Ava and I created the most magical Ostara altar yesterday to welcome in Spring. The elements just flowed together effortlessly once we started gathering. As much as I am an Autumn girl, I must say that I equally adore the energy of spring. Maybe even more-so in my current time-space. After we gathered + arranged the altar, Ava was ready to go play with her friends. I sat with it while the candle burned all the way down and wrote. At first a poem came out that I will share below, and then a list of all the things I want to grow in abundance over this next season. Today I will plant that list in the earth, cover it with some flower seeds, and tend to it everyday. I think my word for this year is TEND. It keeps coming up for me and it just feels life giving.

OSTARA POEM

As the butterfly emerges from it’s cocoon,

I too unfurl and bloom.

I feel the sprouts of becoming

Tugging on my wings,

As the winds shift and welcome spring.

Teased out of my slumber

by sun kissed love letters,

Pulling me up from down under

with bird song and joyful flutter.

Beckoning blossoms begging to be seen

Reminding me of who I’m meant to be.

An offering of transformation and rebirth

A re-membering of my irridescent self worth.

If you haven’t yet, go poke around your home and see what elements you can bring together for a spring altar. Maybe it will inspire you to plant some seeds within yourself and your life that you would like to see blossom in the coming months.

Did you notice the little butterfly talisman added to the candle bowl? My friend Jenny inspired this. She has a collection of my talisman necklaces and says that she uses them in her altars + rituals. Maybe one day she will come share all about it with us. Also, beautiful handpainted deer rock is by Lotus and Nightshade.

P.S. Use code “SPRING” in my Sacred Sun Sister shop for

20% off anything through 3/24!

A noticing of where the light is returning:

Colorful blossoms adorning my home, some gifted to me, some I bought for myself. Watching the way some are more resilient than others, some beg to be preserved, and some ask me to surrender and let go. Noticing how connected I feel to certain ones, and where I feel indifference, even to a beautiful flower. They guide me to tend… do they need more water? sunlight? to be weeded or cut? As the larger bouquets begin to wither, I often pluck the few thriving flowers out and place them in a smaller container, which instantly brings me more joy of extending their life. I think the beauty of nature is meant to make us feel something, to evoke a certain spirit within.

Real time with Ava. Being back home after 3 years of caregiving I am realizing just how much of my time was spent tending to things outside of my relationship with my daughter. She was there, doing life alongside me, yet our time to deeply connect and homeschool the way I always desired was not happening. I’m not sure I fully exhaled in that 3 year span to be honest. Now I have the time and space to create engaging + creative lessons with her. Ones that I am excited to learn alongside her. I am noticing her responding differently in her desire to learn. It’s like a whole new relationship connection is opening up right now. Also, I am watching her grow in so many big girl ways, and I am exploring her taste in colors, music + desires and it is tapping me into my own inner child in such magical ways.

Community forming. This has been such an inspiring new chapter for my life. There was a part of me that was so hesitant to move back to Bandera for many reasons. One being my lack of true community here. Living here before I would go weeks without seeing anyone but my child and husband. I had yet to find connections I didn’t feel like I had to mask or perform for in order to be accepted. This is one thing I felt very strongly about changing in this new chapter, and it is unfolding in the most natural of ways. I think there has been something I have attended in one way or another every week since being back b/c of the connections that are forming. And having a gathering of women sitting in circle in my own backyard was a dream come true. I am looking forward to many more of those.

The way I see myself. This might be the most important return of light. I didn’t realize just how much I was being self critical until I was visited by a turkey. I may do another post on that for those of you who missed it on my socials. It was a magnificently unexpected encounter with a wild creature that completely resurrected the way I see myself. Talk about medicine. I some how remembered that I am beautiful, inside and out. All of a sudden I started loving my hair that I have been loathing for months. I began dressing myself in ways that reflected how I was feeling inside. I started taking selfies again, witnessing the light shining in my eyes. I began loving my body again. I began to rebuild my confidence in showing up online and in the real world amongst people. I am finding my voice again in my partnership. I am speaking truth when it needs to be spoken. I am releasing judgements of what I perceive others to being feeling about me. Holy, this was.

I’D LOVE TO KNOW, WHERE IS THE LIGHT RETURNING FOR YOU?

