Bugs Bunny: the wascally wone who’s had a bigger impact on my life than most people. Let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be as clever and charming as a cartoon rabbit who outsmarts a hapless hunter every time?
I mean, Elmer Fudd’s quest to turn Bugs into rabbit soup is basically the plot of my life, and I’m here for it.
Growing up watching Warner Brothers cartoons on Saturday mornings was a highlight of my week. I’d be chillin’ with a bowl of cereal, laughing at Bugs’ zany antics, and developing a lifelong love of comedy. Fun fact: did you know Bugs Bunny has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yeah, he’s a legend.
Speedy Gonzales was my next fave – that mouse is the speed demon of cartoon land! And let’s not forget Wylie Coyote… poor guy’s failures are just too funny. Who else can make a giant anvil look like a great idea?
Bugs’ influence on my worldview is clear: if you can’t outsmart the bad guys, are you even living?
I’ve been sitting with the prompt “What could you do less of?” for what feels like an eternity – five hours, to be exact.
I find it amusing how something like this can make us step back and try to consider if we are somehow doing something bad or unhealthy that we need to do less of. It’s ludicrous how it can make you question your worth, if only briefly – the feeling lingering and the thought got mulled over.
This prompt triggered a thread of doubt, so I meditated, reflected, and took a thorough inventory of my daily routines and habits. And you know what? I’ve come to a fascinating realization: there’s nothing I’d do less of.
I do what I want, when I want. I make choices that feel right for me, every time.
I’m present, I’m curious, and I’m embracing this wild ride called life with an open heart and mind. No judgment, just exploration. It’s about following my curiosity, diving headfirst into new experiences, and soaking up every moment.
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
By Tracy Schruder
It’s hard to know where to start with my list of positive events that have happened in my life over the past year. Like an old, folded-up love letter that went through the wash in my overall bib pocket, my list was full of great potential but difficult to unfold.
I had several goals to accomplish this year, each one a positive step towards a better future.
2025 started out cold and slow. I was feeling the down grey days of winter and dealing with the tail end of menopause. I was overweight and overwhelmed.
My main goal was to finish writing my manuscript, “Journey To A New Self.” I stared determinedly at my box of journals, preparing to jump in once again and finally put the finishing touches on my book.
As I leaf through the pages, I realize just how far I’ve come since starting this project in 2017. That’s when it dawned on me that I could pull myself out of the pit of despair and work the manuscript as I had before to bring myself back to life.
I would put into practical application my own advice, that worked its magic on me, just a couple of short years ago.
Well, I was delighted and impressed. By the time March came around, I was on the mend and had developed a new, fresh routine for myself. Come September, my manuscript was ready for publication. The end of the goal is now approaching completion, and my book will be in stores very soon. So I achieved that! Yay on me!
Other goals, like expanding my Reiki practice and setting up an online education portal for my students, were also achieved. The year may have started out like poo, but it’s ending like a jewel.
I feel I’m extremely blessed to live in the countryside because of this I see wildlife every day.
I always have my camera gear fully charged and ready to go. I never waste an opportunity to capture the grace and beauty of my natural environment.
I’ve seen raccoons, skunks, fox and coyotes but they have proven to be too sky for my quiet shoes. I’ve never been successful in sneaking up on them.
However, I have an excellent collection of the more slower wildlife in my area.
I love the rabbits , even though they rob my gardens every year. They sometimes become really still as I approach them as if they have unwavering faith in their camouflaged fur. I have seen them with their babies but was too smitten to run for the camera… maybe I get a shot next spring.
I’m deeply grateful to all the bird species in my area. Most times they let me get at least one shot. If I’m lucky, they are doing something neat, like this beautiful Bluejay
I can get pictures of birds at any time of the year. Here’s some more photos of birds that I took over the years.
I also have a beautiful family of red squirrels in my backyard.
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
By Tracy Schruder
“Heart Island holds a special place in my heart – it’s my favourite place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, and I’ve been lucky enough to go there five times! Each visit is like the first time, and I can’t get enough of the magic of this place.
I absolutely love taking the Gananaque boat tour to get there. The guides are amazing, and hearing the history of the island and Bolt Castle is so captivating. The energy of the place is palpable, and the scenery is just breathtaking. I’ve been with loved ones, including my husband and his parents, and it’s always a wonderful experience.
What I love about Bolt Castle is the history – it’s a story of love and devotion that Alexander Boldt built the castle as a tribute to his wife, Louise. It’s truly romantic and inspiring.
No matter how many times I visit, Heart Island always feels like coming home. I’ll definitely be going back – it’s a place that never fails to leave me feeling enchanted and at peace.”
