Tree Faces

Meet these trees while out walking one day. They have much to say to us if we will listen. Craagen(the one with the mustache) says, "When you realize a bombs only purpose is destruction, you begin to see that war is foolishness." Meergi tells us her idea is to spend the money people spend on war, and rather than purchasing guns and bombs, buy food and deliver it to areas where people are hungry.

These trees live beside the river facing one another. I assume they share their thoughts on man and our problems when it is in our thoughts. When thoughts change to the beauty of the woods we are standing in, they tend to think of how incredible it is to be one with this world.

Meergi's idea consumes me still as I sit down to write. So many in this world go to bed hungry each night, and as people we can do so much to help others. We can find those who need us and think of them as our brothers and sisters. We have been taught to consume and have forgotten how to give. We can change that in a moment's time. It begins with our individual thoughts and actions.

A new year arrives and with it change is necessary. When you happen upon Craagen and Meergi on your travels through the woods, say "Hi" from me and thank them for the wisdom they are willing to share.

first steps

We are raised to be proud
from the first steps we take
to the first words we speak.

Some are created to stand
before a crowd-find a path
to lead the way.

We are on this planet to love
our actions should reflect this purpose,
it's not just me--it is all of us.

It doesn't matter whom above
we speak to in prayers,
peace will never come through war.

We all must search within
to find the place where
we begin--

To realize our potential is more
Then the traps of foolishness
or rhetoric of those who lie.

Many great leaders have come before
Gandhi, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad,
Krishna, King, Jehovah and more

They've spoken for us to hear
Now it's time for us to set aside differences
As we take our first steps.

Together let us speak of peace.

Beside the river or by the riverside

It is strange traveling into the world of man. Each time, I remember how much tougher it is to find magic. There is so much noise, quieting the mind can be difficult. Fortunately it is all around and can be accessed by those who try.

We've returned to the world of nature. The water swells the riverbank and whirlpools ripple in new places. Wind whispers her important messages. Three messengers arrive noticing our presence. Rising from the river's edge on magnificent wings they announce us by the riverside. Six more swim in our direction to see us before taking flight.

Our friend the sun emerges clearing the sky to wash us in his rays. Two dogs appear leading us on an adventure beside the river. One is a golden retriever and the other a black lab mix much like the two that guided me to the river.

Fyn and I follow creating a riverside path watching the golden cross the river twice as the black follows him on the bank. Fyn's smile tells me he enjoys watching these beautiful dogs. I wonder if our two heads inside one coat make them wonder what creature we are.

Walking beside the river allows us to see the most amazing things. Remembering the first time Galt, Dobie, and I walked these paths seven years ago reminds me that we are in the right place. Max and Lucky join us for kitty walks, loving the wonderland we live in. Fyn's eyes are wide taking in the beauty of nature. It is magic by the riverside.

path leading away from corporation's grip

creating something that will last for a moment, or something that will last forever
imagining a design then walking through snow to form a path
rains will come to wash away, but the memory remains

leaving footprints to show those who will follow
joining our movement, sharing a planet
energy circulates, flowing along like a river

leading our generation to pave the way for the future
helping those further along our ancestral position
knowledge escalates a need to recycle

being an individual or force
awakening peace
wisdom returns

learning that all people are connected
developing links through mindfulness
allow yourself to open

trying to account for all conditions
using necessary skills to their maximum
understand what it means to be organic

growing our thoughts into consciousness
carving sculptures that show movement
challenge others to notice the obvious

saving the world through composition
calming anxieties to further our momentum
help us orchestrate

peace to all people
with this first step leave their path
create your own thought

conscious i am

I am myself. As long as I can remember, I have been myself. I cannot claim to know what thoughts are going through your head right now, but I am in touch with this inner self. Inside of me is a being seeking to create beauty.

I am searching. There is a movement taking place. Our goal is to change the world in order to create better life for all beings. We are inclusive and fill with kindness. We seek individuals in touch with who they are and want to be.

I am individual. Living between two worlds, learning to function in both. Sharing positive messages with people to guide future generations. Before urbanization existed, nature shaped how humans live.

I am nature. Cold wind kissing my face as I open myself to winter. Spring rains wash my soul as growth begins. Summer fills me with energy soaking through my skin, sustaining me with harmony. Autumn brings time to harvest the accomplishments of being alive.

I am alive. Greatness comes through living. Beauty surrounds us at all times. We have a choice to recognize the amazing wonders of our world, or wallow in destruction and wastefulness. Living affords us the opportunity to love.

