Monthly Archives: December 2015

“It is as it should be or else it would be otherwise.” – Unknown
#PeacePod #kippinitreal #WUVIP

With gratitude to lushome.com for the image

Report From The Back 40:

We still have much moonlight in the night even with the thick cloud cover we have had for the past few days and last night was no exception. I went to sleep last night to the sound of tiny crystallized raindrops, not quite snow, tap-tap-tapping ever so gently on my window. And then later in the night all was quiet. Even the owls, so close to the house and talkative just several nights ago, were silent. Perhaps they just were elsewhere in the woods…

As dawn broke across this little valley, I could see the light dusting of snow covering some of the tree branches. I watched the light permeate the land this morning and thought that there was some strange very thin and almost eerie fog here. As the light grew brighter, I saw that what I was seeing was actually some very, very fine snowflakes indeed and the wind was blowing just enough to wisp these flakes into the air like a super-fine mist. It was quite a spectacular sight, which unfortunately I could not hope to catch with my camera lens.

We have such a variety of woodpeckers, cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, and other birds visiting the feeding station we’ve put up in the elderly pin oak just off of the south porch. They were busy taking turns feeding on suet, sunflower, thistle, and other morsels of goodness hanging out for them in the great oak when, lo and behold, three very large and noisy ravens flew into the area. The trio landed at the edges of the oak and it looked and sounded to me like they were trying to bully the smaller birds into moving aside and making room for them to take their fill of the feast. Well, the rest of the birds gathered in the area, who up until now appeared to be in perfect harmony with one another as they flew in and out to get their food and sharing the space comfortably, changed their actions altogether. A few of them, the smallest – the finches, chickadees, and sparrows – turned away from their place in line and flew right at these three ravens. Then these smaller birds returned to the feed ‘line’ and the entire little community of birds appeared to completely ignore the ravens. After a few moments and a few seemingly fierce, disgusted calls, the ravens took off towards the west woods.

It is said that the chickadee as a spirit guide helps us see the truth. These birds tend to hang together, as is certainly evident here at Squirrel Run, and so reflect a joyful sociable quality. And for all of its tiny stature, it is has a ferocious fearlessness having no hesitancy in taking on larger birds when needed. The raven also has a powerful spiritual side to it, representing rebirth, recovery, healing, and reflection. The finch totem represents joy, optimism, resourcefulness, responsibility, and high energy. And I must say that the goings-on at the great pin oak certainly reflected the spirits that these birds represent.

Finally, I just happened to be looking out of the window towards the west woods later in the morning when I witnessed that great eagle windsurfing in the blustery winds outside. It looked like it was having the time of its life out there in the wind current. And even though I was standing there imagining that this bird was out there just plain having fun being able to fly, it changed course abruptly and dove straight down into the field behind the trees. Whoo-ooo-ooosh! I kept my eyes on that area for another few moments and saw the eagle rise up into the air again, game in tow, and fly off towards to north. I just will never tire of watching these accomplished air acrobats! The eagle as a spirit guide teaches us to look at life from a different perspective, encouraging us to take a new view on the challenges in our lives. I certainly can miss the glaringly obvious right in front of me if my gaze is outward instead of inward. What’s up in your neck of the woods?

#ReportFromTheBack40 #SquirrelRun #kippinitreal #WUVIP

1) For waking to a new day, a new adventure and feeling refreshed and ready to meet whatever comes;

2) for the souls along this journey with me and for all of their contribution; for their sharing, their inspiration, their friendship and fellowship, their spirit and their love; and,

3) for The Creator, Master Arranger and Provider for us all.

#TheGratitudeMovement #GratitudeBringsTheJoy #kippinitreal #WUVIP

Got gratitude? Got JOY!

When would now be a good time?

With gratitude to InRecovery Radio and Sadhguru

#Now #PeacePod #kippinitreal #WUVIP

Forgive yourself – again and again. Repeat…

#Forgiveness #PeacePod #kippinitreal #WUVIP

Forgive yourself ` again and again. Repeat…

1. For a life filled to the brim and overflowing;

2. for knowing that we all do our best in each moment, each holding our own challenges, and for the willingness and courage to express our truth no matter the outcome and what it looks like; and,

3. for The Divine – Life Force, Creator and Filler of hearts, and the rest of All That Is.

#TheGratitudeMovement #GratitudeBringsTheJoy #kippinitreal #WUVIP

Step into the miracle of gratitude