He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity. – William Samuel Johnson
Since launching this quarterly blog post series in 2020, I have often begun my “Magick, Crafty Makes, and Me” entries with a quote pertaining to the forthcoming season.
There is no shortage of excellent quotes to be had about this revitalizing time of the year. However, while we are technically two short days away from the start of springtime, a different season, so to speak, has fallen upon the earth once again: that of profoundly devastating war.
I know and am the first to acknowledge that, heartbreakingly, there have been wars in one part of the world or another pretty much continually since time immemorial. The preceding (and present) years of the 21st century fully included.
No serious conflict is without suffering, loss, injustice, hardship, sacrifice, and long-lasting devastation. Yet few wars since the final days of WW2 have, mercifully, brought with them the imminent possibility of another large-scale global war.
That is until the world’s biggest country (geographically speaking) decided to wage battle against a peaceful neighbouring nation for absolutely no good – or moreover, even remotely justifiable – reason.
Generally speaking, I go out of my way to avoid the news (especially as an HSP and an empath), knowing that if something is big or important enough, I will surely find out about it one way or another.
However, like a great deal of us, I have been glued to news reports regarding the horrific conflict in Ukraine.
Tears fall from my eyes like shrapnel of the soul. They are shed in unison with the millions that tumble from the exhausted, frightened, and utterly perplexed eyes of countless Ukrainians. To say nothing of the rest of the world, too.
As with most tragedies, there is a powerful sense of the surreal to what is happening in Eastern Europe right now.
Surely, we will all wake up tomorrow or the next day or the day after that and realize that the past three (going on four) weeks have been a hellacious nightmare.
Yet, as is so often the case, the very worst nightmares stem not from our sleeping minds, but from the atrocities that are carried out by certain individuals, groups, or nations when we are acutely awake.
I need only climb a few short branches back in time on my family tree to quickly come face-to-face with ancestors who hailed both from Russia and what is present-day Ukraine + Moldova. Some of whom immigrated to Canada as recently as the 1930s.
I knew and loved a few of these people firsthand before their respective passings during the early years of my childhood.
They were not far-off relations from centuries-long past. They were amongst my grandparents, great-grandparents, and great aunts + uncles. They embraced their new homeland with gusto but never lost sight of the culture, traditions, and memories they had grown up experiencing on the other side of the world.
As is the case for most people, it should go without saying that I am 100% on the side of Ukraine (and that of the Russian citizens who are strongly opposed to this incredibly brutal conflict).
It would be unconscionable in my books not to be.
This is not the first time in their nation’s long and fascinating history that Ukraine has come under siege or been unfathomably brutalized in other ways. For example, (WARNING: the following link includes graphic subject matter and images that may be difficult/disturbing for some viewers – especially younger ones) the Holodomor that occurred under the tyrannical reign of Joseph Stalin.
I have no doubt that many people in Ukraine knew prior to this war’s onset that they were strong, proud, capable individuals.
However, both inside and all the more so outside of the country itself, it is safe to say that few could have imagined just how incredibly strong and resilient 21st-century Ukrainians would prove to be.
The quote that begins this post stems from one of America’s founding fathers, William Samuel Johnson. It is no less true today than it was in the 18th century. If anything, it may in fact hold even more weight nowadays.
Of course, though this colonial-era quote houses male pronouns, it is safe to say that Ukrainians of all genders are showing amazing fortitude and bravery in the face of their nation literally being razed to the ground.
So long as nuclear and biological weapons are not introduced into the fold, I continue to believe that Ukraine has a very real chance of winning this sham of a war.
Not a sham in the sense of it being make-believe (sadly, nothing could be further from the truth), but rather a sham because of its senseless and unprovoked nature.
As many of us keep a watchful eye on news updates viewed on TV, cell phone, tablet, and computer screens, the ravages of war growing ever more horrendous with each passing minute, it can be hard to shift our focus to lighter matters.
For not the first time in my life, tragedy drives home an intensely strong sense of what, at the end of the day, really matters and what can at times seem rather trivial and/or happy-go-lucky by comparison.
Just as it is doing for countless other souls across the globe right now as well.
We go on though, our hearts heavy with emotions such as grief, anger, and fear. We keep trying to live the lives that we are immeasurably blessed to have to the best of our abilities.
Ukraine is never far from our minds – nor is the looming threat of global war – as we do so. We have been starkly reminded of how, objectively, any of our own countries could theoretically find itself in the same sort of situation.
Thousands of miles away from Eastern Europe, snow still dots the landscape around our corner of British Columbia.
Springtime has phoned and made reservations, but it has not checked into its suite just yet.
It is coming through. The ever-earlier arrival of sunlight each morning, the orchestra of bird songs that have begun to fill the air once again, and the first brave crocuses that proudly stretch their necks above the frozen ground all assure us that spring will be here before we know it.
With just two days to go until the official start of spring in the Western Hemisphere, it is time for a fresh new edition of this reoccurring post series.
As usual, the Winter 2022 Edition of Magick, Crafty Makes, and Me is a link love post featuring online content that caught my eye during the past three months, coupled with a peek into what has been transpiring lately in my own life.
Magick, Witchcraft, Paganism, and Spirituality
–Advice for the Beginner Witch: It is scarcely a secret that witchery has seen a massive rise in popularity both over the past few decades and all the more so in recent years.
