For anyone new to my website, while I have oodles of blog posts here if you wish to peruse them, I’m now on Substack and would love for you to join me there!  xo, Barb

I’m moving house! Well, from one email platform to another, that is.

There is nothing you need to do if you wish to remain on my Joyful Paws/Pause community list. And you don’t even have to worry about helping with packing or moving boxes!  ????

WHY:
*One simple word: SIMPLIFY. I’ve been yearning for one central place to share reflections, inspirations, animal and oracle wisdom, and more.

WHAT:
*What will change? I’m combining both my monthly letter and my blog subscribers into one platform, Substack.

*What does this mean for you?  I flow best when inspiration lands, so at times you will hear from me more often than others. There are also some of you that subscribe to both my monthly letter and blog, so this will eliminate duplicate emails. Yay!

WHEN:
*I will be moving subscribers to the free option on Substack on May 20^th.   You, of course, have the option to opt out before then if you wish.

While I’m a little nervous, I’m also excited about this new move to a more simplified and cozy way of being!

I hope to see you in my new home! We can celebrate with virtual cake and tea! XO, Barb

All spring I walked past the pond where geese and ducks hunker down each year to raise their families.

It’s my favorite spot I travel by each morning, often stopping to just be in the energy of nature’s exquisite healing gifts.

But each time I reached the pond; I found myself getting more and more upset.

So much litter. Scattered among the grasses, flowers, and rocks that lead down to the pond.

My heart was feeling such sadness to see the trash accumulated there from the new neighborhood of homes being constructed nearby the past few years.

And anger was part of this too, wishing people would be aware and care more.

Then it struck me. Well, I care!

So, the next day I tucked a plastic bag inside my pocket. I knew what I was to do.

When I arrived at this spot that had been creating a mix of sadness and anger within me, I happily picked up all the trash I could reach.

My heart lighter and the joy that followed because the geese and ducks wouldn’t have to walk among the litter. Nor would I have to continue carrying this negative energy.

Today as I approached this same area, I was rewarded in the most lovely and heartwarming way for my efforts!

One by one I counted them. Seventeen goslings on the pond and three sets of parents! How is it I’d not seen them until today, I wondered.

Well, they couldn’t be seen until I released the sadness and anger from my field of energy by giving nature a helping hand.

A special wink from the universe for putting this opportunity into my awareness so I’d be shown once again that every small act of kindness matters.

XO

Barb

Photo Credit

It’s like entering a whole other realm when creating mixed media art. Different than that of writing, as I don’t really have to focus, I just have to let myself be.

Being with the animals is one of my favorite things to do and the animals chosen for my art present themselves to be created in a variety of ways.

Lately, it’s been mini versions of mixed media collage animals that have captured my fancy. I’m just having so much fun with this smaller size! Even though I initially resisted it. A reminder that one can be small and still make a big impact!

I’ve created four mini’s so far and they were especially talkative sharing insight with me as I created them.

Eventually, after much thought, we agreed upon a message. They also each have a mirror behind them as a reflection to encourage you to embody their special messages.

They are happy sitting on a shelf or on a desk or nightstand. Or if you wish to hang them they come with a hanger on the back.

A portion of all my art sold this year benefits Pilots to the Rescue transporting animals to give them the best chance at finding their forever homes!

If interested, available here in my Online Shop.

XO

Barb

It seemed contradictory. To name this Butterfly piece, Be Still.

A birthday gift for my sister’s 60th birthday I knew I wanted to create a butterfly, though when the message that kept coming was be still, I wasn’t so sure.

But animals have a way at times of making us work for our wisdom.

It’s oh-so-lovely to be a butterfly – owning your total beingness and those glorious gorgeous wings as they flutter out into the world enjoying the sweet and nourishing nectar of plants and flowers. How everyone marvels in awe when they see a butterfly!

But how do we get to this magnificent stage? Ah yes, I understand, dear Butterfly. We must embrace being still.

It’s reminding me of a conversation during a monthly astrology group I’m part of. Butterfly and the concept of transformation comes up often. How as a collective we are all going through a significant metamorphosis.

