The Soulistry Blog

It rained yesterday. Oh how it rained and rained and rained.We really needed it! And this lovely rose from the garden raised its sweet head, welcomed the raindrops and smiled, blessing me with its beauty, its colour, its sweet scent.A gentle reminder from the Universe...

On this 20th anniversary of 9-11, the world remembers ... the First Responders who died... those who struggle since being near Ground Zero... those killed that day in the twin towers & planesOn 9-11, 2001 - twenty years ago, Canadians were close neighbours,...

In Jewish tradition, a Tzaddik is someone who dies on Rosh Hashanah and is "a person of great righteousness" (the quality of being morally right or justifiable). At the beginning of the Jewish celebration known as Rosh Hashanah, shofars are blown outdoors in many...

A public, unasked-for explanation, fwiw, as to what helped make my decision to be vaccinated.At this time in our history, I believe it is important for me to remember that as I enjoy and celebrate the gift of life and want to live as long and healthy a life as I can,...

We can't change the minds of all who are opposed to getting vaccinated or think the pandemic is a hoax, but maybe the following will give encouragement and be a reminder that love shared with one another can impact the hearts of family and friends ... one at a...

The wind blows.  Floods and rising waters continue their devastating invasion.  Smoke from nearby fires is frighteningly strong.  Lungs ache.  Eyes burn.  Breathing is compromised.  Evacuations continue.  Families fear losing their homes, livestock, pets, livelihoods,...

Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote"Earth's crammed with heaveneach common bush aflame with GodYet only he (sic) who sees, take off his (sic) shoes." If Divine Presence is everywhere ("every common bush")can it be surmised thatthere is *nowhere*that Divine Presence, God,...

This is going on my front door in the morningbecause if I were a parent or grandparent with young children ... or had a loved one living with me who had a compromised immune systemthis is what I would want to put at my front door And besides... I am my own 'loved one...

fleetinglythe years fly bymarked by flames atop woven pillarsso manyso fastso soonwhile I ponderthe achesand stiffnessand forgetfulnessand at the same timerejoice for I am hereto see the candlesflamesatop woven pillars © June...

Respect.Songs have been written about it.Parents teach their children about it.People expect it.But what is it - what does it involve - exactly?How about "regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others"? Bishop Greg Rickel (8th bishop of the Diocese...

It was near the beginning of the pandemic ... most people were social distancing and mask-wearing.Standing in line outside the health food store, the woman ahead of me were social distancing and wearing masks when a fellow appeared ... no social distancing ... no mask...

It was a simple, informal, unexpected conversation with the check-out gal at the local grocery store. She was wearing an "Every Child Matters" bright orange shirt. I commented on it and said that I was sorry I wasn't able to get to the rally on the weekend. She said...

The little engine was at the bottom of a mountain, looked aheadand was about to turn around because the mountain seemed to be too difficult to climb. But then came the thought "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can" and the little train slowly began its climb up...

Long ago, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was born. Considered to be one of the most important Stoic philosophers, Aurelius penned these words: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive: to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." The...

Fear seems to be on the rise.There's climate change, mass murders, fires, the Delta variant of the COVID19 virus.What to do?We could get guns, or attachments to make guns even more potent.We could become a more militarized society.We could let the fear grow and grow...

Letters of the alphabet ...They can be fascinating.They can be a focus for artwork.They can remind us of our childhood as we recite the letters.They can lead us to better awareness of our world and ourselvesas an Alphabet of Life.Here's one suggestionWhy not make up...

I remember the day before the pandemic. She was in her mid-80's, was wearing beige slacks, beige top and black jacket with a black purse and black shoesand looking at summer tops and slacks. The clothing she was looking at? Black sweater, beige slacks, black top. I...

When I transplanted the bleeding hearts in the garden, I didn't think they would "take" in their new location. Oh, me of little faith!  They survived the transplant and blossomed! Each time I walk by them, I am reminded to pray ... pray especially for those...

When life hits unexpectedly, it hurts. And when it hurts, it can wound not just physically not just emotionally not just spiritually. Sometimes all three. When life hits unexpectedly when life happens and pain results when life brings exhaustion beyond imagining when...

Today is Canada Day in this country.  I honour and pay respect to the privilege and reality that I live on unceded aboriginal land - meaning that Aboriginal Title has neither been surrendered nor acquired by the Crown / government.  On July 1, 1867,...