Author: Barbara Thomas

I was born in Long Beach California. Grew up in Los Angeles, graduated from UCLA in Westwood, Southern California, and moved with Jim to a charming mountain village in the foothills above Pasadena, Glendale, California. The Los Angeles, So. California fires that are still burning are destroying the homeland of my childhood. My son John was visiting last week and showed me online pictures of the fire. We searched to find the home he grew up in at the edge of the Angeles Forrest.

Mano has asked me to make a list of special experiences in my life. He also has asked me to read my autobiography, Living With The Spirits Of The Land, again. He is asking me to review my life as it comes close to its end. I have made two promises to God over the years that leave me in perfect peace on the matter of life and death.

For a number of years I have subscribed to an international newsletter about Gnomes. The latest edition arrived last week and I decided to share it with you. A couple of stories I enjoyed: 

On Sunday John took me on our annual outing down the coast to Big Sur for breakfast at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn. This little place is pure magic. We always sit by the fireplace. I always order a Mocha. I think back to the many times Jim and I stopped by Deetjen’s for the night or for a meal. Just driving through Big Sur with the high cliff’s straight vertical drop to the ocean, the redwood trees, and energy of the residential artist community, fills my heart and stimulates my Artist Soul.

Last month I took a fall, hit my head and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. While in the hospital at times I became aware of my Elemental Companions with me as the nurses and caretakers worked with me. Each time they came into my inner vision or inner hearing I felt so very comforted and cared for.

I just had my 97th birthday. Astrologically it is a big portal deciding if I am going to leave this year or stay until I am 100.

Looking through my computer I found this review I created in 2020 while planning to take a Zoom course from the Findhorn Community in Scotland. I have traveled there many times for conferences and workshops. In 1975 Jim and I lived there for a three-month course on Living in Community. That was the beginning of a year traveling through Europe visiting people and communities focusing on Peace and Making a Difference in the world.

In my first waking up to the spiritual dimension of life I attended a meditation group. They invited guests to share their spiritual gifts. Their code of conduct was:

There is nothing so strange
As how the strange seems ordinary
Once you get used to it

Searching for inspiration for this month’s blog, I found a poem that I wrote in 2019, which I’m sharing as an invitation to orient your summer travels.

I have been in every state in the United States and 43 countries. Much of that travel I did as a tourist. There was a difference when I started traveling as a pilgrim. I made a point to go the city or county parks, the places where people gathered. I spoke to the elementals and sent blessings to the trees and plants. I always asked to find the oldest and the largest tree. I put my hands on her bark to bless her and I realize I was always blessed in return.

I found a message Mano gave to me years ago when he first introduced the idea to let him write a Blog to share his wisdom. This is the way he worked with me, and Mary Jane when she accepted his invitation to write his Blog.

I am going to simply give you the message and you can decide for yourself if this call is appropriate for you and your life.

Last Sunday I enjoyed an afternoon roaming through writings in my computer from years ago. I found one I want to share with you. It has a lot of different parts, but I do believe it is interesting and holds wisdom and guidance, from those wise ones who guide me.