Though, how often it is that some get stuck being a caterpillar, as a member said in exasperation! Not that there is anything wrong with a caterpillar! And I’m not saying this is the case for my sister.

But we all can learn to be still in some aspect of our lives. Even though this was something I craved when I left the corporate world many moons ago, and in many ways wrapped stillness around me with great pleasure, there are times it being still can feel uncomfortable.

Something I continue to lean into is that when we resist stillness it’s is a clue. A very valuable clue. It’s niggling at us to go within, listen, and observe. What is needing your attention right now? What part of you really wants to become that butterfly? What part of you is in protection mode not wanting to expand our of fear?

I know for myself, coming into my sixties two years ago, I felt something changing within me. I wanted even more stillness. I wanted to really appreciate everything around me even more. I want to drop deeper into my being. Though a part of me was scared – and still is at times, because of all those years of doing, doing, doing can sometimes be hard to let go of.

I reflect on my parents, now in their early eighties, both with some health challenges. My husband inching his way toward not working as much. Each navigating stillness in their own way. And me observing this and taking the cues as lessons for myself.

To Be Still is a gift if we can change our perspective and look through a different lens. When we do, we just may find a part of ourself that wants to be seen and know it is loved, and that all is going to be okay.

xo

Barb

On a collective level this will be a much gentler month. Personally, I’m welcoming softer energies! You too?

Check out this month’s animal wisdom as a guide for the month of May. Two potent animals with healing medicine!

You can listen to this month’s message here.

Wishing you a beautiful May!

XO

Barb

This morning I pulled cards for the New Moon in Taurus. Perhaps you also feel this expansion that is happening underneath and within ourselves, though you can’t quite name it or know what it all means? The word TRUST comes up for me time and time again when I feel this. And it was Grandmother Prickly Pear Cactus that brought tears to my eyes.

After pulling cards and writing out my thoughts I felt this a universal message for all of us. So I offer it as a guide for you if you are in need of it with this summary:

Trust in this life of yours that continues to expand and evolve. Stay in connection with your inner self, while also allowing yourself to open more to the truth of who you are at your core. This requires being present and embracing one moment at a time – one step at a time – as the way  to being here and now while also moving forward to continually building a stronger foundation underneath, above, and within you. Listen and trust in your own intuition while staying open to the bigger picture to reveal itself. This time and as always, is about valuing and appreciating all aspects of you. It’s no longer comfortable to go with the ‘in crowd’ or shrink away in shyness as a way to protect oneself, but to embrace and love the spectacular you that is you – and that there no one else like you!

Wishing you a beautiful day and being all that makes your heart shine!

Cards used in this reading: Wisdom of the Oracle by Colette Baron – Reid, Animal Reflections Healing Oracle by me, Healing the Inner Child by Nina Mongendre, Cosmic Animal Cards by Tanya Casteel, and Song of the Grandmothers by Kara Simons.

XO

Barb

“Well, Miss Mouse,” I said as I cut her shape out. “I thank you for this lovely insight!”

As it often happens, an animal presents itself to be created into a piece of art. And together as a team we create a bit of magic to be put out into the world.

While cutting around Miss Mouse I heard her say, “Dream.” And so this will be the word that goes on the piece when it’s complete.

But then it went deeper as I realized how art is my own special kind of dream world. A space where my thoughts take a rest and I’m in blissful communion with the animals and natural world. Here, I’m inspired, offered helpful insight, and find comfort, peace, and love each and every time.

When I returned home early April after being gone for seven weeks, I felt uneasy that I might not create again as I wasn’t feeling inspired. Will I get back in the groove again, I wondered? This, along with a swirl of emotions about my Dad progressing in his Parkinson’s and memory loss, and now in assisted living had me moving through many emotions.

But I reminded myself not to put pressure on myself and allow things to unfold organically…

and slowly they did. Deep reflections of how I want to enjoy each precious moment of life while still here and healthy. While also doing some inner work of grief that comes along with changes.

And then just like that, butterfly, snail, and mouse dropped into my mind’s eye asking to be created. And I was called to work on 4 x 4 mini pieces of birchwood panels. Though, honestly, I first found myself resisting the tiny size, but yet, how at peace I find myself in this cozy space away from the big outside world that can often feel chaotic and unsettling.