I often find it difficult to express my gratitude to those who fuel my enthusiasm with their love and support. I never feel I’m giving enough.
The rewards in my life are many, continuously unfolding into the next present moment, ideas anew, downloading from the cosmos, inspired by folks like you.
A simple like on my blog and your supportive comments warm my heart. It’s the tiny things that stir the breeze.
A successful Reiki student or a client in relief, all take place beneath my feathers, so deep. When I see you don my jewelry around your necks and wrists, you carry with you my wish that it can always bring you bliss.
I fly so high above in the sky so icy blue, Because of the soft breeze sent to me, from you.
Yes, I am a carnivore. I eat meat. We humans are carnivorous creatures, built to consume meat. It’s the cycle of life in all its gore and glory. However, we are the only creatures who know that we have to kill or take a life to eat – as far as we know anyway.
I’ve watched enough nature shows to see that the prey can somehow sense danger and will often fight for its life. The lion doesn’t think about the details; it just knows it’s hungry and that gazelle is food. Does the gazelle know it’s food? Do the creatures we eat know that they are food?
But as humans, we have a unique relationship with food. We’re not just driven by instinct; we’re also guided by our values and principles. I’ve often wondered, why do we eat meat? Is it just a matter of survival, or is there more to it?
According to the Bible, the story of Adam and the forbidden fruit has a fascinating connection to our relationship with meat. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve disobey God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge, and as a result, sin enters the world. Interestingly, it’s not until after this event that God gives humans permission to eat meat (Genesis 9:3).
Some biblical scholars believe that, before the fall, humans were intended to be vegetarian, and that the consumption of meat was a consequence of sin. This idea resonates with me, as it suggests that our desire for meat is, in part, a result of our fallen nature.
But if we do choose to eat meat, how should we approach it? For me, it’s about treating animals with respect and care. The animals we consume should be given a comfortable, loving life, and slaughtered in a ceremonial and humane way. Lovingly rearing animals produces the best meat, and it’s essential to acknowledge the sacrifice that the animal has made for our sustenance. At times these creatures become pets to us and we slaughter them anyway. Several childhood stories have included the ultimate slaughter of the farm animals.
I believe in the importance of approaching meat consumption with reverence and gratitude.
Ultimately, our food choices are a personal reflection of our values and priorities. For me, eating meat is not just about satisfying my hunger; it’s about acknowledging the cycle of life and death, and treating the animals we consume with the respect and care they deserve.
“I’m a grand rising , morning loving kind of girl. I enjoy the start of each day, the whole process of gently awakening from a dream-filled slumber, hanging on to the last fleeting scene, with a tiny replay and a brief questioning, ‘Am I dreaming?’
The subtle urge to expel liquid sends a slight annoyance, causing me to crinkle my nose, nudging my eyes into mobility. I dare not release the seal between my upper and lower eyelids, save for a quick body check.
I mentally visit every section, bathing it in warm white light, coaxing them to vibrate gently to sensibly.
As I slowly come to life, I feel the warmth of my bed from the glowing heat of my snuggled snooze. My skin tingles as I stretch my skeleton out, and with a groan and a yawn, I allow my eyes to break free. I look at this day with love, joy, and glee, feeling refreshed and renewed. A couple more stretches and a smile or two, and I’m up, out of bed, with intentions in brew.
First things first, I give my kitties some love and attention, and get them fed. Then, I’m off to the water cooler for a refreshing glass of water. I start my Kurig – fill up my mug with coffee and I settle into my living room to wake up fully.
After my second cup of beautiful black brew, I’m set for a meditation that I love to do. When my meditation ends, I sit for a moment, feeling my body, and taking a few deep breaths.
I preform a quick ten minute cerebral spinal fluid flush , and I’m ready to do some Qi-gong. Twenty minutes later, I rest for a bit, then I do hand mudras, whatever ones fit for the day ahead.
The morning is mine to enjoy, and I dive into my creative pursuits. I write in my journal, then I blog. I work on my manuscripts, articles, and other writing projects too.
The housework gets started, and meals get planned. I putter around, picking up odds and ends, and some mornings I sneak away to my studio to paint. I select a brand new canvas or attempt to improve a painting I’ve made, losing myself in the creative process.
When the weather permits, I go outside and enjoy grounding between my two favorite trees, feeling the energy and connection to nature.
When I’m all charged up and ready to go, I work on my reiki lessons and teach my skills, emailing students their assignments and marking lessons due. I set up my appointments with clients and map out a plan of care, feeling organized and focused. With still more morning to spare, I feel grateful for this quiet, productive time, and I’m excited to see what the day brings.”
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