PAGE 5

CLARITY

January 2022

What shall I say for 2021 other than generalizing...
Hopefully my positive spirit prevails as I continue here and connect with moments to share.

The Mission certainly strongly held its own, doing what it does best, offering a constant comfort in the chaos of the world, not to mention unsettled feelings even in our little community of Pelee.

I had brought 2020's word, CALM into 2021 not ever thinking I would still be needing to heavily focus on the same for 2022.
But let's add CLARITY to this new year! It has an up-lifting pro-active feel to it doesn't it?

During 2021 the Island managed to welcome fresh energy and show its spirit as usual. Also new business ventures, new land and home or cottage owners brought feelings of excitement. American friends and neighbors were finally able to return to their very much missed places.

Pelee Artworks thrived even though season opening happened much later than normal. We were so happy to finally share fine art prints of Lisa Rollo Kipp's 'Light Within' painting. Seven found homes to settle in! Katherine Roth's ethereal encaustic paintings on Mission Hall salvage once again spoke to many as well. It's delightful and an honor sharing creativity with such intentional artists.

Restrictions kept social gatherings at a minimal but you can never hold back nature's embrace.

We planted, nurtured and watched Sunflowers thrive, each in our own thoughts of souls journeyed on.

The Island's magic dominated. Time and time again we are reminded by offerings and love notes left in The Sanctuary.

Space is held and brings peace to heavy hearts. Light shines through rustic openings restoring energy.

As I reflect, I am reminded that one of the main principals The Mission was re-created on is the significance of being still and connecting with our core, our internal knowing, the place where we find clarity. The place where our fears are broken down and transformed, where we can leave our egos behind and feel glimpses of hope and healing and understanding, then inevitably joy. Sitting in places like The Sanctuary where ones experience can be magnified are simply a perk to making the effort to be conscious to our knowing.

As we settle in for 2022, preparing for finding the way through our world of much needed repair, what I pray for is that we all find the courage and wisdom that is inside of us. That we awaken from our slumber of unknowingness, helplessness and misplaced emotions. Let's choose to reconnect with our innate and our power. The world is not black and white. If it were not for the grey would we evolve? The path of least resistance surely can lead to fading of our colors.

I thought this to be quite beautiful, a simple request to live with your heart wide open...

"When you've lost your way
Colors start to fade
Take a look within
Find your offering
Hold it to the sun
Let your spirit run
Remember
Remember find your center
My love it's just a reminder
Find your center
My love it's just a reminder
My love it's just a reminder
Find your center"
@trevorhallmusic

I am so looking forward to the CLARITY and colors of love this year can bring!

So how was 2022...

Well, crazy enough, it is now MAY 2023 and somehow just getting to journaling reflections on the past year. I could say I'm behind because getting Soulful Salvage pieces ready for this season was occupying my time but that has only been a Spring thing really. Honestly I've only wrote a few bits here and there over the Winter. Poor focus for sure, but mostly I'm happy to say, we've been busy working on finally completing last steps of our little island get-a-way. Yippee! Someday maybe I'll share some on the connection between our little slice of paradise and The Mission Hall Project. But for now, when I think back to this time last year, it seems so long ago...

It was an interesting year to say the least! Kind of thinking any CLARITY received did not come easily.
I thought maybe time would slow after everyone experienced a slower lifestyle forced by Covid restrictions. But no, the energy was high.
A combination of desperation to feel alive, an avoidance of reality and not knowing which way to turn amongst all the rubble and debris floating around an unsettled world.

Thank goodness for nature's softening of the rough edges, her ability to calm and offer focus if we allow. Thank goodness for Divine places...

We are so very thankful for the dependable caretaking of The Sanctuary grounds by The Winery. It was a great season. The rustic wide open beauty of the surroundings provided a place one could count on for grounding and quiet time. A reminder of the magic that is our island.

Another of our mascots, the Heron or as some call him, 'The Guardian,' found his landing spot in our little pond. He reminds us to be aware in our stillness, in order to catch the teachings that show up for us...

THE MISSION held Ceremony in 2022...

We welcomed Spring with a long awaited concert by Nadine DeLeury. Her Celo performance evoked the possibility of oneself returning to peace. We were thrilled with her appreciation of the acoustics inside The Mission. All the soulful salvaged wood met Nadine's fingertips with open arms creating a lovely auditory embrace. Birdsong and trees whispered vocals in the wind. We were so pleased with the success of it all and seeing content smiles on bright faces!

Lovers finally joined in marriage after years waiting to fulfill dreams of sharing their wedding vows with family and friends at The Mission. Each gathering unique in its own special way but the atmosphere equally magical and joyful. The island bestowed a blessing on each happy couple.

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An intended anniversary with re-affirmation of wedding vows became instead a bittersweet celebration of life. A solemn yet blatant example of unfair, unnecessary cruelties of Covid. We are honored that memories and energies of such a life giving beautiful soul were shared and left in this magical comforting space. The tremendous love for you could be felt...

I feel tickled pink gratitude for the unsung contributors who in their own quiet way give to The Mission Hall Project.
Kindness is no small thing...

We had a good year at 'Artworks' and the Island's new 'One of a Kind' gallery at West Dock. Love knowing folks went home with their own 'piece of it'. Collaborating with Artists and Creators is always fun! We made a wonderful new connection with Laura of 'Twisted to Life'.
Her copper with healing crystal trees were a hit. All our pieces carry the energy of our project intentions.

