Maitland River Shawl

Earlier this year, in the spring, I was contacted by the North Perth Arts and Culture Council, and asked if I wanted to create an art piece for their upcoming fundraiser.  They requested that this piece represent at least one of the five senses.  I agreed to submit a one of a kind knitted piece for the auction.

I journeyed to ask what piece was needed for the auction, and received information that described a triangular shawl with trees, and Queen Snakes in the design.  A bunch of wavy rayed lampmussels also played a part in what this shawl was to become.

I had never created a piece this way before.  I had never journeyed to find out information about what I was going to create.  This is a very potent way of creating a powerful piece.

This was a very tedious piece, requiring approximately 170 hours of my time, and much of my patience and grounding as I always strived to remember the purpose of this piece.

Here is the healing story of this piece:

Most of your body is water.

You are a walking, talking piece of the river that you drink from.

Taste the purity of your water.

See how clean your water flows.

Smell how fresh your moisture is.

Hear how your water gently moves around your body.

Connect with how beautiful you are.
Melt your ice inside, and love your water.

This piece was a continuation of the Maitland River Walk.  It was another way of sharing the lessons learned during the June 189 km walk of the Maitland River.  Incorporating the five senses as well with the teaching was a fabulous extension of the teaching.

The deadline for the project was quickly coming, and going, without this project anywhere near being finished.  However, it was ready before the auction. 

I dropped it off at the home of an organizer, Cathy, and she brilliantly set to work figuring out how to display it in the best way.  I had been told that because the piece was so late it would not be able to be auctioned in the live auction, and that it had to be at a silent table.  The retail value of this piece was $2000.  I was asked for a reserve bid, and stated that the reserve bid was $1500. 

I left it not knowing what was going to happen.  I felt that it was very likely that the shawl would be returned to me, and that I would be selling it myself, which wouldn't be such a bad thing either, I supposed.

The day after the auction, I was contacted regarding the shawl.  I was told that it was auctioned at the live auction, and sold for $1500.  It was a weird moment for me.  I was excited that someone had found value in the shawl, and that my work was being recognized as an important part of my community.  Also, it was very helpful for the organization that had asked for that donation, they were going to be able to cover their operating expenses a little easier now.  I wondered how it was going to be used, will she use it as a shawl, or hang it as an art piece? 

Now, I am wondering how I can work with the momentum that was created by the North Perth Arts and Culture Council, and perhaps make my living as a fibre artist.  What would the next steps be?

Knitting on the Edge

Knitting brings people to their edge the same way that a very long walk does. At some point during a long walk, the beauty that surrounded us so plentifully before seems to be lost. It becomes just the same, one step, then another, one tree, then another, and we may wonder why we even began this tiresome journey in the first place.

During a large knitting project, we may lose the enchantment that we felt at the beginning, and the project becomes just another knit stitch, then another, in the same boring colour that we have been working with for many weeks. We may wonder why we ever started this tedious work in the first place, and feel like we would just like to be rid of it.

We cannot be rid of it until the final detail is attached to the project, the final loose yarn put into place, and then we are reminded of the beauty that we saw at the beginning when we first dreamed this project up. Staying with it even though we wanted to jump off the edge and forget about it will help us learn to keep our focus, and allow us to share our beauty with the world. 

 
Taking on a large knitting project is an adventure into your patience, and your focus.  It is an adventure into excitement, joy, and boredom.  It can be something that once you dive into will not let you go until it is certain that the work is finished.  The skeletons in your closet may well be wearing half knitted sweaters. 
 
So, why would anyone even want to take a large knitting project on?
 
Well, why would anyone want to do any large adventure?  There is a thrill, an excitement, and a wondering about our own personal stamina.  We may see the rewards at the end of the project before even casting on our first stitch, and in that moment, we may clearly understand the benefits of the whole project.
 
So, pick up your yarn, strap yourself in, and dream about what beauty you can create in this world.

The Studio

For many years now, I have been dreaming of a space that I could use to whatever purpose I wished.  A space where I could smudge, drum, sing, journey, dance, yoga, paint, and of course knit, sew, crochet and weave.  This would be a space that I could go into, and hang a sign that says, 'working~ giving out big hugs when I am done'.  Also, it needs to be a place where I can create beautiful videos.

Eventually, I see a 'shed' in the back yard, where I can also work with people shamanically, assisting in whatever way is needed, as well as it being a studio.

However, the backyard space is a bit away yet, but I am very aware that a space is needed now.  Actually, it is long overdue.

Today, my kids and I began to clear out the basement, and we have a corner cleared, ready to scrub.  This is going to be my studio for as long as it needs to be.  The walls are going to be created out of blankets or curtains, and this will be where I continue to create commissioned pieces for other people.