I am love. I share myself with you. I am thankful I can trust you this much because you understand that love will guide us. Our path leads us on an incredible journey. Dipping our toes in the river enables us to grow and awaken the seed of love in others.

I am awake. Realizing there is more to life. Finding reality existing within myself and taking it to levels previously unexplored. Peaceful dreams bring hope for tomorrow. A song lives within my soul yearning to sing out to all people.

I will be in touch with you. We know each other already although we've never met. Our connection is buried beneath layers of groundwork. Enable your spirit to soar and we will soon meet. You'll know it is me by my smile.

Happy Christmas

I've often been told that I do not live in the same reality. I've been called immature. Fyn understands me though, which makes it alright. It's wonderful how children look to the magic in the world with unquestioning eyes.

Tonight while talking on the phone, I noticed a shadow on the ceiling. Immediately my brain ran through the possibilities of what could be moving through the garland above the window. The shadow cast by the Christmas lights made the being seem enormous. After my brain narrowed it down to the likely choices of spider or beetle, my imagination took over and fantastical beings entered my home. Of course I understand that insects are beautiful, but when a fairy appears in your garland, it is necessary to praise magical beings.

I know someone who will tell me to stop saying strange things in my blog, someone who does not believe in magical beings. Her argument is that people will not take me seriously if I say crazy things. The craziest thing I have seen in my lifetime is the endless war we have had to endure on the part of human beings. War has been discussed seriously, fretted over, and seriously discussed some more by the politicians, news media, citizens, etc... It is time for us to start saying something more meaningful.

We the People, depend upon one another in order to create a more perfect community. We realize the energy of love is stronger than fear. The Earth we walk on is the body of our mother. For too long, men have dropped bombs, polluted, and ripped apart our mother. We need her in order to survive. We are connected to one another in spirit through the air we breathe. Let us work together to create peace, love, and justice for all People.

It is time for people to open their eyes to magic. My wish to you in this holiday season is peace on earth. John and Yoko gave us the words almost forty years ago-War is over if you want it--Happy Christmas.

happiness

what type of personality
chooses to be happy--
as humans we have a choice
to cross the river so we can see,
new paths for exploring
endless possibilities to find our voice
singing praise for each turn

to perceive what we already know
grasping pains deep below
surfaces of our everlasting memory
afraid to move forward--not knowing how to go
old paths obstruct
holding us in a place where we
forget this world is a place to learn

why anyone chooses not to be
happy is foolish to me--
call out in your strongest voice
how passionately you want the world to see,
its time for us all to start believing
energy is ours to deploy
through means we'll all discern

to believe it although
others challenge us to follow
the well worn path to mediocrity--
shine beyond the shadow
using your voice to sing
love and peace is ours for free
when we imagine it in Our world

leaving path

arriving in the middle of nowhere
wondering how I got here
technology cannot replace
the beauty of this place
urban paths of asphalt
marked with signs to go or halt
lead the masses to their destination
creating followers in this nation
to doors opened by corporate greed
slaves still although technically freed

step off the well marked path
dare to wander where each step
will take you somewhere
filled with peace and goodwill
happiness will surely follow
leading to new paths of happiness
before you begin-try to remember
who you were before
corporations paved those paths
cementing their will to your destinations.

being interaction

gaze and awareness unique, awakening soul within
all who meet recognize, once captivated by our stare
walk on with a smile rising inside, being interaction
an incredible experience

in a world of technology, a presence emerges in photographs
energy shines through still images, we all have this energy within us
it is the magic of our being, in some--meant to shine upon the world
in this age we enter, those with eyes wide open will lead

love leads people into this world, presence of love in our lives
guides us to awareness and beauty, awakening peace within

vacations

Vacation arrives and the flock is south of here as we decide to stay by the riverside. A storm arrived yesterday and another is forecast for tomorrow. A day snowed in beside the river with the family sounds quite appealing. Fyn is finding his traveling wings, but it is a rough go for long trips, which turn longer with frequent stops. We'd love to see g-ma and know Fyn would love to play with the other gosling.
A longer vacation is planned next week, and today is not meant to be in the car traveling. I think the flock will understand. I hope they know we'd love to be with them basking in the warmth of their port town. We do look forward to the southern flock coming north when warmer winds return. Time to enjoy vacation.

