As I put my feet up after a long day of canning, out of nowhere came a memory from 7 years ago.
On the 18th of October, 7 years ago, my husband collapsed from a massive stroke and passed away 2 1/2 weeks later.
This year, as the time approaches, the memories are easier, softer to remember.
I think it was the canning which triggered the memory. One never knows what will trigger a memory: a smell, a sound, a voice, a texture, etc.
You see, I was making apple sauce and the last time I made apple sauce was 7 years ago. I have 2 jars left from that time.

As time has passed I have been able to see how his death stopped me from living in many ways.

• Most of the canned goods were dated the year he died.
• The clock stopped the day he died. It was repaired last year.
• I still have things which belonged to him and take them out a couple times a year. Every year they hold less meaning and I am able to donate an item or two.
• When I see certain things I reminds me of him- like NASCAR stuff. But now it makes me smile:)

This time of year can be difficult for many who have lost loved ones.
The best advice I can give, is to keep moving forward one moment at a time.
Memories will still come in their own time, but will soften.
Use those canned goods and enjoy making new stuff!
Use those special dishes or cups.
Look up once in a while and say, Thank You.

Remember that you still have a life to live- and how you live it is up to you.

Those uncanny memories will get used up in time and then you’ll have plenty of space for better ones!
Memories of the little things, laughter, hugs and tickles.
In fact, take one of those empty jars and write: Good Memories of _________. On the lid. Then when something comes to mind, write it down on paper and place it in the jar.

Happy uncanny canning
and
Happy trace-forming
Jessica

Happy sunday😊
I was reading an article on smudging and wondered; can you smudge with coffee?☕️
Well, yes you can!👍
Coffee is a stimulant, so grab that warm cup of coffee or tea and walk around inside your home, spreading the aroma is supposed to to get things moving. The same way coffee can help keep you regular.
Ha- just got you to walk around your house carrying coffee:)

On a more serious note: DO open your windows and let some fresh air in. Smudging with a sage bundle or essential oils can also help purify the stagnant indoor air.

Remember to change your furnace filter too!

Back to coffee for a moment: I read a study about how just holding a warm beverage makes you more open and spiritual. It seems warmth reminds us of the womb and being cared for. When you hold a warm beverage in church, bam! Instant induction and regression to a happier time of being cared for.
This is not the whole reason churches now have coffee shops in them, but it’s part of it.
Besides, coffee is social. The ancient tea ceremony was a social prayer time in which alliance were formed.

Back to smudging.
If you haven’t tried smudging, it is worth it! At its core, it uses hypnosis principles such as focused attention; which is prayer or meditation.
If you don’t have a sage bundle, grab some essential oils and a dish of water. ***That dish you received as a wedding gift and never use is perfect!

Ready?
Great!
Now put yourself in a prayer mode- quiet your mind, in whichever way is best for you.
Walk from room to room praying over each space and sprinkling the water or letting the smoke go to all the corners- closets too!
After you’ve been in all the rooms, attic and basement included, open a door and visualize all the stagnant air and energy leaving your home.
Use a broom if you really want to sweep it out!🧹 It won’t turn you into a witch, but it will put you in touch with what women have always known- shake the rugs outside after an undesirable guest has left, to send their negativity with them. Or remove the welcome mat before they arrive next time!

What just happened?
To the observer, nothing, accept you just walked around your house looking half awake sprinkling water on things like a priest.😂
On a deeper level beyond physical sight, you may have killed a few germs or evicted a ghost or two!
Mainly, you cleaned the air a bit in each room and opened the door for some healthy air exchange.
Oh, and you also got a bit of exercise while praying.
Yes, pagans pray too! They probably pray more than the average church goer does.
Some of the best prayers I have ever heard came from the non churched. They were genuine and straight to the point, most often followed by results. Why? Because they understand the power of words with intentions and actions.
Thousands of “pagans” were burned at the steak or tortured because they knew how to do things right and it infuriated the religious systems.
Pagans were the original healers, medicine men/women and doctors. And it was affordable care!
It’s fall, a good reason to learn something new!

Prayer is the original hypnosis.
So grab that cup of java and focus your thoughts on something pleasant, or pray for each person you know. You will not turn into a frog I promise!
Happy trance-forming:)
​Jessica L Hanson CHt

In the October 2020 issue of ACRES USA magazine, pgs 20-22 is a good article by Ben Falk.
His article can be applied to farming as well as everyday life.
“Empower yourself: master something people need, not simply what they want. Remember, skills are one of the only things no one can ever take away from you.
If you don’t believe in you can do something, you certainly won’t. Our attitude manifests everything.
Believe in yourself and act from a place of confidence, not fear. Treat change as opportunity, and do not bemoan challenges or loss, look ahead.
Establish a good base put down roots: after skills, and adaptable attitude, you need to put down roots. Connect with those around you and have a presence.
Many nomads come and go, be the one who stays and is dependable.”

There’s so many more great metaphors in his article.
Above all, master yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Use them wisely and change the world!
Be the best YOU because everyone else is already taken.
Be trustworthy and reliable, that’s what people need.
Master what you are good at and do that!
You do not need to be an expert in everything- too many people are experts in everything and good at nothing!
Leaders start at the bottom and work their way up. Enjoy the journey because it is lonely at the top.
The happiest people I have met are those who enjoy the moment and position they are in now.
Hope this helps someone, I know I need to be reminded of this every now and then:)