This space was needed because as I knit and create, I have begun to really focus on holding intent, and journeying to connect with the yarn to bring through the energy that will help make the piece the most special that it can be.  This is work that needs its own space, that needs a special space, seperate from the goings on in the rest of my house.  We have a busy family here, and there are often different sounds, and activities in the same room.  Most of my family does not like the smell of smudge.  It is a feeling that I have that creating this are will mean that my clients, as well as my family and myself will benefit from this work/play/dream area.

I will post before and after pics as soon as I have them available.

What is it that you need to really begin to create?  What do you have to clear?  What do you need to do to make it happen?

Secret project musings

No, this is not a bowl of spaghetti, though when my wonderful husband came home from work the first night that I worked on this, he was wondering what kind of pasta dish I was cooking up... I do love pasta.   

This is a bowl of yummy yarn, soaking in a vinegar mordant.  A mordant is usually a mineral that helps colour to stay in the item that is being dyed.  So, this was preparation for using a natural dye.  In this instance, the natural dye that was used was beet juice.  The yarn turned out a really lovely pink colour.

I have really enjoyed my delvings this summer into creating my own yarn, though I have fallen a little behind from what I had been hoping to accomplish, because I have been creating so many projects, and I have been following my connection with water to see where this will take me.

I have been thinking for a long while about how little most people understand about yarning, as well as how many benefits come from the act of yarning.    Benefits are received for the yarner(creator), as well as the yarnee(receiver).  The love and light that we hold as we create items for ourselves and others becomes translated into the creation that we are working on, and people who receive these gifts can feel this love.
I think about this, and I wonder if I have put as much love and light into the objects that I have been creating as I could, and I know that there is room for improvement.  I follow this train of thought, and see where it leads me.

This train of thought and where it leads me, are heading in the direction of the Secret Project that is brewing in my mind and imagination.  It is an idea that excites and inspires me, and I am working hard to make sure that others will be just as excited, and inspired when they join on to explore this idea.

I am moving forward:  Creating, inspiring, loving, grounded, and joyful.  I wonder what great souls will join , because at first, there can only be a few.

Smiley Bubbles Baby Doll

I am beginning to really enjoy creating little toys for babies, and when I get in the mood to do that, then I get in the mood, and there is almost no stopping it!  I imagine lovely little chubby fingers holding onto the doll, and smiling away.  While working with the handspun, and naturally dyed yarn, it's even more exciting to know that the babies will not be exposed to any harsh chemicals in the name of saving a few bucks.  With this doll, they will be cared for in a way that is special, and still a little different in the culture that we live in.



The idea that this is also helpful for the environment is something that has me grinning from ear to ear as I create.  I mean, really, how could it get much better than that?



If you are looking for a gift for a baby, and want to make sure that the gift is something that is special, and that was created with health, happiness and love of the baby in mind, then this doll is a perfect choice. With this lovely little doll, there are no chemicals added. This is a natural gift that as it breaks down over the years will not cause harm to people or the environment. It is a wonderful size for little fingers to hold on to.
 

This baby toy was created with handspun yarn. The natural dye used for the yarn that creates the body is the spice tumeric. The dye used for the hat and sweater on this lovely little doll was beet juice. The dye that was used for the eyes and mouth of this doll was blueberries.
 

While working with the blueberry yarn, the intention is to hold sweetness and healing for the person who is receiving the toy.
 

The stuffing for this doll is an organic wool blend.
 

To care for this doll, handwashing in cool water and laying out to dry are recommended.
Hours invested: 6 hours plus spinning and dyeing time.

Smiley Bubbles Baby Doll Shipping Included

Canada $74.00United States $77.00International $80.00

Sacred Feather Carriers

For a while, I had been wondering what the best way to carry my feathers would be. I wanted a pouch, but did not want to be pulling the feather back out in a way that would ruffle them. So, I realized that is both ends were open, the feather could be pulled out in the way that was best for it.

These Sacred Feather Carriers were knit while holding the intention of beauty, love, and peace for all of life in the best way possible.


Turmeric hand dyed, hand spun Sacred Feather Carrier

This Sacred Feather Carrier was created with handspun, home dyed yarn created by Heidi Burrowes. This yarn was lovingly dyed with the spice turmeric. The ingredients involved were salt, vinegar, turmeric, and hot water. Forget about chemically dyed products. This is a venture into prechemical ways of creating.

Traditional healing ways of using turmeric include: purification, decreasing inflammation, and passion, among others. Journey to your helping spirits to find out how turmeric is helpful for you, and consult a physician if you need to because this is not medical advise.
The wool is Corriedale top wool from Great Britain. Still looking for local wool rovings.
This carrier will hold a feather up to size 11 inches long, and 1 inch wide.


