I love meeting new people who have a vision for their passion! We have been in the Spring Grove area, since December and every time I drive home I pass this blue house at the top of this beautiful hill! As I round the bend on my street, the view of the many green hills at the feet of the Appalachian mountains shine blue from the reflection of the sky. I had no idea that when spring came, there would be beautiful flowers and delicious produce at the bottom of that hill!
Blue View Farm
One day I decided to stop when I saw a woman putting flowers out at the stand by her driveway. It was around 7 am, and I pull in right behind her, get out of the car and introduce myself right away! So excited that there are such beautiful flowers right down the road from my house! I have been on this new ritual of filling our home with bouquets of fresh flowers, I explained to her. Jen is her name, and she owns Blue View Farm.
Jen shared with me that she does monthly subscriptions, and does custom orders! For our summer solstice ceremony weekend, Blue View Farm created and donated 4 lovely bouquets and a large center piece!
I highly recommend everyone to check out Blue View Farm for your flower and produce needs. Support local businesses and build community. <3
The Horn Farm Center is a conservation success story. Born out of the effort to save the farm from industrial development in 2000, the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 2004. The Horn Farm was saved by a community of passionate people, who understood that our natural spaces and cultural practices of stewarding and cultivating the land are sacred and need to be preserved.
The plant sale was fantastic! There were so many varieties of plants, fruits, veggies and herbs! I was able to purchase a bunch of things for our garden, and at the same time give back to the community. All proceeds support local, regenerative farming practices and education at the Horn Farm Center.
I was so inspired by the mission and goals of the Horn Farm Center. Currently I am working on starting our own community garden, so seeing how they do things was very helpful!
If you live in York, you should totally check them out! They have a schedule of amazing events, classes and workshops here!
An interesting year it was for sure! A lot was documented in the first half of the year… and then fall came… and school started back up virtual, and then we bought a house.
Things have been in a constant state of motion. 2020 was like the winding up of the music box, doing the work with hope of something beautiful to come out of it.
I had been looking to purchase my first home for a while… but I had not seen anything that resonated with me. It took me over a month, and seeing over 20 houses until I finally found the right one.
On my way to see the house, a bald eagle flew over my car and followed me along my route for a while. When I finally pulled up the house and got of the car, I felt my heart start to get warm.
When we went inside, the current owner was there and I felt comfortable in the space and speaking to her about the home. As we took our tour, we headed outside to the yard… 1.53 acres.
Walking the property, my heart grew warmer and warmer… filling up with excitement. Tears began to roll down my face, tears of joy and gratitude that this land has chosen me as its steward. Excited to be able to care for mother earth in this beautiful sacred space.
We have 4 peach trees, and a very large area designated as a garden, with beets growing all over. There is a shed for the garden specifically, as well as a 3 car garage that will be used as a studio!
The house has taken up a lot of my extra time, as I dive right into home ownership and all that it entails.
Our first project was the hot water heater! It was slowly dripping from the temperature pressure release valve, which is not a HUGE deal but it did need to be fixed. So as I look into the project some more, I find out that the thermal expansion tank should be checked to see if it is still functioning. Well come to find out the tank had failed and needed to be replaced. After many many trips to Lowes, I finally completed the task and replaced the tank! I learned so much from one of the employees in the plumbing department, like to check your water pressure and to make sure you inflate the tank to the proper pressure for your system.
After replacing the tank, the temperature pressure release valve stopped leaking!!! First DIY fix completed and in the books.
Aside from fixing little things here and there, we have repainted almost the entire house, and are currently putting up drywall in places that had remodeling begun by the previous owners. Still lots to do!
It has been wonderful being home and teaching virtually for this period of time in my life. And being that it was winter, we were forced to stay inside and complete projects. Though I am very excited for spring, when I can get outside and work on the land more. Also it seems we will be going back to in person teaching in March!
We also got a new addition to our family! Meet Daisy! She is a Border Collie Blue Heeler.
And last but not least… one of my very favorite things about our property… we can see the sunrise from my backyard AND the sunset from the front!!
All of this, while completing commissioned art for clients, teaching 3 in person private art lessons, teaching virtually, and studying a few new interests.
