What's most important to you?

Back when I lived in Evanston, I had a dream that we were all chasing the carrot and the carrot was money.  For some, it was money to pay the bills.  For others, it was never enough for everything.  The result was this sculpture I built using Swarovski crystals.  

Today it seems that too many people value wealth over morals, kindness, the needs of people, nature and even the future of the earth.  And, look at how the earth is responding:  Covid 19.

The good news is that many will survive to create a better world.  It's already happening.  I invite you to come and experience a tiny piece of world peace, joy and the wonders of nature at its best. 

Time to get creative!

I painted this lacquer on glass over 12 years ago which now hangs in the barn.  What brand of paints do I use?  Lately, Menards.  I'm ready for something more creative!   The pond has numerous subjects waiting for their portraits.  Frogs, turtles, wood ducks, geese, a muskrat...who I'm willing to give to anyone for free.  The only fish I have is the one you see above since I'm surrounded by this beautiful, old, hardwood forest which makes the pond too acidic for fish.  Ah well.

You lichen this?

I was invited on a Viking river cruise in Portugal this winter which was amazing.  Loved the people, the way of life, the cobblestone streets, the food, wine, olive groves, ruins and more.  This lichen grows all over some of the trees and I find it really beautiful.  It could be a lovely brooch.

Many are depressed by the weather.

If you find Michigan winters challenging, you are not alone.  We have less sunlight than most any other state during the winter months. Forget the cold, windy, snow-driven weather?  Hardly.  So now's the time to plan for the spring, summer and fall. 

 Schedule a stress-free, peaceful vacation at the Red Spirit where you can learn how trees communicate and respond to their surroundings.  While here, you can take a class, meditate in the quiet forest, walk the woodland trails, enjoy the flower gardens and make new friends around the campfire.

The Red Spirit is all about connecting with nature and each other in a new, deeper way.  

Passing by

Noticed this little frog contemplating the cold weather while sitting on the patio chair.  Too cute!

My two cats, one playing with the tail of the other.  Patience or tolerance?

The Band Plays On

The Red Spirit was delighted to host the Detroit Party Marching Band after they performed in the Fennville Goose Festival.  Great bunch!  See them on Youtube!  Hoping to have them back!

This Horror Story Must Be Told.

Sonia has traveled the world visiting industrial farms, getting into the secret world of meat production.  It's not just the horrors of slaughter houses and how immune people are to the suffering of animals.  By the way, that includes people who eat these animals.  It's also about the antibiotics, the genetic engineering, the huge pollution of earth and waterways, our bodies and more.  Did you know that livestock is fed their own kind (byproducts) and chicken manure!  And, you may be eating it along with antibiotics if you're eating the meat that comes from all over the world and shipped to the USA.

It's time we all embrace vegan diets.  There are more and more choices every day to satisfy meat cravings.  Save the livestock, save the earth and save yourself.  Nothing is more important than good health.  It's no wonder we have so much cancer in the world.  

So if you do eat meat, know the farmer who provides it.  Ask questions.  Demand change.  Livestock should be raised on pastures not in buildings where they never see the light of day, touch the earth and are forced to smell the toxic ammonia every day of their lives.

The PONDificator

New housing for the Red Spirit.  The PONDificator overlooks the pond, of course and will soon be ready for those who love the songs of frogs.  I'm teaching them to harmonize a lullaby.  But do they listen?!!  More pictures to come.

The 2019 season begins

My wonderful guests arrived this weekend and fortunately the weather is perfect.  Instead of trying to find a restaurant for brunch, we had one here in the barn where everyone could stay and talk as long as they wanted, enjoying the food and quiet surroundings.

Solstice and Shaman Practioners

Ruth Zwald once again held ritual here for solstice.  Some Native American dances were re-enacted followed by a potluck in the barn.

The same night the regular shaman group came and held class among themselves.  Late Saturday evening we decorated some amazing rattles.

Chris and Michael are both fine artists.

Chris and Brenda brought a boat load of art supplies so each creation had special meaning.

Mine represented the old earth today giving birth to a new earth.  Hopefully it will be better cared for.










Marj is longing to use hers right away, I think.

Early Spring with the scouts

Just a few pictures of the snowy weekend the scouts were here again.  They learned their fire making skills and supplied the Red Spirit with a large stack of firewood.  They are such a blessing.

Holiday escapees discovered.

These four turkeys come by every day, sometimes pecking at the sliding door perhaps thinking they can check out the shelter of the barn.  After all, it's been pretty cold this winter especially for March.  I saw a pair of osprey's in these trees a week or so ago.  A first!  Instead of dirty city snow, I get white country snow sprinkled with occasional feathers.

One more creative process

Kat led this workshop where 6 women each created her nature spirit using materials from the woods and paper mâché.  It was a bonding experience that brought a story from each of us.

Solstice 12/18

This picture was taken before the lights and candles were lit.  Our intentions were inserted in the Yule log and burned at the campfire with a group of 25 or so.  These are very meaningful ceremonies given by Ruth Zwald, a shaman practitioner in the Peruvian tradition.  There's always a wonderful potluck afterwards.  For those wishing to be a part of them, please contact me.  Space is limited and the group is growing.

Moose in the tree

Well, this day has come and gone.  It's now almost Thanksgiving and the trees are no longer dressed, the turkeys make their rounds, the deer leave their tracks, the owls hoot their mating calls, occasional wood ducks float on the pond and the moose dances in the wind.  My grandson, Tyler, sent me this moose.  He knows my passion for these northern beasts.  I hope to bring one here...she can take Zeppi's place.

Equinox Celebration

Once again, the Red Spirit hosted the equinox with 30+ people.  Ruth lead the ritual with her creative presentation to make it truly meaningful for each person.  Connect with nature, community, your deepest thoughts, add laughter, share delicious food and you will enter the dark season with hope, joy and peace.

Nature at work

Wasps thought the birdhouse was an easy way to make a new home.  Not!

Toad climbed the screen.  Because it was there, I guess.

Hummingbird nested in the very top of the trumpet vine.  Great view.

Turtle sunning on a log in the pond.

These are just a few of the many wonders of nature here at the Red Spirit.

This summer brought many diverse groups I've had the joy of meeting and sharing in the fun.

Just a couple of dishes I served for the shaman group.  I bake pies for local people and for vacationers to take home.  I enjoy making people happy about good food.  We all love to eat!

shaman practitioner group

A weekend here with an amazing group of healers practicing in the shaman traditions.  This is the second time here for them and it was full of insights and presentations, healings, sharing, drumming, laughing, and getting to know each other on a deeper level.  It's everything that I want for all who come to this quiet place in the woods.

Winter Solstice 2017

On the longest, darkest day of the year, women gathered for the solstice ritual/celebration with Ruth Zwald.  We shared what we needed and what we have to give.  We reflected and made promises to ourselves. We sang and shared words of wisdom.  And, we shared food while giving our support, our stories and laughter.  These things we will long remember.