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Looking for Leprechauns; Day 11

4/27/2018

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It may be apparent that I've had a tough week; workplace drama has been a real downer. I'm often 'in my head' analyzing actions, thoughts, decisions, and so on and this week was one such week; deep in thought and more than a little stunned at the actions of others.

I try to be compassionate and understanding. And, I recognize that I make mistakes. I tell myself there must be a lot of grief or something in their life to make them act that way towards others. I try to separate myself from the negativity but it still hurts my feelings when people are just downright mean. In addition, I hate to be the center of attention. And again, as a woman in a leadership position, I have a target on my back, all the time. No matter what I do, or don't, most likely somebody isn't going to like it. I've worked hard to set up a collaborative model, to ask for feedback and input, and to solicit investment into our programs by all stakeholders. People still complain, make untrue accusations and gossip with ill intent.

On the way home today, I came across several rainbows. As I have a very big interest in symbols, myth, and bringing story into form, these rainbows caught my attention. I was immediately filled with hope and gave pause to consider what exactly is hope and why do I need it.

Hope is an intention that tomorrow will be a better day; that I will make better decisions the next time around. Hope has no cost, whatsoever. Hope is positive and that is critical to a better world. I've also found that hope is contagious. When I express my hope for the future I'm modeling for others what the process looks like and I'm choosing to be brave and share my dreams with another.  Being witnessed is powerful. Hope engages us on a quest to find deeper meaning in many things: what makes us really happy, what goals and aspirations are really worth working towards, and identifying what is most important.  Hope also reminds me that I may have another chance to make the best decisions for myself and others. I find hope to be a key component in my personal leadership model which, of course, is a feminist form of activism.
 

I'm hopeful for a better week and hopeful for a wonderful weekend. I'm hopeful that I will finish my dissertation proposal this weekend and I'm hopeful for each of my family and friends. I'm hopeful that it will stay overcast and rain this weekend; I love the rain. I'm hopeful that my aging 'old lady' dog rests comfortably tonight and that the puppy doesn't harass the cat too much. I'm hopeful that my plant and seed starts do well and I'm hopeful that my new treadmill works great. I'm hopeful for a better world and that we all see the beauty in being kind towards each other.
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The Lunar Effect: Day 10

4/26/2018

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The full moon is coming; I can tell. I can feel it.  I can see the impact on people. I see what happens to children when the full moon energy cycles around our world; their energy is amped and they become more sensitive than usual. People become uncomfortable and make decisions they wouldn't make during the rest of the month and this decision making process ripples outward impacting all of us. I'm not making this up...Moon myths date back centuries by every culture in the world. Publications like Scientific American have provided in-depth studies on the subject and everyone knows that the moon plays a major part in quantum physics and astrological communication. The power of the full moon has long captivated our attention. Research shows increased erratic behavior during the 3 days before and after each full moon and the impact can be measured in the natural world as evidenced by the rising tides, the changes to many species in the insect world, and the impact on women's menstruation.  Lunacy? Perhaps.

I believe people, especially women and children, are tremendously impacted by the ebb and flow of the magnetic pull of the moon. Personally, this week has been incredibly challenging on so many levels. I believe this is because so many of us are locked into a career path and life model that doesn't make time for honoring Mother Earth or give space for taking good care of ourselves or each other. The disconnect has a physical, emotional, and mental impact on every one of us that can result in really bad behavior. Being in tune with the spiral of the seasons, listening to our intuition, and slowing our pace will bring us closer to wholeness.

The full moon is officially on Sunday and I invite us all to make space for the light given to us by the beauty orb in the sky; the Goddess Luna, Selene and Ishtar, to name a few. We can reconnect with the sacredness of the Earth by doing very simple things like spending time in nature, creating art, and have a friend over for lazy afternoon tea. And you could also spiral deeper and create a sacred ritual under the full moon to reconnect, rejuvenate, and recover what is rightfully yours. Promise me that you will take good care of you and each other.