To keep this beautiful and original piece looking the best, it will need to be handwashed in cold water, and layed flat to dry.

Turmeric Sacred Feather Carrier Shipping Included in Price

Canada $81.00USA $83.00International $87.00

Some words of wisdom coming through Maryann ~ resting day June 19 2010

"Smile ... this is what i re-learned today ... sometimes we are anxious about something in the future - and it doesn't even occur ... the anxiety was for no reason and our emotions can betray us ... we mistakenly emit an anxious or fearful energy 'thinking' that we know what the future will hold ... and we do not know ...

ah, to live fully in the moment that we are actually in ... "

Thanks Maryann for re-minding me of this.  Of course I made it home okay yesterday, and really had nothing to worry about yesterday morning.

Today is a resting day, and so far what has helped me the most is listening to the Waterboys.  I had never heard this song before, but found it this morning.  I would like to share it with you.

The next 6 days are walking days, and so these words are important to remember at this time.

Heading out into the unknown ~ Friday, June 18th, 2010 Day 7

This morning I am a little scared.  I don't know yet how I will be returning home this evening.  I know that I am going out, and will be walking, but don't have the details worked out yet for how I will arrive home at the end of the walking day, and it is hard to work out this kind of stuff when you're out walking on the side of the road. 

Yesterday, I brought my cart with me, and was glad to have all of the things that I had, but I am wondering today if I could bring just a backpack, and my walking stick.  I will have to see.
It certainly is much easier to travel light.

Summary of Day 4 ~ june 14th, 2010

We started out the day by having breakfast with mom, then went trespassing on property that had a sign saying 'danger. deep water. keep out.' Marie noted how symoblic that was, especially since I was very uncomfortable with trespassing. It felt really important to go and visit this water though. It seems like this water might be irrigation water. It is very easy to see on the Google Maps.

This day was off to a slow start as we both slept in well past the alarm, and I was very sore and tired from the previous walking days, right from the beginning of the day. It seemed as though I was beginning today at the same level of tired that I was yesterday at km 19. I got a new blister yesterday, on my left foot, right at the base of my second toe, and it is much bigger today, and right now it hurts. I am hoping that it pops over night, because it feels like it is close to popping. So, the walking was very, very slow today, 1.5 km seemed like about 4 km felt on the first day.

My medial right knee is also feeling pain. We found where the beginning of the river started, (well very close), and did a journey there which I recorded onto my phone, and will send the mp3 soon to my files. I found a new stick, it is very big. It is a tall staff, and I walked with it for a while. It took me about an hour to begin to sense what this stick was. It feels as though this stick is the Male Maitland energy, also Kralojec, and that it represents the male in me, in a physical form. It was helpful to lean on this stick, and to be able to let this stick help me up and down hills. (eg. ditches).  The cows did not seem to pay too much attention to me today, but the birds were flying all around me at the rivers. It was fantastic. I felt like I was part of their family. This first 4 days seems to have been about letting things go, and I feel that soon we will have a funeral ceremony, and I feel like it will happen in a cemetary.   I have been working on letting go of the way that I am in my community. I have felt like I shouldn't bring too much attention to myself here because I owe some people in this community money, and that they would point me out, and say, look at her, she shouldn't be doing that, she owes me money. I also have had a great amount of shame over the fact that until this point in my life, I have been financially poor. There is no shame in that, and I certainly don't need to hide because of it.

A song came that has no words yet, but I feel that they will come, I recorded the tune, and I think it will be pretty rockin'. Due to pain, and lack of sleep over the last few days, also because so much seemed to be accomplished today, and spirit was not disagreeing, the walk stopped at 12 km. I am going to sleep now, and tomorrow will walk beginning at the Maitland river close to Henfryn. This was certainly a full and beautiful day.

Support the Walk ~ Buy a tshirt! Early morning day 3 June 13, 2010

I woke up at 4 am this morning, with a tremendous urge to design a cafe press tshirt that would sell to help support this Water Walk.  It is now 5:18 am, and there are shirts and some other goodies available to purchase at http://www.cafepress.ca/dancingpelvis .   I am going to try to get another hour of sleep now before it is time to wake up for the day, and walk 22 km.  So far, I am at about 4 hours sleep, and I am wondering what that might mean for today.

Some notes on day 1 ~ June 9th 2010 from Marie

by Marie Rolfe

At the end of day 1 and 22km walking with my friend and sister Heidi, we hopped into the car and I immediately felt as though my umbilical chord to nature, to the earth was pinched. We could no longer smell all the different flowers that filled the air through the intense moisture of the air, that we could also feel while walking (and being soaking wet for 9 hours!) It must be possible to stay connected with nature while in a moving vehicle, but it seemed so hard to picture a similar connection with the earth while moving so quickly by everything, plus I was tired and thinking wasn't the easiest thing to do.


