About

The Nile

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

Today my son and his friend are white water rafting on the Nile. My knee injury prohibited that, but as my luck would have it, the property where our cabin is for two nights is adjacent to the Nile. 

And so here I am on this beautiful day of so many dragonflies and birds. I have walked down to the river and I stood in it. It is not cold. A friendly dog accompanied me. He is enjoying barking at some birds which I cannot identify. There is a mild breeze. The river is wide and peaceful. 

A beloved song came to me. Watch this video of the Nile and listen to this phrase of a prayerful song written by Holly Near in 2006, and sung by me today. 

Annie sings “Oh River” while enjoying this view of the Nile.

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My Religious Background

by 8hummingbirdway

I felt some hesitance to write about these classes I dreamed of that seemed to “train children up” – a Christian term you may have heard regarding education. This is how I envision Laura Ingalls Wilder being raised, which seemed good to me. (I only read a few of her books as an adult. I loved them – and read them to at least one of my children.) But I was not aligned with Christianity at the time, and “training children up” was something that in my younger days sounded somewhat harsh to me.

I have also written some thoughts on how children might be more fully educated as part of this thread of exploration.

Perhaps the Laura Ingalls Wilder books are what led me to seek out a church when my older daughter was approaching her teen years and my other two were 5+7. We spent a year or more attending a Unitarian church, where the sermons were soul-nourishing. We were just starting to make connections in the congregation when life’s demands did not allow the hour drive any longer.

I was raised in a family that attended a Congregational church on Sundays, but did not seem to truly embrace the values of Christianity. My mother said we went to church to engage with community – not a bad thing, but we did not give thanks at our meals, and the word God was rarely spoken in our home.

When I was a teenager, my mother said it was important to put myself in other people’s shoes – to imagine what it would be like to be them, with their challenges. This meant a great deal to me, and I took it to heart. I had heard of the Golden Rule and I embraced it the best I could. But that was the only life lesson I can recall receiving from either parent. Of course I don’t remember everything – but I’m certain that the presence of God was not spoken about or acknowledged in any real or way in my childhood home.

There was one Sunday school lesson may have been the reason we stopped attending church. I came home and said to my mom “Now I know why people hate the Jews – Jesus was killed by the Jews!” She was very upset by this and explained to me that Jesus was Jewish. Mom was very vocal and I’m pretty sure she spoke about this with the minister. My mother came to adulthood during World War 2, and her German family were social outcasts to some extent during that time. Her best friend during my childhood was Jewish – the mom of “Jerry” in my recent story. Mom and Dad both believed that all people should be treated equally – all races, religions, and nationalities. I am deeply grateful for this aspect of my upbringing.

I am a lover of all people. Even those who go astray, or who I leave behind, who have hurt me or my loved ones. I can’t help it. I don’t stop loving those who I have loved. This does not always set well with others – and it is sometimes painful to me. I have learned not to always mention it. Such as my friend’s ex-spouse, or the friend of my daughter who betrayed her. But I still carry them in my heart once I learn to love them. Sometimes I carry anger as well – but eventually that falls away, and love is all that is left. I like being this way. It’s gentle and it’s full-hearted.

When I was in middle school, I started attending a Baptist church occasionally with my best friend’s family. I was actually baptized with my best friend there. I remember taking classes to prepare us for baptism and I remember having a really hard time with the concept of accepting Jesus as my lord and savior AND with the belief that he died for our sins. But my best friend was going to do it, so I finally stopped questioning and just went ahead.

My friend and I attended a Baptist youth camp for several years. I loved the Christian songs I learned there around the campfire there and I sang them all year long. I still sing some of them. “Jesus walked this lonesome valley. He had to walk it by himself. Nobody else could walk it for him. He had to walk it by himself.” Love it.

But this was the place of my final separation from Christianity. One morning I was sitting at a bible study class. I can’t recall what exactly we were reading/studying, but it involved Hell – which was a concern of mine. When it came time for discussion, I asked a question that had been on my mind for some time. “If a person who was born to a tribe in South America or Africa never heard of Jesus, would he go to hell when he died?” The answer from the youth pastor was yes. And that was the end of Christianity for me.

