Blog ~ Ruffled Feathers

Thoughts, ideas, perspectives, ruminations. If we make it through life without ruffling a few feathers, have we really lived?

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Snuggle Bunnies – Day 915

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Spartacus and Tigger – Photo: L. Weikel

Snuggle Bunnies

I know I’m not divulging anything new if I clue you in to the fact that these two creatures are the best snuggle bunnies ever. And I’m not talking about snuggling with each other, either (like they’re doing in this photo)!

No, Spartacus and Tigger are my stalwart companions, day and night.

My day invariably begins with Spartacus jumping into bed with me, burrowing under the covers, and literally pressing his back into the small of mine, perfectly aligning his body along my spinal column. He’s slept with us all night, mind you. But he usually gets up early with Karl, and upon his return, stakes out his favorite territory – my back.

Meanwhile, like clockwork, Tigger trots into our bedroom as soon as he hears me stir. He mrrrows at me (every single morning!), seemingly asking for permission to approach (or perhaps just saying good morning), and ensconces himself on the other side of my body. He, too, snuggles up and conforms his body to mine, except he’s up against my front, with my hand buried into the fur of his tummy. I can’t imagine any of the other cats I’ve loved in my life putting up with, much less seeking out, such assertive cuddling!

I have to admit, some days it’s almost impossible to drag myself out from under the covers.

Nighttime Ritual Too

But just as they protect me, front and back, each morning, they also tag team me at night as well. It’s adorable, really, to witness their routine.

Every night, Spartacus expectantly stares at Karl when he starts falling asleep on the couch. He then escorts Karl upstairs, luring him with the prospect of some of the same snuggles Karl sees me receiving in the morning. Tigger is almost always already upstairs on our bed by that time.

After about half an hour (believing Karl’s asleep?), Spart returns downstairs, jumps up beside me on the couch and promptly falls asleep. He keeps me company while I write. Tigger, meanwhile, comes downstairs for a quick drink when he hears me closing my laptop, but is then eager to return to the dreamtime.

I’m guessing you’re all acutely aware of how tired I am tonight. My snuggle bunnies are calling.

Just another benefit of that unconditional love I wrote about yesterday, I guess.

(T-196)

Unconditional Love – Day 914

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
“I love you, Mommy” – Photo: L. Weikel

Unconditional Love

It’s really easy to slip into the habit of taking people, things, and circumstances in our lives for granted. In my experience, it seems that those we’re most likely to take for granted are the ones who love us unconditionally. And when we speak of unconditional love, I wonder just how many of us live it and feel it – either extending it to others or having it extended toward us. Whether giving it or receiving it, I suspect that, for most of us, love with no strings attached is as precious as hen’s teeth.

I’m not waxing on about unconditional love based on some romantic notion. And I guarantee I’m not raising it in commentary on the current escalation of deeply troubling geopolitical circumstances.

No, I’m feeling pretty basic and simplistic this evening. As I mentioned in last night’s post, I’m trying to keep things light. I’m not looking much past my very own nose for subject matter at the moment. It feels like our lives are booby trapped with potentially incendiary topics at every turn.

Where does a person turn for respite in such circumstances?

Tigger – with love in his eyes – Photo: L. Weikel

Creatures

If we’re lucky and seeking a place of solace or a taste of that elusive sense that we’re loved without a single ounce of hesitancy, we need only look into the eyes of our pets. And yes, I’m using the generic word ‘pets’ as opposed to either dog or cat because, quite honestly, I’ve seen such extraordinary love in both species. Cats may be aloof, but they know how to love (even if we might suspect otherwise).

Even Cletus – Photo: L. Weikel

And dogs?

All I can say is, the eyes have it.

I dare anyone to look into that face and tell me Spartacus doesn’t love me unconditionally. And yes, I’ve included photos of our cats as well, photos that capture a connection that feels even greater than a simple ‘heart’ (or, cynically, ‘tummy’) connection: a soul connection. To my mind, that is unconditional love.

