Author: pegasus8mywings

The visionary for this blog was birthed during commentary with my BFF on a prior blog and the frustrations from an artist friend that found it difficult to complete one of her amazing paintings. The substance came about as I was informed my senior rescue dog has bladder cancer and thus, the reason his diabetes would not regulate on insulin. Knowing his days will be numbered and reflecting on the happiness and joy Milo contributed to the homestead over the years, I started writing this blog in my mind, until I could reach pen and paper. Although the content is much deeper than prior musings, it comes to you with heartfelt feeling and emotion.

By now we all know that life is not perfect, tidy and compartmentalized…in fact, far from it. In reality, it is the hardships, challenges and suffering that brings us to a place where we come to terms with who we really are…fears, inferiorities, passions and strengths. The willingness to take an honest look inward, will hopefully bring us to a place of peace, contentment and happiness.

There was a time I would view less than perfect “life stuff” with feelings of failure, resentment and self pity. Although with time and healing from such occurrences,  I can now reflect on these times as favorable opportunities to grow and learn how to respect and love my perfect imperfections. As a result of these divine revelations, I can now travel my journey in life with less stress, pressure and feeling the need to live my life by other’s acceptance and approval.

It takes a much higher love to replace my contentment for the here and now. While I do not look at the past with any regrets (except letting the buggy horse get away and turning down the opportunity to foxhunt in Ireland with Maureen), I find peace with the present with little concern for the future. I do believe in fate, silver linings and destiny…but this is not to suggest to give up on your dreams…just don’t let the future consume the present because you only get one present moment.

It is not about conditional love…but unconditional love. Granted, there may be those that are better loved from a distance…but unconditional love includes loving those even with perceived flaws. I use the word perceived because no one is perfect in the human realm. It is not about severing ties with someone simply because they may not contribute to a false sense of entitlement or future gains / assets. It is not about judging others for their choices. Instead it is about realizing how hard one has worked for achievements and the sacrifices made along the way. It is about celebrating one another’s victories. It is about straightening one another’s crown or tiara when low and offering support and encouragement when needed.

As an artisan, my mind is wired to work overtime. I always worry whether or not there will be another inspiration for writing, painting or designing. Artists, by design, are always striving for that next project, craving the inspirational ideas and creating another masterpiece that is even better the the previous achievement. Without that fulfillment, we feel stagnant, lost, empty and blocked. Instead, we channel our energy on another passion until that “ah-ha” moment returns. I have learned that ideas come forth when they are not forced and the best things in life occur when you are not looking. Additionally, there would be no satisfaction in putting meaningless words on paper. That would be like volunteering to cover the office on a Holiday and staring at the phone, waiting for it to ring. There is no productivity in that just as there is no meaning to writings without feeling the very existence of your words and thoughts.

The elusive moment of mysticism occurs when you appreciate the perfectly imperfect….similar to finding the same beauty in seaweed as a pearl necklace or the same beauty in a weed as a heirloom flower. It is the ability to love your senior pets every bit as much – if not more – than when they arrived on your homestead. It is loving the handicap person or animal as much as the perception of the ideal. It is about loving those that are less fortunate than you. It is about embracing those of another race, color or culture. It is about the ability to appreciate jazz AND country music. It is about loving without prejudice. It is about being proud of your free spirit child every bit as much as your studious, goal attaining child. It is feeling elated for your children’s father when he gets a nice new truck,  while yours spends more time in the repair shop than on the road. I am not only happy for his recent investment but I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more than he does.

It is about having an open heart, having the insatiable desire to learn, exploring earth’s wonders,  finding beauty in silence, embracing differences, looking inward and outward without criticism, loving unconditionally, finding value in “it is what it is”… that one truly begins to live in the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POULTRY:

When you acquire chicks and ducklings, retrieve the tiny human’s retired playpen from storage and set up inside to accommodate babies until they are old enough to safely relocate outside. Grab hubby’s weighted sein net from the garage and place over the play pen. No worries, hubby is long past committing you to the insane asylum at this point…lol! SAVINGS – another hutch. If playpen is already occupied, the garden tub will suffice.

Chickens and ducks get along beautifully together and can both eat same food / treats. If there should be any fowl play, the Rooster will keep everyone in line. SAVINGS – one stop shop at TSC

If you should discover you have more than one rooster when they are older, re-home all but one to your former farrier down the road. This will eliminate the unnecessary cock fighting. The one remaining rooster will protect the flocks. However, don’t be alarmed when the rooster becomes your youngest tiny human’s favorite and sneaks him into her bedroom. SAVINGS – cost of the childhood puppy or kitten

Start early with treats so that when it is time to move poultry outside, they will be accustomed to the sweet peas, corn, tomatoes, watermelon, etc. This is a tried and true testament of getting the birds to go into their safety enclosures at night. SAVINGS – energy chasing the birds with a net

Research how to maximize protection of feathered friends from predators. Not even Fort Knox will guarantee their safety from the likes of raccoons, possums, hawks, owls, minks, etc. Congratulations, you have mastered this accomplishment but now you will need to review the blue prints of your home to find a way to come and go without falling victim to your craftsmanship. SAVINGS – tears over the loss of a beloved Ark member

No worries about aerating your lawn…your feathered friends will go above and beyond tending to this task for you. SAVINGS – rental on aerator or aerating services

No worries on fertilizing your lawn. Not only is it potentially toxic to your Ark members, but the nitrogen in the bird’s waste will take care of that for you. SAVINGS – fertilizers

No worries in purchasing 30-40 bales of pine straw to freshen your beds annually. The chickens love to dig in pine straw and will ultimately scratch and sling your investment everywhere but where you intended for it to be. SAVINGS – $120 – $160

Nothing compares to finding that first duck or chicken egg…it’s like the first (framed) dollar you make in a business venture. SAVINGS – the Golden Egg

Be prepared to prepare every egg recipe ever invented, as you will have more chicken and duck eggs than you will know what to do with. You may resort to selling any extra eggs to support their fresh daily treats from the produce department. SAVINGS – trip to the dairy section

Ducks can handle Georgia winters fairly well, since they naturally have oily dermis but you will need to take extra measure to keep the chickens warm. Throw a head of cabbage in their enclosure. The energy they put forth pecking at and eating the cabbage will ensure their warmth. SAVINGS – heat lamp