My love of others and my belief in equality and fairness for all was stronger than any alignment with a harsh and punishing God.

Later my best friend’s mom told me that not all pastors would have answered this question the same way – but I had turned away. I didn’t want to belong to a group where any others felt this way, leaving me to sift through. Any paradigm I would sign onto would be a loving one, as would it’s followers.

And for most of my life the word “God” made me uncomfortable.

It has been a very long journey back to God. My spiritual search started in my late 20s. And only recently – in the past few years – has my perception of spiritual community expanded to include Christianity.

I do feel some alignment with the concept of “training up children.” In truth, I don’t know a lot about it, and I realize there are probably as many versions as there are families.

My children were raised in a family that valued honesty and compassion and respect for all. I would add discipline and devotion and prayer if I were to raise children today. Although it would probably be a conglomeration of what I have garnered from my spiritual search, not from a specific institution or book.

Wisdom and truth often come late in life. And there are as many versions as there are people. I am still learning.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

More Surprises

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

I arrived yesterday afternoon, my son met me at the airport. We had some afternoon sun and then a simple dinner at a nearby restaurant. In the dark driveway I fell and hurt my knee, not seriously (although I must have a dramatic side because I wondered about amputation during the night). It bled a lot initially which is good and it is finally drying out. I sent a photo to my daughter (vet. tech. with surgical experience) and she advised me to get medical attention, probably antibiotics + maybe a brace. 

I won’t be white water rafting tomorrow as planned. I’m fine with that. I should be in good form in a few days. I feel so much love. From the man who appeared to help me up with my son, from the woman who runs the tiny hotel, from Andrew the driver who drove us earlier in the day, from my daughters, from my husband, from my helping spirits. From Africa! 

Another surprise blessing is that I’ve come to be at ease with my son’s grouchy side! I realize it’s him, not me! He’s most grouchy in the morning, and I do not see the joy in him that I once did. Maybe the gorilla trek or something on this trip will help him.

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Off I go

by 8hummingbirdway

I am flying to Africa today, to a place where the people are more connected to their tribal origins. (Children speak their tribal language until they attend school.)

I hope to connect deeply to this continent and to her people.

I hope to know my son better and to be delighted by his good company.

I hope to be my best self, whatever that means in each moment.

I know I will have the opportunity to work with some Ugandan children.

I know I will be able to connect to Mother Earth in this new (to me) place.

I know my helping spirits will be available to me.

I know I will ask each morning for Creator to guide my steps.

I know I will turn myself over each day to the day’s events and needs and blessings.

I have brought some small gifts – a beloved stone for the continent itself, a work tool for the children, and some crystals and a feather, etc. for …I don’t know who will show up on my path! There will be drivers and teachers and people who make food for us.

I know this will be the trip of a lifetime!

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Evolution of Humanity and Earth

by 8hummingbirdway

One of the most wonderful things that I have learned from Sri Pune is that as each of us embraces change and healing and release of old patterns, we support the ability of others and of humanity as a whole to heal, change, and release patterns.

The personal work that individuals are doing is bringing a magnified and manyfold healing!

Norlen’s website is now active, featuring Sri Pune, at norlenlinn.com Soon it will be available at the bottom of each page on this website.

Recently I had the opportunity to ask some questions of Sri Pune with a couple of friends and one of them asked a question about the origin of the evolution of humanity and the planet at this time. Sri Pune has often spoken about frequency adjustments and healing for humanity and the planet. Today they were more detailed.

The response included the plans and intentions of the Cosmos in relation to planetary evolution. They spoke of the Cosmos as a sentient being.

Specifically regarding this 3rd dimensional construct of our planet Earth …the planet allows for this evolution, and it is a pre-ordained evolution. Layers of realities have unfolded over time which contain an understanding, and have been gathering information, allowing for a new evolvement of frequencies. These changes are automatically occurring and have already been taking place for a number of years. As the planet itself evolves, it evolves the minds of humans. These layers of realities allow for the evolution. The changes in frequencies and a change in light is speeding up and is supported by beings of light that surround the planet. This evolvement is connected to the entire universe and connects to the current evolution of humanity.

