Category: By the Brook

Change… Preparing for Winter

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Good morning from… by the brook♡

Though most of our trees are still very much green, our brook residents have begun preparing for winter. The male Mallards are molting, revealing their green iridescent headdress, doing their best to look dapper for the dames. While the deer are discarding their red fur jackets in exchange for a darker brown, double layered winter coat. All seemingly unfazed with their inherent changes, just doing what comes natural to them.

This morning as I stood feeding my insatiable feathered friends, I caught a glimpse of the falling leaves. One after the other; some twirling and spinning, catching streams of air beneath their tips, making it appear as if they were dancing on their way down. Others just free falling, as if weighted by something, allowing the law of gravity to have its way. Life is like that I guess. Some days leave us feeling light and airy and others, well you just want to fall down like a heap of bricks… defeated.

I Quickly diverted my attention with a deep, full breath to either dissipate or possibly press down the emotional sensations moving upward into my throat.
Why does life have to be so trivial at times? Why can change feel so… off? Do you think maybe it’s just old ingrained stories, and deeply rooted emotions that rise to the top when something feels different? Why do certain seemingly small situations, seem to overwhelm us, causing a battle with gravity, pulling us down as we fight to fly. Wouldn’t it be so much easier is we could just do and be what came came natural? Or maybe that’s not the answer; maybe it’s those overwhelming, different situations that push us through the old stories and uprooted emotions. It gets exhausting sometimes, but like my resident friends I’m ready to shed my old coverings to prepare for winter. Wishing you all an effortless transition in the upcoming seasonal change♡

Much love to you all,
Maureen

Inner Compass Points Home

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Good morning from… by the brook♡
Happy first day of autumn. Just like clock work, Mother Nature and the weather man must have struck some sort of bargain, the warm summer winds gave way to a crisp chill. Pale yellow leaves have found their way down, peeking through the soft, tall blades of grass. The morning’s first light has not yet awakened, it seems a tad late. Maybe the moon has not yet clocked out, allowing the sun to sleep in just a wee bit more.

Across the brook a sizeable, silent silhouette floats past the towering trees that keep watch in the dark night. Then another smaller shadow scurries by to catch up. It must be one of the sweet fawn and it’s Mama on their way to breakfast before daybreak. Within moments of their passing fleetly, flapping, feathered, figures, (say that three times fast!) haphazardly drop from the dark sky, like mystical creatures returning home from a long night’s endeavor.

The sun unhurriedly rises above the tree tops, causing shimmering drops of dew to appear as twinkling prisms between the leaves. The shadows give way to reality and curiosity replaces fear, the brook, now buzzing with life.

Back from it’s early morning meal, a sweet fawn curiously inches toward the fallen, feathered creatures, causing delicate ripples to roll inward making them bob like rubber ducks at a carnival game.

Each morning the brook calls home its dwellers, offering them a sanctuary of nourishment. It’s no wonder they accept the invitation.

I too will be traveling beyond the brook today, as I have begun a seasonal venture. For many months I have remained here exploring endeavors that illuminate my soul, but alas I must leave the quintessence of the brook, allowing my shadows to give way to reality. I am so grateful to have heard its summoning and its urging to move beyond my fears. Curiosity has encouraged me toward places I didn’t know existed. Like the dwellers of the brook, I will always accept its invitation to return, for my inner compass will always point home.