The adage “there is one in every crowd” will hold true on the homestead. Be prepared to let your pet sitter know that they will need to pluck Aphrodite and Persephone (hens) from the trees after herding the other birds into the safety of their enclosures at dusk. SAVINGS –  having to gather Ark for boarding

Benny may stay out if he prefers, as he is the gate keeper. Additionally, trust me when I say he will keep anyone or anything on the opposite side of the fence out of harm’s reach. NOTE: even the dogs are scared of Benny! Be sure to give your pet sitter the “code” for getting safely past Benny.  Bring Benny in when expecting exterminator or landscaping crew. SAVINGS – alarm system

Although my choice of garden fencing keeps the feathered friends out most of the time, plant sage around the perimeter. Sage is one of the few herbs chickens do not like and can be plentiful for your witch spells. SAVINGS – harvesting own herbs

RABBITS:

Anyone that knows me well, knows that my bunnies are my Christ children. If I were told I could only have one pet, it would be a bunny rabbit without a doubt! If given the opportunity to have a bunny from a young age, you have the recipe for one of the most sociable pets to have around the house. On the contrary, some – but not all – of the rescue bunnies on the homestead have adapted to socializing skills to a certain degree but nothing like the bunnies that came to the homestead at weaning age…or arrived by birth.

Always have the does fixed. Not only can rabbits produce by simply looking at one another, females are susceptible to uterine cancer if not bred. See prior blog about mishap bunny litter to heed further advice. SAVINGS – time, sanity, vet bill for sexing babies and re-homing kits

Bucks are susceptible to testicle cancer when they are not altered… but not as common as uterine cancer for the does. SAVINGS – cost of neutering bucks

I recommend investing in one hutch per bunny but arrange hutches in a circle so that bunnies can see one another. I currently have hutches in climate controlled garage…simply because I grew weary of moving hutches indoors during hot, humid summers and back out to the shady side of the yard the remainder of the year. SAVINGS – none but saves peace of mind

NOTE: I would not recommend the smaller rabbit cages sold in pet stores. Bunnies need to have ample room to move around when they are not out exercising.

Although all of the does on my homestead are spayed, I do not recommend housing pairs in one one hutch for several reasons: (1) they need room to move around (2) I had one  bunny bite off a chunk of another bunny’s ear (3) bunnies are the worst for grieving over the loss of a companion/hutch mate. SAVINGS – vet bill for injuries and worry about a grieving buuny

Bunnies tolerate cold weather better than they can tolerate temps above 70 degrees. When they were outdoors, I would equip hutches with misting fans and frozen bottles of water to help keep them cool in the summer. With passing time and global warming, I eventually left them inside once they were shifted inside for the hottest days. I honestly think they enjoyed being outdoors more but I worry about them less being indoors. SAVINGS – Time in refilling/freezing water bottles on daily basis…AND…peace of mind

Rotate bunnies to nearest bunny proof room(s) for daily exercise…most important…as I do not believe keeping any animal in captivity 24/7. If time is limited, you may pair up one bunny with dogs while you pair up another bunny with cats, as you interact with last of bunnies or another Ark species. SEVERAL NOTES HERE: (1) All of my animals interact very well together,  so please do not try this at home unless proven successful, otherwise (2) Socialization with all animals is very important so do not resort to lazy alternatives more than necessary. SAVINGS – vet bill for GI Stasis due to inactivity.

Research safe feed (without seeds), hay (thimothy or orchard) and treats for bunnies. Keep bunnies groomed to prevent hairballs and consequent GI stasis. Keep nails clipped. If a bunny requires teeth trim, keep regular schedule with vet. As with all pet accommodations, keep living quarters clean and provide fresh water at all times. SAVINGS – use horse’s thimothy or orchard hay

FERRETS AND CHINCHILLAS:

Aside from regular exercise, social interaction, applicable food, water and safe treats, chin-chins will require the occasional dust bath. Observing your chin-chin taking a dust bath (made specifically for these exotics), is most entertaining. Again, best to invest in a hutch for these amusing creatures instead of the small cages commonly found in pet stores. SAVINGS – nothing – but worth their weight in amusement

 

DOMESTIC BIRDS:

The most important note here is that there are certain elements, oils, chemicals, fragrances, etc…that are toxic to birds. Please research carefully before lighting fragrant candles, burning sage or incense with bird cage inside, using fragrant room sprays, etc. SAVINGS: smell goods

 

RATS:

Expect to see a few rodents take up on the homestead. Wherever you have outside animals, you will have outside food…wherever you have outside food, you will have rodents.  Do not put out rat poison due to risk of poisoning Ark members SAVINGS – cost of rat poison

MYRTLE AND HER FAMILY:

…wherever you have rats, you have rat snakes. Corn Snakes and Rat Snakes may be observed on the homestead. They are harmless and will help to keep the rat population to a minimum. Since you do not want to put out rat poison for the risk of contaminating other homestead residents, Myrtle and her family will come to the rescue. NOTE: Be sure to gather eggs each day so Myrtle will not be distracted by the easier meal. SAVINGS – vet bills due to rat diseases

IRRIGATION:

After 20 years of service, your irrigation pump decides to give out. Deciding that the battle between the deluge on the south end of the house vs the drought on the north end of the house, you forgo a replacement. Instead, you decide to manually water grass and gardens, as needed. SAVINGS – $500 (+)

 

WEEDS:

For every weed you pull, 10 more take it’s place. This is where your chickens will come in handy and take care of the pesky nuisances. SAVINGS – weed control

HEAT PUMP:

After 20 years of service, your heat pump dies. What does this mean? Well, in the winter you will be using Emergency Heat, which in itself is HUGELY more expensive. Since you are in your menopausal years, you decide to forgo a new heat pump since hot flashes have become the norm. When tiny humans complain that the emergency heat is not warm enough, give them several more blankets and the lecture about how mankind survived before modern conveniences came along. SAVINGS – $5,000 (+)

GRASS

As most of you know, I am very anal about my grass; thus, the reason I do not have any grazing animals on the homestead. While 3 recent hurricanes have taken it’s toll on the St Augustine grass, I opt to leave summer weeds (that chickens avoid). After all, anything green when viewing the yard is satisfactory for my OCD. On the other hand, count on poultry eating 10% of the winter rye seed when harvesting…plan purchase of seed accordingly. SAVINGS – weed control minus 10% rye seed.