During our first day walking we were called to walk down the dump and consider 'garbage' in new ways. The street leading to the dump was gravel but it was covered and coated in sand and dirt but a colour that was completely different than any road we walked or saw all day. It was as though it was a cushion, a cloud, a smooth gentle surface of what seemed to be like coffee ice cream. If you could picture ice cream being warm and maintaining it's form it felt like we were walking on smooth, creamy, warm coffee ice cream. (I realize that it's a hard concept to grasp - warm ice cream that isn't melted but keeps its form.) But our feet felt carried and supported so gently on this road as we were about to go on a journey into our garbage.

Not too long after we found a turkey vulture feather and spent time by the dump, we encountered a sunken swamp off highway 87. Driving by it would likely be missed, but it was about 30m wide by 120m in length. There were lily pads, fallen trees, floating logs, weeds growing through the top of the water. It looked just like a Louisiana Bayou. With trucks whizzing by our backs as we faced the swamp, I contemplated how the swamp was also a dumping ground but full of life, a place of collection and yet so important. It was here where I had a ring to give to Heidi, a green emerald to which she said it looked just like a canoe. When she said this the following question came up: Imagining you are on a canoe on this swamp, you peer over the edge into the water, how do you see yourself? I invite you to go to a swamp on a canoe and ask yourself this question.

Day 1 ~ Some thoughts on beginnings ~ June 9th, 2010

We began this journey at the cemetary in Harriston, and it seemed as though cemetaries would be our symbolic points throughout the day.
It felt really appropriate, as I feel that I will be a different person by the end of this walk.  Who I was at the beginning will have died, and a new Heidi Burrowes will taken her place at the end of this journey.
I was nervous, and excited because I have been planning this adventure for a long time, and because it feels like an important step for me to take.  I am also nervous because I want to listen to the river, and what if the river has nothing to say?  Wouldn't I look like a fool then! 
I knew in my bones that the river would speak, but it was still a fear that I had in that moment.

In the photo above we are standing in front of a 'doorway' on to the trail.  It is a very small entrance, and leads to a beautiful bush area.  It was quite amusing to enter because immediately we hit a fork in the trail, and had to make a decision of which way to go.  We decided to go left, down a hill, and through a lot of trees that were hanging on to the trail.  Marie went first, and was greeted by many lovely spider webs. 

We realized after a minute that we could have taken the path to the right, because, of course, they became one trail again soon.
Before leaving Harriston, we had to stop to have a pee, and we found a restaurant, Susie's Eight Ball Grill.
A sign on the door said, 'washrooms are for customers only', and listed the community centre as a place where there were public washrooms.  It was before 8 am, and I really didn't want to do any back tracking.  We weren't really hungry either.  So, we went in, and they were nice enough to let us use the restrooms before we left town.
Stopping on the bridge close to the edge of town, we decided to make an offering to the river, and to unveil the spirits.  Marie felt like spinning and so I was the safety lady, ensuring the she didn't end up on the road, or bang into anything that might cause her harm.  Of course, she didn't, and she looked very beautiful spinning on the bridge, in the rain, early in the morning.    It was so unusual for me because I didn't feel odd performing a ceremony on the sidewalk, even though cars and trucks were whizzing past.  It was like we were creating our own little world, and it didn't really matter what others might think at that moment.
As Marie was finishing, a woman came by and said, 'gee, you must have had something different in your coffee this morning than I had!".
We headed off, leaving behind all of the problems we had been carrying on our backs, ready to hit the road, with no one else's baggage, fully and completed in our own power...to walk 270 kms, listening to the Maitland River.

Water Walk ~ Day 2 ~ June 11, 2010

Wow! Day 1 finished, and we were not in too bad of shape. 22 km and I had 1 small blister, and a toenail that came off not so nicely. There are many stories to tell from day 1, and as soon as I get time to blog some of them, I will, but this morning, we are preparing to head out for day 2. This day will be a shorter walk, clocking in at about 12-13 km.

Today feels very much like a day to connect with my ancestors, so as I begin to prepare to step out the door, I am inviting you to join, and spend some time today sitting with this question, "How have my ancestors contributed to who I am today?"

See you in 12 kms!

Morning ~ day 1 Maitland Water Walk

Well, we sure are off to a watery start to the day.  Running a little bit late, as I am writing this at 5:25 am, and I had hoped that we would be nearing our destination by this point.  We have decided to just bring our packs, and not the video camera's along, so I guess that we will be recording today's events in other ways.  I am sure it will be perfect!

Colin is driving us today, and I am very thankful that he is!

