Finding Harmony in the Woods: Embracing Creativity Amidst Chaos

A classic pen, beautifully handwritten pages—a peaceful journaling setting. (CCO)

As far back as I can remember, I have carried sacred stories within me. Entrusted with whispers throughout time, these stories are meant to be kept safe and shared only when the time is right. This gift is something I do not take lightly.

A Journey Through Artistic Expression

When it’s time to shine a light in these otherwise dark places, I share my visions through various mediums. I often paint or express myself through music. At other times, these lost stories lay dormant, drifting in and out of my dreams. They may not always be in my conscious awareness, but they dwell in the realm of knowledge.

I find endless opportunities for singing. I sing to trees, birds, squirrels, and just about anyone who will listen. Of course, I do not need, want, or expect applause. Yet, I have experienced a lifetime of performance in many forms—voice, trumpet, cello, piano, and various other instruments. The written word is a medium I cherish deeply.

My love for harmony began at a young age. I would spend hours experimenting on our upright piano. I once convinced my sister to sing the melody of the latest song I learned in our youth choir while I sang the harmony. At first, she wasn’t thrilled, but in time, our harmonies blossomed.

The Pink Hairdryer and Musical Discovery

I fondly remember a pink hairdryer we had during my childhood. It had a bubble cap that filled with hot air from a hose. I felt so special drying my hair that way. But soon, I noticed that the hairdryer had its own pitch—a humming sound I began to use as the root chord for my improvised songs. My mother, unaware of my creative endeavor, never asked questions about my unusual methods.

Everything shifted dramatically when I got my first trumpet. I discovered a fine audience across the road, in the form of local cows. My family, however, protested my desire to play continuously. Still, my passion carried me through.

In addition to music, I also created and hand-wrote my own books. This project allowed me complete creative control over my work. To this day, I still love that aspect of writing. I embrace constructive feedback, but I feel deeply rooted in my thoughts and words. They long to escape from my heart, head, and soul onto the page.

The Challenges of Blogging

I used to write multiple blogs weekly, sharing them with those meant to read them. For many years, the most challenging aspect was the lack of adequate internet access. Sometimes, it would take three hours to upload a single photo. Other times, I had to surrender and either abandon the blog or post it without images. This situation stifled my creativity.

I felt immense gratitude when I gained access to satellite internet, followed by broadband. It was like waking from a hundred-year slumber. However, I found myself tense every time I uploaded a blog or clicked on a video longer than five seconds. I had to train my mind to believe I could accomplish tasks as seamlessly as others in the modern world. I am thankful for this change.

Confronting the AI Challenge

Then, a strange thing happened. While finalizing my latest book, The Crows’ Path, I encountered significant conflicts with AI. The experience was unexpected and levelled challenges I wasn’t prepared for. I won’t delve into details, but it was traumatic on some level.

Over time, however, my editing apps and tools became more manageable. I began to accept these programs, which were initially in experimental mode and made changes without my consent. This is a phase I’ve moved past now. I’ve learned to utilize AI in administrative capacities rather than in my creative processes.

Despite this adaptation, I remain uneasy about AI’s growing role in creative fields. I recognize that AI can produce books in under ten minutes. For truly skilled artists, this development may diminish the need for advanced degrees in Creative Writing or performance degrees from prestigious music conservatories. Why bother pursuing traditional paths when AI can do so efficiently? It can take the joy away from crafting art.

The Importance of Authenticity

Creativity requires motivation to sharpen one’s skills and tap into expressive genius. The reality is concerning—teaching roles may also be replaceable.

My response to these unsettling developments was to withdraw. Yet, I didn’t stop creating. I’ve found comfort in my practice, though I’ve hesitated to share my work—copyrighted or not. I’ve already encountered the unsettling experience of having two of my books hijacked and sold without my knowledge in India and China.

I feel as if my soul is being consumed by an unseen entity, lurking in the shadows. With so much at stake, I hold my work close to my heart. I cherish and depend on my rich experiences. I hike, swim, play music, paint, and forage for wild plants. I am still me.

Reflections on Society

Disillusionment comes from observing the incredible darkness and division gripping society. Brother against brother, sister against sister, neighbor against neighbor—it's heartbreaking if it’s not what you seek. As an observer, I watch through my eyes as events unfold. Readers of my historical work know that I strive to see through the cracks, shining a light where it’s needed. I am dedicated to uncovering the truth, which cannot remain hidden forever.

Living in the woods is a huge bonus for me. I’ve almost always been here. Nature is my comfort. I cannot imagine life anywhere else. It is simply the way it is.

Embracing the Present

This blog serves as an explanation for my absence. Yes, it’s true. I’ve been nestled deep in the woods where I can breathe, gather fallen rose petals for tea, answer the call of the Phoebe, and await the fox kits living nearby.

I look up at the smoke-filled skies and pray for a break from the fires that continue to burn, longing for even a week of fresh air. I wonder about the ongoing conflict, but I know that questioning often leads to conflicting answers. When was the last time information was consistent? Where does it originate?

I’ve grown more accustomed to following my intuition than I thought possible. As I always say, follow your inner compass. It may be well-worn, but it still navigates. We know our way in darkness, or when the path becomes overgrown with vines and rocky edges. We’ve traversed these paths before; it’s about self-trust and awareness.

A Call for Kindness

Be kind to each other, even when you disagree. Set differences aside and see others as allies, or at the very least, non-enemies. Is that possible? In the meantime, acknowledge what you do know. You can think for yourself. Shake off doubt and reach within. You are there. I know it. And yes, I am back.