Category: #Magic!

#Magic!ContemplationsGrandmothersMedicine BasketWisdom Cards

Old tune… new ears!

Posted on by sue boardman

I didn’t grow up with this one in my head. Not exactly top of the hymn list in mid-west Presbyterian churches or very Catholic neighborhoods, back in the early 1960’s.

In fact, I probably learned it in my summer camp years from Joan Baez, who might possibly have sung it for Dr. King. And, yes… that’s no doubt why it’s rumbling around my head just now. It’s called, Just a Closer Walk With Thee.

Then, there’s the news. The seemingly endless work still to be done. And, yes, it’s true…

I am tired. I am weak. I am worn…

Blessedly, there are more things which are true, as well. One of those is this…

I am determined!

Another is that…

I can’t do it all alone!

Neither, by the way, can any of us! Which is, no doubt, why the song begs…

…take my hand.

So, I let my very cranky neck choose a new pillow. The cover is in the washer as I type. It’s going to flunk all the Mom rules and nursing school rules for the right way to make a bed and I’m totally okay with that because, if I don’t take care of me, mattering is even harder!

I also had a BIG conversation about my next book and some ways to get the already-books out in the world, doing more good. (Prayers and good juju much appreciated!!)

Here’s the really cool thing, though…

The world needs what you have to share, too! The stuff that lives in the secret box labeled What you are called to do!

Paint. Write. Teach. Adopt abandoned pets. Sing. Feed people. Catch babies. Celebrate weddings. Give blankets to the local shelter. Preach. Vote… you hear me. And I want to hear you! Personally, my medicine basket is all a tingle over some about-to-begin learning in the land of Eco-Somatics and trauma release and regenerative wisdom!

In this moment, I’m looking for two brave souls ready to take a chance on claiming their own magic and putting it to work in the world. You see, that’s my magic! Naming visions and claiming next right things on the road from here to the place where we feel called. (And, frankly, “here” could use a whole lot of work just now!) So, if you’re feeling your special sign of ready – or even intrigued – let’s talk! Just click and ask the calendar elves to hook us up so we can chat. ​ No pressure. No expecting or directing. Just somebody to walk with you, with lots of possibilities and tools for your medicine basket.

And, I really only have space for 2 people!!! Short term. Manageable. Personalized. You’ll know if it’s you! Here’s a timely bit of music for musing…

ps… the first known recording of Just A Closer Walk was made by the Selah Jubilee Singers in 1941. Selah is a Hebrew word which implies intentional pauses – or lifting up – for mindfulness, praise, meditation, and connecting with faith or source!

Amen. Amen. Selah.

#Magic!ContemplationsFiltersGrandmothersGuardiansWisdom Cards

All the parts of us…

Posted on by sue boardman

You’ve probably met them, before, these old friends of mine. They live on a wall near my writing chair, in a room where there is often the noise called news coming from the TV. It turns out that they want to join the conversation!

We’ll skip the swearing and crying. I’m guessing you’ve got your version of all that covered. Let’s do introductions, instead.

Aslan. Matilda. (Or Boudicca!) And a cardinal bird named Elsie. Not so much intentional as demanding. And I’ve needed their messages a whole lot, lately!

You know Aslan, I suspect, from C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Wise and powerful. Benevolent, but formidable. You can probably guess why I find him appealing in this moment!

Then, Matilda/Boudicca. (The painting hasn’t made a firm decision yet, and she could assuredly be both!) Powerful women leaders in times when women weren’t permitted to be powerful. Matilda of Tuscany was my cousin. She is often described as one of the most important governing figures of the Italian Middle Ages. She was also a spiritual leader and a huge supporter of the arts.

Boudicca, hundreds of years before Matilda, was a warrior queen in ancient Britain, also considered a symbol of the struggle for justice and independence. It’s likely that she, too, was a relative.

The bird is named Elsie after my grandmother who told me, when I was about six, that cardinals were ancestors who’d gone on, coming back to check on us and encourage us.

And, yes… they’re livid about a whole lot of the news.