HAPPY SPRING EQUINOX

The butterfly symbolizes transformation, growth, and beauty as it undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a graceful winged creature. Its journey from crawling on the ground to fluttering in the air reflects the process of personal evolution and spiritual awakening. The delicate and vibrant wings of the butterfly represent the fragility and resilience of life, encouraging us to embrace change with grace and positivity. The butterfly is seen as a symbol of hope, joy, and rebirth, reminding us that even during the darkest moments, there is always potential for growth and newfound beauty to emerge. Just as the butterfly emerges from its cocoon, we too can transform and reach new heights of self-discovery and liberation.

My friend Nakita wearing her Golden Wings necklace alongside her sweet boys.

Her review from etsy: It’s exactly as described, also it’s even more lovely in person! The butterfly is so sweet and delicate. Perfect for the minimalist. This was my Christmas gift to myself this year and it feels so special and meaningful to wear. Thank you!

GRAB A GOLDEN WINGS BUTTERFLY TALISMAN

I’ve been back home for 5 weeks now. Most of that time has been spent unpacking boxes of trinkets that are old and familiar and feel like home to my soul. It has stirred a mixture of nostalgia and overwhelm within me, and in James. This move made me realize just what a hoarder I am. The things I tend to cling to once belonged to someone I love, or they have a one of a kind feel to them, or were handmade or have a certain color or texture to them… They feel like treasures, not just stuff. Or, they have a purpose, which may not fit into my immediate present, but things I’m so grateful to have on hand when certain times arise, like doing an art show, getting crafty with upcycling clothing, or painting on a canvas. As an artist, I have supplies for just about every medium you can think of, and you never know when you need to bust them out and flow with the muse. Oh, and books… all the books. And handmade earthy mugs. And wicker baskets, for storage obviously.

Throughout this move I actually let go of so much. It’s hard to tell by looking around at the piles still needing to find the right nook to live. But we packed car loads for donation and I filled up my entryway with trinkets to give to my friends, who so lovingly took a ton of it! It felt so freeing to release those things. But now I am finding myself in the space after bringing home a few more car loads from my Nanna’s, of needing to let go of more. I understand the concept of creating space and a feeling of lightness from letting go. The less stuff around, the more space you have in your energy and mind to create. I’m at an impasse with my stuff. I think the joy that releasing all the items I did let go of will continue to inspire me to keep decluttering. It really did feel good. But I’m down to the good stuff, if you know what I mean.

It has been so fun to rediscover my things though. I had so much of it packed away for 3+ years, and I got to see it all in a new light. I didn’t put things back where they used to reside. I was very intentional about creating fresh spaces energetically. I didn’t want things to feel like they did before. I believe the way we choose to decorate our spaces creates the energy that surrounds us.

All this to say… I’m loving the way my bathtub sanctuary is set up now. It feels so warm and magical and pared down to my favorite objects for this space. I’m so unbelievably grateful to be able to take baths again!!! It is my evening ritual, and my space to ponder, to read, to write, to draw cards, to soothe, to cry, to wash away any stress of the day.

I felt called to pull a card for the collective. My hopes is that whoever is meant to hear this message it will find. Maybe that is you!

BLOOM

RECOGNITION, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, BEING SEEN

Colorful sunflowers and zinnias bloom in her auburn hair and in her heart. Her confident energy attracts the brilliant hummingbirds, who pause to visit her. Her gaze is steady and focused. This young girl has finally blossomed into the woman she was meant to be. The butterflies and birds acknowledge her beauty and innate glory. She is ready to step up, be noticed and make the world aware of her power. With the swift flight of the hummingbird as her model, she will make things happen. Her need is to be seen in the world.

Things could move fast now. You are the focal point of incoming energy. Be ready to accept the accolades for work well done. Others see you as their cynosure, their beacon. It’s a good time to revisit any projects that may be ready to be launched. Growth is the main dynamic stirring in your world. Don’t be afraid to present your talents to others. They are looking to you for your leadership. Never fear your own success. False modesty will not serve you now. The limelight is waiting for you. It’s up to you to take your spot in center stage.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:

Where do I need more confidence in my life?

What are my strengths that I can always rely on?

What talents can I expand upon?