I truly believe that our familiars have the capacity to love us unconditionally. And when they do, they model for us the highest expression of loving another. It’s love with no strings. I joke that Spartacus only loves me for the treats I dispense, but in my heart, I know that’s not true. He loves me to my core. He loves me for my core.

It makes me wonder sometimes. How do people survive this often terribly harsh life without sharing their lives with these beings? I swear, sometimes the belief I see in their eyes – the forgiveness, the devotion –  remind me of how I want to look at other people. And maybe even myself sometimes.

Why do so many of us find that so hard?

I love you – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-197)

Keeping It Light – Day 913

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Yet another Ent – Photo: L. Weikel

Keeping It Light

Those of you who faithfully read my posts each day (and who will never truly know how much they’re appreciated) are probably noticing my recent dedication to keeping it light. I know; I write a lot about clouds and messengers, flowers and weather – and I throw some musings on stars and the moon in as well – both astronomically and astrologically.

I’ve made a point of not delving too deeply into politics – especially since the insurrection of January 6th. I’m trusting (perhaps naively) that the truth will ultimately be revealed and consequences will be reaped. The last thing I think any of us want or need (especially if you happen to catch my posts first thing in the morning) is me holding forth on issues that feel as though they’re in the process of resolution.

I’m just happy and relieved beyond measure that our country feels like it’s moving forward again. In spite of all the vitriol that continues to spew from certain factions, overall, I sense an energetic shift has taken place and we’re no longer spinning our wheels (and splattering mud all over anything unlucky enough to be near us).

Things May Be Changing

Well, that unofficial silence on controversial matters may soon be coming to an end. Not that I’m planning on railing about any one thing or another (at least I don’t intend to at the moment)– we all know that’s subject to change at the drop of a hat. But I do have a strong sense that our hiatus of attempting to resume even a remote sense of normalcy is about to become profoundly disrupted yet again.

It’s interesting. I’ve had a few of my closest friends and associates contact me lately to ask if I (too) can feel the shift in the air. Something’s building, something’s growing, and yes, something’s becoming more and more unsettled. The question is not whether we can avoid it (we can’t). It seems to me the very best thing we can do right now is look at the patterns unfolding around us, watch what’s happening not only in our personal lives but across the country and the world, and heighten our awareness of it all. Now is not the time to be anesthetizing ourselves with any of our most common distractions: work, beer, tv, wine, video games, pot (depending upon where you live).

Not to say we can’t indulge – but it behooves us to keep at least one foot on the floor in the coming days, because it’s going to become increasingly easy to become unmoored.

Look out – Photo: L. Weikel

The Astrology

I listened to this podcast the other day. In it, Rick Levine lays out the aspects and implications of so many of the configurations so clearly that I simply must recommend it. I know it’s long (it’s about 90 minutes), but the podcast addresses what we should stay alert for over the next month extremely well. I’ll admit it: I’ve listened to it a couple of times on my most recent walks, and I’ve used the rewind button liberally. I feel like I’ve learned a ton in this particular podcast. And just between the first time I listened (four days or so ago) and now, events are unfolding that only serve to confirm the influences referenced.

This is fascinating stuff. It behooves us to pay attention. Life is so much richer when we have some sense of what’s happening all around us and what we can and can’t influence.

Holding our centers and maintaining enough awareness about what’s going on around us that we’re not blindsided by external events can make all the difference in the world.

Clouds and Trees and Familiars

Give a listen to this podcast. Pay attention to what’s going on. But take some time every single day to revel in some beautiful clouds or the appearance of an Ent on your walk or the adoring gaze of a pet. It’s the little stuff that keeps us going when the big stuff becomes too intense.

What’s happening here? – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-198)

Cranesbill – Day 912

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
A Lone Cranesbill Along Our Path – Photo: L. Weikel

Cranesbill

Aha! I was just seeing if you were paying attention. Of course, I’m sure you immediately thought to yourself when you saw the title of this post, Cranesbill, “I can’t believe she’s milking the Wild Geraniums she saw on a walk two days ago for yet a third post. Good grief, she is shameless.”

