nature

The Snow Drop Shrub and the Crow

Posted by Barbara Techel

I was drawn to the west window of my Joyful Pause Cottage when I entered it mid-morning. 

Waking at 6 a.m. I looked out my bedroom window to see about an inch of snow on the ground! I admit, for a moment, I was disgruntled. 

By the time I got out to my cottage the snow was already melting, though large, fluffy flakes are falling again as I write this.

But looking out the window I was drawn to the snow caps on the shrub in my perennial garden. It was so pretty and I dubbed it the Snow Drop Shrub.

I noted the metal crow looking at the tree as if seeing the same beauty I was seeing too. Crows are often related to the mysteries of life, transformation, and change.

While the calendar may say it’s Spring, Mother Nature and Crow were reminding me that I can either stay in the shadow of what should be or open to the beauty of what is right outside my window.

And as I end writing this post the sun is shining – all that transformation in just a matter of minutes! Another lesson that we can choose to let go of the struggle and trust that all is in perfect timing.

XO

Barb

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We Are Never Alone

Posted by Barbara Techel

This is the path that leads to a small wooded area near my home. The colors are near peak here in Wisconsin and I’m savoring each and every moment.

At times, I must admit, that I feel a bit melancholy as I know fall will be on its way out soon. Because it’s my favorite season, it can feel bittersweet when it begins to descend and let go. My mom often says on cloudy days that we have to carry sunshine in our hearts. It’s the way I feel about fall – I shall carry all of it – the colors, the smells, the sounds, the feelings it evokes in me, and keep it safely tucked in my heart until it rolls around next time.

As I walked along the trails I came upon a fallen tree and stump. It’s been there for as long as I’ve been walking in the woods. Part of the tree is hollowed out from decay. It’s a spot I often see chipmunks, either scurrying through the open areas of the trunk or sunning themselves on the stump.

But today no one was home. I thought silently to myself that likely they were out gathering nuts to store in their home for the winter season. In my mind, I said, “Chippy, chippy where are you?” And just then I heard a high pitched chittering as he scooted right in front of me across the path.

I smiled. Chippy heard me and the brave little one decided to answer my call to let me know that indeed I wasn’t alone.

I feel in a good place these days understanding on a deeper level than I’ve ever felt before, that I’m never alone. It has been at times challenging to remember this. But then something as simple as a walk in nature brings me right back to remembering that all I have to do is make the first move. The universe then responds with its support and wraps itself around me making me feel home once again.

XO,

Barbara

In the Rain

Posted by Barbara Techel

There was a flurry of bird action today as the clouds were descending until they almost felt like they’d touch the earth…and then it finally rained.

This is the best time to catch these little hummingbirds in action. They love to eat in the rain. I’m so happy they are visiting my backyard again. 

They are like little magical sprites.

XO,

Barbara

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