As Autumn winds down, days sing of crunchy pine needles and the last melodies of birds enjoying warmth on their beaks. Evenings then roll in with whispers of violet skies and rose gold rays, put to bed in blankets of starlight diamonds woven across black silken dreams.

Landscapes may be drenched in brisk chilly air, darkened afternoons, and early Christmas-lit streets, but there’s still this warmth it evokes, as if your heart fire is being stoked by the nostalgic comforts it all conjures up.

It’s a beautiful time of year and it’s also a sullen time for some. An extra reason to reach in deep and extend hands of kindness around every corner.

There is opportunity in every moment to see with eyes of compassion and ponder the possibility that there just may be a different way to navigate than our years have mapped out for us thus far….the sacred wholly experienced.

We only think things are separate – like light and dark – because our minds have erected boundaries between them. The only reason we know each exists is because of the other. The line we’ve drawn to separate them is also the place they merge and share common ground.

Just like life and death are both part of creation. And just like ashes can provide a rush of nutrients for new plants to emerge.

With time moving forward quickly, many of the forest trails have reopened that were closed due to the fires and potentially hazardous ground conditions. Two days ago we got to hike one of these behind a friend’s home, whose house literally was twenty feet from the fire line.

And although much of the forest was blackened and covered in ash, I didn’t feel any heaviness when walking amongst the trees still standing. While there is a mix of bitter and sweet in all the ways I don’t need to explain, I still found much beauty and felt life stirring.

There was a mix of life and death blended together; one tree untouched next to another fully disintegrated or cloaked in black and others literally exhibiting half and half on their trunks of light and dark merged together.

Deep holes in the ground whispered of ancient ones whose life force could still be felt in the hollowed soil and ashes; where once their massive roots extended, now the tunnels mirrored that of a rabbit warren with holes reaching into Earth’s womb.

We came upon a couple of forest service workers who were assessing trees and taking down those extensively damaged with potential of falling on the trails, and learned more of the long recovery haul ahead.

At one of the sites of a beautiful large tree they needed to remove, I found this slice of its bark that spoke to me.

One side was dusted in dark ash and the other smelled so fresh and alive.

I plan to let it dry out and sand it, but I can hear the story it wants to share of how energy and consciousness still goes on. This will be my homage to the forests here and a way to recycle that life force into art.

Ashes to art.

Lately I’ve been hearing the song of the chickadees filling the air and bouncing from limb to limb above our heads. I know that melody…it blends in harmony with Jack Frost’s whistle.

Winter is near.

While the streets and shadowed corners hold Jack’s kiss long into the evening hours, I find the shortened daylight hours still drenched in richness.

And what light does reach through day adventures we take, is full of coded messages and inviting presence.

Days have been full and continue to move along rapidly, bringing us yet again to another holiday season.

Today we head to mom and dad’s for a warm feastive gathering and before so doing I wanted to wish you each a happy holiday, however you celebrate this day.

The one thing that always stands out is the reminder of how valuable gratitude is to extend to every single day, as you never know if it might be your last or if it might be the last time you see someone or get to experience any part of life as you know it now.

With a pause and a breath, I recognize the micro and macro of blessings – some of which may make sense and others that have yet to.

Astrid and I have been busy little bee-ings buzzing around doing and creating much these days. That includes a lot of artsy inspirations added to what remains, of which we hope to have one last bunch to share with you in the next week or so in time for Christmas.

Our connection deepens with each passing day and merges in ways its difficult to explain.

But one thing I know for sure is the depth of love and gratitude we share for each other, this Earth experience, and for every being that shares it with us – near and far.

We love and are so grateful for you!