 


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River Song for Soul Healing; Day 9

4/25/2018

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Sacramento River
​Dunsmuir, CA




​River Song


River ways and River knows and River sings Her song
I listen with my heart and seek Her magic with my soul

Sitting on Her shore and leaning in
She mesmerizes and invites
She pauses for no one and laughs along the way

Babbling brooks and creek side willows
Raging waters and bubbling eddies
She accepts us all regardless

Sparkle, shadow, blue, and green
She never dwells yet delights
Momentum is Her game

Healing waters, singing birds
River, Goddess, Spirit, Whole




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Craving Grapefruit; Day 8

4/24/2018

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I've had a craving for grapefruit lately; I wonder if that is a strange thing to desire. I decided to honor the feeling and made fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. I was struck by the memories from childhood that came flooding in with the first inhale of the citrus scent. I recalled long summer days playing in the sprinklers with all of the neighborhood kids, climbing trees, riding bikes, and new roller skates. I remember my mom biking with us and spending hours drawing next to me on the sidewalk with colored chalk, I especially remember her jumping rope with us for hours on end. She always made a big deal out of holidays and birthdays too. She cooked our  favorite birthday meal, every year. For me, it was fried chicken; in the heavy heat of August. Watching the sunset and sipping grapefruit juice, I reminisced about best friends, fireworks, and summer picnics at the big park around the corner.  I chose to remember the good times; the experiences that were filled with light, laughter and a little adventure.

Perhaps I'm wishing for simpler times. Yet, I don't remember a simpler time. Life has always had challenges, highlights, tragedy, and triumph. I am feeling nostalgic though and long for a best friend who lives across the street willing to climb a tree with me or stay up for hours into the night telling stories under the stars. Or perhaps I'm missing my mom; I could use her soothing words and envelope of protection when the work day is difficult as it has been for a while now. Then again, maybe it is my younger sister who I miss. She was the opposite of me in so many ways and also one of the most amazing people I know. Isn't it interesting how far we are from our childhood dreams and goals... I remind myself, this is life.




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Weaving the Web Day 7

4/23/2018

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I engage in art as a way to manage stress, create delight, and occupy my mind. And, again, I think creating powerful, pretty, or thought provoking images is a form of activism. This past weekend was rather stressful and it wasn't until late yesterday afternoon that I was able to brush it off and get creative!

Because I'm using Arts Based Research in my dissertation and because of my geographical location I take a lot of online art courses in a variety of subjects.  I haven't decided what medium really suits my style so I suit my fancy and enroll. (in more courses than I can finish)  I justify taking the classes by calling it 'research'. But really, I like taking the courses. I'm captivated by color, texture, and really cool images. I like how art images can tell a story and lead to transformation. In fact, I'd say art is a pretty powerful vehicle for so many things.  It is another way of knowing; which I appreciate very much as I don't always find the right words.

The image above is an eco-print! I learned the process yesterday from Galia at Art is Magic and I'm captivated!  I love herbalism and I love art and here was an invitation to combine both. There aren't many botanical options in the yard right now; spring is just starting at our elevation. But, I had a lovely bouquet from my husband that was just moving past it's prime.  I came up with some great prints on the watercolor paper; the mixed media paper basically disintegrated.  Now, I need to add an image of a wood sprite, tree spirit, or one of the Goddesses from the sacred glen.

Art is amazing. 


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What's in a Revolution? Day 6

4/22/2018

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I'm currently working on a dissertation researching the connections between social justice, creativity, and women's circles using feminist research methods.  I have a particular interest in all things that contribute to the dismantling of the patriarchy. For too long we have lived in a hierarchy that has generated oppression to so many marginalized peoples; especially women and children.

Of late, I am taken with the idea that even small acts of peace are a part of the resistance. If I can spread love, peace, and kindness through art images than I am helping the world become a better place. For example, I made the cards in the image above and sent them randomly to old and new friends. No surprise, they were delighted. Random acts of kindness are a part of the Gift Economy practiced by indigenous groups around the world. Simply, it means to give something of yourself or a to give a gift to somebody because they are in need.  There is no need for payment and no need for reciprocity. I practiced this form of economy long before I knew it was a concept. I was often criticized or told I was too generous or told that I was 'doing too much.'  

In my Women's Spirituality studies I came across an amazing author, Genevieve Vaughn, who writes about this Gift Economy as a women's economy. Imagine my delight when I learned that what I was doing was my right as a woman; I was and am helping to bring about a better way of life.