Sending my love to you all,
Maureen xo

 

Seeking Safety

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from by the brook♡
It seems a bit since we last spoke. So much happens in such short spans of time… inwardly as well as out.
I believe I mentioned, not so long ago, the absence of deer around the brook. In times past, it has been the spring that brought forth both the ducklings and the fawn. But it is just now, in the late part of the summer that I have begun to see the white spotted, frisky yearlings grazing beneath the abundant leafy trees.
Their gentle, quiet innocence lightens my spirit, almost leaving me with a feeling of weightlessness. My eyes dance at the very sight of them and I deeply long to walk by their side as if we were kindred spirits of long past.
Often I find the fawn meandering among the frenzy of the ducks. Their lively intensity doesn’t seem to faze them one bit. How do they remain so centered, grounded standing smack in the middle of feathers flapping, poking beaks jutting in every direction, and loud demands for duck pellets and space? I myself have begun to retreat rather quickly back inside to safety. Here my eyes can reach the fawn more easily, as I look through the glass door. But what happens when I have to once again, open the door? What will be my barrier for comfort?
The safety and comfort I seek cannot be found by hiding behind the glass door or by watching the fawn from afar. It is found deep beneath intertwined layers of impressions, some true, some not… Walking through, sorting and sifting all the poking, flapping, and demanding of the past and present, to clear the sight line to the future.
The safety and comfort I seek can no longer be found within the places I once searched; it must be discovered within. It’s possible. I promise. I’m a work in progress, but also living proof.
I’m sending my love to you- my hugs of support and deep caring ❤ If you ever, even for a moment, need someone to hold space or maybe your hand, know I am here.
All my love♡
Maureen

A Morning Meal filled with Enthusiasm

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from…by the brook♡
Everyday the brook offers it’s gift to all that dwell nearby and those just passing through. This includes me.
The morning’s temperature has cooled off from the much needed rain that passed through in last night’s late evening hours. The timely group of ducks have arrived. The sun has yet to rise, so I can just barely make out their active silhouettes as they glide amidst the brook’s bed of exposed rocks. Any moment they will be waddling up the small hill for their first morning’s meal; I am trying to stay as still as possible so I can enjoy my first morning’s sip of hot coffee. The slightest move, they perceive as an invitation to my patio. They have become so familiar to my offering, they walk alongside me and stand almost foot to foot. I must admit, my heart dances at their very act.
As I was digging a tall cup into their large bag of nibblits, I heard the gaggling group take off in flight and loudly land back into the brook. At first glance I saw nothing that may cause a disturbance and figured it was that damn hawk, he angers me so! Not on my watch!
But then… I noticed a soft brown doe standing on the edge of the brook eating the greens growing from it’s dark soiled edge. I swiftly grabbed my camera. She continued to dine then gently walked through the water toward me, pretending not to notice me, but I know she did. She made her way through the tall Eastern White Pines that live outside my dining room windows. I watched her slowly emerge from the tall trees and stop. No sense of urgency showed on her small frame, but her eyes were fixed straight in front of her. My curiosity kept my eyes fixed on her, waiting, watching for any sign her body would show me. It was not a minute later when a fawn excitedly scampered from the woods, and behind him, a second. How sweet I thought, to witness their enthusiasm in that moment. I then realized their enthusiasm was for their morning meal as well. This was my first time witnessing a mother doe nursing her babies. Such an unexpected gift. She stood still and relaxed, seemingly content as the two toddlers waved their white fluffy tails wildly. Only moments later they unlatched themselves and began grazing amongst the moist green grass heavy with delicious drops of rain.
My words are not with me at the moment, just a full breath of gratitude for great gifts of grace. From God, the Universe, Creation, Life. May you experience such grace each day. It’s there. Just stand still, relax, be content, it will find you♡
Sending you my love xo
Maureen