The success of these intentions is hinted at, confirmed in wee notes tucked inside The Mission's thought box for safe keeping, left behind by visitors. Humbling to the core to be a part of this giving gig.

Summer went by so very quickly, then Fall reminded us of the beauty in letting things go, making room for new joys and adventures.
Winter came and we said good-bye to 2022! Once more the grounds went dormant but only to hold and protect while we ventured deep inside waiting for a new fresh beginning...

That which we found ourselves awakening to in the new Spring light!

SPRING 2023

This beautiful finding from across the road hints at hope. She knelt quietly hidden for years in an overgrown deserted garden, then peeked out through some grasses that had died back in the winter. I only saw her because I had walked by to close a shed door that had swung open in the wind. Actually she took my breath away as I unearthed the rest of her. She had been there all along facing out to The Mission. She felt like a nudge to stay focused and keep following the heart amid blurring of emotions.

Everyone seemed to be struggling, either with their own challenges, a friends or the world turned upside down.

Thank goodness, on Pelee one never has to look far for a smile or a hug to brighten the day...

Creativity kept us in the flow of self-care and intentional connection to joy. Words left behind expressed universal feelings.

Our pink roses, symbols of love, beauty and gratitude, absolutely burst open this year with an incredible reminder to lean into our blessings rather than our stressings. Hard to say if they were prettier inside or out!

We enhanced our little corner of the Winery Pavilion. Our interpretive board felt like it needed a little grounding so we made a cool table out of a slab of MH1911 Soulful Salvage, of course! Put it on some pipe legs and voila! Gave us a spot to share the history and description of that big old canvas too.

Early Summer light feels so fresh and weightless, a time to take pleasure in calm and simple joys, in peaceful innocence...

Stan's bygone treasure sits timeless in front of The Mission. An unexpected visit feels like a time travel experience!
These Gray-Dorts were built in Chatham, Ontario beginning only 4 years before The Mission was built in 1911.

The surprise of a new sit spot across the road offers a new perspective. Look around, live, laugh, love! We are surrounded by so many reminders that we are never alone. Shall we call this the "morning light bench"?

Love always wins!
2023 blessed us again with two beautiful weddings.
What stands out in my mind for the first was the fun they had. They embued the essence of being in the moment.

*

The second was pure romance. What an honor to help them achieve their vision of perfect rustic elegance for their wedding ceremony.

Hot Summer days lingered on, island style, turning into a welcome cooler Fall.

Then before we knew it, Winter was upon us.

Community spirit closed the year on a high, hopeful note...

THANK YOU FOR IT ALL 2023!

2024 CHILL is turning into longer days. That feels hopeful to me. It feels encouraging. It says to follow your heart, let your creativity lead. Prepare to start mobilizing thoughts that rose from Winter's slumber.

Times are interesting indeed! It's hard to stay sane in a world gone mad. We certainly can't loose ourselves by numbing our hearts to the craziness around us right now. I know it's a struggle to remain positive sometimes, we all feel it and suffer in one way or another.
But remember, light always shines over darkness. All we need to do is create a little spark then let it burn, it will catch in another's heart.

I'm going to continue using my superpower, putting my heart and soul into this space that provides peace, balance and grounding.
It's an example of what's possible if we put doubt and fear aside and follow our hearts. Push away the overload of worries and be sensitive to what you are capable of. Your spark will take, spread to someone else and increase the light for all...

It's a contemplative year for sure...

But still filled with much magic, wonder and love...

July 2024 seemed the right time for this special celebration of marriage at The Mission. Love the kilt! Bright Summer sun provides the backdrop while refreshing shade offers reprieve for festivities. Best wishes Lovebirds!

A friend wrote about noticing the word ART in HEART. Can't say that I have ever noticed this before either. I agree, Melissa, how absolutely wonderful! Art certainly can speak to the soul and creating can wake us from a sleepy place...

I think the search for joy has been common for many. A powerful prayer left in our Thought Box, you are not alone!

It almost seemed in answer to this note when Pelee Buzz hosted a lovely gathering all about the symbolisms of Braiding Sweetgrass.
Carrie Ann of the Caldwells taught us the beautiful potential of this meditative act that focuses on strength, connection and healing.
The grass itself is seen as the hair of Mother Earth. We can feel her nurturing and gentle nature. Braiding it expresses our gratitude and respect for all she gives us. The three strands of a braid can represent mind, body and spirit, woven together becoming strong and resilient. We can open to the three traits of love, kindness and honesty. Braiding Sweetgrass in a group strengthens community instilling a sense of togetherness and peaceful confidence. Gathered in the shade from the trees with The Mission beside us felt perfectly fitting.
The finished braid can be kept in your space as a reminder of things, given as an offering or used for smudging to cleanse and heal.
I hope that whoever left the note learns about Braiding Sweetgrass!

Lingering Summer evenings are ohhh... such good medicine!

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October 2024 brought this wonderful, fun-loving, kind group of friends and family celebrating all week long on Pelee. Good times were had preparing for the wedding ceremony and savoring everything before, during and after!
It's never too late to make that rock solid commitment!

Off they go to continue celebrating marriage, friendship and Pelee...

Fall wasn't done sharing its' light yet though!
What a wonderful surprise it had coming...

On a perfect late Autumn day...

This guy managed, with a little help :) to pull off an Anniversary Wedding Vow celebration. All without his wife of thirty-one years knowing what he was up to!

It was all so feel good happy!!!

Then that's a wrap for 2024! A peek inside our world of spreading light, love and hope.
Always wishing for an opportunity for you all to shine!