GARDEN

Sow seed in the Fall and bring plants in for winterization. Choose perennials  that will return after South Georgia’s winters as basic foundation and fill in with your favorite annual seeds. Come spring, you will have a showcase that will keep you admiring your frugality. Additionally, learn how to root and propagate cuttings. SAVINGS – replacing costly plants each year.

DEER

Reinstall deer deterrents first of Spring (invisible fishing line). You will need to have a sharp memory of placement and some form of fitness to step over the maze of mono filament. SAVINGS – cherished heirloom roses cultivated thru the years.

TVs

When tiny humans migrate to College and otherwise, disconnect internet and and 4 tvs that used to entertain them and neighborhood kids. Keep Living Room, Master Bed and Bath cable. Your unlimited phone data will keep up with what computer used to supply. SAVINGS – $200 (+).

SEPTIC

Septic tanks typically need to be pumped 2-3 years. Any more often would indicate that service provider is not flushing field lines. Once you find a service that follows procedure and protocol, enter their contact as your preferred provider. NOTES: (1) Do not do laundry or run dishwasher unnecessarily during heavy periods of rain. (2) The 10% wastage of rye seed can balance out by not sowing seed in area of field line entry. SAVINGS – 10% loss of rye seed.

VEHICLE

Preferred choice for homestead is a truck, which can tow a trailer and haul bulk feed and hay. Keep records of regular maintenance, as this means of transportation and homestead maintenance is vital for your livelihood… and that of your homestead. SAVINGS – being proactive instead of reactive.

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have just budgeted enough savings to support the newest 2,000 pound Ark member until the ship sinks!

SIGNS OF HOMESTEADER

When last Ark member comes aboard, you abort former luxuries (hair stylist/colorist, mani/pedis, ect…). You decide to embrace the gray hair taking over the once mahogany hair color. Additionally, you resort to using a toothpick or paperclip to dig dirt out from nails and toenails. SAVINGS – monthly hair salon visits and bi monthly visits to the nail salon – $300 minimum

 

While your friends are at the hair or nail salon, you make the 45 minute drive to TSC for weekly supplies

When your friends close down the bar at 2AM… and you went to bed 5 hours earlier

When you opted to keep the TV in your room but are too tired to watch it

When flies are frequent house guests

When your wish list includes power tools and farm equipment

You spend more money on feed than food

You prefer the NO DRAMA of homesteading over anything else

Poop scooping provides therapy

You celebrate rainy days by accomplishing tasks indoors, a rare occurrence.

If your homestead residents outlive your retirement, alternate option would be to hook your truck up to the horse trailer in the driveway, climb into the driver seat with your traveling bunny and bribe another broke member of your sisterhood to “flash” scenic backdrops as you pretend to be “glamping”. When you realize you will only be able to convince your broke friend to perform this task only once, a projector and screen would be a 2nd option. HINT: grab some adult beverage and turn up Stevie Nicks for extended effects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was in the midst of listening to a friend’s roach buster testament, that I decided on the subject for this next blog. Before I begin, allow me to tell you how my friend exterminated the palmetto bugs that would invade her home while living in Charleston… to help set the tone and mood. NOTE: I have no doubt in my mind that witch’s brew and mind altering herbs were involved on this particular evening.

After her dogs chased down the larger than life roaches, they were gathered and placed into a cauldron of paraffin wax.  They were removed separately and pierced with safety pins before the cooling process began. Then, she scattered them outside around her front door as a warning to other palmetto bugs. I found myself speechless and in an awe-stricken trance as she told this story. Having forgotten about this bewitching spell that particular evening, visitors would comment on this odd choice of decor upon approach to her front door in days to follow…lol!

I have quite an eclectic tribe of friends and have observed and witnessed unusual occurrences, as a result.  Therefore, what seems normal to me may seem a bit off or downright creepy to others. I have had a great deal of fun recollecting some of the following memories and/or reactions, below.

LIVING WITH SPOUSE AND CHILDREN:

• Why does the house smell like a temple?
• Why are there so many lit candles in the house?
• Why is there salt on the floors again?
• Why is there salt in the beds again?
• The burning sage smells like marijuana (minors…I would highly recommend NOT making this remark in the company of your parents)
• “It is just a rock”…why are there so many on the table?
• Why do you have 6 incense burners going at one time…should we call the fire department?
• What is that smell? “Never mind…I don’t want to know”!
• Am I supposed to eat this?
• Are the jars labeled with skulls safe to use?
• Why are you pointing at me?
• I liked Practical Magic, too…BUT…
• What do you write in that journal everyday?
• If you do not like to come to my house due to the smell of burning sage…then it is obviously working.
• Why are there herbs in the linen?
• Why are there flowers in my underwear drawer?
• It smells like an herbal store in here
• What is that jar of green stuff? Isn’t that the horse’s hay? (alfalfa)
• Why is the crucifix sitting next to the skeletal remains we found on our excursion thru the woods last season? That is just creepy!
• Why are there black candles lit throughout the house? Usually, you only have white candles burning…(pause)…Never mind, I will be outside (as pace quickens to retreat)
• Mom, why are there dead birds in the freezer? OMG…and there is a baby duck in the freezer, also…what the hell?
• Why did you throw salt at me?
• Why do you have a tray of light bulbs on the patio? Is the moon full again?
• Why must I stir my broth in that direction…why not the other way?
• What did you write on that sheet of toilet paper before flushing it down the toilet?
• Mom, dad called to say his truck broke down and that Grandpa is driving him home. He wants to know if that planet –  that starts with an ‘M’ – is walking backwards again?
• Mom…can I have some of you flowerdy stuff to put in my bath water…like you use?