There is a quiet rhythm that has been keeping time long before we ever learned to count days. A silver pulse in the dark. A remembering written in light. The moon does no rush her becoming. She does not cling to what was, or apologize for what is fading. She teaches us that wholeness is not a fixed state of being. It is a cycle.

The lunar cycle is a story of returning.

The new moon arrives, invisible yet potent. A fertile darkness, like a womb, where intention is whispered. A place of seeds, a quiet knowing, of trust without proof. Nothing to show yet, with anything possible.

As the moon begins to wax, she gathers herself slowly. A sliver of light appears and growth is subtle. This is the phase of learning to believe in something before it fully exists, when devotion matters more than visibility.

At the full moon, she is revealed, luminous, unapologetic. This is culmination, illumination, clarity, truth brought to light. The full moon doesn’t ask if she is too much, she just shines. In her light we see what has grown or ripened, what can no longer be ignored.

Then comes the soft exhale. The waning moon teaches release. The art of letting go with tenderness, of honoring what was without clinging to it. Of making peace with endings so that something new can on day begin. The light thins and the lesson deepens. Where rest becomes wisdom. And then once more, the darkeness arrives and begins the cycle again.

The lunar cycle reminds us there is a season for everything and that we are allowed to change shape. There is a time to begin, a time to grow, a time to shine, and a time to release. All of it is sacred.

The Lunar Cycle Talisman is meant to be worn as a quiet witness to this truth. A reminder against the skin that you are not behind, broken or lost. Wherever you are in your cycle, you belong there.

Wear it when you are planting something new. Wear it when you are standing in your light. Wear it when you are shedding what no longer fits.

Let it remind you that your life, like the moon, is allowed to ebb and flow. That you will return to yourself again and again.

We have been in this home since 2011. For most of that time I would dream of having people in my space, women particularly, gathered in circles, sharing their hearts within a trusted safe space, and being creative alongside one another. I had officially been back in my home after a long separation for exactly 3 weeks when I moved this idea from just a dream to a reality. I honestly cannot believe how quickly and seamlessly it transpired, after having such a block for years to make it manifest. I guess they say when the time is right…

Everyone brought a little treat to share. It felt so nourishing and abundant… from delicious homemade herbal teas to salad and hummus to fresh fruit. We sat around my tiny kitchen table and snacked and eased our way into getting to know one another. I had spent time with each of these women one on one a few times, but they had not spent intimate time with each other. It was so beautiful to witness the coming together of different personalities, all of which I adore.

We eventually made our way to the backyard. It was evening time and the string lights were on alongside the stars shining down on us. We could hear the laughter of our children running around the woods while James chased them and kept them entertained. We lit some candles, added a few items of symbolism around them and burned some copal. One of my friends noticed that the smoke made its way to each of us in a circle after it was lit. I thought that was a really beautiful thing for her to witness.

We grabbed a deck of oracle cards and decided to pull a card for the person next to us and go around the cirlce, pulling and reading for each other. Just as we were about to begin Ava ran over and sat in the circle with us, so we let her begin the pulling of the cards. It was such a sweet moment, and she intuitively pulled exactly what my friend needed to hear. Each card spoke to us on an individual level, but also ended up feeling like a collective message for us all as well. We each walked away with whispers from the Fruit, the Mountain, the Fire and the River.

Below are a couple short video snippets of the moment. I didn’t take too many photos b/c I was mostly in the moment, but I did try to capture a sliver for rememberance. I’m always grateful when I do. I look forward to allowing this community connection to grow and flow as it wants to. This felt like a really sweet beginning point.

A POEM, FROM ME TO JAMES, ABOUT OUR JOURNEY THE PAST 4 YEARS.

Two roads diverged. The path less taken, traveled.

Time suspended. Truth telling and tender.

Rupture. Tectonic shift. Heart-sore. Unslept nights.

Unbecoming. Meeting ourselves.

Stubborn hope and fading embers.

Borrowed rooms. Uncertain ground.

A door closes.

Flawed and unpolished. Connection hungry. Aching.

Mirrors dressed as love. Temporary shelters. Misplaced warmth.

Adrift. Uncertain. Consuming.

Unfurling. Bare feet. Blooming emergence.

Stretching. Unencumbered.

Self reclamation. Reunion within.

Wandering stars. Resilience building.

Signs of spring. Letting go.

