The North American Buffalo (Bison) Calf;
Otherwise known as a Bobblehead…
Retribution
In spirit form, Nell lingered unseen and unheard while Vesta gathered willow bark for her benefactor. She listened somewhat bemused as her apprentice invoked the ‘Power of Three’ then hurled words like poisonous darts from her mouth; words which were aimed at the Preacher. Vesta and Amarelle were both still her students – even though neither could see her while she was in spirit form; Nell could guide them. Her protégés, Vesta and Amarelle had both taken an oath. They had sworn not to use their ‘powers’ to cause fear or harm. However, Amarelle did deserve justice. Perhaps, just this one time, she could let Vesta’s slip-up pass. In a way, she wished she’d used such ingenuity for Amarelle’s justice. Perhaps, this faux pas was more of a spell than a curse and one that she agreed was for the “good of the whole!” As Nell faded away into the ethos she realized that Karma alone would decide the positive or negative results of this spell on Vesta and the Preacher.
His name was Xheng but no one could pronounce it properly. They just referred to him as ‘Chin.’
Xheng was a sensei; a teacher but he had not yet achieved status of senpai – master of the healing arts as he had been taken hostage by pirates who invaded the shores of his homeland seeking slaves to sell. When Captain Smith came upon the pirate ship called Black Betty, they’d done battle. Xheng was one of the few survivors of the sunken Black Betty. He had been hauled aboard the rescuing ship by none other than the Captain himself. Xheng had always been a fast learner. He could speak some broken English. “You heppa me?” he’d questioned the intrigued Captain.
Captain Smith was a scholar and gentleman. Xheng dubbed ‘Chin,’ and Captain Smith became friends and colleagues on their voyage toward the America’s where they sailed to colonize a new land. Continue Reading »
Posted in Short Stories | Tagged stinging nettle, vultures; art; writing; blog; witches; history; new age; short stories | 2 Comments »
This golden flower is known as a buffalo bean, prairie bean, golden banner and prairie pea. These flowers bloom during 
late May or early June. The buffalo bean can be found in open sandy areas of the prairie and aspen forests where water tables are high.
The golden bean flowers were once used as a cure for stomach disease and its roots used as a horse medicine.
Dye was made from the yellow flowers and used by the First Nations People to color arrows and skin bags.
Most importantly, the appearance of this golden pea-like flower was used as a form of phenology (study of nature) by the First Nations People because upon its arrival, the spring hunt for buffalo bulls could resume.
Warning: The pea shaped pods of a buffalo bean should never be consumed as they are poisonous!
Posted in Media Room, Short Stories | Tagged Alberta, blog, buffalo beans, creative writing, dye, First Nations People, natural healing, nature, prairie, wild flowers | 4 Comments »
I don’t mind spotting this type of smoke on the prairie!
This little flower is called, ‘Prairie Smoke.’ Otherwise known as Geum triflorum, three flowered avens or old man’s whiskers.
The flowers on this perennial herbaceous plant bloom from mid-spring to early summer.
They grow wild on the prairie but you can also purchase them from your local greenhouse and plant them as perennials in your flower garden.
Native Americans and early settlers once used the root from the Prairie Smoke to treat colic, fever, coughs and stomach ailments with tea made from its roots.
It was even used in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) an infectious disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body.
Posted in Media Room, Short Stories | Tagged blog, creative writing, native americans, old man's whiskers, prairie, smoke, three flowered avens, tuberculosis, wild flowers | 12 Comments »
I am traveling the middle world from west to east. I know that I am from earth but not of it. Today though, I must join my human family as it is a time of celebration.
The eagles are crying out in distain. Their shrill whistles permeate the air as I temporarily exit the higher realm. Their piercing screams remind me that they will continue to support my efforts to rise above human drama and past mistakes. I remember the lessons that I have progressed through then breath through self-doubt, illusions of fear and vanity.
My family is very unassuming. They accept me for who I am. I am the one who self judges. I am very hard on myself so, I prefer not to take on someone else’s illusion of who I am. Ego is hard to be rid of. However, ego demolishing makes you wise. It is very humbling.
It is hard to be a leader because people want to follow those who are wise or humble. Sometimes, they put you up on a pedestal that is impossible to uphold or maint
ain. I have no desire to be on that type of a pedestal. I prefer to simply be myself. Although, I have a strong desire to be the best that I can be, my preference is just to be happy doing whatever it is that I’m meant to be doing at the time. Now, if that led to an invitation to stand behind a podium for a sharing of mutual empowerment, I would be very accepting and grateful for the opportunity. This would allow all involved to achieve victory and freedom because we all chose to be present in order to experience the joy of shared wisdom. I like to share. This is what I try to teach to others. But they don’t understand.