Here’s the thing that I’ve realized… these stories and images are powerful #Filters through which I’m engaging the context of this moment!

For today, I am claiming their wisdom and strength… still alive in my being and spirit. I’m also claiming their #inquiry…

What can you do – what do you need to do – so that what you love to do works better???

Yep! You. Now. In the midst of this context.

And, I have a plan, though it needs to wait until Friday. Watch for a special email! In fact, if you’re not on the email list just now, use the pop-up thingy and get the elves to fix that!

ps… Fairy Tales coming soon. And more Wisdom Cards! (It pays to listen to the walls!)

#Magic!ContemplationsGrandmothersMedicine Basket

When hiding doesn’t work…

Posted on by sue boardman

Yes, hiding is totally tempting. In fact, I’ve tried it, too. There is no lack of things in our world that sane, compassionate people would love to ignore. People like us!

Sadly, it doesn’t really help!

Oh, a nap is good. Another romp through the land of Princess Diaries, even. (Try it!) Eventually, though, those of us who want our Littles to have a world to inherit have to make our way back to the actual world. Here’s a quote that helps me:

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

-James Baldwin

I’ve been experimenting with a way to make going forward, despite current events, feel a bit more encouraging than traumatic. And, yes… creating is involved!

One of my IC® sisters, Amber Kuileimailani Bonnici, led a workshop for the New Year with a way to do just that. I’ve done it before, and enjoyed it. I’ve taught it. Sometimes, though, context does, indeed, shift things and this was one of those times for me.

This particular adventure has to do with folding heavy watercolor paper into an accordian-like book and, for me at least, imagining old things in new ways.

I suspect everyone who tries this experiences it differently. In my mind, it’s a lot like quilting. The scrappy kind. Bits of old treasures and new hopes brought into a relationship intended to create a path forward.

My first challenge, in this moment, was folding the paper. The second was sending the inherited perfectionist who still lurks within me on a play date, elsewhere! (Waiting for something that could be perfect, in the context of this moment, feels a whole lot like giving up!)

I began, as you probably guessed, with a bit of practice in the art of book illumination. (It’s big fun!) And, yes… the Winged Eye Wisdom reference is utterly intentional!

Then, I dreamed a map. A map of next right things!

There is, indeed, more to go. More dreaming. More claiming. The claiming part feels really important just now! And, I’ve decided not to force it faster than I’m ready. You see, I LOVE that there’s more!

ps… If you could actually read the page with the orange writing, way down near the bottom, you might notice a quote from Leo McGarry on The West Wing. “I’ve been down here before, and I know the way out!” Stay tuned… I have, and I do!

pps… now would be a great time to engage the pop-up thingy at the beginning and sign up for the mailing list. Big things, soon!!!

#Magic!ContemplationsGrandmothersMedicine BasketWisdom Cards

’twas the night before 2026

Posted on by sue boardman

…and all through the house, the people were waiting for news and pondering choices! You know…

If this, then ________________…

If that, then ________________…

And, yes, the multitude of elipses are this writer’s way of expressing, “What next?”

The challenge, of course, is that we don’t know, even when we think we do! And, it’s hard!

There are, however, some things we CAN know. Some things we CAN choose. And, yes… I like those! So, I chose a card! One of Grammy’s MetaMod Wisdom Cards, to be exact. Sometimes I just mix all of them together in a big heap, close my eyes, and pull one.

In this moment, though, I needed to narrow things down a bit. That meant the category known as Meta-what??? These have to do with big questions on the road to the place where you feel called. And, you know what? I got a very good fit for this moment! Here it is:

And, yes… a Tardis, like the one you see, above, is on the front. The magical door that opens to a whole new world! (It helps to love a sci-fi guy!)

So… time for meddlin’!

What could YOU set free???

Literal objects. Limiting beliefs. We always/We never…

Personally, I’m setting It’s too complicated free, and claiming Let’s see what happens, instead! Chances are, as the old story goes, I’ll learn something and you know how I love that!