I know I can’t stay in this dream world. But I can visit and stay awhile and find calm and peace for my heart. And then carry that blissful vibration out into the world not only as myself standing within it, but sharing a part of me through my creation of art I hope will inspire others to feel the same.

XO

Barb

I’m honored to be reading the manuscript of a friend whose husband left this earthly realm in 2024 and how she has connected with him in Spirit. While my spouse is still with me, I’ve experienced an unexpected and welcome way of seeing the relationship with my husband in a deeper and more understanding way with layers of new found compassion for him and for us.

There have been times reading the book of the raw and tender journey my friend has walked, when I realize I’m holding my breath. As if by doing so, I can avoid feeling any sadness or pain.

On my morning walk I pondered the ‘why’ of holding my breath. What is that about for me, I wondered. Tears sprang to my eyes as I thought about how I’ve been an asthmatic since six months old. How the lungs are associated with grief. While I’ve done much inner work over the past two decades releasing different aspects of grief I wondered if there is still more for me to uncover.

When home I sat in the living room with my journal and decks of oracle cards. I asked Spirit if there is something for me to understand in regards to having asthma and a buried memory that is painful? Holding my breath as a way to avoid or feel? Putting undo pressure on my lungs.

Never Ending Story was the first card I pulled. It’s about loving that lost part of self and that part of self only knowing fear and a reminder that we are not our stories.

Needs was the second card I pulled. Reminding self that one of the most powerful actions we can take is to meet our needs and the needs of our inner child.

The last card I pulled was Black Widow Spider and the word on the card? Grief. Of course, I said to myself.

As I sat in contemplation of what this was about memories from my little girl self came to the surface.

I was particularly drawn to Spider having done work with Spider in the past and my fear of them. After writing down what I was feeling I turned to the guidebook for Black Widow Spider.

I was firstly struck at how similar its meaning to the Spider card I created for my Animal Reflections Healing Oracle deck.

The author, Tanya Casteel, shared how the female spider eats the male after mating – which I’d discovered during the making of my card also. As I reflected on this, I wondered what else it is that I’ve swallowed and kept hidden within? This took me further down the path of grief buried. Something that never occurred to me that I wish could have been different. I felt the sadness of my little girl self while also realizing it wasn’t really the ‘fault’ of anyone, it just was. But I cried for the part of me that wanted to be understood. But now I saw that part of me and assured her I see and understand.

When creating Spider for my deck I’d come across the image of a Goliath spider. The actual image had the spider on top of a bird of which I’d learn this species of spider will eat small prey. I remember how it broke my heart to learn this! How I wanted to rescue that defenseless creature from the fangs of that spider.  I’d realize how it spoke to my childhood trauma. I wanted to use that spider image but without the bird. This then became a healing moment as I cut away that bird under the grips of that spider. As you can see that bird is now free!

Spider, for me, as reflected on the card I created, is about Rebirth. And again, I was struck how Tanya’s interpretation for Spider being about grief went together with my spider card about rebirth. Because without releasing those deep pockets of grief we can’t move into our true selves. It’s all part of the process to becoming who we truly are.

Having done work with dear Spider before, I’ve learned to welcome her when she comes to sit beside me. As she lovingly continues to lead me even closer to loving and accepting all the many parts of who I am.

Cards from: Never Ending Story – Wisdom of the Oracle by Colette Baron Reid; Needs – Healing the Inner Child Oracle by Nina Mongendre; Black Widow Spider/Grief – Cosmic Animal Emotional Intelligence Cards by Tanya Casteel; Spider/Rebirth – Animal Reflections Healing Oracle by me.

XO

Barb.

If you enjoy animal wisdom and guides, oracle cards, journaling, and tuning into what it is you need to know in order to live your best life, I’m delighted to share this video review with you of the Cosmic Animal Emotional Intelligence Cards by Tanya Casteel.

Included in the video is a one card reading from Tanya’s deck, so if you’ve been pondering a question you could use some insight about, stay tuned to the end!

Here’s the video:

XO

Barb