Rose Cottage

 For several years, I've enjoyed videos from a Japanese teacher Samurai Matcha (Aki-san). This week's offering on 7 Japanese habits  fits beautifully with my Reiki practice and good sense, and I grew up with many of them, in my rural Oregon home.  Hara Hachibi bun me  Respect and honor our ancestors - this is one of the Reiki principles, honor your parents and elders; Aki-san speaks of receiving the 'baton of Life' from our ancestors, to help us in our own lives! I grew up taking flowers to my grandparents' graves on Memorial Day, and hearing stories of their lives. Clean up public areas - pick up trash, leave things 'cleaner than you found them! In Oregon, private citizens 'adopt' sections of the highways and beaches, and do regular clean ups. Our Edible Landscaping group adopted the 6 block stretch along Alpine street where our raised gardens are located. My folks loved to camp, and again, cleaned up around the site before and after. Cities find that c...

 Every Tuesday, I look forward to the latest podcast on Amanda Gibby Peters' House Therapy channel.   As Rose Cottage nears completion, I'm thinking of those *things* in my storage unit, and what I'll be inviting in to my new home! In that light I'm appreciative the checklist she offers on this week's show .  At the new kitchen sink So, what might we ask ourselves, as we curate the objects in and energy of our spaces? What could we consider, as we add something new (to us)? Here are some of Amanda's suggestions:  Basic inquiries : Does it make my life easier? How does it make me feel? Whom does it remind me of? Does it inspire me, and lift my energy? Or depress/ make me feel bad? Regarding past  purchases : Why did I buy it? Would I buy it again? How much would I be willing to pay? Am I keeping it because of how much it cost? Do I feel guilty/ scared to pass it on? Why have I been keeping it? Could I replace it/ do I have a better one? And Is it (still) use...

 Imbolc is one of my favorite 'cross quarter' holidays, (the ones between Solstices & Equinox) : It marks the feast day of the goddess Brigid , a time the goddess washes her face, & is renewed! In Celtic mythology, she is a member of the Tuatha de Dana, and brings wisdom, poetry, harping and Smithcraft. Many sacred wells are dedicated to Brigid. Candlemas and Groundhog's day mark this passage in western calendars, and the Christian saint Bridget has many of the same attributes.  At this time of year, I am drawn to inner cleansing - and after receiving a lovely bundle of kale and herbs from my friend Nikki's garden, I've been making green smoothies for brekkie.  Cloutie flags by a sacred well Fiona Morgan, writing in  We'moon  says:  "A pure new light sparks as we emerge from winter's dark sleep. . .  We recharge our psychic batteries as the entire universe begins to quiver & pulse its cosmic rhythm. Earthlings feel Her intensity acutely as ...

  I'm excited - and a little nervous - to be cofacilitating this year's February Reset. We met (via zoom) last night, and will record our opening circle tomorrow.  The group description begins, 'creating conscious corners with our homes - think of this, what if your whole home was a sacred space?'   I love this focus! And have been joting down ideas, and putting my bits on the calendar.  Intentional Creativity invites us to begin by setting intentions - many of us will pull out a journal for notes and creative process!  Some inquiries to ask as we embark :  Why  do I want to dethug and reset? What  do I wish to create space for?  What  blocks my process/ progress?  Who  - what matters most to  me  about my space? Who  (what items) am I 'renting space' to - (do I like the 'tenants?' Would I invite them again?) When  - what time and energy can I devote to the process? How  - what strategies will I employ,...

 I'm looking forward to the February invitation to Resetting the space of your Living Altar,  which several friends from our Intentional Creativity community host. I'm also a bit nervous, as I've been invited on board to help facilitate the group this year! Red Thread A decade ago, our IC teacher  Shiloh  issued this invitation:   " I would love for you to finish your painting if you haven’t, and then to clean your studio. Reset your altars. Make new room for the sprouts to come up through the ashes. You need space and time to see what’s coming up and what wants to be shared and prepared for...." Whatever your space and projects, giving time and attention to a reset often inspires us, and gives access to new ideas and insights.  The Resetting group description reads,  "think of this, what if your whole home was a sacred space? Throughout February, (we) will lead a month of consciously clearing spaces in your home, and you're invited!"  While...

 After 19 years in my little house across town, my daughter and son-in law are building me a Grannie Flat - Rose Cottage - in their back yard! Rose Cottage, facing West Last fall, we spent most available weekends downsizing and purging in preparation for and doing the move. During construction , I'm tucked in mere yards away, in a back nook in their home! Last summer I asked my new neighbor Jeff if he was intersted in buying my 100+ year old house - and his brother Jim  decided to be the next steward! He's already put on a new roof is upgrading it.! I'm borrowing a bed from my youngest grandson, which just fits in the space (that will become their laundry nook, after I'm in my new home).  My new room I washed the walls with a bit of salt and citrus Essential Oil in the water to clear predecessor Chi, and put cinnamon oil on the broom bristles when sweeping.  Both these tips come from Amanda Gibby Peters ( Simple Shui ).  I've long had an interest in Feng Shui , ...