Stepping Up

After a beautiful day in the sun, I decided to take a longer walk home through the local wooded area. As I was coming out of the forest into a meadow, I saw flames along the right side of the pathway. On the street about 50 feet away I saw two people watching the flames. There was one man on his cellphone and I called out, "Did you call 911? Did you call the fire department?"

"Yes, they are on their way," he replied as he finished telling the person on the phone the location.

Since I was closest to the fire, I assessed the situation quickly and I decided to do what I could to get it out. The flames were spreading in different directions and I knew that I could at least get some of the flames down. "Be careful," the man on the street called out to me. I guess I decided to jump in right away. "It's okay, I am just going to remove some dry plants so that the fire doesn't spread," I called back.

When I got closer to the flames I said with respect, "It’s okay, dear Fire, you can go out now." I was a bit nervous because the flames on the other side of the field were moving faster than the ones closest to me. When the flames in front of me lower I stomped them down. At one point, the flames were moving faster than I expected and flared up beside me. I stepped back and said with respect, "Thank you Fire." Once the flames lowered again, I stomped them down.

When I looked up for the flames on the other side of the area they lower too. I immediately crossed the burnt field with 8 or 9 steps and stomped on the remaining flames. The fire along the cement pathway went out on its own. Wherever I saw smoke I stomped on it in case the flames restarted. Once I got back to the side of the cement pathway, I looked back at the street and saw a fire truck pulling into the park. The truck drove down the pathway and pulled up beside me. One firefighter jumped out and said, "Are you looking for a job?"

I'm not sure if he was trying to be funny but I replied, "No." I watched how the other fire fighters quickly stomped down the remaining area to disperse any loose ashes. I realized that they did not want to speak to me, so I walked away.

I love those woods and I had to do what I could to put out the fire. It's not the first time I saw flames in the woods and it’s not the first time I put out a small fire. However, it was the first time that I ever spoke directly to the fire and said thank you.

I was lucky that I did not get burned because the flames did rise higher than I expected. However, I did trust that the conditions were safe. I knew that there were low wind levels and most of the dried bushes were low to the ground. So once again, "Thank you Fire. I respect you and I appreciate you."

Tree Dances

Energy created after singing and dancing
around a tree. (January 21, 2016)

A tree dance is a form of gratitude and reverence performed by dancing and singing to a tree or trees. I set an intention to connect lovingly with the tree(s). I bow and ask the tree if I can sing a song and dance for it. Sometimes I hear, "yes",  in that case, I start to sing and dance.

Sometimes I hear, "no". Truly, it can be.  When the answer is no, I ask, "what can I do for you?" Some trees and nature spirits want people to clean up the garbage in the area.  It only takes a few minutes and it helps all beings: trees, animals, insects, water, earth, air and even humans.  So I will totally cleanup the area.  Other trees do not want to have anything to do with people and the answer is "do not bother me."  When I hear that type of answer, I immediately say, "thank you for answering" and walk away.  I can try another day.

Lesson: Do NOT force your energy on anything or anyone.  This is important to remember always. (I did not expect to write that part but it is important to mention.)

Once I finish clearing the area I state my intention of gratitude and respect to the tree. I wait a few moments for the song to form and then I dance.  Each tree has its own energy and sense of humour. Yes it has a sense of humour especially for staying in one place for many years.  

For many years, I sang and danced around trees.
But this image is the first time I felt compelled to
draw the energy I co-created with a tree.
(September 2015)

During a tree dance, I allow myself to feel the energies completely.  This brings different sensation and images to me as I'm dancing.  Emotions of joy or sadness come up to be released.  I find that most times, I giggle or laugh once I finish dancing.  Some dances are 5 minutes while others can last over 1 hour.  

After I finish a tree dance, I take the time to listen for any additional insights that may come up.  Most messages are directed towards personal development whereas some messages are about bring more peace to the world.  For many years, I would only sing and dance but in September 2015, I felt compelled to draw the energies that I co-created with a tree. I did not realized how important this first drawing was until later.

Why am I sharing this now?   Well, it's a matter of process really.

The original image was created in pen and
in my journal on October 14, 2015.
I created this image on December 9, 2015.

I only shared my tree dances with a few people.  It was a private and personal experience.  However, I felt compelled to continue singing and dancing around trees.  

This was created on April 1, 2016.

Some energies required expression and documenting immediately so I drew them in my private journal.  A tree dance helps the person as well as the tree.  Trees live much longer than most humans and when we listen to the messages we can gain wisdom and insights to the patterns of life.

Drawn directly in my journal (April 16, 2016).

You'll notice that back in 2016, I decided to walk away from my tree dances because it was not what you would say, "normal."  But over the months, I felt a push to return to nature and continue to sing and dance.  I tried making art with nature instead.  Here are two pieces that I created back in August of 2016.

Beginning of August

Then on August 11, 2016, I called my father and we spoke for 4 hours.  I shared my desires to teach people and children about nature, fairies, angels, art, music and dancing.   My father told me to take a chance and trust myself.  "It's time to charge people for your work."  As we were talking, I created this art piece.

August 11, 2016

After getting off the phone with my father, I became fascinated by some rain.  You can see my reaction to it in this video.  Oh how amazing nature can be. You'll notice how my fascination changed to annoyance once I got the message.  Snort.  

