I just purchased The Beekeeper's Question and look forward to reading it. I'm curious because I wrote my first book-length fiction manuscript in 2020 during the Pandemic and set it in a fictional version of the place where I was born. I too felt compelled to set it during a war (WWI in my case). I also felt drawn to dig into structural/cultural issues regarding equality and systemic racism. I'm formatting my book now and working with an artist on the bookcover. Reading the description of The Beekeeper's Question felt like recognizing so many of the elements that inspired me to start drafting my own manuscript. I look forward to finding out where Christina Baldwin's Muse led her.
I'm also looking forward to spending time with your Tarot/Journal prompts. I absolutely love The Herbcrafters Tarot, which is new to me. It is expanding my perceptions regarding...well, life. Thank you so much!
Thank you for these gorgeous reflection questions, your sweet blessing for fog, fallen leaves and good books (holy yes!), and for the lovely theme of this post. This whole piece is as nourishing as a delicious maple oat bar! Thank you.
From 1967 to 1973, I spent as much time as possible on the San Mateo County Coast, especially Half Moon Bay and Montara Beach. I took my first yoga class in Redwood City in 1971. Just seeing the words Half Moon Bay brings up visions of that extraordinarily beautiful coastline, this time of year especially when there tends to be less fog. I've lived in Washington State since 1974 and still have dreams of the California coast.
I’m so grateful for the blessings of your thoughts. Especially today. I’m on my way to visit with the nun who has been my mentor and guide for 54 years. She suffered a fall and is in extended care at the her order’s retirement village.
Your words of wisdom and grace fill me with gratitude and love for the experiences of you. Many thanks for sharing your guidance .
You are correct. It is not an ending, only a completion.
Dear Joanna, I've followed your posts over the years and though I'm not an herb crafter or Tarot student, much of what you write about life resonates with me. I attended a number of shamanic workshops over the years at Aldermarsh, hosted by dear Janine Ellison (RIP). I felt its magic and miss those gatherings. I also subscribed to the Beltane Papers, though I never met any of the core group. I've seen that you have been going through major life changes that you've shared eloquently. I especially appreciate what you wrote today about "creative constraints."
I confess I get very annoyed by content written for elders like ourselves (I'm 76) in publications like AARP magazine and the freebies available at libraries, not to mention emails from my health care provider. The message is always: Get off your lazy bum, get out and exercise! Change your diet! Do yoga! Socialize! Run a marathon! Take a cruise! Prove yourself! Look like the gorgeous 50 year olds we illustrate this publication with! In other words: Don't be old!
Of course the subtext is: We won't talk about illness and death--no no no.
So I feel the need to defend myself. I have ME/CFS from several bad Epstein-Barr virus infections. I used to be an avid hiker and backpacker; now I feel good about myself if I can walk around the block a few times a week. I can't do daylong workshops; just don't have the energy. Ditto for most social events or yoga. HOWEVER, in the past eight years I've finished one novel manuscript and am 56K words into a new one, which I think will be my best yet. I weave, spin, knit, and crochet, activities I can do at my own pace at home. I garden just a bit. I try to nurture and bless the plants, trees, bees, birds, rabbits, and squirrels that call my backyard home. So I'm living with creative constraint, as you are.
Thanks if you're still reading this! Bless you! I love reading about your activities and how you're "doing" elderhood. It's a new territory, isn't it? We haven't been here, at least not in this lifetime.
My favorite writer, the late Pat Conroy, wrote earlier, "I turn 65 this year and I take old age seriously. There's work to be done."
Thank you, Ramona. I resonate with all you say here. I love finding out what heart-felt joy can be found within the limitations of age and illness. Here we are, still fighting off the dominant paradigm that tells us that aging and death are always to be feared! Goddess bless you too.
Oh my!! How I do love your words here! I, too, have loved following Joanna’s work across the years. I, too, am in my seventies. I truly love my friends—all the plants and creatures of my own backyard. (I also include the friendship of my loving home). Great luck with your writing! I, too, am putting pen to paper. I absolutely love my elder years, with their slower but richer experiences. Love to you, Ramona. 🙏 Than you. 💕
I love this post, Joanna. Especially the part about creative constraints and connecting them not just to art but to our lives. I think I shall share that with a friend today. Also a friend and I find reading books about World War II, both fascinating, sometimes horrifying and often amazing as to what people were able to do and accomplish under such terrible situations. I already ordered the book for my Kindle and look forward to it being my next read. “See” you this afternoon afternoon.🥰
I just purchased The Beekeeper's Question and look forward to reading it. I'm curious because I wrote my first book-length fiction manuscript in 2020 during the Pandemic and set it in a fictional version of the place where I was born. I too felt compelled to set it during a war (WWI in my case). I also felt drawn to dig into structural/cultural issues regarding equality and systemic racism. I'm formatting my book now and working with an artist on the bookcover. Reading the description of The Beekeeper's Question felt like recognizing so many of the elements that inspired me to start drafting my own manuscript. I look forward to finding out where Christina Baldwin's Muse led her.