Unearthing Deep Roots

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from… by the brook♡
It’s just after 6am. The sun is slowly rising casting a nourishing golden glow, gently awakening it’s subjects below. The reflection of subtle ripples riding down the brook are projected upon a small tree just beyond it’s edge. And the persistent bellow of an adolescent Blue Jay begging for breakfast echoes through the moist morning air.
A quiet sense of knowing inhabits my whole being this morning. This week has brought about hours of unraveling. It’s almost inconceivable how intricate our psyche is, how innately intelligent our bodies are. The last two days I’ve spent on my knees clawing at the mud, unearthing the deep roots that directed the way, acting on my behalf for so many years. Sadness – grief – horror – anger – and fear waved in and out, each taking their turn churning my stomach, swooning my head.
It all happened so quickly, like flashes of lightening amidst a rain storm, illuminating the pummeling rain.
Then as quickly as it all rushed in, it slipped out, leaving open space, room to breath and promise of safety and hope of deep intimate connections- Above all… conclusively the truth.
I can still see her just out of my reach. She is crying, so scared and feeling alone. Captive within her constructed wall of worriment, searching for safety. My heart ripping into tiny pieces, as I can feel every ounce of her unprocessed pain. Part of me wants to reach my hand out to her, “I can help you, grab ahold,” But the other part so afraid she will pull me back in. Closing my eyes and bowing my head, I honor this moment for what it is. A traversing in time, shifting from sealed off into spaciousness- a building of trust within.
As I am writing this to you, a Blue Heron is flying by and he has landed in the tree just past the sight line of my patio. He always seems to visit at just the right moment.
I trust that the sun will rise each morning, that rain will fall, birds will fly, the bee will sting, and the wind will blow.
That leaves are green, then orange, yellow & red, and eventually brown.
I trust that the dark night will always invite the moon and millions of stars. And fireflies will light the way as the deer lay down and close their eyes.
I trust that who ever needs to read this will receive it well within their heart.
Sending you my love and a wish for open, spacious skies♡
Maureen♡xo

Always In A State of Becoming

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from… by the brook♡
Though the heat seems to have slowed my mind and body, my sweet ducks are alive and active as ever. This time of the season they congregate together, playfully splashing about in the brook, vigorously grooming themselves, poking at one another to claim their small square of standing space. There is an abundance of duck down tossed about, riding streams of air and softly landing amongst the brown hay where there was once soft strands of grass not so long ago. Mama Deer and her baby have passed through a few times since we last spoke. Their quiet, enchanting charm always thrilling me. Last evening I noticed a duck perched closely at the edge of the brook. It struck me odd, as all the others were wildly scattering about my patio hoping to receive yet more tossed delicious bits. I slowly drew near to her and noticing she was injured. It appeared her left leg was bothering her and she was very reluctant to move as she must have been in a good amount of pain. I kept watch on her as the night sky darkened, and when the rest took flight, she did not. I once again went closer to her, hoping not to frighten her, and it seemed as if she was not able to fly. She snuggled into a tight ball and there she stayed in the calm silence of the night. She wasn’t there this morning and I pray she regained her mobility and is amongst the rest standing before me this morning ♡
I hear the high pitched thrill of a hawk close by and it sets my body in a heightened state. I know the circle of life must continue to turn in order for life to continue to breathe… but it still aches my heart, pulling my breath straight out of my lungs and replacing it with dreaded dismay. Nature, always flowing, always changing. She is so wise, understanding how life can never remain stagnant; but always in a state of becoming. It’s where I find myself a lot of the time and I wonder, will there ever be a cycle of contented permanence. Though as I release these thoughts into the ethers, I know deep within this is not where I truly want to be; rather to embrace my constant evolution of becoming. To allow the seasons to flow through me. Bringing in light and darkness, highs and lows, sadness and joy.
May you allow the flow of life to root you deep and rise you up and into all the places you need to go for the becoming.♡
Sending my love♡
Maureen

Balance in Stillness

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from… by the brook♡
This week has moved through so quickly, leaving my mind and body to feel like a freight train powering through the land with very few stops for refueling. How very fitting that I am coming to understand the masculine & feminine qualities that govern our thoughts and actions. Not male & female- rather in terms of nature. Nature keeps her balance knowing what she needs to thrive. She knows when to bring through a storm and when to lay still.
My willingness to be still this morning, invited Mama Deer and her fawn up close to my patio. She was as startled as I. To be so close to another creature vibrating with life becomes a full body experience. The lungs fill with breath, the heart explodes with gratitude, the mind with wonder, the eyes with absolute, pure love.
Stillness, how nourishing. Rest, an invitation for creative awe to wash over your whole being. May you find yourself in a space of stillness this weekend. Invite your femininity in, allow it to show you how stillness can enliven every cell of your body.

