I hope you enjoy this month’s theme – and the opportunity to pick-a-card to see who your animal guide will be for the month of August!
Click here or on the graphic above to watch on my YouTube channel.
Sending you lots of extra love for this month!
XO
Barb
I’m so delighted and honored to share this exciting announcement!
I’ve partnered with a local non-profit shop called LaValley Home and Garden and they are now carrying my Animal Oracle Art!
$10 from every purchase of my art goes to their grant program that benefits animal welfare and nature conservancy.
My collages blend together thoughtfully chosen images often inspired from animals I observe in nature and around my Joyful Pause Cottage studio, dried florals and leaves, plus natural elements I discover on my walks such as acorns, feathers, stones, and tree branches, along with bits of discarded ephemera creating a three dimensional effect that is nestled with care into a shadow box. On the back of each piece you will find an oracle message written by me as a guide to deepen the connection with yourself, animals, and nature.
I loved this comment from one of the co-owners of LaValley Home & Garden, “I just want to climb right into them!”
This is exactly what I wish my art to convey – to remind us that we are a part of nature and the animals and that we indeed are nature itself!
For a more detailed view of each piece please visit my website here.
About LaValley Home and Garden
Two extraordinary and heart-centered young women whose mission is “to create a world where home, garden, natural habitat and community come together.”
They specialize in native perennials, gardening, unique houseplants, home goods & decor, pet supplies & wellness, and meaningful gifts with store proceeds supporting local animal organizations and wildlife conservation efforts.
And if you are local, stay tuned as they will be offering outreach workshops! Learn more on their website here.
XO
Barb
I remember as a kid seeing stick bugs (also referred to as walking sticks). Though I must say that as a child I was spooked by them. I suppose because when I leaned up against a tree and didn’t know there was a walking stick there, well, when it suddenly moved…that was scary.
To see one yesterday afternoon sitting on the side of our house I was reminded how long its been since I’ve encountered one. But this time I wasn’t scared, but rather delighted and intrigued once again the creatures we share this planet with.
Being I appreciate the wisdom of animals and have received so many gifts of teachings from them over the years, I couldn’t help wonder about their symbolism and what wisdom did walking stick have to guide me and others right now?
From Ted Andrews Animal-Wise book the keynote for stick bug is: activity beneath the surface.
Andrews goes on to share: Their appearance always indicates that there is activity around us beneath the surface that we may or may not be aware of. If we remain still, making no movement or commitment, the proper course of action will make itself known. The appearance of the stick bug is a reminder to be patient.
Stick bug reminds us to focus on our activities and ourselves. It is also an indication that meditation and prayer will bring much greater results and benefits right now. There is something in the offing, but we must be able to recognize it. This is where personal stillness – meditative and altered states of quietness – comes into play.
While there is more, Andrews reiterates in the last paragraph, this is a time to be patient. I felt this as significant right now not only for myself, but for many of us.
As I thought about the walking stick on the outside of my house – my home – and the fact it was a few inches from the outside water faucet, it was a reminder to continue to be with feelings and emotions (water a symbol of being with our emotions) of fear, which I’ve personally experienced on an intense level at times over the last few weeks. Perhaps you have too? Or are currently experiencing this?
When we feel fear how often we just want to wish it away or know the reason or answer for it in the very moment so the fear will subside and/or just go away. But walking stick was reminding me to “stick” with it (pun intended!). And that fear is truly an inside job – our inner home – the place where we need to examine with compassion, and also hold ourselves in compassion, while exploring our fears.
I’ve also been meditating and praying more often lately and that feels like a confirmation from walking stick to continue doing this. And to remain patient. That there isn’t anything to do, but rather just be with what is coming up and then allowing it to move through.
How often it is we seek activity on the outside (away from our inner selves) – as a way to distract ourselves from what our inside world is calling us to be with – and that inner work is just as important of an “activity” to our well being.
And walking stick reminds us that when we honor the inner activity of learning to just be with our fears, feelings, and emotions, that the best course of action to move forward will present itself when it is time.
Lastly, as I like to often do to add another layer of insight, I pulled an oracle card asking if there is anything else walking stick would like us to know.
From the Wisdom of the Oracle – the card – Higher Power.
I sense this as walking stick reaffirming the teaching of the importance of the inner work as a vital activity, and that when we do so through meditation, stillness, and listening deeply, we are much more able to tune into and connect with a higher power (God/Source/Universe – however you define it) which ultimately provides us the answers we seek that are for our highest good.
Thank you, walking stick!
XO
Barb