Inspired... Once Again

Part 1

I just got finished reading this post, Herbalism On the Edge by Kiva Rose. Her post proved once again to me, that although I have never had the privilege of actually meeting Kiva in person, (I do harbors hopes of doing so one day), I count her as a trusted friend and teacher on my path. Her post also has spurred me on to take a look at what is going on in my life, breathe a minute and reach out via this blog again.

I think one of the hardest thing regarding the evolution from Philly FarmGirl to Village WiseWoman was the life changes I was undergoing, and that reflected in my posts. No longer were my posts focused of the joy I found in mothering my three children and homeschooling. Now they were about trying to find my none too clear path and focus on who I was becoming. Then when it seemed I was finding my way, the need to earn an income seemed to consume me to the point I no longer had time for the magic of living. Even the names seem to reflect the becoming, from farm girl to wise woman.

Becoming and being who I truly am is challenging for me, as I well imagine it is for the rest of humanity who truly desires to live life fully and be their whole and wild selves. If I am to be completely honest here, you may not like what you see/read. Do I write for the readers or do I write for me? And if I write for the readers which readers do I write for, since I am a member of many tribes. So, here goes nothing. I am simply going to write about, well, everything! Everything and anything that I am interested whether it be spiritual, herbal, birth related, dance related fiber arts, whatever! Whatever flavor of the day it may be, I will write. Some days I may be the Wise Woman in all her wildly wonderful ways, other days I may simply be another seeker of truth and peace and still others I may simply post nonsense (yeah, nonsense is fun too). You will find posts filled with absolute faith and others that may be part of a dark night of the soul journey. Whatever the case I am going to treat this blog as I did in the very beginning of my blogging days, back in '05, like you are visiting with me in my home, sitting at my kitchen table enjoying a cup a tea/coffee. And if you like it, feel free to leave a comment and if not, comment too. Discussions are good too!

Part 2

Let me begin by telling you along with a new job, life changes and the absurdity of social networking, I have really been missing this blog.

So, what have I been up to.

Well, I am currently earning an income very happily, with a new group of little ones. They really are all quite delightful and I am pretty sure I work with children just so I will always have an excuse to play, explore and have an audience with which to hone my storytelling and song writing skills. (Oh yeah Raffi, I see you shaking in your boots over there)

I am also happily still teaching tribal belly dance. If you're in the Philly area you really should come dance with me. We have a lovely group of ladies that gather together and we have a whole lot of fun!

This past April I helped start a Red Tent Temple in the Philly area. That has been an amazing and transforming experience for me and many other ladies. I really cannot even begin to describe what is like other that it is very organic, safe and nurturing. I am honored and so blessed to be among some kick ass wise women every new moon. Again, if you are in the area you are very welcome to join us!

I have been realizing and becoming more comfortable with who I am and my own skin. Listen, it has taken a helluva long time to get here and I am planning to continue to learn and grow but it sure as hell feels good to finally not care (all that much) what folks think.

"Your acceptance, while it would thrill me, will not define me. My identity rests firmly and happily on one fact. I am my mother's daughter." ~Spanglish

I am still realizing what it means to be a Medicine Woman/Wise Woman and am joyfully accepting the mantle. I am realizing more and more that I am simply a teacher or guide. I am simply there to point out what may work or shine light on possibilities. Thus far it has meant I do more of what I have always done like counseling and mentoring. I have also discovered it means answering a lot of questions on

• parenting
• babies
• birth
• breastfeeding
• sickness
• herbs
• marriage

Which lucky for me is also something I've done for quite a while and happens to be subjects I like to learn and talk about. Unfortunately it does not mean I have become an expert or have discovered all the answers which, quite honestly, sucks. Anyone who knows me, knows I would like to have the answer to cure every ill, solve every problem, and heal every wound. But it is simply not the case and even though it does suck, it is what it should be. It helps me to remember that it is not my responsibility to cure, solve and heal every ill, but that each person has a responsibility in their own healing process.

So, what have you been up to? What are you learning? Who are you becoming?