Indeed, you’d be right.

Yes, I’m parlaying my recent discovery of the name of the lovely pale purple wildflower growing prolifically along roadsides into one final post. These wildflowers are seemingly everywhere now. I’m equally sure I’m seeing and recognizing them now because I made a conscious effort to learn their name so I would no longer pass by them with no recognition.

The reason I’m writing one last post, though, is because I just had to look up the spiritual attributes of Geranium. Alleviation of the physical symptoms that respond to Geranium didn’t feel like an immediate concern to me (thank goodness). And then the light bulb went off and I realized I’d failed to look up Geranium’s significance in my trusty Nature Speak* by Ted Andrews.

The Message – on this New Moon

As usual, in looking up the message Geranium might be bringing me (since it’s practically been haunting me the past few days), I’m both fascinated and intrigued by what I’ve discovered in the aforementioned Nature Speak:

“Geranium (geranium)

Keynote: new happiness and vitality; take advantage of new opportunities

Geranium is a perennial that comes in many colors. They are usually found and grown as groundcover in woodland gardens and rockeries. Some varieties suppress weeds through mounts of their leaves and flowers. They are easy to grow and the blooms are saucer-shaped. They are a summer blooming plant, making this a messenger about efforts coming to fruition having greater success in summer.

Geranium means ‘crane’s bill.’ In southern Africa, a variety of it is called stork’s bill. The crane, the animal to which this flower is also associated by its name, is a symbol of the solar deities and the bridging of the spiritual and physical realms. This flower and its energies awaken a greater sense of happiness and stir the heart chakra into greater healing and a renewed sense of joy in life. It vitalizes the aura of the individual which strongly repercusses on all those within one’s life. It helps one to pinpoint and grab life’s happiness. In most geranium beds, there will be an elf who oversees the entire area.

Geraniums as messengers foretell new happiness and vitality in our life. They also can show you where you may be missing opportunities for happiness. And they alert us to take advantage of new opportunities when they arise. Are we hesitating? Now is the time to act.”

Take-Away

Who knew?! What a delightful and most unexpected message to receive. And the synchronicity of this messenger arriving just as we approached today’s new moon, which calls upon us to plant seeds leading to new opportunities in the fertile earthiness of Taurus, is just wonderful to contemplate.

I love the intimation that where geraniums grow, an elf oversees that area. Gee, I’ve not been too obsessed with Beings hovering around the area lately, right?

Hmm. Pretty cool.

Watcher – Photo: L. Weikel

*Affiliate Link

(T-199)

Wild Geranium – Day 911

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
My Purple Wildflower: Wild Geranium (Cranesbill) – Photo: L. Weikel

Wild Geranium

Yes indeed, it pays to have friends who know their flora. In yesterday’s post, I included a photo of a delicately sweet purple wildflower that I’d only noticed and appreciated on my walk earlier that day. Not one but two close friends identified that purple wildflower as Wild Geranium – also known as Cranesbill.

Beyond having very smart friends, this also confirms that I would make an absolutely abysmal herbalist. Actually, not only am I not the person to go to for guidance on the healing powers of plants – I don’t (or barely) even know which ones I could eat without killing myself. Which is why, if I ever decide to go off into the wilderness, I’d better ask Wendy or Margaret to come along. (And while I realize I have a several more friends who would also fit the bill – I want to clarify that they’re the ones who made the positive ID on FB this morning, so they win the prize.)

Noticing

In yesterday’s post, I mused that I’d only noticed these purple blossoms that day. Upon reflection, I surely must’ve seen them before. It’s fascinating, if a little unsettling, to contemplate how many things I see or look at each day and never even notice. My eyes just gloss right over a million things. Every day.

Today, for instance, I was intent upon examining the Cranesbill more closely in order to verify the identification. Sure enough, when I bent down and really took a good look at the entire plant, I could see how the leaves are the same shape as domesticated geraniums that are available in hanging pots all over the place.