I'm also looking forward to spending time with your Tarot/Journal prompts. I absolutely love The Herbcrafters Tarot, which is new to me. It is expanding my perceptions regarding...well, life. Thank you so much!
That’s so exciting, Leenie, to hear of your book and the similarities to Christina’s. And so glad to hear you love the Herbcrafter’s. Thank you!
22! Yes, a completion. I so appreciate how you teach about completions, endings, rebirthings, death ... all of life lived in a circle.
Always.
Big hugs to you, Carolyn.
Thank you for these gorgeous reflection questions, your sweet blessing for fog, fallen leaves and good books (holy yes!), and for the lovely theme of this post. This whole piece is as nourishing as a delicious maple oat bar! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your voice here ... and maple oat bars! Yum !
Yes! I heard this recipe on my favorite herbal podcast Herbs with Rosalee. You can find Kimberly Gallagher's ah-mazing recipe for Maple Oat Squares here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast137.html
From 1967 to 1973, I spent as much time as possible on the San Mateo County Coast, especially Half Moon Bay and Montara Beach. I took my first yoga class in Redwood City in 1971. Just seeing the words Half Moon Bay brings up visions of that extraordinarily beautiful coastline, this time of year especially when there tends to be less fog. I've lived in Washington State since 1974 and still have dreams of the California coast.
It is still a special place...
I’m so grateful for the blessings of your thoughts. Especially today. I’m on my way to visit with the nun who has been my mentor and guide for 54 years. She suffered a fall and is in extended care at the her order’s retirement village.
Your words of wisdom and grace fill me with gratitude and love for the experiences of you. Many thanks for sharing your guidance .
You are correct. It is not an ending, only a completion.
Surrounding you with love and healing
Mary Beth
Thank you, Mary Beth. Sending love & healing back to you and your nun friend. 54 years of mentorship and friendship is something!
Dear Joanna, I've followed your posts over the years and though I'm not an herb crafter or Tarot student, much of what you write about life resonates with me. I attended a number of shamanic workshops over the years at Aldermarsh, hosted by dear Janine Ellison (RIP). I felt its magic and miss those gatherings. I also subscribed to the Beltane Papers, though I never met any of the core group. I've seen that you have been going through major life changes that you've shared eloquently. I especially appreciate what you wrote today about "creative constraints."
I confess I get very annoyed by content written for elders like ourselves (I'm 76) in publications like AARP magazine and the freebies available at libraries, not to mention emails from my health care provider. The message is always: Get off your lazy bum, get out and exercise! Change your diet! Do yoga! Socialize! Run a marathon! Take a cruise! Prove yourself! Look like the gorgeous 50 year olds we illustrate this publication with! In other words: Don't be old!
Of course the subtext is: We won't talk about illness and death--no no no.
So I feel the need to defend myself. I have ME/CFS from several bad Epstein-Barr virus infections. I used to be an avid hiker and backpacker; now I feel good about myself if I can walk around the block a few times a week. I can't do daylong workshops; just don't have the energy. Ditto for most social events or yoga. HOWEVER, in the past eight years I've finished one novel manuscript and am 56K words into a new one, which I think will be my best yet. I weave, spin, knit, and crochet, activities I can do at my own pace at home. I garden just a bit. I try to nurture and bless the plants, trees, bees, birds, rabbits, and squirrels that call my backyard home. So I'm living with creative constraint, as you are.
Thanks if you're still reading this! Bless you! I love reading about your activities and how you're "doing" elderhood. It's a new territory, isn't it? We haven't been here, at least not in this lifetime.
My favorite writer, the late Pat Conroy, wrote earlier, "I turn 65 this year and I take old age seriously. There's work to be done."
Goddess bless you and your work!
Thank you, Ramona. I resonate with all you say here. I love finding out what heart-felt joy can be found within the limitations of age and illness. Here we are, still fighting off the dominant paradigm that tells us that aging and death are always to be feared! Goddess bless you too.
Oh my!! How I do love your words here! I, too, have loved following Joanna’s work across the years. I, too, am in my seventies. I truly love my friends—all the plants and creatures of my own backyard. (I also include the friendship of my loving home). Great luck with your writing! I, too, am putting pen to paper. I absolutely love my elder years, with their slower but richer experiences. Love to you, Ramona. 🙏 Than you. 💕
Keep on writing, MG and Ramona! Always! Big hugs.
I love this post, Joanna. Especially the part about creative constraints and connecting them not just to art but to our lives. I think I shall share that with a friend today. Also a friend and I find reading books about World War II, both fascinating, sometimes horrifying and often amazing as to what people were able to do and accomplish under such terrible situations. I already ordered the book for my Kindle and look forward to it being my next read. “See” you this afternoon afternoon.🥰
Thanks Robin. That teaching of Lyn's is profound. And I hope you love the book. See you later today on Zoom. 😊