Naturally, this has led to the presence of a good deal more newbie witches and/or those who may have flirted with the craft previously, but never dedicated themselves to it and now feel a calling to do just that.
It can be – especially in this day and age of social media – challenging to start out as a new witch. It seems like there is so much to know and do and learn. Getting overwhelming or feeling like you must keep up with the witchy Joneses (many of whom have been practicing for ten, twenty-five, forty – you name it – years at this point) can easily happen.
Go easy on yourself, dear witchling, and find both advice and encouragement from this lovely post that guides new witches through some very useful approaches to beginning your beautiful journey into witchhood.
–Cute Witch Art Projects for Kids: Save for our six-year-old nephew (who lives in Italy), there are currently no young kids in our immediate family. If there were (and they lived nearby), I would love to spend a fun-filled afternoon with them making the simple, budget-friendly witch-related art projects that are featured in this charming post from Moody Moons.
(Another recent post from Moody Moons that really resonated with me is her terrific tutorial on how to make DIY Green Witch’s Runes with Wood Rounds.)
–50 Signs that You’re an Old Soul: In my experience, many old souls inherently know that they are precisely that. However, sometimes a person may not be aware of their beautifully aged soul or, if they are, they might like to learn more about the subject. Finding, in the process, shared traits and experiences with plenty of their fellow old souls.
If you consider yourself to be one – or know somebody who does – be sure to pop on by Other Worldly Oracle’s excellent look at 50 ways to tell that you are an old soul.
–How to Make a Lovely Herb Drying Rack: Now, granted, this link could have gone in the more generic crafty column above. However, given how many witchy/Pagan folks are deeply interested in herbology, I figured that this link would be at squarely home in this section, too.
While most herbs (especially those grown outdoors) have not rebloomed again yet this year, in due course they will. If you have been itching to find an effective way to dry more of them yourself, this lovely tutorial on how to make a hanging herb drying rack has your back all the way.
–Make a Tiered Herb Planter with Dollar Store Buckets: And carrying on with the herb growing theme – because, if you can’t go all out on gardening-related topics in the spring, when can you? – this fantastic and very wallet-friendly approach to making a tiered herb planter with inexpensive buckets from the dollar store is a great approach for those on a budget or anyone looking to save some green (see what I did there? 😄) on the herb growing front.
–7 Reasons Why Self-Love is Spiritually Empowering: These days, most of us are familiar with the concepts of self-care and self-love. Ideally, we try our best to successfully make time in our busy lives to focus on these important areas. In doing so, however, have you ever stopped to think about the connections that can (and often do) exist between self-love and your spirituality?
This great post from Reroot Your Life explores that very subject and offers up seven excellent reasons why self-love is spiritually empowering.
–The Ethics of Divining World Events: It is human nature to look for answers, insight and (ideally) comfort when times get not only tough, but downright brutal.
For those who engage in various forms of divination, it can likewise come naturally to us to seek (possible!!!) answers with the cards, runes, or most other methods of divining.
This thought-provoking post from esteemed witchery/Paganism blogger + author John Beckett (I cannot recommend his book The Path of Paganism highly enough) delves into the pros and cons, ethically speaking, of doing just for major world events.
No matter which side of the fence you fall on when it comes to this subject, John’s fairhanded article is well worth reading during these tremendously uncertain times.
Cardmaking, Scrapbooking, Paper Crafting, and Other Crafts
–A Simple Lavender Wreath to Celebrate Spring: While “simple” in terms of the number of products required and ease of creation, rest assured that this elegant spring wreath is a head-turningly beautiful way to add extra seasonal pizzazz to any door (or wall) in your home.
–Cuddly Pompom Easter Bunny Tutorial: If you are in the mood for a melt-your-heart adorable springtime craft that is both easy and fabulously festive (not to mention a great gift idea), allow me to suggest this delightful pompom Easter (or Ostara) Bunny tutorial.
(For more awesome spring, Ostara, and Easter craft ideas, be sure to check out my post 35 Wonderful Ostara Crafts, DIY Projects, and Décor Ideas for The Spring Equinox.)
–DIY Flower Butterfly Wings: In my latest project share post (Delightful Butterfly-Themed Happy Ostara Shaker Card for the Spring Equinox) I discussed how butterflies are a harbinger of spring’s return that I – like many of us – can never get enough of. 🦋
If you have ever wanted to make a pair of your very own wearable butterfly wings, this photo-filled DIY project post will guide you through how to do just that.
The inclusion of dried flowers/leaves makes these wings especially enchanting. Not to mention more than lovely enough to proudly display, when not being worn, in your home as the work of magical art that they are.
(I cannot help but think how fantastic this project would also look with jewel-toned fall leaves, should you wish to make different seasonal versions of wearable butterfly wings.)
–DIY Gold Foil Vintage Bee Birthday Cards: Much like butterflies, bees are another winged friend that helps to signal spring’s return and who does so much to help keep nature in bloom year after year.
If you are in the mood to celebrate bees in papercrafting form during the upcoming season (or anytime), this gorgeous gold foil card project from Diana at Dreams Factory is a stunning way to do just that.
(If you do not happen to have the tools, such as a laminator, that she uses here, I suspect a somewhat similar look could be achieved by using a good-sized bee stamp, clear embossing ink, and a rich metallic gold embossing powder such as Princess Gold from Ranger.)
