Author: TracySchruder

  • A Shift in Perspective: How My Political Views Changed

    How have your political views changed over time?

    By Tracy Schruder

    As a writer and advocate for women’s rights, I’ve always been passionate about equality and fairness. But it wasn’t until I saw the impact of men entering women’s spaces that my views really shifted. The disregard for boundaries and safety was a wake-up call.

    I used to be more open to progressive ideas, but the speed and lack of consideration for women’s concerns caught me off guard.

    It’s not about being anti-anything, it’s about protecting the vulnerable and respecting boundaries.

    My views changed when I realized that some policies, though well-intentioned, weren’t considering the real-world impact on women. I’m not opposed to dialogue, but safety and respect should come first.

    Now, I’m more vocal about women’s spaces and rights. It’s about finding balance and prioritizing those who’ve been marginalized for too long.

  • Baseball Kitty

    If you started a sports team, what would the colors and mascot be?

    By Tracy Schruder

    AI generated image

    If I started a baseball team the colours would be pink and blue.

    AI generated image

    Our mascot would be a huge pink and blue cat.

  • The Nose Knows #4: Scent of Liberation

    By Tracy Schruder

    I’ve been untangling the threads of family – expectations, silence, love unspoken. And guess what I’ve sniffed out?

    Freedom. Like rain on reclaimed cedar, it washes away what’s not meant to be. My nose leads me to now, where mountains whisper truths and kitties purr wisdom.

  • Nestled in Nature

    You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

    By Tracy Schruder

    My perfect space for reading and writing is nestled in nature. It’s easy for me to describe because I’ve already laid out the plans for it 😊.

    I plan to build a ‘Me Shack’ in my side yard, amongst the red pines and flower gardens. This beautiful little place will feature an office with all the fixings, a sound meditation room, and a Reiki treatment room with all the essentials. It’ll also have plumbing and washroom facilities.

    In my office, I’ll have huge windows installed so I can gaze out into the forest while I write.

    This will be an energetically safe space, filled with singing bowls, bells, and gemstones.

    There’s a unique resonance and vibrational energy that comes from singing bowls and bells. Singing bowls and bells are like vibrational powerhouses! They’re used in sound healing to:

    • Calm the mind
    • Balance energy centers (chakras)
    • Reduce stress & anxiety
    • Promote deep relaxation
    • Even harmonize your aura

    The vibrations can:

    • Lower blood pressure
    • Boost immune function
    • Enhance meditation vibes

    It’ll be a healing space where I can write magnificent stories, practice, learn, and teach (online) my Reiki and meditation techniques. It’ll bring a ‘Lighter Touch’ to my yard.

  • Jeep

    What is your all time favorite automobile?

    By Tracy Schruder

    My all time favourite automobile is a Jeep. I developed an interest in this vehicle back in grade seven when we went on a class track meet trip.

    My teacher, Mr. Richardson, owned a 1964 Jeep Wagoneer, and some of us students were lucky enough to be travelling with him in this spacious, sturdy, and durable vehicle. During our drive to Cornwall from Merrickville, he talked to us about how he came to acquire the Jeep, how he bought it after graduating college, and went on adventures with it through muddy trails and backroads. He was very proud of this machine! At this time, the vehicle was 29 years old, but it didn’t look a day past – I’d have to say at least 5 years old, save for its design. It looked like an old-style Jeep, mostly because the newer ones were smaller and had bucket seats rather than the bench seats that his Jeep had.

    It poured rain on that day, and we had what, for a kid, seemed like a long drive ahead. My teacher assured us that this vehicle, above all vehicles, would get us to the track meet on time, no matter what the weather.

    The rain drummed relentlessly on the metal roof of the Jeep, more heavily at times as we passed through certain towns.

    Some students were mesmerized by the rhythmic beats and fell asleep during the ride. Not me, though. At the first bathroom break, I asked Mr. Richardson if I could sit up front with him, and he allowed me to.

    I was happy about that, as he and I were not very social and hadn’t talked much in that school year thus far. Of course, I was a bit of a curious chatterbox when I was a kid, so as the rain washed over the windshield and the subtle squeaks of the wipers kept time, I started to inquire. “So, Mr. Richardson, why do you love this truck so much?” He responded with the previous story that he acquired it just after finishing college, but he went on to tell me a fascinating story of survival.

    The first week he owned the Jeep, he planned an off-road adventure that would test its strength and durability and would create a bond with the vehicle unlike anything he had experienced before. He was deep in the woods on Bear Skulls Trail in Calabogie when he came across a young woman, soaked to the waist in mud, flagging him down.

    He stopped and asked her what happened to her, and she explained that she and her brother had gone off the beaten path and their truck was caught in a muddy stream just a few hundred metres off-road.

