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The Unpredictable Art of Watercolor: Finding Freedom in the Flow
Watercolor has a mind of its own. Unlike oil or acrylic paints, which can be controlled and refined with precision, watercolor moves freely – blending, bleeding and creating shapes that will often surprise you. This unpredictability is both its greatest challenge and its most beautiful quality. For years, I put…
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Beyond the Fabric: The Meaning and Practices Behind Veiling
Veiling has always been more than a simple head covering. Across cultures and centuries, it’s been a profound symbol of spiritual and individual values. Whether as a gesture of modesty, a sign of devotion or a tool for protection, veiling is a deeply intimate outward expression of one’s inner convictions…
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Losing TikTok: The Fight for Creativity, Community, and Free Speech
When I first downloaded TikTok, I thought it would be a fun distraction – silly dance videos, maybe a new recipe or two. I didn’t expect it to become so much more. After losing my family and what was left of my support system, I felt isolated in my grief…
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Between Oceans and Forests: Lessons from Nature’s Landscapes
I used to find myself torn between two worlds: one with crashing waves and briny ocean air, and another, filled with quiet lakes, rugged cliffs, and sprawling boreal forests. Summers by the sea gave me a saltwater soul, but the rugged beauty of the Upper Midwest grounded me. These contrasting…
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Rest Over Resolutions: Flowing With Winter’s Quiet Energy
Midwinter feels like the world is exhaling… The days are quiet, the nights stretch long and there’s an undeniable pull towards stillness. It’s more than twinkling lights and glittering snow; It’s the way the trees stand unapologetically bare and the darkness invites us inward, urging us to slow down. For…
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Discovering My Roots: History Hidden in My DNA
I’ve been captivated by the stories and photos of my family since I was a little girl. My paternal grandparents affectionately called me the “family genealogist” back then, but my interest didn’t deepen until I began creating a spiritual practice. Suddenly, understanding who my ancestors were and where they came…
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From Loss To Light: Finding Solace In The Winter Solstice
When I think back to my childhood Christmases, I mostly remember how happy my parents were. Despite their usual stresses, they always infused the holidays with love, crafting a cozy, twinkling escape from the world. An annual tradition, we’d hop in the car on Christmas Eve and drive around looking…
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The Struggle to Share: Balancing Privacy with Social Media
There’s a strange tug of war I often find myself in… On one side, I admire those who live boldly – the individuals who unapologetically share their thoughts and beliefs on social media. On the other side, there’s the kind of power you can only get from moving in silence.…