Heart cracking open to hope.

A twist of fate. Unforeseen. Door cracked open.

Proceed with caution. Hands reaching slowly.

Morning after a long night. A flicker caught fire.

Turning point.

Softening. Bodies entwined. Turning toward. Deciding again.

Deepening. Seasoned. Aware.

Presence over solitude. Listening. Quiet faith.

Light spilling in. Bridge building. Forgiveness and grace.

An old house, altered. Maps redrawn. Fire stoked.

Becoming us.

Familiar, but altered. Rediscovered.

Uncovered. Chosen again.

A sacred revival.

I’ve been rummaging through my archives alot lately, looking back on the journey… and came across these old gems. I loved this time period.

It’s been almost 5 years since I last wrote in this space. My mind is bouncing around reflecting on all of the women I have been within the last half decade. I recall the woman who was terrified of the rupture she was about to create in her world. The woman who found her bravery to burn it all down for the sake of her soul survival. The woman who learned she loved driving and found so much joy in taking herself on adventures. The woman who reclaimed her sensuality through dance, music and self exploration. The woman who created spaces at markets and local shops she had always dreamt of. The woman who made new friends at temples and moon circles. The woman who hiked hill tops for sunsets and dipped in ice cold lakes to meet her edges. The woman who took herself out solo to drag shows, record shops and camping at a music fests she had always wanted to. The woman who found her beauty in going makeup-less and growing out her body hair. The woman wore too many hats at one time and exhausted herself bone deep. The woman who fell in love with a friend who should of just remained a friend. The woman who found herself on the shower floor in complete devastation for months because of that. The woman who found a fire in her belly so deep it scared her. The woman was unable to let kindness be her first reaction in the face of separation. The woman who laughed so hard she peed herself and spit out her soup. The woman who found the poet within. The woman who felt like she was failing as a mother. The woman who also became a more free-spirited, playful mother. The woman who caretook her grandmother for three straight years in the midst of her own unfurling. The woman who met herself with new depth embracing her aging grey hair. The woman who felt lost more times than she could count. The woman who found life giving rituals. The woman who left them all behind for a season. The woman who cut her own bangs and felt empowered and the woman who chopped off her hair and cried for two weeks straight. The woman who found and left pieces of herself in hillside trails, river currents and lovers. The woman who dove headfirst into friendships with an open heart and found acceptance when the time to go our own way came upon us. The woman who thought her heart would never recover only to find the dark nights of the soul were just doorways all along. The woman who got lost only to find herself. The woman who found her way back home. The woman who learned to use her voice and trust her emotions. The woman who finally saw her own patterns that were holding her back. The woman who is still choosing every day to learn the art of patience, compassion and love. The woman who now understands that it is a choice you make in every moment.

I have always loved this poem by Emery Hall… Her reminder to bless each one of the past versions of self. I find so much gratitude in the journey I have been on, even while it brings me immense heartache, it also holds so much human-ness and honesty.

]]>familylifeLaura MazurekWed, 11 Feb 2026 17:11:58 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2021/1/5/4250c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5ff4eb27d6a78b0a2dbdf991

Today is James’s 42nd birthday. We went to our local coffee shop + got him french toast for lunch + then took a walk by the river. We attempted to take some family pics b/c we never ever do + managed to get a few as Ava did NOT want her photo taken, ha ha. By the time we were half way down the trail she also decided she was done walking, and by the time we got back to the car we were all sneezing + now I’m well on my way to an allergy overload. So, there’s that. But it was still a beautiful day, and I always love a chance to hear the river water flowing. There were tons of cardinals fluttering around the barren trees + I found lots of sticks for some creative projects. It’s truly one of the most peaceful spots in our little town when it’s not crowded in the summertime.

I took a photo of Ava in between these two trees the last time we were down here. I think I even have it in a blog post here somewhere. They are massive + bring such feelings of stability, tranquility + resilience.

For the last few years I always get James a tshirt from our friend’s shop Axis Moon, and this is definitely one of my favorites. Her work is so beautiful + James wears almost nothing but her shirts!