And from the same blog, I adore this post on How to Make DIY Spray Inks in Any Colour.
–Four Ways to Organize Your Sticker Addiction: This post is a few years old, but I just hit upon it this winter and felt that it would be right at home in the next edition of this link love series.
Sticker storage can often be a challenge for those of us who cannot get enough of this charming craft product. Yet finding effective ways to store our beloved stickers is often considerably trickier than amassing them in the first place. 😄
In this post, the author weighs the pros and cons of four different approaches for storing planner-related stickers. However, these same ideas can easily translate into just about any kind of sticker your heart desires.
–Oh Romeo Mini Quilt: As I have mentioned a time or two before, I am not a quilter. However, I adore this awesome fabric craft all the same.
I find there are numerous similarities between quilting and papercrafting and am continually inspired by many different types of quilted projects.
Case in point, this fabulously creative “Oh Romeo Mini Quilt” is an enchanting fabric art ode to one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
–3-D Paper Eggs: Where would spring be without a bevy of eggs and all manner of craft + décor items depicting them? 🐣
Whether you are keen to ditch dyed eggs or would like a fun project to accompany that classic springtime act, this super easy-to-replicate tutorial guides you through how to make three-dimensional paper eggs that can be hung around your home for an extra sweet dose of seasonal cheer.
What’s Shaking in My Life and On My Radar
This winter passed, as they pretty much always do around these parts, in a flurry of snowflakes, bone-chilling temps, parkas, and warm woollen mittens. ☃️
Three cold snaps punctuated the already frozen air, though none saw the mercury drop below -30C/-22F.
Believe me when I say that by Canadian standards, that really isn’t too bad. 😄
As I mentioned here a few blog posts ago, my sister contracted Covid this winter. Thankfully, she did not become extremely ill and/or require hospitalization. While she is still in the process of healing and regaining energy, I am grateful beyond measure to report that she is doing a fair bit better these days.
None of our other loved ones came down with Covid this winter (nor did Tony or I), which we are also endlessly thankful about. One can only speculate as to if that same statement can be made in another three months – let alone at the end of the year.
Also a few weeks ago, Tony and I received our booster shots (aka, our third vaccinations) and will continue to be the first in line for any future Covid vaccines that may be offered to the Canadian public.
Even though I personally think it is too soon to do so, earlier this week the BC provincial government rescinded the law mandating that masks be worn in most types of businesses and other enclosed public spaces.
I am starkly aware of the fact that a huge percentage of the population will, if not toss their masks away outright, then at least banish them to the back of the closet.
It is very easy to understand why and just as I have maintained since the get-go with the pandemic, to each their own when it comes to navigating the challenging waters of the Coronavirus.
Personally, however, as someone who is immune-compromised, I will continue to sport a mask to all the same types of places I have been doing so for the past couple of years. Far better to be safe than sorry. 😷
With so much uncertainty in the world right now – and with the pandemic still going strong – we have not made much in the way of plans yet for the coming spring and summer months.
And after the especially brutal wildfire season that ravaged BC last year (it stands as one of the all-time worst on record here), we are already feeling a bit of trepidation regarding what the coming sizzling hot months may hold in store for our province this year.
Much as I wish with all my might that I could state the polar opposite, I do not have any positive updates regarding the serious and incredibly perplexing “new” medical issues that I have been battling since 2020.
Diagnoses are still proving wildly elusive, as is anything even approaching the degree of health care that I should be receiving to help get to the bottom of what on earth is impacting me.
I am no stranger (far from it!) to fighting tirelessly for diagnoses and the overall state of my health. I have been doing that for twenty, going on twenty-one years straight now.
Not, however, let me clarify, for most of these latest health issues themselves, but rather for just about all of my other chronic illnesses that preceded them.
Ever since these new medical challenges entered my life, at the start of each new season I find myself looking towards the end of it, hoping beyond measure that there will be some form of positive health-related changes by then. Some desperately needed help. Some sign that instead of continuing to worsen, things are stabilizing – or perhaps even showing a flicker of improvement.
And though my body and overall state of health continue to deteriorate and weaken further with each passing week, I am resolute in my hope and in my unceasing drive to get the medical answers, help, and treatment(s) that I NEED no matter how long I must battle for each one of those vital things.
On a far more upbeat note, the Spring Equinox is just two days away! ☀️
That day is when I will personally be observing the heart of the Ostara season. And while (as is often the case) I will do so in the company of lingering wintertime snow and ice, I am wonderfully excited to celebrate the newness, positivity, rebirth, and fresh possibilities that spring houses.
Then, come the first week of April, we will celebrate my mother’s birthday. I am hopeful that – after two years of not being able to safely do so – we can spend in person with her (just as we were able to do for my own b-day last summer).
I have said it before, but I will happily say it again: my mom’s birthday is akin to a second start of spring for me and always heralds the return of bloom, baby chick, and rainbow season all the more. 🥳
And speaking of my birthday, it is now less than four months away. A fact which I can scarcely believe!
First, though, we get to experience the beauty and wonder of spring, as the natural world breaks free of its lengthy wintertime hibernation and brightens our days both literally and figuratively in many enjoyable ways.
I have a lot of ideas for fun, informative, and inspiring blog posts here in the coming months – including, all things willing, a brand-new edition of the Cemetery Journeys post series that I launched here last year.
