In the following link, yours truly weighs in on this topic. Of course, I’m biased!—http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=516185912780&oid=152481524316&ref=share
October 28, 2009
GOODNESS, DID I LIKE THIS!
Posted by Susan McElroy under Spirit, Wonder, and Healing | Tags: nature and healing, nature and spirituality |[4] Comments
I suspect this child speaks for many of us. Such grace in one so young. I hope she becomes president someday: http://current.com/items/90981878_the-girl-who-silenced-the-world-for-5-minutes.htm
October 13, 2009
My good friend Genviev had a great idea the other day, so I’m passing it on to you for your input. This may be a way for all of us to participate in generating more income in these challenging times. See what you think!
The Spirit Wolf Press Proposition
In light of the financial and economic difficulties so many of us have
been facing lately, Susan and I have been discussing the idea of
offering each interested member of the community gathered on her
site the possibility of becoming an official distributor of our Spirit Wolf
Press collections.
Distributors would be able to generate high profit margins on every
card they sell. This system would allow those interested to distribute
the collections directly in their area and generate profit margins
equaling those traditionally allocated to commercial distributors. Our
intention is to enable each of us to regain control over our individual
financial stability, while reaching for our dreams, supporting each
other by sharing the fruits of our labor and working together to
promote the respect and protection of animal spirits and their sacred
habitats. (more…)
October 9, 2009
“PATIENCE”—CARTER SPEAKS
Posted by Susan McElroy under Spirit, Wonder, and Healing | Tags: animals and healing, nature and spirituality |[4] Comments

My wise man of the woods...
Carter has an unusual way of expressing himself, which I find delightful and provokative. He is a quiet man who thinks a lot. I was telling him pretty much what I posted to all of you last time in my autumn reflection. He wandered downstairs to his computer, and wrote this for me, and I liked it and thought I would share it with you. So, here it is, unedited: Carter speaks!
“Patience. The idea arose in our morning conversation today. Waiting, I think is another word for it. Word’s thesaurus gives “endurance, staying power, tolerance, lack of complaint, persistence, fortitude, serenity” as alternative words. But none of them capture, for me, the feeling of patience. But, I think tolerant, serene persistence does. Carlos Castaneda’s Juan Metus had much to say about waiting and patience. For don Juan the key was impeccable intent. Impeccability and intent were prevalent in all of his teachings the core of which is “Personal Power”. (more…)
September 9, 2009
Dear friends: My time has been eaten up this summer trying to redo my website so that my blog and it are “one” and in harmony. It is a frustrating process. I think I have a draft of the thing working. I would be eternally in your debt if you could go to my website (www.susanchernakmcelroy.com) and see if it looks okay or if it is messed up with the photos or the words. Also, I need to know if you can connect to my blog their (a copy of this blog here…) You can post your comments about what you find here.
I have many stories to tell. (a new chicken family, a baby mourning dove in residence, and my mouse tales, plus new pond goodies!) Just got to get my virtual world in harmony!
August 21, 2009
SPIRIT WOLF
Posted by Susan McElroy under *Meet the Community! | Tags: animals and healing, nature and spirituality |[11] Comments
I’d like to introduce you to my friend Genviev, and her companion, the Spirit Wolf. Genviev and I have been in contact for several years, during which she sent me a stunning photo of her hand placed against the Spirit Wolf’s hand. Genviev has now crafted, with the help of Zahn, the Spirit Wolf, a new publishing site where she offers some lovely cards and photos that are so wonderful for musing upon. I’m enclosing her letter to me from Spirit Wolf, and adding them to our community, and our links: (more…)
August 19, 2009
DENISE’S LOLA (SUCH A BEAUTY!)
Posted by Susan McElroy under Uncategorized | Tags: animals and healing, nature and spirituality |[4] Comments
From Denise: “Quick shot of my beloved beast Lola, out for our morning walk…pretty sure she is looking for “chippies!” Rescued at 4 weeks 8 1/2 years ago, her mother pure Sharpie and father pure Pitt Bull. The owners of the Sharpie wanted to breed and show when their female hooked up with another show dog/Pitt Bull-daddy! At about 4-weeks 2 miles into the Northern woods in an old abandoned car the owners of the Sharpie dumped the puppies?! (more…)August 16, 2009
Ghost Dog
Posted by Susan McElroy under Uncategorized | Tags: animals and healing, nature and spirituality |[5] Comments
From our friend Kerry:
“Hi Susan:
Occasionally I have wished that there was a way on your blog to start a random thread of connection. Do you know what I mean? A spot to go and see what animal subject is being discussed. The eagle pair sighting, the new grand-dog, dragonflies, the dead dog on the side of the road….
Yesterday I was driving south on the Alaska Highway when out of the corner of my eye as I passed, I glimpsed the smooth side of a white dog lying on its back, headfirst into the ditch, one paw raised in rigor mortis into the air. My stomach lurched.
I really had to get where I was going, but my mind was racing. What can I do?! (more…)
July 24, 2009
DO YOU REMEMBER FAITH, FRANK, AND EARNEST?
Posted by Susan McElroy under Uncategorized | Tags: animals and healing, nature and healing, nature and spirituality |[2] Comments

Carter and coons
Sunday is the day! This coming Sunday, I am overjoyed to be a part of the raccoon release party that includes my three “children,” bold Frank, little Faith, and loud Earnest. Their clan includes a total of young eight raccoons, who will be released together in acres of safe woods, running water, and welcoming landowners. Of course, I’ll tell you all about it. Send good wishes their way!
Leaves are falling now in a deluge. In the windless days, they dip down like feathers shaken off from some great, molting firebird. The forest floor is a fantastical mosaic of flame colors as autumn burns away the greens of summer in an inferno of golden, red, and orange. I’ve been wondering whether I could gather the leaves inside and decoupage them onto my kitchen counter, and marvel at them each day, all year long. 
I’m feeling the need for a new book circle. The leaves are falling, the air is getting crisp, and there are days now that are whispering, “Stay inside with some tea today…”
Weeks ago, Genviev wrote me the following story about a journey of death and rebirth she took with her dog, Zahn. You may remember my post about Genviev, her webite, and the photos of Zahn, her Spirit Wolf.
Do you remember Button and Squeaky, the two infant house mouse babies I found some weeks ago, squeaking in my garage? Well, it’s about time I continued their story:
Okay, kindred spirits—you asked, and this is the best way I can think to craft this. As a “forum” of sorts, I am creating new categories here on the blog for you to comment in. I’m making my first one for “For Animal Lovers-Comment Here,” and starting with this beautiful message from Jeff. Just jump with your animal/spirit stories under any post in that category. I’ll be making categories for pond lovers, garden lovers, and any other category you suggest to me that you would enjoy.
It sounded like a bird chirping. At least that was my first reaction to the squeaking noise that had Darter so intrigued in the garage. She was circling a small metal shelving unit full of Carter’s tools, her feline whiskers flexing in great concentration. I narrowed down the direction of the sound to the right hand corner of the second shelf, and stuck my hand back behind a small, greasy box full of bolts or something, and touched something warm and squirming.
“A giant 
