Karen in the Woods

2012-01-06T15:23:00.001-06:00

The carrot on a stick. Always in front of us. Always offering the hope of more in our lives. As humans, we always want more. And isn't it all relative? Some need a new BMW. Others need a safe place to sleep or a meal.

I created this sculpture a few years back based on a dream I had. If we are to make this a better world, we need to take action and help women, especially women because they will nurture this wounded world. They are the creators of future generations who will either be taught to war or love. I hope you will support Womenforwomen.org, the international organization that is making a difference for thousands of women, children and men. The Red Spirit is supporting this cause. Because it's still my dream. And, we will always have hope.

2011-11-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Fall has arrived after a very busy summer of improvements both inside and outside. The pond is finished except for final landscaping. The barn is being prepped for future workshops and retreats. The cabin, with new wood flooring and screened-in porch, is more cozy than ever. And, a number of trees have been cleared to give others a chance to grow. The result is that there's more depth of vision and more sunlight through the forest. Also, there's more paths to walk in quiet contemplation, too.

In watching a little black squirrel on a high, small branch hesitate, then jump to another small branch, I thought that we should all observe the lesson: Take a leap of faith! You'll be fine.

Spring

2011-06-03T10:11:00.003-05:00

This has been a very busy Spring with many improvements to the place. One is the screened-in porch where we can enjoy morning coffees, afternoon drinks, and evening sunsets with good conversations. The porch overlooks the pond (not quite visible here) which has a choir of peepers singing much of the time.

My son and grandson are playing Fish. Soon they'll be seeing fish in the pond as we are stocking it now.

A snow day

2011-02-08T15:40:00.002-06:00

Here is where you can find peace, silence and beauty. Here is where I am one with everything. These are the pristine mornings of untouched snow...until Zeppi bounds out to chase her ball.

I participated in 2 local markets, selling fresh pies for people to enjoy while watching the snow fall. Baking goes well with winter days.

All is temporary

2010-11-04T13:04:00.005-05:00

I painted this black jaguar a number of years ago which will soon have a new home. I remember that I was canning beets in between painting her on the porch.

Now that there's more time to paint again, I plan to paint more on glass and mirror which has also been an interest of mine.

The woods offers a wealth of subject matter if I only take time to study my surroundings. There's a beautiful young maple outside the window which is exploding with splashy orange, pink, yellow, green and brown color.

Another friend who is leaving is the Whizzer, a sculpture that's been fondly viewed for a long time. He was created by an artist in Wisconsin and will soon return to Evanston to occupy a new home. Once again I'm reminded of balance in my life. Giving and receiving. Letting go...

Nesting

2010-09-30T20:22:00.005-05:00

A preview of things to come as I'm making a new nest. More to come. No more chirps for now.

Fall is here!

2010-09-30T20:09:00.004-05:00

Michigan nectarines were fabulous this year. I canned and froze fruit and vegetables in between moving furniture etc. to the cabin.

The turkeys are back roaming through the woods but high-tail it out of here when there's any sudden movement. One day I'll get a great picture of them.

This year of transition promises more sweet surprises, I'm sure.

Coffee on the porch

2010-06-02T09:44:00.002-05:00

Join me for coffee on the barn porch overlooking the soon-to-be-finished pond. Even the 5 inches of rain we had recently couldn't dampen our spirits here. I'm still reorganizing space so there'll be more to see soon.

Spring!

2010-04-10T16:44:00.006-05:00

At last, Spring is renewal and I'm ready for a new place, new friends and new adventures!

As the pond is developing we recognized that it needed to be drained in the process.

Now that green is about to cover the landscape, I'm looking forward to the completion.

My love of baking is taking on a new endeavor. Let's just say that gluten-free is always available at the Red Spirit. Along with the decadent wheat and other creations.

New adventures!

2010-02-05T15:53:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile but then there's been many changes happening. I haven't scheduled retreats this year because we are moving to Michigan full-time. There's all the packing, of course, and the business of staging, showing and selling.

I'm looking forward to being in the woods, growing our own vegetables and getting to know more neighbors. More to say later.

I am welcoming groups who wish to come hold their own retreats and those who just want to stay the weekend and take in the peace and quiet or the local events. I must say there's a new restaurant/bakery in Fennville called Salt of the Earth and, altho I've only enjoyed their fabulous salty-crust bread so far, the menu looks terribly inviting. Come visit.

In stillness

2009-12-17T11:34:00.003-06:00

Surround yourself with trees and the quiet stillness of nature and you will find peace.