A number of you have emailed to ask me when that would be happening, so I am striving as hard as I can to get the next exciting journey up this spring.
And now, sweet dears, on with a smattering of assorted links that leapt out at me over the course of these past three snow-covered months.
–Emily Brontes’ Lost Second Novel: It is safe to say that Wuthering Heights stands as one of the best known and most beloved novels ever published.
Tragically, its author died young at the age of just thirty years old. Leaving, at the time, an unpublished second manuscript that we know with a good degree of certainty existed at one point, but which has sadly been long lost to the hands of time (or perhaps, as some strongly suspect destroyed by one of her sisters).
This engaging article takes a gander at Emily’s iconic inaugural novel, while also digging into the mystery surrounding what her second book may have been about as well as what fate might have befallen that now (presumably) long-lost second manuscript.
–11 Ways to Wear a Bat Bow: Whether you would only rock a bat bow in October or could easily – and gleefully – do so the whole year round, this charming post suggests eleven fun ways to inject some sartorial bat-themed goodness into your attire as often as your heart desires.
–Goth Fast Fashion and Why It Isn’t Always a Good Thing: Regardless of your preferred personal style(s), this post – from Gothic Charm School author Jillian Venters – poses some insightful and important points that apply to a sizable percentage of clothing consumers in many parts of the world.
Fast fashion may be de rigueur in the sphere of 21st-century attire, but as Jillian wisely argues, it is often far from the choice we should be making – at least on a regular basis.
–Lost Women of Science Podcast: This recently launched podcast series (from New York Times reporter Katie Hafner) is on a mission to shine the very well-deserved spotlight on female scientists whose work, and in many cases, names, are little known despite the important contributions they made not only to the field, but to life on earth, point-blank.
The first scientist to be featured is Dorothy Andersen, a physician and pathologist who forever changed the lives of many people around the world when, in 1938, she discovered and defined cystic fibrosis.
As a passionate lover of science (and staunch advocate for women in STEM), I eagerly looking forward to seeing what other women will be featured in future editions of this much-needed podcast.
–Metal Pens Pre-17th Century: Much like the link pertaining to sticker organization shared above, this post has a few years under its belt.
It remains a gem all the same and, being a lifelong writer myself, I could not help but share it here – especially since the concept of metal pens is not something many of us associate with times preceding the Victorian era (let alone prior to the 1600s!).
As this article clearly demonstrates, however, they are invention that stretches centuries back in time prior to that point and which have been evolving for hundreds of years now.
–The Top Ten Strangest Snakes in The World: If you happen to have ophidiophobia, please be advised that chances are this link is not for you.
If, on the other hand, you are not afraid of snakes and would like to learn more about some of the most unique and (often) rarest of our slithering reptile friends, read on a very cool selection of ten unforgettable types of serpents.
–Metal Pens Pre-17th Century: Much like the link pertaining to sticker organization shared above, this post has a few years under its belt.
It remains a gem all the same, and as a writer myself, I could not help but share it here – especially since the concept of metal pens is not something many of us associate with times preceding the Victorian era (let alone prior to the 1600s!).
As this article clearly demonstrates, however, they are an invention that stretches centuries back in time prior to that point and which has been evolving for hundreds of years now.
–Toronto Based Startup is Combatting Deforestation with Tree Planting Drones: There is no denying the profound importance of reforestation in the battle against the ever more alarming climate crisis that our planet is besieged with these days.
While there are various ways to plant and grow new trees, few are as innovative or original as that from Canadian Flash Forest, which is using drones to plant new trees. 🌲
How many trees, you may ask? At the time this article was written last year, no less than 300,000 seed pods had been dropped across specific parts of Canada.
One can only wonder how high that total will continue to climb – and hope, all the while, that this clever technique rapidly catches on around the globe.
Bonus link: Last October I shared a post here called 13 Awesome Cemetery Focused Blogs Every Taphophile Should Be Following.
In that post, one of the blogs that I featured was of renowned author Loren Rhodes, whose work spans both the fiction and nonfiction spheres.
Those who enjoy books pertaining to taphophilia-related topics may be familiar with Rhodes’ work, including her wonderful books 199 Cemeteries to See Before Your Die and This Morbid Life: Essays.
Thanks to that post, Loren and I connected for the first time ever and have remained in touch since (which is the coolest thing in – pun fully intended – my books, as I have been a big fan of her work for quite some time now).
Loren emailed me a few days ago to share that she would be launching a Kickstarter campaign (which is now live) to help back her newest release: Death’s Garden Revisited: Relationships with Cemeteries.
The title brings together personal reflections from numerous people around the world who have strong connections (for a myriad of different reasons) to cemeteries.
As a passionate taphophile who finds few experiences in life more enjoyable, spiritually fulfilling, and inspiring than visiting cemeteries, you can imagine how delighted I was to learn about Loren’s latest writing project.
Whether you enjoy genealogy, history, the art and design of cemeteries, or just about anything else pertaining to burial grounds, this book is apt to be right up your alley.
If you would like to help bring Death’s Garden Revisited to the point of publication, I encourage you to please consider donating to Loren’s Kickstarter campaign.
Hold Fast to Dreams
Though it has only been three short months since the Autumn 2021 edition of this post series appeared, for reasons both global and personal, it feels more like two years have elapsed between now and when we said farewell to fall.