I’ve done my best to paraphrase and convey the message I heard. I often find new aspects to each message each time I read or listen to it. It was a very inspiring and moving message, and to visualize the movements as Sri Pune encircled the planet with Norlen’s hands was also moving. (Unfortunately, the video had issues.)

A link to the audio recording is below – it’s an informal conversation and you will have to fast forward 5 minutes to hear the question and the full channeled message I am referring to in this post. (If you start from the beginning, there will be about 25 seconds of silence.)

Link to audio recording (about 6 minutes):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GealM5FFCvmas8coD83AJIRc5afqSJYu/view

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

Very small lots for sale

by 8hummingbirdway

This morning I woke from a dream of looking at several tiny lots for sale. They were 2″ X 2″ – just a tiny speck of land. They were all on the road on the edge of someone’s property. I was considering them as a good place to place a candle and light it and my friends and I would form a circle “around” it on the road (a dirt road). We would pray or sing or share heartfelt stories – I’m not sure what the entire plan was.

The last one I looked at was on the edge of the property that I lived on for 25 years in Summit. It was a lovely little spot, but the owner came over with a bulldozer and pushed the soil towards me and I backed off. I guess he didn’t want anyone – or me – to own this spot. I can understand that.

I woke up and I thought again of the land I love in Summit. It was my dream home and I’m so grateful to have lived there.

I realized that in the Spring or Summer I could take a walk in the woods the way I often did. I could enter on the road. My neighbor didn’t mind me walking his logging roads, which were extensive. He had significantly more acreage than I. I think I will check with him in the Spring to see if it’s ok. And then I can revisit the lovely woods and some favorite trees and rocks. And maybe I will sneak quietly over to visit briefly with Grandmother Tree. I wonder if the wood chimes I left her are still there.

If it’s Summer, I know where there is a sprinkling of raspberries along the road.

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Should Public School Offer More?

by 8hummingbirdway

The dream I had recently about the special course for 10 year old girls has brought me to thinking about what might be lacking in our existing education system. There is SO much in life that I was unequipped to navigate with grace or wisdom when I left home.

Ideally, all the life skills we need would be learned in the home, but who tells their children about the demands and expectations of parenthood – the challenges, disciplinary options, the importance of honoring the child, of listening to them? Some of these things are taught by example. But this depends on the family. Even the specific stages that children go through would be extremely helpful for future parents to understand.

What other things are important for young adults to know?

How about going on mock interviews, learning to present themselves well, and be educated about workplace expectations and dynamics? (Be on time, be presentable, use good manners, clean up after yourself.)

Should children be taught in school about what it takes to live in partnership? Some of some basics about living with one’s chosen partner – blessings, pitfalls and all? How to communicate and navigate interpersonal challenges. (Treat your partner with kindness and carry your own weight.)

Not specific religious teachings, but …something of ethics, honesty, integrity and the skills of personal sacrifice. What it means to be the best kind of human, how to walk in personal balance, and what it means to honor others.

What if young adults were provided techniques that assist one to find inner peace – or even taught the concept of inner peace.

How fruitful would it be to have class discussions about the elements of a rewarding life – and versions of what that might be?

The differences between males and females were very confusing to me for many years. Should all children learn about the differences between the male and female of our species?

What kind of a world would we be creating if we provided this kind of knowledge in a neutral and informational way, facilitating open discussion?

I understand parents wanting to teach their own children values and I totally support that. I homeschooled my younger children for 4 years and I know the commitment, devotion, time and love that goes into it, as well as the valuable family time gained.

Interest, involvement and teachings from one’s parents is a blessing

However, in many families, public school is responsible for providing knowledge. If parents can’t read, their children are taught to read in school. If parents are uncomfortable with numbers, their children gain at least a rudimentary knowledge of the basics in school. What other information and training should be provided for a productive and satisfying life?

I consider it of a matter of great importance what children are taught. They will be the parents and neighbors and citizens and leaders of our future. They will create a future that is beyond what we can imagine. I believe we should give them all the tools we can.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

I’m Having a Soulful Time

by 8hummingbirdway

My husband went away for 5 days to ride bikes and play miniature golf, etc. – and eat fish in Florida with his son.

