Mj Pettengill

Within a few days, it was perched on the branch beside the nest, bringing back memories of when my own children prepared to leave...

Imagine sitting in the middle of a field of anonymous graves with nothing to go on but intuition.

The trees help old souls reach out to me, begging for their stories to be told. Until that time, it is they who need consoling.

My pilgrimage has taken me beyond the mediocrity of the everyday world.

“Once upon a time, I dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious...

I understand the significance of staying on the path. Although, getting lost in the woods has brought about countless valuable lessons.

Staghorn Sumac is an ancient medicinal plant with antioxidant properties and significant levels of Vitamin C.

I stood and watched until Death’s cart was out of sight. I was not afraid. I could not say what I felt, but it was not fear.

Remembering a barn and entering it is to remember my heart and enter my soul. I am confident that a wide assortment of thoughts and ideas...

Given the opportunity, they imply balance in a world that has lost its equilibrium.


"As I Began to Love Myself" —Poem by Kim and Alison McMillen
 (Falsely attributed to Charlie Chaplin)

I do not believe in coincidences and am grateful for miracles, especially the small, unexpected ones.

We need not vanish in pale shadows, alienated from our essence. To be silenced, overlooked, or crushed leads to an uncertain death.

I have stood beneath the raging skies—a thousand storms threatening life as we once knew it.

What did it mean to win or lose?

Within moments of hiking on the path, my son found a perfect walking stick for me. I will admit, I felt like a wizardess.

Tho’ I knew that mornin’ had indeed arrived, its general nature had gone wrong.

I will make my way home, leaving behind footsteps for future generations while adding another rich layer of memory on this much-loved land.

Poor wretched Outcast! I will weep for thee, And sorrow for forlorn humanity.

One of the most dangerous things that we can do is forget to sing and dance.