Today, it looks as though we are giving up our comfort and our dryness.  What are you going to let go of so that you can make room for new dreams to unfold?

Gearing up for tomorrow!

Tomorrow, the walk that I have been dreaming about for 9 months begins!  Lots of emotions have been coming up this week, it seems like there is still so much to do, though so much have transpired since Sunday, when Marie decided that she would be joining me on this adventure.  I know that we will be as ready as we need to be, and whatever is not ready, we will find a way to not need. 

Last night, I had a phone interview with a news reporter from a local paper, and late last week was an interview with a different reporter.  A local tv station is going to try to be out and find us tomorrow as we are on the road.  I am so amazed, thrilled, and full of thankfulness
Soon, the prep will be over, and we will be out on the road, being open, and listening to the Maitland River.

Welcome Marie Rolfe to the Maitland Water Walk ~ a note from Marie

A Pilgrimage, A Life Update by Marie Rolfe




The moment I heard of the Spanish Pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago, I wanted to do it. I would have ditched everything in my life at the moment I learned about the walk. I couldn't wait to get on a plane to Paris and take a train across to the start, feeling the buzz of a filled boxcar of pilgrims. I have been wishing and hoping to do it for six years.

This past Thursday I got an email from a friend, Heidi, about her Southern Ontario pilgrimage of 270km coming up Wednesday morning to which I said, “Amazing, of course! Yea! Why can't we do pilgrimages on our own land? For ourselves. By ourselves, or even with others. Why does it have to be the .BIG' one, or the one that everyone else does?” At this moment of celebration I had a vision of a map of North America with thousands of people walking out of their front doors going on beautiful walks out into their communities, walking their own spiritual paths with their own intentions and connecting with nature and people around them.

In this vision I also saw how equally beautiful it is for thousands of people to walk in Spain or in Israel and to other sacred sites across the world in the thousands, each walking the same roads, but each person holding their own intentions, seeing different things, having different thoughts and perceptions, but each person equally supported by the simple and absolutely AWEsome fact that there are thousands and thousands of
individuals walking their own paths having their own journeys!

So I've realized that I will always be alone on my path, having my own journeys but I get to be in a shared space with others walking their own paths. And in this space lies the magic, the sharing, the abundance of experience! And so I also realize that Heidi doesn't have to walk alone, and neither do I. Yesterday I freely chose to walk 270km over 17 days! This is a spiritual walk, it is an invitation, it is a commitment, a time to
weave my soul's purpose more fully into life. This is a walk along the Maitland River, which has many beginnings and ends in Goderich, this Water Walk is rooted in listening to the water of the river, of our own water, our own elements. It is a Water Walk. It begins Wednesday June 9th at 4:45am when we rise. It will end Friday June 25th when we arrive in Goderich. But we also recognize it will still just be the beginning!

A Spiritual Walk

It's about allowing my spirit to infuse me, my community, my life. It's about allowing the spirits of my community to infuse me, to teach me, and ultimately give us permission to live in harmony. It's a time to play, dance, sing, retreat inward, learn and allow things to unfold in ways that are for the greatest good.

An Invitation

This is an invitation for ME and YOU to wake up. Literally at 4:45am, and metaphorically for what we have always wanted to do!!! Choose something that you have always wanted to do in your life. And do it for 17 days with us. You will know and feel that you alone will walk your path and have your own journeys but that you are sharing space with others. You are sharing space with all of us walking our own journeys with lots of
common roads, and WATERS. Walk with us. Literally or metaphorically, join us this Wednesday at 4:45am we will open our eyes, moan and groan until we realize that we get to do exactly what we've always wanted to, walk our own path!

The invitation:

Do what you've always wanted to do for 17 days
Wake up at 4:45am
Connect with us on our walk - walk with us 1 hour, 1 day or all 17 days for 1 hour and all hours
Connect with people in your life who will support you doing what you've always wanted to do

Celebrate with us on Friday June 25th in the late afternoon in spirit or in person in Goderich

Share with us what you hear from the water, your water, the teachings that come along your own journey, and walking your path
Know that on day 17 it will also be a beginning

A Commitment

For 17 days this month I commit to doing things I've always wanted to do:
Walk a pilgrimage
Do yoga each morning
Continue writing my novel by finishing editing draft 1 and have a draft 2 on June25th
Eat completely naturally with fruits, vegetables, legumes and meat when essential,all without any salt or refined food
Listen to spirit, to the water, and what is for my greatest good and subsequently understand that in doing so I am doing what is in the greatest good for the world
Be gratitude
Embrace with love all my experiences and those of my community
Weaving my soul's purpose more fully into life

Knowing what my soul's purpose has taken a long time to understand and my understanding and experience of it shifts and transforms as I change. Ultimately it involves following my heart, doing what seems most joyous and celebratory of life.