  

SUGGESTIONS TO THE NON-DWELLER OR GUEST

• The thyme under your pillow will deliver sweet dreams
• Do not disturb the dust in my house…the useless particles are functional for my spells
• If you see one crow in my driveway…you are safe to approach
• If you see two crows in my driveway… you are NOT safe to approach…retreat quickly!
• If you see Benny (the duck) in the driveway…retreat faster
• Roosters in back yard, enter at your own risk
• Pet semetery comes to life after dusk, stay in the circle of salt in your room (kindly left by your hostess prior to your arrival)
• If you are allergic to the aroma of allspice, best you stay in a hotel
• Do not touch the charms in the house…this includes the familial.
• Leave the mint at the front door when you enter
• Know moon phases, metaphysical, spiritual and astrological influences to help you survive your visit
• Traditions are peer pressure from dead people…they are not allowed here
• On the flip side of the ruin, do not speak ill of the dead in my house…consider this your one and only warning
• Eat five almonds before consuming the adult brew, in the kitchen, to avoid intoxicating nausea
• bring your ear plugs if you do not wish to listen to the likes of Harvest Moon or Crystal
• If it is a foggy night, expect your dreams to deliver invisible insight
• If things are not going your way, you may use the tarot cards on your night stand for a reading. I would suggest looking for the wheel of fortune card…the two cards on either side is the solution to your challenge.
• There is a complete set of American Horror Story videos – every season – in the television cabinet for your enjoyment
• If you notice arrangements in threes around the house, for your own comfort and safety please do not disturb
• Please distinguish candles before going to sleep. NOTE: if a flame should crackle or pop, there is no cause for alarm. It means that your prior tarot reading will manifest…just in a most unexpected way
• If you should have a less than pleasant dream while visiting, please remember it is bad luck to talk about it before breakfast.
• Oh…and if you happen to catch a glimpse of Agatha in the SE corner of the ceiling in your room…she is harmless. She appears from time to time to remind us that the web we weave today is the web we inhabit tomorrow
• I do hope your visit is a pleasant one. However, if you should feel the urge to depart before awakening is upon us…no need to let me know. My neighbor, Gladys Kravitz, will be certain to notify me first thing in the morning.

PERCEPTION VS REALITY:

• No…my front door is not purple
• No…I do not partake in cults, sacrificials, curses or omens of any kind . In fact, the opening story was somewhat difficult for me to envision as it was being told to me
• I am very intuitive
• I do love earth, air, fire and water elements
• I do have a stock supply of essential oils and herbal tea
• I do love animals
• The needle and thread you see hanging from the chandelier is not a pendulum. It remains there as an easy find for when I need to make an emergency sewing repair. Therefore, I never need to “look for a needle in the horse’s hay” when time is of essence.
• I love creating artful oddities, thinking outside of the box,keeping an open mind
• I do not have insight on lucky numbers. If I did, I would be traveling with my gypsy caravan by now…lol!

This blog is dedicated to all of my witchy, gypsy, holistic, fairy, unicorn, hippie friends…don’t step on the toad stools, take the dragon fly ride, pay homage to the troll and have a magical journey thru the pixie dust!

 

 

 

 

I stumbled across my next idea for this blog when chatting with a colleague a few days ago. While we all have addictions of sorts – some more or worse than others – a fun topic to consider are “shoe-aholics”. My mother – for one – is a “shoe-aholic”. She has multiple closets just to accommodate her lifetime collection of shoes. Now, this addiction is  popular among many ladies in our society and can be expected to pass one’s approval without discernment. I, on the other hand, do not consider designer shoes to be a top priority when my preferred addictions trump a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. The following may be some reasons I tend to overlook a new pair of shoes in lui of one my other addictions:

I have a substance abuse problem – called ANIMALS. While rescue animals provide me with more than the instant gratification of a new pair of LV stilettos, they also require ongoing care, food and maintenance of accommodations. My addiction tends to eat a hole in my pocket and leaves me little change to spend on retail therapy.

“It is not about the shoes but what you do in them”. I am just as likely to go to church in a pair of muck boots as I would my “Sunday Best” shoes. All that is required is to brush them off a little with your horse’s grooming brush…and Viola. I can worship as easily in my muck boots as I can to seek forgiveness for spending my last dollar on a new pair of shoes.

Then, there’s “shoepidity”...the stupidity of wearing shoe art, despite extreme discomfort. Granted, I have a few pair of shoes that prove to be uncomfortable after wearing them for an hour so. Those are saved for the wedding or funeral, while I keep a back-up of more comfortable shoes in my vehicle for the receptions. However, I am all about comfort and personally feel that choosing to wear a 7″ pair of heels out for a night of dancing on the town is simply ludicrous only to win a compliment or two on the fact that you spent your entire paycheck on a foot compress.

“Shoes speak louder than words”. Don’t get me wrong, everyone has a certain affinity for varying material objects. But, I would rather engage in a meaningful conversation with someone than to feel they are distracted by the shoes I am wearing.

“One will have big shoes to fill”. While this may be true in some cases, I would prefer to earn my own different BIG shoes to fill. For an example, in a job setting, you may follow a successful employee. Instead of dwelling on the pressure to achieve the same success as your predecessor…why not consider bringing your own fresh, creative ideas to the table. This will enable you to create your own success story…not someone else’s.

I once witnessed a statement made by someone seeking socialite status some years ago…“you can tell a lot about someone by the shoes they wear”.  Although, I did not take the time to ask her exactly what she meant by this statement, I would have to disagree with this remark. I have known people on the edge of poverty wearing mismatched shoes with holes in them and separated soles that were the nicest people I have ever meant. I have, on the other hand, met some people wearing top designer shoes that were the most shallow, superficial people I have ever met. It goes without saying that this world can coexist in harmony and without judgement, whether you are a single parent living from paycheck to paycheck, living in a homeless shelter, at the top of your career game, the elite and wealthy, etc. It is simply a matter of living your life with meaning and purpose, love, kindness, peace, passion, compassion, humbleness, treating others like you would want to be treated and most importantly, realizing that no one is above or better than anyone else. There will be situations you may not agree with or resonate with but it is how you handle those circumstances that will reveal who you really are.

Long traveled roads are always better than shortcuts in the long run.  Additionally, having the biggest house, the best vehicles, being members of the most elite clubs, and trying to achieve this status with material gains and/or property assets does not warrant unfounded entitlement. In fact, the status seeker will never be happy because they are not living a life of purpose or meaning but instead, seeking misguided symbolism of happiness.

I have been known to mend my riding boots and barn boots with duct tape until I could afford to purchase another pair.

I am terribly rough on my shoes and have been known to wear shoes until they completely disintegrate. In my line of work, there may be quite a few consecutive days of site visits. On one visit, you may walk the entire property, showcasing the product you are selling.  This could take anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours, depending on whether or not off-site outlets are on the agenda.

One time, while I was on business travel, the strap on my slingback dress shoes (accessorizing my business attire) broke while walking midway thru Kennesaw State University campus. While contemplating the frustration of not only having to walk barefoot all the way back to the vehicle, but driving all the way back to the hotel to retrieve another pair of shoes, I fell behind on my appointment calls by 2 hours. It was this crucial outing that made me vow to always carry a spare pair of shoes.