Odd ‘Coincidence’

What’s slightly amusing to me is that just this past weekend I’d been out hunting for a hanging plant for our porch. I knew I’d know what I wanted when I saw it, and I even laughed at myself for being so picky. I perused the selections of at least four garden centers before finding what I wanted. The funny thing about that? I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “One plant I know I don’t want is geranium. Ick. I don’t like them.”

Ha!

It wasn’t more than 24-48 hours later that wild geranium had me swooning. Of course, knowing me by now, you know I looked it up. As far as traditional herbal usage of the plant goes, I’m grateful I’m not in need of its healing properties at the moment. (And from the sound of the afflictions it remedies, I think I better hope I never do.)

On my walk tonight, of course, I was acutely aware of their presence. And yes, I apologized to the spirit of geranium. I now realize I’m quite fond of the wild variety, at the very least.

Wild Geranium – aka Cranesbill – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-200)

Some Beautiful Things – Day 910

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Buttercup – Photo: L. Weikel

Some Beautiful Things

Between my walks yesterday and today (both of which I managed to get in just under the wire, dodging the rain), I managed to photograph some beautiful things. I just love how every once in a while I discover something small beside the road and when I zoom in on it, it appears even more exquisite than it did when I first glimpsed it.

Most of my walks lately have been silent. I wonder if this causes me to notice the little things even more. I don’t know.

The first flower I came upon today – which I don’t think I’ve written a post about before (although I may be wrong) – was the buttercup. I saw a flower being written about on Facebook a week or so ago, and the people writing were calling the yellow flowers buttercups. But they didn’t look like the buttercups I grew up with.

The ones I grew up with looked like the one above. I remember holding them under the chin of my friend Chris, or my mom, or even under my own wrist – you know, to see if it reflected yellow, which meant you ‘liked butter.’ Ha – I never was a big butter fan when I was younger. But I always loved the magic of buttercups.

Spartacus enjoyed tromping around on them today. I didn’t pick any, so I’m not sure if they reflected on him. But I do know he loves butter.

Spartacus Wondering What All the Fuss Is About – Photo: L. Weikel

Another Beauty

I’m not sure what wildflower this is, but it was a singlet – alone in the midst of a lot of greenery. I don’t remember seeing it yesterday, so it’s possible it only bloomed this morning.

Forgive me – I feel like I can get lost in the act of just staring into the faces of these wildflowers. They’re simply lovely.

Somehow or another, just seeing them today reminded me of the countryside in which I grew up. I have to wonder how it is that those days seem so long ago yet almost just yesterday.

Purple Wildflower Perfection – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-201)

Lean On Me – Day 909

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Dandelion Siblings – Photo: L. Weikel

Lean On Me

I don’t even know what initially caught my eye about these two. They were simply on the side of the road, minding their own business. The first thing I think I noticed was how closely they were huddled. They looked like  siblings – and yet from another perspective they appeared to have had very different life experiences. It looked as if one was saying to the other, “It’s OK. You can lean on me.”

A gust of wind caught them just right. Their heads started bobbing and bowing, calling my attention to the distinctive appearance one had from the other. I wondered to myself how their experiences could’ve been so different when they so obviously grew up in an almost identical environment.

But upon closer inspection, it was as if one had been caught in a rainstorm or something. Its magic seed pods clumping together instead of fanning out in the traditional parachute-like canopy.

They were each delicately beautiful in their own unique ways. And when I photographed them together, their differences seemed to highlight each of their best characteristics.

Another Gust of Wind

When another gust of wind caught all of a bit off guard, I got a shot from a perspective I probably wouldn’t have sought otherwise. The stems of dandelions are not usually a focal point when I gaze upon them. From tightly clenched bud to brilliant expression of pure sunshine, I rarely look at the stem. That holds true for when they go to seed and become puffy wish givers as well.

But when I saw the bend in the stem, I knew why one looked sadder than the other. Somehow, in some way, life had dealt one of them a harder blow than the other. One of these dandelions was operating at a disadvantage. Its stem, while unbroken, was nevertheless askew. And a bent stem never seems to heal all the way.

No wonder the other seemed to hover protectively.

