Wild hair blows in the crisp night breeze
Moonlight travel in the “Too cold!” freeze
Throat frost pain in the run to warm
Grandmother Moon looks down; no alarm
“Where go you child, running fast and far?”
“To the barn, and the hay, and the roof hole stars!
They are all I need, dear Grandmother mine.”
“Hurry on, little one, you will be just fine.”
~ E. R. Brown ~
Watercolor Up Late by Lance Weisser
Yes indeed, and you can see it above; my childhood home in Southern Illinois, just waiting for me to bust though the screen door … slammity bammin’ it to beat the band. My formative years were blessed with this environment and my mind still seeks to rest there. Silent walks in blazing moonlight through high-drifted snow; rain-washed hot days with bare toes mud-bathing in fresh plowed fields; cornsilk rolling and grapevine smokes (hack ack ack); spooky corn shocks (shuck stacks) marching the morning mist, and my particular favorite … sunlight streaming through barn walls bringing hay to glitter.
Then came a different day than all the rest. This sweet farm home was lifted into the eye of an EF5 tornado while below the destruction of 18 outbuildings took place. Sliding down the writhing trunk of the wind of winds we were set down with a subtle thump, leaving very nearly only the bedroom in which we rode it out. Cuts and bruises were the only injuries. The family psyche has forever been altered by this event, though not negatively. Each of us accepted the change quite well and despite long-term adjustments … along with purposeful “round the kitchen table” therapy sessions … it was and is unanimously seen as a necessary movement in our particular wheel of living that relocated and thereby introduced us to new life directions. We were collectively blessed by the miracle of survival and the push toward new beginnings.
Though my personal sanctuary ended abruptly, it is still the place most sought in my mind’s eye when times are hard or there is simply need for a touch of peace. Meditation often includes the aroma of sun-warmed pears just out of reach on a wild tree climb, raucous pecan tumblings to a tin roof on a breezy day, honey bee buzz in the chimney flu, or Jack Frost forming woodland trails on the morning window panes.
I would imagine my last thoughts will include a remnant of these precious memories.
There is a beautiful postscript to this story and it is shown below. Not long ago a dear friend and artist extraordinaire (S. A. Kerr) gifted me with a painting of my special place. I am in awe of her talent and the absolute replication of my heart.
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
Step onto the path of this Great Creation … our abundant Earth Mother. Feel bliss rise from the soles of your feet. ~ E. R. Brown ~
(Mother Earth by Jenness Cortez Perlmutter)
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
I can still see my own tiny hand resting on the smooth river rock that charmed my mind as a sleeping companion for many formative years. Simple colors of grey, cream, beige, and brown swirled within its weighty cosmetic appeal and if given the choice of a teddy bear night-time comforter in lieu … … never!
Neural pathways built upon that endearing stone contain dreamtime fantasies of wild rivers, roaring waterfalls, clear tumbling creeks, and still mountain pools with undulating water grasses. No family member is surprised my life has within it a bevy of stones. “She was a funny little girl. Sleeping with that rock, you know.”
I never knew what happened to my dear friend, the rock. Through all these years it has been a fond memory and a beloved anchor in my soul toward times of unfettered simplicity. On a summer’s day along a woodland creek it is still a sweet ritual to place my hand in the soft moving water and rest it on the rounded comfort of another river rock incarnation … teasing me with its inanimate ruse.
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
During long-term illness my nightstand was graced with crystal beings of many forms. At times most dire it was calming to gaze at their sweet beauty and yes, to “feel the vibes.” We each relate to stones differently so I will not be lauding Apophyllite as the crystal cluster of all time. My personal experience was noting a room ambience of peace to near tranquility, along with a glistening touch of happiness.
While enduring the gauntlet to wellness there were many other contributing spiritual and faith components, along with individuals to whom I raise my hands in deep appreciation. Apophyllite assisted my psyche with regenerating a synergy of balance and wholeness to a body filled with chaos. I am forever grateful for having bathed in its happy, healing stream.
On a final note, Apophyllite is not a sleep with stone. “Ouch!” and “Damn it!” Yes, I tried it.
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
The ability to absorb and transmute negative energy is number one with Smoky Quartz. The room in which this sweet specimen rested was forever peaceful and I chuckled often at the constant “peace sign” being given by the primary crystal points … each a monument to tranquility, deep security, transparency and release. As with many of the crystal beings in my home over the years, this one has moved on as a giveaway to live with one who needs it more. Just as you may feel a deep association when holding a crystal that is meant for you; so to does the same crystal eventually become intent upon finding the next point of need in this wonderfully connected dimension in which we live.
When working with crystals of any kind I recommend you research their common metaphysical meaning(s) and then forge a relationship that is unique to your personal way of being.
Bring smoky quartz into your circle of stones.
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
As so often happens … the astonishing smoky cluster shown came into my life when needed. Her bounteous nature stayed the course in a deep relationship of respect/reciprocation, giving/receiving, absorbing/purification, healing and letting go. The journey of this beautiful cluster has now taken the path to another who has stated much reveling in the healing contained therein.
Smoky quartz with actinolite is a combination strongly imbued with the energy of our wondrous Earth Mother. Thereby increasing observances and associations with nature; encouraging us to witness it in the balance of wholeness rather than the bits and pieces of life-giving grandeur we witness in the day to day. A heart-opener as well, actinolite increases compassion and brings it abundantly to the fore. With said abundance as a primary factor, the combination of smoky quartz and actinolite synergistically blend, drawing prosperity while simultaneously providing protection from the darker side of monetary gain. Always remember, prosperity moves well beyond money and rests with love, creativity, opportunity and more. I am forever grateful to this sweet one for sharing my space and gracing my spirit with her teachings.
I have touched only lightly on the many attributes of this glorious stone combination. Have you had experience with it? Do share in the comments below. My strongest belief is in our delightful ability to learn from one another.
~ Eve ~
The Walking Owl
For the love of stones … and more …
The Walking Owl