Sometimes this involves fasting for a month, or dancing for three nights in a row, or walking 270km in 17 days. Grueling pain or challenge can also be a fun adventure.  Light and fluffy is only one aspect of life and I have chosen to embrace all of life. This embrace, this holding of space is my soul's purpose. And this walk is an opportunity to weave this more deeply into life.

A Water Walk

Walking the Maitland River is what Heidi and I are beginning at 4:45am Wednesday. We are also honouring the Queen snake which is an endangered species. Heidi has created a knitting pattern that is for sale, the $5 it costs for the pattern will go towards supporting the Water Walk. Heidi speaks of the Water Walk and her beginnings on the website that will be a part of documenting this journey.

SUPPORT the Water Walk and our steps & journeys!

I only knew officially today (3 days before the walk) that I would walk. That I would be supporting Heidi, that she would be supporting me. That we would support the earth and our community together walking in gratitude and openness. We invite you to support us. We are not asking you. This is YOUR celebration as much as it is ours, and we are all an important part of the celebration of our shared space, our shared waters.

In order of what is most urgently needed from a material standpoint, here is a list on how you can support the Water Walk and our steps & journeys.

Material support needed

1. A car - donate the car that usually sits in your driveway for 17 days, donate points forus to rent one, donate money for us to rent one *We need one by Tuesday afternoon :)
2. A driver (or more than one) - donate your time and/or car to pick us up and drop usoff - there is a timetable on the website below. Drive one day or all 17.
3. A documentarian - hopefully this would also be a person who is driving us :) we aregoing to document this Water Walk and our personal experiences
4. Money donations for necessities like food & water (we won't be working foralmost three weeks) there's a donation button on Heidi's website!
5. Food & Water - if you would like to cook meals for us and deliver them to me before I leave Tuesday afternoon or to Heidi's house in Listowel, let us know.
6. Healing Services - massage therapy, MAT, reflexology, energy work etc. If you can heal, we will welcome it

Non-material support

7. Your own commitment to walk your path, your own journey (physically and spiritually)
8. Your best wishes, blessings and good intentions
9. Your physical time walking with us 1 hour, 1 day, all 17 days...
10 Sharing with us on the blog the things that you are doing, and that you have learned from this adventure!

Celebrating our water, our journeys, our community June 25th!!

On the beach in Goderich we will have a closing ceremony. Come Celebrate!


HEIDI'S BLOG where you can follow the Water Walk, Where you can join us and support us all!

http://www.thedancingpelvis.blogspot.com/

Water Walk support team needed!

There are some available spots for a support team for the Maitland River Water Walk, beginning this Wednesday!!!  Everything is coming together, and there is so much excitement!

Perhaps you would like to get involved, but don't have 2 and a half weeks to spend walking.  Supporting the walker(s) through driving to and from daily starting points is a noble way to help out, and we would be very grateful!

There is a spreadsheet here that so you can have a look and see what days would be the best for you to help out. 

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dr4vp3n_96gvfzwtgk

Gratitude

During times when I am about to enter some deep spiritual work, things inside of me begin to shift around.  I become more emotional, and I seem to get tremendously thirsty for water.  This week has been full with many things, and I find that I am worried about how much there still is to do to prepare for the walk.  There are only a few days left, and the butterflies are fluttering in my belly.

Therefore, it feels like an important time to start to mention all the people that I am thankful for.  These people have shown support for this walk, or have shown support for me, and I want to take some time to acknowledge.  I may forget a few, but this will probably not be the last gratitude posting.

To you, thank you for the support that you have shown me:

