Metaphysical

A Life in Lines

/ still a dreamer / 11 Comments

I recently went to the MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) to get my REAL ID, and was offered the opportunity to have a new license photo taken. Sure, it’s been a while.

There’s nothing like having your photo taken by some official agency to reveal how we’ve aged, how many more lines we’ve added since our last such photograph. In our mirrors at home, we watch a slow and gradual change, so we can almost delude ourselves into thinking we haven’t really aged. It’s a harmless enough delusion.

Once back home, I decided to take an account of my face in the mirror.

There are definitely some lines. Among them, are many, many laugh lines. I know because when I smile, I see which ones they are. I also have squinting lines on my forehead and between my eyebrows, because I have grey eyes, and lighter eyes are always much more sensitive to sun then darker ones.

Some of the lines are simply natural aging, years of skin no longer capable of being taut as it was when I was younger. Pretty routine. I notice there really aren’t frown lines, or a down turned mouth, nothing angry.

But I also know, hidden in those lines, there are times of pain, anxiety, the stress of overcoming things life brought my way, delicate channels for tears. These lines are, to use the words of a friend, my Badge of Courage.

In the end, whether in a harshly lit photo for a driver’s license, in the soft and generous photo taken by a friend, or a selfie, all these lines are no more, no less, than a life lived.

The Symbol of the Butterfly

/ still a dreamer / 5 Comments

What is the meaning of a butterfly? Often, the butterfly symbolizes change, due to its dramatic transformation from a caterpillar to a magnificent winged creature. In Japanese, Burmese, and many other cultures the butterfly is seen as a symbol for the soul.

Was symbolism intended when I wrote my picture book, Where Do Butterflies Go at Night?

If you had asked me when I first wrote it in 2009, I would have said `no’, but I now question if I didn’t have more in mind than even I knew. I submitted “Butterflies” to agents and traditional publishers for many years. Although I often got positive feedback, it was ultimate;y rejected because it was in rhyme, and rhyme is hard to sell.

A small, independent publisher saw the beauty in my story of the magical imaginings of a child who wondered where the butterflies went at night. It was published with the lovely art of Stella Maris Mongodi, who brought the sweet simplicity of the cabbage white butterfly to life in a whole new and charming way.

When the original publisher closed its doors, I self-published this, my debut picture book, now identifying it as “2nd Edition.” In 2025, it won a first place award in the poetry category from a prestigious reviewer of children’s books. And in my most recent picture book school presentation, I decided to do something a little differently.

In emphasizing the concept of change from caterpillar to butterfly, I talked with 1st and 2nd graders about the importance of embracing change; being brave in the face of change; and understanding that all change is ultimately working in our favor. One might think little ones wouldn’t get that, but they did. Sometimes wiser than we adults, they did.

And so, the butterfly has become a symbol of transformation for me, as well. I’ve gone through many changes with these butterflies and their story. They continue to light my path, and I am still unfolding.

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Where Do Butterflies Go at Night, 2nd Edition is available on Amazon and in also my Etsy shop, if you would like your copy signed.

Photo credits:
BW butterfly: pexels/6th Era Photography; @stories_by_sixthera
Blue butterfly: pexels/aarngiri; @aarn_giri
Cabbage white butterfly: pexels/mali maeder
Butterfly illustration: Stella Maris Mongodi

Turning the Page to 2026

/ still a dreamer / 12 Comments

It’s not much more than that, really, is it? Turning a page? But there is some kind of magical idea that everything can change at the stroke of midnight on December 31st. Hmmm … I like magic.

I prefer not to make New Year’s resolutions, but I do like taking time to reflect on the year gone by, and thinking about what I’d like to see in my own life going forward.

Read along. Some of these might be for you, too.

In 2026, I would like to … (in no particular order)

  • spend less time on anything that doesn’t feed and enrich my heart, my soul, my life’s purpose
  • gain more clarity on exactly what my life purpose is at this point in time so I can make some meaningful contribution to life here on Earth
  • continue to accept that I am always exactly where I’m supposed to be, no matter what it sometimes feels like
  • release more self-limiting beliefs
  • better acknowledge my gifts and talents, and face my fears
  • find/spend more time with people who truly “get” me
  • let go of what no longer serves me, and be OK with it
  • Trust

Do any of these work for you? Have an addition or two? Your thoughts are always welcome.

I hope 2026 brings you beautiful and wondrous things. You deserve all the good. Happy New Year.

Trusting Life

/ still a dreamer / 4 Comments

The holidays, no matter what we celebrate, seem to inescapably be a time for reflection. Not in the New Year’s resolution kind of way, but more of a quiet taking stock.

How did you do? Did you accomplish some of your goals? Did you let go of things/people that have been holding you back? Make new connections? Find new inspiration? Have you been taking care of your health, mentally and physically? Have you nurtured your dreams?

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to give yourself credit for all you’ve done and all you’ve tried to do, whether everything was a finished masterpiece or not.

Looking back over 2025, acknowledge all your growth. Be proud of yourself. Love yourself for every little thing. You did good.

I’m sharing this book here because Louise Hay (r.i.p.) has been a guide on my life path for decades, and was one of my first. She overcame a truly and deeply painful past, and rose to become known worldwide for her message of love. How important it is to embrace self love and heal ourselves, and in so doing, the world. This book is a good reminder.

Trusting life isn’t always so easy these days. Loving ourselves can be a challenge. So when you sit down to reflect a bit on your own life, please remember all you overcame this year. Know you are loved.

More on Louise Hay here.