When I have worrisome thoughts, here I am reminded that these thoughts are like May flies that can be annoying but soon disappear. Trees remind me to have faith. Trees endure, bend with the storm, heal from wounds and nurture us in so many ways. What kind of tree would you be? I'd be a beautiful Michigan beech.

A new year is approaching along with many new ideas for the Red Spirit. Have a beautiful New Year!

Fall Sunrise

2009-11-22T17:07:00.002-06:00

Leaves have fallen early this year. We had some strong winds but the Fall weather has been balmy. The 2010 schedule for the Spring is being planned by a cozy wood stove fire in the cabin as I bake another pie for my neighbor who does so many good things for me.

Zeppi loves being in the woods but with hunting season in swing, I keep her close. This year is unusually quiet, however. Neighborhood talk is that a wolf has been seen in the county. Who knows for sure?

Reflecting on fall

2009-11-01T13:05:00.004-06:00

Time to bake apple pies!

Apples were so plentiful this year that many remained in the orchards only to return to the earth. Just not enough demand. Therefore, bake pie! If you want a recipe, please let me know.

In this beautiful time of the year, I reflect on the beauty surrounding me in this very special place. I want to share it with everyone. So, I'm inviting you to send me ideas as to what YOU would like from the Red Spirit.

Remember, that when times are difficult, that's when nature inspires us the most, gives us hope and encouragement.

"Puttin' up time"

2009-09-23T14:54:00.005-05:00

This is the time for "puttin' up" so the annual freezing and canning of fruits and veggies are still steaming up the kitchen.

There were at least 6 or 7 turkeys pecking away under the bird feeder, living in the moment instead of squirreling away food like I am. When they heard me, they all looked up in unison and high-tailed it for the woods. All that remained was another feather for the turkey collection. Yea!

I continue to find more and more organic farms in the area so we are blessed with an abundance of healthy, home-grown fruits and vegetables in Michigan. Come check it out.

2009-08-21T16:50:00.005-05:00

Work:

I have to stain the trim on the screened-in barn porch A.K.A. The Beech House. It already holds many wonderful memories from its use.

My grandson helped me stack wood on the side of the barn and just the sight of it brings to mind various words: nature’s sacrifice, readiness, warmth, and work !

Speaking of, I’m reading The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd. What a wonderful work. I recommend it to every woman and every man, as well. We can all relate to how our lives have been shaped by the masculine/feminine imbalance in our world today. This is one of those books that can change your future dramatically.

2009-08-21T16:05:00.018-05:00

Work in progress.

The wild blackberries have been truly amazing this year. My husband Paul turned this large bowl for me from a fallen beech tree in the woods and created a “Berry Basket”.

I love it. What a gorgeous centerpiece.

Dialogue with a Blackberry bush:

Karen: Black is beautiful! I’m so glad I’m here to pick the latest fashion in the August show.

BB: Can’t say the same for you…wearing that old, long-sleeved shirt, bill cap and jeans.

Karen: These are my berry pickin’ duds. Your branches are going to grab me as if to say, “Don’t go. Don’t go.” and my hide is delicate.

BB: Pick away, then. Yikes! What’s that?

Karen: Zeppi, my English Mastiff. She likes pickin’ berries, too. The bluebirds flittin’ around here seem to have an interest in them also.

BB: Guess they know how sweet wild berries are compared to those domestic ones.

Karen: They are juicy, big and yummy! Thanks a bunch!

Retreat for September

2009-08-16T16:46:00.000-05:00

Why wait? Treat yourself to this relaxing weekend at the Red Spirit Retreat located in the beautiful fall colors of Michigan. I can’t believe we’re almost into fall! This retreat was scheduled for August but moved to September so sign up now and you still have time to stretch your creative talents. Jennifer Gould, facilitator of this workshop, is an artist in doll-making, fabric design of scarves, jackets and more. I look forward to hearing from you!

We just returned from a workshop given by Laura Sherman on balancing the Divine Feminine in our lives. Laura guided us through new insights, discovering new abilities and how we can access more from our lives. She also spoke from the Akashic Records which we all discussed at length. If you would like to have a reading from Laura by phone or in person, please contact me.

The workshop took place on the screened-in barn porch. Mother Earth joined us with a heavy, much-needed downpour and we all agreed it was a perfect gift. As we closed, the sun came out and we danced and drummed in a final celebratory ending before Dr. Jack Miller joined us for a wonderful dinner at the Everyday Cafe in Douglas.

We returned home with sweet corn and colorful bouquets of gladiolas from my neighbor and friend, Rich. This time of year, I’m especially reminded of our abundance of fruit and vegetables from Michigan. May we always be thankful for what we are given. Thanks, Mother Earth.