so I thought maybe she needed a drink. I wanted to pull some water for my flower bed, so I thought I'd let some water escape the hose for her to drink from also. 

When I walked to the rain barrel, I watched as Dragonfly flew back to the middle of the yard. I turned my gaze back down towards the rain barrel and at the surface where the screen touched the water was a message, loud and clear - LOVE!

May your day be filled with new curiosity, joy and love!
Namaste
WS