Jane Stretton - Real Life Sage

14/07/2026

Am loving this painting, except I don’t see control, as much as I see a “working together” and calling in of ….

What do you see ?

09/07/2026

Let’s talk tomatoes for a minute. My plants are struggling during this intense heat.

Many of their leaves are curling at the edges and they are generally looking a bit unhappy with life, as they ripen their fruit.

I know it’s only a temporary setback, because they are strong, healthy plants with plenty of tomatoes on them.

So what am I doing to help them ?

🌱Watering well each evening
🌱Covering them with a fine net during the day, to protect them from sunburn
🌱Supporting their heavy stems with more stakes

…. basically being kind.

I’m not asking or expecting them to thrive right now…. Just survive!

And that got me thinking. How come we are understanding and forgiving and caring towards others (including plants!)
…. Whilst frequently uncompromising towards our own self; berating ourselves with harsh words and demanding too much, too often.

What if we take our foot off the pedal once in a while, allow a little more give in the elastic, and acknowledge the fact that sometimes we’re struggling to thrive?

And when we allow ourselves that breath and that feeling, we may also recognise that during challenging times…. to survive, is enough.

02/07/2026

Why are we surprised when feisty women make a stand … or a dive … even when their hands are bound, their spirit is not

This rather slimy pond on a farm at Rushock in Worcestershire has been in existence for at least 500 years, and in 1660 it was used to "swim" an accused witch.

Joan Bibb was accused by none other than her local vicar as "being of evil fame", a charge she vehemently denied, and so the justices at Worcester bound her over to keep the peace while investigations were carried out.

Unfortunately for Joan this involved being swum in the nearest large pond, whereupon her arms were crossed in front of her then each of her thumbs were tied to the opposite big toe. A rope was looped around her waist with a pair of men holding each end, then she was unceremoniously dunked in the stagnant water.

Had she floated on the surface of the pond her fortunes would have been very different, it would have been seen as a reversal of God’s natural order and evidence of the Devil saving his own, but Joan sank to the muddy depths of Court Farm pond and was hauled back out. Fired up by a raging sense of injustice, she actually demanded that she be swum again, to prove once and for all that the vicar had lied.

She was cleared of all charges against her but the story didn't end there. Joan Bibb went on to sue the parson for the damages done to her, both physical and mental, and was awarded £10 by the courts, equivalent to over £1500 today. This was not enough for Joan, and the tenacious Worcestershire woman went to the justices once more to demand a fair payment. She was successful and was awarded £20, an amount which put the parson in some financial difficulty - an example of genuine justice being served.

The pond is viewable from a public footpath that runs right past it if you are in the area, barely changed from its shape and condition in 1660.

17/05/2026

At this time of year, Mother Nature is in glorious abundance, with trees unfurling their lushest foliage and gardens resplendent in blousy, bright colours…

…. And here I am, posting a picture of a single daisy, blooming her little heart out, on a patch of concrete, under a farm trailer.

Noticing how she was nodding her head toward the sunlight, illuminating her imperfect petals - made me stop and catch my breath.

Because here is the strength and beauty of Nature, the resilience of Life and the determination to shine - all held within one tiny flower.

What a timely reminder, that we can only grow from where we are at. And that’s all we need to do. We can stretch and expand and move forwards…. But first we start, from the place we are in; even if that place is under the shadow of a big thing.

17/02/2026

Setting Firehorse Energy aside for one moment… it’s also pancake day!

And where we live, near Ashbourne … it’s also Royal Shrovetide, with its ancient football game that takes place in and around the town.

Anyhow - back to pancakes…
This is how old I am 🙈
My “go to” pancake recipe is still classic Delia. Never fails me. Beautiful, thin and tasty pancakes 🥰

What’s yours ?
Actual (not v exciting 😅) pancake flipping footage in comments

21/01/2026

So - how are we all doing ? How’s hibernation going? I refuse to come out of mine for at least another week 😂

11/01/2026

Guess it’s time to make a gentle start on 2026 (ngl - January is my quiet time…as much as I am able to garner quiet and silence around me !)

I know that some of you are raring to go on the 1st of Jan 💪 - and that’s amazing! … but spare a thought for those amongst us, who would burn out and be good for nothing and nobody by Feb, if we took such vigorous action and did too much peopling, so quickly!
That doesn’t mean that us quiet ones aren’t alchemising and whirring within … it’s just that we’re not “out there” yet 🫣

This seems like the perfect post to share today. 💜
Something to serve us all - whether we’re striding out and setting goals, or hunkering down and hibernating a while.
Enjoy this little practice ☺️
And
May you receive what your Higher Self desires 🙏