• The Maitland River
• The Oceans of the world
• Paul and Lana Stricker
• Cy and Sara Stricker
• Shamanism Canada (http://www.shamanismcanada.com/)
• The Peaceful Hearts Circle
• The Full Moon Circle
• Sue and Brent Nancekivell
• Sandy and Tony Snyders (http://www.solutionsoffice.ca/)
• Gail Beech
• Fatima Barros
• Jan Goodfellow
• Linda Curran
• Sandra Dosser
• Coyote Craftchick (http://coyotesspring.wordpress.com/)
• Martha Lucier
• Todd Lucier
• Walter Cooke
• Chris Sheridan
• Trae Robinson
• Gwennith Taeko Kikkawa
• Maria Kornacki
• Julie Kuiack
• Monica McComsky
• Will Polack
• Greg Waters
• Vicki
• Tim Lucier
• Sherry Blevins
• Tara Beharry 
• Myrtle Oestreicher
• Karen Pitawanakwat
• Bill Burrowes
• Shelley Miller Cameron (http://www.am920.ca/about.php?area=staff&staff_id=76)
• Fraser Ross (http://www.eastlinknews.com/reporters.htm)
• Jon McKay
• Marie Rolfe
• Connie Herlufson-Hildebrand (http://www.workingiron.ca/index.php?page=showroom)
• Jean Elg
• Jennifer White (http://www.dreamtherapynow.com/)
• Elizabeth Rayson
• Wayne Samuelson
• Debb Greer (http://bookery.ca/)
• Lee Anne Hundt
• Ella Kingsley
• Christel Anne Samuelson
• Chris Cosco
• Susie's Eight Ball Grill, Harriston
• Wroxy's Restaurant, Wroxeter
• Wroxeter Harbour
• Big Fish Restoration, Wroxeter
• Connie, Wroxeter
• Mandy Habermehl (http://www.downhips.com/)
• Krystina B (http://www.downhips.com/)
• Kay Roussel
• Patrick Plein
• Shamanic Artist Marie (http://reenchantedearth.com/)
• Jessika Guy (http://www.thegreenhairspa.com/)
• Rebecca Teddiman
• Melissa Stennick
• Miles Hiebert
• Amanda Creighton (http://www.shamanismcanada.com/)
• Rita Ashworth
• Lesley Bell (http://www.thuseybelle.com/)
• Maryanne 
• James Sproul
• Roz Savage (http://www.rozsavage.com/)
• Allan Hildebrand
• Mary Valsamos

and thank you for spending most of
your days with me, and loving me

• Colin Burrowes (http://www.duramaterproductions.com/)
• Julian Riches
• Liam Burrowes
• Colette Burrowes

I know there are many more people that should be on here, this list will continue to grow!

This is a spiritual walk

During the preparation for my walking adventure in June, I have struggled with many things.  One of these things is that I had been trying to create an agenda, and a 'platform'.  What was I going to say to people about why I was walking?  What was there about the water that needed help?  How was I proposing that we help?  What is the science behind water pollution?  What effect is climate change going to have on our local water supply?

When describing these concerns with my friend, Maria, she asked me what I wanted this walk to be.  Based on the shamanic journeys that I had done, I knew that I wanted this walk to be a spiritual walk, and that I didn't need to talk much during it.  I needed to listen and share with others the things that I would hear.

"Well", she said, "leave the science to the scientists.  Leave the environment to the environmentalists.  Make this a spiritual walk."

Well said, Maria, and thank you very much!

I have been nudged by spirit quite a bit this week that I have been too focused on this being a 270 km walk. Presenting it this way made it easy to explain, and easy for people of all belief systems to grab onto, and to share with other people.  However, I have been reminded to remember the purpose of this adventure, which is to listen to the water, and share what I learn.


If I am focused on completing a certain amount of kms per day, then it may be harder for me to listen to the water...so I must remain open. So, here are the boundaries that I am setting to work within.

I will do my best to be up and on the road at 5:30 am each day that I am adventuring. I would like to begin in Harriston, and end in Goderich. I need to be home by 4 pm, with my errands run, so that I can spend the time in the evening with my family, and to prepare for the next day. Listening does not stop at 4 pm, but the physical travelling does. Dreamtime is open for listening as well. I will begin with following my outline for each of the days, and recognize that some days I will likely walk the distance that I have set out, but other days, I might not take 2 steps.   This has to be okay.

Travel to and from the beginning and ending points during the day is also in the air, and I am continuing to put the word out for travel arrangements, and perhaps a person or two to grab some documentary footage (I have most of the equipment for that already). I will work with each of these concerns however they land.

There is a day or two that I have other things going on. (I promised my daughter that I would go on a school trip to Medieval Times with her on the day after beginning, this is on my bucket list, now I just have to get there with Liam). There is also much water in TO to listen to as well!

I will be out on the road listening for 13 days. (14 if you count TO).

This listening adventure has already begun, but will get physical  beginning on June 9th, and I will be in Goderich to complete this section of the adventure on or before June 25th, 2010.

This is a spiritual walk.

Bubbly Wateryness

I think I have begun an addiction to morning walks.  Even though I didn't have to get up and be out the door early this morning, I decided that I would be.  So, I left at 5:21 am to take a walk of approximately 3 kms. 

I was a little shocked when I made it to the river.  The water was very bubbly.  It looked like dishwater flowing, and I wondered, 'where is this coming from?  Is this from the cleaning that people do in their houses, or is this from factories or farms?  Is this even soap?'  How do we begin to trust that this is water that we could drink straight from the river?

I think it just comes down to what we care about, for ourselves, our children, and our communities.  It is my opinion that we are very quick to remove wildlife from our communities, so very few of us have had interaction with animals unless they were pets.  What would our community look like if the animals that lived in the area were considered part of it, instead of a nuisance, or a threat?