an interesting day

Everyday seems more interesting than the one before. I am fascinated with everything Fyn does. Watching him grow makes me think of all the things I've learned in this lifetime. Ten months have passed in a flash as I've watched Fyn emerge from his cocoon unable to do much other than breathe, eat, and sleep. Things he learns we take for granted because it feels like we have always known how to do them. I cannot remember learning to crawl, but I am sure it was a most exciting day for my mom when she saw me do it. Standing has always seemed pretty basic. I'm quite good at it, and yet watching wobbly feet hold this little boy up as he ventures a step fills me with amazement. He is an observer of gravity, and rarely gets discouraged with a fall. He finds such joy in the kitties scurrying about the house. When he is close, he lays down trying to snuggle them. I laugh when he tries to lick the kitties and they look at me with "What is he doing eyes?" His interest in all things reminds me that I too must enjoy all I do. Today was an interesting day.

constellations

Evabeth listens as the river ripples over the stones. She looks into the moonlit sky imagining the stories in the constellations. Margaret is an amazing storyteller. She can see why Robert talks of little else when they are together. It still feels strange having a brother and Aunt after all these years of separation.
This place is much different from what she's known in the kingdom. Never in a million years would she have considered going out after dark when she lived in the fosterage. There are so many contradictions with the things she was taught at Makatel. Seeing the children playing in the river filled her with dread the first time she saw it. Robert acted as if it were completely natural, and he'd grown up seeing the images of people suffering serious injuries from swimming in rivers and the warning signs posted near every lake and stream.
When he walked down the little path into the river, Evabeth felt a desparate need to stop him from such foolish behavior. Now four days later, she sits beside the same river because Robert told her this is a magical place. The candles do add a feeling of magic. She wonders if the feelings rushing through her are what all people are meant to feel. Without the jacket, the world looks clearer and she feels more alive.
A star shoots across the sky, lighting her imagination with a picture of a Tortoise. The stars seem to line up as if she were connecting dots on a piece of paper. A few clouds approach the Tortoise constellation rippling like blue-green waves. She listens to the river as a smile of contentment appears on her lips. This place truly is magical. Her smile feels good, it is hard to believe in the kingdom it is a facial expression discouraged and often punished.
In the distance she hears the call of an animal she's never heard. She'll have to ask Margaret what kind of animal it is. She closes her eyes and wonders what the festival will be like. It is hard quieting her mind. Evabeth breathes. She feels peaceful.

9:18 by the riverside

Time to write, time for us to be right. Calling out to the world, our message is one of peace.
Ready to join us, come along for a walk. We are meeting by the riverside, venture outside the lines.
A worldwide festival for walkers. We are off the map, forgotten the grid exists.
Emerging from the trees, our souls return to guide you along the peaceful path.

A new day awakens with peace. We'll pass through your towns and cities.
Our journey will bring us from the north, south, east, and west. You'll know it's us.
We will speak softly if you're ready to listen. A new age awaits a new world.
Leaders will rise before your eyes. Look to our eyes, our message is there.

9:18 by the riverside peace awakens

writing

The other day I encountered someone who came to a reading I did about two months ago. He asked how my stories were coming along, and I told him I started this blog two weeks ago. I also told him I found it hard to write with Fyn requiring so much of my time when the kindergarten kids weren't demanding my attention. He told me that he found that he needed to write everyday no matter what to keep his thoughts fresh. I've heard this many times and have tried to keep my journal going over the years on a daily basis. But days do pass without finding the moments to sit down and write.

It's a discipline that I am much better at following in the summer months when I can focus on my thoughts. My typical day now consists of rising at 5:20 so I can spend some time with Fyn before school. We hang out for a while, go for a walk to the river to get him back to sleep so I can return him to Victoria around 7:15. Then I get ready for school. I usually leave the house before 8 and get home around 6. By this time, Victoria needs a break from Fyn so we go for a walk and play until dinner. We try to get him to bed around 9, which means that time for writing is now--9:18.

My brain is depleted of creativity by this time of night because I have been "on" all day. My most productive writing times are between 8 a.m. and noon. I know this because my thoughts flow freely before I eat and during the summer I don't bother doing that until at least noon. At this time of night I can replay the events of the day, but finding the story that was waiting to be told twelve hours ago is a distant memory.