Before learning the above lesson, if I had a shoe to give out on me at at the office, Scarlett would always come to my rescue. Scarlett has been one of our long term wedding coordinators and she is known to store 8-10 pairs of shoes under her desk. While we wear a different size shoe, she would always have something I could get by with wearing until I could take a break and run home to fetch another pair of shoes. On more minor occasions, Laurie always keeps shipping tape in the storage closet…or you can hobble over to the maintenance shop for more durable duct tape.

I have long, narrow, flat feet and while a height of 5’10” has it’s advantages  disadvantages, I always opted for flats or kitten heels for obvious reasons. While you can always find a beautiful pair of stilettos or attractive shoes in smaller sizes, finding a good quality pair of the aforementioned in a size 9 1/2 is not not quite as easy.

Flip flops are the main staple in my closet…lol! Living on a coastal island, flip flops are a common “go to” and widely accepted in every outlet…except perhaps a professional corporate place of business. Any shoe that does not enclose my awkward feet or cause any unnecessary discomfort or compression is my best friend! Comfort before style has always been my motto.

Shoes and handbags make the outfit. I cannot recount the number of times my mother would throw this lecture at me. I, in turn, would say ” why can’t the outfit make the shoes and handbag”? This may be a good time to add that my mother has as many handbags as she does shoes. Me? I have a comfortable assortment of handbags…some with price tags on them. My problem is that I never take the time to switch my purses out. I have been known to go a whole year carrying the same handbag.

Re-purposing shoes. My mother and daughters have been guilty of trying to throw out shoes of mine that they considered unfit to wear outside of the house, let alone in public. I would always correct the err of their ways, exclaiming that duct tape, super glue or zip ties would give them refurbished life. By this time, my poor mother would deny that I was her daughter…lol!

The one exception to this rule were the shoes I wore when I was pregnant. In each pregnancy, my feet were not only swollen most of the time but they would sweat profusely inside of my shoes. Now, by the time you wore the few pair purchased in a size 10 or 11 to accommodate your pregnant feet for a few months, you had a recipe for the worst smelling dragon breath on the planet.

On one occasion, I removed my shoes while driving the girls home after school/work. A few moments later, one of my unsuspecting daughters quickly exclaimed for me to pull over…that it smelled like my vehicle was on fire. This still remains to be a favorite joke with my girls to this day!

On an earlier occasion, I removed my shoes, as I reclined on the sofa one night. The girls father (who had been reading the newspaper and therefore unsuspecting of my prior move) quickly jumped to his feet to notify me that a dog or cat must have just had an accident nearby and went to search for the evidence. When he realized that the smell kept bringing him back to the sofa where I was reclined, he realized the smell was coming from my shoes. With this less than pleasant discovery,  he snatched the shoes up while pinching his nose and threw them outside! He then quickly retreated to other areas of the house until the odor dissipated. FOOTNOTE: the dogs would not even go near the shoes (in the back yard) the next morning…LOL!

Regardless of the shoes I deem fit for the occasion, I do, at least, have enough pride to make sure my toenails are groomed appropriately. If I have neglected to find time for a pedicure, it goes without saying that I will not wear flip flops or open toe shoes in public. The barn may be the only exception, if I am not riding. After all, my horses are only concerned about the hands that feed them…not the feet that carry those hands.

“If the shoe fits”…A wise mentor once told me that the one thing we own in our lifetime is our opinion…and that no one could take that away from us. I was young at the time and did not take the time to consider these true words until later in life. You never really own a car, house, boat, furnishings, club memberships, etc., as you cannot take these with you to the afterlife.  You, can however, take your opinions – good or bad – with you. Not everyone is going to see eye to eye on certain matters…it is our responsibility to coexist with varying personalities, opinions, egos, etc. If we do not resonate with a certain character, politely step aside…one shoe does not fit everyone.

NOTE: This blog is for entertainment purposes only. It is not a testament to demean those that share a passion for shoes, the biggest house, the largest assets, the elite club house membership, etc… In fact, I will be the first to say: “if you have it, baby, flaunt it while you can…more power to you”!

Just be forewarned, though, if I should accept your invitation to an event, do not be offended if I arrive in my run down pick up truck, wearing rain boots, muck boots, tennis shoes or flip flops.  Additionally, you may catch a glimpse of shavings or hay in my hand bag…but rest assured my savings on treatments for bunions, corns, calluses and membership fees will buy me a lifetime supply of duct tape!

 

 

 

As we embrace the start of a New year, I have decided not to write another blog about goals for the New Year…BUT…instead, reflections of what I learned in 2019. While 2019 was not a significant or symbolic year for me, I did learn (or rather re-learn) a few things  that I plan to carry with me on my continued journey in this world, called life.

• Do not feel the need to rescue everyone. As an empath and someone who is very intuitive well beyond their years, I have always felt the need or urge to save people from making reckless choices. This is especially true where my daughters are concerned. It only seems natural to share your experiences with them in hopes they make wiser choices than you, perhaps, did when you were their age. I eventually came to terms with the fact that they will choose to do what they want to do anyway…as I coherently did. Fortunately, I learned from my mistakes in my youth…and hopefully, they too, will learn from their less than wise choices. The good news is that both of them came to their senses by New Year’s Eve…and all but admitted that my prior advice to them proved to be of some value. Granted, they will have some emotional baggage to shed from their relationship experiences but I will be there with a shoulder for them to cry on, if need be. Sometimes, people (friends and family alike) simply need to find out the detriment of their choices – good or bad – on their own terms. When they discover their choice may not have been the right choice for them, after all… refrain from saying ” I tried to tell you” or “I told you so”.
• Do not feel that you need to rescue every animal. While there is a long lineage in my family to rescue/foster animals, there comes a point where you just have to say “No”, whether due to expense, room, or deprivation of time needed to care for your existing Ark members.

  

  

  

• When a friend asks if you know of any rescue bunnies that Santa could present to her daughter for Christmas, get on the phone and contact your saviors in the business. After all, one bunny adopted is one less bunny you will need to furnish a hutch for when your vet calls you down the road.

  

• Never say “I can’t”. There are two things that are certain in life…age and change. Milo, one of our rescue dogs that came on board some years back was diagnosed with Diabetes. As a result, I was told I would need to give the 14 year old “chug” insulin shots 2 x day. Now, I have had to face quite a few challenging diagnoses over the years with my homestead residents…cancer, leukemia, congestive heart failure, renal failure…you name it. However, the one thing I have never been able to bring myself to do is give an animal a shot. After my vet kindly gave me a demonstration in how to accomplish this dreaded feat, I have found that “you can” when the situation warrants.