I know that we can't really stop using soap, but ensuring that I am using a soap that is phosphate free is a step that I have taken.  Phosphate promotes algae blooms, and as I understand it, algae blooms take lots of oxygen out of the water, leaving very little for the other forms of life that live in the water.  Phosphate free soaps are all over the place, but I am not sure about shampoos and body washes.  I have not been able to find any mention of phosphates on these bottles.

I know that there is more that I can do, but for now, one step at a time.

Heidibear Artist Profile

I was born in Kitchener, and grew up in Newton. As a teenager, my family moved to Atwood, and then from there I have lived in Listowel, London, Halifax, and Kitchener. Now, I reside in Listowel with my fantastic family. My husband is Colin, and we have 3 children, Julian (16), Liam (13), and Colette (10).


I try to live a creative life. This can be a little tricky at times because there are so many things that I am interested in doing. The framework that I use for this creativity is the practice of Core Shamanism. For the last 3 years, this has been the main tool for showing my heart the direction it would like to go. This has been the most important creative training that I have received because it helps to keep me focused and helps to show me what is important. The works that I create are mostly fibre arts. As a child I would spend hours doing what my Mother called corking. This required an empty thread spool, that had 4 nails sticking out of the top. To do this, yarn wraps and moves over the other section of yarn. What you have at the end is a long, round braid. As I was working, I used to dream and dream about all the things that I was going to make with this long braid. Then I moved on to crocheting, and now, for the last 5 years or so, knitting has been my biggest passion. This spring has me inspired to learn how to spin my own yarn, and to dye it with natural dyes, say from beets, onions, grass, or various other plants. I have heard of people using certain types of bugs, but I think I will stay away from that right now!

I also, at certain times, spend a lot of time painting with acrylics, and creating horror B-movies with my husband, Colin. I find that doing the makeup is a fun way to experiment with colour. It seems as though creating bruises with makeup is something that turns out well very often, but I also enjoy making zombies, and bite marks too.

This year has me working on a few things that are new to me. The first is that I have begun to write out patterns for the knitted items that I am making, and the second is that I am preparing for a 270 km walk so that I may listen to the Maitland River, and learn as much as I can about what it is that the water needs. The water is probably the biggest inspiration that I have right now. The state of the water of the world is in trouble, and the first step for me is to learn whatever I can about the struggles and successes of the Maitland River. So, I have begun some knitting patterns around the threatened species of the Maitland. The first will be available very shortly for purchase, it is a knitted toy of the Queen Snake.

I have also become involved in the Bead Journal Project. This project has very little in the way of rules, the only rules are that you have to commit to doing 1 bead project a month for a whole year, and that this project has to be the same size every month. I decided to start small, with a 1 inch by 1 inch square. This takes me about 5 hours with seed beads, and has turned out to be exactly the right size. At that end you may create whatever you would like with it. I think I will make a 2010 beaded wall hanging.

I am looking forward to continuing with the practice of Core Shamanism, so that I may continue to open and follow my heart path. Over the years, I am hoping to be able to learn the yarning process all the way back to caring for the animals and shearing. I also hope to learn as much as I can about the water, and through this learning be able to contribute to increasing the quality of the worlds' water, and sharing the gratitude that water inspires in me.

Canoeing is something I am itching to do again. I was out on a canoe trip 2 years ago, and fell in love with the way getting across the lake smoothly depended on so many variables. Dip, dip, and swing. Also, being trained in scuba diving is another hobby I think I would enjoy. It is one thing to see the water from above, and something totally different to actually engage it from below the surface.

The walk for the Maitland River, which I have tentatively titled, "We are all Children of the Water", will be beginning in the second week of June. I am planning on walking an average of 20 kms a day for 13 days. During, before, and after this walk, I would love to hear what you think about the river. What experiences have you had? What are your concerns? Your favourite memories of water? I would like to hear anything that you think is important.

There is also some room for others who are interested in walking or supporting the walk. Please contact me.

The Queen Snake toy pattern is coming!

I have been working hard getting the Queen Snake toy pattern completed, and it should be available for purchase soon.  This pattern is the beginning of a series of creations that are inspired by the wonderful Maitland River.  The Maitland River is me, my family, and my community.  The water of the world has the power to unite us.  It also has the power to divide us.  I listen with both sets of ears as I learn how to spread ripples of unity.

The Queen Snake is a small snake, growing no bigger than 58 cms.  It has a green or brown back, and 4 stripes on its belly.  It is nonvenomous, and loves to eat molted crayfish. They love to live in trees that hang over the water. This snake is threatened in the Maitland Valley watershed.  Often this is from habitat destruction or pollution.   

I am interested in hearing if you have seen these snakes, and would be thrilled to see pictures of these snakes in the Maitland River!