The Nature of a Weed

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good afternoon from… by the brook♡
The soft glow of morning has given way to the rhythmical song of cicadas. The air is moist and a bit oppressive; it lays heavy on my eyelids forcing them to slowly close, tricking my body into a state of rest. The midsummer sun has stripped the grass of its deep vibrancy, leaving behind brittle blades that scratch the souls of my feet. The brook’s bed is yet more exposed than the last time I wrote to you and the duck’s rather enjoy the multitude of perches now available to them. Fifteen regulars have become rather ravenous, wanting more than their fair share of feed. Just this morning I finally got an up-close glimpse of Mama Deer and her fawn♡ It was 6am; the sun had barely crested the horizon as I was serving my sweet ducks their first meal of the day. I heard a splash; thinking it was just their skittish silliness. My eyes still not yet fully focused, I hadn’t noticed the presence of Mama and baby. When our eyes met she stood still, assessing my intention, then slowly turned and walked without worry through the stone filled water with baby tightly behind.
I then sat back amongst the patio pillows to take in the newness of the day, my eyes focused on the lone dandelion growing through the brittle blades. How does something so small have such resilience, so simple have such brilliance? It’s desire to push through all that doesn’t nourish it and stand tall in its beautiful, bright color. Some may see it as it’s labeled, a weed. I see its strength and resilient nature to thrive and be just as it is. An imperfectly, beautiful expression of Self♡

Listen for the Song of Your Soul

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from… by the brook♡
There was quite a stir this morning which gave me a bit of a scare. Mama number 3 and her 5 littles were enjoying a leisurely swim, staying tightly woven together like a small raft slowly floating from here to there. As I looked down at my notepad, I heard a loud swish! Looking up, four littles had quickly shot across the water into the shallow area and Mama had flown ashore. I quickly stood up, as I only counted 4 littles. “Where is number 5,” I kept repeating out loud. Mama quickly waddled back toward the brook from where she had flown, she was looking for Little number 5. I scanned the water afraid of what I might see; there has been a large snapping turtle frequenting this space. Moments later Little number 5 came waddling up the Brook’s bank. Thank goodness♡
I love the mornings that I am able to sit and write to you. These are the mornings that life is moving at a calmer pace. When I can clearly hear the soothing sounds of creation, not only outside my window and down by the brook, but also within. The beating of my heart, the rhythm of my breath as it moves into my body and then out again. These are the mornings that I can most clearly hear the song of my soul. It becomes difficult to sort out what internal feelings are mine versus all the external action around me. It becomes an overload for the nervous system the senses become so heightened they tune out the quiet beauty and joy of everyday. So today I celebrate the calm of this morning and that Little number 5 is safely ashore♡
May you find some calm and quiet today so you can clearly hear the song of your soul♡
Sending my love, as always,
Maureen♡

Deep Discoveries

Posted on by twomomsadmin
Good morning from… by the brook♡
“The real discovery lies not in discovering new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”
How often do we long to be somewhere other than where we are? Maybe the beach, in the mountains, at Disney World ( I love♡ Mickey Mouse.) Maybe even completely moving the entire contents of our life to a brand new location for the feeling a new space brings; one that holds no knowledge of the past and begins right now… in the present.
I have learned through some difficult life experiences, that a new space, while maybe beneficial for a momentary venture, only distracts from deep discoveries. The biggest, bravest discovery is standing still… right where you are, and allowing the unearthing to begin. But this time, from a different view. One with curiosity, forgiveness, non-judgment, kindness… love.
I know that words can be so much easier than the actions needed to do such difficult a task, so I send you my love and support from afar♡ Please know, I am closer than you think, just a message away… if you should need a hand to hold and an ear to listen.
Sending my love,
Maureen