    She was cold and looked a bit frightened, although she kept her composure. He said she was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. Her hair and face were heavily speckled with mud, but not enough to hide a beautiful row of freckles that danced across the bridge of her nose. Her eyes were a milk chocolate brown with dark darts through the outside of the iris.

    As the mud glistened and dripped from her massive head of curls, she hopped in the passenger seat and directed him where to go. In the conversation, he boasted that had she been driving a vehicle like his, they wouldn’t have gotten stuck. He assured her not to worry, that he would get them out of the stream and on their way in no time. He handed her a blanket and offered her some unsolicited mud-bogging advice.

    He made her laugh and chuckle with his sarcastic expression of how, if one’s vehicle doesn’t have the Jam, it would leave you in one.

    As they arrived at the location, her brother was sitting on a rock with his head in his hands. He was apologizing and said he knew that piece of crap truck didn’t have what it took to have a real good time. Mr. Richardson chuckled and introduced himself as he hooked up some chains from his Jeep to this tiny Toyota truck. The brother introduced himself, “I’m Rick, and you already met my sister, Laurie.” “I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you came along,” Mr. Richardson responded that he would never pass a damsel in distress and, of course, that his Jeep was fully equipped to take them on a real adventure if they desired, so, today or in the future. He pulled them to safety, and when Laurie asked him to follow them back to town so she could change clothes and go with him, Rick decided on other plans.

    Long story short, he met his wife in that truck, and he would never part ways with it – also, it’s the best off-road vehicle ever! I really enjoyed hearing this story from him, and it made the time of our trip fly by, and by the time we arrived in Cornwall, the rain had stopped, but it was still muddy.

    As we prepared for our race, we looked over in the muddy parking lot to witness him doing donuts in the mud. With a smile, I said, “What a great story and awesome vehicle – I want to win one of them someday!”

  • Head and Heart

    How are you creative?

    By Tracy Schruder

    Gallery wraps of my photography – “Butter-Fly” ©️Tracy Schruder 2016

    “I express my creativity in a few different ways – I like to paint artwork, write blogs, short stories, poetry etc.

    Amethyst and Rose Quartz & Petrified Wood Handmade Jewelry

    I enjoy making jewelry and crafts. When I get into the creative zone, I’m catapulted into a different level of presence. When I’m painting, I go with the flow and let the canvas or subject guide my brushstrokes.

    AI imagine of me writing ✍️

    When I’m writing, I’m following a constant dialogue from my head and heart. When I’m making jewelry or crafting, I’m immensely present and enjoying creating with endless possibilities of outcomes. I can create a unique creation out of almost anything. I like creating with my hands.

    A Christmas Picture- Poured paint
    Grapevine with Citrine and Tiger eye gemstone encrusted wreath with citrine gemstone crystal in silver cage
    Playing in the snow last year

    I can’t forget to mention that when I’m taking nature pictures, I’m also in the creative spirit. I’m calm and patient so as not to miss an opportunity to capture a beautiful wild creature of some sort.

    Rabbit
    Owl
    Beautiful Sunrise photograph- featured on CTV evening news ©️Tracy Schruder Photography

    I’m also creative in manifesting my dreams and desires. I’m all about creating positive energy.

    Deloris Cannon- Google Images

    As Deloris Cannon says, https://dolorescannon.com/we are here in these bodies to create by manipulating energy – we’re co-creators with the universe!

    This excites me and I’m forever aware of what I’m thinking and feeling so that I’m sure to create a future that I deserve. I’m remaining present so I don’t miss the call to action and to make my move through inspired emotional prompts.

    “Cool Blues’ An Oil painting I created Yesterday

    I enjoy how creativity flows through me in so many ways.

  • Awakened Teachers

    Who are the biggest influences in your life?

    By Tracy Schruder

    Merry Christmas Everyone!🎄

    “The biggest influencers in my life are Dr. Joe Dispenza, Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne, and Louise Hay.

    Dr. Joe Dispenza audiobooks

    Dr. Dispenza’s books are a huge influence because they’re so unique and effective. His meditations and revolutionary techniques take us beyond our ideas of what and who we think we are. It’s top-notch training for becoming not only the best person I can be but also to become supernatural. The effect on me is enlightening. Being the space allows me to transmute energies and outcomes to reflect my highest potential and desires.

    Ekhart Tolle audio books

    Eckhart Tolle inspires me to remain present in a state of wonderment while witnessing life unfolding with no attachment to things happening outside my control.

    Rhonda Byrne The secret
    💫⚡️💫

    Rhonda Byrne inspires me to believe in the truth of karma – if I put it out there with authenticity and faith, it’s going to come back to me.