Did it sense its sibling had taken a hit, albeit from a passing car, a careless footstep, or perhaps even wild storm? Was one whispering in the ear of the other, “Just lean on me. We’re almost there.”

I have no idea; I doubt it, though. But one thing I don’t doubt is that together they appeared exquisitely beautiful in the moments I spent with them.

Lean on me; I’ve got you – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-202)

Pair of Hummingbirds – Day 908

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Mommy Hummingbird in Profile – Photo: L. Weikel

Pair of Hummingbirds

I’m not sensing a dominant topic asserting itself tonight in the ethers surrounding my laptop. As a result, I may be relegated to simply chit chatting tonight and giving an update on this and that, with no overarching theme. My ideas seem to be just flitting about like the pair of hummingbirds who’ve moved into our yard.

I should probably disclose right now that I’m sitting here on the couch with the front door slightly ajar. I’m listening to the rain splash down in that unmistakably soothing manner that only happens when the shagbark hickory, magnolias, and cherry trees just outside the door are dressed in their full leafy regalia. The patter of the raindrops is almost akin to a springtime lullaby.

Indeed, my bed beckons irresistibly this most perfect night for sleeping. The temperature outside is ideally suited to us simply having our windows open, devoid of any mechanical means of drawing in, circulating, humidifying, or cooling the air in our bedroom. And precisely because of this dearth of human-generated noise, we’ll be serenaded solely by the sounds of nature.

Be Still My Heart

Beyond the siren song of the rain and the cool breeze whispering in through the screened windows, I’m even more eager to hit the sheets, so to speak. That’s because tonight those sheets are new. Yes! We have a brand new (and freshly washed) set on the bed, an indulgence I justified as a Mother’s Day gift to myself. They’re made of Tencel Modal, a material made of sustainably harvested beech, bamboo, or eucalyptus. I’m a total sucker for this material, its softness floods my tactile proclivities with endorphins.

Combined with the after-effects of doing yoga for the first time in half an eon yesterday and mowing lawn again today, my body is swooning and egging me on to finish this post already and get us to bed.

Little did I realize that my post tonight would mostly center on my preoccupation with my new sheets, but there it is: Life with Lisa. An edge-of-your-seat extravaganza of daily excitement.

My Gift to You

My gift to you this evening is that I’m sharing photos of the Mommy and Daddy hummingbirds that have moved into our yard instead of our sheets. Nope! No photos of our sheets, no matter how you protest.

Hummingbirds. They’re much more interesting, I assure you. Although they’re probably not nearly as great to sleep with – or on.

Daddy Ruby-Throated – Photo: L.Weikel

(T-203)

A Return – Day 907

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Post-Yoga Serenity – Photo: L. Weikel

A Return

Today I experienced a taste of the way life used to be – a taste of something I totally took for granted. I experienced a return to something familiar.

I’ll be honest: the pandemic was merely an excuse. I’d slacked off outrageously for at least a year before the plague struck. And I can’t even articulate a reason. So the truth is even more heinous than the superficial appearance: before today, I hadn’t been to yoga in at least two years*.

I’m not even sure what finally motivated me to drag my carcass to the studio, but I finally relented. It was probably an inchoate sense that my time for slacking was over. Denial was no longer an option.

Ugh; I Just Can’t – Photo: L. Weikel

Getting Back On the Mat

The owner of the yoga studio was as surprised to see me walk in the door as I was to arrive there. When she asked me how I wanted to pay (for a single class or did I want to buy a package of five classes – or ten), I was tempted to just pay for one. Heck – I was skeptical I’d make it through a single class. I’m not kidding. You’d know I wasn’t kidding if you lived with me and could hear me groan like an elk in mating season whenever I get up off the floor.

But here I was – not even sitting on my map and warming up – being faced with making a commitment to the future.

Half Happy Baby Is Better Than None – Photo: L. Weikel

While the two-year hiatus I’d just engaged in was indeed a long slog of ignoring my body’s need to stretch, I’d actually been worse at an earlier stage in my life. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I even contemplated doing yoga once a week. So technically, I’d already overcome a 20 year slug-a-thon.