  

• Practice makes perfect. This applies not only to dreams, aspirations, goals, etc…it can also apply to the wrath of mother nature. After 3 Hurricane threats in recent years, you have just about perfected the art of hunkering down and/or evacuation procedures.

  

• As we age, we do not recover from accidents and injuries as quickly as we used to. This was demonstrated this past summer when unnamed horse demonstrated an unprecedented approach for dismantling me at the mounting block. This clever tactic would prove successful again with other unsuspecting riders while you were on the slab having x-rays taken.  While this may be the revelation you needed to realize that this skill may have been recumbent for the first 9 months of riding this horse but suddenly awakened, it is important to remember removal tactics can rear their ugly heads at any given moment.
• Try, try again. After a few weeks of recovering from above incident, get back on same horse again, using more awareness and caution when mounting. The successful outing will instill you with the confidence to carry on with your passion.
• Do not ever let anyone distract you from being you. While you cannot control everything  life throws your way, breathe it in and breathe it out and learn to say, “it is what it is”…process it briefly, if needed…disengage…and move on.
• Realize that everyone you meet or know may not be who they seem to be. This needs no further explanation.
• If a relationship seems forced or feels difficult...it probably is…disengage and carry on.
• It is OK to have “me” time. While I have always thrived on being productive and having something to show for it at the end of the day, I have come to realize that it is alright to take that recharge nap or watch a Hallmark Movie marathon on a rainy day.
• Out with the old and in with the new. If someone does not resonate with your morals, values, aura or integrity, keep them at arm’s length. This could include negativity, lying, dishonesty, etc. Remember, these traits tend to run in packs…stay clear and remain in your positive circle of friends.
• To be honest is to be trusted.  Remember an empath, like myself, will be the first to detect a lie in your vibe. If that vibe is rattling “dishonesty”, despite attempts to conceal the truth, run and run fast.
• Do not let opportunity control your loyalty…always be honest with yourself and others. Whether you are in the corporate world, blue collar world, government world or a volunteer organization, your employer deserves a notice that you are moving on to better opportunities. The alternative of quitting or not showing up for work while taking another job is a cowardly act and is likely to repeat itself in the future.
• Always behave as though you learned to back a horse trailer with your dad yelling at you the whole time…remain HUMBLE.
• Always look for a silver lining. Perhaps an inconvenient delay or turn of events kept you safe from a disastrous situation minutes down the road.
• For the love of God, remove all horse ads from your notification once and for all!!!!
• Last but not least, I have learned that you will NEVER get that last line of the dirt in the dust pan… no matter how hard you try…lol!

HAPPY NEW YEAR…MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED 2020!!!

 

 

 

While I am still struggling with my daughters’ relationship choices, I have diverted my attention and decided to opt for a light, fun blog in time for the Christmas Holidays. Without a doubt, it can be stressful during this time of the year; thus, I have compiled my most immediate thoughts in how to survive with your spirit still in tact:

• First and foremost, decide on this day you do not want to have children. This may come as a surprise to your 18 and 21 year old daughters…but this decision will save Santa on Christmas expenditures. Additionally, we have a long standing tradition in our family…adults do not exchange gifts. Instead, we focus on the children and the real meaning behind Christmas. Since your children are, by all technical standards, now adults…offer them your time together by going to visit someone less fortunate that could use some Holiday cheer.
• Use your savings from above to purchase a few novels on your “must read” list. Take at least one novel with you to Holiday gathering. When over-stimulation of senses begin to set in, retreat to a closet to start reading the first of your long anticipated journeys through someone else’s mind. With any luck, you may get thru significant chapters before your absence is noticed. This “sanity retreat” tactic has been adopted from a fellow soul sister.
• Focus on inspiring people and avoid the ones that annoy you. We are all too familiar with that one Holiday Grinch…do not allow them to rob you of your peace and joy.
• Adhere to a phone call…not 77 text messages to acquire same results. While technology certainly has it’s place in today’s world, I am old fashioned and still prefer direct communication rather than having to locate my reading glasses each time my phone alerts me of an in incoming text.
• Always agree to a hike with someone in worse shape than you. This will accomplish two things: (1) eliminates any desire to push a one mile hike into a 6 mile hike (2) you will feel more accomplished as you struggle to make it to the finish line while your hiking companion is still resting at the halfway mark.
• Listen, smile, agree and do whatever you want to do, anyway. There will be invitations and obligations that come along with every Holiday. You do not need to feel guilty if you are “inclined to decline”.  You have earned your right to stay home with your furry and feathered friends on a stormy night rather than visit the twice removed cousin from Alaska that you have never met.
• If Santa cannot afford therapy during the Holiday season, you can receive the same gratification from eating Nutella right out of the jar. There is also a good chance your therapist will be on Holiday leave and your tiny humans are out exercising their adult decisions – wise or otherwise. Therefore, this would be a good time to grab the carton of ice cream from the freezer and curl up by the fire and watch a Hall Mark movie marathon.
• Know who deserves an explanation, who deserves one answer and those who deserve absolutely nothing. For an example, you may have recently decided to embrace your senior moments by allowing your gray hair to win the ongoing battle of age denial.  Instead, your curiosity of what you would look like with gray hair takes over…after all, you have worked hard for the ever emerging gray streaks. Now you may decide you owe an explanation to your hair stylist since she has provided you her loyal services for several decades. Not to mention, she deserves fair warning when you will still be representing her work on the streets, as she agrees to help you transition into uncharted territory. Your mortified mother and children at least deserve a “because I want to” response. Anyone else may think you are losing grip with reality… when in fact you are embracing reality. Repeat after me: “THAT IS OK”.
• Those that are elevated require isolation. As previously mentioned, arrogant, egotistical, conceited and negative energy does not resonate well with me. Avoid such people and scenarios at all cost. If it cannot be avoided, look for Genie in your wine bottle. If she is not home, look for her in another wine bottle.
• Do not sit at the table where you will be the topic of conversation when you get up. This needs no further explanation.
• Anyone who does not think that money can bring happiness , can simply transfer it  to my account. I am currently operating on insufficient funds…so no offer will be refused.
• If you are riding a horse and standing next to a giraffe with a lion chasing you, get your drunk ass off the carousel before you get hurt. Otherwise, you will not live long enough to chastise yourself for thinking you would actually like your new skunk tail look.
• Poor planning does not constitute an emergency response. That is unless of course you prepared lamb for Christmas Dinner…my emergency response will be to exit before my nose catches wind of your oversight.
• I get paid to be nice at work…do not expect that behavior away from the office, for FREE. In fact, if my presence should be required, do not expect me to make anything…except a scene…should Genie go on Christmas Vacation without telling me.