And, there’s a bunch of stuff in my closet that’s eagerly awaiting an excursion to a local Clothes Closet!

Here’s the bottom line, though… what I’m really setting free is…

ME

And, no, I’m not at all sure what that will look like. I just know that it’s time! Me, and the Fire Horse who brings intense energy, innovation, and bold action to this year, now. I’ll figure the rest of it out!

ps… start your New Year with much love and a great new tool! Order 2 sets of MetaMod Wisdom Cards, shipped to the same address, and save 20%. Offer limited to in-stock supply. Just click here and the elves will do the magic! And wander… there’s lots of inspiring stuff!

#Magic!ContemplationsMedicine Basket

Of mixed traditions and hopeful intentions!

Posted on by sue boardman

Greetings, this fourth day of Christmas, the feast day of Holy Innocents. And, this third day of Kwanzaa. (I’m pretty sure!) And, Tevet 8 in the Jewish calendar, which marks the completion of the Septuagint (an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Torah) making the text more accessible, while also more susceptible to misinterpretation and influence.

Please hear me say that I’m no expert and we really didn’t cover all this in Nursing School or Seminary – though some of that is changing these days!

The bottom line is that our ancient stories and traditions mean different things to different people and that fact lies somewhere between terrifying and infuriating for those who want to choose one meaning for everyone.

We were hugely blessed with a visit from our kids. We put gifts in stockings hand-knitted by several generations and hung ornaments from Baby’s first Christmas to Menorahs.

We painted and baked and ate and told stories. We proof read school assignments and (some of us) worked at on-line scuba training. There was also furniture moving involved! Well, nesting, really. Places supportive of all the creating that goes on around here.

On Friday evening, I had a big ah-hah! I was feeling both inspired and determined by all the enthusiasm and progress around me. (Enthusiasm, by the way, brings a sense of being inspired by the Divine!)

I am declaring the time from now until mid-April to be MY intentional season for magical healing choices!

What might you choose for such an intentional season??? Leave me a comment, below, or email me at suesvoice@gmail.com I’d love to hear!

ps… I suspect Radical Good Trouble will be involved!

pps… prayers, please, for our family as doctors do doctor things on Monday. I’m grateful!!!

#Magic!ContemplationsFeminine Frequency FestivalGrandmothers

One foot in awe, and one in wonder…

Posted on by sue boardman

That’s what I feel in this moment. And I’m struck by how conscious I am of it! A house full of my dearest ones. Sun setting outside the window. Seasonal bush enjoying decorations. Busy people everywhere!

The grandteens, having constructed a gingerbread house, are busy sketching and painting. The grownups mostly doing work-like things, having conquered the major grocery expedition earlier.

I am noticing and wondering. Waaaayyyy deep!!! You see, I’ve been wandering in the land of the way-back folks. The multitude of humans, each with their own dreams and needs, their awe – and regrets – and wonder back clear to the time when King David walked the Earth.

(I know… there were more before that, but it’s as far as my searching has gotten me, thus far!)

Bits of all those lives and stories, gathered here. New dreams in a context that would probably look unimaginable to many of them and yet, I suspect, there are things that would feel familiar, too. Chaos. Power struggles. Danger.

Not too long after that, as the story goes, a babe was born.

Here’s the part that feels so wild to me…

The message that babe brought is still waiting for us to hear. To claim the awe and wonder of love!

And, perhaps, it’s time for some intentional walking the talk. Not simply in ceremonial ways, but in ways that help others. Those we know and those we don’t. Even if it feels like banging our heads against the wall!

Our Littles are watching! And making meaning!!! Also, joy!!!

With many blessings for you and yours,

ps… there’s still time to join us for the Feminine Frequency Festival! Just click the link and ask to join the Facebook group, which might take a day or so. There are incredible speakers and lots of really cool art. Join me, 12/31/25 for Claiming YOUR Feminine Good Trouble Magic! (Paper & pen, handy. Cuppa, of course, and just enough courage to turn the knob on the door to the future!

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Of signs and wonders… and hope, even now!!!