I know I am not alone in this respect. Finding the time for things we love to do is the goal of most humans. I am glad that I have not wasted brain power on the television in five years. I'd probably never have time to write if I were tuned into that machine. Honestly, I would love to live a technology free life. I don't own or want to be tied to a cell phone. As I said the TV is gone. When my laptop crashed 245 pages into my book(thankfully it is saved on a flash drive), I was ready to swear off computers. Most of the writing this past year has been with the pen and paper. Now I have journals jam packed with stories and poetry. Much of the writing has been done with Fyn sleeping on my chest beside the river. The following is a taste from last August to tie into my writing of the Wizard Walk:

The wizards enter the magical forest in the escort of Sir Maxwell. Their guide quickly races ahead, climbing trees for a better view. As Master Fyn surveys the familiar landscape, his father speaks to one of the fairies.
"Good morning to you Gringer, it is a beautiful day."
"Good morning Fodda," Gringer replies.
"Where's Atter this morning? It's unusual to see you without her."
"She's decided to learn Spanish because she says that is what Fyn has been speaking when they communicate. She thinks that's why she has been having a hard time being understood by you." Gringer smiles knowingly that it is Atter's excitement at being in Fyn's presence that maker her stutter.
"So is she taking a class to learn Spanish?" the wizard asks.
"In a way," Gringer replies. "She's gone to what humans call the equator and our people refer to as Mother's center. She's having a great time and I think she really is learning to speak Spanish."
"What makes you think that?"
"I can't even understand what she's saying in her thoughts when she sends me them, so she must be speaking Spanish," Gringer says.
"You mean to say that you can communicate with her even though she is so far away?"
"Sir, you and Master Fyn could communicate with her right now if you really tried. We fairies already understand that we are all connected and there really is no such thing as distance to separate us from others. You've lived too long among the humans and have fallen into their traps of time and space."
"Wait a second Gringer!" the wizard interrupts. "I still understand the principles by which this world operates."
"No disrespect to you sir, but you did marry one of the humans and had to give up being a fairy. I suppose being a wizard has its advantages, but you are living between two worlds now. When you were one of us, someday you will recall, you could travel anywhere instantaneously. Now you walk through this world as an observer of magic. You can still perform some amazing feats. You have the ability to form a bridge between our two worlds. Fyn has already helped guide you back to us, and we will help you remember those things you knew when you were a child of nature."

Wizard Walk

We are wizards walking through this winter wonderland. Do you understand? We are traveling our path going here and there. It is magic we seek. Be thankful, it is everywhere. Our kind can find it because we are aware of the rhythms of the land. Finding magic in the air necessitates quieting external noise and tuning into the sound of birds and wind whispering through the trees.

Whisper and the wind hears our wishes. We are emerging from our silence to walk among your kind for it has been too long since humans have recognized the magic in the air. Every now and then you've recognized magic, but have not known how to explain the phenomenon so you shook your head in disbelief. We are here to tell you now that what you felt was real, but in the world of technology your eyes have been clouded. Interesting that you find us here now trying to use your technology to open your eyes.

Our way is not one of force so you are free to do what you choose with this information. We are peaceful beings and have grown tired of watching your leaders rip apart our mother seeking resources to keep their corporate machine running. May we remind them that their are millions of species sharing this planet. Humans seem to think they can force their will on the land and its inhabitants. We would like them to know that their wasteful practices have not gone unnoticed. What we find strange is that many of your kind also realize this but ignore the destruction and remain apathetic. But not you, and we are seeking people like you to help us restore peace to the world.

Our friends the fairies are joining us to help bring an awareness of magic and the peace it brings. We walk among you now. You sometimes notice us because we do not completely disguise ourselves from your eyes. We are confident there are enough people in the world who recognize that war is obsolete and militaristic empires have reached their limitations. The world and its people are all connected. Leaders cannot lead if you refuse to follow. They will tell you all is doom and gloom because that is what they are experiencing. Their machine is wearing out and will come to a stop, but you do not have to suffer its extinction with them.

We are here to serve as your guides in a new world order. Our message to you is that magic surrounds us and you. May peace awaken with your participation.

River Eagle

The day Victoria went into labor, we we went for a walk to the river hoping to help the process along. As we reached our first bend in the river an eagle flew by at eye level. We were blessed with a magical feeling as we watched the beautiful bird soar over the river. We were entering the magical experience of birth and new life on that January day.

While our mother makes her trip around the sun, we walk and sit beside the river each day. The eagle has appeared along with many other birds and animals. Seeing them in their natural environment refreshes the soul filling it with wonder and amazement. We are connecting to the natural world, a place where time is measured in seasons rather than by a watch.

Right now it is snowshoe season, which opens the skies to the flight of birds as they soar above the leafless trees. Today eagle is seen approaching on the wind's currents. His wings spread wide welcoming us into his world. Fyn sleeps peacefully in his carrier on my chest. I tell him of the eagle we saw eleven moons ago. We give thanks to his appearance because he reminds us of that beautiful day at the beginning of the path we are walking.