I  always knew there had to be a term for my lifelong condition but did not know, until recently, what that term was. An insightful friend forwarded me an article and I felt that I was reading about myself…everything from raw thoughts, fears, traits and flaws. For better or worse, I now know the reality of the light and dark secrets I have carried with me thru the years.

Prior to this discovery, however,  I had set out to research an altogether different subject.  I had a variation of Thanatophobia and petit mal seizures when I was younger. Did one or both of the above scenarios intertwine?

For an example, I had a tremendous fear and dread when it came time for my mother to go into the kitchen and start preparing dinner…so much so, that I clearly remember the fear despite my very young age. It would probably surprise my mother to know I still remember the episodes. I would cry, scream and beg her not to go into the kitchen where she would be working near the flames of the gas stove. I was tormented by the thought that I would lose her to the flames. I would get so worked up that I would sometimes slip into a seizure there in the kitchen. With medication and EEG’s I eventually outgrew the seizures…and coincidentally, the daily fear of my mother near the stove.

So, what is the subject of this Blog? I have always been curious as to why I am so easily triggered by sensory perceptions. Anything from an offensive visual, awful smell, loud noise or uninvited touch can send me into an oppressive state for indefinite periods of time. “Empaths” are highly intuitive people who feel emotions and physical sensations on a very deep level. For the sake of this Blog, I have chosen to replace “Empath” with “E”.

• The E cannot handle TV shows, movies or news about horror or tragedy. The minute the referenced subjects surface, they will immediately change the channel or quickly bypass the article of gut wrenching disgust and/or dismay. This is especially true about commercials and posts about animal or child neglect, cruelty or abandonment.
• The E can easily feel the symptoms of others. If a loved one is under the weather in one sense or another, they will immediately begin to feel their discomfort down to the detailed symptoms.
• The E will always vote for or root for the underdog and/or underprivileged.
• The E is typically creative and imaginative. It becomes a way of life for them, as a means to escape ugly realities.
• E’s are problem solvers. They will not rest until they find a solution. Although the result will derive from the right side of the brain (creative side), rest assured the remedy will work as well as the left brained engineer.
• If an E is driving and they encroach on what they suspect is road kill, they will look in an alternate direction until they have carefully maneuvered vehicle past the carcass and shudder at the thought until they have reached their destination.
• The E cannot tolerate a negative environment…period. They can enter an environment and as soon as they detect a negative overtone, they are quickly overcome with nausea, re-flux and/or depression. As soon as the negative aura is detected, they long to retreat to their safety net of solitude.
• They have an immense love of outdoors and nature.  Any overtime spent inside will send them into the gutter of depression. Hence, the reason I will save PTO for the season of shorter daylight hours. This is not only for my own sanity but for the sanity of others within an arm’s length on a daily basis
• The E’s are supposed to be healers. Now I am not certain about this statistic, as it applies to me, other than I have a large capacity “to walk in someone’s shoes”.  I do know, however, my Voodoo dolls come in handy on occasion…lol.
• The most embarrassing characteristic I possess, as an E, is the involuntary response of teary eyes when I am listening to loved one’s story of grief, sorrow, disappointment, etc. The irony is I have dry eye…no matter the method of “mind over matter” control I may resort to using in this regard, the waterfall always prevails.
• Crowds are the worst nightmare for the E…they will avoid this potential at all cost.  The hurried bumps, uninvited touching, breathing down one’s neck and talking above one’s comfortable audio volume is totally unacceptable. As a result, the E’s comfort level will not be found in the bar, grocery store, concert, shopping mall, etc.
• Speaking of grocery stores, I really miss the Island Piggly Wiggly, where you could park at the door, run in and out in 10 minutes, tops. Chances of running into an accidental or unwanted interaction were slim to none if you timed it right.
• Loud noise is another trigger, whether it is arguing, loud music, screaming, high pitch talk, etc…all equivalent to one scraping their nails across a chalk board Apologies to my daughters thru the years when they wanted to turn the radio up to 20 decibels when in the vehicle…but your safety from the backlash, as a result, became my first priority.
• Fake conversation is another trigger…worse than having all 4 wisdom teeth extracted at one time. Time spent in this activity will drain the E’s energy and they will long to escape the environment as quickly as possible.
• Inauthentic people are no more popular with the E than the smell of grease traps being pumped out at lunch time.
• The E can spot a liar at least a football field away…not a tactic to be used on this ultra sensitive individual.
• The E does not like to be hurried or rushed. They maneuver at their own pace of purpose, sense, and productivity. They can be impromptu or spontaneous…BUT…only on their own terms.
• They do not like capricious winds. Fickleness is a big pet peeve of the E. This erratic behavior disrupts their schedule of sense and purpose.
• The E loves fast and furiously…often times to their own detriment. They are especially prone to agape love…one of a higher spiritual realm than most people may be privy to.
• The E needs order or cannot think straight, otherwise.
• The E seeks to retreat from small talk, crowds, loud noise, arguing and longs for solitude.
• The E does not like clutter. Now one could argue this point where I am concerned…BUT…at least my clutter is clean and organized.
• The E enjoys adventure and learning.
• The E finds society’s standards stifling and will conform to the ways of a hippie or gypsy instead
• The E will be susceptible to digestive or GERD issues as a result of negative distress they cannot avoid. Back Pain is also probable.
• The E loves animals and will be predisposed to surrounding themselves with Noah’s Ark if possible
• The E will find it necessary to spiritually cleanse their environment if a less than desirable vibe is left lingering. For an example, I will remove the birds to the back patio (if the weather is nice) and burn sage throughout my dwelling at least 4 x year…if not more often
• The E will always be mistaken for an introvert…BUT…rest assured they will know more about you than you will know about yourself, despite their silence
• The E will more than likely hear the remark that they are highly sensitive on occasion. Indeed we are…to sight, sound, scent, touch, negative energy, stimuli, non-truth, cheating, injustice, violence, arguing, unfairness, etc.
• The E does not like being on a stage or exposed to drama
• The E is extremely inquisitive about a subject they want to learn more about
• Survival tools for the E may include, journaling, creating, mediation, chakras, stones, crystals, etc.
• On a positive note, the E is highly compassionate and considerate.
• The E is drawn to spiritual, metaphysical, holistic, ancient cultures, history and ancestral lineage.
• The E is an “old soul”…quickly adapting to the adult world and leaving childhood behind
• The E cannot tolerate a narcissist. The narcissist is attracted to the E due to their misguided perception that the E is an easy target. After all, the E’s desire to heal is transparent…BUT…the E knows the narcissist all to well and can sense their approach from the nether nether land.
• The E is especially sensitive to time/daylight/shadow changes. This is especially true as Fall approaches. Because the E is so fond of nature and daylight, the shorter days do not resonate well with the E.
• Do not try and commit the E to a social engagement. They will only regard you as being possessed by demons. Do not take this personally, however. They will still love you whether or not they are in your company or quietly reading a book in the peacefulness of their quiet domain. If they should accept your invitation, consider yourself extremely lucky that they are willing to subject themselves to the social unpleasantries on your behalf.
• Favorite engagements are with close friends that are not pretentious and showing up to one’s home in grunge wear is not only accepted but expected.
• Favorite hangout (where you can show up looking your worst) is the closest convenience store to your house. You know everyone on a first name basis and feel like you have known everyone forever.
• If you should be in need of the E as a life support and cannot locate them, you may find them rejuvenating from the absorption of ailing energy from their last encounter…with their universal guide and/or pipeline, yoga retreat, wellness spa…or simply unwinding with Noah’s Ark.