    Louise L Hay
    More Louise 🥰

    And last but not least, Louise Hay – this lady is a trailblazer and a deep inspiration to me. I’ve been reading her books for many years and implementing her practices.

    I particularly love the mirror work and it’s a constant in my life. It’s never failed to make me smile. I have a deep honesty towards that reflection and we discuss many things that always work out!”

  • The Year Of 1971

    Share what you know about the year you were born.

    By Tracy Schruder

    The year I was born there were some significant things that happened such as;

    • Greenpeace embarked on its first protest voyage against nuclear testing in the Pacific, setting sail from Vancouver to stop the US nuclear test in Amchitka, Alaska .
    • A benefit concert was held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver to raise funds for the Greenpeace mission, featuring performances by Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Phil Ochs .
    • The Kingston Penitentiary riot began on April 14, with prisoners seizing control and a four-day siege ensues.
    • Canada launched the Anik A2 telecommunications satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming the first country to employ satellites for domestic communications.
    • The Canadian government placed a complete ban on the use of DDT pesticides, effective January 1, 1971
    • The voting age was lowered to 18 years old in Canada.
    Sources
    Google images- Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth Ontario

    A significant event took place at the Great War Memorial Hospital in Perth, Ontario. On Wednesday, September 15, At 7:13 pm, I made my earthly debut.

    According to my mom, I arrived in perfect timing after an easy gestation period and a fairly typical pregnancy. I arrived naturally with minimal labor or complications. I believe the doctor’s name was Dr. Fiddler, 🎻🎶which I found to be quite fitting because of the musical connotation of the name.

    AI generated image of me as a baby. 😂👶😂

    I’m grateful to be alive and I’m also thankful for being born in the 1970’s. The years that followed, some 54 now, have been an awesome adventure! I saw the creation and advancement of many things.

    My photo – Jasper Skies

    Since 1971, there have been significant spiritual and technological advances.

    On the spiritual side, there’s been a rise in mindfulness practices, meditation, and yoga, making these once fringe practices mainstream. This shift is partly due to advances in neuroscience validating their benefits.

    The concept of interconnectedness and global consciousness has also gained traction, with many recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship and collective well-being.

    Technologically, 1971 marked the beginning of the personal computing era with the invention of the microprocessor. This led to the development of smaller, more powerful computers and eventually the internet. The first email was sent in 1971, and the World Wide Web was launched in 1991, revolutionizing global communication and information sharing. The rise of social media, mobile technology, and artificial intelligence has further transformed how we live and interact.

    AI Generated Image

    The intersection of spirituality and technology has also led to new areas of exploration, such as consciousness studies and the development of “consciousness tech” like brain-computer interfaces and virtual reality for mindfulness and self-awareness.

    Sources

    “1971 wasn’t the most spectacular year (save for my debut 👶😁), but it served as both an anchor and catalyst for the amazing years that followed. When people talk about missing the way things used to be, I believe they’re partly expressing their emotions and excitement for the vastly growing age of technology, spirituality, awareness, and awakening that humans experienced during this period. Today, I feel life is being pulled in two directions – sucked into technology on one hand, yet on the other, we’re opening up a new level of consciousness that’s creating a new earth. Feel the pull of both, but my awareness and consciousness tell me that presence and love are winning.”

  • Living And Learning

    Are you a good judge of character?

    By Tracy Schruder

    “I wasn’t always a good judge of character – it took years of being taken advantage of (money, time, ideas, relationships… you name it ) to finally learn the signs. But honestly, I wouldn’t change it. I had to get burned to learn who I can trust . Now, I’m confident in my ability to spot a fake from a mile away . My life’s like a bouncer now – only the conscious and secure get in .”

  • Seeing The Light

    When are you most happy?

    By Tracy Schruder

    I’m most happy when I witness breakthrough healing and the awakening of someone. It’s an intense exchange of energy and lightness. As the vibration intensifies, the mind and body become clear, calm, and quiet. It’s an openness filled with peace and presence that profoundly changes everything about themselves and the life around them. Life is different; the relationship is immediately transformed between you and them. There’s a high quality of joy and relief, not only from the physical pain but from years of built-up mental and emotional pain.

    I often witness a torrent of tears, quiet whimpers giving way to a sense of awe. There’s a space and an emptiness that wasn’t there before. Like a swirling vortex, all doubt and reprehension are sucked out of the room.

    The space is empty and ready to be filled with this new reality, one that is pleasant and exciting. What follows is a new relationship built in presence and purpose.

    I’m always filled with joy when this happens because I know how they feel and relive my own awakening each time I experience this. Like a soft stroke across the cheek that makes you feel loved, appreciated, and free—a fleeting reminder that you remember the grace, and you stay there, present, holding that space for them.

    I’m most happy when this happens, and it happens often, so I’m happy a lot.