Her actions in life devastated her afterlife — I hail from a large extended family. As the oldest of twelve, my mother raised her siblings, a mother figure more than a sister. And the glue that held the family together. Of those twelve, eleven lived and raised their families within a two-hour drive from where I grew up. …

There is more than one way to honour the gods — Quiet settled over the tree farm. A blanket of fresh snow sparkles in the pale winter sunshine. Bright red Cardinals, cheery blue jays and black squirrels fly and scurry between the trees and shrubs. Holly and mistletoe berries dot dark green bushes. A clearing looms. In the centre stands a…

A journey through the Vietnam War — As a Canadian, most of my knowledge about the Vietnam War comes from outside sources. I have never met a Vietnam War veteran in person. Never spoken with one on the phone. …

A poem — Find your way. Seek your fortune. Everything connected, mercilessly entwined. Self-awareness Your tribe gathers ‘round, taking moments of sanity and clarity in a time of uncertainty and disruption. Self-reliance Seek your fortune. Find what works. Explore limitations and find new ways to be the best version of you you can be. Know your truth Expand…

An acrostic journey back to the Goddess Baring our souls, Asking Gaia’s forgiveness for our Rudimentary, human selves; pleading for Enlightenment. Yearning to Follow our hearts, Our souls. Our true selves aspiring To worship in the Goddess’ circle. Grass, silky and fragrant, between our toes. Robins chasing worms, Oaks and maples swaying Under…

Ritual of the Full Moon — Bright moonlight showcases the small clearing. Giant midnight blue shadows stand guard along the perimeter, leaves swishing softly in the breeze. Rabbits, foxes, raccoons, skunks and other small wildlife sit around the clearing, keeping watch. They wait for the honoured guests to arrive. As the moon crests the tops of…

A journey back to spiritual intuition and wisdom — Smooth stones littered the shoreline of a rocky lake. Giant boulders and outcroppings like steps up the side of the cliff. Pebbles led from the rocky shore into the clear blue water. Fish, large and small, feeding off their smooth surface. …

Following the full moon’s magic to love, loyalty and a home — “Here you go.” Roy reached across me to open the passenger door. “This is where you get the hell out, Dal. And stay out. I don’t want no more of your whining or bitching.” I stared at him, wondering if I’d heard him right. He cocked an eyebrow, nodding at…

Honouring the dawn of the summer of their lives Sky streaked with purple, orange, and pink, the young woman stood at the end of the dock watching the sunrise over the lake. Blue Jays called each other to the peanuts. Two nuthatches pecked at the bird feeder hanging from the…

Redefining love and marriage — Sydni flicked the kitchen light off with her elbow, bumping the vintage swinging door open with her teddy bear covered behind. A flash of colour to her left made her smile. She turned, expecting to be scooped up into a strong, familiar embrace. There were no hands to grab hers…

Beauty at the edge of desolation — Shoulders sagging from the weight of grief, face bathed in glorious shades of red, my feet navigated the well-worn path from memory. Slow and mournful steps trudged past maples, oaks, spruces, and firs. Squirrels and chipmunks scurried along branches, chattering to one another. A blue jay swooped across my path…

Miracles happen when you’re ready to give up hope — My parents brought me up believing in magic. Taught me to reach for my heart’s desires by wishing upon a star. Every night before bed, the three of us stood at my window searching the evening sky. Once it showed itself, we’d wish upon the first star of the night…

One-hundred-and-thirty-four spoons. One-hundred-and-thirty-four coffees. “Good morning, didn’t see you here yesterday,” the new mother, infant asleep on the carrier on her chest, smiled in greeting, “hope everything is okay.” She brushed a wayward honey-blonde hair from her face and shuffled a few steps as the line moved forward. “My name…