2020 was a powerful year for me…
it wasn’t an easy year for sure, but it was a year full of growth, and blooming. Coming into my power and realizing my dreams. Connecting with the land and with other like minds. Stepping into the future I have been manifesting for a while… it was such a powerful year, and has me excited about what is to come.
Making it through the energy of 2020 has helped me to see that I am strong, centered, unified and more than capable to navigate the path the universe has before me.
Here is to all of the learning and growth that propels us forward… Thank you for being here with me, and for following your heart as you walk your authentic path in this life. <3
I know many people who are entrepreneurs, and small business owners. The world is different from the point of view of owning and operating your own business, whether it’s making art to sell at craft fairs and events, or doing reiki in a room you rent at a wellness center.
As practitioners, makers, and vendors we have in essence two jobs. One is to practice and create the thing we are passionate about. The other is to manage and structure the flow of that passion into a sustainable living.
Sacred Retreat
The REVIVE, REFILL, REFRESH retreat was planned with a vision, hosting a space for people to come and find their center. To come and revive, refill and refresh their soul. What we received was far more powerful then we could’ve ever imagined.
There were 8 participants, and 8 vendors. Each vendor presented a 30-45 min workshop about something they were passionate about.
Auria Faith lead us in an active listening activity where we were partnered up and then given a sheet of questions to ask the other person. The trick was we could only listen to their responses. We were not to talk back or have a conversation about the answers.
She also led us in a guided meditation using essential oils to envision our passions as a seed growing and expanding out into the universe. The choice of oils were Lavender, Wild Orange, and Manuka. Most everyone went for the meditative qualities of Manuka.
Merlin Peters discussed Tensor Rings and how he was lead to being creating them. Marlin discusses how the length of the copper wire is important to how the ring works. Tensor rings transmute negative ions into positive flows. It clears out energy from EMF’s as well.
Joanna Baker lead us in a guided meditation to our shadow selves to see and accept ourselves as we truly are, from all points of view. This was a very peaceful meditation for me, as I felt my shadows were simply there as way showers for the path.
Johanna Geister talked about our energy bodies, discussing the different energy lines and points of our body. She also led us in a grounding visualization where we all went barefoot to the grass to connect with the earth and envision our energy flowing through us as we breathed. It was such a beautiful experience with a little mist coming from the clouds rolling over. She also taught restorative yoga which was a perfect ending to the day.
She also led a bundle, and tea or steam blend making workshop where people created their own smudge bundles from freshly picked herbs.
Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman from Therapeutic Thymes shared with the group ways to take their business to the next level through target marketing. Therapeutic Thymes is a holistic and nature magazine based out of York.
Jill Reed from Green Healing Room shared her journey to practicing stone readings and was available for readings for everyone. She read EVERYONE at the retreat, each reading was spot on and exactly what each person needed to hear. After her readings she gave each person a stone that was called for them. I received two rough cut jades. These stones have really been powerful for me lately. Holding them while I meditate. Jill has a gift to translating messages she’s open to receiving for each person she reads.
I shared how creativity is spirituality, using the flower of life and sacred geometry to tie everything together. Everyone explored creating the flower of life as we discussed how the meditative process opens up your mind to seeing new perspectives. I also was blessed to share intuitive henna with a few people <3
Each of us has a passion and a desire to share that passion with others. Most of our time is spent working on our goals to keep our fire burning, as well as learning ways to share what we know with others. When we do events and vend at places, a lot of energy goes into preparing our gifts, as well as our hearts and minds for the many people we will interact with throughout the event. We rarely have time for our own sacred retreat.
Rarely do we have time to commune with one another. Let alone share and learn from one another. We each have so many gifts we offer the world, but we are also the people who miss receiving those gifts. We give so much of our time to goals, that we rarely have time to be open to receiving.
This sacred retreat was a time for vendors to come together and share and receive from one another. This retreat showed us how important this was for each of us. We need to remember we too deserve to receive our gifts. It gave us time to listen, and process what we learned. To sit and communicate our own experiences and thoughts. To be there for each other, witnessing each others light and standing in our own.
When we heal ourselves, we help others on their journey by sharing what we’ve learned. Supporting one another by holding space for self expression and authenticity is vital, we are all connected.
I am forever grateful for those who participated in the sacred retreat, Revive, Refill and Refresh in August. Miigwetch to all my relations.