Exceedingly few amongst us could have predicted when this winter began that less than a single season later, the world would be rocked once again by an unthinkable tragedy of epic proportion.
That is what has happened though and as with everything that leaves a stamp in indelible ink upon human history, we as a species will be forever impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Assuming, that is, that our species is able to keep going beyond the current generation.
I am nothing if not an optimist, but I am also the poster child for realists everywhere.
Since my early youth, I have studied the first two world wars to a degree that I cannot even begin to measure.
My eyes have taken in hundreds, if not thousands, of books and hours of programming alike pertaining to these world-altering conflicts – especially WW2 and the holocaust.
Beyond those two massive conflicts, I have been drawn to studying and trying to make sense of war, famine, genocide and other forms of the worst possible things human beings can do to one another for as far back as I can recall.
Everything that I have learned, viewed through lenses both philosophical and pragmatic, and laid awake at night thinking about, currently braces me for even more brutal days ahead.
Just like the citizens of Ukraine and countless others around the globe, I hold tight to the belief that the guns will be silenced, the bombs returned to their hiding places, and that the carnage and devastation will end before we as a collective whole do things from which there is no coming back.
As a young girl, one of the first pieces of poetry that I remember learning by heart in school was Dreams by the wonderful American poet, Langston Hughes. It goes as follows:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Some thirty years on from when I committed those poignant and powerful lines to memory, they remain with me verbatim.
As I lay my head down to sleep each night and again when that ever-brighter dawn wrestles me from slumber, I find Hughes’s words echoing through my thoughts.
They live in my heart and will remain there for as long as it continues to beat.
The dream, in this instance, is one of unwavering hope for an end to the war in Ukraine, the suffering on both sides, and the ability for the survivors to be able to one day piece their shattered lives back together again.
Their futures will not be the same ones that lay before them a few agonizingly short weeks ago, but there is still hope and the prospect of some sort of stability again.
We, as a planet, did in 1918 and again in 1945. Now, before WW3 truly does erupt, let’s stop this madness and do it again in the spring of 2022.
The very fate of the world may be riding on it.
🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸
As we look towards the coming season – be it spring on this side of the equator of my beloved autumn for those south of it – there are not words enough to convey how much I hope that you are able to have a safe season wherever you call home.
My deepest wishes for wellness, happiness, and peace to each of you, cherished friends – and to everyone who calls this remarkable planet of ours home. 🙏🌎🙏
As an HSP there are periods in time when it’s absolutely impossible to watch the news or read any newspapers, which to be honest I have been avoiding for the better part of two years by now. Life continues to feel surreal and nightmarish, and I cannot even begin to think of what it must be like for the people of the Ukraine. The only thing we can do is support some reputable charities to the best of our abilities, but in the end, we are left feeling powerless.
Although our Winter was a particularly mild one, as always I have been looking forward to the the first signs of Spring, even if they are somehow overshadowed by world events this year.
I am glad to read that your sister is on the mend, and I am fervently hoping for an easing of your additional health issues.
Whatever happens, we must not lose hope, which is poignantly brought home by that beautiful poem!
Sending oodles of hugs my dear friend xxx
Thank you wholeheartedly, my very dear friend. Your kindness and warmth, care and concern radiate out from your extremely kind comment and each mean a great deal to me.
Goodness, is that true regarding the need for many (if not most) HSPs and empaths to go out of their way as a general rule to avoid the news. It was genuinely life-changing when, in my twenties, I consciously opted to steer clear of as much negative news broadcasting/writing as I possibly could.
Occasionally though, no matter how much of an emotional/psychological impact doing so has on me, I simply have to connect with the news and not shy away from taking on some of the profound emotional toll of those who are suffering. Doing so feels to me like the least I can personally do in the face of such extraordinarily severe and widespread suffering.
Absolutely! Hope alone does not per se solve too many issues or challenges, but it provides a stronger backbone for those conscious efforts and actions that will, with any luck, be able to do so in the end.
Thank you very much again for everything – hugely including your care towards both me and my sister. It is with great joy that I am able to report she continues to improve and was even able to go back to work again just the other day (after being off for quite some time due to her health).
Scores of hugs & the sunniest of wishes for a positive spring coming your way,
🖤 Autumn
Thank you for this thoughtful and insightful piece, Autumn. I share your horror of what is happening in Ukraine and join in your hope for a swift end to the bloodshed so people can begin to rebuild their shattered lives.
It seems so surreal that our fortunate lives continue whilst all this is going on, but your signposting to good things that continue to happen brings a little balm to my troubled soul. The planet will continue to show us the way to carry on and I welcome the signs that spring is almost here.
Take care and I hope the answers to your ongoing health problems are on the way.
Hugs,
Carol x
Thank you deeply, dear Carol, on every front – very much including your kindness towards these baffling medical challenges. That really means a lot to me.
I share your hope and belief that the planet will find a way to guide us onward and I hold fast to the promise of greater world stability again.
We, as a species, have weathered some remarkable storms throughout our collective history and there is a decent chance we can pull through these dark, Covid filled, war-torn times as well.
As spring shines its light – both literal and figurative alike – on our world again, please know that my gratitude is with you and that I am sending my very warmest wishes your way for a safe, serene, and very happy season.
