So I decided recently to record myself reading the Mishomis book, which is filled with Anishinabe teachings. This has been such a wonderful experience for me. Coming back to the chapters and reading them again has given me new insight. Every time I read it, I learn something new. I am excited to share our Ojibway teachings with you all, so that it might help all to see how connected we all are.
So far I am up to chapter 6, which is a fantastic chapter full of new insight, adventure and awareness. <3 Migwetch
Water is life.
It flows… freely or with structure.
It rushes loudly or trickles softly.
Filling the world with its music.
Carrying away all of our thoughts and cares.
Water cleanses.
Reminding us that nothing stays the same.
Its constant rush is grounding
There’s security in the rush of the water.
Today I went into my classroom to grab a few things.
It was like the twilight zone.
I felt like the kids would walk in any minute!
It felt so familiar, yet students working in the classroom is such a distant memory.
I took pictures of some unfinished artwork; that really had me feeling disappointed and sad. The students were doing so well and created so many amazing things that they just had to leave behind.
It felt like I’m living in two realities at once.
Such amazing artwork… So much to look forward to. My only hope is that the time we had together taught them how to be creative no matter how good they thought they were at “art”.
In the beginning was the word…
And the word was God…
How do we create our words, but by first taking a breath.
Filling our lungs with air, and and releasing it.
Air is constantly moving
We can not keep it
It is not mine, nor yours
Air teaches us the most important lesson
Letting go
Breathing in, I am here
Breathing out, I let go
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.
Lately I have been called to create videos… instructional videos, time lapse videos, meditation videos, art making videos.
When I was in middle school my friends and I would use the old school camcorder to create videos…. music videos of our favorite songs, stories with our barbie dolls and toys, and plays we put on for school.
I feel like home videos have really changed since the digital age took over. Youtube has created a culture of vloggers. We are constantly recording every part of our life. Every experience is documented, some not as authentically as others.
Personally I love documenting my existence. I find it adds another layer of perception to my reality. When I capture an experience via photos or videos, I have the idea in mind that one day someone else will see my work and perhaps it will inspire them on their journey.
I think it is important for us all to continue to be makers in this world… makers of creations from our minds, and makers of change from the way we choose to communicate. I know that art is the only thing we all can connect to… no matter where we are on our path.
So I have decided to spend more time creating videos that might inspire others to create, through learning new technique and skills for creating and expressing ourselves!
My first two videos are paper folding videos. How to make a pocket journal and a zine.
These two journals are great ways to start documenting your own experiences in life, even if just for your own sake.
There are a lot of mental and emotional benefits from journaling.
Documenting our rituals, habits, thoughts, ideas, and experiences is a wonderful way to know ourselves better and stay in tune with who we are so we are not so easily shaken in times of trial. Writing is a way for us to express things we might not feel safe enough to sharing with others.
My hope is you create these easy paper folding journals and use them to get you started on your journey to self awareness <3
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