Category Archives: Stories & Musings

SIMPLIFY!

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Susan

My mother had a green coffee mug with the word “Simplify” written across it in white block letters. It had been her life’s motto, and it served her well. In her final years, she lived in a small senior apartment … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Nature, Stories & Musings | 13 Comments

Kissing the Sea

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Susan

I awoke this morning to the sounds of seagulls outside. It took me a minute to remember I was not in my own bed, but snuggled into a warm bed in a seaside Air B&B. The day before, hubby John … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Nature, Stories & Musings | Tagged | 5 Comments

Coincidence or Providence

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Susan

NOTE: For some reason, FB will not allow me onto its site anymore. This may be a glitch of some kind or it might be a message from the Universe, but I’ve decided this: I’ll do my best to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Nature, Stories & Musings | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Routine and Ritual

Posted on January 9, 2021 by Susan

My mother always told me that it was good to have a life bordered by regular daily routines. She learned will power and firm resolve when she was in the Hitler Youth in Germany. The Youth program was all about … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Nature, Beekeeping, Stories & Musings | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Finding Peace in an Insane World–Part II

Posted on September 29, 2018 by Susan

Sheesh, it took me a long time to get back to this! So, twenty-plus backyard swarms, tomato harvests, bird rescues, bee rescues, and many months of watering later, I am here to continue my reflection on finding balance in an … Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Nature, Stories & Musings | Tagged | 4 Comments

Finding Peace in a Mad, Mad World–Part 1

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Susan

Over the years, I’ve had many readers ask me how I keep sane in a world so full of unimaginable suffering. Having worked for several humane societies and wildlife centers over the years, I have seen no small share of … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories & Musings | 2 Comments

Befriending the Dark

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Susan

With Solstice behind us, the light is circling back, yet we are still enfolded by the dark moons. I’ve always loved the cold months and the dim light. I’m a woman who likes cocooning and snuggling and pondering, and winter … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories & Musings | 5 Comments

Raising Happiness

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Susan

This past weekend, I remembered that I had a kitchen. It is a fact that escapes me for most of the summer months. Entranced by my garden and all of the precious tiny creatures who visit me in surprising fashion … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Bugs & Bees, Stories & Musings | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

CULTIVATING WONDER

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Susan

After a full night of freezing rain, MillHaven is coated once again in clear, glistening glass. The ducks, Bella and Lucy, hid in their coop yesterday afternoon and I had to push them out to add more fresh straw just … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories & Musings | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Bless the Mothers

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Susan

Mothers have been on my mind lately. My friend just lost her mother last week to cancer. My own mother passed just a year ago now. Chipper, the mama squirrel who has been visiting me for peanuts for four years … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories & Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 12 Comments