Right now, I'm reading a lovely book call Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer; a poet, botanist, and Native American. She also writes of the Gift Economy. "And, while expressing gratitude seems innocent enough, it is a revolutionary idea. In a consumer society, contentment is a radical proposition. Recognizing abundance rather than scarcity undermines an economy that thrives by creating unmet desires. Gratitude cultivates an ethic of fullness, but the economy needs emptiness." She goes on to say, "Gratitude doesn't send you out shopping to find satisfaction; it comes as a gift rather than a commodity, subverting the foundation of the whole economy. That is good medicine for land and people alike."

Expressing gratitude and giving for the sake of giving is revolutionary. 
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BellaDonna Day 5

4/21/2018

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I planted Belladonna seeds today; I found the seeds in my seed box in an envelope with a hand written label that I don't recognize. I received belladonna seeds before; they were a gift from one of my cultural anthropology teachers many years ago. She is also a high priestess in the Wiccan tradition. I first met her in 1996 when I was attending the local community college. I took every course she offered in the Anthropology department and went on to earn my bachelor's degree in Anthropology. I didn't plant the seeds then; I didn't think I was ready for that kind of power.

During that time frame, I would happen across my teacher's path at the most interesting times in my life; usually times of personal upheaval.  Somewhere around the year 2000 I met year at a home department store and she mentioned she would be teaching a class on roses for the Learning Exchange. How could I possibly resist that invitation?  I didn't know why but the appeal of taking a class on the culinary use of roses was tremendous. I went home and registered.

The afternoon of roses was delightful.  She taught us about the history of the use of roses as well as some of the culinary benefits, medicinal uses, and the magic that comes with every herb in the kingdom. We made rose hip jelly, rose bath salts, rose skin salve, and made rose garland for the holidays. At the end of the afternoon she casually mentioned that she would be teaching an herbal apprenticeship that would begin the following month in her home. I didn't really know what that was but I felt absolutely compelled to join in.

I was a little apprehensive as the beginning of the course came around. When I arrived at her house I felt like I had entered a magic place like no other.  Her herb garden, at the entrance of the house was amazing; the house itself was crazy!  There were books, art, talismans, magic items, fabrics, tarot decks, tapestries, antiques and things I didn't have any idea about. I felt like I walked into a powerful folktale and that my personal transformation was inevitable. We met one weekend a month for nine months and I learned about so many beautiful herbs.  Some of my favorite include lemon balm, lavender, jasmine and rosemary.  Oh, and roses of course.

At the end of this program, she mentioned she would be co-teaching in another herb program at the Morning Sun Herb Farm starting the following summer. How could I possible resist? A year later, I started in yet another apprenticeship program with her, this time connected to earth based spirituality and my interest in women's circles with a focus on spirituality blossomed into a twenty plus year experience which includes a master's program in Women's Spirituality.

Somewhere along the timeline, she invited me to attend a program she called Magical Middle School!  No surprise, I couldn't resist. At the end of the this program she offered participants the opportunity to go through an initiation to mark the completion of the second level of study. This would be my first experience in a ritual and I was a little nervous.  The ritual was beautiful, and very significant. At the end of the journey she offered Belladonna seeds to me; I accepted even though it was apparent the seeds were for a powerful plant.

Belladonna has quite a history with connections to Romeo and Juliet and to the renaissance women of Italy. It is also known as Deadly Nightshade. Belladonna is highly toxic yet is used in a variety of medicines; it is an ingredient in the medicine that dilates your eyes at the optometrist's office. It is also an ingredient in witches flying ointment which is a green salve with hallucinogenic properties; this also dates back to the middle ages.  I've never tried flying ointment myself.

At this point in my life, I feel that I am ready for the lessons that will come with inviting such a powerful entity into my space. The planting of the seeds invited reflection and gratitude to all of my teachers along the way; humans, plants, experiences and the process of using art as personal sacred practice.

On an energetic level, I feel that belladonna is quite a seductress and if she were in human form I'm confident she would be wearing dark purple flowing silk and lots of sparkly silver jewelry with ribbons woven into her long hair. And then there is Stevie Nicks' version as well. 


​www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXwo-cU5S0
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TGIF - Day 4

4/20/2018

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Thank Goddess it's Friday!  I live in the magical, mystical town of Mt. Shasta, CA; the crystal haven of the world. It is said that we sit at the base chakra of the world. And, yes, I absolutely love the spiritual essence of the town and the tremendous magnetism of the mountain. However, when I am immersed in hours of work, dissertation research and other responsibilities, I sometimes forget to really see what I'm looking at...