]]>creationsroots and feathersLaura MazurekTue, 09 Nov 2021 19:05:47 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2021/11/9/little-wing-collection50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:618aaa6464fd1d5d3353f43b

I am over the moon with this entire collection! All inspired by butterflies, moons + suns. I’d keep every piece if I could, but I’m excited for them to find their forever homes. Here are some sneak peeks of everything coming to the shop, Wednesday at 6pm CST.

]]>LITTLE WING COLLECTIONnourishLaura MazurekThu, 04 Nov 2021 23:00:29 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2021/11/4/5acpd4z7ztjizxwo4gy7znqjz5t1bx50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:618463951d024f50c15d5b59

I made veggie soup today and it turned out so yummy I thought I’d share. I have my friend Jonathan to thank for teaching me how to make soup. I didn’t make it for years b/c I let it intimidate me. He came over one day and showed me the basics and was shocked at how simple it was.

This one consisted of carrots, potatoes, cabbage, yellow squash, mushrooms, green onions, garlic + a whole jar of kimchi. It turned out pretty spicy, but oh so yummy. I added a bit of salt + a heaping spoonful of bouillon veggie stock + let simmer for about an hour or so.

I have my friend Shannon to thank for teaching me to put kimchi in soup! I love learning from my friends.

]]>SPICY VEGGIE SOUPanimal spiritlifesoul workLaura MazurekWed, 13 Jan 2021 14:27:01 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2021/1/13/raven-messenger50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5ffefaa7bc25f96308313a68

Last night before bed I took a bath + pulled my cards for the new moon. Something I do every new and full moon. I pulled a few of the same cards I always pull, and this time I pulled the Totem of Pipes - The Flyers (traditionally the Knight, but I use the Medicine Woman Tarot). This is the same card I pulled the same day Ava and I found that sweet birdy who had died in our backyard. After the cards message it says that I will encounter a flying one + to listen to it’s message. The last time I pulled it it was pretty obvious that the flying one calling my name was the Mockingbird, but when I pulled it last night I was curious what was going to come up this time.

Then this morning I awoke from the most magical dream about a Raven! I dreamt I was in my backyard and this Raven flew into my yard. Kinda cool b/c I have been seeing Crows flying over my yard for weeks now, so the message was already starting to come in for me. This bird was huge and magestic. It instantly came up to me and the next thing I knew we were cuddling + kissing + of course I was even taking selfies + videos with it, ha ha. Then I brought it inside with me and we cuddled and kissed some more all snuggled up on a little couch by my window. It kept rubbing it’s huge beak across my cheek + I just remember it being the most magical experience. We both felt so safe with each other. Then the next thing I know it turned into a dog that looked + acted just like my old dog Violet. I knew it wasn’t her, but was a lost dog in the neighborhood that was just like her who was looking for a home. I saw her smoosh her face under the pillows and lay on her back with all four paws in the air the way Violet used to do. I was so overjoyed, and then I woke up.

So, my flying one came through to me almost instantly. Raven is considered one of the most mystical creatures. Often being associated with total transformation + uncovering what is in the dark and bringing it to healthy light. This is one I’m going to sit with for a bit. I feel like these messages having been coming in pretty strong lately, which means it’s time to pay attention. I definitely feel like I am on the threshold of another transformation. And I will also be on the lookout for the possibility of a sweet new pup like Violet to enter our lives.

]]>Laura MazurekSat, 09 Jan 2021 15:13:26 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2021/1/9/jewelry-launch50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5ff9c6325524ef5ea7cb4db8

new pretties in the shop

SHOP HERE

]]>sacred spaceritualsLaura MazurekThu, 31 Dec 2020 01:50:37 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2020/12/30/last-full-moon-of-202050c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5fed22a49d513670e3037856

Last night was the last full moon of the year, in my own sun sign, Cancer. Most new + full moons I make sure to set aside some extra time to soak in the tub for some deeper going within. I slipped into the water (where I feel most connected to self + spirit) with some Ritual Chai Tea from Gnat + Bee, a Blue Lotus Caviar herbal smoke from Sacred Smoke Herbals (15% off with LAURA), my Full Moon essential oil roller, a Shapeshifter incense cone from Smoke + Sage, a shot of whiskey b/c I was feeling extra, my gratitude journal, some lit candles including that lavender rolled honey candle from Once Upon A Willow Tree, and my favorite deck, Medicine Woman Tarot.