 

This is a highly unusual topic for me to take an interest in but I thought it would provide a thought provoking awareness…not only for subjects… but also for victims that fall prey to the narcissist. Make no mistake, this blog is not intended for any purpose other than to write about my own experiences  with the narc thru the years and my own research that has taken place as a result of those encounters. Nonetheless, this list can be an insightful reference for those of us who may question whether or not we possess any narcissistic qualities. I know I have…and I continue to question whether or not I possess narcissistic tendencies. Although narcs come in different forms, I have been known to lift my veil and reference my archived notes, periodically, to re-evaluate. I would especially question my actions as a mother. I would question whether I was a control freak, as I have admitted to in other areas of my life. Ultimately, I would admit that I may have been…but only because I was a protective hen of my chicks. Perhaps the answer lies neatly between being a helicopter and lawn mower parent. There were times I would shift the blame to one or both of my kids if I were to cause a mishap and accuse the nearest child of being under foot or creating a distraction that enabled the mishap. They would “call me out” when I did this. I always tried to be aware of my misgivings and apologize to my chicks when I erred in my ways, in hopes they would learn from my mistakes that no one is perfect. This is when I learned to lift my veil once in a while for a reality check.

Towards the end of this blog, I have listed three astrological examples without regard to the specific sign, so as to avoid overt recognition to those that may fall under the “ghost” sign. However, having said this, studies show that the narc typically does not have an issue admitting to their narcissistic behaviors publicly. Read on for some honest introspection…

• You feel like you are walking on eggshells when around the narc
• You discover the term “anti-stalking” when around the narc. This is when you deliberately avoid the narc.
• They will stonewall you. This is a deliberate attempt to avoid answering your question or concern.
• They are superficial and will only surround themselves with enablers or tongue biters
• They never feel guilt or remorse as long as they strive to maintain their agenda.
• They have convenient amnesia if someone should belittle their fragile egos
• They are cold/distant if you do not serve any purpose to them or their agenda
• Gaslighting is their arsenal of choice (shifting the blame to the victim)
• They will create disorder in order to obtain the attention they are so desperate for.
• They harbor resentment/jealousy over perceived successes of others.
• They will seldom be seen supporting/encouraging others unless it is part of their agenda.
• Do they create harmony or havoc?
• You will not receive the truth if it does not suit their agenda
• They are arrogant
• Their next arsenal of defense is withholding (information, amenity of entitlement, etc…)
• Power of control is their arch nemisis
• They only surround themselves with flying monkeys (who will provide the obedience and admiration they are starving for)
• The worst thing you can do is react to the narc’s manipulation…that is what they are striving for. Simply walk away and say nothing.
• You can lead a narc to evidence but they will dismiss it
• Narcs play dumb when caught
• Only people with low self-esteem are egotistical…that’s right…read this again.
• If you find yourself apologizing unnecessarily for warranted concerns
• Only people with a healthy self esteem can dodge or leave the narc
• Once you confront the narc, their fragile ego will be shattered and you will suddenly find yourself being played the subject projecting evil on them
• As an Aries lamb, the first narc quality I recognize in myself is internalizing/harboring the frustrations…until that moment when the Aries LAMB morph’s into an Aries RAM and decides to send the entire map of the universe up in flames. As a result, I have tried to maintain a steadier rhythm of unleashing my frustrations…but when I am done, I am done…there is no turning back! After all, statistics state that 60% of mass shootings are carried out by an Aries.
• On a more positive note, I base my relationships on honesty. There are no facades…you will know if I respect you…or not. ..I will not leave you guessing.
• Another example of an astrological narc is a ______. The worst characteristics for fueling the narc in this sign is restlessness, boredom, open-mindedness…this is the sign that is most often guilty of cheating on their loved one/spouse or goes missing for periods of time. This is also one of the easiest signs to fall victim to a narc.
• Another astrological example of a narc is a ______. They are shallow, materialistic, hungry for power, persuasive, guard their possessions like God’s throne, unable to empathize…often times known to be cult leaders.
• I could go on with each and every zodiac sign but I thought I would leave some fun for you, as the reader, to peruse some of your own research.
• Once you have learned to recognize the signs of a narc, run like “hell hath no fury” when you spot one…there is no distance too great!

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In this Millennial era…the era of entitlement…the once elusive narc can be seen around just about every corner in today’s world. Learning how to recognize the signs will hopefully help to prevent one from falling under the narc’s reviling spell…OR…at least provide a resource for those that would like to take an honest introspection.

Dedicated to momma hen’s chicks…may they have the courage, insight and intuition to seek out healthy relationships and refrain from the toxic ones in their fastidious adult years.