Random Musings

The Northern Highlands Homestead
2019-present

After a rain....

Sweetest of Hearts

Hands-on life, picking red currants,
and hanginging out the laundry.

Back Porch View

Hen house and Mini Orchard

Every moment beyond this very precious one we are living is a mystery. So give some extra love, time and attention to those who could use it today.

July 2024 Gardens

Wisteria blossoms on the garden archway.

Scarlet Runner Bean Tipi
(And hummingbird heaven!)

A large lady toad has taken up residence in a hole in my beautiful White Birch tree. Evidently, there is still some magic left in the world...

June 2024

For the truly creative or visionary person, passions and dreams are never second place, they are the very breath of life.

Born in a time of greiving, growing into a very happy and beautiful young dog.
Life shifting, changing, moving ever onward.

"Eternity is written on the heart of every human being."
The Bible

Photos taken by PJ Gonia 2015

Life is so very fragile and precious. So live courageously, be kind, and love like there's no tomorrow.

Pocket-Wolf Family
(Daddy, Auntie, Mamma, Cousin, Son)

'Journey Biscuits'

Fresh Dutch Oven Bread

Happy Snowman
(created out of an old cotton canvas dropcloth)

Evidently yawning really is contageous...

Give each and every moment
a chance to show its true purpose.

Handsome Papa

Black Currant Wine Making

Sleeping Babies

Late October Raspberries

There is much to be said for
the peace and satisfaction of
a simple, hands on life.

New Little Friend

For those living in the fear based materialistic plane no amount of relationships, money, things, none of it, is ever enough. Trying to fill one's self with outer things is like trying to fill a bucket with holes in it. The more is acquired, the stronger becomes the desire for ever more and more, because these things can never truly satiate, never bring real and lasting peace.
It is only when you still yourself, listen to the rhythms of your own heart, and turn inward to touch on forgiveness, gratitude, humility, and love that the incessant, gnawing hunger will finally cease. You can then still walk in the (material) world, making a living, your fortune etc., but you will no longer be enslaved.

Twilight over the henhouse.

Milking Stand

In her winter-woolies.

Rhubarb/Strawberry PIe

Hand Formed Watering Trough

December

Harvest Kitchen

Silvered tree shapes stand stark against a landscape of new fallen snow. The icy breath of the great North Wind assures us winter has come again.

Still yet, through the long, dark days ahead, the warmth of heart and home sustains us. And no matter the daily struggles, spring always returns to melt away the cold.

Happy Couch Fox

Today is one of a kind, there will never be another quite like it.

So, take a breath, dive in, and live this day with all your heart.

The Wood Lot

Afternoon Peace

Little White Cat of Mysterious Ways

New Pallet-Wood Goat Barn

Puppy Love

Lookout Post

Banjo Pickin' Time

Summer 2022

Awakening from a lifetime of erroneous ideas and outer conditioning takes a lot of humility, the willingness to question absolutely everything, and the courage to endure little to no solid ground to stand on for an unknown period of time. You may feel completely lost for a while, but if you keep the faith and persevere, eventually the fog will lift, the sands will settle, and the light of truth will come shining through like never before.
In the end, the reward will be newfound strength, clarity and connection, as well as life in a world so much more vast, rich and magical than you could have ever imagined.

What we are all looking for is freedom.
Freedom and love, which are one and the same.

Still helping out in the studio.

The Pack Explores the Wintery Woods

The biggest riches in life are often found in the little things.

Little Wolfy Girl

Little Foxy Girl

A wise man once said..."The definition of evil is belief in the illusion of separation." Seems to me it's all very simple really. Brain/heart, good/bad, ego/not ego, you/me become irrelevant if you realize that in every moment there are really only two choices with which to approach life, either from the point of separation/faithlessness/fear, or from the point of courage/honesty/love.

Heart and Soul Companionship

Once you realize that God is within, that the age old narrative of separation is really just a huge lie perpetuated to keep us in bondage, then a natural alignment occurs out of which flows a deep sense of peace, self respect and purpose.

Woodrow
(Balsam Fir log and branch deer)

Peace, Love, and Joy
to all peoples of the world.

First Snow 2021

Though the road may seem dark and impossible at times, just remember, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." Stay with faith, courage and determination my friends, we've all gotta' do the work required and meet God halfway.