The messages came through clearly + some releasing began. I made a list of things I would love to release moving forward into the new year that I will burn with James tomorrow evening. New Years Eve we always create space to share things we want to release with each other + then burn them one by one in the fire. It allows us to check in with ourselves + with each other. It’s a beautiful heart check in each time we do this and we honestly shouldn’t wait for just the new year to do it.

Do you have any full moon or new year rituals you love to do?

I’d love to hear about them if so…

 

Full Moon ritual video

 ]]>LAST FULL MOON OF 2020familyLaura MazurekTue, 29 Dec 2020 15:45:02 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2020/12/29/nanna50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5feb4c15894e6e178a8591a6

Yesterday we celebrated my Nanna’s 87th birthday. I always forget to take photos of us, and even though neither of us were having our best hair day, I had James snap a few of us before we left. My Nanna has always been one of my favorite humans on this earth, since I was a little girl. We just have a certain bond that you don’t have with many. I can tell her anything and know that she has my back. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders + supporters. She has filled the shoes of my mom in so many ways. And oh my goodness the way she loves Ava. She just adores her the way any grandmother (or great) should. It’s the most precious thing in the world to watch them interact. Ava loves her just as much.

My Nanna is always remarking on my kimonos when I wear them, so I got her one for herself for her birthday. She loved it, and she looks so beautiful in it. I love that her little pup Amber happened to be in these pics too! She is the sweetest pup you will ever meet, especially for a chihuahua!

I just wanted to share these photos here so they would have a permanent spot to live. 2020 brought us closer than ever, and even though it was a rough road for my Nanna after breaking her hip, there were alot of silver linings.

]]>NANNAlifeLaura MazurekMon, 21 Dec 2020 14:31:07 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2020/12/20/jqe1sr8zbcyhcz2eam12y69q4blegb50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5fdfb023ef735726d2775f9b

A gentle return. Easing my way back into this space, once again. This seems to be a seasonal thing for me… the old feeling of missing the good ol’ days of blogging creep back in when I’ve had enough of social media. When I want to express more than just a few blurbs that quickly get scrolled past. It was around February of this year that I came back to this space originally, and then HELLO 2020. The shit show began. Although that definitely just feels like an excuse now, everything definitely turned upside in so many ways this year, for everyone. What a wild rollercoaster we have all been forced onto, and led down.

James quit his job of 17+ years within the first few weeks of the pandemic. I think that has been our biggest personal silver lining in all of it. It hasn’t necessarily made our lives easier, but in many ways it has. While we have to be way more intentional in our work from home, we have more time now that he is not at his day job to be able to focus on our work at home. We can divide our time with Ava more so I can get more work done when I need to. We have more free time to do the things we want, like go have lunch at the coffee shop if we want. That has truly been our biggest luxury, being home at the same time and being able to go do something together if we want. It’s the best decision we made this whole year. We definitely have our ‘oh shit’ moments of being able to live solely through our own means, but somehow we find a way through it as we put one foot in front of the other.

This year also brought some unexpected events when my Nanna broke her hip and found herself in the hospital at the beginning of the pandemic. That was hard b/c I wasn’t able to even to go the hospital to see her. But she made it through like a champ and as soon as she was back home I was able to go be with her. She needed 24/7 care for several months, so naturally we rallied as a family and took turns being by her side. Even though she thinks she burdened everyone, for me it was a big blessing to spend all that time with her. And even though she if functioning on her own for the most part now, we are still visiting as often as we can. I treasure this time we get to spend with her. Ava + I got to help her decorate her Christmas tree this year and it was so sweet to watch them hang ornaments together. And my brother has been my Nanna’s right arm this entire time. He has been the biggest blessing her life.

At the beginning of the year I started my first 365 project, which of course I failed to continue once all the craziness hit. But it did spark a new joy of photography for me, and it reminded me to see the beauty in the everyday little things. I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was 15 years old when I got my first DSLR camera. That’s um… 23 years… And I regret that I never took the time to really learn my camera all those year. Up until last year, I didn’t know the different between shooting in RAW verses JPEG (the whole world of difference), I didn’t use Lightroom, I didn’t know what 1/2 the settings on my camera did, didn’t know what Kelvin was, didn’t even know how to manually change my Fstop. I’m not kidding you. While I skated by with decent photos somehow all those years, I can only imagine what I could of done all those years. I still don’t know very much, but I’m learning + it has been a game changer. I’m also getting more confident in my ability to photograph others. I was so shy about it that I rarely shot other people than myself b/c it was out of my comfort zone. Now it’s all I want to do thanks to my beautiful friends who come prance around the woods with me and let me dress them up + tell them what to do. My creative spark has definitely grown this year in alot of ways. It was a year of creative play when it comes to photography. I’m currently saving for a new camera + I’m so excited just thinking about the day I get to start playing with mirrorless!

