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Sep 25
Love0

To Know a Turtle

By Blog, Real Wilding, Spiritual Ecology
The family who knew her best called her Shelley. Those of us who had to contain her for care affectionately nicknamed her Houdini. Shelley was a 30-pound, two-foot-long common snapping turtle who lived in a pond behind a home occupied by three generations of caring humans. The family and their neighbors watched the road to make sure no turtles were…
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Sep 23
Love0

All Her Beings

By Blog, Real Wilding, Spiritual Ecology
In 2022, when I graduated from seminary, I made a personal vow of ministry. I committed to caring for the Earth and all her beings. “All her beings” was a pretty big ask. After all, there are around 7.8 million species of animals, close to 300,000 plant species, 600,000 different kinds of fungi, and at least 5 million insect species…
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Sep 22
Love0

Sacred Rhythms

By Inspirational Talks
Inspired by drumming in one of the full moon rituals I offered Mountain River Circle, held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls, the worship committee asked me to work drumming into a summer Sunday service. I brought drums to the congregation on August 17, 2025 and included the following in the service. Opening Chant Come, loved ones come.…
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Sep 19
Love0

Listening to Chipmunks

By Blog, Real Wilding, Spiritual Ecology
The clatter of building materials being delivered to my neighbor interrupted my empty-headed stare into the woods during my sit spot meditation this morning. It also startled several chipmunks who, I guess because they were unsure of what that sound meant, started chuck-chucking in almost unison. Hearing their call, a red squirrel froze on the hemlock branch she was traversing.…
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Aug 21
Love0

I Vow to Commit My Hands and My Heart

By Blog, Spiritual Ecology
In June 2022, I stood in front of my seminary directors, deans, and classmates and made my personal vows of ministry. Speaking our vows was part of our ordination ceremony. The two years of seminary were challenging, personally and for the whole class. When we started, we were still in the first year of the COVID pandemic. The once hybrid…
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Aug 13
Love0

Pagan Handfasting with Sword Jump

By A Magical Rite, Handfastings
This Norse Pagan couple wanted some unique elements in their outdoor ceremony. They also wanted to capture their own spirituality while respecting their families’ faith traditions. We co-created a special ceremony that included pouring a candle and a sword jump. Ceremony Script  Prelude 30 minutes of music by DJ as guests arrive and are seated   Processional 2:00pm Officiant moves…
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Aug 13
Love0

Small Handfasting Ceremony with Family

By Handfastings, Infinity Knot
This ceremony was witnessed by the couple's families on their land. It was planned with short notice and follows the basic script with no customization except the wedding address. The couple wrote their own vows and the bride designed and crafted their cords. Ceremony Script Gathering Wedding party and family gather in grove of trees.  Welcome and Remembering of Loved…
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Jul 15
Love0

Flower Communion 2025

By Inspirational Talks
Presented at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls, New York, on June 29, 2025 for the annual flower communion Sunday. This service ends the congregational year. The flower communion ceremony is meant to highlight the beauty of diversity within the community. I look around at you holding flowers and see not just the beauty of the flowers but of…
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