                                   
                              

So the process is all about following the messages of your heart, spirit and the beauty of nature.  I realized that running away from a tree dance experience is not healthy for me or nature.  My guidance continues to lead me to sharing tree dances with others.  The image below came to me after meditating on the messages of the previous day.  Now is the time to share.  It's about a year later than August 2016 but it's time to dance again.

On August 12, 2016 this message and image came to me.

One more piece I want to share with you. This is Merry Bell and she is offering a rose to everyone.  She reminds us to be open to the love of spirit and our hearts.  "Follow that which makes your heart sing and shine."   

Let's dance together.  Sending you deep love and gratitude.

Tree Faces

I love taking pictures of trees.  Sometimes there are funny faces staring at me.  Here are a few that I thought were humorous.  Enjoy!

This one is in Oakville, Ontario.

This gem is in High Park, Toronto, Ontario.
When I saw this one I laughed loudly and fully.

I had to get close and personal with this tree.
Snort! Even now I giggle to myself.

This tree is in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Another tree is Etobicoke, Ontario.

This tree is on the Old Mill Inn's property.

This tree is also in Etobicoke, Ontario.
I was planning on walking away without a photo but I felt pulled back.
It was as if I heard, "I am beautiful. Take my picture!"

Song of a Willow Tree

I, may be, a weeping willow
But I'm as happy as can be.
The wind blows my leaves

and they kiss the ground beneath. 

I, may be, a weeping willow,
and sway with the mighty breeze.
My roots are very shallow
but I'm a strong tree.

I, may be, a weeping willow,
but I'm a happy being.
The world keeps on moving
but I'm as steady as can be.

I, may be, a weeping willow
But I'm a happy tree.
The wind blows my leaves
and they bless the ground beneath.

The Purple Tree

It started with a purple tree.  I noticed it in the distance when a large bird swooped down from the sky. It went under the branches near the ground and up into the tree.  It was so fast that I thought I imagined it. I skipped over to the tree which was a fair distance from the gathering.  I wasn’t sure what to do but I felt light and bouncy.

I had to duck under that large branched then lift myself over another one to get to the truck.  It was dark under its crown.  Are the leaves really purple or was it an illusion?  They looked more bluish-green than purple.  I stared up the centre to see the bird but I had no luck.  It was silent under that tree, so peaceful.  The limbs of the tree were syrupy, and it had a sweet scent.  If I could get away with it I would stay under there for a long time.  A nap would be delightful.

I wanted to take a leaf but, I didn’t want to steal it from the tree especially when there were leaves on the ground.  I found one that seems to be just waiting for me to take it.  The shape was still in tack, and the colour was just as bold as the ones on the tree.  As I started to make my way out, I heard, ‘Take one more.’  I realized it meant to take another leaf.  I couldn’t find one that was the same.  I picked up one that was slightly damaged but, its beauty was nevertheless there.  

As I ventured out from the tree, I saw a woman from the group watching me.  She was heading towards me.  I had to run back to the gathering because, the poetry reading was about to continue and, I didn’t want to be rude.  As I looked back, I noticed the tree was truly far away from our meeting place. 

The woman agreed me, “that’s a beautiful tree with the purple leaves.  I wanted to go over there but, it’s too far away from the event.”  That’s when I realized I was slightly out of breath. 

“It’s not really a purple tree.  The leaves are more bluish-green than purple. I have two leaves, do you want one?” I gave her the flawless one.  It felt like it belonged to her.  The smile that graced her face was gentle and genuine.  The host of the event called everyone to their seats and we parted.

It was her turn to read, Geneva M. Neale (Audian), and she shown us how to use your smile.  She stretched, twisted, and curled her beautiful smile.  She whistled, hummed, and sang, and maintained her grin and joy just radiating from her.  I had to talk to her again, but I had to wait until the other writers and poets finished. 

It felt like a long time to wait until I needed to speak to her once more.  I waited until other people greeted and complimented her on her work.  I slid in beside her and thanked her.  I didn’t think to use my smile the way she did.

The tone of our conversation changed suddenly.  Her smile faded from her face.  Her shoulders curled inward, and she became extremely dishearten.  She asked me if I heard of JackSoul, a Canadian soul and R&B group, as she pulled out a photo album from her bag.  I’m terrible at remembering names but feelings and love - I pick those up.  She asked if I knew the lead singer, Haydain Neale, and I searched my memory then it hit me.  I saw them perform years ago at First Canadian Place when I was doing my co-op work with Nesbitt Burns.  His music moved me and I enjoyed the way he sang about love.  Then I realized, he died last year.  Why is she talking about him?

She opened the album and she said, "Haydain was my son."  She flipped through the pictures of him as a child and where they lived.  She smiled and pointed at some of the pictures.  She recalled beautiful moments where he lit up her world with his humour and charm.  She wanted him to fulfill his dream of singing and she completely supported him. 

She shared that the two of them sat under a purple tree.  It was similar to the one that was at our venue.  She thanked me for the leaf and put it in her album.  It was as if he was with us and wanted her to have the leaf so she could remember their glorious day under the purple tree.

She taught me that day that every moment is every precious.  I felt so honoured that this woman, a mother shared stories of her son, and their love for each other.  To think I just wanted to watch a bird in a purple tree which led me to meeting Ms. Geneva with a story about smiles, love, and family.