Bringing up the story of the Phoenix. A powerful fire ceremony, balance through the water, and rising above the ashes.
The weekend started off with lots of rain, which canceled the awesome set The Wild Hymns were going to play! Instead they sat with us and Megan played a little guitar while we listened to the pouring rain.
Around 8pm my children came to me to tell me our tent had flooded and everything was soaked! I became so frustrated… and disappointed. It was a tough moment for me. And on top of that, when we went to get into the car… the door was locked with the keys inside! The universe was really testing me. The rain finally stopped around 8:30 pm, everyone tired, wet and ready for bed.
Saturday morning I woke up early to pray and meditate, to help ground and center my energy for the rest of the weekend, and was greeted by the fog, so peaceful and serene. The message was to breathe and let go. Let go of expectations, fears, worry and doubt.
Everyone woke up a little groggy, but ready to get into the heart of the summer solstice energy. Our schedule was adjusted a bit to accommodate time to clean up campsites. Breakfast was delicious and morning yoga was perfectly lead by Brenda. Our day was off to a more balanced start.
Brenda lead a garden tour, and tea making workshop while others spent time on their creative expressions for the altar. The time was so peaceful.
I was able to fix up the altar area and light the Solstice candle just before it started to rain again. Grateful that this time we were all prepared, we danced and made music to celebrate.
Our fire ceremony was to be held out by the pond, however with the rain we improvised and rearranged the tables under the pavillion to have our ceremony there.
It was divine.
After the ceremony the rain departed and the sky opened up to a beautiful night, where we saw shooting stars and celebrated with jumping the fire, a drum circle and fireworks.
Sunday started with Laughter Yoga, lead by Tammy and Jack Bray. The perfect ending to such a divine weekend.
At the end of the event on Sunday I went back to the altar to clean up and to my wonder, the Solstice candle was still lit! Even after all the rain!
I am so blessed to know so many beautiful and magickal people. So many kind souls to travel through this life learning from and growing with.
I am forever grateful for my dear sister, Brenda Solonoski. Without her love, support, and partnership this event would not have happened.
Check out the video of our event and look out for the next retreat …
The water at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat that flows beautifully through the woods, has been named Stone Creek, for the many stones you can find there.
Stone Creek houses many little waterfalls and surrounds a few little islands! These islands have been cleared and named as well… Solomons Stone Island, and Circle Stone Island. Each island has been cleared so that people can camp and enjoy the water all around them.
My friend Eli ArtSparkle came to visit last weekend and I took her out to the woods and let her pick the spot we would sit for our artmaking. This specific spot is a beautiful place to sit on huge rocks that Brenda and Theo arranged.
Having Eli here really reinforced that my idea of a Plein Air workshop here at Burns Valley is something that I must plan! I can only imagine what beautiful work would be created from having many different artists here, inspired by the land.
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The Flowing Hollow is a beautiful magickal place at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat.
Water flows from the spring out of the mountain, into a little creek.
Stones border the creeks edge, creating a path through this magickal water world.
There is more to the Flowing Hollow than water, there is an abundance of life from the earth, and a breeze from the wind. The stone circle brings the warmth of fire to all who gather around. There is also so much spirit, you can feel it.
I am so blessed to be able to spend time down in the Flowing Hollow and am excited to share its magick with others!
Sitting in the woods, sun shining down on my face, hearing the birds chirp and the water rushing… food for my soul.
I have walked down to the Flowing Hollow a few times the past month here at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat. The space has really transformed since March!
When we first arrived, Brenda and Joe had just cleared out the brush, and tree debris. They started laying stones for a pathway next to the little creek, and created an area for a fire pit!
Thanks to the help of many friends, there is now a beautiful space to enjoy a bonfire by the water, you could even hang a hammock and camp down there for the night!
Brenda and I dug out the steps, Austin moved the rocks and created the fire pit, and Theo is building a bridge. We also added a few little fairies and gnomes to live down there!
Water is life, and when structured with intent… it allows life to flourish.
Yesterday was such a cold gray and rainy day! There was no going outside to make art, and I was feeling a bit uninspired! So I decided to sit myself in front of my favorite spot inside here at Burns Valley Herbals and Retreat… in front of the fireplace! Theres no better place to sit and do wood burning art
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