Homestead Heaven

...and the dog shall lie down by the rabbit...

Winter Flower-Hen

Compost-crete Critter Hut

Cruzin' the Lakes

The most dangerous lies are the ones mixed with a little truth. Lines and boxes are manmade. The eternal is limitless, boundless, timeless and infinite. God dwells within everything. You do not need go-between-gurus with their unattainable promises and convoluted ramblings. Freedom, peace, and the divine will never be found through any middleman. You are beautiful, you are loved, and YOU ALREADY HAVE IT ALL.

Summer Garden

Mother and Daughter

In the wide open fields of stillness and silence, comes the embrace of the Mystery.

Late Fall Tamarack

Dashing through the snow...
Team sleigh created from an Otter sled, paint, plywood,
and self-harvested ash and fir.

The Ice Dragon

At the root of all hatred lies a great gnawing fear of one's own insignificance and mortality.

Little Red Huntress

Life is sensual in its manifestation and essence. It is through the senses that we are able to connect with another. Be it plant, animal, or human; mountain, river or star.

Northern Highland lake and Island

Our cabin, and me on banjo playing,
Cossack Lullaby

Winter Dreaming

In the land
of spruce and pine
peace
descends
on starburst
crystal shapes
of new fallen
snow.

Suddenly
time is stilled
and thought silenced
on feather edged
drifts,
of slow
mid-winter
dreams.

One horse open sleigh...

Winter Forest

Porch Pony

The connection was quite obvious,
this morning birds sang,
and the grass began to grow,
a tree was cut down,
and the whole forest fell into silence.

Small Red Horse in a Big White World

The New Gallery Space

February Morning in the North Woods

To live, and let live, was all the old man wanted, he knew first hand the horrors of war. His soul would forever carry the scars.

 Disconnection negates joy,empathy and compassion. Unhealed emptiness of soul begets a lonely, unrelenting drive for domination and control.

Authenticity is;
Fearless heart and soul expression.

Morning after a mid-April snow storm.

The Farm and Preserve in Central Wisconsin

2013 - 2019

Purrfection

Finding beauty in the ordinary,
wonder in the mundane.

In reverent witness to other more movable lives,
Green leaved cathedrals grow strong,
Outliving walls built of fear and stone,
I will worship eternity here . . .

(excerpt from Book Two of the Heartwood Narrative)

Mama

Daddy

Beautiful
Baby Girl

 Life is an amazing journey for those who would dare to set forth with courage , authenticity and tenderness of heart.

The Art of Fermentation

He stared intently at me from across the fire. The veil I'd attempted to pull around myself was useless. Even in the flickering half light, his cool grey eyes missed nothing.

"Everyone has a safe-zone they like to call 'reality' son. It's when yours becomes the only one that's when all the trouble starts."

Spring . . .

Autumn . . .

Walk the land
Follow the seasons
Inhale life's essence
Trust your heart.

Herb Gardens

Wild Golden Apples

Love dwells in the quiet space between all the noise and chatter, nurtured within the warmth of the heart.

. Mythic Fire Labyrinth

In our true authenticity, seeking the destiny that awaits, we come to the gateway.

Quiet Reflection

The dreams that you dare to dream,
really can come true . . .

Tiger Swallowtail on Oregano Flowers

The beauty and wonder of each day shines for all who pause to look. When you open wide your heart and step from the illusion of separation, you will find yourself walking in the light of Love. And in that moment, great mysteries will be unveiled.

Little Spirit Horse

True beauty lights even the darkest of corners.

Feathers and Lace

Guardian of the Flock

(Appalachian folk tune)

The Love-Doves

Dance in the rain, pick wildflowers, hold a beloveds hand, and sing your souls longings and delights .

Working Girl. . .

Small, sweet MoonCow . . .

. . . and StarBull

Summer . . .

and Winter . . .
on the farm.

Astounded, we experience. Joyful, we sing. Surrendered, we love.

Loyal Companions

Blackberry Patch

Take nothing for granted . Live life fully . Allow the fire of union to light your way .
Each breath and heartbeat are a divine gift, each moment a perfect manifestation of the great Mystery .

"You are less than you think, and so much more than you know. "