Posted on by sue boardman

The awesome dude who helps wrangle the lawn/garden/downed tree limbs, etc. was here on Thursday, with his sweet puppy-buddy, Lily. We did a good bit of plotting and planning and made space for Charlie Brown and his friends because – you know – it wouldn’t be Christmas without them!

Rule #1 for this kind of magic is, support the environment! No chemicals. Leaves blown off the driveway and down the hill where they can happily compost without causing mobility challenges. More prep for new rose bushes. You hear me!

Similar tasks are in progress in the studio. Canvases stashed safely. Paint put away. Brushes cleaned. And 4 dining chairs reclaimed from the basement. Yep! Our kids are coming!!!

Let’s be real… there were already lots of things on our lists and this is – well – more. My shoulder dislocated, again. (It’s back, now!) And, then, there’s the news, which is decidedly less than jolly. Here’s the Red Thread that connects it all…

It’s all about the world our Littles are inheriting!!! And letting those leaves compost, etc. is a holiday gift, even without wrapping paper and bows!

Then there’s another sort of gift… the honeycomb you saw as we began. I found it, just at the base of the grape arbor, about 10 minutes after the garden guy left. Just laying there, face up, right by the driveway.

Now, I’m desperately allergic to bee stings and I’ve had enough practice to be really cautious, but that bit of nature was calling my name. I watched it for several minutes and saw no movement. I nudged it gently with my boot and nothing happened. And I longed to hear its message.

So, I brought it gently inside and searched on my phone for something along the lines of “preserving dry honeycomb”. It now resides, as directed, in a (re-used) plastic bag in the freezer, lest there be mites! (A couple days, according to the directions.)

I shared the photo with some wise on-line friends and one dear heart was curious, too. Here’s a glimpse of what she sent me, after a bit of research… (Yes, AI does have a few uses!)

Finding a dry or empty honeycomb often symbolizes a period of transition, the completion of a cycle, or a call to seek new sources of spiritual nourishment and wisdom. Here are some spiritual meanings associated with a dry honeycomb:

  • A Call for New Growth/Nourishment: The honeycomb typically represents spiritual nourishment and the “sweetness” of divine wisdom or pleasant words. A dry or empty comb might suggest a spiritual emptiness or a lack of fulfillment in your current circumstances, encouraging you to seek out new sources of guidance and enrichment.
  • Renewal and Rebirth: In nature, abandoned combs are often cleaned out by other creatures, leaving an empty cavity for a new colony to inhabit. Spiritually, this can symbolize the potential for renewal and the opportunity to build a new life or pursue a different path, free from past burdens.
  • Diligent Effort and its Rewards: The honeycomb is a powerful symbol of diligence, cooperation, and the rewards of hard work. A dry comb may serve as a reminder to reflect on your efforts; perhaps the rewards of a past endeavor have been fully harvested, or it’s a message to direct your diligence toward a new, fruitful pursuit.
  • Completion and Release: The absence of bees and honey can signify that a phase of life or a project, which once involved collective effort and abundance, has reached its natural conclusion. It may be a sign that it is time to let go and prepare for a new beginning.
  • A Search for Essence: The original honeycomb holds the essence of the bees’ labor and the sweetness of the honey. Finding an empty one might prompt you to look beyond the material or surface-level aspects of life and search for deeper, spiritual meanings or hidden truths (just as honey is “extracted” from the comb). 

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ll take a boatload of that, just now! In fact, I’ve spent the last few days exploring just such an opportunity which happens to have a whole lot to do with wonders of the natural world!

And, yes… there’s more to come!

For this moment, my unhappy shoulder and I re-scheduled our Feminine Frequency Festival offering to December 31, at 1:20pm ET. Think of it as Magical New Year Prep!!! YOUR first step, still, is joining the Facebook group where the wonder is beginning on the Solstice. Just click here! And, stay tuned! And, spread the word! Love for you to share this post with friends and family…

ps… maybe she brought the beginning of this unfolding wonder! May we have ears to hear!