To Everything There is a Season
As November closes and late fall settles in with its grey stillness and stripped woods and fields we draw comfort from unusual sources. Read more at….1080Labyrinth.
All Saints’ Day Walk
Energy
We could not have asked for better weather, especially in November! On the first several Pilgrims walked the 1080 Laughing Labyrinth reflecting, soaking in the sun and warm air, and sharing experiences. Some left quietly. Others shared a hug and thoughtful remark.
Still others were obviously energized. That variety of experiences is a gift of labyrinths.
And the energy that builds as people share their walks is
The labyrinth revealed its energy as the dowsing rod spun around.
palpable and measurable. Before the walk and before I “opened” the labyrinth, the dowsing rod swung around six times. Low energy. After I walked clockwise to open and welcome in healing energy, the rod swung 19 times. Then, I walked with gratitude and joy. The rod responded by spinning 31 times. As pilgrims finished and before they left, I stood quietly for five minutes as the dowsing rod located the energy, swung fast then slower then faster 136 times around. I thanked the labyrinth and dowsing rod, closed the labyirnth by walking counter-clockwise and gratefully came inside.
Feeling the energy of the Magnolia Tree.
In this time of angst, consider walking a labyrinth physically or virtually. Several on-line designs can inspire “walkers”. And, The Labyrinth Society has a Labyrinth Locator where pilgrims can find a labyrinth near them to walk.
Eastern Iowa has many wonderful labyrinths to walk and simply sit near. One of my favorites is at Regis Middle School. Set atop a knoll overlooking downtown Cedar Rapids, the seven circuit labyirnth, created for beloved teacher Jim Sells, soothes, stabilizes, and invigorates me each time I walk.
Consider grounding yourself as we move into and through this
period of rapid change and preparation for the major holidays that many cultures celebrate in late fall through early winter.
May it be so. Be at and of peace.
Overlands Create a Wondrous Urban Sanctuary
This intriguing winding path beckons visitors into the backyard.
A short winding pathway around the home of Scott and Jan Overland leads to a wondrous backyard that’s an oasis of privacy and peace within bustling Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Butterflies flitted about as a hummingbird sipped nectar from an obedient plant as we toured the yard.
“When we first moved here the landscaping was traditional and sparse, and at first we tried to maintain it that way. But then we changed course and began adding interesting plants that make our yard beautiful. It’s a fun project,” said Scott Overland, who is a professional financial adviser and member of the Cedar Rapids City Council.
Rich and Scott share backyard delights
A special aspect of the Overland’s yard is how it has engaged them in nature and the environment. “We visit nurseries to learn about plants and sometimes add new ones. It’s a wonderful learning experience.” he said. A barred owl occasionally serenades them from a hemlock tree near the house bringing sounds of the deep woods to their neighborhood.
Scott shows the French drain, named for its inventor, Henry French, from Massachusetts in the mid 1800s.
There’s more. The diverse and beautiful yard absorbs storm water better than if it were traditionally landscaped. “Nowadays storms have more intensity than they once did and our yard absorbs most of the rain that falls on it. We installed a French drain to further help water enter the soil and avoid flowing into storm sewers that would add to downstream flooding,” he said.
Glimpses of comfort and color welcome visitors.
The Overlands demonstrate that a yard needn’t be big to be beautiful and ecologically healthy. They’ve created a magical space on a quarter acre lot not far from downtown.
Jan Watkin’s Sunflower
A sweet tribute to summer.
A short note from Jan Watkins about her summer companion.
“This lone sunflower volunteered to be in my garden. It looks in at me and makes me smile each day. It’s the little things. The special thing about this flower besides choosing my garden in which to bloom, is that it’s not even looking at the sun. It looks in at me!! Now that’s sweet!”
Thanks, Jan, for sharing on Winding Pathways!
Indiana Labyrinths
This lovely labyrinth is tucked among evergreens and surrounded by cool and calming plants. A treasure.
August was a time of travel East. On the way to and from we took in labyrinths in towns just off I-80. South Bend and Valaparaiso, Indiana, both have lovely labyrinths. The South Bend labyrinths are located on Ironwood Road, a major north-south route close to Notre Dame University. Both are at churches and one is especially well-named: Saint Thérèse Little Flower Catholic Church. How cool is that!
Of the Valparaiso labyrinths, two are on Valparaiso University campus. The other is downtown at the First United Methodist Church. Excellent all! Read about them on 1080 Labyrinths.
The Bena’s Story of the Monarch Chrysalis
Here is a story fro Gordon and Nancy Bena about their interest in Monarchs, their chrysalis find and how they began to tend their property differently to encourage insects.
Adult butterflies need nectar to sip and plants to rest on.
“We went to the presentation given at the library that told us the fate of the Monarch. With that we were very careful not to mow down any Milkweed plant that we saw in the yard. We also planted Butterfly Weed and I did not mow any of the clover down this year.
“This particular plant where we found the chrysalis was kind of blown over from one of the wind storms and we put a tomato cage around it to hold it up so the caterpillars would have something to munch on. When I went down to get the mail the other day, I stopped to check that the plant was still standing. This is when I found the chrysalis. I went around to the other plants but I’m afraid that this is the only success story I found so far.”
Thanks, Gordon and Nancy!