🖤 Autumn
Other than light vibes or prayer, support in places where the funds actually help, and being kind to our fellow citizens of all countries here – there is not much we can do unfortunately.
While my heart goes out to tragedies – I find that I can not dwell on more than those in my sphere of influence generally (local deaths and tragedies here I try to be actively giving in regards to) and then I set aside one time a month to give it to God/ the Universe/ Magic and pour out my anguish for multiple aspects of the world … and then I live my best life.
I stay away from the news as my chronic conditions always flared and having a deep heart for others didn’t equate anymore to being informed when much was out of my hands. That said, I do try to give where there is a need, when doing so is a possibility.
💗 Next, I live my best life in the community and as a part-time hermit:) I need loads of solitary time and honouring if the seasons but also to be in community with people physically to be fully well. Life is for the living while also considering those around us to varying degrees. I’m glad you found what works for you and have found ways to feel secure.
💗 I once heard a story about a survivor of genocide who stated something to the effect of, “I don’t wish for people to live miserable lives dutifully or put more suffering in their lives due to my suffering or their deep feeling for my tragedy. While I welcome support and healing – if we switched places- I would believe it’s my duty to live the peace-filled day-to-day life with all its ups and downs to the best ability where I am at. If I had had that opportunity I would hope I’d enjoy it and not live in misplaced guilt or feelings of which are not fully mine. Embrace the ordinary. We all take turns in tragedy- some more than others. It’s ok to BE.”
That is now my strived for response to everything – I try to not define my life by world events as I’d constantly be in chaos nor even political ones in my home but choose wisely based on what I’m given and share what I can in the places I am… that took a load off that I carried in my twenties and my chronic illness took a nosedive. I still struggle but it is not as intense.
💗 The holidays are so lovely and differing seasons being us lessons in joy and transition and hardship.
💗 Life will always be full of both good and bad – always BOTH/AND as I like to say. I love how you embrace them.
💗 These are all lovely links you shared. I am glad that your sister is on the mend.
💗 Our family has now fully recovered and so have many of our friends and family and I rejoice over that. It’s so good to see people again too! I hope you can see your mom and enjoy that beauty.
💗And have a wonderful celebration! Happy Ostara!
Thank you very much for the depth, scope, and passion that you pour into the comments you leave here on my blog, dear soul.
Your shared words and wisdom are sincerely appreciated – as is your abundance of kindness.
I appreciate learning more about how you are both navigating some of the current global crises, as well as how you choose to engage (or not) with the news in general.
That is very true regarding how difficult world events can impact one’s health – be it physical, emotional, mental, spiritual – or all of the above. I am no stranger to that myself and it was the primary reason why, in my twenties, I consciously decided to distance myself from the bulk of news broadcasts, online posts, etc.
Doing so was life-changingly positive for me, and while I am currently opting to emesh myself extensively in the coverage of the war in Ukraine, I continue to stay clear of most other (negative) news stories.
It is absolutely wonderful to hear that your family have pulled through your harrowing experiences with Covid. Again, I am so very sorry that this horrific illness struck your household. May it never, ever cross the threshold of your home – or those of the people you hold most dear – again.
It is with unending happiness that I am able to report that my sister continues to be on the bend. She has certainly not recovered fully yet, but is making positive strides and was even able to return to work again the other day for the first time in a number of weeks.
Thank you again immensely for everything (sharing the message of that soulful quote wholly included).
May springtime bless and keep you + your family all well around the clock.
🖤 Autumn
Very insightful reading. Prayers for Ukraine and all that are suffering. I am so sorry that your health is worsening, I will be sending prayers Autumn.
Thank you tremendously, sweet Donna. Your caring words and prayers truly mean a great deal to me.
Rest assured that I will continue to fight for as long as it takes. Though these current issues are arguably amongst the most baffling I have come up against thus far on the health front, that only serves to fuel my battle for answers + medical help all the more.
An abundance of gratitude-filled hugs from my heart to yours,
🖤 Autumn
P.s. I’m sorry that you don’t have answers and are feeling worse. I have hope for you but also know it’s so miserable in chronic illness stages when it’s regressing with no answers or solid ways to help. Even tho I stated what helped me above it was in no means the answers and it was during a time when any little change at least took a edge off but didn’t heal. I pray you find some answers and moments of healing grace in the meantime. Regressing unexplained is always my nightmare and part of the parcel that I strongly struggle with my chronic conditions and I feel deeply with you. I know I commented on previous posts and sent you a small care package due to this fact but realized I should state again as I realized my previous comment could be misconstrued as “ this is what you need to do” which is totally not what I meant to convey… re reading I wanted to clarify – I was saying what took edges off but by no means healed and everyone is different. You are in my heart and prayers. Xo
Fear not, dear heart, your previous comment was not interpreted (by me at least) in that way at all. I sincerely appreciate you sharing more about your own journeys through life – be they on the health, spiritual, or any other front – and am continually touched by your empathic kindness.
Thank you wholeheartedly for your care regarding my latest medical battles. Even after twenty years of being a multi-chronic illness warrior, it never ceases to amaze me what kinds of new, often baffling challenges our bodies can suddenly present us with (frequently seemingly out of thin air).
I will continue to fight ardently around the clock for answers + help, and have long accepted once that these things are clearly going to take their time in coming.