This year some friendships have began to dissipate + some have grown so much deeper. This is the nature of life. The ebb + the flow. I have had alot of emotional heart stuff to work through. Relationship pattern revelations. Leaning into the hard stuff + soaking it away in the tub. I spent alot of time in solo contemplation this year. I’m already starting to ponder the things I want to fall away this coming year, and the things I want to add into my life… but that is for another day.

It’s only appropriate the we are on the threshold of the Winter Solstice as I return to this space. The days will begin to have more light + grow a little longer. Hopefully we begin to see the light return a little each in more ways than one…

]]>lifenatureLaura MazurekMon, 30 Nov 2020 14:15:00 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2020/11/30/mockingbird50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5fff0097ef46a3053e8a8f8d

Yesterday we found this sweet Mockingbird in our yard, who had already crossed to the other side. Ava was with me when I found it so I decided to share with her what I usually do with animals who have crossed... but before I could even begin to tell her, she just knew. She said mom, it needs a nest, let me go make it one. Then she brought this bowl full of leaves to me. Then she said, it needs sticks, birdies like sticks. Then we picked fallen flowers off the ground and arranged them in an honoring way around the sweet bird. She wasn’t upset at all, like she innately knew that it’s death was a part of life. She did exactly what I would of done with her own instincts. It was so incredible to witness. We put the birdie under my moms angel statue for nature to take care of the rest.

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Then last night I hopped in the tub to pull some cards for the upcoming full moon eclipse. One of the cards I pulled was The Flyers, aka knight of wands in traditional decks. In this deck it speaks of coming into contact with a winged one, to gain more insight. I would definitely say that happened. So, on to the Mockingbird...

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Keynote: Finding your Sacred Song (soul purpose) + Recognition of your innate abilities... I have been getting so many messages lately about a change in course, transition in soul purpose, a new path... I don’t know what that looks like at the moment, but my hands are opening.

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After my dad died, I had some very specific + strong messages from the animal kingdom, especially the flyers. One of their dear friends told me one day that God will show up in ways we are willing to see, and from that moment my heart was set at ease with my connection to spirit. But I haven’t felt that deep connection in quite a while until recently, and the flyers have come again to open me back up to something grander. I may not connect with God in the way most do, but I feel the messages + inner knowing through nature. This is my connection to spirit.

]]>ava pearlLaura MazurekSat, 11 Apr 2020 22:38:10 +0000https://rootsandfeathers.com/blog/2020/4/11/iris-apfel50c490e5e4b01035170581cf:512002c0e4b0b3afa672b95b:5e92394610408e119cb3b1b8

So, last night I was enjoying my first hot bath in a long time. Our water heater has been on the fritz for the past 1/2 year and we finally got it replaced. So I was soaking it up last night when Ava came into the bathroom with these glasses on with a smile from ear to ear. I instantly thought of Iris Apfel + immediately decided we needed to do an Iris inspired shoot. I actually got out of my nice hot bath b/c I was so inspired, so I could gather up things out of the closets for the morning. Ava helped me too and she had so much fun gathering things for the shoot. I showed her some pics of Iris online and she started mimicking her poses she saw in the photos. I’d say she nailed it. It was dark and dreary with rain this morning, but we didn’t let that stop us.

“I can't tell people how to have style. No amount of money can buy you style. It's just instinctive.”

“More is more and less is a bore.”

“You don’t have to be an artist to be a creator, because creativity comes in a lot of forms, like cooking or keeping a house or dressing well. What you need is imagination, to make things up for yourself.”

“Why do I wear such large glasses?
The bigger to see you with, my dear.
Anyway, you have to have fun. If you can't have fun, you might as well be dead.”

]]>IRIS APFEL