I have the house to myself and I am doing as I please.

I can practice the fiddle at 3am. I can sleep strange hours. I can play podcasts and French lessons and my astrology class and music out loud all day long if I want. I don’t, because I enjoy the quiet too.

I can eat my favorite food and have meals at random times if I please. I can (and must) do some final preparation for my trip to Africa. I get on an airplane in 7 days.

[The 3 cats are mad at me even though I’m petting them, talking to them, scooping their litter, providing clean water and giving them their prescribed treats and snacks. They seem to think I’m responsible for their favorite person being gone and are keeping their distance. I’m slightly miffed, but can’t say I’m overly impacted by the cats. Petunia (my favorite) has been in the basement for 2 days, but this morning she came up and decided I could pet her, scratch her head and sit by her for a few minutes. Now she’s gone again. She is a persnickety one.]

I do have to water plants, feed birds, etc., but otherwise I am as free as a bird.

Yesterday I had a chiropractor appointment to make sure I’m in good form for my trip.

I also had a bodywork appointment with Gretchen Cosgrove, who is a blessing in my life. I credit her with returning me from a bicycle accident I had that almost killed me (handle bar to trachea) nearly 3 years ago …back to LIFE! I feel 100% myself again, which is amazing. I am extremely grateful for the deep and varied aspects of healing that she has brought to me. I highly recommend Gretchen for massage, energy work, anything she offers. She is a soul and body healer of outstanding ability and presence and love.

I will be adding a link to her website (currently under revision) to my info bar at the bottom of each page.

I asked Gretchen for overall balancing and work on my heart chakra because Sri Pune said it would benefit my connection to my son. I have been trying to “allow a frequency adjustment in my heart that will assist me to develop a new pathway of my heart” as advised. Allowing is sometimes hard for me – it’s so vague. But I do have a sense of when I’m successful. There was definitely a shift today in my heart.

Shortly after Gretchen attended to my heart, her hand hovering steadily over the chakra, I started to see waves of color. A couple minutes later I started to feel sadness, which increased and solidified. I remembered something my husband said to me a couple months ago that was impactful and unsettling. I had buried it, but now it has surfaced again and is looking for light. While he is away is a perfect time to unearth it and see what needs to be done to allow it to be put to rest.

My husband and my marriage are blessings to me, but marriage is not always easy to navigate. There are times when we feel hurt, whether or not the hurt is intended.

I am extremely grateful for this time, just for me.

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Time Brings Change

by 8hummingbirdway

When I visited my closest friend just after she gave birth, there was an incident in which her baby ejected projectile diarrhea on a wall 5 feet away. It was nothing I’d ever seen before – amazing! 100 years ago it would have been in bad taste to tell anyone about this, and I don’t think my grandmother would have appreciated it 50 years ago. In those days we had to be protected from this aspect of life. (Shameful bodily functions such as defecating!) And it wasn’t a normal baby poop event, hence …additionally shameful?

Bodily functions were definitely not discussed by my grandmother. I’m sure she contended with baby poop regularly, but it was the woman’s domain and my grandfather was protected from it. And yes, shame was part of this package of secrecy.

Over time it has become standard for both parents to contend with diaper changes. This familiarity and comfort helps to diffuse the impact of shame significantly.

You get the idea. Defecation and feces has been normalized over time. Today, you might not enjoy visualizing the event I described, but most people don’t give it another thought.

I’m hoping that in another 50 or 100 years we humans will be more comfortable with our bodies – maybe enough to discuss sex with ease. I know the younger generations have made strides forward in this arena.

Sexual abuse, other forms of abuse, and human trafficking also need to be brought into the light of awareness. Associated shame needs to be healed. Hopefully there will be no place for these harmful realities in our world in the next century.

I also hope we will be more knowledgeable about what is now called mental illness and addiction. The move to consider them not the fault of the person, and the recognition of heredity are positive movements toward the eradication of shame. I predict we will eventually be able to discuss all of these matters without shame coming into play within ourselves – or in the reactions of others. It will be as appropriate as poop.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.