That said, I am of course trying to do everything in my power to speed them along. A process that is anything but quick, easy, or straightforward when the Cnd medical system is providing wildly unhelpful for the most part thus far. Nevertheless, I shall persevere (you can bet your bottom dollar on that) and remain realistically optimistic that I will be able to regain at least a slightly better state of health again at some point.
My sincere thanks and appreciation once more to you for everything.
🖤 Autumn
Ok Phew…and YES! If you do not mind me saying from my own journey- that the medical system harmed more than helped for the most part. Now I only use them for bloodwork and broken things or when I need an ultrasound diagnosis to then use for my own use with Naturopathy. Now, naturopathy can also have some twisted money takers, but I budget it in and after a few hit and misses I found a naturopath who gets my body. That combined with physiotherapy ( that I DO go through our medical system for to get for free, but made it work for me…and had to ask for a different person for my own needs…) as well as certain diets, exercises and self care…it took about 3 years with those helps but I have not had a major regression ( besides contagion illness induced) for about 5 years and I have not been hooked up to an IV for pain in almost a decade! It was life changing! If you ever want to email me- you have my addy and we can talk more! xox o
Really love the quote by Johnson that you shared. It could not stand to be any more true than it is and how it pertains to what is happening with Ukraine.
I have to take a step back myself with things like this too because I “feel it” in the same as you describe of yourself with it.
The energy from it is soulfully draining and does make someone feel helpless. All we can do is hope for a resolution of peace and healing from suffering.
Really appreciate your post about the drying of herbs. I love to grow herbs in pots on my patio every year, but haven’t tried to dry any out as of yet, but you have me excited to looking forward to being outside with the Spring season starting today!!
Always great to be able to look forward to what is coming!
HUGS!
It truly is – so often in life I have found that having just about anything positive that resonates with my heart to look forward to has been an immeasurable help to me (especially on the mental health front).
I get downright giddy as the seasons change hands and even though we often go from -30 to +30 (C) or higher in the span of just a few weeks, spring never fails to fill my heart from cherry blossom scented joy.
Thank you deeply for your very kind, caring, and lovely comment, dear Vicki – as well as for each and every lovely word you have shared here with me lately.
I can pretty much count on two hands the total number of hours I was able to spend online this month (the a good chunk which went into this post itself, actually), so I am a bit behind on visiting other peoples’ blogs.
I am hoping (big time!) to be able to do just that within the next few days or so and eagerly look forward, in the process, to catching up on yours, my sweet friend.
Immense hugs & the cheeriest of springtime wishes!
🖤 Autumn
There is so much in this post, that I have had to take a few minutes to gather my thoughts. I am really very moved from your concern about the war (which we all share and are horrified by), your concern about our own health (which I truly hope you get to the bottom of soon), as well as the joy you share about the creativity of yourself and others.
You have covered so much and also, as usual, taught me so much. Thank you for all of it and the links to such interesting information. One of my daughters suffers from auto-immune conditions that have blighted her adult life. It is a constant worry, but she seems to manage. She has now had her 4th covid jab and also, some months ago, caught covid from her son who got it from school. Thanks to the vaccine, it was only mild and she is now fully recovered. I am so glad to hear that your sister is recovering as well.
If you do ever visit the UK one place on your visit list should be the Imperial War Museum in London, it is fascinating and they have a very moving Holocaust exhibition. I think we have all been very naive about the possibility of such things happening again. History can tell us so much, we should listen to it more.
I am keeping you in my thoughts. Despite all the horrible stuff going I hope that we can still allow ourselves to feel the joy that spring brings. xx
My sweet friend, thank you deeply for your wonderfully kind and caring words, as well as for taking the time to respond in depth to many of my blog posts. Please know that each of those things are truly appreciated and that they never go unnoticed for a single moment.
I am so sorry that your daughter is impacted by serious medical conditions as well, just as I am that she contracted Covid. Thank every star in the universe that she did not become horrifically ill with this devastating disease.
I hope to no end that she does not contract it again and that everyone else in your family is able to stay safe as well in the face of this profoundly difficult global pandemic.
Thank you very much for the recommendation to visit that extremely important museum. I would sincerely love to get the opportunity to do just that one day.
You are 100% right regarding the great importance involved with not only remembering/recording the past, but taking it to heart and learning how NOT to exist as human beings. Sadly, as this year is reminding us once again, far too few people and governments have been able to do that yet.
We need each other more than ever these days and should be banding together against enemies (so to speak) such as global warming/climate change and Covid instead of inflicting catastrophic devastation on one another.
As dark as certain things are at present, I refuse to let the spark of hope go out in my heart and believe that it is still entirely possible for our planet and species alike to pull through in the long-run.
With the deepest of gratitude, thank you again for everything, dear Hilary.
May this month smile warmly on you and bring many reasons to smile your way each day.
🖤 Autumn
What a beautiful post, Autumn. While the world has become a frightening and chaotic place at times. I also hold onto the hope that WW3 can and will be avoided. And perhaps that is why I have embraced Spring this year as never before. Your link to the herb-drying rack was much appreciated and I look forward to drying some of mine.
I hope that you and your family continue to avoid Covid and that your sister improves daily. Also, I’m sending sincere wishes that your own health improves and that you are able to find the answers and treatments that you seek.
As one of your many faithful followers, is there anything that I/we can do to help?