I say to them, “I cannot be your leader. I may be able to assist you during your journey but, you must follow your own lead. Be an individual, revel in your differences. Share as you are guided. This is what it means to lead by example. This is what it is to be happy; joyful. This is the true essence of love. Love yourself. Take the small steps.” Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | 8 Comments »
Posted in Media Room | Tagged antelope, art, blog, creative, humor, laughter, prairie, twerker | 3 Comments »
Vesta
Vesta wandered along the creek and wove amongst budding trees and bush in search of the red willow her ‘ami,’ had sent her for.
Once boiled with water and ingested, the red bark of willow became a remedy which would lower fever and reduce pain; a much needed medicine at this time of year when the weather was unpredictably hot or cold.
Vesta noticed the creek started to bend just farther east from where she stood. Beyond the bend, an alcove would shelter her from a cool spring breeze that blew through this shaded area of burly twisted tree trunks. There a few feet beyond that bend lay a meadow surrounded by thick bush and willow tall enough to block any wayward wind. Vesta stepped briskly toward the bend up ahead, eager to shake loose her brown woolen cape a
nd carefully coiffed hair. How she looked forward to these rare moments of freedom away from the confines of the community where she felt like such a hostage. Out of mortal fear, she’d been forced to camouflage herself amongst them – those she described as, ‘murderous vultures.’ She deliberately dressed in dowdy colors like they did; browns, grays and blacks were colors that more often than not kept one unnoticed among the colonies vultures. Still, she liked ‘tiny pretty things’ and would don a small sparkly necklace or pin that could be easily covered if necessary when prying eyes cast their umbrous glances in her direction. Continue Reading »
Posted in Short Stories | Tagged fantasy, vultures; art; writing; blog; witches; history; new age; short stories | 9 Comments »
This is an update on my last post regarding the progress of Bill C-10; an Act to Amend the Broadcasting Act here in Canada.
Let me start this article by sharing a quote from a fellow Canadian regarding the digital sphere:
“We need to pay attention to what is happening.
The very character of our country is at stake,”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, May 16, 2019
I agree; we most definitely do need to pay attention to what is happening! Our entire country is literally being torn apart by some of the very characters who lead it! The digital sphere is only one area being abhorrently affected by these characters. Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged Alberta, Bill C-10, blog, Canada, Canadian politics, current events, Freedom of Speech, Journalist, Justin Trudeau, Steven Guibeault | 31 Comments »
“Awakened”
“Witcccchhh!”
Amarelle awoke screaming, the sound so high pitched and pitiful it cleared the very darkness from her unhinged mind.
Her mental clarity had partially returned thanks-be to a disturbing dream about clues for the future. Her blue eyes darted around unfamiliar surroundings until she glimpsed a tattered dirty image of herself in the darkened window. One hand was curled tightly into a fist. She felt a stabbing, throbbing pain emanating from it. She looked down at her left hand and slowly unfurled her fingers to reveal the contents which she gripped so tightly.
Inside the clenched fist of Amarelle’s left hand was a red thorny rose. She had squeezed the flower so hard it had punctured her palm. Blood droplets landed on her bare feet then trickled like tiny streams onto the floor boards.
Amarelle stared morosely at the rose’s squashed red petals and watched curiously as crimson droplets of blood trailed toward the floor. She was transfixed by the scarlet colors.
So entranced was Amarelle by the colors of red, that she had failed to noticed a large unwieldy figure who accompanied her in the room. Continue Reading »
Posted in Short Stories | Tagged vultures; art; writing; blog; witches; history; new age; short stories | 6 Comments »
Imagine the power it must take for a seed to burst from its shell.
All around us seedlings are growing from the warmth and strength provided by Mother Earth.
Imagine if you too had that type of power. How would you use it?
Now, remember this; you do have that type of power – use it with gratitude and a loving heart.
The Earth sustains us all.
Happy Earth Day!
April 22, 2021
Posted in Compositions | Tagged 2021, art, blog, Canada, community, earth, earth day, inspiration, international, nature, world, writing | 7 Comments »
Yonder lays a crawling valley,
Where mustangs once did graze,
Amongst the sage and prairie grass,
But, that was in my younger days;
Now coyotes howl and eagles shrill,
At the setting sun on yonder hills,
We mourn the horses of crawling valley.