We are children of our Earth Mother. Last night we were entertained through stories and songs about the importance of our mother and her waters. This morning we enter the enchanted forest beside the river thankful for the beauty surrounding us, thankful for the wonderful world we will protect. Peace awakens within.

water festival

One thing I love about living here in northern Michigan is the festival scene and the richness of community at these events. Tonight we return home from the Water Festival in Traverse City after seeing many friends we have met at festivals over the past four years. There are incredible people joining together to champion a better world.
During the summer months we try to attend at least four music festivals, which are incredible in the little communities they create among vendors and festival goers. In the picture from Dunegrass this past summer the rainbow emerged after a storm made its way through the area. We were able to witness the storm approaching while swimming in Lake Michigan and rode our bikes back to the festival as the rain started to fall. By the time we arrived back at the booth there was an energy as people danced and laughed in the rain. It was incredible and made even more so when the rainbow came out fifteen minutes later.
Tonight we ran into quite a few people that were at Dunegrass. We were treated to music by Water Festival organizers Seth Bernard and May Erlewine who also played at Dunegrass. These two remarkable musicians have found a way to use their musical talent to give voice to important issues. They understand the importance of water to all human beings and are so passionate about it they pour their hearts into a winter festival. It is a joy to be around the energy of a festival, and I encourage everyone to attend a future water festival. Without water we cannot live, and the organizers of the Water Festival do a wonderful job educating people about its importance.

making tracks

Those first exciting steps, the ones that make the knees wobble. Fyn begins walking as we once did. Learning to trust our legs to carry us where once we crawled. In the span of ten months, he has learned so many things. There is still much for him to experience as he is only beginning his journey.

Creating our first tracks through this snowy day makes me wonder, where will Fyn's steps carry him? What paths will he create in his lifetime? Can he learn to walk between two worlds? Walking peacefully along nature's trail following the winding river as well as the straight lines of the modern world.

Curiosity leads him to new discoveries of the many wonders now at his level. His laughter tells of amazement in each new revelation. There's magic in everything Fyn encounters. Our joy comes from witnessing the gift Fyn brings us each day. Being in the present moment with him brings peace, whether we are snuggled together making tracks through the snow or watching his ascent as a walker upon the earth.

This is all new for me as well. Times when I write are interrupted every few minutes to race after Fyn, but I would not trade these moments for all the pages I could write. I crave the chance to share my insights watching Peace awaken in a world full of change. We are emerging from the darkest moments before a beautiful dawn. The rising sun of a new age fills me with hope as we join together to create a more beautiful world.

By nature, I've always been curious, and as a teacher I've watched children's time to imagine cut short. My desire is to nurture Fyn's imagination through walks. We've been outside everyday to explore nature and, I've been able to witness the magic that accompanies us all. In the woods we have encountered so many incredible beings. Seeing it through Fyn's eyes makes tracks I will forever remember.

end of the day

winding down time-tick
long beautiful moments-tock
sharing today-tick

days kindergarten
nights fyn and victoria
seconds rush along

tick, tock, tick, tock, tick
tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock
tick, tock, tick, tock, tick

dryer hums clicking
quiet home bundled beneath
mother's snow blanket

another great day
returns me to slumbering
with my family

Can you see Fyn?

Shining so brightly,
quick with smile--full of laughter.
Sleeping peacefully.

Whisper

Speaking softly
yet with strength,

Notice the wisest
individual is also known
as a whisperer.

In a room full
of noise and chaos,
the strongest can be heard
in their silence.

An ability to take in;
the movements of horses,
behaviors in dogs,
observations of children,
humans desire to follow.

Our world has become
filled with noise-
people close nature outside
missing the sound of gentle rain
as air conditioners or heaters hum
while the snow drifts softly to the ground.

In doing so--losing
touch with our natural
rhythms--can you hear
the voice inside your head
granting you the knowledge of nature?

A whisperer can
listen through wisdom,
experience the fullness when
a candle fills a dark room.

Words flow slowly--
engaged in conversation
a strong quiet voice speaks

Notice the whisperer,
an individual, known as wise.

In a child's smile

Inspire to live,
Smiles give hope
Desire to laugh
Smiles give joy

We walk about a serious world,
often blind to the little joys
staring back at us
in a child's eyes

So many things seem more important
though they're mostly illusion
keeping us from happiness--
dive into a child's smile

Find out what makes them laugh
then do it again
sharing the marvelous joy
in a child's smile.