Happy Spring!
Debi
Hello my cherished friend, thank you very much for your caring, heart-touching words. 🙏
How are you doing as we embrace the last days of a March I that I doubt few who experienced it firsthand will soon forget?
We are once again two peas in a pod, as I am finding myself leaning into spring with abundant vigour and excitement, too.
Granted, that will be a touch easier once the scads of snow and ice have vanished entirely for another year. Even before that point, though, I am smitten with spring and sincerely happy to see what (ideally positive!) things the next three months hold in store.
I hope that this spring is a tranquil, gorgeous, and very enjoyable one for you and your family, dear Debi.
Hand on my heart, I teared up reading your incredibly compassionate question.
Simply being asked that feels like (and is) one of the most helpful things for me right now – especially as someone who is not comfortable going into depth publicly about these latest chronic medical challenges. At least not until I have some solid diagnoses behind them (and then, time shall still tell).
There is also the area we have been chatting about in our recent emails as well. I am still on the fence about that, but do find my confidence towards posting about that topic gradually increasing.
With love and gratitude, thank you again SO much for everything. I have said before and I will happily continue to say it, your presence in my life is a true blessing.
🖤 Autumn
Hey autumn; the parcel I sent to you got sent back to me. Do you want to email me at the email of my subscription so we can figure that out ?;)
Hello lovely K Marie, thank you very much for each and every one of your recent comments, both on this post and across the span of many of my latest entries.
I am tremendously touched that you tried to send me something in the post. The address at the bottom of my newsletter is not our home address. It is a Cnd Post PO box that we registered because one legally needs to provide an address when sending email newsletters in Canada (a.nd, understandably, we – by which I mean Tony and I – did not want to put our home address out there for all and sundry to have access to)
If you sent mail to that PO box address, that would almost certainly be the explanation as to why the parcel came back to you (we get so little mail – pretty much just flyers and jun mail – there that we only check that box 2 – 4 times a year on average).
I am so sorry that happened – especially given the sky-high costs of sending mail in Canada.
Please feel free to email me (autumnzenithwitch@gmail.com) anytime and I will share my home address with you.
Many heartfelt thanks again,
🖤 Autumn
I am not a tv news watcher and haven’t been for a couple years, but there are still outlets where I can find out what’s going on. Our world is truly collapsing as we watch our freedoms being diminished on a daily basis and I just have to focus on one day at a time and not look too far into the future anymore. I love the herb drying rack and especially those bat bows. Everything looks wonderful and amazing as always. Take good care and hug your loved ones a little tighter.
Sweet Carol, thank you wholeheartedly for your very kind words regarding the links in this project. I am tickled pink to know that the herb drying + bat bow styling posts leapt out at you in particular.
How incredibly right you are regarding the state our poor planet finds itself in at the moment. The “one day at a time” mindset that you spoke of really is a wise and pragmatic way to tackle these tremendously uncertain times and I find myself leaning into that same way of existing all the more these days as well.
I sincerely hope that even with the abundance of troubles in the world right now, you are still able to experience no shortage of positive, happiness-filled moments this season, my lovely friend.
Abundant hugs,
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
I admit it, I’m behind again. But a lovely read as always.
I don’t understand war. I don’t understand it is necessary in 2022. I don’t consider myself an empath, like you, but I do feel a lot and take things in and it makes me feel bad inside, so for me it is a strange balance need to know and not too many war news. I’ve donated and done what is possible for me, and truly wish I could do more, but alas, what should that be? Don’t even mention WW3! Please.
The old soul was a very interesting read, thank you. I am not sure I am a very old soul, but not a young one either. I’ve always been drawn to things and styles much older than me.
The pompom rabbits and 3D eggs are easy makes and super cute – bookmarked.
I am very sorry about your health issues and can only pray for you, send all my good vibes and purchase from your shop to donate.
Wishing you a lovely spring and all the best. ♥
Thank you mightly, my very dear friend. Your kindness, support, prayers, and understanding mean nothing less than the world to me.
I cannot agree more. Even now, three months into this immeasurably horrific conflict, it continues to boggle the mind that we are seeing large-scale war in Europe in the 21st century.
Interestingly, ever since I was a young child, I have sensed that I would live to witness that though – but often just chalked such thoughts/feelings up to the fact that I spent the past three decades and counting studying WW1 and (especially) WW2 as though doing was my profession.
I can only imagine how much more frightening, disheartening, and upsetting it must be to know that this awful and utterly unjust battle is taking place on your own continent. I am truly sorry that such is the case.
One definitely does not have to be an empath to feel a plethora of powerful emotions surrounding this situation. Though no doubt, sadly, some people are indifferent about the situation or (worse) support Russia in this war, I would venture to guess that most of the world is hurting and grieving in unison with Ukraine.
(On a less sombre note… ) Knowing how much you enjoy this quarterly blog post series, sweet Sanne, it always makes my heart smile to hear about which links jumped out at you in particular.
Thank you for letting me know and, again, for your care and concern regarding my health (let me tell you, coming up against a new barrage of substantial and very hard to diagnosis health issues is not how I pictured spending the second half of my 30s; but, of course, things could always be worse and I am truly grateful to still have the ability to get in a wee bit of blogging and crafting each month).
Immense hugs & the happiest of May-into-June wishes from my heart to yours,
🖤 Autumn