Posted in Compositions | Tagged 1924, art, blog, calgary stampede, mustangs, poems, word-of-the-day, yonder | 4 Comments »
Coming soon,
April showers
bringing
May flowers
Posted in Media Room | Tagged April, art, blog, flowers, inspiration, spring | 4 Comments »
“I am a weaver; a weaver of words.
Writers are weavers of words.
I am a writer.
Oh, what tales we Weaver’s weave when our well scripted words are spun together into a magical yarn.
I am a writer; a weaver of magical yarns.
I am a Weaver; a weaver of magical yarn.
I am a Weaver.”
I have always been a fan of folklore, myths and parables. Recently, I came across the story of a Wise old Weaver woman hidden in a cave. Every culture has mystical tales that tell of Weaver’s hidden in places unknown or away from civilization. Their only company a big black dog. They weave beautiful capes, robes or blankets with ethereal cords from the cosmos which are never completed because chaos (the dog) intervenes to unravel their work, at which point the Weaver’s begin again. The myth is that if the Weaver ever completes their work, the world will end. These Weaver’s have been creating this article of beauty since the beginning of time.
During the winter months, I began to weave. It all started because of boredom. I am an active person. I don’t deal well with boredom. Boredom led me toward the need to purge. It’s astounding the amount of items that one accumulates and then holds on to for no real reason. The time had come for me to remove needless items from my home – make more space – let’s say; in those dark, shadowy closeted spaces one like me hesitates to venture into.
I read a piece of prose by Andrew The Lonely Author at www.thelonelyauthorblog.com ; it started with, “love hung in her closet,” what an enchanting thought!
I am a little terrified of what might be hanging in my closets – cobwebs and skeletons. But, there is proper timing for everything and the time for purging was now. Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, creative writing, creativity, humor, inspiration, knitting, motivational, weave, weaver | 4 Comments »
The animals are confused. They have noticed we human beings are suffering. They have gathered about me to convey their concern.
“What can be done?” I ask. “I have been through the dark tunnel of despair. I am loathe to go there again. The air inside the void is stagnant yet fraught wit
h turbulence and electricity. It smells sour. The land is picked clean. It has become barren, a desert. The people are starving. They are dirty because there is no water left for them to wash and they have abandoned the search. They are so entrenched in their own inner pain, they cannot see beyond the horizon. I do not want to enter there again! If I survive the dream walk, I will emerge weak and vulnerable myself.”
I hear Hummingbird laugh. He is laughing at me! I am angered by this and my belly begins to boil. Annoyed, I reply to Hummingbirds laughter.
“I was ordered not to re-enter the dark realm.” But even as I utter the words, I realize my ego was the voice which did the ordering. I take a deep breath and calmly exhale. Smiling now, I thank Hummingbird. He is very wise. Humbly, I admit I have been allowing my ego to rule my destiny. My instinct now is to return to the awareness of my heart. My heart is the safest place to be. Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | Tagged art, blog, creative writing, creativity, dreams, earth, hands, hummingbird, inspiration, international, motivational, spirituality, writing | 1 Comment »
For all women; past, present and future: as we grow in wisdom, strength and unity to blossom into the unique wildflowers that we are, let us continue to support and empower others with grace. May our grace transform world chaos into beauty by simply accepting our true unbiased nature.
Posted in Compositions | Tagged blog, community, human rights, inspiration, international, motivational, nature, wild flowers, women, world | 6 Comments »
The word for today is “thing”.
I have developed a fondness for the word “thing”- albeit, it is somewhat of a love/hate relationship.
My use of the word “thing,” usually coincides with episodes in my life where I know that if I am using the word “thing,” I am experiencing some type of mental block. At these times, it is as if the universal vacuum has descended from above to clean out my cranium. Just like any other vacuum, the universal one can accidentally suck up useful things as well as cobwebs.
The universal vacuum likes information. And, just for your information, I am all for loosing such things that constitute life’s most embarrassing moments from my memory bank.
But does it really need to suck out my brain’s capacity to access its inner dictionary?
At such seemingly unintellectual times; those I can only define as brain dead moments, it makes me wonder – where’s the thing? Meaning, my brain! Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, creative writing, creativity, goats, humor, inspiration, junk, thing, word-of-the-day | 3 Comments »
Posted in Media Room | Tagged art, inspiration, motivational, nature, quotes | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, earth, holistic, human rights, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, social media, spirituality, thoughts, wellness, women, world, writing | 2 Comments »
I’ve seen the Thunder Birds again. They’re dark ominous creatures, larger than their brothers the eagle. 