Early morning walks have been our routine since we arrived home from the hospital. I've watched Fyn's eyes open to the beautiful world surrounding us on these walks. The first time we made it to our river spot, I sang "Here comes the sun" as the sun peaked out from February skies, and it is a tradition we've continued each day since. As we emerge from the tunnel of tree limbs, the sun can often be seen rising over the river. These winter months make for some dark morning walks at 6 a.m., but we continue because I love the peacefulness of Fyn falling back to sleep next to my chest. At one bend in the river, we say thank you to our ancestors. It is a ritual I would like to keep indefinitely and will teach Fyn about as he grows up. I know I will tell him our ancestors created a better world for us. As a father, I realize how important it is to create a better world for Fyn and his children. Our generation has the opportunity to change the world by thinking of our children. What kind of world do they deserve? A world of beauty powered by people rather than machines.

Energy spinning the world
Power circulating in the air
Ancestors connected-realizing
We are all one.

The land was stolen
So we became the clouds
The waters polluted
So we became the rain to wash

The world for a new generation
Many have now passed
And it is time for us
To be heard by all you followers

We will lead you with drumbeats
Like thunder throughout the land
Our voices call out to you
As the wind rustling the leaves

This world is about love
Connection to other beings
Instead of machines and things
Return to the sounds of nature--

Listen as a songbird sings.
Hear raindrops slipping over leaves
Be still, notice the colors
Orange flowers, green trees, white snow

We maintain connection
With nature-she lives
Full of energy to supply
All our needs-love nature.

Calling Peace

Hearing thousands calling for peace and one shouting for war, peace rises from darkness as dawn replaces night. She awakens from nightmare to restore and revamp the world we've come to know. She replaces feelings of guilt and apathy with loving kindness and hope.
Peace does not carry a hefty price tag or gun, her arms are open and giving. She does not seek to destroy another's belief system, instead she guides us to see our many similarities. She understands that greed leads to violence and oppression, and those who lead through fear seek to control the masses. In doing so, they create chaos and destruction, whereas Peace seeks unity and balance through love.
Our world demonstrates daily her desire for peace as nature conveys balance among Earth's many different beings. Even in the worst of natural disasters, animals find a way to rebuild and move forward. Yet those in power continue dropping bombs trying to force their will on others. Humans have been sold a pack of lies and through swallowing this poison have given up their true nature.
One hundred fifty years ago, the thought of a box on wheels that controls humans would have been considered crazy-then the automobile was invented. A hundred years ago, thoughts of a box that could control human minds was unheard of-then the television was unleashed. Nowadays if you tell someone you don't have one or the other, they ask how you can live. Both technologies have been polished, shined, and sold to us while advertisers tell consumers they need the latest and greatest.
In truth, we are the latest and greatest. We can forget the lies and move forward in peace and love. We need only to go for a walk, sit down beside a river and listen to nature. She will guide you to this amazing place where peace awakens deep within the soul. As you open your eyes to the new day unfolding, live up to your exceptional potential. We can lead this world into peace.

snow day

The phone rings one minute before my alarm is set to go off. I know what that means--SNOW DAY! YEAH! Fyn and I get to play. Power outage an hour later--YEAH! Momma gets to play too. It is like a holiday because today we can return to the woods as hunting season has ended. The first day of December, the power returns and with it, the first of my blogs. Welcome reader.

The river is beautiful with snow covering branches along our trail. Our neighbor, Annis, loaned us some wooden snowshoes. The trail is deep making for magnificent markings in our snow-prints, which look like giant leaves beneath the snow-covered trees. The world around us is magical as we make our trek back into the woods we've avoided for the past two weeks.

I love cutting the first trail through winter's wonderland. Living in northern Michigan grants us this privilege frequently. Today is a brilliant gift we've received in the opportunity to share time with our family. It reminds me of the first walk Fyn and I took together ten months ago when we returned home from the hospital. He was tiny beneath my jacket and he fell asleep instantly. Today his eyes are wide with amazement for the first half of our walk, but sleep comes as we follow the river trail thinking about "peace awakens." These are the woods and trails where I learned and wrote the story of Peace Awakening. There is magic, we need only go in search of it. In order to seek, we must leave the path of many and begin cutting our own trail.

Future blogs will arrive to fill you in on Peace Awakens. We are ready to change the world, the time is now.

Peace and love,
Tommy Lucke

snow day!