We had a late winter this year with a relatively mild December, January, and February.  Then, March madness was upon us with several snow storms and very cold temperatures. April has been wet and reservoirs, lakes and streams are the better for it. I love winter, snow, and rain; with a passion. 

But, spring is beckoning. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day with a high of 67 degrees and a crisp mountain breeze. The sun was shining and my garden was inviting me in. I had a short break between the end of the work day and the beginning of open gym. I sat under grandmother pine and just rested.  It was beautiful.

I planted creeping time under the apple tree, hollyhock seeds around the garden shed and pink lilies in front garden bed. As an herbalist, I totally delight in the promise of blossoms and the healing abundance of culinary and medicinal herbs.

Tomorrow I will collect dandelion blossoms for dandy biscuits, dandy wine and dandy oil which will make a lovely skin salve. I will collect violet blossoms to soak in champagne vinegar and check on the progress of the roses I planted last week.

Today was a lovely day and I am very grateful to live in such a beautiful place. 

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The Stuff Dreams are Made of... Day 3

4/19/2018

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Sweet Dreams
Silk Fiber, Ribbon, Glass Beads

Day dreams, sweet dreams, wishful thinking, desire... women in our culture are not encouraged, by any means, to express their desires, dreams, or wishes for themselves. The over culture would like to keep us small and focused on the needs of others. The over culture would like to keep us quite, subservient, and submissive.
I am quite confident we are witnessing the crumbling of the patriarchy; it isn't pretty.  Yet, this invites us to consider another way of existing in our families and communities. We've all heard the importance of taking care of ourselves in order to better take care of others; might there be more to it than that?

Consider for a moment what it might be like if even your simple desires were met. Might it lead to bolder, wilder acts of transformation? The first step is stating what you want; this may take practice but I know you can do it. This, of course, requires that you know what you want. And, of course again, this might take some practice. Women taking action to bring in their own pleasure will impact every single person they come into contact with. In fact, it might just change the entire paradigm we live in.  I consider engaging in actions to fulfill our own dreams and desires is activism for a better world.  This means you are obligated to bring more pleasure to your life.

Sweet Dreams... 



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Space Exploration Day #2

4/18/2018

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Space exploration may be a loose term to cover today's topic which may more aptly be titled The Shaman's Walk.  As I explained in Day 1, I work in the public sector for my 'day job'. It can be intensely stressful and require lots and lots of working hours. I'm responsible for programs, teams, employees, human resources, etc.!! As an example, it is 9:15 pm and I just arrived home after working a full day and attending a four hour board meeting.

And, I am actively involved in women's circles, I study medicinal herbalism, and I use art as a daily sacred practice (sometimes that is more goal than reality).  Many times, while in circle or in the creative process (or both at the same time) I enter what I call Mystic Time. This time out of time experience can be explained by what Mikhail Czikszentmihalyi refers to as The Flow.  He is an amazing researcher with quite an amazing story; check out his TED talk.  The Flow is when your conscious mind is so immersed in an enjoyable activity that your internal chatter ceases and your full focus is on your activity. This Mystic Time can be a godsend to me as my almost never-ending internal analysis of everything stops and I fully engage in the activity and experience. For me, this is where magic happens. Sometimes I seek the Mystic Time and sometimes I just happen upon it.

The older I get the more I see the benefit of 'showing up' for both sides of the walk.

I need the day job, it pays the bills.  It also suits my personality traits and skill sets for organization, team building, problem solving, thriving in a fast paced environment, and a preference for working in assignments with challenges that require a solution based approach. I need the Mystic Time because it is healing and rejuvenating.  It is therapeutic as it allows me to access art, music, image, color, texture, scent, and other ways of knowing that allow the analytical portions of my brain to relax. This is the wholeness that makes me who I am.

This is the complexity of every woman.

And, it is part of the reason why I am so drawn to mixed media art. Mixed media, like every woman, is made of complex layers, different shapes, textures, colors and symbols. The two go hand in hand. Then again, I like acrylics, watercolor, clay, fiber arts, beading and.... well, I am entitled to change my mind. =)

Sincerely,

Your Spiral Mystic




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