They’re accompanied by lightning bolts and thunder. At one time I feared their appearance. Now, I realize Thunder Birds warn me not to give my fear power. Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, holistic, human rights, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, Short Stories, social media, spirituality, thoughts, wellness, women, world, writing | Leave a Comment »
"Northward the slope descended to a dim line of canyons from which rose an up-flinging of the earth, not mountainous, but a vast heave of purple uplands, with ribbed and fan-shaped walls, castle-crowned cliffs, and gray escarpments. Over it all crept the lengthening, waning afternoon shadows." (Zane Grey)
Posted in Compositions | Tagged new age, spirituality, holistic, art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, inspiration, social media, thoughts, writing, journaling, women, human rights, international, humor, earth, world, | Leave a Comment »
Amarelle
Amarelle’s eyes filled with knowing and fear upon hearing disembodied words that intoned those of Nell. She shrunk from the sound of her kind mentor’s out-of-body voice as it spoke to her and her alone – words unheard by others who were not gifted at hearing the spirits beyond. To Amarelle, Nell’s soft sounding voice seemed like a merciless sting. One could only feel a stab like that if they had conscience then acted against it. Guilt’s vice like grip clenched at Amarelle’s stomach causing her to lurch forward. It made her feel sick. Continue Reading »
Posted in Short Stories | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, fiction, holistic, human rights, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, Short Stories, social media, spirituality, thoughts, vultures; art; writing; blog; witches; history; new age, women, world, writing | 3 Comments »
The astrologers say that, “It is a big energy day.” I am somewhat bemused by their prediction.
Big energy or “quickenings,” as I call them can cause problems in a conflicted world like ours. Since the day is only beginning however, only time will tell the tale of this quickening. Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, earth, holistic, human rights, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, motivational, new age, social media, spirituality, thoughts, women, world, writing | 1 Comment »
Peace on earth, a gift from the Christmas Star…
May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, christmas, horse, inspiration, peace on earth, wellness, wonder | Leave a Comment »
I am fiercely loyal to family and friends but I have learned that loyalty can be a detriment when it comes at your own expense through them.
I am fiercely loyal…
My mother always taught me, “If you can’t say anything nice; don’t say anything at all.” However, it goes without saying – our society has become addicted to drama or tragedies which cause traumas in life.
Tragedies are forces to be reckoned with that cannot be controlled. Lack of control causes us to behave badly. We all succumb to poor behavior once in a while. Humans have a tendency to fall backwards into bad habits when faced with ongoing stress in their lives so often time’s words are the weapons of choice used in defense of one’s self. We can all relate to the power of words.
Words can be destructive. Sometimes, we are in so much pain we cannot see the true shape of our kingdom which is in ruins. When people are not happy they become saboteurs. They can become their own worst enemies by spreading hurtful gossip or hurling stinging insults at other’s they care about to their own unfortunate peril then excuse their behavior by uttering quips. Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged Short Stories, wellness | 3 Comments »
Posted in Media Room | Tagged inspiration, lifestyle, travel, wonderlust | Leave a Comment »
Yours is not to question why,
Just be.
The land I live upon has a magical essence. It’s magical because of the creatures who share it with me. This spring, some creatures flew in from the south and nested along the dam which runs west and south of our property. So quite naturally, I am facing southwest while I reminisce about the Canadian Geese.
The term used for a flock of geese or a number of geese together is gaggle; and gaggle they did. A large social celebration commenced immediately upon their arrival. Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, holistic, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, Short Stories, social media, spirituality, thoughts, wellness, women, world, writing | Leave a Comment »
Earlier, he’d pursed his lips, tossed the newspaper aside and decided that even though the state of the world was depressed, he could still improve his grammar. 
The word of the day was weltscherz; a noun meaning sentimental pessimism, sorrow that one feels and accepts as one’s necessary portion in life. Continue Reading »
Posted in Short Stories | Tagged art, blog, blogging, creative, fiction, journaling, prose, Short Stories, word-of-the-day, writing | Leave a Comment »
I feel you out there. All of you with wounded souls who do not think you have the strength to continue – but – you do and you will. Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | Tagged wellness | Leave a Comment »
I am guilty of inappropriate laughter!
Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, holistic, humor, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, new age, spirituality, holistic, art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, inspiration, social media, thoughts, writing, journaling, women, human rights, international, humor, earth, world,, social media, spirituality, thoughts, women, world, writing | Leave a Comment »
Take the road less traveled…
Spring pulls at my heart and I awaken, like a slumbering bear emerging from hibernation. The morning frost glitters like jewels. The air is sharp and fresh. I fill my lungs with the healing odors of pine, cedar, birch and willow. It’s good to be alive. My heart swells. I can hear its strong beat playing in rhythm with the earth mother. The sun is stroking me from head to toe. Its warmth fills me with power. The rest of my body is awake. I am hungry, famished. Continue Reading »
Posted in Lessons of the Drum | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, holistic, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, social media, spirituality, thoughts, women, world, writing | Leave a Comment »
Too much giving and not enough receiving has emptied my cup. It is lying empty in the frozen desert of time.
But, the only constant in life is change and the sun has risen.
The environment is beginning to thaw. Water is running alongside my cup. Some ripples are nudging it. I think, “Yes, it will start to fill up soon!” Just then a foot appears out of nowhere and cruelly stomps my cup flat leaving me with a feeling of exasperation. I’m not sure what to do now. The cup will not hold water any longer both ends are open. I am confused. Sadly I realize if I had the proper materials and experience, I could repair my cup. It would be different but the cup still might hold water in its unique new form.
Continue Reading »Posted in Compositions | Tagged art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, dreams, earth, inspiration, international, journaling, new age, spirituality, holistic, art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, inspiration, social media, thoughts, writing, journaling, women, human rights, international, humor, earth, world,, social media, thoughts, women, world, writing | Leave a Comment »
I can’t even think sitting here! There is an incessant raging roar emanating from the North West direction. The wind appears to have declared war on this vast frozen countryside. I begin to think Hell has frozen over and everything I’m seeing and feeling is just an illusion in the grand scheme of things. The winds bellowing, whistling, moaning and groaning belies the fact the sun is shining today and extending an invitation to come outdoors regardless of the winds assault. My head spins, the muscles in my body tense and knot as the unwanted elemental vibrations invade my energy fields.
At times, balanced processes of thought seem impossible to maintain simply because nature herself throws turbulent forces at us which we are unable to control. We must then contend with forces we do not consider normal. Sometimes change can be thrust upon us by nature. Unnatural forces can arrive on wings of fury to move us away from our well-intentioned focus, determined to distract us. Continue Reading »
Posted in Compositions | Tagged new age, spirituality, holistic, art, blog, blogging, community, creativity, culture, inspiration, social media, thoughts, writing, journaling, women, human rights, international, humor, earth, world, | Leave a Comment »
I got picked up by beetleypete in the United Kingdom!
Quite an auspicious milestone for this little ol’ country
gal and The Trefoil Muse!
Please read what happened, “Upon Finding beetleypete!”
We don’t hear that much about Canada these days. Ever since the French-speaking people in Quebec stopped protesting about the British Royal Family, and Pierre Trudeau died, it seems that Canada hardly exists outside of North America. No reports of how they have been affected by the pandemic, and not even a feature on one of their ‘big freeze’ weather events. So when I read a post on the blog of Canadian writer Nadine Gordon, I thought it was only right to ask her to appear here as a guest blogger, and let us know what is going in in that vast country.
The Trefoil Muse Blog
https://thetrefoilmuse.blog/
This is a short ‘bio’ about the author, Nadine Gordon.
I began my writing career as a journalist for a small local newspaper. That’s where I discovered while interviewing several subjects that they shone while relating their own stories of how they…
View original post 2,941 more words
Posted in Compositions | 10 Comments »
Normally, I stay out of the political arena however there are times when one needs to stand up and shout.
This bill will directly affect Canadian’s freedom of speech and since mainstream media has not been reporting on it as yet, I feel the need to share.
True, I do not have a great deal of followers but I might have enough to cause a ripple effect. For if my Canadian readers feel the same way I do about this bill and value their right to publish or even read the written word without fear of Government censureship. Then the attempt to pass this bill behind closed doors needs to stop.
If I tell two people then you tell two people, the ripple will become a tidal bore – perhaps even a tsunami. Let’s cause some awareness.
Stop Bill C-10!
Thank-you for reading, sharing and taking action!
Posted in Compositions | Tagged Bill C-10, Canadian politics, current events, petition | 3 Comments »