Was This Time Different?

Getting back on the wagon now? Heck yeah.

I reminded myself what it was like after I went to my first yoga class back when I was 38 or so. I remembered the drive home that evening. My body was vibrating. I could feel myself sitting three inches taller behind the wheel of my car.

Through every pose, though, my mind had screamed, “I can’t do this! Oh my God! This is horrible! I hate this! I don’t want to do this anymore! Why am I here?”

And at the very same time as my mind screeched its outrage, my body was nearly weeping with relief. It was one of the strangest feelings I’ve ever witnessed and felt at the same time. I literally experienced the dichotomy between my mind’s resistance and my body’s relief.

Aaah – Photo: L. Weikel

Setting My Intention

So yeah, of course, my response was: “In for a penny; in for a pound. Even though I’m not sure whether I’ll make it through today’s class without weeping, sign me up for a ten-pack of classes.”

How was it, you might ask? Overall, it felt great. There were moments, I’ll admit, that were reminiscent of that first yoga class 25 years or so ago. But I have to say – I’ve been telling my body all day how grateful I am for her. She’s better than a Timex watch.

And since I’m not into selfies, nor would I abuse you, my dear readers, by subjecting you to shots of me doing yoga (ew – just the thought makes me shudder), I’m going to allow my cats (both living and deceased) to act out today’s class.

It felt delicious. This was a return that feels profoundly beneficial on many levels.

Exhausted But Content – Photo: L. Weikel

*And judging from this post, aside from the occasional ‘random’ yoga class, it’s actually been longer than two years that I engaged in this practice with any consistency whatsoever. Sad.

(T-204)

Stormy Weather – Day 906

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Stormy Weather Approaching – Photo: L. Weikel

Stormy Weather

There’s nothing like some stormy weather to bring sky visions that make me want to swoon. Actually, instead of falling away in a faint, I simply find myself stopping every several yards to gape in wonder at the magnificence unfolding across the aerial landscape.

When I have to walk alone (I should clarify: when only Spartacus and I are on a walk) I find myself snapping impatiently at the poor pup, who only wants to keep moving to the next scent station while I insist on taking yet another photo. I can almost hear him whining “But Mommy, you just took three photos. We need to keep mooooviiiing.” And so he tugs on his leash, which jerks my arms and jiggles my phone, and causes me to mess up the photo.

But the shifting clouds and sunlight, the shapes transforming before my eyes, the shafts of light creating elevators to the Hanaqpacha (Upper World) beckon irresistibly. I know first-hand: if you blink your eyes they’re gone. And just because the sky is full of mysterious permutations at the moment does not mean they’ll be here tomorrow. Far from it. They may not be here five minutes from now. Thus, I must seize the moment, puppy impatience be damned.

Soften your gaze – North Wind – Photo: L. Weikel

North Wind

Much to Spartacus’s chagrin, I couldn’t stop stopping today. The magic was relentless. I was simply happy we were managing to get a walk in at all. Just as my ‘work’ day was coming to a close, the aforementioned stormy weather really kicked in and I started to doubt. But the wind and rain only lasted for an hour or so, and Spart and I soon decided to risk it.

Look at the above cloud bank. Soften your gaze. Do you see the face within the great blue grayness? It’s reminiscent, to me at least, of the bronzed face of Harrison Ford (as Han Solo) in the second Star Wars movie. I didn’t see that face until I got home. I took the photo for the simple purpose of capturing the power aloft.

Good Boy

Maybe ten minutes later at the most, I couldn’t allow the exquisite beauty unfolding before my eyes to go unrecorded one more moment. “Spart! Hang on! Come ‘ere!” My commands punctuated the shushing of the wind as it worked to unfurl the newly budded leaves of the ash, sycamore, and maples behind me. The setting sun illuminating wisps of clouds in peach colored garb wouldn’t wait.

He listened – for the most part. Well enough to deserve two treats after Mommy took her dumb photos. What a good boy.

(T-205)